Agenda packet — Colma City Council, March 23, 2022 (part 5 of 6)

Encourage and incentivize bike and car sharing
companies to operate in the Town. Develop policies
and incentives that attract bike and car sharing
companies to establish or expand service.

Consistent. The Mobility Element include policies would help to encourage bike and car sharing services.
▪ Policy M-2-1. Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
▪ Policy M-4.3. Encourage Transportation Options.
▪ Policy M-7-3. Vehicle Trip Reduction

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-30 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.7.6 Colma Climate Change Action Plan 2030 Consistency Analysis Measure Consistency
Support Safe Routes to School Program. Support
Safe Route to Schools program by collaborating
with neighboring jurisdictions to enhance
pedestrian routes to local schools.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to safe routes to school, the Mobility Element include policies would help to
accommodate safe pedestrian and bicycle travel.
▪ Policy M-5-2. Design for All Travel Modes
▪ Policy M-5-3. Bicycle Connection Coordination
▪ Policy M-5-5. Design of New Development.
▪ Policy M-7-3. Vehicle Trip Reduction

Develop low emission, off-road equipment
program. Research and develop program to reduce
off-road emissions from lawn, garden, and
construction equipment. Program may include
identifying products and resources for cemeteries
and others and researching bulk purchasing or
rebate options.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to developing low-
emission, off-road equipment program, it does have
policies that aim to reduce emissions within the Town.
▪ Policy LU-2-4. Low Impact Development.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy M-2-1. Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Support local farmers’ markets. Encourage
participation and promotion of community farmers’
markets with locally-grown food to encourage local
shopping and reduce VMT associated with
acquiring produce.

Consistent While the General Plan Update does not have
policies that explicitly encourage participation of
community farmer’ markets, it does have policies that
aim to reduce VMT.

▪ Policy M-2-1. Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled.
▪ Policy M-7-3. Vehicle Trip Reduction.

Promote & educate benefits of electric vehicle
ownership. Promote/ educate the benefits of EV
ownership and promote rebates from PCE for
purchase of EV purchases. Add resources about
other state/federal rebates. Participate and promote
“EV drive events” with neighboring jurisdictions
for Colma residents.

Consistent. The Land Use Element includes policies that would promote ownership of electric vehicles.
▪ Policy LU-2-10. Electric Vehicles

Expand EV charging infrastructure through
incentives and partnerships. Leverage incentives
from PCE’s EV Ready Program, a $28 million EV
READY PROGRAM To expand charging
infrastructure in public properties, multi-unit
dwellings and workplaces. Program includes:
▪ Free technical assistance to help design/guide
project
▪ Access to negotiated EV charging station pricing
▪ Network vetted contractors to install charging ports
▪ Available to businesses, public facilities/public
parking, multi-family locations

Consistent. The Land Use and Mobility Elements
includes policies that would expand electric vehicle
charging infrastructure.
▪ Policy LU-2-10. Electric Vehicles
▪ Policy M-5-1. Complete Streets

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-31 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.7.6 Colma Climate Change Action Plan 2030 Consistency Analysis Measure Consistency
Establish commercial and residential green
building policy: EV charging. Update residential
and commercial building code to increase the
mandated percentage of parking spaces designed to
accommodate electric vehicle charging equipment
and require the installation of a Level 2 charger in
new commercial developments.

Consistent. The Land Use Element includes policies that would expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure for new commercial and mixed use developments.
▪ Policy LU-2-10. Electric Vehicles

Enhance infrastructure to promote shared electric
bikes and scooters. Modify existing Town
infrastructure to accommodate shared electric bikes
and scooters that provide last-mile solutions to
residents and commuters. Infrastructure
enhancements including dedicated off-street parking
spaces and on-street corrals to accommodate shared
electric bike and scooter parking and prevent
conflicts with pedestrians.

Update vehicle procurement policy to require
municipal vehicles to be ZEV. Expand the existing
vehicle procurement policy to require zero emissions
vehicles (ZEVs) except when a ZEV is not able to
meet the performance requirement needed.

Consistent. The Land Use Element includes policies that would promote electric vehicle use for Town operations. ▪ Policy LU-2-10. Electric Vehicles

Establish flexible schedules policy for public
employees.

Establish policy enabling alternative work schedules
and remote working to reduce VMT associated with
employee commuting for positions that allow for
this flexibility.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly encourage flexible schedules for public employees, it does have policies that aim to reduce VMT.
▪ Policy M-2-1. Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled.

Promote commute alternatives program to
businesses.

Develop policy to support and promote commute
alternatives program including pre-tax commuter
benefits, transit subsidies, and a carpool program to
promote and incentivize public transportation,
carpooling, biking, etc. to business community.

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-32 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.7.6 Colma Climate Change Action Plan 2030 Consistency Analysis Measure Consistency
Waste
Community Wide Measures
Establish a zero-waste policy and develop a zero
waste program. Develop a zero-waste policy and
develop a program to meet the zero-waste target of
90% diversion through a combination of efforts
including promotion of traditional recycling and
organics recycling programs and local enforcement
of recycling requirements.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to development of a zero- waste policy or program, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Adopt the regional Sustainable Food ware
ordinance. Adopt the regional Sustainable Food
Ware ordinance and work in collaboration with San
Mateo County Office of Sustainability to provide
resources and on-site assistance to Colma businesses
to transition from single-use food ware.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to sustainable food ware, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve
air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Develop vendor policy for public events. Establish
policy requiring traditional and organics recycling at
public events. Require compostable or recyclable
cutlery and packaging to be used. Supports measure
WC-1.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to development of a
vendor policy for public events, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Municipal Measures
Establish a municipal zero waste policy. Establish a
policy to achieve 95% waste diversion rate in city
operations. Provide appropriate bins and signage,
organics recycling and education to public
employees to make goal achievable.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to municipal waste, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve air
quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Expand environmentally preferred purchasing
policy: Recycled materials. Expand our sustainable
purchasing policy that emphasizes the purchase of
materials with high recycled content – paper,
furniture, etc.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to recycled materials, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve
air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-33 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.7.6 Colma Climate Change Action Plan 2030 Consistency Analysis Measure Consistency
Food and Consumption
Goals
Buildings: Improve more sustainable building
products. Educate and promote the benefits of more
sustainable building materials (through Colma’s
Sustainability webpage) and other outreach to
provide resources for builders in Colma who have
new construction and renovation projects.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to use of more sustainable building products, it includes policies that would
promote sustainable building practices within the Town. ▪ Policy LU-2-5. Energy Efficiency
▪ Policy LU-2-6: Solar Energy.
▪ Policy LU-2-7: Electric Vehicles.
▪ Policy LU-2-10: Green Building.
▪ Policy OSC-3-2. Reduce Energy Consumption.

Food: Minimize food waste through education
▪ Support campaigns like StopFoodWaste.org and
“Food Too Good To Waste” to educate residents
and businesses about how to minimize waste
through shopping, storing and cooking.
▪ Support food rescue programs in the community
that deliver surplus food to hungry people. This
action supports components of SB 1383 which
requires edible food waste recovery.
▪ Education and support food waste prevention
efforts and food sharing tables by educating the
community with easy ways to reduce waste.

Consistent. While the General Plan Update does not have policies that explicitly pertain to minimizing food waste, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and
improve air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Food: Buy local and in season and reduce the
emissions intensity of food consumed
▪ Working in collaboration with the Office of
Sustainability educate the benefits of purchasing
local seasonal vegetables, plant-based proteins, and
less processed foods. These ideas can be shared via
Live Wire and or future farmers markets in Colma.
▪ Provide information and encourage healthy school
lunches
▪ Provide information and support legislation or
advocacy for carbon footprint labeling of food
products

Consistent While the General Plan Update does not have
policies that explicitly pertain to emissions from food consumption, it does have policies that aim to reduce
GHG and improve air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Purchased goods: Educate about the benefits of
durable long-lasting products and encourage
reduction of purchase of single use products use.
▪ Promote “buy durable” or “buy repairable” ideas
and add to Colma’s Sustainability webpage to
educate and provide resources. Considering
partnering to support fix-it clinics and adult classes
on how-to-repair. Support legislation such as Right
to Repair.

Consistent While the General Plan Update does not have
policies that explicitly pertain to purchased goods, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve air
quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-34 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.7.6 Colma Climate Change Action Plan 2030 Consistency Analysis Measure Consistency
▪ Support the addition of repair businesses where
feasible and classes and job training for repair, reuse and repurpose.
▪ Promote resale, reuse, repurpose and salvage
businesses where feasible.

Purchased goods: Reduce emissions intensity of
consumer goods
▪ Encourage businesses to “opt up” to purchasing
100% renewable energy through PCE.
▪ Promote “buy clean – made with renewables,”
campaign for Bay Area and California producers
that use renewable energy.
▪ Promote products made with other “low-carbon”
attributes such as refurbished products, or those
made with bio-based materials or recycled content.

Promote to producers and consumers. Support
legislation or advocacy for carbon footprint labeling
of goods.

Consistent While the General Plan Update does not have
policies that explicitly pertain to emissions from
consumption of goods, it does have policies that aim to reduce GHG and improve air quality.
▪ Policy LU-2-8: Climate Action Plan
▪ Policy LU-2-9: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
▪ Policy LU-6-3. Environmental Protection
▪ Policy OSC-3-4. GHG Reduction

Source: Colma. Climate Change Action Plan 2030.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
Measures identified in Table 4.7.6 would ensure consistency of the General Plan with plans that have been adopted to reduce GHG emissions.

The Town has prepared an update to the Climate Action Plan to provide guidance for meeting GHG reduction goals to the year 2030. Although not yet offi cially adopted, the Town plans to adopt the plan in the near future.

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-35 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

REFERENCES
Websites
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). Final 2017 Clean Air Plan, Spare the Air, Cool the Climate: A Blueprint for Clean Air and Climate Protection in the Bay Area. http://www.baaqmd.gov/plans-and-climate/air-quality-plans/current-plans. (accessed on March 18, 2020). 2017a.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. http://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and- research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en. 2017b.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). Climate Change Proposed Scoping Plan, a Framework for Change. https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/document/psp.pdf. 2008.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan: The Strategy for Achieving California’s 2030 Greenhouse Gas Target.
https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/2030sp_pp_final.pdf. 2017a.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/shortlived/shortlived.htm. 2017b, March 14.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2019 Edition California Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 2000-2017: By Category as Defined in the 2008 Scoping Plan. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/data/data.htm. 2019a, August 26.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). California Greenhouse Emissions for 2000 to 2017: Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators. https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/data/data.htm. 2019b, August

26. California Air Resources Board (CARB). California and major automakers reach groundbreaking framework agreement on clean emission standards. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-and-major- automakers-reach-groundbreaking-framework-agreement-clean-emission. 2019, July 25.

California Climate Action Team (CAT). Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature. 2006, March.

California Climate Change Center (CCCC). Our Changing Climate 2012: Vulnerability and Adaptation to the Increasing Risks from Climate Change in California. 2012, July.

California Energy Commission (CEC). Refining Estimates of Water-Related Energy Use in California. CEC- 500-2006-118. Prepared by Navigant Consulting, Inc. Based on the electricity use for Northern California. 2006a, December.

California Energy Commission (CEC). Our Changing Climate: Assessing the Risks to California, 2006 Biennial Report. CEC-500-2006-077. 2006b.

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-36 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
California Energy Commission (CEC). The Future Is Now: An Update on Climate Change Science, Impacts, and Response Options for California. CEC-500-2008-0077. 2009, May.

California Natural Resources Agency. Safeguarding California: Reducing Climate Risk, An Update to the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy. 2014.

California Water Service (CalWater). South San Francisco Unit. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.calwater.com/docs/uwmp2015/bay/South_San_Francisco/2015_Urban_Water_Mana gement_Plan_Final_(SSF).pdf. 2016, June.

CalRecycle. Disposal Reporting System, Jurisdiction Reporting by Facility, https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/DisposalReporting/Destination/DisposalByFacility. 2020.

Colma, Town of. Climate Action Plan. https://www.ca-ilg.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/colma- _climate_action_plan.pdf?1472518323. 2013, May 8.

Colma, Town of. Climate Action Plan 2030. 2021.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Second Assessment Report: Climate Change 1995; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1995.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Third Assessment Report: Climate Change 2001. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2001.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2007.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Fifth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2014. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2014.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

Priority Development Areas. http://opendata.mtc.ca.gov/datasets/priority-development-areas- current, and Transit Priority Areas,
http://opendata.mtc.ca.gov/datasets/d97b4f72543a40b2b85d59ac085e01a0_0. Accessed April 17, 2020.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

Plan Bay Area 2050. 2021, https://www.planbayarea.org/plan-bay-area-2050-1.

Pacific Gas &Electric (PG&E). Community Wide GHG Inventory Report for Colma. 2020, July 4.

Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE). Colma Electricity Use 2005 to 2019. July 10, 2020.

Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE). 2018 Power Content Label. https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/wp- content/uploads/2019/10/PCE_EV-Incentive-Program-Postcard-Series_Final.pdf. 2019, July.

4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.7-37 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment (OEHHA). Indicators of Climate Change in California. https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/climate-
change/report/2018caindicatorsreportmay2018.pdf. 2018, May.

US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). USEPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment. Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity.
https://archive.epa.gov/epapages/newsroom_archive/newsreleases/08d11a451131bca58525768500 5bf252.html. (accessed August 25, 2020). 2009a, December.

US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). USEPA: Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act . https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/endangerment-and-cause-or-contribute-findings- greenhouse-gases-under-section-202a-clean. 2009b.

US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). eGRID2018 Summary Tables . https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-01/documents/egrid2018_summary_tables.pdf. 2020, March 3.

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-1 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal. Pub. Resources Code Sections §21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., Section §15000, et seq.), this Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; PEIR) evaluates the General Plan -Update’s related impacts, general assumptions, and mitigation needs th at can be identified in the analysis. The reader is referred to the individual technical sections of the Draft PEIR Sections 4.1 to 4. 18, regarding the specific assumptions and methodologies used in the analysis for that particular technical subject.

This particular section then discusses the existing environmental conditions for hazardous materials and substances, including water and soil contaminants, within the town of Colma (Town; town). It reviews and summarizes hazard ous wastes as well as public health and safety issues related to seismic conditions, geologic, flood, fire, aviation, and hazardous materials in the town. Potential problems and the appropriate mitigation measures that reduce, lessen, or eliminate the General Plan Update’s (GPU ) impacts , are identified in this section. For impacts related to flood hazards and fire hazards, the reader is referred to Section 4.9, Hydrology and Water Quality and to Section 4.18, Wildfire, respectively

4.8.1 EXISTING SETTING

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DEFINED
A hazard is any situation that has the potential to cause damage to human health and the environment.

The risk to health and public safety is determined by the probability of exposure in addition to the inherent toxicity of a material. Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) define hazardous substance as both hazardous materials and hazardous wastes , and these are classified according to four properties:
toxicity, ignitability, corrosiveness, and reactivity.

A hazardous material is defined as any substance or combination of substances that may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating illness, or may pose a substantial presence or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Hazardous materials may include, but are not limited to motor oils, paints, solvents, gasoline, and household cleaners. Hazardous waste may include (but are not limited to): medical waste, substances and chemicals used at gas stations, dry cleaners, and automotive service and repair shops.

Hazardous wastes are defined as hazardous substances that no longer have practical use, such as hazardous materials that have been discarded, discharged, spilled, or contaminated or are being stored until they can be disposed of properly. Soil that is excavated from a site containing hazardous materials is a hazardous waste if it exceeds specific CCR Title 22 criteria. While hazardous substances are regulated by multiple agencies, their cleanup requirements need to be determined on a case-by-case basis according to the appropriate Lead Agency.

Hazardous substances p ose a risk to public health in their use, storage, and disposal. It is therefore necessary to differentiate between the “hazard” of these materials and the acceptability of the level of “risk” they pose to human health and the environment. Factors that affect the health effects when human beings are exposed to hazardous materials may include but is not limited to the dose the person is exposed to, the frequency of exposure, the duration of exposure, the exposure pathway (route by which a chemical enters a person’s body), and the individual’s unique biological susceptibility.

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-2 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES
Hazardous materials sites, or areas of abandoned or underutilized properties that may be contaminated by hazardous subst ances, have the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater, through the release, leaks, or disposal of chemical compounds. Disturbance of a previously contaminates site could pose a public health risk from hazardous vapors or contaminated materials . Such areas are typically monitored by the State Water Quality Control Board or by the California Department of Toxic Substances. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), as shown in Figure 4.8-1: Hazardous Sites and Table

4.8-1 Hazardous Sites, the town of Colma lists one closed Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) site, two open hazardous sites, one site that is eligible for closure, 19 closed (completed) sites.

ASBESTOS CONTAINING BUILDING MATERIALS
Asbestos, which is common in many building materials., refers to a type of naturally occurring minerals composed of small fibers. Any buildings constructed or remodeled between 1930 and 1981 have the potential to incorporate asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). These materials may include, but are not limited to, floor coverings, drywall joint compounds, acoustic ceiling tiles, piping insulation, electrical insulation, and fireproofing materials. Various health risks including cancer and respiratory illnesses have been associated with exposure to asbestos fibers and materials in non-industrial settings. The presence of asbestos in any building does not necessarily endanger the health and safety of a building’s occupants, as long as these materials are in g ood condition, and not damaged or disturbed. However, damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed asbestos-containing materials can lead to fiber release (exposure), and adverse health effects.

LEAD BASED PAINT MATERIALS
Exposure to lead based paint is possible w hen the paint is in poor condition or during paint removal.

Though lead based paints were phased out of production in the early 1970s, lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. Proper handling and disposal of lead-based materials significantly reduces potential environmental related impacts.

RESIDUAL AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS
Agricultural chemicals are chemical agents such as fungicides and insecticides that are used to control crop- harming organisms such as fungi, insects, and rodents. Diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and other “Group A” pesticides are insecticides used to control pests on crops as well as in individual home use. Diazinon is a non-systemic organophosphate insecticide classified by the US EPA as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) and is for professional pest control use only. Within residential uses, it may be used to control cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and fleas. It is used on home gardens and farms to control a wide variety of sucking and leaf-eating insects. Though Diazinon seldom migrates below the top half inch in soil, but in some instances, it may contaminate groundwater. Diazinon is absorbed by plant roots when applied to the soil and translocated to other parts of the plant. Additional persistent chemicals may be found within the Planning Area such as insecticides that have the potential to include toxaphene and lead arsenate.

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-3 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-4 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Table 4.8.1: Hazardous Sites
Address Site Type Clean Up Status
530 Collins Avenue LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 600 Collins Avenue LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 300 El Camino Real LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 7778 El Camino Real LUST Cleanup Site Open - Site Assessment F St LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed
417 F St Cleanup Program Site Completed - Case Closed
1601 Hillside Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 1601 Hillside Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 1801 Hillside Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 5003 Junipero Serra Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 5075 Junipero Serra Blvd Cleanup Program Site Completed - Case Closed 1500 Mission Road LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 1609 Mission Road LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 1715 Mission Road LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 1 Sandhill Road Land Disposal Site Open - Site Assessment 485 Serramonte Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 650 Serramonte Blvd Cleanup Program Site Open - Eligible for Closure 700 Serramonte Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 707 Serramonte Blvd Cleanup Program Site Completed - Case Closed 780 Serramonte Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 990 Serramonte Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed 999 Serramonte Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed - Case Closed

TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Any transportation of hazardous materials within the General Plan Update’s Planning Area is subject to local, state, and federal regulations. The transportation of explosive or inhalation hazardous materials on any public roadway not designated for such transportation is illegal, unless the use of the roadway is necessary for the delivery or loading of such materials (Ca lifornia Vehicle Code, Sections §31602(b) and §32104(a)).

AIRPORT HAZARDS
Projects located within an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport or public use airport where such a plan has not been adopted, could result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the town and follows the regulations in the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) adopted by San Mateo County. The ALUCP outlines safety standards specifying how land near SFO can be used based on noise levels, height restrictions for new construction, and construction standards for buildings outlined in the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan minimize airport hazards.

As shown in Figure 4.8-2: Airport Influence Area B, the Town of Colma is located within Airport Influence Area B. Local agencies within this influence area are requires new plans and projects to demonstrate consistency with the goals and policies of the ALUCP. SFO has designated transitional surfaces as alternate

4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-5 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
routes for planes to take-off or land as shown in Figure 4.8-3: Critical Aeronautical Surfaces below. One of these transitional surfaces extends over the town of Colma. Any development in the transitional zone must be in compliance with ALUC maximum height standards. The structure/building height restrictions under the transitional surfaces for the town are approximately 400 feet above average mean sea level. This height limit will not constrict development in the town of Colma which is roughly at 110 feet above sea level and where the normal commercial height limit is 50 feet.

WILDLAND FIRE HAZARDS
While the town of Colma is primarily urban and of minimal fire risks, it does have large areas of open land for cemetery uses and is located at the base of the San Bruno Mountains which are a High Fire Risk area.

Please refer to Section 4.18: Wildfires of this PEIR for additional information and impacts discussions.

4.8.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is responsible for researching and setting national standards for a variety of environmental programs, and delegates to states and local governments the responsibility for issuing permits and monitoring and enforcing compliance. EPA Region IX has authority in the San Francisco Bay region, regulating chemical and hazardous materials u se, storage, treatment, handling, transport, and disposal practices; protecting workers and the community (along with California Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); and integrating the federal Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act into California legislation.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
USEPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 USC 2) was the first major federal act regulating the potential health and environmental problems associated with hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste. RCRA and the implementation regulations developed by the U.S. EPA provide the general fra mework for the national hazardous and nonhazardous waste management systems. This framework includes the determination of whether hazardous wastes are being generated, techniques for tracking wastes to eventual disposal, and the design and permitting of ha zardous waste management facilities.

RCRA amendments enacted in 1984 and 1986 began the process of eliminating land disposal as the principal hazardous waste disposal method. Hazardous waste regulations promulgated in 1991 address site selection, design, construction, operation, monitoring, corrective action, and closure of disposal facilities. Additional regulations addressing solid waste issues are contained in 40 CFR, Part 258.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (42 USC Sections 1906 et seq.), outlines the potential liability related to the cleanup of hazardous substances; available defenses to such liability; appropriate inquiry into site status CERCLA. This Act provides broad federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. CERCLA establishes requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites, provides for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites, and establishes a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party can be identified.

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Figure 4.8-2: Airport Influence Area B

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Figure 4.8-3: Critical Aeronautical Surfaces

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The law authorizes two kinds of response actions: (1) short -term removals, where actions may be taken to address releases or threatened releases requiring prompt response; and (2) long-term remedial response actions that permanently and significantly reduc e the dangers associated with releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances that are serious, but not immediately life threatening. These actions can be conducted only at sites listed on EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL). CERCLA also establishes the National Contingency Plan (NCP), which provides guidelines and procedures necessary to respond to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Federal Occupational Health and Safety Adm inistration (OSHA) of 1970, establishes and enforces Federal regulations related to health and safety of workers who could be exposed to toxic and hazardous materials. OSHA also sets health and safety guidelines for construction activities and manufacturin g facility operations.

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act
The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act (EHRA) of 1977 (Public Law 95 -124) established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The purpose of the NEHRP is to establish measures for earthquake hazards reduction and promote the adoption of earthquake hazards reduction measures by federal, state, and local governments. The Program is intended to improve the understanding of earthquakes and their effects on communities, buildings, structures, and lifelines through interdisciplinary research that involves engineering, natural sciences, and social, economic, and decisions sciences.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) of 1975 (Title 49 U.S. Code [USC] Sections 5101 – 5127) is the principal federal law regulating the transportation of hazardous material, under the authority of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Regulations implementing the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act specify additional requirements and regulations with respect to the transport of hazardous materials.

Disaster Mitigation Act
The 2000 federal Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA; Public Law 106 -390) provides the legal basis for FEMA mitigation planning requirements for state, local, and Indian Tribal governments as a condition of mitigation grant assistance. DMA 2000 amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by repealing the previous mitigation planning provisions and replacing them with a new set of requirements that emphasize the need for state, local, and Indian Tribal entities to closely coordinate mitigation planning and implementation efforts. The requirement for a state mitigation plan is continued as a condition of disaster assistance, adding incentives for increased coordination and integration of mitigation activities at the state level through the establishment of requirements for two different levels of state plans. DMA 2000 also established a new requirement for local mitigation plans and authorized up to 7 percent of Hazard Mitigation Grand Program funds available to a state for development of s tate, local, and Indian Tribal mitigation plans.

Executive Order 12148, 1979 – Federal Emergency Management Agency The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was created by Executive Order 12148 in 1979 and became part of the U.S. Department of Homelan d Security when it was established in 2003. FEMA’s continuing mission within the department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and

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effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Uniform Building Code
The Uniform Fire Code (UFC) contains regulations relating to construction, maintena nce, and use of buildings. Topics addressed in the code include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire and explosion hazards safety, hazardous materials storage and use, provisions intended to protect and assist fire responders, industrial processes, and many other general and specialized fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings and the surrounding premises.

STATE AND REGIONAL
Senate Bill 1082
In 1993, Senate Bill 1082 gave the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) the authority and responsibility to establish a unified hazardous waste and hazardous materials management and regulatory program, commonly referred to as the Unified Program. The Unified Program consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the administrative requirements, permits, inspections, and enforcement activities of six environmental and emergency response programs between local, State, and federal agencies. The UPAAG’s goals and objectives are listed in the UPAAG Strategic Plan:
• Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventories (Business Plans) • California Accidental Release Prevention Program
• Underground Storage Tank Program
• Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Program
• Hazardous Waste Generator and Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment (tiered permitting) Programs
• California Uniform Fire Code: Hazardous Material Management Plans and Hazardous Material Inventory Statements
The State agency partners involved in the Unified Program have the responsibility of setting program element standards, working with CalEPA on ensuring program consistency, and providing technical assistance to the certified unified program agencies. The following State agencies are involved with the Unified Program:
• California Environmental Protection Agenc y (Cal EPA) . The Secretary of the Cal EPA is directly responsible for coordinating the administration of the Unified Program. The Secretary certifies Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs). The Secretary has certified 83 CUPAs to date. These 84 CUPAs carry out the responsibilities previously handled by approximately 1,300 State and local agencies. • Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) provides technical assistance and evaluation for the hazardous waste generator program including onsite treatment (tiered permitting).
• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CA OES). The CA OES is responsible for providing technical assistance and evaluation of the Hazardous Material Release Response Plan (Business Plan) Program and the California Accidental Release Response Plan (Cal ARP) Programs.

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• Office of the State Fire Marshal . The Office of the State Fire Marshal is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Hazardous Material Management Plans and the Hazardous Material Inventory Statement Programs.
• State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The State Water Resources Control Board provides technical assistance and evaluation for the underground storage tank program in addition to handling the oversight and enforcement for the aboveground storage tank program.

Under Division 4.5 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and the California Hazardous Waste Control Law (Health an d Safety Code Division 20, Chapter 6.5), DTSC regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Both RCRA and the Hazardous Waste Control Law impose “cradle to grave” regulatory systems for handling hazardous waste in a manner that protects human health and the environment. State law requires county and local agencies to implement the Unified Program. The agency in charge of implementing the program is called the CUPA. The Hazardous Materials Program within the C ounty of San Mateo Division of Environmental Health Services is the designated CUPA for the county.

Hazardous Waste Control Act
The 1972 Hazardous Waste Control Act (Health & Safety Code Section §25100 et seq.) is the seminal hazardous waste control law in California. It establishes standards for regulating the generation, handling, processing, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes. The hazardous waste control program is administered by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and local Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs).

Emergency Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents
The State of California has developed an Emergency Response Plan to coordinate emergency services provided by federal, state, and local governme nt and private agencies. Response to hazardous materials incidents is one part of this plan. The Plan is managed by the State Office of Emergency Services (OES), which coordinates the responses of other agencies including Cal - EPA, California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

California Department of Transportation, Hazardous Materials Transport The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates hazardous materials transportation between states. State agencies with primary responsibility for enforcing federal and state regulations and responding to hazardous materials transportation emergencies are the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Together, these agencies deter mine container types used and license hazardous waste haulers for hazardous waste transportation on public roads.

It is illegal to transport explosives or inhalation hazards on any public highway not designated for that purpose, unless the use of the highw ay is required to permit delivery, or the loading, of such materials (Cal. Vehicle Code Sections §31602(b) and §32104(a)). When transporting explosives through or into a jurisdiction f or which a route has not been designated by CHP, drivers must follow routes as may be prescribed or established by local authorities (California Vehicle Code, Section §31614(a)). The transportation of explosives in quantities of 1,000 pounds or less, or other than on a public highway, is subject to the California Health and Safety Code (California Vehicle Code, Section §31601(a)).

California Health and Safety Code
The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) The CalEPA oversees the regulation and management of hazardous materials on a statewide level through the DTSC. In 1995, legislation went into effect that required CalEPA to consolidate permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities in several

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hazardous material and hazardous waste program areas. Additionally, Section §65962.5 of the Government Code directs DTSC to compile a list of all hazardous -waste facilities subject to corrective action pursuant to Section §25187.5 of the Health and Safety Code.

California Code of Regulations
Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations ( CCR) pertain to the application of pesticides and related chemicals. Parties applying regulated substances must continuously evaluate application equipment, the weather, and all surrounding properties. Title 3 specifically prohibits any application that would:
• contaminate people not involved in the application of the materials; • damage non-target crops, animals, or any other public or private property; • contaminate public or private property; and,
• create health hazards on public or private property.

Title 17 of the CCR establishes regulations related to the use and disturbance of materials containing naturally occurring asbestos.

Title 22 of the CCR sets forth definitions of hazardous waste and special waste. It also identifies hazardous waste criteria, and establishes regulations pertaining to the storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste.

In addition to other criteria, Title 26 of the CCR establishes the requirements for the transport, containment, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Title 27 of the CCR sets forth a number of regulati ons relating to the construction, operation, and maintenance of landfills in the State. It establishes a landfill classification system and identi fies categories of waste. Each class and type of landfill may then be constructed to contain specific types of waste.

Disaster Mitigation Act
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) (Public Law 106 -390) amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 to establish a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program and new requirements for the federal post -disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). DMA2K encourages and rewards local and State pre-disaster planning by promoting sustainability and seeking to integrate State and local planning with an overall goal of strengthening statewide hazard mitigation. This enhanced planning approach enables local, tribal, and state governments to identify specific strategies for reducing probable impacts of natural hazards such as floods, fire, and earthquakes. In order to be eligi ble for hazard mitigation funding after November 1, 2004, local governments are required to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan that incorporates specific program elements of the DMA2K law.

California Emergency Plan
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Emergency Plan outlines a state -level strategy to support local government efforts during a large -scale emergency (OES 2017). In accordance with the California Emergency Services Act, the State Emergency Plan describes methods for carrying out emergency operations, mutual aid processes, emergency services of governmental agencies, resource mobilization, emergency public information, and continuity of government.

California also has a Master Mutual Aid Agreement between all state departments, established in 1950, and a separate Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan and California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid Plan, both published in 2014 by Cal OES.

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Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (SHMA) of 1990 (Public Resources Code, Chapter 7.8, Section §2690- 2699.6) directs the Department of Conservation (DOC), California Geological Survey to identify and map areas prone to earthquake hazards of liquefaction, earthquake -induced landslides, and amplified ground shaking. The purpose of the SHMA is to reduce the threat to public safety and to minimize the loss of life and property by identifying and mitigating these seismic hazards. The SHMA was passed by the legislature following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

The SHMA requires the State Geologist to establish regulatory zones (Zones of Required Investigation) and to issue appropriate maps (Seismic Hazard Zone maps). These maps are distributed to all affected cities, counties, and state agencies for their use in planning and controlling construction and development. Single family frame dwellings up to two stories not part of a development of four or more units are exempt from the state requirements. However, local agencies can be more restrictive than state law requires.

Cal-OSHA Worker Safety Requirements
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administrati on (Cal -OSHA) assumes primary responsibility for developing and enforcing workplace safety regulations within California. Cal -OSHA regulations pertaining to the use of hazardous materials in the workplace, as detailed in CCR Title 8, include requirements for safety training, availability of safety equipment, accident and illness prevention programs, hazardous substance exposure warnings, and emergency action and fire prevention plan preparation. Cal -OSHA’s hazard communication program requires that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) be available to employees and that employee information and training programs be documented.

California Building Code
The California Building Code (CBC) is found in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) in Part 2 of Title 24, administered by the California Building Standards Commission, which, by law, is responsible for coordinating all building standards. Under state law, all building standards must be centralized in Title 24, or they are not enforceable. The purpose of the CBC is to establish minimum standards to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, and general stability by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, u se and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all building and structures within a jurisdiction.

LOCAL
San Mateo County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
San Mateo County’s multi -jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJ -LHMP) per the 2000 Disaster Mitigation Act (Public Law 106-390) was adopted in July 2016. It is an appendix to the County General Plan and consists of the plan developed by Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). It includes a plan for the town of Colma to reduce and mitigate risks from natural and human-induced hazards. The plan covers climate change, dam failure, drought, earthquake, flood, landslide, severe weather, tsunami, and wildfire.

Town of Colma Municipal Code
The Town of Colma Municipal Code, Chapter 1, Section §1.17.010, provides guidelines for the preparation and implementation of plans for providing materials and services within the town in the event of an emergency, to empower certain town officials to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property or to preserve public order and safety, and to provide for the coordination of the emergency services functions of the town with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

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4.8.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance . Hazards and Hazardous Materials impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
• 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. • Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. • 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.
• 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 or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area. • Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires.

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential hazards and hazardous materials impacts of the proposed General Plan Update was based primarily on database research, field reconnaissance of the surroundings, review of San Mateo County General Plan and existing Town of Colma General Plan, and review of public comment letters.

Databases accessed for information.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.8.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update may have the potential to expose persons to known and unknown hazardous materials through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous, materials, as well as accidents involving the release of hazardous materials (Less than Significant).

The use, transport and disposal of hazardous materials is regulated and monitored by local fire departments and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

While US 280 and State Route 1 (SR 1) border the western edge of the town, neither of these are designated hazardous material transportation routes. Though there are no approved transportation routes through the town of Colma, future development of residential or commercial uses within the town may require the use, and thus the transport and/or disposal of hazardous substances (e.g., gasoline fuels, demolition materials, asphalt, lubricants, toxic solvents, pesticides, and herbicides) during construction, d emolition, and landscaping activities.

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the vision of the City Council. In addition, the proposed GPU introduces new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Bou levard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sand blaster site, respectively. These additional land uses within the town could use and transport hazardous substances.

In addition, certain commercial uses, including swimming pool facilities, gas stations, and dry cleaners that store, use, and routinely transport hazardous material to and from their facilities, could pose a potential hazard to the environment. Hazardous mate rials used during construction and operational activities throughout the Planning Area may expose nearby residents to toxic emissions. from time to time. In addition, potential future project construction activities may include the use of hazardous materia ls such as solvents, fuels, and diesel fueled equipment, while accidental spills and release of hazardous materials during new construction have the potential to occur. As required by local, State and federal regulations, any use, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials is regulated and monitored by the town’s fire department, Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs), the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (D TSC), though in the event of an accidental release of hazardous materials, the local emergency management agencies (e.g., fire and police departments) would be the first to respond.

The precise increase in the amount of regulated hazardous materials trans ported to or from the Planning Area as a result of implementation of the proposed General Plan Update, cannot be definitively predicted at this time. However, as previously mentioned, all future projects allowed under the GPU would be required to comply with local, state and federal requirements related to hazardous materials. Additionally, compliance with all applicable federal and state laws related to the transportation of hazardous materials would reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents during transit . The use, storage, and transport of hazardous materials by developers, contractors, business owners, and others are required to be in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during project construction and operation, as well as to be in compliance with a Hazardous Materials Business Plan in accordance with State of California regulations. Facilities that use hazardous materials are required to obtain permits and comp ly with appropriate regulatory agency standards designed to avoid hazardous waste releases.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address the use and handling of hazardous materials and associated land uses involving hazardous materials through the coordination with appropriate agencies regarding route planning and incident response:

Policy CS-7-1: Hazard Mitigation Plan. Implement, maintain, and update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which is part of the larger County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Policy CS-7.2: Emergency Management Plan. Continue to participate with San Mateo County’s Mutual Aid Programs and Plans for community emergency preparedness.

Policy CS-7.3: Promote Emergency Preparedness. Utilize multiple information channels to educate residents and businesses of the Town’s emergency operations procedure.

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Policy CS-7.4: Collaborative Planning. Improve inter -jurisdictional and interage ncy cooperation with regard to hazard prevention and emergency response through town participation in and initiation of coordination meetings and exercises.

Policy CS-7.5: Evacuation Routes. Utilize emergency evacuation routes established by the Town and ensure that all residential areas of Colma maintain access to at least two routes for evacuation.

Impacts from the use and handling of hazardous materials would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. Moreover, implementation of the policies described above, as well as adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, would further reduce the environmental impacts associated with the transportation , use and storage of hazardous materials
Impact 4.8.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update has the potential to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school (Less than Significant).

As mentioned previously the 2040 GPU has the potential to increase residential land uses by 8.69 acres and overall housing by adding in an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units in the Mission Road Planning Area; and, 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster’s site, respectively. While no schools are located, or planned for, within the Planning Area in associated with the projected residential development, there are schools are located within a quarter mile, just outside the northern and southern boundary of the town. Though the GPU may result in activities involving the use of hazardous materials , residential land uses do not typically involve the storage or use of substantial quantities of hazardous materials. There would not be an increase in the storage and use of hazardous materials. Implementation of the project would result in environmental impacts associated with the school hazards to less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

Impact 4.8.3 Though the proposed General Plan Update has the potential to develop a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section §65962.5 these would be required to comply with State and federal regulations. As a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment (Less than Significant).

There are a number of sites within the town that are included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled by pursuant to Government Code Section §65962.5 (Table 4.8-1). These sites are subject to various State and federal laws and regulators, including the Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs), the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA ), and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). As discussed under Impact 4. 8.1, the transportation of hazardous materials on area roadways is regulated by the CHP, U.S. Department of Transportation (Hazardous Materials Transportation Act) and Caltrans and use of these materials is regulated by the DTSC (22 Cal. Code Regs.

Section §66001, et seq.).

As evidenced in Figure 4.8-1, the town of Colma, San Mateo County and the C alifornia State Water Resources Board lists 21 hazardous waste sites with the Town. Of these, 19 are closed/completed sites, two are open and one is open but eligible for closure. The GPU would result in additional development on already developed properties (as discussed in the impacts analysis above), two of which are listed as open hazardous sites: 7778 El Camino Real , as well as 1 Sandhill Road, which is a closed landfill and does not have development potential. The property at 7778 El Camino Real has been identified as an opportunity

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site for future mixed -use development. Contaminated soil could be encountered during development at this site and dust from such contaminated soils has the potential to be dispersed beyond the construction site and affect human health. There is also the potential for discovering further Underground Storage Tanks (UST) on this site or elsewhere within the Planning Area. If UST(s ) are discovered during future development activities, removal is required prior to additional site preparation or development activities, per the California State Water Resources Control Board Underground Storage Tank Program (SWRCB, 2009b) and California Health and Safety Code Section §25281, et seq). If there is subsurface contamination occurred as a result of tank leakage or overfilling, the contamination would require assessment and remediation in compliance with the Town of Colma Multi-Hazard Functional Plan, the town’s Police and Public Works Departments.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address hazards to the public and the environment:

Policy CS-2.1: Geotechnical Studies . Require geotechnical, soils, and foundation reports for proposed projects and subdivisions on sites that have been identified as having moderate or high potential for ground failure, liquefaction, and seismic activity by the Town or by the San Mateo County Seismic and Safety Element.

The GPU would have a less than significant impact relating to development of sites included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code section §65962.5. No mitigation measures are required. Moreover, with i mplementation of the policies described above, as well as adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the hazardous materials sites, would further reduce the environmental impacts associated with the re-use of such sites.

Impact 4.8.4 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not locate people residing or working within two miles of a public airport, public use airport, or private airstrip (Less than Significant).

The 2040 GPU proposes updates to the town’s existing planning areas by introducing new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard . The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterlin g Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

While the town Colma does not have any public or private airports within the town limits, it is within influence area B of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (see Figure 4.8-2). The SFO Airport is 5.5 miles away from the Planning Area. Other airports in close proximity include the Half Moon Bay Airport, located 11 miles from the Planning Areas and the Oakland Airport and San Carlos Airport, located 13 miles and 15.5 miles, respectively, from the town of Colma. Aircrafts taking off from the closed airport, SFO, fly over a 1.2-mile-wide and 5.8-mile-long area that is referred to as the “gap”. The gap stretches over the cities of San Bruno, South San Francisco, and Daly City and is directly adjacent to the town of Colma. In addition, though SFO has designated transitional surfaces as alternate routes for planes to take off or land , one of these transitional surfaces extends over the town and has the potential to affect the town residences.

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Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address airport hazards:

Policy CS-9.1: ALUC Plan . Require development within the Airport Influence Area B, designated in the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) of the San Francisco International Airport, to comply with all applicable federal and State laws with respect to land use safety and airspace protection criteria.

Policy CS-9.2: Airport Land Use Commission Review . Require that all future land use actions and/or associated development conforms to the relevant height, aircraft noise, and safety policies and compatibility criteria containe d in the most recently adopted version of the ALUCP for the environs of San Francisco International Airport.

Implementation of the policies described above would ensure the environmental impacts associated with any airport hazards are less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.

Impact 4.8.5 Future development resulting from the proposed General Plan Update would not physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan (Less than Significant).

Though the GPU would allow for some new residential and commercial development in the town of Colma as discussed previously under Impacts 4.8.1 – 4.8.4 above, any future projects are not anticipated to impede evacuation routes in the town. Further, the town already has an established roadway and circulation system that may be used for the evacuation of residents and the mobility of fire suppression, emergency response, and law enforcement vehicles. Therefore, there should not be any potential future conflicts with existing emergency response or emergency evacuation plans from implementation of emergency response activities.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address emergency response and evacuation plans:

Policy CS-7-1: Hazard Mitigation Plan. Implement, maintain, and update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which is part of the larger County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Policy CS-7-2: Emergency Management Plan. Continue to participate with San Mateo County’s mutual aid programs and plans for community emergency preparedness.

Policy CS-7-3: Promote Emergency Preparedness. Utilize multiple information channels to educate residents and businesses of the Town’s emergency operations procedure.

Policy CS-7-4: Collaborative Planning. Improve inter-jurisdictional and interagency cooperation with regard to hazard prevention and emergency response through town participation in and initiation of coordination meetings and exercises.

Policy CS-7-5: Evacuation Routes. Utilize emergency evacuation routes established by the Town and ensure that all residential areas of Colma maintain access to at least two routes for evacuation.

The GPU would have a less than significant impact relating to an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan and no mitigation measure are required . Moreover, implementation of the policies described above would further reduce environmental impacts to an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan.

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Impact 4.8.6 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires. (No Impact)
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) determines the degree of wildland fire hazard based on the natural setting of the area, the degree of human use of the area and the level and ability of public services to respond to fires that do occur. CAL FIRE has rated the San Bruno Mountain Park and the adjacent undeveloped areas of the town of Colma as areas of moderate fire hazard. Fires in these areas usually occur during the summers primarily where grass and brush grow. CAL FIRE responds to wildland fires from several stations, depending on their proximity and availability. The closest fire station serving the town is at 20 Tower Road in the city of Belmont. The areas that are still undeveloped in the town of Colma are lands for cemetery uses. New residential or commercial land uses can only occur on previously developed land or on a pproximately 2.8 acres of vacant land. While the 2040 GPU does have the potential to add future development, as discussed under Impacts 4.8.1 – 4.8.5 above All future projects under the GPU would be required to comply with local, State, and federal requirements related to wildland fires, building standards and safety codes, as well as defensible space requirements, where applicable.

Further, wildland fires typically are a potential hazard to development located in unmaintained open spaces. Other than cemetery uses, the town is fairly developed, with no large open spaces dedicated to land development. Therefore, the potential for wildland fire is non -existent and the proposed GPU would not expose people or structure to a risk of loss, injury, or death. Thus, there is no impact and no mitigation is required.

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REFERENCES
Documents
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Aeronautics. 2011. California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. State of California.

Cal OES. October 2017. State of California Emergency Plan.

San Mateo County, California. July 2016. San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Websites
California Code of Regulations (CCR). Title 22. Chapter 11. Article 3. <http://165.235.111.242/LawsRegsPolicies/Title22/index.cfm> – Accessed July 2020.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2009. Database. <https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/> Accessed August 2020.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2020. https://dtsc.ca.gov/ Accessed July 2020.

California Environmental Protection Agency. 2020. <https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/> Accessed August 2020.

California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). <http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/. Accessed July 2020.

California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Accessed August 2020
California Vehicle Code
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=14.&lawCode=VEH Accessed August 2020
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act https://www.epa.gov/laws- regulations/summary-comprehensive-environmental-response-compensation-and-liability-act Accessed August 2020
Executive Order 12148, 1979 – Federal Emergency Managem ent Agency https://www.archives.gov/federal- register/codification/executive-order/12148.html Accessed July 2020 Disaster Mitigation Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/707/text Accessed July 2020 Hazardous Materials Transportation Act https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/subtitle-III/chapter-51 Accessed August 2020
Hazardous Waste Control Act https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/lawguides/vol4/hwf/hwf-ch6-5-all.html Accessed July 2020
Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/ Accessed August 2020

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.8-20 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-resource- conservation-and-recovery-act Accessed August 2020
Seismic Hazards Mapping Act https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/shma Accessed July 2020 Senate Bill 1082 https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/land_disposal/sb1082text.html Accessed July 2020
Town of Colma Municipal Code Section 1.17.010 https://www.colma.ca.gov/documents/cmc-1-17-colma- disaster-council/ Accessed August 2020
Underground Storage Tank Program. 2009. <http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/cwphome/ust/. Accessed August 2020.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1986. < http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/insect- mite/fenitrothion-methylpara/lead-arsenate/insect-prof-leadars.html> Accessed July 2020.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. National Priorities List (NPL). 2020. <http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/ca.htm/> Accessed August 2020.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2020. < https://www.epa.gov/enviro/tri-search> Accessed July 29, 2020.

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This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; D PEIR) identifies the hydrologic resources, existing drainage conditions, and surface and groundwater quality of the Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). This section also evaluates the potential impacts of implementing the town’s proposed 2040 General Plan Update with its impacts to flooding, drainage, erosion, water quality, and water supply , and identifies appropriate mitigation measures to lessen the identified impacts, where necessary.

4.9.1 EXISTING SETTING
Watersheds and Surface Water Hydrology
An area’s impact on water quality is associated with its overall hydrologic region and the impacts from sources and types of water pollutants that affect or degrade its water bodies. Future development and redevelopment activities in the Planning Area has the potential to increase impervious surfaces, which may in turn, increase direct runoff into Colma Creek and associated water bodies, reduce ground water infiltration, degrade water quality, and increase soil erosion , surface runoff, flooding, and discharges associated with chemical and fertilizers (hydrocarbons, mercury, metals, polychlorinated biphenyl, etc.).

A water shed (also known as a drainage or catchment basin) is an area of land that channels and drains all the streams, rivers, rainfall, and snowmelt, into area reservoirs, bays, or an ocean. The watershed could consist of surface water (lakes, streams, reservoirs, and wetlands) and groundwater, and its siz e is based on its geography. Watersheds in the San Francisco Bay Area (Bay Area) range from large ones such as the 700 square mile Alameda Creek watershed, which includes two counties and seven cities, to small watersheds such as the 1.1 square mile Codornices Creek watershed along the Berkeley/Albany city boundaries. All of the Bay Area watersheds ultimately drain to San Francisco Bay, or in coastal areas in and around the Bay and Pacific Ocean.

The town of Colma is a landlocked city that is located within San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula. San Mateo County encompasses four hydrologic basins a total of 34 watersheds which drain to either the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay (Bay). The State divides its watershed areas or hydrologic regions into ten main regions and numerous sub -areas. The town of Colma is loc ated within the Colma Creek watershed in the San Francisco Bay Hydrologic Region. The Colma Creek watershed also includes portions of the cities of Daly City and South San Francisco, as well as unincorporated San Mateo County.

The watershed is part of the San Mateo Basin, which is a major source of groundwater that drains via Colma Creek into the San Francisco Bay in South San Francisco.

Groundwater Hydrology - Colma Creek
Groundwater is an important water source in the town, as many of the cemeteries depend on groundwater for irrigation. The main groundwater aquifer which underlies the town of Colma is the San Mateo Basin, and it extends through the city of South San Francisco and northern San Bruno. The trough is estimated to be two miles wide by nine miles long and lies between San Bruno Mountain and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Colma Creek runs through the town of Colma, with the headwaters beginning on the slopes of San Bruno Mountain and entering the planning area from the town’s northern border. The majority of the creek runs underground, along El Camino Real toward the city of South San Francisco. Colma Creek daylights within the town boundaries between El Camino Real and Mission Road in the Colma Creek Flood Control channel and runs into the city of South San Francisco. All of the surface drainage in the town boundaries ultimately flows into Colma Creek, through the city of South San Francisco, and out into the San Francisco Bay.

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Flooding
The town of Colma is included in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panels 06081C0029F, 06081C0037E, 06081C0036F, and 06081C0041E. Per Panel 06081C0037E, Flood Zone X has been designated over a small area on the northern portion of El Camino Real. Zone X is an “Other Flood Area”, which includes 500-year flood zones, 100-year flood zones with average depths of less than 1 food or drainage areas less than 1 square mile, and areas protected by levees from a 100 -year flood. In addition, Flood Zones A, AE, and AO have been identified along El Camino Real, directly outside of the town’s northern and southern boundaries within unincorporated San Mateo County and South San Francisco. Flood Zones A, AE, and AO are different classifications of 100 -year flood zones. FEMA flood zones are shown in Figure 4.9-1: Flood Hazards.

Dam Inundation
Dam inundation is typically caused by the release of water from a dam’s structural failure or overtopping of a dam. The State of California Department of Water Resources’ Division of Safety of Dams is responsible for regulating and regularly inspect ing dam facilities in the State. According to the State of California Natural Resources Agency Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams, there are approximately 20 dams within San Mateo county , some of which are at risk of dam inundation. Ver, the town of Colma is located outside any dam inundation areas.

Tsunamis
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a tsunami is “a series of waves caused by earthquakes or undersea volcanic eruptions”. These typically follow seismic events, landslides, and earthquakes. The State of California Department of Conservation maps tsunami inundation area throughout the State ; the Tsunami Hazard Area Map for San Mateo county and the Planning Area indicate that the town is outside a tsunami inundation hazard area.

Seiches
According to the San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), the town is landlocked and is not located in a seiche area. Seiches are standing waves in oscillating in a body of water. They are typically formed from strong winds and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure which pushes water but can also be caused by tsunamis, earthquakes, and severe storm fronts. Seiches can occur in the San Francisco Bay but are not as common compared to other areas in the United States.

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Water Supply
The town of Colma is serviced by California Water Service Company (Cal Water). Cal Water supplies water to three districts on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, Bear Gulch, Mid-Peninsula, and South San Francisco.

The town of Colma is located entirely within Cal Water’s Bayshore – South San Francisco District . The majority of the water supplied to the South San Francisco district is purchased from the San Francisco Public Util ities Commission (SFPUC) and is supplemented by five groundwater wells. While water demand per capita is projected to decrease, increases in population may increase the overall water use.

Projections in the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan of the South San Francisco District use reasonably available volumes to show that supplies are anticipated to meet the growing demand for years with normal precipitation out until 2040. However, factors such as droughts and climate change may impact supplies.

Climate
The town of Colma has a Mediterranean climate regulated by the Pacific Ocean. The area is characterized consistently mild temperatures. The graphic below portrays monthly averages for rainfall and temperatures in 2019 as well as a 30-year average from 1981-2010. As shown in Figure 4.9-2: Precipitation and Mean Temperature below, mean temperatures in 2019 are similar to the 30 -year average. In general, the 2019 average temperatures are slightly higher than the 30-year average. The precipitation data has also followed the 30-year average trend with more precipitation in the winter and dry summers. However, there was an increase in rainfall during the winter and a decrease in precipitation in the summer. These differences are expected with climate change projec tions showing increased temperatures and extended periods of drought with more extreme heavy rain events.

Figure 4.9-2: Precipitation and Mean Temperature

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperature (Avg) 50.7 52.7 54.3 55 57.1 59.5 61.7 61.8 62.2 59.9 55.9 50.9 Temperature (2019) 54 49.3 53.2 56.8 55.7 62 61.7 64.2 64.7 61.5 56.4 52.4 Precipitation (Avg) 5.08 4.95 3.53 1.63 0.84 0.19 0.05 0.12 0.28 1.27 3.04 5.07 Precipitation (2019) 5.41 9.82 5.17 0.78 2.49 0 0.05 0.07 0.18 0.02 1.33 5.55 0 2
4 6
8 10
12 0
10 20
30 40
50 60
70 Average Precipitation (Inches)
Average Temperature (Farenheit)
Temperature (Avg) Temperature (2019) Precipitation (Avg) Precipitation (2019)

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4.9.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
Federal Clean Water Act
The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972, is the primary federal law that regulates and restores the quality of the nation’s surface waters. Several provisions, including Sections 303(c)(2)(B), 303(d), 401, 402(p), 404, and the Toxics Rule specifically protect water quality. Under the CWA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards and effluent limitations and delegates many regulatory responsibilities to the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB, or State Water Board). The CWA established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to regulate all discharges into the nation’s waters
Section 303(d) of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act requires states develop and submit to U.S. EPA for approval a list of all water bodies that do not meet water quality standards, establish priority rankings for waters on the list, and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or an action plan to improve water quality. States are required to submit this list every two years to the EPA.

Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the EPA in coordination with the states, is the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water. Under the SDWA, the EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The Department of Public Health ad ministers the regulations contained in the SDWA in the State of California.

REGIONAL
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, 1969
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act establishes the SWRCB and each RWQCB as the principal state agencies for coordinating and controlling water quality in California. Specifically, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authorizes the SWRCB to adopt, review, and revise policies for all waters of the state (including both surface and groundwaters) and directs the RWQCBs to develop regional Basin Plans.

State Water Resources Control Board
The SWRCB was established through the California Porter Cologne Water Quality Act of 1969 and has the responsibility to protect water quality. The SWRCB sets statewide policies and regul ations for the implementation of water quality control programs mandated by federal and state water quality statutes and regulations. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB, or State Water Board) and the nine regional boards protect water quality and allocate surface water rights in the State of California. The Town of Colma is under jurisdiction of RWQCB Region 2 (San Francisco Bay Region).

State Department of Water Resources
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for the management and regulation of water usage, including the delivery of water to two-thirds of California’s population through the nation’s largest state-built water development and conveyance system, the State Water Project. Working with other agencies and the public, DWR develops strategic goals, and near-term and long-term actions, to conserve, manage, develop, and sustain California's watersheds, water resources, and management systems. DWR

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also works to prevent and respond to floods, droughts, and catastrophic events that would threaten public safety, water resources and management systems, the environment, and property.

Streambed Alteration Agreement
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulates streambed alterations in accordance with the California Fish and Game Code 1601–1616: Streambed Alterations. Whenever a project proposes to alter a streambed, channel, or bank, an agreement with CDFW is required. The agreement is a legally binding document that describes measures agreed to by both parties to reduce risks to fish and wildlife in the stream system during the project. This is a separate process from CEQA approval but is usually coordinated with CEQA compliance. Agreements typically have fewer procedural and legal requirements than CEQA in order to work with small-scale projects that are important to fish. Timeframes for agreements are 30 days for CDFW to determine the completeness of an application and an additional 60 days to provide a draft agreement to the applicant.

Regional Water Quality Control Board Region 2
RWQCB Region 2 (San Francisco Bay Region) regulates stormwater quality under authorities of the Federal Clean Water Act and California’s Porter -Cologne Water Quality Control Act. The RWQCB issues NPDES permits to dischargers of municipal and industrial stormwater runoff and operators of large construction sites. In coordination with permittees of the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, including Colma, RWQCB staff performs an annual performance review and eval uation of the County’s stormwater management program and NPDES compliance activities. The San Francisco Bay Water Board also protects groundwater through implementation of its regulatory and planning programs.

San Francisco Bay Region NPDES Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit The San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP), Order No. R2-2015-0049, issues the Waste Discharge Requirements and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) of 7 6 municipalities and local agencies in five Bay Area counties, including the town of Colma. The town is obligated to follow the mandates of the MRP to contro l stormwater discharge within the t own limits.

Provisions of this requirement require onsite treatment of stormwater, discharges by businesses, trash capture devices in the storm drain system and more.

LOCAL
Town of Colma Municipal Code – Chapter 3.10
The Town of Colma Municipal Code Chapter 3.10 provides the legal mechanism to implement regulations of the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit and any discharges . It states that the purpose of the ordinance is to eliminate non -stormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer and reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable. This ordinance is a mechanism to control non-stormwater discharges into the municipal separate storm sewer such as spills and dumping.

Town of Colma Municipal Code – Chapter 5.07
Town of Colma Municipal Code Chapter 5.07 is the Town’s Grading and Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide safe grading operations, preserve and enhance the natural environment, control erosion and sedimentation, reduce flood risk, and reduce the impacts on habitats riparian habitats and stream capacity. The ordinance requires that development projects provide plans for grading projects as well as measures for erosion control and sediment control.

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Town of Colma Municipal Code – Chapter 5.11
In addition, Chapter 5.11 includes provisions for water efficient landscapes and encourage stormwater management best practices. It states that the purpose of the ordinance is to promote the values and benefits of landscapes while supporting landscape prac tices that integrate the efficient use of water and establish provisions for water management practices and water waste prevention for existing landscapes . This ordinance is applicable to new development projects equal to or greater than 500 square feet wh ere a building permit or design review is required and rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet where a building permit or design review is required.

Green Infrastructure Plan
The town of Colma developed a Green Infrastructure (GI) Plan in 2019 is a requirement of the NPDES MRP, issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) on November 19, 2015.

The GI Plan describes how the town will, over time, transition its existing “gray” (i.e., traditional) infrastructure to “green” infrastructure. This do cument provides guidance to meet stormwater pollutant load reduction goals and creates a process for prioritizing the integration of GI into Capital Improvement Program projects.

4.9.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Hydrology impacts considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality.
• Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. • Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river through the addition of impervious surfaces which would result in:
a. Substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site;
b. Substantial increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on-or off-site;
c. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems; or
d. Provide substantial additional source of polluted runoff, or impede or redirect flood flows. • Result in flood hazard, tsunami, seiche zones, or risk release of pollutants due to project inundation. • Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.

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METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential hydrology impacts of the proposed Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Update was based primarily on information gathered from FEMA, San Mateo County, Regional Water Quality Control Board, NOAA, CGS, PRISM Climate Group, and Cal Water. Implementation of the GPU was compared to the existing and proposed conditions and development/redevelopment potential. to determine the impacts to hydrology and water quality.

Future development or redevelopment activities in the Planning Area has the potential to result in impacts to water quality, hydrology, flooding, or other inundation hazards. Compliance with the San Mateo County Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SMCWPPP) would ensure future development projects adhere to established water quality standards and stormwater runoff during construction and operation activities in the town.

The 2040 GPU policies are designed to mitigate or avoid impacts on the hydrologic environment resulting from implementation of the 2040 General Plan Update. As appropriate. each impact discussion includes a determination as to the impacts after implementation of the updated General Plan policies.

IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Impact 4.9.1 Implementation of the proposed 2040 General Plan Update would not violate any water quality standards during construction and operation of future development or otherwise substantially degrading surface water quality (Less than Significant).

While the town of Colma is limited in its land area for future development, future development is anticipated to utilize infill sites at higher densities and uses for both residential and commercial projects.

The 2040 GPU proposes updates to the town’s exi sting planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. In addition, the proposed GPU introduces opportunity sites and new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Plan ning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Any future construction and operation of the proposed new development that would be allowed under the town’s proposed General Plan Update, would likely increase impervious surfaces, local water runoff and increase water pollutant levels by introducing constituents into the exiting stormwater system. Such constituents may include, but are not limited to, pesticides, fertilizers hydrocarbons and heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper). However, best management practices (BMPs), stabilization measures, and Low Impact Development (LID) practices can be utilized to minimize this effect on water quality. In addition, groundwater could be encountered during certain types of con struction activities. This may result in the need for dewatering, or the removal of non -stormwater, such as groundwater encountered during a site excavation or construction. Though such water is typically considered to be relatively pollutant -free, it would likely contain sediments; the discharge of such sediments and the release of pollutants downstream waters or the underlying groundwater aquifer could violate water quality standards.

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The Clean Water Act and California State Water Resources Control Board require any development, infrastructure, redevelopment, or improvement project over one acre in size, to be approved for a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), a General Permit particularly during construction activities, as well as implementation of BMPs and methods to prevent erosion and tracking would be required. Also, the town is obligated to follow the mandates of the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) to control stormwater discharge within the town limits. Provisions of the MRP require onsite treatment of stormwater, discharges by businesses, trash capture devices in the storm drain system and more. Furthermore, the proposed policies in the General Plan Update would help mitigate the impacts to surface water quality.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address surface water quality standards Policy OSC-4-1: Comply with Water Quality Regulations. Continue to comply with all State and federal regulations for water quality.

Policy OSC-4-2: Participation in the San Mateo County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP). Continue to be an active member agency of the SMCWPPP to reduce pollution from being conveyed through the storm water system to the San Francisco Bay.

Policy OSC-4.-9: Water Quality and Conservation Public Information. Continue to support and coordinate with the Countywide Stormwater Program, Cal Water, and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) on their public outreach and education campaigns to conserve and maintain water quality.

Policy LU-2-4: Low Impact Development. Regulate new development and construction to minimize pollutant and sediment concentrations in receiving waters and ensure that surface water meets or exceeds applicable regulatory water quality standards. Require new development to incorporate Low Impact Development features that treat and reduce surface runoff volumes.

Implementation of the policies described above would reduce the environmental impacts assoc iated surface water quality to less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

Impact 4.9.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such th at the project may impede sustainable groundwater management (Less than Significant).

The implementation of the town of Colma’s 2040 proposed General Plan Update would increase the potential redevelopment of infill sites. As mentioned previously, the 2040 GPU proposes updates to the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. The planning areas introduce opportunity sites and new land uses such a medium density residential land use tha t is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residen tial units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of

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commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Such future development/redevelopment activities could result in stormwater runoff and affect existing groundwater resources, especially since the town is located above a ground water aquifer associated with local geology. Polluted runoff may include heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, fertilizers, pesticides, among others, all of which could potentially contaminate groundwater resources if not properly treated with water quality controls. Further, the Planning Area is located in the San Mateo Subbasin of the San Francisco Bay Hydrologic Region, and the groundwater in this basin is not considered to be a good source of municipal or irrigation water use due to the high content of chloride, sulfate, metals, pesticides, or even arsenic. Since the 2040 GPU would allow for additional development of residential, commercial and office uses, this could result in increased demand for water even this increase would not impact local groundwater supplies. The town of Colma is serviced by Cal Water’s South San Francisco District, which provides water from a combination of groundwater as well as purchased water sources and has adequate resources to meet the present needs and foreseeable growth of the town. On both developed and undeveloped si tes, compliance with the MRP requires that projects to include stormwater treatment measures that would allow for the treatment and retention of surface runoff. This improves water quality and allows for ground water recharge opportunities on developed sites and mitigates the impact of future development and redevelopment activities. The majority of the town’s groundwater usage comes from the irrigation of cemetery lands. The development of cemetery structures such as a mausoleum may reduce the ground water use by reducing the need to irrigate. In addition, Colma Municipal Code Chapter 5.11 requires that new development projects that affect 500 square feet or more and landscape modification projects that affect 2,500 square feet or more, including cemetery lands, improve water use efficiency by planting less water intensive species of vegetation and increasing efficiency in irrigation.

Also, statewide NPDES permits are required for construction runoff and dewatering and other releases to surface water as well as the LID techniques required by Policy LU-2-4, would protect groundwater quality under future development and redevelopment activities in the town of Colma. The policies discussed below would further minimize any potential impact from the proposed 204 GPU.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address groundwater supplies and groundwater recharge:

Policy OSC-4-1: Comply with Water Quality Regulations. Continue to comply with all State and federal regulations for water quality.

Policy OSC-4-3: Reclaimed Water. Pursue opportunities to install water recycling infrastructure for Town-owned and cemetery landscape areas.

Policy OSC-4-4: Use of Drought Tolerant and Native Plants. Encourage the use of drought tolerant and native plants in landscaping plans.

Policy OSC-4-5: Green Infrastructure. Incorporate green infrastructure, which relies on natural processes for stormwater treatment/drainage, groundwater recharge and flood control, into street and rights-of-way wherever practicable, including curb cuts, flow-through planters and bioswales that slow stormwater runoff by dispersing it to vegetated areas, harvesting and use of runoff, and promote infiltration and use of bioretention to clean stormwater runoff.

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Policy LU-2-6: Green Infrastructure. Encourage green infrastructure installations that rely on natural processes for stormwater treatment/drainage, groundwater recharge and flood control.

Policy LU-2-7: Public Green Infrastructure. Incorporate green infrastructure into street and rights-of-way wherever practicable, including curb cuts, flow-through planters and bioswales that slow stormwater runoff by dispersing it to vegetated areas, harvesting and use of runoff, and promote infiltration and use of bioretention to clean stormwater runoff.

Implementation of the policies described above would reduce the environmental impacts associated with groundwater and groundwater quality to less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

Impact 4.9.3 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces and alter drainage conditions in town, which could result in increased erosion, on -or-off- site siltation, surface, and polluted runoff, or affect existing or planned stormwater drainage systems (Less than Significant).

The town of Colma has limited vacant parcels and new development under the 2040 General Plan Update would primarily come from redevelopment of infill sites with higher intensities, with some new development area around the center of the town. Since th e 204 0 GPU proposes updates to the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council, the GPU also introduces opportunity site and new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an ad ditional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Any of this new construction though has the potential to increase impervious surfaces and alter existing drainage patterns within the town thereb y increasing the risk of flooding. New development or redevelopment projects under the 2040 GPU also has the potential to increase flow rates and volumes of runoff by, for example configuring to add in bike lanes, new structures, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces, among others, and by providing improved facilities for drainage conveyance. When land is in a natural or undeveloped condition (including the town’s cemetery areas), soils, mulch, vegetation, and plant roots have the potential to absorb rainwater. This, in turn, could infiltrate into the soil and be stored either temporarily or permanently on the surface or in underground soil layers, may even flow over the surface of the land to low lying areas, ditches, channels, streams, and rivers as stormwater runoff. Grading, construction, and general development of a site with urban and infill uses has the potential to alter infiltration and runoff processes by introducing impervious uses that absorb less rainfall and moisture. However, the constru ction of underground storm drain, as needed, and as part of future development projects in the town could provide for efficient conveyance of runoff to downstream locations of discharge. As new impervious surfaces are added to areas, and as surface and und erground drainage conveyance becomes more efficient and more concentrated, the natural infiltration and storage processes are reduced. This in turn could result in increasing the frequency, volume and flow rate of stormwater

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.9-12 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

runoff, increased downstream flooding and/or erosion/sedimentation processes, even outside the town of Colma boundaries.

However, the town also has to comply with the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollutions Prevention Program which addresses issues related to stormwater pollution, which may include, but is not limited to flooding, sedimentation reduction, erosion, and water quality. New development or even redevelopment activities under the 2040 GPU may involve land clearing, grading. Ground disturbance activities that have the potential t o temporarily increase soil erosion rates or affect exiting water quality in a project construction area. On both developed and undeveloped sites, compliance with the MRP requires that projects that alter more than 5,000 square feet of land area are requir ed to include stormwater treatment measures that would allow for the treatment and retention of surface runoff. This would improve water quality and allow for ground water recharge opportunities on redeveloped sites and mitigate the impact of development on vacant sites. The stormwater treatment measures would also slow surface runoff before it enters the storm drain system, reducing the load.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies that address stormwater and drainage:

Policy OSC-4-6: Stormwater Runoff. Require large-scale projects (over 0.5 acres) to channel surface and roof runoff to on-site detention facilities to facilitate groundwater recharge, reduce stormwater pollution, and mitigate flooding of Colma Creek.

Policy OSC-4-8: Colma Creek Enhancements. Enhance Colma Creek where possible by concrete channel removal, adding landscaping, public pathways, and sitting areas.

Policy CS-3-2: Maintain Drainage Facilities. Maintain drainage facilities to accommodate the flow capacity of Colma Creek through Colma to accommodate the storm water runoff from a 100-year storm.

Policy CS-3-4: Stormwater Detention. Require new developments over one half acre in size to construct on-site storm water detention facilities which contribute runoff to Colma Creek in order to store the difference in runoff between the 10-year pre- development storm (original natural state) and the 100-year post-development storm. Any stormwater release should be at the 10-year predevelopment rate.

Policy LU-2-5: Green Infrastructure Plan. Implement a Green Infrastructure Plan to ensure compliance with the Municipal Regional Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.

Implementation of the General Plan U pdate policies LU -2-6, LU-2-7, OSC-4-5 and the policies described above manage stormwater runoff and provides opportunities for storm water retention and treatment.

With the General Plan Update policies, the impacts associated with the increase of impervious surfaces and the alteration of drainage patterns would be reduced to less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

Impact 4.9.4 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not increase the risk of tsunami or seiche zones (No Impact).

The town is located on the San Francisco Peninsula, between San Bruno Mountains and the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. Though the town of Colma is geographically a part of the San Francisco Bay Area the town’s geographic location puts it appro ximately 1.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the west and approximately 2.5 miles from the San Francisco Bay to the east. Further, the town of Colma is

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landlocked by the cities of San Francisco to the north, Daly City to west, and South San Francisco to th e south. Tsunamis and seiches have not been of historic flooding concern for this area and the implementation of the 2040 General Update will not increase this risk for future development projects.

There will be no impact and no further mitigation is required.

Impact 4.9.5 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan (Less than Significant).

The Planning Area falls within the jurisdiction of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2 (RWQCB) . The Bay area’s RWQCB overall mission is to protect area’s overall surface water and groundwater quality.

As discussed under Impact 4.9.1 – 4.9.3, the town’s 2040 GPU does propose additional development in the town over the next 20 years. However, this Program level EIR ( PEIR) does not evaluate specific development projects and related impacts to surface water and groun dwater, future development and redevelopment activities would have to comply with all construction related General Permit and BMPs.

Erosion control, site runoff activities, potential soil and groundwater contamination would have to also comply with existing water quality control plan and groundwater management plan.

Implementation of the policies described above would reduce the environmental impacts associated with groundwater management to less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

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REFERENCES
Documents
California Regional Water Quality Control Bo ard, San Francisco Bay Region 2015 Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit Order No. R2-2015-0049, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 South San Francisco District, California Water Service 2015 Urban Water Management Plan Town of Colma. 2020. Town of Colma Existing Conditions Report Town of Colma. 2019. Green Infrastructure Plan
Town of Colma. 2019. Town of Colma Municipal Code.

Town of Colma. 1999. Town of Colma General Plan
Websites
Federal Emergency Map Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center (MSC) Accessed March 9, 2020 PRISM Climate Group, PRISM Climate Data. http://prism.oregonstate.edu/ Accessed March 9, 2020

REFERENCES
Documents
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region 2015 Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit Order No. R2-2015-0049, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 California Water Service. 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, South San Francisco District Town of Colma. 2020. Town of Colma Existing Conditions Report Town of Colma. 2019. Green Infrastructure Plan
Town of Colma. 2019. Town of Colma Municipal Code.

Town of Colma. 1999. Town of Colma General Plan
Websites
California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/All- Programs/Division-of-Safety-of-Dams. Accessed March 23, 2021.

California Water Boards, San Francisco Bay.
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/basin_planning.html. Accessed March 23, 2021.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What is a seiche? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche.html. Accessed March 23, 2021 Federal Emergency Map Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center (MSC) https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home Accessed March 9, 2020
PRISM Climate Group, PRISM Climate Data. http://prism.oregonstate.edu/ Accessed March 9, 2020 State of California, 2021, Tsunami Hazard Area Map, San Mateo County; produced by the California Geological Survey, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and AECOM; dated 2021, mapped at multiple scales. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/ts_evacuation/ Accessed March 23, 2021.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.10-1 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal. Pub. Resources Code Sections §21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., Section §15000, et seq.), this Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing land use conditions in the proposed Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Update. This section also addresses the GPU’s consistency with relevant planning documents and policies.

4.10.1 EXISTING SETTING

REGIONAL
The town of Colma (Town; town) is a small, incorporated town in San Mateo County near the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area . The San Francisco International Airport is seven miles to the southeast, and downtown city of San Francisco is 12 miles to the northeast. The to the west, the Pacific Ocean is approximately 1.5 miles away and the San Francisco Bay is approximately 2.5 miles to the east.

San, Mateo County
San Mateo County ( county) is in the middle of a continuous urban area stretching from San Jose (Santa Clara County) in the south to San Francisco County in the north. San Mateo County is one of nine counties which significantly contribute to the economy of the San Francisco Bay Area.

LOCAL
Town of Colma
The town is bordered by the city of Daly City to the north, the I- 280 Freeway to the west, city of South San Francisco to the south, and San Bruno Mountain to the east. The town of Colma is generally bisected by the El Camino Real, or State Route 82 (SR 82) runs north and south through the middle of town and Serramonte Boulevard generally runs east and west through the town . Bay Area Rapid Transit ( BART) runs underground and roughly parallel to the El Camino Real corridor, with a BART station just to the north of town (town of Colma station, located in unincorporated San Mateo County) and to the south (city of South San Francisco station). The town limits encompass 1.91 square miles, or 1,225 acres, in size.

Existing Land Uses
The town of Colma’s Planning Area is characterized by a range of existing land uses and are depicted below in Figure 4.10 -1: Existing Land Use and summarized in Table 4.10.1: Existing Land Use below. A comprehensive analysis of existing land use is necessary to take stock of the Planning Area’s existing assets, determine the development capacity of underutilized sites throughout the buildout of the General Plan, and plan for future urban growth.

Open space/cemeteries dominate the town’s land use, and spread abundantly throughout, with approximately 75 percent (922 acres) of the total land area used or dedicated for future use as cemetery or cemetery related uses such as chapels, monument sales, flower sales and mortuaries. Agricultural uses are also allowed within this land use designation.

Most of the town’s residential uses are clustered in the Sterling Park neighborhood , with a small number of single-family homes located on Hillside Boulevard, by the southern city limit. In addition, the town has a few multifamily developments at the end of Hoffman Avenue and along Mission Road, including the 63- unit Verano and 66-unit Veteran’s Village. Public uses (Town Hall and the Police Station) are concentrated at the intersection of Serramonte Boulevard and El Camino Real.

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Commercial areas make up about 14 percent (16 9 acres) of the total land use in the town of Colma.

Commercial uses are dominated by two development types: automobile dealers along Serramont e Boulevard, which has grown into the most significant cluster of automobile dealers in the county; and two highly successful regionally oriented retail centers with establishments including Target and Home Depot, called 280 Metro Center and Serra Shopping Center. These regional retail centers are clustered around Junipero Serra and Colma boulevards. The Collins Avenue corridor is lined with auto-oriented commercial and light industrial/warehouse uses. The only commercial recreation use, and the only signif icant commercial use along Hillside Boulevard outside of the Sterling Park neighborhood, is the Lucky Chances cardroom.

Mission Road, which begins in the southern portion of the town and intersects El Camino Real, includes a wide range of uses. Outside of the aforementioned multifamily developments, other uses include a mix of cemetery uses, auto service uses, light industrial uses, and office uses.

El Camino Real is one of the most significant travel corridors in the county. However, development along this corridor is limited in the town as it is largely fronted by cemeteries or land dedicated for cemetery uses.

Smaller neighborhood-serving commercial uses occur on the east side of El Camino Real between A Street in Daly City and F Street in Colma. Minor commercial uses such as flower and monument shops, a medical office and public uses, including the town hall and police station, are located on El Camino Real between Colma Boulevard and Serramonte Boulevard. Between Serramonte Boulevard and the El Camino Real intersection with Mission Road is a mixture of offices, a bank, commercial uses, cemetery related uses and several vacant sites.

Less than one percent of the land (2.8 acres) in the town of Colma is vacant. Vacant parcels are spread throughout the town and include two housing sites near the town’s BART station. In addition to vacant land, the town has reviewed properties which may have redevelopment potential.

Table 4.10-1: Existing Land Use
Land Use Acreage Percent of Total
Cemetery 922.13 75.27%
Commercial 169.47 13.83%
Executive Administrative 14.64 1.20%
Public 8.56 0.70%
Residential 20.1 1.64%
Roadway 90.2 7.36%
Total 1225.1 100.00%
1 Includes Industrial Uses
2 Includes Town-owned Parks and Open Space
Source: Town of Colma Planning Department GIS Analysis – March 2021

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Proposed Land Uses
Generally, the town’s land use designations remain the same. The proposed GPU includes a new Medium Density Residential Land Use Designation, and the proposed Land Use Map is updated to reflect where these uses are. In addition, minor changes are made throughout the town, to correct inconsistencies in the land use map. For example, residential properties in Sterling Park with a commercial land use designation were revised to show low density residential. Table 4.10.2: Proposed Land Use below summarizes the town’s proposed land use designations and Figure 4.10-2: Proposed Land Use below depicts the updated land use map.

A commercial overlay has also been added over specific areas with a cemetery land use designation along Hillside Boulevard and El Camino Real. These areas are reserved for cemetery use but are curren tly not utilized as cemetery. The commercial overlay allows for the temporary development of commercial uses to efficiently utilize the limited land area within the town.

Table 4.10-2: Proposed Land Use
Land Use Acreage Percent of Total
Cemetery 922.13 75.27%
Commercial 162.47 13.26%
Executive Administrative 12.91 1.05%
Public/Quasi Public/Utility 8.6 0.70%
Residential Low Density 19.36 1.58%
Residential Medium Density 9.43 0.77%
Roadways 90.2 7.36%
Total 1225.1 100.00%
1 Includes Industrial Uses
2 Includes Town-owned Parks and Open Space
Source: Town of Colma Planning Department GIS Analysis – March 2021 The proposed GPU also includes opportunity sites or sites that are underdeveloped, underutilized and sites with non-conforming uses. These sites were identified in a 2014 Urban Design Study that evaluated the development potential of existing sites and considered form -based planning concepts. Sites that were evaluated include density and height limits that exceed what is allowed but is appropriate for the site due to site specific features such as an underground creek and existing structures, surrounding uses and design, and topography. In addition, to e nsure that developers provide benefits to the town in exchange for developing denser projects, developments that exceed established proposed General Plan FAR is required to provide public improvements or equivalent resources to improve the quality of life for the community.

Such improvements include affordable housing, pedestrian and bicycle amenities, publicly accessible parking facilities, public art, creek daylighting, public parks and open space.

Overall, the proposed GPU increases land use intensity by introducing the new Medium Density land use designation and allowing for opportunity sites. The buildout of the proposed GPU is project ed to add approximately 328 housing units and approximately 1,028,500 square feet of commercial and office land uses compared to existing conditions.

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Planning Areas
The 1999 General Plan identified nine (9) specific Planning Areas. This General Plan Update has reconfigured and condensed the Planning Areas into five (5) new Planning Areas based on location and character to clearly express the Town’s vision for 2040 and create a roadmap for the future development of these areas. Unlike the 1999 General Plan, each of the Planning Areas has its own separate goals and policies to guide land use and development decision making. The five Planning Areas are: Commercial Core, E l Camino Real Corridor, Hillside Boulevard, Mission Road, and Sterling Park.

4.10.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
STATE
California Government Code
California Public Utility Code Section 21676, State Aeronautics Act The State Aeronautics Act requires that each local agency whose general plan includes areas covered by an airport land use compatibility plan (ALUC) must submit a copy of its General Plan to the airport land use commission. Airport influence area boundaries:
…define areas where height, noise, ov erflight and safety standards, policies, and criteria are applied to certain proposed land use policy actions. Comprehensive planning in these areas, reflected in land use policies, standards, and criteria, is designed to minimize the exposure of the public to noise and safety hazards, to provide for safer aircraft operations, to help protect the airport from encroachment by incompatible land development, and to ensure notification of prospective buyers of real estate of the presence of the Airport and aircraft overflights… According to the comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the environs of San Francisco International Airport), the Town of Colma is within the Boundary for Airport Influence Area B. Within Airport Influence Area B, the ALUC shall exercise its statutory duties to review proposed land use policy actions, including new general plans, specific plans, zoning ordinances, plan amendments and rezoning, and land development proposals.

California Government Code Sections 65919 to 65919.11
California Government Code Sections 65919 to 65919.11 summarizes procedures related to interagency referrals for different types of lead agency actions, including general plan updates. Among other referrals, this part of the Government Code provides a procedure and protocols for requesting counties keep cities informed regarding land use actions within the unincorporated portions of spheres of influences and planning areas.

California Government Code Section 65300
California Government Code Section 65300 et seq. requires each California municipality to prepare a general plan. A general plan is defined as “a comprehensive, long -term general plan for the physical development of the county or city, and an y land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency's judgment bears relation to its planning.” State requirements call for general plans that “comprise an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the adopting agenc y.” While allowing considerable flexibility, State planning laws do establish some requirements for the issues that general plans must address. The California Government Code establishes both the required content of general plans and rules for their adopti on and subsequent amendment. Together, State law and judicial decisions establish three overall guidelines for general plans:

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• The General Plan Must Be Comprehensive. This requirement has two aspects. First, the general plan must be geographically comprehe nsive. That is, it must apply throughout the entire incorporated area and it should include other areas that the city determines are relevant to its planning. Second, the general plan must address the full range of issues that affect the city's physical development.
• The General Plan Must Be Internally Consistent. This requirement means that the general plan must fully integrate its separate parts and relate them to each other without conflict. “Horizontal” consistency applies both to figures and diagrams as well as general plan text. It applies to data and analysis as well as policies. All adopted portions of the general plan, whether required by State law or not, have equal legal weight. None may supersede another, so the general plan must resolve conflicts among the provisions of each element.
• The General Plan Must Be Long-Range, typically 15 to 25 years. Because anticipated development will affect the city and the people who live or work there for years to come, State law requires every general plan to take a long-term perspective.

California Government Code Section 65301
California Government Code Section 65301 requires a General Plan to address the geographic territory of the local jurisdiction and any other territory outside its boundaries that bears relation to the planning of the jurisdiction. The jurisdiction may utilize judgment in determining what areas outside of its boundaries to include in the planning area. The State of California General Plan Guidelines state that the planning area for a city should include (at minimum) all land within the city limits and all land within the city’s sphere of influence. The town of Colma’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) is the same as the town boundary and does not include any portion of unincorporated San Mateo county.

California Government Code Section 65451
California Government Code Section 65451 regulates the substantive and topical requirements of specific plans. A specific plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the General Plan, similar to zoning regulations, and establishes a link between implementing policies of the General Plan and individual development proposals. A specific plan differs from zoning in that it applies to a defined geographic area and has tailored development regulations. A specific plan may be as general as setting forth broad policy concepts, or as detailed as providing direction on every facet of development, from the type, location, and intensity of uses to the design and capacity of infrastructure.

Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
Through its role as the Bay Area’s council of governments, ABAG has been designated by the State and federal governments as the official comprehensive planning agency for the Bay Area. ABAG reviews projects of regional significance for consistency with regional plans.

Plan Bay Area
The Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) is an association of local governments, part regional planning agency and part local government service provider, in the nine -county Bay Area region.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) provides transportation planning, funding, and coordinating for the entire nine-county region. ABAG and MTC, now with a single/consolidated staff, must update its regional transportation plan (RTP) every four years. California adopted Senate Bill (SB) 375, which requires councils of governments to adopt a SCS as pa rt of the RTP. ABAG and MTC continue to share joint responsibility for Plan Bay Area, serving both the ABAG Executive Board and the MTC

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Commission. The Final Plan Bay Area 2040, which includes the current RTP and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), was adopted on July 26, 2017.

Plan Bay Area 2040 addresses existing and future needs in the region, and identifies goals and strategies for proposed growth pattern and transportation investments, and key actions to address ongoing and long- term regional challenges. The Plan discusses how the Bay Area will grow over the next two decades and identifies transportation and land use strategies to enable a more sustainable, equitable and economically vibrant future. While the City may strive to achieve this regional vision, the RTP/SCS is not mandatory and cannot regulate local land use decisions for the local jurisdictions in the Bay Area region, instead relying on voluntary land use decisions by cities and counties. Plan Bay Area 2040 is the Bay Area’s roadmap for:
• Forecasting transportation needs through the year 2040 • Preserving the character of our diverse communities
• Adapting to the challenges of future population growth ABAG and MTC are currently working on an update to the Plan Bay Area 2050, which is anticipated to be adopted by 2021. Plan Bay Area 2050 will outline a roadmap for the Bay Area’s future. While it will pinpoint policies and investments necessary to advance the goal of a more affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant Bay Area.

LOCAL
San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Government Code Sections 56425 and 56430
The LAFCo is a countywide commission, required in each California county, and are independent regulatory commissions created to control the boundaries of citi es and most special districts. San Mateo LAFCo is responsible for spheres of influence updates, annexation decisions, the consolidation or reorganization of special districts, and formation of new agencies. LAFCos are restricted to making indirect land use decisions primarily to approve or deny logical and timely boundary changes in local governmental boundaries. LAFCos are also responsible for conducting periodic municipal service reviews for the City.

San Mateo County Zoning Regulations
San Mateo county published its first Zoning Ordinance in 1933, and the Zoning Regulations were last updated in December 2015. Until such time as the unincorporated area the area in the town of Colma’s Sphere of Influenc e) is annexed, this area is subject to the San Mateo County General Plan and Zoning Regulations. The Regulations specifies land uses, densities, and intensities for various zoning districts, each with its own chapter.

San Mateo County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
This document represents the state-mandated comprehensive airport land use compatibility plan (ALUCP) for the environs of San Francisco International Airport (SFO or the Airport). SFO, the largest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, is directly to the west and south of the town of Colma. This ALUCP was prepared and adopted in November 2012 by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) in its designated role as the Airport Land Use Commission for San Mateo County. This document provides land use requirements and recommendations and other information relevant to development near SFO. The intent of the plan is to ensure that development in the areas surrounding SFO is compatible with airport activities. Measures inc lude limits on the height of structures in the path of the runways and

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restrictions on certain types of uses in the vicinity of the airport. In accordance with California State Law, the town of Colma must update the General Plan, specific plans, and land use regulations to be consistent with the ALUCP.
1999 General Plan – Goals and Policies.

The Town adopted the existing general plan in 1999. It includes a Land Use element, Circulation element, Op Space and Conservation element, Housing Element Noise Element, Safety Element, and Historical Resources Element, all of which provided a vision to guide town development. The Town’s 1999 General Plan also includes a land use map and policies to guide how development should occur in the future.

Town of Colma Zoning Ordinances.

The Town of Colma Planning, Zoning, Use and Development of Land and Improvements (Municipal Code Chapter 5, respectively) are the primary tools used to regulate development. They establish how properties can be used, developed, and subdivided, and they set forth permitting processes for discretionary project review. The zoning ordinance is adopted to promote and protect the publi c health, safety, peace, morals, comfort and general welfare. It consists of the establishment of various zones, including therein all the territory within the boundaries of said city, within some of which zones it shall be lawful and within some of which zones it shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, enlarge, move, or maintain certain buildings or to use certain lands or buildings, and it further consists of appropriate regulations to be enforced in such zones.

Colma BART Station Area Plan (CBSAP)
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted the CBSAP in September 1994. The plan influences land uses and developments at properties by the town of Colma BART Station, some of which are located in the City. The overarching goal of the Plan is to encourage investment and new development within the area through clearly established public policies. The Area Plan contains five goals:

1. Reflect BART Station Area Specific Plan

2. Create an Attractive Neighborhood

3. Introduce Uses and Improvements Compatible with BART Station

4. Respect and Maintain Key Existing Uses

5. Respect Design of Surrounding Communities
Colma Priority Development Area – Plan Bay Area
The are a around the El Camino Real corridor, stretching from the northern boundary and southern boundary of the town of Colma is designated as a Priority Development Area (PDA) within the Plan Bay Area. The Colma PDA is forecasted to accommodate a 75 percent increase in the number of housing units and 40 percent increase in jobs from 2010 to 2040.

Town of Colma Land Use and Urban Design Study
The town of Colma has identified sites which may be underutilized and analyzed these sites for potential development opportunities within a recent “Land Use and Urban Design Study” (Study) conducted in 2014. The Study presents a guiding framework for the Land Use Element and is intended to inform and be integrated into the General Plan Update. The material in the study “…offe rs a comprehensive land use structure as well as an overall streetscape framework. It also provides illustrations of buildout scenarios possible under the land use strategy....” The study also envisions a new Town Center on the southwest

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corner of El Camino Real and Serramonte Boulevard and designates 36 feet to 110 feet high height limits in that area.

Figure 4.10-3: Land Use Strategy

Source: Town of Colma Land Use and Urban Design Strategy The Serramonte Boulevard and Collins Avenue Master Plan The Master Plan outlines a vision for the town of Colma’s key commercial area and provides guidance for strategic improvements to circulation, streetscape, infrastructure, and aesthetics to improve the overall design and function of the business community. One of the key objectives of the Master Plan is to incorporate land use and urban design elements that sustain and enhance the function and unique identity of Serramonte Boulevard and Collins Avenue. To accomplish the objective, new design standards were included which increase the height limit throughout the Plan Area. On Serramonte Boulevard, buildings would be allowed to step up, increasing the height limit from 48 feet to 72 feet high after the first 200 feet, measured from the sidewalk. The Master Plan also provides guidance on building form and articulation, wayfinding signage, access and transportation, economic development and sustainability.

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4.10.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Standards of Significance
Following PRC Sections 21083.2 and 21084.1, and Section 15064.5 and Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, Land Use and Planning impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Physically divide an established community?
• Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?

METHODOLOGY
This Program EIR analysis considered current and Proposed Project policies and goals, existing and proposed land use conditions within the Planning Area, and applic able regulations and guidelines. The impact analysis considers the full buildout under the proposed 2040 General Plan Update.

With much of the town currently “built out,” or developed, land available for development is limited and scattered throughout the town of Colma. Most of the development is anticipated to be the redevelopment of sites along El Camino Real including the town center and the commercial core, and the development of the vacant land located east of Hillside Boulevard in the south east corner of the town.

An evaluation of the potential land use impacts associated with the implementation of the proposed town’s 2040 General Plan Update was based on a review of planning documents, including the town’s regulations affecting planning and implementation of the proposed project, the town’s Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code, and other appropriate policy documents . The analysis contained he rein is based on buildout conditions for the General Plan Planning Area and does not assess impacts associated with the phasing of individual development projects or interim improvements, except when the timing of such projects creates reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts.

As discussed in detail in Section 1.0, Introduction, of this EIR, this document has been prepared as a Program EIR pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section §15168. Accordingly, this EIR will be used to evaluate subsequent projec ts and activities under the proposed General Plan Update. When subsequent individual project and activities under the General Plan are proposed, the town would need to evaluate whether their effects were adequately analyzed in this Program EIR. If the projects or activities would have no effects beyond those analyzed in this EIR, no further CEQA documentation would be required.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.10.1 The proposed General Plan Update would not physically divide an established community (Less than Significant).

The 2040 GPU proposes few changes that could potentially alter the future development proposed in the town. The proposed GPU updates the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of

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commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

The proposed General Plan Update for the town of Colma therefore establishes the town’s vision for future growth and development. The General Plan Update allows for the increase of land use intensity on specific sites in the El Camino Real Planning Area given that sufficient public benefits are provided in the redevelopment of the site. This has the potential to expand the existing community by Sterling Park and create a new community in the Town Center.

The type of project most likely to have the effect of physically dividing an established community would be a major new road, highway, or similar infrastructure, none of which are proposed as a part of the town’s 2040 GPU. The Planning Area currently includes a majority of cemetery uses and some residential, commercial office and public/semi-public uses, with very little space for either new development or infill redevelopment. Future development projects in the town would include the redevelopment of the town center, the commercial core and areas east of Hillside Boulevard and would not separate established communities or neighborhoods. Further, no new transportation corridors are being planned for under the 2040 GPU which could have the potential to divide established communities. Given that the proposed GPU will not divide an established community, the impact of proposed project, the 2040 Town of Colma General Plan is considered less than significant.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address compatible land uses and existing communities:

Policy LU-1-1: General Plan Land Use Diagram. Maintain and implement a Land Use Diagram for purposes of describing the types of allowed land uses by geographic location and the density and/or intensity of allowed uses within each designation.

Policy LU-1-2 Zoning Consistency. Ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Diagram (Figure LU-4).

Policy LU-6-1: New Incompatible Land Uses. The Town shall prohibit the introduction of new incompatible land uses and environmental hazards into existing residential areas.

Policy LU-10-1: Neighborhood and small scale commercial and service uses. Neighborhood and small scale and service uses are encouraged on the east side of El Camino Real from the BART bridge north.

Policy LU-10-2: El Camino Real Housing. Limit housing on El Camino Real to the Town Center site and existing sites by the BART station.

Policy LU-10-3: Mixed Use and Nonresidential Development. Limit parking, traffic, and other impacts of mixed -use and nonresidential developme nt on adjacent uses and promote high-quality architectural design and effective transportation options.

Implementation of the policies described above would further reduce any impacts to a less than significant regarding potential divisions to established communities. No mitigation measure are required.

Impact 4.10.2 The proposed General Plan Update would not conflict with an applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted to avoid or mitigate an environmental ef fect (Less thank Significant).

As mentioned under Impact 4.10.1 above, the 2040 GPU proposes few changes that could potentially alter the future development proposed in the town. The proposed GPU would allow for an additional 328 residential units, 992,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 35,000 square feet of office uses in the Sterling

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Park, Mission Road, Hillside Boulevard, Commercial Core Planning Area s as well as the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster sites.

As set forth by state law, the General Plan serves as the primary planning document for a jurisdiction and subordinate documents and plans should be updated to be consistent with any changes to a jurisdiction’s existing General Plan. Future development and infrastructure projects will be considered by the town, each project will be evaluated for conformance by the town’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other relevant plans and regulations.

The proposed 2040 General Plan Update revises many existing goals and policies and includes new goals, policies and actions to support the town’s vision for 2040. The policies and programs address many topics including sustainability, preservation of communities and historic resources and economic development.

The up date also reflects current codes, design guidelines, and master plans that have been initiated or adopted by the town since the last update. In addition, the 2040 GPU will update the town’s Land Use Map (see Figure 4.10-1) with more defined uses such separating the Residential land use designation to Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential, minor revisions to established goals and policies, as well as new goals and policies to encourage future mixed-use development/redevelopment projects. The updated General Plan would also reflect codes, design guidelines, master plans and other programs that have been initiated or adopted by the town since the last GPU. As needed, other regulations such as t he town’s existin g plans, programs, policies or other implementing tools, may need to be updated to effectively implement the 2040 GPU. The town’s Planning Department has primary responsibility for administering the laws, regulations and requirements that pertain to the physical development of the town of Colma. Amendments may also be needed from time to time to conform to State or federal law passed since adoption of the 2040 GPU.

The proposed Land Use Element has been prepared to be consistent with the other Elements of the GPU, and would therefore not conflict with other plans, policies or regulations adopted to mitigate any environmental effects. Any future projects would have to be analyzed for their particulate potential environmental impacts pursuant with CEQA. Therefore, the proposed 2040 GPU would have a less than significant impact with regard to conflicts with applicable land use plans, policies or regulations.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address the consistency with existing plans:

Policy LU-1-2 Zoning Consistency. Ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Diagram (Figure LU-4).

Policy LU-2-11: Climate Action Plan. Maintain a Climate Action Pla n and continue to partner with San Mateo County’s Regional Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) to prepare community-wide greenhouse gas inventories.

Policy LU- 5-1: Regional Cooperation. Participate with other cities in the county and across the region in working towards solutions to the issues of regional land use, housing, homelessness, and transportation planning through partnership with the

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Association of Bay Area Governments, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the San Mateo City/Count y Association of Governments (C/CAG).

Policy OSC-3-4: GHG Reduction. Implement the Climate Action Plan to achieve GHG reduction targets that are consistent with the State Scoping Plan, AB 32, and SB 32 and the Town’s goals.

Policy OSC-6-2: Tribal Consultation Compliance. Comply with SB 18,AB 52, and other applicable State and federal laws by consulting with local California Native American tribes prior to development decisions or General Plan or Specific Plan amendments.

Respect tribal polic ies regarding confidentiality of information about tribal resources or sacred sites.

Policy CS-3-1: Participate in Regional Adaptation Efforts. Coordinate with regional agencies, such as the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the Bay Area Regional Collaborative (BARC), in adaptation planning.

Policy CS-7-1: Hazard Mitigation Plan. Implement, maintain and update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which is part of the larger County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Policy CS-7-2: Emergency Management Plan. Continue to participate with San Mateo County’s mutual aid programs and plans for community emergency preparedness.

Policy CS-9-1: ALUC Plan. Require development within the Airport Influence Area B, designated in the Airport Land Use Compatibility (ALUC) Plan of the San Francisco International Airport, to comply with all applicable federal and State laws with respect to land use safety and airspace protection criteria.

Policy CS-9-2: Airport Land Use Commission Review. Require that all future land use actions and/or associated development conforms to the relevant height, aircraft noise, and safety policies and compatibility criteria contained in the most recently adopted version of the ALUC Plan for the environs of San Francisco International Airport.

Policy M-3-3: Regional Transportation Planning. Actively participate in and support regional transportation planning efforts.

Policy HR-1-1: General Plan Consistency. Ensure that future plans, ordinan ces, and City programs are complimentary to the historic preservation goals and policies contained within the Town’s Historic Resources Element.

Implementation of the policies described above would further reduce any impacts to a less than significant level and no mitigation measures would be required.

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REFERENCES
Documents
Town of Colma General Plan § (1999)
Town of Colma General Plan, General Plan Existing Conditions Report § (2020) Town of Colma Land Use and Urban Design Strategy § (2014) Websites
Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). https://ccag.ca.gov/wp- content/uploads/2014/10/Consolidated_CCAG_ALUCP_November-20121.pdf. Accessed on February 21, 2020.

Government Code Sections 56425 and 56430.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=56430.

Accessed on March 20, 2021.

California Government Code Sections 65919 to 65919.11.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=1.&title=7.&pa rt=&chapter=4.4.&article=. Accessed on March 20, 2021.

California Government Code Section 65300 to 65301.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=1.&chapter=3.&lawCode=GOV &title=7.&article=5. Accessed on March 20, 2021.

California Government Code Section 65451.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=65451.

Accessed March 20, 2021.

State Aeronatutics Act, California Public Utility Code Section 21676. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=9.&chapter=4.&part=1.&lawCo de=PUC&article=3.5. Accessed on March 20, 2021.

Plan Bay Area 2040. http://2040.planbayarea.org/about. Accessed on March 20, 2020.

The San Francisco Peninsula https://kids.kiddle.co/San_Francisco_Bay_Area. Accessed on March 18, 2020.

The Colma Land Use and Urban Design Study dated October 2014. https://www.colma.ca.gov/documents/land-use-urban-design-strategy. Accessed on March 20, 2020.

San Mateo County Zoning Regulations. https://planning.smcgov.org/zoning-regulations. Accessed on March 20, 2021.

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This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing noise impacts within the Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). This section also identifies the potential impacts of implementing the proposed project on such resources as well as the appropriate proposed General Plan policies that reduce the identified impacts.

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal. Pub. Resources Code §Sections §21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., Section §15000, et seq.), this Draft PEIR evaluates the General Plan Update’s (GPU) related impacts, general assumptions, and mitigation needs that can be identified in the analysis.

4.11.1 EXISTING SETTINGS

BACKGROUND AND TERMINOLOGY
Noise is typically defined as unwanted sound and has the potential of negatively affecting human health.

Noise in the community has often been cited as a health problem since it affects general well -being and contributes to undue stress and annoyance. At especially high noise levels, hearing loss can occur. Details about the fundamentals of sound and common noise descriptors, as well as further discussion regarding human response to noise and common noise sensitive receivers, are provided below.

Fundamentals of Sound
Sound is the energy (disturbance or vibration), that is transmitted in the form of waves through a medium, such as air or water. Sound waves are typically described in terms of in terms of intensity and frequency.

Sound intensity refers to the amount of energy in a sound wave and is quantified on a logarithmic “decibel” scale. Levels of sound intensity correspond to different degrees of loudness, where 0 dB generally corresponds with the threshold of human hearing and sound levels of 120 dB to 140 dB, or higher correspond to thresholds of pain. The frequency of sound is defined as the number of cycles per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). Humans are typically sensitive to sound levels between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, where the frequency of a sound wave corresponds to the perceived pitch.

Since human ears are not equally sensitive to all frequencies, noise measurements are therefore weighted to account for the ear’s frequency-dependent response to sound. The most common example of frequency- weighting is known as A -weighted decibel level (dBA; dB(a)), which is applied to most environmental noise measurements. Since sound levels are measured on a logarithmic scale, decibel addition is also based on a logarithmic scale. For example, a 65 dB sound source when added to another 65 dB source (a doubling of the sound pressure) does not result in 130 dB, but rather in a total incremental increase of 3 dB. In general, a change in sound level between 1 dB to 3 dB is barely noticeable to humans, where a cha nge of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling or halving of sound level.

Sound levels reduce with respect to distance at different rates, depending on the source type. In general, noise from sources such as stationary mechanical equipment and construction machinery (known as “point sources”) reduce between 6 dB to 7.5 dB per doubling of distance from the source. Noise from sources such as a busy highway (known as “line sources”) reduce between 3 dB to 4.5 dB per doubling of distance from the source. The presented ranges of attenuation depend on the type of ground surface between the noise source and the receiver. Highways and hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt typically have an attenuation rate of 6 dB for point sources and 3 dB for line sources, whereas softer surfaces, such as vegetated terrain, have an attenuat ion rate of 7.5 dB for point sources and 4.5 dB for line sources.

Atmospheric conditions as well as shielding affects (such as the existence of buildings or noise walls between source and receiver) could also affect noise levels from different positions.

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Noise Descriptors
The significance of environmental noise impacts on human beings depends on duration and time of day.

Various noise metrics are used to characterize different time-varying noise sources. Due to this variability, noise exposure should typically b e measured over a period of time to correctly describe a community’s noise environment. The following Table 4.11-1: Commonly Used Noise Descriptors provides definitions for the most commonly used noise descriptors.

Table 4.11-1: Commonly Used Noise Descriptors
Term Definition
Leq The equivalent continuous sound level which would contain the same sound energy as the time varying sound level.

Ldn
Also known as DNL. A descriptor established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to account for the increased sensitivity of people to noise during sleeping hours.

This metric represents a 24-hour average noise level with a 10 dB penalty applied to noise occurring during the nighttime hours (10 pm – 7 am).

CNEL
Similar to the Ldn metric, the CNEL metric accounts for the increased sensitivity of people to noise during the evening and nighttime hours. This metric represents a 24- hour average noise level with a 5 dB penalty applied to noise occurring during the evening hours (7 pm – 10 pm), and a 10 dB penalty applied to noise occurring during the nighttime hours (10 pm – 7 am).

Lmax The maximum instantaneous sound level recorded over a given measurement period Ln
The sound level in dBA exceeded for n percent of the measurement period. E.g., L1, L10, L50, L90. Note: L90 (the sound level exceeded for 90 percent of the measurement period) is considered indicative of the ambient noise environment because short-term, noisy events such as sirens are excluded.

SEL
The SEL is a composite metric that represents both the intensity of a sound and its duration. Individual time-varying noise events (e.g., aircraft overflights) have two main characteristics: a sound level that changes throughout the event and a period of time during which the event is heard. SEL provides a measure of the net impact of the entire acoustic event, but it does not directly represent the sound level heard at any given time.

Source: U.S Department of Transportation FHA
Human Response to Noise
When community noise interferes with human activities or contributes to stress, public annoyance with the noise source increases. The human response to environmental noise is subjective and varies considerably from individual to individual. In general, the effects of noise on humans can be classified as:
• Annoyance, which is very subjective and can range from person to person; • Interference with sleep, speech and learning;
• Potential hearing loss due to constant exposure to heavy industrial uses or high-volume transportation such as airports, train lines, or military bases; and,
• Physiological responses such as heightened heart rate, blood pressure, etc.

Due to the wide variations in an individual’s threshold of annoyance with various types of sound, there is no satisfactory way to measure the subjective effects of noise or the corresponding reactions of annoyance and dissatisfaction. A common way of predicting a human reaction to a new noise environment is the way it compares to the existing ambient noise level . In general, the more a new noise exceeds the previously

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existing ambient noise level, the less acceptable the new noise will be to those hearing it. With regard to increases in A-weighted noise level, the following relationships occur:
• Except in carefully controlled laboratory environments, a change of 1 dB cannot be perceived; • Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dB change is considered a just-perceivable difference; • A change in level of at least 5 dB is required before any noticeable change in human response would be expected; and,
• A 10 dB change is subjectively heard as approximately a doubling in loudness and can cause adverse response.

Noise Sensitive Receptors
Typical noise-sensitive land uses include those uses where particularly quiet environmen ts are necessary for the intended use of the space. Residential dwellings or other places where people sleep are considered especially sensitive to noise. Other noise sensitive land uses include schools, hospitals and nursing homes, churches, libraries, parks and outdoor recreation areas and other places where low interior noise levels are essential. The California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research provides General Plan Guidelines that define Normally Acceptable, Conditionally Acceptable, Normally Unacceptable, and Clearly Unacceptable noise environments for various land uses within a jurisdiction – see Figure 4.11-1: Noise- Land Use Compatibility Table.1
Noise Reduction Methods
Noise levels can be reduced through the use of barriers, enclosures or sound-damping materials. Use of noise reducing materials would depend on the source and type of noise, location of sensitive receptors, as well as other environmental conditions at a particular project site. When dealing with typical community noise sources, noise-reduction techniques typically focus on the isolation or shielding of the noise source from nearby noise-sensitive receptor, such as the use of buffers and barriers. Buildings, concrete walls, and heavy fencing can all act as effective noise b arriers. The use of equipment noise control devices such as mufflers or silencers could also reduce noise generated by mechanical equipment or construction machinery. Transportation noise sources may utilize techniques such as reduced speed limits, rubberi zed asphalt, prohibiting heavy trucks from accessing affected corridors at certain times of the day.

Ground Vibration
Earthquakes, landslides, as well as heavy construction equipment, such as pile drivers, pavement breakers, and construction trucks create seismic waves along the earth’s surface and into the ground. These are typically felt as ground vibrations. The effects of ground vibration range from rattling of windows and perceptible floor movements, to shaking of shelf items and rumbling sounds. Thou gh physical building damage is not usually a factor during construction projects, annoyance from vibration typically occurs when the vibration levels exceed the threshold of human hearing and perception.

1 General Plan Guidelines . (2017). Governor’s Office of Planning and Research . https://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/guidelines.html

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Figure 4.11-1: Noise-Land Use Compatibility Table

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EXISTING NOISE CONDITIONS IN THE PLANNING AREA
Noise Sensitive Land Uses
Noise sensitive land uses in the town of Colma primarily include single- and multi-family residential uses. Other notable noise sensitive receptors within the town of Colma include childcare centers, schools, and long-term health care facilities. Office and commercial receptors are also considered noise-sensitive receptors, but to a lesser extent compared to residential land uses.

Existing Setting Ambient Noise Measurements
Several sources of noise that could affect the town of Colma residents were identified within the Planning Area. These sources include noise generated from non -transportation sources (e.g., commercial and industrial uses) and vehicle traffic on area roadways and highways. Ambient noise measurements were conducted in six locations for the purpose of measuring and documenting the existing noise environment in various areas of the town.

Between October 2 and October 4, 2013, ambient noise measurements were conducted along major streets and thoroughfares throughout the town of Colma to quantify representative noise environments. During the measurements, weather conditions were typical (temperature ranged from 55 to 70° F, and wind speed ranged from 5 to 25 mph). Each long-term measurement was attached to utility poles located between 10- and 12-feet above grade. Ambient noise measurement descriptions and corresponding measured values are summarized in Table 4.11-2: Noise Measurement Descriptions. The noise measurement locations are depicted in Figure 4.11-2: Noise Measurement Locations (Ldn).

Transportation Noise Activities
Transportation noise may result not only from vehicular traffic but also from rail public transportation associated with the Colma BART station near the northwest border of the planning area . Although residential land uses located to the east of the station are exposed to train passbys, the town of Colma BART station does not increase the total 24 -hour average noise environment in this area primarily due to the surrounding major roadway noise sources (e.g., El Camino Real, I-280) that dominate the 24-hour average noise environment. Also note that the BART rail line moves underground approximately 0.25 miles southeast of the town of Colma Station, so only a small portion of the planning area is exposed to noise from the BART. Noise contours associated with th ese major transportation sources are illustrated in the following figures. Figure 4.11-3: Present Day Noise Contours shows noise contours associated with existing traffic volumes, and Figure 4. 11-4: Future Day Noise Projections Plus Project shows noise contours associated with the future (2040) plus project conditions.2

2 Transportation noise contours based on the traffic study created for the proposed project by Kittleson & Associates.

Note existing conditions are based on traffic counts conducted in 2017.

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Table 4.11-2: Noise Measurement Descriptions
Measurement
ID Description
Measured
Ldn (dBA)
LT-1
This monitoring location was positioned approximately 35 feet west of the centerline of Hillside Boulevard, South of Linden Street, in front of 1240 Hillside Boulevard. This monitoring location defines the noise environment along a segment Hillside Boulevard that bisects single - and multi-family residential land uses.
69 LT-2
This monitoring location was positioned approximately 55 feet east of El Camino Real, North of F Street, in front of 7741 El Camino Real. This monitoring location defines the noise environment directly west of the single-family residential development exposed to the transit corridor that includes El Camino Real and the Colma BART station.
75 LT-3
This monitoring location was positioned approximately 53 feet west of El Camino Real, North of Serramonte Boulevard, in front of 1180 El Camino Real. This monitoring location defines the noise environment along the El Camino Real corridor that includes the Colma Town Hall, the Colma Police Department, as well as various commercial uses and Auto Dealerships. The southwest corner of this intersection may be used as the new mixed-use Town Center Area.
73 LT-4
This monitoring location was positioned approximately 42 feet west of El Camino Real, in front of Cypress Lawn Funeral Home. This monitoring location defin es the noise environment along El Camino Real near the southern boundary of the Town of Colma. This location is generally surrounded by open space and the Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
74 LT-5
This monitoring location was positioned approxima tely 32 feet south of Mission Road, West of Lawndale Boulevard, in front of 1353 Mission Road. This monitoring location defines the noise environment along Mission Road that bisects townhomes on the southwest side and open space/cemetery on the northeast side.
73 LT-6
This monitoring location was positioned approximately 46 feet east of Junipero Serra Boulevard, North of Serramonte Boulevard, in front of 4927 Junipero Serra Boulevard. This monitoring location defines the noise environment along the major t ransit corridor that includes I -280 and Junipero Serra Boulevard. This monitoring location was positioned directly next to a major commercial shopping area.
74 Source: CSDA Report, 2020

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Figure 4.11-2: Noise Measurement Locations (Ldn)

Source: CSDA Report

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Airport Noise Sources
Noise generated from San Francisco International Airport flyovers have little noise impact on the town of Colma. According to the 2019 Noise Exposure Map provided by San Francisco International Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Department, the entire town of Colma is outside of the CNEL 65 dBA noise contour associated with the San Francisco International Airport.3 Stationary Source Noise
Stationary noise sources are often associated with commercial and residential uses. Noise generated by commercial uses are typically associated with outdoor mechanical equipment, loading docks, or increased vehicle or pedestrian traffic. P articularly noisy commercial land uses include car washes, performance spaces, and outdoor food service areas . Stationary commercial noise sources have the potential to impact nearby noise sensitive receptors. Impact significance depends on the level and character of the generated sound, the land use type of the receiver, and the existing noise environment within the vicinity. Note: since the majority of commercial uses within the Planning Area are generally surrounding major transportation corridors, the existing noi se environment in these locations is relatively high compared to common stationary noise sources.

Noise generated by residential uses are typically associated with exterior mechanical equipment and heating and ventilation systems , and sometimes from outdo or residential amenity spaces . These sources have the potential to impact nearby noise sensitive receivers. The noise exposure from outdoor mechanical equipment depends greatly on the size and type of equipment, as well as the existing noise environment surrounding nearby residential receivers.

Noise from Construction Activities
Construction noise typically occurs intermittently and depends on the type and phase of construction (for example, land clearing, grading, excavation, erection of structures). Construction noise levels have the potential to reach high levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has found that the noisiest equipment types operating at construction sites typically range from 88 dBA to 91 dBA L eq at 50 feet. Typical operating cycles may involve two minutes of full power, followed by three or four minutes at lower settings. Although noise ranges were found to be similar for all construction phases, the building construction phases tend to be less noisy than the initial site preparation and grading phases.4 Non-Transportation Sources
Other non-transportation uses such as recreational or public facility activities produce noise that may affect nearby sensitive land -uses. Such noise sources could be continuous or intermittent; but both types of sources have the potential to annoy nearby residents and business owners. For example, sirens on emergency vehicles, backup alarms , equipment maintenance and repair, are often cons idered nuisance noise levels though they may not occur frequently enough to be incompatible with any nearby sensitive land uses. In addition, noise levels associated with non -transportation noise sources may vary on site conditions, equipment being used, d istance from the noise sources, intervening noise screenings due to terrain or structures, and the specific activities being conducted.

3 https://www.flysfo.com/community/noise-abatement/sfo-part-150-study/noise-exposure-map-report 4 Noise from construction equipment and operations, building equipment, and home appliances. (1971). Washington: U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency.

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4.11.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
Federal Aviation Administration
As a means of implementing the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979, the Federal Aviation Administration adopted regulations that established a voluntary program which airports can utilize to conduct airport noise compatibility planning. For the purposes of federal regulations, all land uses are considered compatible within areas with noise levels of less than 65 dBA Ldn. At higher noise exposures, selected land uses are also deemed acceptable, depending upon the nature of the use and the degree of structural noise attenuation provided.

Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines for the acceptability of residential land uses are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Part 51, “Environmental Criteria and Standards.” These guidelines identify a noise exposure of 65 dBA Ldn, or less, as acceptable.

Noise levels of 65 to 75 dBA Ldn are considered normally acceptable, provided appropriate sound attenuation is prov ided to reduce interior noise levels to within acceptable levels. Noise levels above 75 dBA Ldn are considered unacceptable. The goal of the interior noise levels is 45 dBA Ldn. These guidelines apply only to new construction supported by HUD grants and are not binding upon local communities.

STATE
California Noise Control Act
The California Noise Control Act of 1973 established the State Office of Noise Control, which adopted Noise Compatibility Guidelines. These guidelines establish compatibility criteria and corresponding range of noise levels for common land uses . These guidelines are intended to ensure that new development proposals do not introduce excessive noise in a given location to the detriment of existing uses. Conversely, the guidelines also discourage introducing new uses to existing noise sources. In general, evaluation of a land use that falls into the “conditionally compatible” noise environment should i nclude consideration of the type of noise source, the sensitivity of the noise receptor, and the degree to which the noise source may interfere with speech, sleep, or other activities characteristic of the land use. If the noise environment exceeds a certain criterion, new construction is prohibited.

California Government Code
Section §65302 of the California Government Code provides a framework for general plans and their content. It requires that the noise element include implementation measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise problems, if any. The adopted noise element shall serve as a guideline for compliance with the state’s noise insulation standards. The noise element shall also identify and appraise noise prob lems in the community, analyze and quantify current and projected noise levels for (a) highways and freeways; (b) primary arterials and major local streets; (c) passenger and freight online railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems; (d) commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation; (e) local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards; and (f) other ground stationary noise sources, including, but not limited to, military installations, identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.

Section §65302 also specifies that noise contours be shown for all of the above listed sources and be stated in terms of community noise equivalent level (CNEL) or day-night average level (Ldn). The noise contours

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shall be prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following general ly accepted noise modeling techniques for the various sources identified above. The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the land use element that minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise.

State of California General Plan Guidelines
The State of California General Plan Guidelines, published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), also provides guidance for the acceptability of projects within specific noise environments.

Based on these guidelines, residential uses, churches, libraries, and hospitals are normally unacceptable in areas exceeding 70 dBA CNEL and conditionally acceptable between 60 and 70 dBA CNEL. Professional and commercial office buildings are normally unac ceptable in areas exceeding 75 dBA CNEL and conditionally acceptable between 67 and 77 dBA CNEL. However, the state stresses that these guidelines can be modified to reflect communities’ sensitivities to noise. Adjustment factors may be used in order to arrive at noise acceptability standards that reflect the noise control goals of the community’s sensitivity to noise, and the community’s assessment of the relative importance of noise pollution.

California Code of Regulations
California Noise Insultation Standards under the California Code of Regulations Title 24 establishes noise insulation standards for new multi -family residential units, hotels, and motels that would be subject to relatively high levels of transportation -related noise. The noise insulation standards set forth an interior standard of DNL 45 dB in any habitable room. Where such units are proposed in areas subject to noise levels greater than DNL 60 dB, the Code requires an acoustical analysis to demonstrate that the dwelling units have been designed to meet the interior noise standard. Title 24 standards are typically enforced by local jurisdictions through the building permit application process.

LOCAL
San Mateo County Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan /San Francisco International Airport Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan In San Mateo County, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) is the designated Airport Land Use Commission and develops as well as implements the County’ s Comprehensive Airport Land Use Plan (CLUP). The current CLUP was adopted in 1996 and establishes the procedures that C/CAG uses in reviewing proposed local agency actions that affect land use decisions in the vicinity of airports in San Mateo County.

The town of Colma is located in close proximity to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of three public use airports located in San Mateo County; the other two include the Half Moon Bay Airport and the San Carlos Airport. The SFO Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (SFO ALUCP) provides a irport planning boundaries and defines where height, noise, and safety standards, policies, and criteria are applied to certain proposed land use policy actions.

Town of Colma Municipal Code Noise Limitation
The Colma Municipal Code Chapter 2, Prohibited Activities, Subchapter 2.05, Noise Lim itation, includes noise standards for the purpose of limiting noise in residential areas and to protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare. The following qualitative noise standards apply to noise generation within the town of Colma:

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2.05.020 Noise Limitation.
a) It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud and unnecessary noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. The standards which may be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exists may include, but not be limited to, the following:
1) The level of the noise;
2) Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual
3) Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural; 4) The level and intensity of the background noise, if any; 5) The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities; 6) The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates; 7) The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates; 8) The time of the day and night the noise occurs;
9) The duration of the noise; and
10) Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant. b) Nothing herein shall prohibit the use of radios, televisions, and music equipment wherever used, when the sound produced does not carry beyond the property line or does not unreasonably disturb any person outside the property where the sound is generated.

2.05.030 Gardening Equipment Noise Limitation.

The use of mechanically powered non -construction gardening type equipment including but not limited to lawn mowers, weed whackers and leaf blowers are prohibited in a residential neighborhood or within 500 feet of a residential unit except during the following hours:
• Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2.05.040 Exemptions.
a) Construction. The noise limitation in this subchapter shall not apply to construction activities permitted under subchapter 5.04 of the Colma Municipal Code. b) Cemetery Landscaping and Maintenance. The noise limitation in this subchapter shall not apply to any person engaged in routine landscaping and maintenance activities performed in connection with a cemetery.
c) Special Events. The noise limitation in this subchapter shall not apply to any activity where a Special Event Permit has been issued.
d) Community Center, Recreation Center or Sterling Park Events. The noise limita tion in this subchapter shall not apply to any activity held at the Colma Community Center, Recreation Center, or Sterling Park if scheduled by the Recreation and Parks Department.

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e) Refuse Collection, Recyclables Collection or Street Sweeping. The noise lim itation in this subchapter shall not apply to refuse collection, recyclables collection or street sweeping activities undertaken by, or pursuant to contract with, the Town of Colma. f) Governmental Activities. The noise limitation in this subchapter shall not apply to any activity undertaken by the Town, another governmental agency, or city contractor for public health and safety purposes when, in the judgment of the Town, such activity cannot be undertaken effectively or efficiently in compliance with regulations set forth in this subchapter. g) Certain Sound-amplifying Equipment or Devices. The noise limitation in this subchapter shall not apply to the use of sound-amplifying equipment used under the following circumstances:
1) In conformity with a Special Event Permit issued by the Town; 2) In conformity with a Conditional Use Permit under the provisions of Chapter 5 of this code; or
3) On emergency vehicles or by government employees in connection with any activity undertaken for the protection of the public welfare or safety.

2.05.050 Enforcement and Penalty.
a) A violation of the provisions of this subchapter shall be an infraction. The punishments for an infraction are set forth in subchapter 1.05 of the Colma Municipal Code. b) A violation of this subchapter shall also be deemed to be a public nuisance under section 2.01.060 of the Colma Municipal Code and may be abated pursuant to the procedures set forth in subchapter

2.01 of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provision in subchapter 2.01, the authority granted the Code Enforcement Officer in subchapter 2.01 may also be exercised by a Colma peace officer, except that only a Colma peace officer may write and issue Administrative Citations for a violation of this subchapter.

5.04.220 Standard Hours of Construction
a) The City Council finds that regulation of construction noise is necessary to protect the public health and safety, and that construction noise at early or late times of the day is a nuisance to neighboring properties.
b) As used in this subchapter, “noise generating construction activity” means the use of any noise generating equipment or tool, including but not limited to: excavators, backhoes, post diggers, pile drivers, saws, electric screw drivers, grinders, nail guns, compressors, generators, hammers, jack hammers, power washers, paint guns, scaffolding erection, or similar noise generating equipment. ”Noise generating construction activity” also includes construction material delivery, demolition activities and the servicing of any tool or equipment. “Noise generating construction activity” does not include activities such as drywall finishing, painting, tile laying, carpet installation or the use of small hand tools in a fully enclosed structure with windows and doors closed. c) Within a radius of 500 feet from any residential unit within Town boundaries, noise generating construction activity shall only be permitted between the following hours/days: Monday Through Friday 8:00 AM through 7:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM; Sundays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Noise generating construction activity is prohibited on all of the following Federal Holidays:

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Vetera n’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Building Official, or his or her designee, may grant an exception for special conditions when requested in

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writing and approved by the Building Official, or his or her designee, prior to the start of the noise generating noise activity. The above requirements do not apply to emergency repair work, work for public utility and street repair, street sweeping, garbage collection and emergency response warning systems.
d) For projects more than 500 feet from a reside ntial unit in the Town of Colma, construction hours shall be assigned on a project-by-project basis by the Building Official, or his or her designee, or as established within a project’s Conditions of Approval, based on evaluation of potential noise - related impacts on surrounding uses.

4.11.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Noise related impacts are significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
• Generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? • For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use pl an or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people who reside or work in the project area to excessive noise levels?

METHODOLOGY
Short-term and long -term impacts associated with transportation and non-transportation noise sources were assessed based on potential increases in ambient noise levels anticipated to occur at noise -sensitive land uses. The existing ambient noise levels in the town of Colma were estimated based on the associated traffic study created for the proposed project by Kittleson & Associates. The associated traffic study included roadway volumes and vehicle distribution percentages for existing conditions (data associated with 2017 conditions) and for future conditions (2040) plus project , which were used to calculate the existing and future noise environment throughout the town of Colma. The Traffic noise levels along major area roadways were calculated using the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model methodology. For purposes of this analysis, significant increases in ambient noise levels are defined as any increase of 5 dBA or greater , or 3 dBA or greater for roadway segments within proximity of existing residential uses (see the “Human Response to Noise” section above, which describes that a noise increase of 3 dB is considered a just -perceivable difference; and a noise increase of 5 dB is the approximate limit where noticeable change in human response would be expected). The estimated noise environment due to the town’s BART station is based on measurements of similar high-speed rail stations in the area.

A detailed list of resources used in the completion of the analysis in this section can be found under References located at the end of the section. Implementation of the proposed project was compared to the existing conditions to determine the impacts due to noise.

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IMPACTS
Impact 4.11.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not generate temporary or permanent increases in noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies (Less than Significant).

Ambient noise levels within the Planning Area have the potential to increase temporarily due to the construction of new development. Construction noise impacts typically result from noise generated by the operation of heavy equipment on the project site, as well as from trucks arriving to and departing from the site, which would be an intermittent source of noise. Typical project construction activities normally include demolition, grading/excavation, installation of utilities, and erection of the building. Equipment used in these activities typically include bulldozers, excavators, graders, backhoes, concrete trucks, loaders, and heavy-duty trucks. Table 4.11-3: Typical Construction Noise Levels at Construction Sites presents typical exterior noise levels for various construction phases associated with domestic housing projects as well as commercial/institutional projects.

Table 4.11-3: Typical Construction Noise Levels at Construction Sites Construction Phase Typical Average Noise Level (Leq, dBA) Domestic Housing Commercial/Institutional
Ground Clearing 83 84
Excavation 75 79
Foundations 81 78
Erection 65 75
Finishing 72 75
Noise levels associated with all pertinent equipment present on site Noise levels for the loudest equipment item per phase are assumed to be located at 50 feet from an observer, and all other equipment was assumed to be located at 200 feet from the observer. * A significant impact would occur if project exceeds the standard listed in the table above Source: Noise from construction equipment and operations, building equipment, and home appliances. (1971). Washington: U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency.

Construction activities associated with future development within the Planning Area would be temporary.

Section 2.05.040 of the town of Colma Municipal Code exempts construction noise from the Noise Limitation included in Section 2.05 of the code. Section 5.04.220 of the Municipal Code includes language regarding standard hours of construction, which should be considered for all future development projects within the Planning Area. As presented in Regulatory Framework, noise generating construction activity within a radius of 500 feet from any residential unit within town boundaries should only be permitted between the following hours/days: Monday Through Friday 8:00 AM through 7:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM; Sundays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Noise generating construction activity is prohibited on all of the Federal Holidays listed in the Regulatory Framework Section above. The Building Official, or his or her designee, may grant an exception for special conditions when requested in writing and approved by the Building Official, or his or her designee, prior to the start of the noise generating noise activity.

For projects more than 500 feet from a residential unit in the town of Colma, construction hours shall be assigned on a project -by-project basis by the Building Official, or his or her designee, or as established within a project’s Conditions of Approval, based on evaluation of pot ential noise -related impacts on surrounding uses. See the Regulatory Framework Section for additional information about the town of Colma Standard Hours of Construction.

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All future projects within the Planning Area must adhere to the Standard Hours of Construction limitations delineated in the town of Colma Municipal Code. Since construction activities could temporarily increase the existing ambient noise environment around nearby sensitive receptors, constructio n noise associated with future development within the planning area should be reviewed on a case -by-case basis, and must adhere to Conditions of Approval and any project-specific quantitative noise standards, if applicable.

Conditions of Approval or other construction noise requirements will vary on a case -by-case basis, however, neither CEQA nor the town of Colma Municipal Code provides quantitative significance thresholds or guidelines for construction noise impacts within the planning area. As such, whe re quantitative construction criteria apply to future developments within the planning area, project construction noise criteria must be developed on a project-specific basis. Project construction noise criteria should account for the existing noise environment, the absolute noise levels during construction activities, the duration of the construction, and the adjacent land use (s). The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides several construction noise standards that would apply to future developments within the Planning Area. While the following guidelines may not apply to all developments within the planning area, the following guidelines can be considered reasonable criteria for assessment. If these criteria are exceeded, there may be adverse community reaction. The FTA’s general assessment of construction noise standards are summarized in Table 4.11-4: General Assessment Guidelines for Construction Noise Impacts.[1] Table 4.11-4: General Assessment Guidelines for Construction Noise Impacts Land Use
Leq (1-hr), dBA
Day Night
Residential 90 80
Commercial 100 100
Industrial 100 100
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123). (2018). Federal Transit Administration, Table 7-2
At this time, details about specific construction activities associated with future developments within the planning area are not known. Future projects within the town of Colma will be required to undergo separate CEQA analyses and will be required to mitigate noise effects to a less than significant level and no mitigation measures are required.

The proposed project is expected to result in increased traffic noise levels throughout the planning area. To determine the significance of increases in roadway noise levels throughout the town, this analysis considers typical human response to noise, described above. Based on this methodology, a ll noise level increases in excess of 5 dB are considered significant; noise level increases of 3 dB – that are in proximity to residential land uses – are considered significant. Estimated roadway noise levels associated with existing conditions and Future (2040) plus project conditions, as well as the estimated noise level increase, are presented in Table 4.11-5: Noise Level Increases over Study Area Roadways.

[1] Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123). (2018). Federal Transit Administration

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Table 4.11-5 Noise Level Increases over Study Area Roadways Roadway Segment
Noise Level at 50 feet from Roadway
Centerline (Ldn, dBA)
Existing
Conditions
Future (2040) +
Project Conditions Increase
Mission Road North of Lawndale 62.7 63.3 0.6
Hillside Blvd South of F Street to Lawndale 64.4 65.3 0.9 Hillside Blvd South of Lawndale 69.3 69.8 0.4
El Camino Real North of Colma 69.0 71.3 2.3
El Camino Real South of Colma to Serramonte 68.8 71.2 2.4 El Camino Real South of Serramonte to Hickey 69.0 70.7 1.6 El Camino Real South of Hickey 70.6 70.6 0.0
Junipero Serra Blvd North of Serramonte 68.2 68.7 0.5
Junipero Serra Blvd South of Serramonte/Philip 71.3 72.0 0.7 I-280 North of Serramonte 87.2 87.2 0.0
I-280 Serramonte to Hickey 86.3 86.3 0.0
I-280 South of Hickey 86.5 86.5 0.0
Lawndale Blvd West of Hillside to Mission 62.3 63.1 0.9 Serramonte Blvd West of El Camino Real 65.2 66.0 0.8
Serramonte Blvd East of El Camino to Hillside 66.7 68.5 1.8 F Street West of El Camino Real 62.3 64.3 2.0
Collins Ave West of El Camino Real 60.2 60.4 0.3
Colma Blvd West of El Camino Real 59.9 60.2 0.3
Source: CSDA Report, 2020
As shown in Table 4.11-5, all roadway noise increases due to implementation of the proposed general plan are expected to be less than 3 dB; as such, increases in roadway noise are expected to be less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Impact 4.11.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not result in the generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels (Less than Significant).

Implementation of the town of Colma General Plan Update would consist of many futu re developments within the planning area. Construction of new development within the planning area has the potential to expose people and buildings to high levels of ground -borne vibration. Although vibration levels from construction activities rarely reach the level of causing building damage, construction-related vibration has the potential to cause annoyance at nearby sensitive receivers. The effects of construction vibration vary depending on the intensity of the construction activities, loca l soil type, and distance to/land use type of nearby receptors. Construction vibration impacts associated with new development in the planning area would occur from the operation of heavy equipment on the project site. In general, site work and demolition activities typically generate the highest levels of vibration throughout a construction project.

Construction activities associated with future development within the planning area would be temporary.

All future projects within the planning area must adhere to the Standard Hours of Construction limitations delineated in the town of Colma Municipal Code. Since construction activities could potentially generate high levels of vibration, construction vibration associated with future development within the pla nning area should be reviewed on a case -by-case basis and must adhere to Conditions of Approval and any project-specific quantitative vibration standards, if applicable.

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At this time, details about specific construction activities associated with future de velopments within the planning area are not known. Future projects within the town of Colma will be required to undergo separate CEQA analyses and will be required to mitigate vibration effects to a less than significant level.

The F TA provides industry-standard construction vibration standards that could apply to future developments within the planning area.5 While the following guidelines may not apply to all developments within the planning area, the following guidelines can be considered reasonable criteria for assessment. If these criteria are exceeded, there may be adverse community reaction.

The FTA has adopted vibration standards that are used to evaluate potential building damage impacts related to construction activities. The vibration damage criteria adopted by the FTA are shown in Table

4.11-6: Construction Vibration – Building Damage Criteria.

Table 4.11-6: Construction Vibration – Building Damage Criteria Building/Structural Category Maximum Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), in/sec I. Reinforced-concrete, steel or timber (no
plaster) 0.5
II. Engineered concrete and masonry (no
plaster) 0.3
III. Non-engineered timber and masonry
buildings 0.2
IV. Buildings extremely susceptible to
vibration damage 0.12
Source: Federal Transit Administration, 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123), Table 7-5
In addition to vibration impact thresholds related to project -related building damage, the FTA also provides standards that quantify acceptable levels of vibration in terms of human perception. The vibration perception (annoyance) criteria adopted by the FTA are shown in Table 4.11-7: Construction Vibration – Human Perception.

5 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123). (2018). Federal Transit Administration

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Table 4.11-7: Construction Vibration – Human Perception (Annoyance Criteria) Receptor
Category
Maximum Vibration
Decibel (VdB)1 Description of Use
Workshop 90 Distinctly feelable vibration. Appropriate to workshops and non-sensitive areas
Office 84 Feelable vibration. Appropriate to offices and non- sensitive areas
Residential Day 78
Barely feelable vibration. Adequate for computer
equipment and low-power optical microscopes (up to
20X)
Residential
Night,
Operating
Rooms
72 Vibration not feelable, but ground-borne noise may be audible inside quiet rooms. Suitable for medium-power
optical microscopes (100X) and other equipment of low
sensitivity
VC-A 66
Adequate for medium- to high-power optical
microscopes (400X), microbalances, optical balances, and similar specialized equipment
VC-B 60
Adequate for high-power optical microscopes (1000X),
inspection and lithography equipment to 3 micron line
widths
VC-C 54 Appropriate for most lithography and inspection equipment to 1 micron detail size
VC-D 48
Suitable in most instances for the most demanding
equipment, including electron microscopes operating to
the limits of their capability
VC-E 42 The most demanding criterion for extremely vibration- sensitive equipment

1. Reference at 1 micro-inch per second
Source: Federal Transit Administration, 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123), Table 6-6

Vibration impact criteria that would apply to many developments within the planning area are provided above. Future projects within the Town of Colma will be required to undergo separate CEQA analyses and will be required to mitigate vibration effects to a less than significant level. Given the limited potential for construction vibration impacts associated with the General Plan update, effects from construction vibration are considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.

The General Plan Update does not introduce any new sources of industrial land uses, or transportation sources that would generate significant levels of vibration. Traffic, including heavy trucks traveling on a highway, rarely generates vibration amplitudes high enough to cause structural or cosmetic damage. 6

6 Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual. (September 2013). California Department of Transportation

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Vibration impacts associated with new zoning or transportation uses are considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.

Impact 4.11.3 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not expose people residing or working in the Planning Area to excessive noise levels associated with airports (No Impact).

As mentioned above, the entire town of Colma is outside of the CNEL 65 dBA noise contour associated with the San Francisco International Airport. 7 People residing or working in the Planning Area are not expected to be exposed to excessive noise levels associated with airports. There would be no impact related to noise levels associated with airports and no mitigation measures are required.

7 https://www.flysfo.com/community/noise-abatement/sfo-part-150-study/noise-exposure-map-report

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REFERENCES
Documents
Washington: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1971). Noise from construction equipment and operations, building equipment, and home appliances.

Federal Transit Administration (2018). Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA Report No. 0123).

California Department of Transportation (September 2013). Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.

Websites
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. General Plan Guidelines. (2017). https://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/guidelines.html San Francisco International Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Department. Noise Exposure Map Report. (2019).https://www.flysfo.com/community/noise-abatement/sfo-part-150-study/noise-exposure-map-report

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This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing population and housing and employment opportunities within the Town of Colma ’s 2040 General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). It analyzes the potential growth and employment opportunities that could occur within the Planning Area as a result of the implementation of the proposed Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Update (GPU) . This sectio n also identifies the potential impacts of implementing the proposed project on such resources as well as the appropriate proposed General Plan policies that reduce the identified impacts. Population, housing and employment data for this section was obtain ed from websites of public agencies such as the U.S. Census Bureau (Census) and the California Department of Finance (DOF), and from 20 10 Census of Population and Housing forecasts for the Planning Area (American Community Survey, 2020).

4.12.1 EXISTING SETTINGS

REGIONAL
The town of Colma (Town; town) is a small, incorporated town in northern San Mateo County (county), California, on the San Francisco Peninsula, one of nine counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. The county encompasses 20 incorporated cities: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco and Woodside. The county’s 2020 population was estimated at 773,244. Of this total population, about 1 percent reside in the unincorporated county and the remaining 99 percent reside in the county’s incorporated cities (Table 4.12-1: San Mateo County Population Estimates) The County’s 20 40 population is projected to be about 838,724 persons with an average annual projected growth rate of about 0.8 percent.

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Table 4.12-1: San Mateo County Population Estimates
Location 2010
Population
2015
Population
2020
Population
Annual Growth
Rate
Atherton 6,914 6,935 7,070 0.25%
Belmont 25,835 26,748 27,174 0.57%
Brisbane 4,282 4,541 4,691 1.06%
Burlingame 28,806 29,890 30,317 0.58%
Colma 1,454 1,480 1,504 0.44%
Daly City 101,072 105,810 109,122 0.88%
East Palo Alto 28,155 29,137 30,499 0.92%
Foster City 30,567 32,390 33,693 1.13%
Half Moon Bay 11,324 12,051 12,631 1.27%
Hillsborough 10,825 11,420 11,769 0.96%
Menlo Park 32,026 33,273 35,790 1.3%
Millbrae 21,532 22,898 23,154 0.83%
Pacifica 37,234 38,551 38,674 0.42%
Portola Valley 4,353 4,527 4,659 0.78%
Redwood City 76,815 81,838 85,319 1.22%
San Bruno 41,114 44,409 45,257 1.11%
San Carlos 28,406 29,449 29,864 0.57%
San Mateo 97,207 101,429 104,570 0.84%
South San Francisco 63,632 66,193 67,078 0.60%
Woodside 5,287 5,539 5,615 6.20%
Balance of County 61,611 64,615 66,027 0.79%
Incorporated 656,840 688,508 708,458 0.87%
San Mateo
County Total 718,451 753,123 774,485 0.86%
Source: Population: California Department of Finance, E-5 Report; January 1, 2019

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LOCAL
Based on the most current population counts, t he town of Colma’s population is approximately 1,454 persons (Department of Finance (DOF), 2020) (Table 4.12-2, Town of Colma Population and Housing Growth Projections). The town’s growth rate has been modest with an average annual rate of growth at

0.44%. This growth rate is lower than that of neighboring communities Daly City (0.88%) and South San Francisco (0.60%) as well as San Mateo County (0.86%).

Data from the Bay Area Association of Governments (ABAG) estimates that the town’s household count will grow moderately in 2020, from 490 to an estimated total of 660 households in 2040 (1.7%), as shown in Table 4.12-3: Town of Colma Estimated Household Income.

Table 4.12-2: Town of Colma Population and Household Growth Projections 2020 2025 2040 2020-2025
Change
2020-2040
Change
Avg.

Annual
Change
Population 1,504 1,776 2,269 0.18% 0,28% 2.54%
Household 490 530 660 0.08% 0.26%% 1.73%
Source: ABAG Growth Projections: Plan Bay Area 2040 and 2015 Colma Housing Element In 2018, the town had a median household income of $97,500 (Table 4.12-3, Estimated Household Income).

This higher than the statewide average of $71,805 (2017) and slightly lower than the median income for San Mateo County which was $105,667 in 2018.

Table 4.12-3: Town of Colma Estimated Household Income
Income Range Percent of Households
Less than $10,000 4.3%
$10,000 to $14,999 3.0%
$15,000 to $24,999 5.8%
$20,000 to $24,999 2.2%
$25,000 to $34,999 3.6%
$35,000 to $49,999 6.5%
$50,000 to $74,999 11.2%
$75,000 to $99,999 16.8%
$100,000 to $149,999 20.7%
$150,000 to $199,999 15.9%
$200,000 or more 11.9%
Total 100.0%
Median Household Income $97,500
Source: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

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Population and Housing Projections
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) periodically releases regional projections for population, households, total jobs, and employed residents. Their most recent projections released in 2013 cover the period between 2010 and 2040.

ABAG projects that the town of Colma’s population will grow moderately from 20 20 to 2040, with an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 2. 54 percent. As shown in Table 4.12-2, the town’s population is projected to grow to 2,269 by 2040, an increase of almost 765 residents from the 20 20 population of 1504.

Households are expected to grow at a similar Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of 1.73 percent, and a total household count of 660 by 2040 ( Table 4.12 -1). This is an increase of 1 70 households from 2020 through 2040 ABAG projects that San Mateo county will have an AAGR in population of 0.84 percent through 2040, less than the projected growth rate for the town of Colma. The projected household growth rate for San Mateo county expects to average 0.70 percent during this period.

Affordable Housing Needs
The town owns one affordable housing unit and a small senior housing apartment complex called Creekside Villas. Vacancies in these facilities are rare and are managed for the town by a property management consultant, Hildebrand Properties. The Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) has developed a Regional Housing Needs Analysis ( RHNA) allocation plan for the town of Colma. The total housing growth need for the town identified for the 2015 -2023 planning period, is 20 extremely low/very low-income, 8 low-income, 9 moderate-income, 22 above moderate-income (market) for a total of 59 units (San Francisco Bay Area, 2015). ABAG is in the process of developing the 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan which will cover a planning period of 2022 through 2030.

Employment Trends
The town’s projected growth trends are similar to the trends for San Mateo county, and generally show a slightly lower growth rate than the San Francisco Bay Area. The jobs-housing balance is the ratio of jobs to housing in a given metropolitan sub -area. It may be considered at the metro/regional level, or that of a municipality, or an area linked by commuter transit means. If jobs -housing balance is too high, adequate housing may be unaffordable or unavailable to workers in that area, leading to issues such as housing unaffordability and traffic congestion from in-commuting workers. If jobs-housing balance is too low, this may indicate inadequate job availability for area residents.

Based on dat a from the Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG), the town’s employment base is expected to grow by an average of 0.30 percent, from 4,070 jobs in 2020 to an estimated 4,315 jobs in 2040, as shown in (Table 4.12-4: San Mateo County Projected Employment by Sector). The greatest growth is anticipated to occur in the retail sector. In comparison, San Mateo county job growth is expected to be greatest in health, educational and recreational and financial and professional services.

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Table 4.12-4: San Mateo County Projected Employment by Sector Location 2020 2040 (Est.)
Projected
Annual
Growth Rate
Colma Total Jobs 4,070 4,315 0.30%
Agricultural and Natural Resources 5 5 0%
Manufacturing, Wholesale and Transportation 150 155 0.17% Retail 2,180 2,435 0.58%
Financial and Professional Services 140 140 0%
Health, Educational, and Recreational Services 1,160 1,135 -0.11% Information, Government and Construction 440 450 0.11%
San Mateo County Total Jobs 319,275 472,845 2.40%
Agricultural and Natural Resources 2,460 2,440 -0.04%
Manufacturing, Wholesale, and Transportation 55,850 48,305 -0.67% Retail 37,530 39,675 0.28%
Financial and Professional Services 130,365 169,620 1.5% Health, Educational, & Recreational Services 104,175 134,400 1.45% Information, Government and Construction 68,900 77,605 0.63% Bay Area Total Jobs 4,136,190 4,698,375 0.68%
Agricultural and Natural Resources 24,865 24,380 -0.09% Manufacturing, Wholesale, and Transportation 523,320 518,740 -0.04% Retail 364,515 398,175 0.46%
Financial and Professional Services 253,580 234,545 -0.37% Health, Educational, and Recreational Services 1,178,130 1,479,410 1.28% Information, Government and Construction 870,990 949,685 0.45% Source: ABAG Projections: Plan Bay Area 2040

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4.12.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
Department of Housing and Community Development
The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is responsible for determining the regional housing needs for all jurisdictions in California and ensuring the availability of affordable housing for all income groups.

STATE
Senate Bill 375
Senate Bill 375 (SB 375) or the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 establishes a process for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to implement the state’s global warming legislation for the transportation sector. CARB is required to adopt regional gree nhouse gas targets for emissions associated with the automobile and light truck sector. SB 375 requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations such as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) —a new e lement of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) —to strive to reach these Greenhouse Gases ( GHG) reduction targets. SB 375 ties the regional housing needs assessment (RHNA) process to the RTP process, requires local governments to rezone their general plan s consistent with the updated housing element within three years of adoption, and provides that RHNA allocations must be consistent with the development pattern in the SCS. It moves the RHNA process to an eight-year cycle from the current five-year one.

Assembly Bill 2853
Through its role as the San Francisco Bay Area’s Council of Governments, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) has been designated by the State of California and the Federal government as the official comprehensive planning agency for the San Francisco Bay Area. Assembly Bill 2853 (AB 2853), enacted in 1980, requires all cities to address their regional “fair share allocation” of housing needs by income group in their G eneral Plan Housing Elements. ABAG allocates housing needs for each city and county in the region according to four specified income levels, so that each jurisdiction can make plans to provide for its “fair share” of regional housing needs by income group, pursuant to California Government Code Section §65584(a). ABAG reviews projects of regional significance for consistency with regional plans and is also responsible for preparation of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), ABAG’s locally adopted Regional Housing Needs Allocation and the San Francisco Bay Area Housing Needs Plan, provide a policy guide for planning the region's housing, economic development, environmental quality, transportation, recreation, and health and safety.

Housing Element Law
California State law for Housing Elements (California Government Code Article 10.6) requires each city and county to prepare and maintain a current Housing Element as part of the community's General Plan.

This requirement allows California to attain a statewide goal of providing "decent housing and a suitable living environment for every California family." Under state law, housing elements must be updated every eight years and reviewed by the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

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LOCAL
Inclusionary Housing City Ordinance
The town of Colma participated in a San Mateo county-wide housing impact nexus study to examine the impacts that market rate development has on the need for affordable housing in an area. Since that study was completed, the town has completed a financial feasibility analysis to determine potential impact fee amounts for future residential and commercial development. On January 11, 2017, the Town Council adopted an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The O rdinance includes both commercial and residential linkage fees, fees on commercial and market-rate residential development that are used solely to help build affordable housing for lower -income residents, based on the findings from the County -wide housing impact nexus study and the financial feasibility analysis for the town of Colma. It also establishes an inclusionary housing requirement for new for-sale housing. Projects resulting in twelve or less units have the option to pay in-lieu fees, while projects resulting in more than 12 units must build affordable units on- site. Ultimately, the fees from the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance will provide financial resources to assist in development of affordable housing units.

Town of Colma Zoning Ordinance
The town of Colma’s Zoning Regulations were last updated in 2018. The Town’s Zoning Ordinance set up the guidelines for a design review (DR) zone, to serve in addition to and lay over the land use zones set forth in the municipal code. The purpose of the zone is to achieve a consistent site, landscape and building design theme in those areas where it is applied. The DR zone will require extra design standards on top of the existing zoning. The regulations specify land uses, densities, and intensities for various zoning districts, each with its own chapter.

4.12.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Population and housing impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)
• Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential population and housing impacts of the proposed Town of Colma General Plan Update was based primarily on information gathered from the U nited States Department of Finance and United States Census. A detailed list of resources used in the completion of the analysis in this section can be found under References located at the end of the section. Implementation of the proposed project was compared to the existing conditions to determine the impacts due to population and housing.

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IMPACTS
Impact 4.12.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update will induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure) (Less than Significant).

The proposed General Plan Update (GPU) could accommodate limited additional growth through mixed use development, single-family uses, as well as through the expansion of existing business locations. The 2040 GPU proposes updates to the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. The planning areas include development standards such as height, FAR, and dens ity as well as development standard bonuses for specific uses in opportunity sites. In addition, the proposed GPU introduces new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square fee t of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Since the proposed Project is an update to the town’s existing General Plan (including the Land Use and Circulation elements as well as the Climate Action Plan), the project by itself does not propose any specific development at this time. There will be a slight buildout of jobs and housing under future development proposed by the GPU. Cemetery land uses account for approximately 75% of the town’s land area, while approximately 13% of land area is available for residential and commercial uses. Population projections by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) only increase the town’s population by approximately 765 people (from 1,5054 in 2010 to 2,269 in the Buildout Year of 2040) and by 328 households between 2010 and 2040 (Buildout Year). There should not be any substantial unplanned development or population growth in the town of Colma under full buildout of the GPU. Moreover, any population growth in the town over the next 20 years would still remain within the growth levels projected Statewide.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address future population growth for the town:

Policy LU-1-2: Zoning Consistency. Ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Diagram.

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development shall serve to protect and enhance the positive aesthetic qualities of the Town and each geographic area.

Policy LU-1-5: Clear and Predictable Development Standards . Strive to adopt and communicate clear and predictable development standards to ensure new development meets the expectations of the Town.

Even though the town of Colma is expected to be fully developed by the buildout year of 2040, implementation of the Land Use policies unde r the General Plan Update would keep this impact to less than significant levels and no mitigation measures are required.

Impact 4.12.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not result in the displacement of substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere (Less than Significant).

While the 2040 GPU does not directly propose any new development, now, or within the GPU’s planning horizon of 20 years, the General Plan Update would allow for the future development of currently vacant lands or the expansion of already developed areas. As discussed earlier, the proposed growth would be concentrated on the five planning areas proposed under the 2040 GPU. However, it should be noted that the town of Colma is limited in its areas of additional new housing, which are anticipated to be more mixed- use, multi-family housing than single -family uses. Since the total number of dwelling units can only increase by 328 units up to 2040, displaced residents, if any, should be able to find replacement housing within the Town.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address future population growth for the town:

Policy LU-1-3: Balance New Development with Existing Setting. Prioritize new and higher density development consistent with the Town’s Planning Areas to ensure new development is context sensitive and contributes to creating a strong sense of place. New development shall serve to protect and enhance the positive aesthetic qualities of the Town and each geographic area.

Policy LU-3-3: Adequate and Affordable Housing. The Town shall continue to provide opportunities for a variety of housing types at varying densities and affordability levels.

Policy LU-4-2: Adequacy to Serve New and Existing Developments. The Town shall continue to ensure that new and existing developments can be adequately served by municipal services and facilities in accordance with Town standards.

Implementation of Policies LU-1-1, LU-1-2, LU-1-3 and LU-1-5 would further ensure that the impacts to the displacement of existing population is a less than significant impact and no mitigation measures are required.

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REFERENCES
Documents
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). January 31, 2015. Regional Housing Need Plan San Francisco Bay Area 2015-2023. San Francisco Bay Area, California.

Town of Colma. January 1, 2020. Town of Colma General Plan Existing Conditions Report. Colma, California.

Town of Colma. January 15, 2015. Town of Colma 2015 Housing Element. Colma, California.

Town of Colma. June 1, 1999. Town of Colma General Plan. Colma, California Vernazza Wolfe Associates, Inc. September 2015. Residential Impact Fee Nexus Study . Redwood City, California.

Vernazza Wolfe Associates Inc. September 2015. Commercial Linkage Fee Nexus Study . Redwood City, California
Websites
American Community Survey (ACS). 2020. < https://www.census.gov/search- results.html?searchType=web&cssp=SERP&q=Colma%20town,%20CA; accessed March 20, 2020 Association of Bay Area Governments (AB AG). 2020. < https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/economic- analysis/forecasts-projections; accessed March 20, 2020.

Department of Finance (DOF). 2020. < http://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/E-1; accessed March 20, 2020
United States Census Bureau. December 6, 2018. < https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2018/acs- 5year.html>; accessed August 2020.

United States Census Bureau. 2020. <https://data.census.gov/cedsci/; accessed July 17, 2020

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This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing conditions for fire and police protection, public schools, and parks within the Town of Colma (Town; town) 2040 General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). It includes the regulatory framework necessary to assess potential environmental impacts from the General Plan Update and identifies the potential impacts of implementing the proposed project on such resources. This section also identifies the appropriate proposed General Plan goals, policies and implementation measures that reduce the identified impacts.

4.13.1 FIRE PROTECTION

4.13.1.1 EXISTING SETTING
LOCAL
Fire protection is provided to the town of Colma by the Colma Fire Protection District (District). For additional protection to the communities it serves, th is District is part of the automatic aid agreement throughout San Mateo County. The California Division of Forestry protects the San Bruno Mountain State Park. The town of Colma Fire Station is located just north of the town at 50 Reiner Street, near San Pedro Road (Figure 4.13-1: Local Fire and Police Facilities).

The station is manned by 36 part time, paid on -call fire fighters and three salaried full -time personnel (Chief, Deputy Fire Marshal and Staff Captain). The fire district has a paramedic on duty 24 hours a day ready to respond to any call for medical assistance. In addition, all the members are certified as fully trained firefighters able to mitigate any emergency.

Facilities and Equipment
The Colma Fire Protection District (Fire Protection District) is made up of 36 paid on-call fire fighters and three salaried part time personnel (Chief, Deputy Fire Marshal, and EMS Captain). Per the Fire Protection District’s mutual aid agreement, the Colma Fire Protection District responds to calls within the town limits and the surrounding unincorporated areas including the Broadmoor n eighborhood. The Fire Protection District’s available equipment consists of three 1,500 gallon per minute capacity fire engines and one 100 - foot aerial ladder truck and one squad truck (T85), The Fire District also supports one of the three breathing support units for San Mateo County.

Response Times and Service Standards
The fire station for the town is located at 50 Reiner Street in unincorporated town of Colma. The volunteers have an average response time of two to four minutes. The time it takes to respond to an emergency is important because of the critical care period (seven to eight minutes) needed for physical health emergencies, and of the inc reasing intensity and spread of fire. The town’s fire protection services are evaluated by the Insurance Service Office (ISO ). This rating, known as a Public Protection Classification (PPC), is utilized by many insurance providers to calculate insurance premiums within the district. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with Class 1 rating typically representing superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicating that the area’s fire-suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria. An ISO rating is partially based on such factors as available water supply, manpower and equipment. The town’s Fire District’s ISO rating is 5, which is an improvement from their previous rating of 6.

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4.13.1.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization that provides consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education on fire prevention and public safety. The NFPA develops, publis hes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. The NFPA publishes the NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code, which provides requirements to establish a reasonable level of fire safety and property protection in new and existing buildings.

STATE
California Office of Emergency Services
Cal OES is the Emergency Management authority for the State of California. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) began as the State War Council in 1943. With an increasing emphasis on emergency management, it officially became OES in 1970. The State of California passed the California Emergency Services Act in 2013, requiring Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) program, which sets forth measures by which a jurisdiction should handle emergency disasters. Non -compliance with SEMS could result in the State withholding disaster relief from the non-complying jurisdiction in the event of an emergency disaster.

California Fire Code
The California Fire Code establishes regulations to safeguard against hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises. It incorporates the Uniform Fire Code with necessary California amendments. This code prescribes regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practices for the safeguarding, to a reasonable degree, of life and property from the hazards of fire explosion. It also addresses dangerous conditions arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials and devices; conditions hazardous to life or property in the use o r occupancy of buildings or premises; and provisions to assist emergency response personnel. The Fire Code includes regulations regarding fire resistance rated construction, fire protection systems such as alarm and sprinkler systems, fire services features such as fire apparatus access roads, means of egress, fire safety during construction and demolition, and wildland-urban interface areas.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration In accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 8 Sections 1270 “Fire Prevention” and 6773 “Fire Protection and Fire Fighting Equipment,” the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established minimum standards for fire suppression and emergency medical services. The standards include, but are not limited to, guidelines on the handling of highly combustible materials, fire housing sizing requirements, restrictions on the use of compressed air, access roads, and the testing, maintenance, and use of all firefighting and emergency medical equipment.

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LOCAL
Colma Fire Protection District
The Colma Fire Protection District is a volunteer fire station that serves the town of Colma and unincorporated areas of Broadmoor. The fire district is unique in the bay area in that it is a paid on -call department whose members respond from home or work 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The fire district also has a paramedic on duty 24 hours a day ready to respond to any call for medical assistance. The District follows the regulations and standards established in the California Fire Code to provide acceptable levels of fire protection in its service area which includes the Town of Colma.

California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA)
The Town of Colma participates in the California Fire Assistance Agreement. The CFAA outlines the negotiated reimbursement terms and conditions for local fire agency responses through the California Fire Service and R escue Emergency Mutual Aid System. It allows the State of California and Federal Fire Agencies to utilize local government firefighting personnel and equipment and emergency assistance to the State of California and to Federal Fire Agencies.

This Agreement also continues to allow the agencies to request the deployment of volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies throughout the state. Volunteer firefighters make up more than 30% of available local government firefighting personnel in California. Ke y terms of the Agreement include fair and equitable reimbursement, transparency and ensuring for the needs of the California Fire Service.

San Mateo County Pre-Hospital Emergency Services JPA (ALS JPA) The San Mateo County Pre -Hospital Emergency Medical Services Group (JPA), comprised of City of Brisbane, City of Burlingame, City of Daly City, City of Foster City, Town of Hillsborough, City of Millbrae, City of Pacifica, City of Redwood City, City of San Bruno, City of San Carlos, City of San Mate o, City of South San Francisco, Belmont Fire Protection District, Coastside Fire Protection District, Colma Fire Protection District, County of San Mateo, Menlo Park Fire Protection District and Woodside Fire Protection District, provides Countywide parame dic first responder services prior to the arrival of an AMR ALS ambulance, except within the City of South San Francisco.

The JPA provides a valuable service to the residents and visitors of San Mateo County. Pursuant to this Agreement, the JPA will staff ALS fire first response vehicles to respond to 9 -1-1 emergency medical requests in the Urban areas within 6:59 minutes vs the California Standard of 8:00 minutes. This quick response allows AMR to extend ALS ambulance response times to 12:59 minutes while the patient is receiving initial ALS medical care from JPA first response paramedics. AMR will provide funding for the JPA first response services to the EMS Agency.

Colma Municipal Code Section 1.17 – Colma Disaster Council The purpose of Chapter 1.17 of the Colma Municipal Code is t o provide for the preparation and implementation of plans for providing materials and services within the town in the event of an emergency, to empower certain town officials to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property or to preserve public order and safety, and to provide for the coordination of the emergency services functions of the town with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

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4.13.1.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Public Services impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
a. Fire protection?

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential fire impacts of the proposed Town of Colma General Plan Update was based on the availability and distance of fire -stations to the town’s residences and businesses, as well as review of the applicable fire codes and regulations and other relevant literature. A detailed list of reference material used can be found at this end of this section. This material was then compared to the proposed GPU’s specific fire service-related impacts.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.13.1 Project implementation would not result in adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered fire protection services and facilities for the town of Colma (Less than Significant).

The town of Colma is primarily built out and all new development would primarily come from infill redevelopment with limited new areas for commercial and residential uses. The 2040 GPU proposes few changes that could potentially alter the future development proposed in the town. The proposed GPU updates the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council.

In addition, the proposed GPU introduces new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, an d 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update is expected to result in a total 2,269 people within the Planning Area at buildout (2040). This represents an increase of approximately 765 persons (from a current population of 1,504 people) over the next 20 years, within the Planning Area. However, even the limited redevelopment and growth would result in increased demand for fire protection services over the town’s Planning Area buildout.

Though not located within its boundaries, the town is serviced by a fire station located less than one mile to the north of the town limit. The proposed GPU does not identify the location of any new fire stations

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within the town’s boundaries nor does it require future development to provide a site for a fire station.

Should the future residential and commercial uses in the town of Colma require additional fire protection services and stations, these would be addressed in the appropriate project -level environmental document prepared at that time. Also, any new development would be subject to California Fire Code regulations regarding fire resistance rated construction, fire protection systems, appropriate fire apparatus access, means of egress, and fire safety during construction and operation. For the following reasons, the GPU would not result in adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered fire protection services and facilities, and impacts would be less than significant.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address fire safety for the Town of Colma:

Policy CS-4-1: Alternate EOC. Establish an alternative Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if the existing EOC is not operational during a fire event.

Policy CS-4-2: Mutual Aid Agreements. The Town shall continue to participate in San Mateo County mutual aid agreements related to fire protection.

Policy CS-4-3: Fire Prevention Education. Provide regular public education and fire safety programs to the Town’s residents and businesses.

Policy CS-5-1: Adequate Water Supplies. Require new development projects to document adequate water supplies for fire suppression.

Policy CS-5-2: Removal of Fire Hazards. Ensure the Town’s code enforcement programs promote the removal of fire hazards such as (but not limited to) litter, rubbish, overgrown vegetation, and dilapidated or abandoned structures.

Policy CS-5-3: Building Fire Codes. Require that all buildings and facilities comply with local, State, and federal regulatory standards, such as the California Building and Fire Codes as well as other applicable fire safety standards. Building Fire Codes . Require that all buildings and facilities within the Town comply with local, sta te, and federal regulatory standards such as the California Building and Fire Codes as well as other applicable fire safety standards.

Policy CS-5-4: Urban Fire Risks . Work with the Colma Fire Protection District to maintain an ongoing fire inspection pr ogram to reduce fire hazards associated with multifamily development, critical facilities, public assembly facilities, industrial buildings, and nonresidential buildings.

Implementation of the policies described above would further reduce any impacts relating to fire protection services to less than significant and no mitigation is required.

4.13.2 LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

4.13.2.1 EXISTING SETTING
LOCAL
The town of Colma has its own police department located across the street from Town Hall at 1199 El Camino Real. The town of Colma Police Department provides law enforcement service, responding to public safety calls, providing traffic safety and security for public events, and handing calls for assistance.

Among the staff they also have a motorcycle officer, bicycle patrol officers, a member attached to the Daly

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City/North County S pecial Weapon and Tactics t eam, tactical dispatchers, a Community Service Office r and a Reserve Police Officer Program.

The town of Colma’s Police Station is located at 1199 El Camino Real (Figure: 4.31-1). The Department personnel includes a chief, a commander, 5 sergeants, 12 sworn officers, a communications and records supervisor, 3 dispatchers, 5 per diem dispatchers, a community service officer/administrative technician, 2 part time community service officers and an administrative technician. Counting both sworn officers and sergeants, there are a minimum of two officers per shift. The Department has 8 patrol cars, one community service officer truck, one motorcycle and one electric motorcycle. Average response time to a call for service is less than two minutes.

4.13.2.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
No federal regulations are directly related to this section of the PEIR.

STATE
No state regulations are directly related to this section of the PEIR.

LOCAL
San Mateo County Local Hazards Mitigation Plan
In 2016, San Mateo County, in coordination with 18 of its incorporated municipalities and multiple special districts, made a comprehensive update to its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). The LHMP serves many purposes such as enhancing public awareness, creating a decision tool for management, promoting compliance with State and Federal program requirements, enhancing local policies for hazard mitigation capability, supporting viability after a hazard event, and providing inter-jurisdictional coordination.

Colma Municipal Code Chapter 1.16: Town of Colma Police Training and Public Safety Dispatchers
A police reserve force is established in Chapter 1.16 of the Colma Municipal Code, Police Training and Public Safety Dispatchers. The Chief of Police, or his or her designee is empowered to deputize or appoint qualified persons as Level I, Level II or Level III reserve police officers pursuant to Sections 830.6 and 832.6 of the California Penal Code.

Colma Municipal Code Chapter 1.17: Town of Colma Disaster Council Chapter The purpose of Chapter 1.17 of the town’s Municipal Code sets up a Disaster Council whose purpose is to provide for the preparation and implementation of plans for providing materials and services within the town in the event of an emergency, to empower certain town officials to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of lif e and property or to preserve public order and safety, and to provide for the coordination of the emergency services functions of the town with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

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4.13.2.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Following PRC Sections §21083.2 and §21084.1, and Section §15064.5 and Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, Public Services impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically a ltered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
b. Police protection?

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential law enforcement impacts of the proposed Town of Colma General Plan Update was based on a review of the town’s existing General Plan. A detailed list of reference material used can be found at this end of this section. This material was compared to the proposed GPU’s specific law enforcement-related impacts. The impact analysis below focuses on whether those impacts would have a significant effect on the physical environment.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.13.2 Project implementation would not result in additional law enforcement protection services and facilities for the town of Colma that would have had the potential to result in physical environmental impacts (Less than Significant).

The 2040 GPU updates the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. The planning areas would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the H illside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

The town of Colma ’s police protection is provided by 33 employees consisting of 19 sworn officers and supporting personnel. The town’s police department is located at the center of the town at 1199 El Camino Real. The Department provides dispatch and detective services, community service outreach, and participates in the Daly City/North San Mateo County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The Department is organized into four divisions: Administration, Patrol, Communications, and Grants, each with specific duties and staff. The Administration, Communications, and Grants divisions provide oversight, clerical and record keeping services, fund ing and officer training costs of the entire police department. The department’s Police Patrol Division responds to all security service related needs, enforces traffic laws, investigates crimes against people and property , and addresses neighborhood quali ty of life issues.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.13-9 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Future growth under the town’s 2040 GPU may result in the increased need for additional law enforcement officials. It is anticipated that the town may increase its current population of 1,504 per sons and 490 households to about 2,269 persons and 660 households. This constitutes a 0.28% change in population and a 0.26% change in the number of households under the GPU buildout year and may result in a small increase to the town’s police force. The national average of police officer per residents is approximately 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents (FBI Police Employee data, 2011) . Therefor e the town would need approximately two or three additional officers on its police force, under the 2040 GPU buildout.

Proposed General Plan Update
The following proposed General Plan policies address law enforcement for the town of Colma:

Policy CS-8.1: Staffing Levels. Maintain sufficient police staffing levels, including sworn officers and volunteer support, necessary to meet current and projected community needs.

Policy CS-8.2: Facilities Planning. Develop, maintain, and implement a Police Department Facilities Master Plan that guides the provision of equipment, facilities, training.

Policy CS-8.3: Response Times. Identify, monitor, and achieve appropriate minimum police response times of no more than 10 minutes, for all call levels.

Policy CS-8.4: Communication. Encourage and maintain two-way communication with the Town of Colma community to facilitate effective policing.

Implementation of the policies described above would ensure that new development or redevelopment would be accommodated by appropriate police protection services thus reducing the environmental impacts to less than significant and no mitigation is required.

4.13.3 SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, PARKS AND RECREATION

FACILITIES
The town of Colma does not have any schools and libraries within its jurisdictions. Town residents utilize these services from the neighboring communities of the cities of San Francisco, South San Francisco, and Daly City.

4.13.4 RECREATION

4.13.4.1 EXISTING SETTINGS

REGIONAL
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is 23,000 acres and is owned by the Federal government and operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Refuge is located in the South Bay and contains lands located in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda Counties. That portion within the San Mateo Cou nty (County; county) contains approximately 1,863 acres. The Refuge offers environmental, educational and wildlife opportunities for visitors.

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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) was established to prese rve public use open space lands of significant natural, historic, scenic and recreational value. Approximately 23,000 acres of land in San Mateo county has been authorized for inclusion in this Federal government facility operated by the National Park Serv ice of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Included with the new boundaries of the GGNRA are certain public parks and beaches located in the cities of Pacifica, Daly City and Sweeney Ridge in unincorporated San Mateo county.

Also included in the GGNRA are the watershed properties owned by the city and county of San Francisco.

These properties are regulated by scenic and recreation easements, granted to the city and county of San Francisco, the state of California, the Federal government and San Mateo County.

State of California
The State Department of Parks and Recreation owns and operates 8,353 acres of recreational facilities in San Mateo county in the form of parks, beaches, and marine reserves. These facilities are located along the coast and in the southern portion of the county.

County of San Mateo
Through the Park and Recreation Division, the county maintains and operates a 14,122 -acre system comprised of 20 facilities. These facilities generally are located in the southern end of the county; however, Edgewood and San Bruno Mountain County Parks have created additional recreational opportunities toward the northern portion of the county. The county park and recreation system is presently oriented toward the preservation of natural areas because the majority of the facilities are rural in nature, offering mostly low intensity types of activities. The system, however, in seeking to provide a balanced group of facilities does feature some sites for more active types of recreation, such as Coyote Point Recreation Area.

The town of Colma is situated in the county of San Mateo and near the city/county of San Francisco. This allows the town to be in proximity to a vast and diverse amount recreational opportunity. The following is a list of the most popular trails and parks in San Mateo county:
• Coyote Point Marina and Recreational
Area
• Crystal Springs Regional Trail
• Devil’s Slide Trail
• Edgewood Park and Natural Reserve
• Fitzgerald Marine Rescue
• Flood Park
• Friendship Park
• Huddart Park
• Junipero Serra Park
• Mirada Surf
• Moss Beach Park
• Memorial Park
• Pescadero Creek Park
• Pillar Point Bluff
• Quarry Park
• San McDonald Park
• San Pedro Valley Park
• Wunderlich Park

Historical Sites:
• Sanchez Adobe
• Woodside Store

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The town of Colma is only about an hour car ride from any of the recreational options offered by the San Mateo County Parks and Recreational Department. The parks offer activities such as hiking/biking trails, equestrian trails, swimming, camping, playgrounds and educational programs (San Mateo County General Plan, 1986).

LOCAL
The town of Colma is located on the San Francisco Peninsula within proximity to many outdoor recreational opportunities. The San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean are easily accessibl e by car and offer scenic and natural outdoor recreational opportunities.

San Bruno Mountain State and County Park lies adjacent to the town of Colma’s easternmost boundary and offers excellent hiking opportunities and views of San Francisco and the Cen tral Bay Area . It is a landmark of local and regional significance. The park is a unique open -space island amid the peninsula's urbanization at the northern end of the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. The mountain's ridge line runs in an east-west configuration, with considerable slopes and elevations ranging from 250 feet to 1,314 feet at the summit. The 2,416-acre park includes twelve miles of hiking, riding, and jogging trails that access various vista points throughout the park. Many of the vistas offer spec tacular views of the Pacific Ocean, central San Francisco Bay, and the city of San Francisco skyline. The park consists of 2,416 acres of rugged landscape offering hiking opportunities and outstanding views of the town the central Bay Area. The facilities provided here include an extensive trail system, picnic grounds, day camp, and a handicap accessible nature trail. Vehicular access to the park is gained from Guadalupe Canyon Parkway in the city of Daly City. Pedestrian access to the park from the town of Colma can be gained via a trailhead on Hillside Boulevard near the southernmost boundary of the town. This trailhead leads up a ravine to the ridge top where the greater trail network can be accessed. The park may also be accessed approximately four and one-half miles from the Sterling Park neighborhood in the town of Colma.

The town of Colma has entered into an agreement with the city of Daly City to share costs associated with the development of sports fields at the former T.R. Pollicita Middle Scho ol in the city of Daly City . These facilities can be reserved and programed by the Parks and Recreation department for day camp or other special events. A small picnic area which is part of the Veteran’s Village project on Mission Road is available for public use and includes a historic display about the site. Private recreation and workout facilities that are available include several private health clubs located within a one -half mile distance of the town of Colma in the city of Daly City including Crunch Fitness in the Serramonte Center; Planet Fitness on Junipero Serra Boulevard; Snap fitness on Mission Street; Orange Theory Fitness at the 280 Metro Center and 24-Hour Fitness on Gellert Boulevard.

Colma Creek is a small creek that flows to the San Francisco Bay from its source in the San Bruno Mountain State and County Park. It flows southwest through the town of Colma and the cities of Daly City and South San Francisco to San Francisco Bay. Though Colma Creek flows primarily underground along the majority of the town of Colma, there are open channels of the Creek an d the town has opportunities for a linear park, pedestrian walkways and sitting areas along the edge of the channels.

Though the town of Colma residents historically had enjoyed park and recreational facilities provided by San Mateo County or the city of Daly City, beginning in the late 1980’s, the town of Colma began an active process of acquiring and improving public recreation properties in the town. It’s publicly owned recreation and community facilities currently include the facilities listed in Table 4.13-1: Park and Recreation Facilities and shown in Figure 4.13-2: Parks and Recreation Facilities below:

4.13 Public Services and Recreation

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Table 4.13.1: Parks and Recreation Facilities

Facility Name Acres Amenities
Bark Park 0.11 Dog park with a water station,
gravel track and grass area.

Colma Community Center and
Historical Park
2 Restored train station,
blacksmith shop, and freight
station
Sterling Park Recreation Center 0.75 Picnic area with barbecue pit, half-court basketball court, and
children’s playground
Source: Town of Colma. 2020. Town of Colma Existing Conditions Report, Public Utilities, Facilities, and Services.

Colma Community Center and Historical Park
The town has acquired approximately two acres at the southwest corner of F Street and Hillside Boulevard for a community park. The Colma Community Center was constructed to provide additional recreational and community-oriented opportunities to the residents of the town. It provides dining facilities for up to 150 people and is used for community events, private parties, meetings and the town’s Recreation Services Department office. A small lending library is included, as well as a full catering kitchen and a small conference room. The remainder of the site is used for off -street parking and public outdoor areas, picnic areas, open space, gardens and walkways. The historically significant former Olivet Cemetery office has been converted to house the Colma Historical Association museum and offices. It also houses the historic Colma Train Station, which was acquired by the town when the station building was displaced by the BART extension to the town. The park also includes a restored blacksmith shop and freight station. A vintage caboose or funeral car may also be acquired for the park as part of the historic train station theme.

Sterling Park and Sterling Park Recreation Center
Sterling Park is located on the west side of the Sterling Park Residential neighborhood. The site is made up of two parcels and can be accessed from E Street or F Street. In 2002, Sterling Park was expanded and improved to incorporate additional open lawn areas, a skateboard park, walking paths and fountain.

However, the town has now converted the skateboard park to expand the lawn area and walking paths.

The half-court basketball court, bocce ball court, and playground were constructed on the other parcel, around the recreation center. In 2019, the bocce ball court was removed t o expand the playground area.

The park now includes amenities for both youths and adult residents including the town’s Recreation Center, picnic tables and barbecues, a half-court basketball court, children’s playground, an open lawn area with walking paths, and a four-station par course. Many of the town’s events are held at this site, including the annual town picnic and summer youth programs.

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4.13 Public Services and Recreation

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Bark Park
The town of Colma’s Dog Park, known as the Bark Park, is located on the west end of D Street in the Sterling Park Residential Neighborhood. The fully enclosed park is approximately 0.11 acre and is great for small to medium size dogs. The park features a water station, gravel track and grass area.

4.13.4.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
The California Parklands Act
Although a recreation element is not mandated by law to be included in a General Plan, recreation resources are to be considered in the Open Space Element of a General Plan (Government Code Section §65560). The California Parklands Act of 1980 (Pub. Res. C ode Section 5096.141 -5096.143) identifies “the public interest for the state to acquire, develop, and restore areas for recreation…and to aid local governments of the state in acquiring, developing and restoring such areas.” The California Parklands Act also identifies the necessity of local agencies to exercise vigilance to see that the parks, recreation areas, and recreational facilities they now have are not lost to other uses (California Parklands Act, 1980).

STATE
Quimby Act
Local governments in California provide a critical role in the effort to set aside parkland and open space for recreational purposes. California cities and counties have been authorized since the passage of the 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code §66477), to pass ordinances requiring that developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay in -lieu fees for park improvements. The Act states that the dedication requirement of parkland can be a minimum of 3 acres per thousand residents or more, up t o 5 acres per thousand residents if the existing ratio is greater than the minimum standard. Revenues generated through in lieu fees collected and the Quimby Act cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities. In 1982, the Act was subs tantially amended. The amendments further defined acceptable uses of or restrictions on Quimby funds, provided acreage/population standards and formulas for determining the exaction, and indicated that the exactions must be closely tied (nexus) to a project’s impacts as identified through studies required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Revenues generated through the Quimby Act cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities.

California Open Space Code
California State planning law (Government Code Section §65560) provides a structure for the preservation of open space by requiring every city and county in the state to prepare, adopt, and submit to the Secretary of the Resources Agency a “local open-space plan for the comprehensive and long-range preservation and conservation of open-space land within its jurisdiction.” Government Code Section §65910
California Government Code Section §65910 requires that every California County must adopt an open space zoning ordinance. Section 2800 of the County Zoning Ordinance meets this regulation.

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Preservation of Public Parks
The following is taken from the Public Resources Code (PRC) Division 5 Chapter 2.5 Preservation of Public Park, “n o city, city and county, county, public district, or agency of the state, including any division, department or agency of the state government, or public utility, shall acquire (by purchase, exchange, condemnation, or otherwise) any real property, which property is in use as a public park at the time of such acquisition, for the purpose of utilizing such property for any nonpark purpose, unless the acquiring entity pays or transfers to the legislative body of the entity operating the park sufficient compensation or land, or both, as required by the provisions of this chapter to enable the operating entity to replace the park land and the facilities thereon.

San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), with support from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) have developed the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (CBPP) to addresses th e planning, design, funding, and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian projects of countywide significance.

LOCAL
El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan
The Town of Colma has received a grant from the Caltrans’ Sustainable Communities Pr ogram, funded through Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) – SB1, to improve safety and mobility for people who walk and bike along El Camino Real (ECR). Currently, the Town is developing the El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan. The Plan will evaluate existing conditions along ECR from the County of San Mateo/Town of Colma border to the City of South San Francisco/Town of Colma border, addressing bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation connectivity deficiencies. The Plan will develop a conceptual strategy to incorporate various improvements to enhance mobility, accessibility and connectivity for all modes of transportation along the ECR corridor.

Town of Colma Municipal Code Chapter 2.07
Chapter 2.07 of the Town of Colma Municipal Code limits the types of activities, equipment, and number of people, and sets hours for public access. It applies to the Town’s parks, recreation centers, the golf center, playgrounds, fields and open spaces. In addition, this code also stipulates permitting requirements for special events.

4.13.4.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance . Recreation impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• The project would increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. • The project would include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment.

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• The project would result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered park facilities, or need new or physically altered park facilities, the construction and maintenance of which could cause significant environmental impacts.

METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential recreation impacts of the proposed Town of Colma General Plan Update was based primarily on information gathered from the Existing Conditions Report and Open Space/Conservation Element. A detailed list of resources used in the completion of the analysis in this section can be found under References located at the end of the section. Implementation of the proposed project was compared to the existing conditions to determine the impacts due to recreation.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.13.4: Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update has the potential to increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional facilities or could require the construction of new recreational facilities. Any such changes would not result in substantial or increased physical deterioration of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment (Less than Significant).

The 2040 GPU proposes updates the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning areas into five new planning areas that are consistent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. In addition, the proposed GPU introduces new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315, 000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update is expected to result in a total 2,269 people within the Planning Area at buildout (2040). This represents an increase of approximately 765 persons over existing conditions within the Planning Area. Any increases in the town’s future population could therefore increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks and recreational facilities and result in eventual deterioration of such existing facilities.

Since the town is limited on space to add new public park and/or recreational facilities, the creation of such additional recreational facilities would be a challenge to the town. The town , through its 2040 GPU, is however committed to providing public park and recreation facilities that meet the n eeds of its residents.

Since the town does not have the capacity to create additional recreational facilities, this commitment may require the town to creatively utilize its existing facilities or to enter into development agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to allow for the creation and maintenance of walkways, trails and bike facilities.

The construction (or expansion of existing recreational facilities) would be subject to its own environmental review pursuant to CEQA and State law. Typical environ mental impacts regarding the construction and operation of parks and recreational facilities include noise (during construction and associated with playfields and playgrounds), air quality (during the construction of the facility), biological resources (depending on location), historic/cultural resources (depending on location), public services and utilities (demand for police and fire protection, water, and wastewater service), and traffic on a local neighborhood level.

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Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address parks and recreation land:

Policy OSC-1-2: Flexible Open Space Land Uses. Allow for the use of open space and future cemetery lands for commercial nursery, farming, or other uses which provide a community benefit.

Policy OSC-1-4: Pedestrian Trails, Bikeways Walkways. Expand and improve pedestrian trails, bikeways, and walkways to connect trails and allow access to open space land and regional trail facilities.

Policy OSC-1-5: Colma Creek Trail. Coordinate with the City of South San Francisco to provide continuous pedestrian access from the Colma BART station along El Camino Real to the southern border of the town.

Policy OSC-2-1: Open Space for Recreation Use. Develop and maintain open spaces and recreation areas that are conveniently located, properly designed, and well-maintained to serve the recreation needs and healthy living of the entire community.

Policy OSC-2-2: Recreation Requirements for New Developments. Require dedication of improved land, or payment of a fee in lieu of, for park and recreation land for all residential uses.

Policy OSC-2-3: Expansion of Recreation Space. Acquire and enhance properties within Colma for recreation and public use if opportunities become available.

Policy OSC-4-7: Colma Creek Bank Setback. Protect and enhance areas of Colma Creek for riparian habitat, linear park opportunities, and aesthetic value.

Policy OSC-4-8: Colma Creek Enhancements. Enhance Colma Creek where possible by concrete channel removal, adding landscaping, public pathways, and sitting areas.

Implementation of the policies described above would further reduce the Project’s impacts to less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.

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REFERENCES
Documents
San Mateo County, California. September 2011 San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan San Mateo County, California. November 1986. San Mateo County General Plan.

Town of Colma. 2020. Town of Colma Existing Conditions Report, Public Utilities, Facilities, and Services.

Colma, California. Town of Colma. 2019. Town of Colma Municipal Code. Colma, California.

Websites
Cal OES. 2021. Standardized Emergency Management System. < https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes- divisions/planning-preparedness/standardized-emergency-management-system>. Accessed January 1, 2021.

California Fire Code. 2019. <https://archive.org/details/2019californiafi00unse>. Accessed January 27, 2021.

California Legislative Information. AB -1191 Quimby Act (AB -1191) https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1191 Accessed August 2020 California Legislative Information. California Parklands Act of 1980 (California Parklands Act 1980) https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&division=5.&title=&part=&chapter =1.69.&article=1. Accessed August 2020.

California Code of Regulations (CCR). Title 7. Chapter 4. Article 4. <http://165.235.111.242/LawsRegsPolicies/Title7/index.cfm> Accessed August 2020.

County of San Mateo Parks Department. San Bruno Mountain State & County Park , https://parks.smcgov.org/san-bruno-mountain-state-county-park>. Accessed February 1, 2021.

El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan Community Outreach Website (El Camino Real Plan) https://colmaelcamino.org/ Accessed August 2020
General Plan Guidelines. (2017). Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. https://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/guidelines.html Accessed August 2020 Colma Fire Protection District, https://colmafire.org/ Accessed April 7, 2020 National Fire Protection Agency. https://www.nfpa.org/. Accessed April 7, 2020 San Bruno Mountain State & County Park. https://parks.smcgov.org/san-bruno-mountain-state-county-park, Accessed April 7, 2020
The Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program: FAQ, https://www.verisk.com/insurance/about/faq/the- public-protection-classification-ppc-program/ Accessed April 7, 2020 Police Department Profile. Town of Colma. <https://www.colma.ca.gov/department-profile/>. Accessed January 28, 2021

4.14 Transportation

CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-1 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing transportation system within the Town of Colma General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). This section also identifies the potential impacts of implementing the proposed project on such resources as well as the appropriate proposed General Plan policies that reduce the identified impacts.

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal ifornia Public Resources Code Sections §21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal ifornia Code Regulations, Section §15000, et seq.), this Draft PEIR evaluates the Town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update’s (GPU) related impacts, general assumptions, and mitigation needs that can be identified in the analysis. The reader is referred to the individual technical sections of the Draft PEIR Sections 4.1 to 4. 16, regarding the specific assumptions and methodologies used in the analysis for that technical subject.

4.14.1 EXISTING SETTINGS

STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
Located along a major vehicular and truck route (El Camino Real; State Highway 82) as well as the San Francisco Bay Area’s transit network (Bay Area Rapid Transit; BART), the town of Colma’s transportation system serves local as well as regional transportation needs. The street system within the town is structured around State Highway 82, (El Camino Real) and Interstate Highway 280 (I-280), (Junipero Serra Freeway) which carry traffic into, and out of town. The internal street system consists of arterial streets, collector streets and local streets. Usable road width, sight distance, and travel speed generally decrease as one moves from major highways to the local streets.

Roadways serv e two primary functions: mobility and property access. Higher and reliable speeds are desirable for mobility, while lower speeds are more desirable for property access and bicycle and pedestrian safety, particularly in residential areas. A functional class ification system provides a hierarchy of streets to meet both access and mobility needs. Arterials emphasize high mobility for through traffic, local streets emphasize property access, and collectors provide a balance between both functions. Standard functional classifications are defined by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and maintained for California in California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) California Road System (CRS) maps for urban areas are:
• Principal Arterial, Interstate
• Principal Arterial, Other Freeways
• Principal Arterial, Other
• Minor Arterial
• Collector
• Local
Arterials are designed to carry heavy traffic volumes at various speeds depending on the classifications.

Collector streets are set up to divert traffic from local streets to a locality’s arterial network, while local streets provide access within and betw een neighborhoods and broader roadway systems. The town of Colma uses a modified version of these classifications for its streets. Figure 4.14-1: Roadway Classifications shows a map of the modified classifications for the town of Colma.

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4.14 Transportation

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REGIONAL ROAD SYSTEM
The town of Colma is served by one north -south freeway, while Interstate 280 (I-280). State Route 82 (SR 82)/El Camino Real is a major non-freeway regional route. These State highway facilities (shown in Figure

4.14-1) are maintained and operated by Caltrans and are federally designated as Principal Arterials .

However, the town maintains landscape improvements along these routes.

Interstate 280
Interstate 280 (I-280) is a north-south freeway connecting the City of San Francisco to the north with the City of San Jose to the south, generally serving the western side of the developed portions of the San Francisco Bay Peninsula. I-280 provides access to the town of Colma at three locations: Hickey Boulevard, Serramonte Boulevard and D Street at Junipero Serra Boulevard. Hickey Boulevard is a full interchange with on -and off -ramps for both northbound and southbound traffic. The Serramonte Boulevard interchange provides a northbound on -ramp and a southbound off -ramp only. A northbound off -ramp exists in the vicinity of D Street at Junipero Serra Boulevard in the city of Daly City.

There are weaving conflicts between the Serramonte Boulevard on -ramp traff ic and the I -280 traffic accessing the D Street (Eastmoor) and Highway 1 off -ramps just west of Colma near the Colma BART station. These conflicts could be reduced by constructing a fly -over for Highway 1 traffic. In addition, weaving conflicts occur at the Serramonte Boulevard exit due to the short merge lane for those entering or exiting the I-280 freeway.

El Camino Real (State Route 82)
El Camino Real (State Route 82) is a state highway and Principal Arterial which serves the central areas of many of the cities on the San Francisco Peninsula between the cities of San Francisco and San Jose. North of F Street, the road is referred to as Mission Street (in the city of Daly City) and south of F Street, through the town of Colma, it becomes El Camino Real.

Highway 82 bisects the town with three travel lanes in each direction, narrowing to two lanes in each direction south of the Mission Road intersection. Most of El Camino Real has a 28-foot wide landscaped median with an underground box culvert for drainage. There are overhead electric, telephone, and cable lines along both sides of the street starting just south of F Street, extending to the town’s southern boundary.

On-street parking is allowed in many locations, with various time restrictions, including no-parking during overnight hours. The Town plans to designate parking spaces along El Camino Real and institute a one vehicle per space rule that reduce the number of recreational vehicles and box trucks that currently use the corridor for parking. Sidewalks have been installed along the entire east side of the roadway from the northern town limit to Mission Road, however the west side lacks sidewalks north of the Greek Cemetery driveway and s outh of Cypress Lawn (which transitions into the jurisdiction of the City of South San Francisco).

In 2019, the Town began a study of the El Camino Real corridor to assess safety and to create opportunities for bicyclists and pedestrians. This study is f unded largely through a Caltrans planning grant. Left turns from Collins Avenue and from various cemetery entrance driveways onto El Camino Real can be dangerous at times due to the width of El Camino Real (three lanes in each direction) and the high speed of traffic. The wide median is important for the protection it provides to vehicles turning into businesses.

Likewise, access to parcels fronting El Camino Real south of Mission Road is potentially hazardous due to poor visibility caused by the curvature of the road, and the relatively high speed of traffic.

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LOCAL ROAD SYSTEM
Principal Arterials
Arterial streets connect the town’s residential, commercial and cemetery districts and provide a link to surrounding communities as shown in Figure 4.14-1. Arterials also act as alternative north -south routes should the major highway system be blocked. Town of Colma streets classified as Principal Arterials include the following:
• Junipero Serra Boulevard (JSB): JSB is a north/south arterial street extending from the City of Daly City, through the town of Colma, and into the City of South San Francisco. Traffic signals are located at Serramonte Boulevard, the entrance to the Serra Shopping Center, Southgate Avenue and Colma Boulevard. JSB has four lanes of traffic that travel in north -south directions, with occasional right - turning lanes. The traffic lanes are divided by raised landscape medians.

A sidewalk exists along most of the east side of the street, along with bicycle paths that run the entire length of JSB within the Town of Colma. Sidewalks on the west side only exist at bus stop locations at Colma Boulevard and at the Serra Center driv eway. On-street parking is prohibited along the entire length of JSB but is being considered for a small segment between Serramonte Boulevard and the Serra Center driveway.
• Serramonte Boulevard : Serramonte Boulevard is a four -lane arterial street extendin g from Saint Francis Boulevard in the City of Daly City to Hillside Boulevard in the town. There is a partial interchange with I-280, consisting of a southbound off-ramp and a northbound on-ramp. The town of Colma’s major retail core, which includes auto d ealerships and shopping centers, is centered on Serramonte Boulevard between Junipero Serra Boulevard and El Camino Real. There are sidewalks along both sides of Serramonte between Junipero Serra Boulevard and El Camino Real, and along the south side only from El Camino Real to Hillside Boulevard. The low level of pedestrian activity and the presence of an existing cemetery on the north side of the road minimizes the need to develop a sidewalk on both sides.

Parking is not allowed along any portions of Serramonte Boulevard. The lack of left turn lanes to the many driveways along Serramonte Boulevard is a potential source of congestion. Loading and unloading of car carriers (for the dealerships along the Serramonte Boulevard) or other vehicles on the street is prohibited.
• Mission Road: Mission Road is a two-lane arterial road which connects El Camino Real in Colma to Chestnut Avenue in South San Francisco. Mission Road is used as an alternate to El Camino from many sections of the City of South San Francisco. Access to Mission Road from El Camino Real is controlled by a stop sign. Left turns from Mission Road into the south bound lane of El Camino Real are prohibited because of poor sight lines and fast-moving traffic; instead, motorists must make a U- turn at one of several median breaks on El Camino Real. On -street parking is allowed on both sides of Mission Road, although there are time restricted zones in most areas.

Most of this route has sidewalks along both sides of the street, except in front of Holy Cross Cemetery.

Auto repair, light industrial and residential uses in this area result in heavy demand for parking both on-and off-street.
• Hillside/Sister Cities Boulevard : Hillside Boulevard is a north -south arterial roadway connecting the City of Daly City near the San Francisco city limits, through the town of Colma, to Highway 101 in the City of South San Francisco (Hillside Boulevard becomes Sister Cities Boulevard in South San Francisco). Hillside Boulevard has been striped for two lanes through the Town. Traffic signals are

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located at Olivet Parkway, Serramonte Bou levard, and Lawndale Boulevard. The intersections at F Street and at Hoffman Street are controlled by stop signs. Sidewalks are installed on both sides of Hillside Boulevard between Serramonte Boulevard and Hoffman Street. • Lawndale Boulevard : Lawndale Boul evard is an east/west arterial connector between Hillside Boulevard and Mission Road. The name of the street changes to McLellan Drive, which makes the connection from Mission Road to the El Camino Real. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has installed gas and electric transmission lines the entire length of Lawndale Boulevard.

Collector Streets
Collector streets serve the important function of transferring traffic from local traffic generators such as shopping and employment areas to the arterials. Collector streets do not form a continuous system; otherwise, there would be a tendency to use them as arterials. The following streets have been designated as collector streets in the town of Colma (as shown in Figure 4.14-1):
• Collins Avenue: Collins Avenue is a two-lane road which connects El Camino Real at its east end with Serramonte Boulevard at its west end. Collins Avenue descends from west to east and is bordered by a steep downslope along most of its north side. There is an existing s idewalk along Collins Avenue on the south side of the street. No sidewalk exists for most of the north side of the street. Parking is allowed only along the south side of the street, except for a segment close to El Camino Real.

The eastern portion has a wider roadway, sidewalks, and parking lanes on both sides of the street in accordance with the Collins Avenue Plan Line specifications. • Colma Boulevard: Colma Boulevard is a collector connecting Junipero Serra Boulevard with El Camino Real. It has two lanes in each direction but widens to four lanes in each direction at the west end for access to abutting commercial uses. No on-street parking is allowed. A sidewalk exists on the entire north side of the street. On the south side there is no sidewalk in front of the Greenlawn Cemetery.
• F Street: This street serves as a two-lane collector route at the north end of town. F Street provides access to the Sterling Park neighborhood between Hillside Boulevard and El Camino Real. As part of the Sterling Park Str eet Beautification Program, this segment has received improvements such as street trees, ornamental light fixtures, underground utilities , and special paving. West of El Camino Real, F Street turns northwest, passes by the Colma BART station and merges with D Street in the City of Daly City. D street leads to Junipero Serra Boulevard and an I -280 on-ramp. Two residential developments, Trestle Glen and a townhouse development, both in unincorporated San Mateo County, front F Street (the street being in the town limits). • Clark Avenue: Clark Avenue is two-lane residential collector street running north/south between Fisher Street in the City of Daly City and F Street in the town of Colma. It is a principal route in and out of the Sterling Park residential area, particularly for residents on D and E Streets. Sidewalks are provided, and parking is allowed on both sides of the street.

Local Streets
Local streets comprise all the facilities not in one of the previously discussed higher street designations (shown in Figure 4.14-1). These are typically interior neighborhood roadways and primarily permit direct access to abutting property and connections to the collector and arterial streets and offer the lowest level of vehicle mobility and usually do not include bus routes. Service to through traffic movements are usually deliberately discouraged.

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“Paper” Streets
The Cypress Hills area (on the east side of Hillside Boulevard) has a series of public easements remaining from when the land was originally platted for development. Although the streets were never built, several lots within the platted area were sold speculatively. These lots, known as “in-holding” lots, have not been developed, but nevertheless the Town is obliged to retain the paper streets as a theoretical means of access.

The paper streets remain on the County Assessor’s maps.

Decommissioned Landfill/Park Access Road
Access to the decommissioned Hillside Landfill is provided by Sand Hill Road, a two-lane road which is privately owned.

BUS TRANSIT
San Mateo County Transit District (SAMTRANS)
San Mateo Transit District (SamTrans) provides bus service throughout San Mateo County with connections to the town of Colma, and cities of Daly City, and South San Francisco BART Stations, San Francisco International Airport, Peninsula Caltrain Stations, San Francisco Greyhound Depot, and Downtown San Francisco’s TransBay Terminal. It also provides access to Santa Clara County Transit, with connections in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. Town of Colma residents can catch SamTrans Mainline Routes along El Camino Real or SamTrans Local Routes along El Camino Real, Hillside Boulevard (in city of Daly City) and Junipero Serra Boulevard. Senior citizens and disabled patrons may ride anywhere in the County for a reduced fare.

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Paratransit Service
SamTrans provides two on-call, curb to curb service for disabled and elderly residents of San Mateo County. Redi-Wheels serves the bay side of San Mateo County , while RediCoast serves the coast side of San Mateo County. The town of Colma is served by Redi-Wheels. Redi-Wheels passengers must reserve trips one to seven days in advance or set up subscription services for regular trips. Additionally, paratransit customers may ride any fixed-route services for free.

Long Distance Bus Service
There is no scheduled intercity bus service (Greyhound or other carriers) serving the town of Colma. The closest long-distance bus stations are in the cities of San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose.

DEMAND RESPONSE TRANSIT
Airport Shuttle Services
Numerous airport shuttle services provide pickup and drop off service from a home or business in the town of Colma to and from San Francisco International Airport. These trips are arranged via a telephone or smartphone and booked in advance.

Taxis
Private taxi companies provide door -to-door private rides. These trips are arranged via a street hail, taxi stands, telephone orders and a smartphone app. The town of Colma is served by taxicab companies located in the cities of Pacifica and Daly City, as well as in the unincorporated areas around Daly City and South San Francisco.

Auto Dealer Shuttles
Many of the local auto dealers provide a shuttle service to customers who are having au to repair work done on their cars. These shuttles assist individuals who live or work in the town of Colma or neighboring communities.

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
Also known as ride-hail or ride share companies provide a variety of services ranging from door-to-door- private rides to shared trips with other passengers. These trips are arranged utilizing a smartphone app.

These companies include Uber and Lyft.

RAIL
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit district (BART) provides heavy-rail, regional transit service via five rail lines in the following four Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo. There are two B ART stations located just outside of the town limits . BART runs t rains north and south through the town of Colma station. North bound trains pass through the cities of Daly City and San Francisco stations on their way to the East Bay (East Bay destinations include Richmond, Pittsburg/Baypoint/Antioch, Dublin and Fremont), and south bound trains pass through South San Francisco, San Bruno, and Millbrae stations on their way to San Francisco International Airport. Trains run Monday through Friday from 4:00 A.M. to midnight and on Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 A .M. to midnight. The town of Colma BART station is located at Mission Street and Albert M. Teglia Boulevard, just north of the town Limits.

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Caltrain
Caltrain, operated by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, provides passenger rail service to the Peninsula cities, extending from San Francisco to San Jose and Gilroy. Trains run Monday through Friday from 5:00 A.M. to midnight, Saturday from 7:00 A.M. to midnight, and Sunday from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. The town of Colma’s nearest Caltrain station is located approximately four miles away in South San Francisco.

AIRPORTS
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Francisco International Airport is located approximately six miles from the town of Colma, east of Highway 101 and adjacent to the Cities of San Bruno and Millbrae.

The airport is a major regional passenger and cargo air terminal and the seventh most a ctive commercial airfield in the world. It can be reached by Town residents via private auto, SamTrans bus, and BART.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Pedestrian Facilities
Walking can be ideal for short, local trips for shopping, school, and recreation. Providing adequate facilities for pedestrians will help to ensure access to commercial, educational, recreational, and residential uses.

Pedestrian facilities include sidewalks, paths, trails, curb ramps, and crossings. Amenities such as street furniture, pedestrian-scale lighting, and landscaping, serve to create an environment that is conducive to walking and is con formable and safe for pedestrians. Currently there are 3 major projects to improve pedestrian facilities. These projects are the El Camino Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, Serramonte Boulevard a nd Collins Ave nue Master Plan, and Mission Road Improvement Project. Figure 4. 14-2:

Sidewalk Network presents the existing sidewalk network in the town.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-10 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Bike Facilities
Bicycle facilities can be categorized by type:
• Class I Bikeway (Bike Path). A paved right -of-way for bicycle travel that is completely separated from any street or highway.
• Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane). A striped and stenciled lane for one-way bicycle travel on a street or highway.
• Class III Bikeway (Bike Route). A signed route along a street or highway where the bicyclist shares the right-of-way with motor vehicles.
• Unclassified Lanes or routes that would allow for bicycles but may not have any regular improvements or signage.

The town of Colma is currently reviewing possible bicycle improvements along El Camino Real as part of the El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Within the town of Colma, existing bikeways include Class II bike lanes and Class III signed bike routes. Class II bike lanes include Hillside Boulevard, Junipero Serra Boulevard, Lawndale Boulevard, and Mission Road segment from Lawndale to El Camino Real. An unclassified route has existed is for a portion of El Camino Real within Colma, between Mission Road and B Street, and F street between Hillside Boulevard and El Camino Real. Figure 4.14-3: Multimodal Circulation presents the existing multimodal circulation in the town.

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4.14.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
Americans with Disabilities Act
The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) is a wide -ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability. Pedestrian facility design must comply with the accessibility standards identified in the ADA, which applies to all projects involving new or altered pedestrian facilities. The scoping and technical provisions for new construction and alterations identified in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (Sections 4.3, 4.7 and 4.8) can be used to help design pedestrian facilities that are ADA compliant. For example, Title II -6.600 of the Technical Assistance Manual states, “When streets, roads, or highways are newly built or altered, they must have ramps or sloped areas whenever there are curbs or other barriers to entry from a sidewalk or path.” Certain facilities, such as historic buildings, may be exempt from ADA requirements.

STATE
Senate Bill 743
On September 27, 2013, S enate Bill 743 (SB 743) was signed into law. The Legislature found that with the adoption of the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375), the State had signaled its commitment to encourage land use and transportation planning decisions and investments that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and thereby contribute to the reduction of GHG, as required by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). Additionally, the Complete Streets Act (AB 1358), requires local governments to plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users. To further the State’s commitment to the goals of SB 375, AB 32 and AB 1358, Senate Bill 743 adds Chapter 2.7, Modernization of Transportation Analysis for Transit-Oriented Infill Projects, to Division 13 (Section 21099) of the Public Resources Code.

SB 743 started a process that could fundamentally change transportation impact analysis as part of CEQA compliance. These changes will include the elimination of auto delay, LOS, an d other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as a basis for determining significant impacts in many parts of California (if not statewide). Further, parking impacts will not be considered significant impacts on the environment for select development projects within infill areas with nearby frequent transit service. SB 743 includes amendments that revises the definition of “in-fill opportunity zones” to allow cities and counties to opt out of traditional LOS standards established by c ongestion management programs (CMPs) and requires OPR to update the CEQA Guidelines and establish “criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts of projects within transit priority areas. As part of the new CEQA Guidelines, the new criteria “shall promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses.” OPR presented alternative metrics in a preliminary discussion draft in summer of 2014 and released a final advisory in December 2018. Key guidance includes:
• VMT is the most appropriate metric to evaluate a project’s transportation impact. • OPR recommends tour- and trip-based travel models to estimate VMT, but ultimately defers to local agencies to determine the appropriate tools.
• OPR recommends measuring VMT for residential and office projects on a “per rate” basis.

Specifically, OPR recommends VMT per capita for residential projects and VMT per employee for office projects.

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• OPR’s recommended impac t threshold for residential and office projects is VMT per capita fifteen percent below the city or regional average (whichever is applied). In other words, an office project that generates VMT per employee that is more than 85 percent of the regional VMT per employee could result in a significant impact. This threshold is in line with statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
• For retail projects, OPR recommends measuring the net decrease or increase in VMT in the study area with and without the project. The recommended impact threshold is any increase in total VMT.
• Lead agencies ultimately have the discretion to set or apply their own significance thresholds, provided they are based on significant evidence.
• Cities and counties still have the ability to use metrics such as LOS for other plans, studies, or network monitoring. However, LOS and similar metrics cannot constitute the sole basis for CEQA impacts.

Assembly Bill 1358
The California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill 1358) requires cities and counties to include complete streets policies as part of their general plans so that roadways are designed to safely accommodate all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, children, older people, and disabled people, as well as moto rists. Beginning January 2011, any substantive revision of the circulation element in the general plan of a California local government must include complete streets provisions.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all State highways. Caltrans’ jurisdictional interest extends to improvements to these roadways at the interchange ramps serving area freeways. Any federally funded transportation improvements are subject to review by Caltrans staff and the California Transportation Commission.

Caltrans does not have regulations regarding traffic LOS on state highway facilities, but it does have guidelines for traffic operations on these facilities. Caltrans recommends a target LOS at the threshold between LOS C and LOS D. If the location under existing conditions operates worse than the appropriate target LOS, then the existing LOS should be maintained. If a facility is measured to operate at LOS E or F, an impact would therefore be considered less than significant if the project would result in an equal or lesser LOS E or F. If measured in volume/capacity ratio, therefore, a project impact would be considered less than significant if it would result in a lesser volume/capacity ratio than without the project even if still operating at LOS E or F.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) serves as the transportation planning, coordinating, and financing agency for the nine -county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC created and maintains the Metropolitan Transportation System (MTS), a multimodal system of highways, major arterials, transit services, rail lines, seaports, airports, and transfer hubs that are critical to regional transportation between the nine Bay Area counties. MTC is currently preparing Plan Bay Area, the combined Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) pursuant to Sustainabl e Communities and Climate Projection Act of 2008 (SB 375). While there are no specific performance criteria established in this document, the document will create a financing program for major interregional

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improvements, emphasizing maintaining performance on existing roadways, and aiming to increase transit ridership and access to alternative transportation modes.

LOCAL
City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), with s upport from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) have developed the San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (CBPP) to addresses the planning, design, funding, and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian projects of countywide significance. The CBPP updates the prior San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle Route Plan (2000) and expands the earlier plan by adding a pedestrian component.

New elements in the CBPP include:
• A policy framework to guide and evaluate implementati on of the projects recommended by the CBPP.
• An updated Countywide Bikeway Network that incorporates projects completed to-date and new proposed projects identified by San Mateo County’s cities, the County and the community. • Detailed maps and tables of pr oposed bikeway projects to assist local implementing agencies in con-structing bikeways.
• An analysis of land use and demographics to identify areas with high pedestrian demand to assist local implementing agencies in identifying their most important pedestrian projects. • Pedestrian Focus Areas and suggested prioritization criteria, which will guide countywide investment in pedestrian infrastructure.
• A companion document to assist local implementing agencies in developing education and promotion programs, and funding and designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

San Mateo County Congestion Management Program
The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) acts as the Congestion Management Agency (CMA) for San Mateo County. C/CAG is required to prepare and adopt a Congestion Management Program (CMP) on a biennial basis. The purpose of the San Mateo County CMP is to identify strategies to respond to future transportation needs, develop procedures to alleviate and control congestion, and promote countywide solutions. The most recent version of the San Mateo County CMP is the 2017 CMP, which is developed to be consistent with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC’s) Plan Bay Area, provides updated program information and performance monitorin g results for the CMP roadway system.

Town of Colma Systemic Safety Analysis Report (SSAR)
The Town of Colma is evaluating roadway safety throughout the community with the goal of making the streets safer for everyone. The report describes the Town’s roa dway network, crash trends and patterns, priority corridors, potential countermeasures, and benefit-cost ratios of viable projects scopes.

Colma Serramonte Boulevard-Collins Avenue Master Plan
The Colma Serramonte Collins Master Plan outlines a vision for this key commercial district and provides guidance for strategic improvements to circulation, streetscape, infrastructure, and aesthetics to improve the overall design and function of this important business community for the years to come. Spec ific objectives identified for the Master Plan include:

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• Streetscape and Traffic Improvements. Carry out streetscape and traffic improvements to provide safe, accessible, attractive, and vibrant corridors with a cohesive design and aesthetic elements.

Given the dominant nature of land uses —primarily automobile dealers — maintaining safe automobile access is vital to the continued success of the corridor. • Economic Development. Support, retain and increase commercial business activities while fostering a dynami c and sustainable business district that can respond to changing market conditions.
• Land Use and Urban Design. Incorporate land use and urban design elements that sustain and enhance the function and unique identity of Serramonte Boulevard and Collins Avenue. • Sustainability. Create design alternatives that promote sustainable development and green infrastructure along the corridor.

El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan
The Town of Colma received a grant from the Caltrans’ Sustainable Commu nities Program, funded through Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) – SB1, to improve safety and mobility for people who walk and bike along El Camino Real (ECR). Currently, the Town is developing El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan. The Plan will evaluate existing conditions along ECR from the County of San Mateo/Colma border to South San Francisco/Colma border, addressing bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation connectivity deficiencies. The Plan will develop a concep tual strategy to incorporate various improvements to enhance mobility, accessibility , and connectivity for all modes of transportation along the ECR corridor.

4.14.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Standards of Significance
Following Public Resources Code Sections §21083.2 and §21084.1, and Section §15064.5 and Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, Transportation impacts are significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities
• Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section §15064.3, subdivision (b) • Substantially increase hazards due t o a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment) • Result in inadequate emergency access

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METHODOLOGY
A detailed list of resources used in the completion of the analysis in this section can be found under References located at the end of the section. Implementation of the proposed project was compared to the existing conditions to determine the impacts due to transportation.

The T raffic Analysis: Existing and Future Conditions An alysis Memorandum (2020) (Traffic Analysis Memorandum) developed in support of the General Plan Update a ssesses how the study area’s transportation system would operate with the implementation of the town of Colma 2040 General Plan Update. The General Plan Update Mobility Element’s circulation map is shown in Figure 4.1 4-1. The potential impacts were identified based on a set of significance criteria based on the CEQA Guidelines.

The proposed General Plan Update could result in infill development in the town with a mix of uses, as noted below. It is noted that the proposed land uses represent the full town -wide buildout and include existing development in the town:
• Approximately 332 residential units;
• Approximately 35,000 to 179,000 square feet of office uses; and • Approximately 993,500 to 1,044,500 square feet of commercial uses; In total, the General Plan would result in a n approximately 332 new housing units, 1,395 additional residents, approximately 1,223,500 square feet of new commercial uses, and an additional 889 employees within the town’s boundaries. Weekday daily, AM peak hour, and PM peak hour volume forecasts for the General Plan were developed using the C/CAG travel demand model.

VMT Thresholds
As part of the new CEQA Guidelines updated for SB 743, the new criteria to replace LOS “shall promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses,” per Public Re sources Code section §21099. OPR released a final advisory in December 2018, which provided guidance for implementing VMT analysis as the most appropriate metric to evaluate a project’s transportation impact. Therefore, the T raffic Analysis Memorandum assesses VMT (as opposed to LOS) to be consistent with SB 743 guidance as of July 1, 2020.

The town of Colma has not yet adopted jurisdiction-specific guidelines on the appropriate metrics and thresholds of significance for SB 743-consistent VMT analysis. Therefore, this study assesses the changes in VMT per person between Cumulative (2040) , No Project (Current General Plan) and Cumulative (2040) Plus Plan (Proposed General Plan Update) to determine if the Plan would result in an increase in VMT per person in the town. This approach is consistent with the VMT analysis guidance established by OPR and the California Legislature’s intent. Given that the General Plan Update consists of a land use and mobility plan with proposed changes at the town wide level, a threshold of no increase from the previous Plan is appropriate to consider the effect of the Plan on the environment. In particular, the General Plan Update includes increases in residential, office, retail, and other land uses within the town. A threshold of no increase in VMT per capita and VMT per employee from the currently adopted General Plan indicates that the General Plan Update would maintain tr avel characteristics within the town and not result in longer travel distances.

Consistent with Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project will have a significant impact on the environment associated with transportation and circulation if it will:
• Increase VMT per person above No Project conditions;

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• Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to, level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways; • Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks;
• Substantially increase hazards due to a desi gn feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); • Result in inadequate emergency access; and/or
• Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities.

Consistent with OPR guidance, the C/CAG travel demand model was utilized to estimate the following metrics for comparison purposes:
• Residential VMT per person (Home-based trip VMT per resident in the town) • Commuter VMT per person (Work-based trip VMT per employee in the town) CMP Analysis
For the town of Colma, the CMP roadway system comprises of SR 82 (El Camino Real) from F Street to Mission Road. Baseline Level of Service (LOS) Standards were adopted for each of the roadway segments and intersections on the system – the Baseline LOS standard for SR 82 is LOS E. The CMP process consists of four steps. First, congested roadway segments are identified. Second, demand management strategies, such as carpooling, are considered, and analyzed for each roadway segment to determine their feasibility and potential for reducing congestion. Third, if demand management strategies are not deemed sufficient to reduce congestion, then other improvements such as signal retiming, public transit, and intelligent transportation systems are considered and analyzed. Fourth, and finally, if the alternatives do not appear sufficient to reduce congestion, then capacity expansion is allowable.

For the CMP process, the following scenarios were considered:
• Existing (“No Project”) Scenario – the baseline model outputs were used in this scenario. • Future (“No Project”) Scenario – the model outputs from the currently adopted General Plan were used in this scenario.
• Future (“Plus Project”) Scenario – the model outputs from the General Plan Update were used in this scenario.

Four performance measures were selected for the 1997 CMP and retained for subsequent CMPs. These measures will be evaluated for peak commute periods when congestion levels are at their highest. The four measures are:

1. Level of Service

2. Travel Times for Single-Occupant Automobiles, Carpools, and Transit

3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements

4. Ridership/Person Throughput for Transit
Roadway level of service will be measured with vehicle volumes, to determine volume -to-capacity ratios, or floating car runs, to determine travel speeds during the AM and PM peak period. The CMP level of

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service criteria for arterials was based on volume -to-capacity ratios from Appendix B – Traffic Level of Service Calculation Methods of CMP report. Table 4.14.1: CMP Analysis Results for SR 8 2 (El Camino Real) presents the CMP analysis for SR 82 (El Camino Real) from F Street to Mission Road in the Town of Colma. The results from in Table 4.14.1 below show no impacts with the future (2040) proposed General Plan scenario.

Table 4.14.1 – CMP Analysis Results for SR 82 (El Camino Real) Direction
Capacity
(Number
of
Lanes)
Existing
Volume
(v/c)
Future
No
Project
Volume
(v/c)
Future
Plus
Project
Volume
(v/c)
Change
in v/c
ratio
LOS
(Future
No
Project)
LOS
(Future
Plus
Project) Impact?
SR 82 (El Camino Real) from F Street to Mission Road
AM Peak Hour
Northbound 2,550 (3)
817
(0.32)
1,172
(0.46)
1,192
(0.47) 0.01 A A No
Southbound 2,550 (3)
1,723
(0.68)
2,238
(0.88)
2,252
(0.88) 0.00 D D No
PM Peak Hour
Northbound 2,550 (3)
1,725
(0.68)
2,292
(0.90)
2,307
(0.90) 0.00 D D No
Southbound 2,550 (3)
1,159
(0.45)
2,000
(0.78)
2,032
(0.80) 0.02 C C No
Source: C/CAG Countywide Model, Kittelson & Associates, Inc.

Traffic Analysis
As part of the Traffic Analysis Memorandum, operations and capacity analysis of intersections throughout and the town were conducted to determine locations that may require improvements to operate at acceptable levels of service by year 2040 based on town of Colma, Caltrans, and any other relevant jurisdictional standards. As land use projects throughout the town are approved and developed, the Town should continue to monitor conditions at these locations to determine the appropriate timing and/or level of improvement along these facilities, and implement improvements as required. Potential improvements are fully detailed in the Traffic Analysis Memorandum (Appendix E).

The Town should continue monitoring conditions at the following intersections to determine if and when improvements may be necessary:
• Serramonte Boulevard / Collins Avenue
• Serramonte Boulevard / Serra Center Driveway
• Hillside Boulevard / F Street
• El Camino Real / Serramonte Boulevard
• Junipero Serra Boulevard / Serramonte Boulevard / Interstate 280 On-Ramp

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-19 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

IMPACTS
Impact 4.14.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not result in conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities (Less than Significant) Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update could lead to increases in the town of Colma ’s population and employment, resulting in an associated increase in the demand for transit services offered by BART and SamTrans. While there are no established standards regarding transit levels of service that have been adopted by the Town or transit agencies, the GPU includes policies that support transit-oriented development patterns, strengthen ties between the pedestrian and bicycle networks to transit, promote enhancements to transit facilities, and support increased transit coverage and frequencies in the Town of Colma.

Additionally, implementation of the GPU would improve the existing bicycle and pedestrian circulation infrastructure and require future development to provide multimodal circulation improvements.

Increases in the town’s population and employment that could result under implementation of the GPU would also likely lead to increases in pedestrian and bicycle travel beyond current levels.

The Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update contains several policies that support access to and the performance of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. These applicable policies are listed below. Further, the GPU includes mix ed-use development that is supportive of non -automotive modes.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following General Plan Update policies address the GPU’s potential conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the town’s circulation system:

Policy M-1.2: Capital Improvement Prioritization. Maintain and upgrade exiting rights-of-way and ensure that the needs of non -motorized travelers are considered in planning, programing, and design of improvements.

Policy M-2-4: Multi-Modal Impact Fee. Consider establishing a transportation impact fee for new development tied to performance measures to generate funds for improving all modes of transportation.

Policy M-3-2: El Camino Real. Ensure that El Camino Real retains its distinct character, while encouraging improvements which support increased multi-modal use.

Policy M-3-4: Transit Funding. Seek joint transportation and transit funding opportunities with adjoining jurisdictions or agencies to improve transit access in and around Colma.

Policy M-3-5: Transportation Gaps. Eliminate gaps in the regional active transportation network in Colma.

Policy M-4-1: Transit Stops. Support the installation of transit stop amenities including shelters, benches, real -time information panels, lighting, bike parking, and bike sharing stations.

Policy M-4-2: Reliable Transportation Services . Encourage SamTrans and other public transit providers to provide service on regular schedules alon g El Camino Real, arterial streets, and, as feasible, major collectors; support these transportation services to increase the mobility of seniors, the disabled, and others who depend on public transportation.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-20 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Policy M-4.3: Consult with SamTrans. Encourage and support various public transit agencies and companies, ride -sharing programs, and other incentive programs that provide residents and visitors with transportation choices other than the private automobile.

Policy M-4.3: Encourage Transportation Options . Encourage and support various public transit agencies and companies, ride -sharing programs, and other incentive programs that provide residents and visitors with transportation choices other than the private automobile.

Policy M-4.4: Transit Oriented Development. Promote the development of multi-modal mixed-use development at sites surrounding the Colma BART station, where feasible along Mission Road, and at the Town Center site.

Policy M-5-1: Complete Streets. Incorporate Complete Streets in frastructure elements into new streets, street retrofits and certain maintenance projects to encourage multiple modes of travel, based on the modal priorities in Table M-2, as appropriate to the context and determined reasonable and practicable by the Town.

Policy M-5-2: Design for All Travel Modes. Plan, design, and construct transportation projects to safely accommodate the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, people with mobility challenges, and persons of all ages and abilities.

Policy M-5-3: Bicycle Connection Coordination. Coordinate with BART, South San Francisco, Daly City, Caltrans, and San Mateo County to plan and implement bicycle and pedestrian improvements which connect with improvements to BART facilities and regional networks.

Policy M-5-4: Accessibility and Universal Design. Prioritize implementation of pedestrian facilities that improve accessibility consistent with guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing mobility -impaired users, such as the disabled and seniors, to travel safely and effectively within and beyond the town.

Policy M-5.5: Design of New Development. Require new development to incorporate design that prioritizes safe pedestrian and bicycle travel and accommodate senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, and children.

Policy M-8-1: Parking Standards. Reevaluate minimum parking standards to account for emerging mobility trends, such as shared mobility, micromobility, autonomous vehicles, and future technology changes. The Consider reducing parking requirements for mixed - use developments.

The proposed General Plan policies above address the GPU’s conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy regarding the town’s circulation system and further reduces any impacts to a level of less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Impact 4.14.2 General Plan implementation would not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment) (Less than Significant)
The town of Colma maintains improvement standards that guide the construction of new transportation facilities to minimize design hazards for all users of the system. Through the Town’s environmental review process, future land use proposals that would add traffic to streets not designed to current standards would be carefully evaluated. If needed, appropriate mitigation measures would be identified, and the project would be c onditioned to construct or provide funding for an improvement that would minimize or

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-21 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
eliminate the hazard. Typical improvements include shoulder widening, adding turn pockets, adding sidewalks or crosswalks, realigning sharp curves, prohibiting certain turning movements, and signalizing intersections, among other options. New and upgraded roadways neede d to accommodate new development will be designed according to applicable Federal, State, and local design standards.

The types of uses included within the town as part of the GPU are generally similar to existing and surrounding uses and thereby are compa tible with the existing uses in the Planning Area. Development and infrastructure projects in the town of Colma would be required to comply with the General Plan, Municipal Code, and applicable State and local regulations. In addition, the Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan Update contains policies in support of roadway network safety and reducing design hazards. These applicable policies are listed below.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address hazards due to design features:

Policy M-1-1: Vision Zero. Eliminate traffic fatalities and reduce the number of non -fatal collisions by 50 percent by 2040.

Policy M-1-2: Capital Improvement Prioritization. Maintain and upgrade exiting rights-of-way and ensure that the needs of non -motorized travelers are considered in planning, programing, and design of improvements.

Policy M-5-1: Complete Streets. Incorporate Complete Streets infrastructure elements into new streets, street retrofits and certain maintenance projects to encourage multiple modes of travel, based on the modal priorities in Table M-2, as appropriate to the context and determined reasonable and practicable by the Town.

Policy M-5-2: Design for All Travel Modes. Plan, design, a nd construct transportation projects to safely accommodate the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, people with mobility challenges, and persons of all ages and abilities.

Policy M-5-5: Design of New Development. Require new development to incorporate design that prioritizes safe pedestrian and bicycle travel and accommodate senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, and children.

Implementation of the policies described above would reduce hazards due to design features of.

Therefore, this impact is less than significant and no further mitigation is required.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-22 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Impact 4.14.3: The proposed General Plan Update would not result in inadequate emergency access (Less than Significant).

Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would result in increased development which would increase the number of users on the town’s transportation system. There will be a need to ensure that adequate emergency access provisions are made to accommodate increased population and growth.

However, it should be noted that the Plan is a programmatic-level document, and emergency accessibility is typically assessed at the project -level. Adequacy of emergency access associated with future development projects would be analyzed and evaluated in detail through this future environmental review process. Additionally, the Mobility Element developed as part of the General Plan update contains policies in support of emergency access along local roads. These applicable policies are listed below.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address emergency access:

Policy M-4-6: Design of New Development. Require new development to incorporate design that considers emergency access and prioritizes safe pedestrian and bicycle travel and accommodates senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, and children.

Policy M-4-7: Emergency Services. Prioritize emergency service needs when developing transportation plans and making transportation network changes.

Implementation of the policies described above would ensure impacts relating to emergency circulation and access are less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.

Impact 4.14.4: General Plan implementation would increase VMT per person above No Project conditions (Less than Significant).

The residential and employee VMT under the Current General Plan and the Proposed General Plan Update for the town of Colma are shown in Table 4.14.2: Existing and Future VMT per Resident and Employee.

As shown in the table, the General Plan Update is expec ted to increase VMT per resident above No Project/Previous General Plan conditions. Home -based VMT per resident is expected to increase by 10% while work-based VMT per employee is expected to decrease by approximately 5% under the General Plan Update. This change in VMT could be attributed to the increasing amounts of residents living within the town of Colma under the Proposed General Plan Update and residents needing to travel further for employment opportunities or other needs given the additional reside nts. The commute VMT reduction may be explained by increased employment opportunities within the town with the Proposed General Plan Update and better jobs housing balance for those who live and work in the town. For example, the increase of office, retail, and other uses within the town would decrease the need for the town’s residents to travel long distances inside and outside the town for their employment or other needs, resulting in shorter vehicular travel distances per capita. However, due to the rela tively higher increase in population compared to employment, some residents will need to travel outside the town to reach their employment destinations which may explain the higher home-based VMT per person.

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Table 4.14.2: Existing and Future VMT per Resident and Employee

2020 Existing

1,519

4,070

16,090 10.59

58,196 14.30
2040 No Project

2,269

4,315

21,337 9.40

62,260 14.43
2040 Plus Project

2,914

4,959

30,172 10.35

68,191 13.75
Total Change
2040 No Project
- 2020

750 245

5,248 -1.19

4,064 0.13
2040 Proj ect -
2020

1395 889

14,083 -0.24

9,995 -0.55
2040 Pro ject -
2040 No Project

645 644

8,835 0.95

5,931 -0.68
% Change
2040 No Project
- 2020 49% 6% 33% -11% 7% 1%
2040 Proj ect -
2020 92% 22% 88% -2% 17% -4%
2040 Pro ject -
2040 No Project 28% 15% 41% 10% 10% -5%
Source: C/CAG Model, Kittelson & Associates, Inc., 2020.

As shown in Table 4.14.2, the Proposed General Plan update is expected to increase VMT per person above No Project conditions (an increase of 10%, from 9.40 to 10 .35). Therefore, the VMT-related impacts of the Plan would be considered significant.

The General Plan includes policies designed to ensure a VMT threshold is established and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures are provided. See the relevant policies that mitigate potential VMT impacts below. If these VMT and TDM polices are implemented, then the VMT impact could be considered less than significant with implementation of mitigation.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address vehicle miles traveled:

Policy M-2-1: Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled. Require new development projects to achieve a reduction in VMT per capita or VMT per service population compared to both baseline VMT performance conditions and General Plan 2040 VMT performance conditions.

The Town will regularly monitor baseline VMT to provide updated benchmarks for project applicants. Encourage use of VMT reduction strategies and methods to encourage non-automobile travel.

Policy M-2-2: Other Traffic Flow Benchmarks. Establish additional traffic flow benchmarks, such as vehicle-hours of travel and safety-related metrics, in order to evaluate and monitor changes in traffic flow over time.

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.14-24 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
Policy M-2-3: VMT Transportation Performance Measures. Update the Town’s transportation measures and thresholds to use VMT standards for traffic impact analysis rather than LOS.

Policy M-2-6: Development Review Requirements. Require proposed development pr ojects that could result in increased traffic to include improvements that assure LOS levels do not fall below the established minimum standard. Ensure that improvements are coordinated with roadway improvements programmed for funding through transportation-related impact fees and that the operational benefits of large -scale, automobile capacity-focused improvements are balanced against the induced VMT resulting from the improvements.

Policy M-7-1: TDM Program. Continue to participate in the TDM Program as outlined by the San Mateo City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG).

Policy M-7-2: TDM Program for New Development. Require major development proposals to include a detailed, verifiable TDM program for consideration by the Town during the review of the development application.

Policy M-7-3: Vehicle Trip Reduction. Support vehicle trip reduction strategies, including building safer and more inviting transportation networks, supporting connections to high frequency and regional transit, implementing TDM programs, and integrating land use and transportation decisions.

Implementation of the policies described above would mitigate impacts from increased vehicle miles traveled to less than significant and there are no mitigation measures required

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REFERENCES
Documents
Americans with Disabilities Act. Public Law 101-336. 1990.

California Environmental Quality Act. California Public Resources Code Sections §21000, et seq.

California Senate Bill 743. 2013.

California Assembly Bill 32. California Global Warming Solutions Act. 2006 California Senate Bill 375. Sustainable Communities and Climate Projection Act. 2008.

California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Preliminary Evaluation of Alternative Methods of Transportation Analysis. 2013.

California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA. 2018.

California Assembly Bill 1358. The California Complete Streets Act. 2008 CEQA Guidelines. California Code Regulations, Section §15000, et seq.

City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County. San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. 2011.

City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County . San Mateo County Congestion Management Program. 2019.

FHWA. Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures. 2013 Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Traffic Analysis: Existing and Future Conditions Analysis Memorandum. 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Play Bay Area 2040: Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. 2017.

Town of Colma. Town of Colma General Plan. 1999.

Town of Colm. Town of Colma General Plan Circulation Element. 2014.

Town of Colma. Town of Colma General Plan Existing Conditions Report. 2020.

Town of Colma. El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan. Ongoing.

Town of Colma. Serramonte Boulevard and Collins Avenue Master Plan. 2020.

Town of Colma. Systemic Safety Analysis Report. 2018.

Town of Colma. Mission Road Improvement Project. 2019.

United States Access Board. ADA Accessibility Guidelines. 2002 U.S. Department of Justice. ADA Technical Assistance Manual on Title II. 1992.

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Websites
Caltrans. California Road System Maps. 2020. Accessed at: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/research-innovation- system-information/office-of-highway-system-information-performance

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CSG Consultants, Inc 4.15-1 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal. Pub. Resources Code Sections §21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs., Section §15000, et seq.), this Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) evaluates the Town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update’s related impacts , general assumptions, and mitigation needs that can be identified in the analysis. The reader is referred to the individual technical sections of the Draft PEIR Sections 4.1 to 4.16, regarding the specific assumptions and methodologies used in the analysis for that particular technical subject.

4.15.1 EXISTING SETTINGS
LOCAL
Water Service
Water service is provided to the town by California Water Service Company (Cal Water). The town of Colma is within Cal Water’s South San Francisco District, which provides water from a combination of groundwater as well as purchased water sources. The purchased water is acquired from the San Francisco Water Department, whose sources are the Hetch Hetchy System, the Tuolumne Basin, and individual local sources. A new treatment plant for the groundwater supply opened in 1997. The supply and storage capacity of water reservoirs is adequate to meet the present needs and foreseeable growth of Colma as projected in the Housing Element.

The town of Colma is located above a ground water aquifer associated with local geology. Well water is the primary source of irrigation water used by the cemeteries in the town. The City and County of San Francisco, acting under the jurisdiction of its Public Utilities Commission, owns land and easements for its water transmission lines through the town. The main right -of-way, from the southern edge of Cypress Lawn Cemetery on the south, to the northern edge of Woodla wn Cemetery on the north, has a consistent open space designation through the town recognizing the fact that the subsurface waterlines prevent structures from being built.

Based on the expected increase in population in the greater San Francisco region, the demand for water is expected to increase moderately in the next ten years. Therefore, water conservation is becoming more essential. Although the town of Colma imposes a very small demand on Hetch Hetchy and the other resources, the town is a part of a regional effort to manage groundwater for drought conditions and emergencies.

Sewer Service
The town’s existing sewer system is mapped on Figure 4.15-1: Sewer System. Extensions to this system are possible to any areas of the town requiring new service due to development. Currently, the town, through joint powers agreements, uses the South San Francisco -San Bruno Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility and the North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant. The collection system in town is, therefore, segmented into these service areas.

The northern part of town is served by 10 -inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch lines which connect to a 10 -inch force main located along the unincorporated portion of A Street. A sewer pump station is located at F Street. The Colma Creek Branch of the South San Francisco sewer system is located along Mission Road near the Holy Cross cemetery. The central and southern part of the town is served by this gravity flow system.

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North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant The North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant is located near John Daly Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard in Daly City. Through an agreement with the Sanitation District, the town of Colma is allowed the treatment of 490,000 gpd of wastewater with annual growth increments not to exceed 30,000 gpd. Wastewater at the plant is given secondary treatment and then discharged into the Pacific Ocean.

Wastewater solids are transported offsite for land disposal.

South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant
The South San Francisco Water Quality Plant is located on Belle Air Road in South San Francisco. Located adjacent to San Franc isco Bay on Colma Creek, the facility provides secondary wastewater treatment for the cities of South San Francisco, San Bruno, and the town of Colma. The average dry weather flow through the facility is 9 million gallons per day (mgd). Peak wet weather flows can exceed 60 mgd. Through an agreement with South San Francisco and San Bruno, the town has purchased t he right to contribute maximum flows up to 450,000 gallons per day (gpd) to the shared plant. The Town will be amending this agreement soon since actual flows are near or exceed this capacity.

Power and Energy Use
The town of Colma’s principal sources of power are from natural gas and electricity transmitted by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (P.G.& E.). Power is supplied to the town by Peninsula Clean Energy, except for a very few properties that have opted out of service by Peninsula Clean energy in fav or of P.G. & E. The town’s commercial businesses use a large majority of the energy within the town of Colma. Residential energy use accounts for a relatively small percentage of energy use within the town.

Telephone and Communications
Local and nearby telephone communication is provided to the town of Colma residents by Verizon. Long distance telephone service is provided by numerous companies as selected by local users. Internet phone and cable service is provided primarily by Comcast. Additional television cable service for subscribers in Colma includes AT&T and DirectTV. Commercial communication structures such as towers, antenna and equipment buildings are only allowed in commercial and open space districts subject to a Use Permit and then only when not highly visible from public roads.

Utility Undergrounding
In all new construction, whether residential or commercial, power line s and telephone lines are required to be placed underground entirely or from the nearest existing pole. Service utility boxes and transformers must be screened from view by fencing and/or landscaping. In areas of existing development, utility lines should be placed underground in order to give the town of Colma’s streets a neater appearance. One section that has been completed is Mission Street in Daly City to F Street in the town. This undergrounding should occur as funds become available or in conjunction with other public works projects. Here are some key segments:

1. El Camino Real - F Street to Serramonte Boulevard

2. El Camino Real - Serramonte Boulevard south to town boundary

3. Mission Road - El Camino Real to town boundary

4. Hillside Boulevard

5. Junipero Serra Boulevard

6. Collins Avenue

7. Serramonte Boulevard -El Camino Real to Hillside Boulevard

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Storm Drain Facilities
All storm water runoff flows by gravity through open channels and culverts to Colma Creek. Once the creek leaves the town of Colma it continues most of the way in an open channel through South San Francisco and into the Bay.

Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
Solid waste produced in the town of Colma is collected by Republic Services at the city of Daly City.

Garbage is collected once a week and, subscription to the service is mandatory in the town. The main solid waste disposal site for San Mateo County is the Ox Mountain Sanitary Landfill located north of Highway 92, three miles east of Half Moon Bay. The facility accepts al l solid waste except hazardous materials. A private landfill site, operated by Calco, in the Cypress Hills area east of Hillside Boulevar d in the town, closed in 2011.

Recycling
Republic Services provides curbside pickup for recyclables for residential customers. One bin is used for recyclables such as paper, cardboard, aluminum and metal, glass and plastic. In addition to these standard recyclables, electronics and universal (items such as light bulbs, batteries and ballasts that contain hazardous materials) recycling is offered for commercial customers. Residents with hazardous items such as batteries can take those items to a drop off location.

4.15.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
California Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in coordination with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), is t he main Federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water. Under SDWA, USEPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards.

Clean Water Act Section 402
The primary go als of the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 USC §§ 1251, et seq. (CWA) are to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters and to make all surface waters fishable and swimmable. The CWA forms the basic national fr amework for the management of water quality and the control of pollutant discharges. The C WA sets forth several objectives in order to achieve the above-mentioned goals. The CWA objectives include regulating pollutant and toxic pollutant discharges; providing for water quality which protects and fosters the propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife; developing waste treatment management plans; and developing and implementing programs for the control of non-point sources pollution.

The CWA provides the le gal framework for several water quality regulations including NPDES, effluent limitations, water quality standards, pretreatment standards, anti -degradation policy, non -point source discharge programs, and wetlands protection. The State Water Resources Con trol Board (State Water Board) and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Wa ter Boards; collectively the Water Boards) are authorized to implement the federal Clean Water Act in California. The State Water Board protects water quality by setting statewide policy, coordinating and supporting the Regional Water Boards, and reviewing petitions that contest Regional Water Board actions. Additionally, the State Water Board is

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solely responsible for allocating surface water rights, regulating public drinking water systems, and administering financial assistance programs.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program is a federal program that has been delegated to the State of Calif ornia for implementation through the State Water Board and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. In California, NPDES permits are also referred to as waste discharge requirements (WDRs) that regulate discharges to waters of the United States.

Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES Program has been responsible for significant improv ements to our nation's and state’s water quality.

Local agencies in San Mateo County are required to reduce surface water drainage pollution runoff and establish control measures in development projects, which provide specific guidelines on design measures for runoff of pollutants of concern, source controls, stormwater treatment measures, hydromodification management, and construction site controls.

Raker Act
SFPUC was granted the rights to the water resources of the Tuolumne River in 1913 by the Raker Act. This was an act of the United States Congress that allowed the construction of the O’Shaughnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. The Act s pecifies that because the source of water and power was on public land, no private profit could be derived from the development.

REGIONAL
Senate Bill 610
Senate Bill (SB) 610 (Section 21151.9 of the Public Resources Code and Section 10910 et seq. of the Wa ter Code) requires the preparation of water supply assessments (WSA) for large developments (e.g., for projects of 500 or more residential units; 500,000 square feet of retail commercial space; or 250,000 square feet of office commercial space). These asse ssments, prepared by public water systems responsible for service, address whet her adequate existing or projected water supplies are available to serve proposed projects, in addition to urban and agricultural demands and other anticipated development in th e service area in which the project is located.

Senate Bill X7-7
In November 2009, the California State legislature passed, and the Governor approved, a comprehensive package of water legislation also known as the Statewide Water Conservation Act of 2009, including Senate Bill (SB) X7 -7 addressing water conservation. In ge neral, SB X7 -7 requires a 20 percent reduction in per capita urban water use by 2020, with an interim 10 percent target in 2015. The legislation requires urban water users to develop consistent water use targets and to use those targets in their UWMPs. SB X7-7 also requires certain agricultural water suppliers to implement a variety of water conservation and management practices and to submit Agricultural Water Management Plans.

Senate Bill 1016
Senate Bill (SB) 1016 requires that the 50 percent solid waste diversion requirement established by AB 939 be expressed in pounds per person per day. SB 1016 changed the CalRecycle review process for each municipality’s IWMP. The CalRecycle Board rev iews a jurisdiction’s diversion rate compliance in accordance with a specified schedule. Beginning January 1, 2018, the Board will be required to review a jurisdiction’s source reduction and recycling element and hazardous waste element every two years.

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Assembly Bill 939
Assembly Bill (AB 939), the Integrated Waste Management Act, mandates that each jurisdiction reduce the amount of waste entering landfills each year. This state law requires each jurisdiction in California to divert at least 50 percent of its waste away from landfills by 2000, whether through waste reduction, recycling or other means. This is beneficial in lengthening the lifespan of available mineral resources by recycling materials from demolished buildings, roadways or other facilities. AB 939 also transferred all landfill and recycling responsibilities to the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle) authority. Additionally, the legislature and Governor Brown, through enactment of AB 341, set a goal of 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste by 2020.

California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery CalRecycle oversees, manages, and monitors waste generated in California. It provides limited grants and loans to help California cities, counties, businesses, and organizations meet the State waste reduction, reuse, and recycling goals. It also provides funds to cle an up solid waste disposal sites and co -disposal sites, including facilities that accept hazardous waste sub stances and non -hazardous waste. CalRecycle develops, manages, and enforces waste disposal and recycling regulations, including AB 939 and SB 1016.

Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The State of California is authorized to administer Federal or State-enacted laws regulating water pollution in the state. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act of 1969 (Water Code §§ 13000, et seq.) includes provisions to address requirements of the CWA. These provisions include NPDES permitting, dredge and fill programs, and civil and administrative penalties. The Porter -Cologne Act is broad in scope and addresses issues relating to the conservation, contro l, and use of the water resources of the State.

Additionally, the Porter -Cologne Act states that the quality of all the waters of the state (including groundwater and surface water) must be protected for the use and enjoyment by the people of the state.

The SWRCB and its nine RWQCBs are agencies under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agenc y (CalEPA). The SWRCB has the princip al responsibility for the development and implementation of California water quality policy and must develop pr ogrammatic water quality control procedures to be followed by the RWQCBs. The Town of Colma is in the jurisd iction of the San Francisco Bay RWQCB.

The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act defines what is considered pollution, contamination, or nuisance. Briefly defined, pollution means an alteration of water quality such that it unreasonably affects the beneficial uses of water (for drinking, agricultural supply, or industrial uses). Contamination means an impairment of water quality to the degree that it creates a hazard to the public health. Nuisance is defined as anything that is injurious to health, offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to property use, and which affects a considerable number of people.

California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for the State of California was adopted by the Off ice of Administrative Law in September 2009, and requires local agencies to implement water efficiency measures as part of its review of landscaping plans. Local agencies can either adopt the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or incorporate provisi ons of the ordinance into its own code requirements for landscaping. For new landscaping projects of 2,500 square feet or more, the applicant is required to submit a detailed “Landscape Documentation Package” in conjunction with their building permits that discusses water efficiency, soil management, and landscape design elements.

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State Water Resources Control Board (Hydro)
The SWRCB, in coordination with nine RWQCBs, performs functions related to water quality, including issuance and oversight of wastew ater discharge permits (e.g., NPDES), other programs regulating stormwater runoff, and underground and above -ground storage tanks. The SW RCB has also issued statewide waste discharge requirements for sanitary sewer systems, which include requirements for development of a sewer system management plan (SSMP).

Title 22 of California Code of Regulations
Title 22 regulates the use of reclaimed wastewater. In most cases, only disinfected tertiary water may be used on food crops where the recycled water would come into contact with the edible portion of the crop.

Standards are also prescribed for the use of treated wastewater for irrigation of pa rks, playgrounds, landscaping, and other non-agricultural irrigation. Regulation of reclaimed water is governed by the nine RWQCBs and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

LOCAL
Town of Colma Municipal Code Subchapter 3.04
Town of Colma Municipal Code Subchapter 3.04 includes regulations on sewer and the discharge of water and waste. The ordinance is intended to regulate and control the quantity and quality of sewage and industrial wastes and other substances and provide for source contro l of sewage, industrial waste, and other substances. The subchapter allows the town to enforce these areas with fees and charges.

Town of Colma Municipal Code Subchapter 3.05
Town of Colma Municipal Code Subchapter 3.05 includes regulations on the collection and disposal of solid waste. The intent of the ordinance is to allow the town to select a franchise waste hauler to improve recycling rates, improve reporting to CalRecycle and comply with state recycling laws, and reduce waste to the landfill. The Ordinance includes standards for waste hauling and prohibits illegal dumping.

4.15.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Wildfire impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? • Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably f oreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
• Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider w hich serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
• Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?

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• Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?

METHODOLOGY
The following analysis was based on background research and coordination with utility providers and the background information they provided to the town of Colma.

It should be noted that the 2040 GPU proposes few updates to the town’s existing planning areas, simplifying the town’s existing planning a reas into five new planning areas that are consi stent with the present condition of the town and the vision of the City Council. In addition, the proposed GPU introduces new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with curre nt developments and a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office use s in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster’s site, respectively.

IMPACTS
Impact 4.15.1 The proposed General Plan Update would not require, or result in, the construction or expansion of new water, new storm water drainage, wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities and entitlements, the con struction of which could ca use significant environmental effects (Less than Significant).

As mentioned previously, implementation of the Town of Colma’s 2040 General Update has the potential to result in additional population and the need for future resid ential, commercial and office uses in the Planning Area. This would in turn generate additional demand for water, storm drainage, and wastewater demand and services. The GPU buildout is projected to add 328 residential units and 1,028,500 square feet of co mmercial and office uses in the town. California Water Service Company ( Cal water ) projects an increase of approximately 2000 single family residential homes and 980 commercial accounts for the South San Francisco District, which includes the town of Colma , by the Planning Area buildout year of 2040.

However, the town of Colma utilizes water conservation efforts and the proposed GPU contains policies that would reduce water usage and waste.

Similarly, while future development or redevelopment activities under the 2040 General Plan Update has the potential to increase impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff, generate increased stormwater volumes and affect infiltration of water to existing storm drainage systems in the town.

The town does not have its own wastewater treatment facilities and is under agreements with the North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant and the South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant for such services. While wastewater treatment capacity is projected to be adequate by the North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant, new construction in certain areas in town may require the need to construct a sewer lift station. As a part of the town’s review process, projects are routed to the wastewater treatment districts to determine if a sewer capacity study is required. The sewer capacity study determines if the sewer lift station is required. The South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant is unable to determine if there will be an impact to their infrastructure without specific project locations and proposed uses. Since there is no project, South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant will continue to

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review project applications for proposed projects within the town and determine if capacity is adequate at that time. Project conditions may be imposed to upgrade existing in frastructure to support proposed projects.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address water, sewer and wastewater uses in the town:

Policy OSC-4-1: Comply with Water Quality Regulations. Continue to comply with all State and federal regulations for water quality.

Policy OSC-4-3: Reclaimed Water. Pursue opportunities to install water recycling infrastructure for Town-owned and cemetery landscape areas.

Policy OSC-4-6: Stormwater Runoff. Require large-scale projects (over 0.5 acres) to channel surface and roof runoff to on -site detention facilities to facilitate groundwater recharge, reduce stormwater pollution, and mitigate flooding of Colma Creek.

Policy CS-3-4: Stormwater Detention. Require new developments over one half ac re in size to construct on-site storm water detention facilities which contribute runoff to Colma Creek in order to store the difference in runoff between the 10 -year pre - development storm (original natural state) and the 100 -year post -development storm. Any stormwater release should be at the 10-year predevelopment rate.

Require new development to incorporate Low Impact Development features that treat and reduce surface runoff volumes.

Policy LU-2-6: Green Infrastructure. Encourage green infrastructure installatio ns that rely on natural processes for stormwater treatment/drainage, groundwater recharge and flood control.

Policy LU-4-2: Adequacy to Serve New and Existing Developments. The Town shall continue to ensure that new and existing developments can be adequ ately served by municipal services and facilities in accordance with Town standards.

Policy LU-4-3: New Development Fair Share. The Town shall regularly evaluate and update development impact fees to ensure that new development pays its fair share of providing new public facilities and services and/or the costs necessary to improve or expand infrastructure to serve them, in cluding street improvements, parks, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and other public services.

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Policy LU-4-4: Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City shall continue to fund maintenance, improvements, and expansion of town infrastructure, including sewer lines and street infrastructure through a multi-year Capital Improvement While there would be no significant need for the cons truction of new water and wastewater facilities, implementation of the above policies would further assist in reducing the To wn of Colma’s 2040 GPU impacts to wastewater to a less than significant level and no mitigation is required Impact 4.15.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update for the town would not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the San Francisc o Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and may result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s exis ting commitments (Less than Significant).

The t own of Colma’s proposed 2040 General Plan Update has the potential to result in additional population growth and development or redevelopment activities in the town that would generate additional wastewater. This would result in the increased demand, colle ction, transport and treatment of wastewater needs over current levels. This, in turn, would generate additional wastewater needs over existing levels, for the town. According to the town’s Sanitary Sewer Syst em Management Plan ( SSMP), there are approximately 33,600 lineal feet of sewer mains that serve the town’s wastewater system.

The town of Colma’s collection system is divided into the northern portion of the town which is connected to and serviced by the N orth San Mateo County Sanitation Dist rict, and the southern portion of the collection system which is connected to the City of South San Francisco. Correspondence with these providers in February 2021 have indicated that the North San Mateo County Sanitation District Treatment Plant will have adequate capacity however, new construction in certain areas in town may require the need to construct a sewer lift station. In addition, the South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant is unable to determine if th ere will be an impact to their infras tructure without specific project locations and proposed uses but will continue to review project applications for proposed projects within the town and determine if capacity is adequate at that time.

Additionally, cur rent State regulations would require that the town comply with existing wastewater quality standards and that any future new development or infill projects be reviewed by the appropriate wastewater district to ensure that new projects woul d not exceed thei r wastewater conveyance and treatment capacities.

Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address the town’s wastewater treatment needs:

Policy LU-4-1: Maintaining Adequate Public Infrastructure and Facilities. The Town shall adequately maintain public infrastructure to ensure the provision of safe and reliable infrastructure to meet the town’s current and future needs, including facilitating upgrades to the utility infrastructure necessary for improved and emerging technologies.

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Policy LU-4-2: Adequacy to Serve New and Existing Developments. The Town shall continue to ensure that new and existing developments can be adequately served by municipal services and facilities in accordance with Town standards.

Policy LU-4-3: New Development Fair Share. The Town shall regularly evaluate and update development impact fees to ensure that new development pays its fair share of providing new public facilities and services and/or the costs necessary to improve or expand in frastructure to serve them, including street improvements, parks, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and other public services.

Policy LU-4-4: Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City shall continue to fund maintenance, improvements, and expansion of tow n infrastructure, including sewer lines and street infrastructure through a multi -year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Wastewater treatment demand resulting from the 2040 General Plan Update would be accommodated by the town of Colm’s existing wastewater service providers, and no additional new wastewater facilities would be required to serve the town. In addition, implementation of the above policies would further assist in reducing the Town of Colma’s 2040 GPU impacts to wastewater to a less than significant level and no mitigation is required.

Impact 4.15.3 Any future new or infill development projects under the proposed General Plan Update would be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity and would comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste, so as to accommodate the 2040 GPU’s solid waste disposal needs (Less than Significant).

As previously mentioned, t he implementation of the proposed General Plan Update has the potential to allow for future development and infill projects that could result in additional solid waste generation over existing levels for the town. This waste would eventually be deposited at the local landfill, which could result in the landfill’s current b eing reduced at a faster rate . Currently , Republic Services, the town’s franchise waste hauler, hauls waste to the Los Trancos (Ox Mountain) landfill located in Half Moon Bay.

As of December 31, 2019 the Ox Mountain landfill had 18,206,200 cubic yards of r emaining capacity. The site is projected to reach its permitted capacity in 2039. Additionally, future land use activities developed under the 2040 GPU would be required to comply with all local, state, and federal statutes and regulations related to solid waste.

Policies LU-4-1 to LU-4-4 ensure that new developments can be supported by public infrastructure and mitigate impacts to landfill capacity. The 2040 General Plan Update’s impacts to solid waste would be reduced by ensuring that the town has access to landfill waste site(s) with sufficient services and capacity.

Implementation of the above policies would assist in reducing the Town of Colma’s 2040 GPU impacts to solid waste to a less than significant level and no mitigation is required

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REFERENCES
Documents
Town of Colma General Plan, General Plan Existing Conditions Report § (2020) Town of Colma General Plan, Town of Colma General Plan § (1999) Town of Colma, Town of Colma Municipal Code. (2019)
Town of Colma Sanitary Sewer System Management Plan § (2017) Mahoney, Mike, Divencenzi, Monica. (2019) Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan Five -Year Review Ad Hoc Committee Presentation. City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County. https://ccag.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CIWMP-Ad-Hoc-Committee-Mtg-1-Presentation.pdf Other
Bolzowski, Michael. CalWater. Personal Communication (Email). Krystal Sanchez, CSG Consultants Inc.

September 17, 2020; Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc., February 10, 2021; February 16, 2021 (via email).

Bastian, Jeff. Project Development Coordinator, City of Daly City Department of Water and Wastewater Resources. Personal Communication (E-mail). Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc. February 16, 2020 Divencenzi, Monica . Municipal Relationship Manager, Repub lic Services . Personal Communication (Email). Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc. February 16, 2021; March 5, 2021.

Tillisch, Lindsey. Senior Program Manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company . Personal Communication (Email). Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc. February 16, 2021; February 24, 2021.

Valencia, Brenda . Local Customer Relationship Manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Personal Communication (Email). Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc. February 24, 2021.

Wemmer Andrew. Environmental Compliance Supervisor, City of South San Francisco. Personal Communication (E-mail). Krystal Sanchez, CSG Consultants Inc. September 8, 2020; Jonathan Kwan, CSG Consultants Inc., February 10, 2021 (via email); February 16 (via phone message).

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This section of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR; DPEIR) describes the existing wildfire risks within the Town of Colma General Plan Planning Area (Planning Area). This section also identifies the potential impacts of implementing the proposed project on such resources as well as the appropriate proposed 2040 General Plan Update policies that reduce any identified impacts.

4.16.1 EXISTING SETTINGS

REGIONAL
A wildfire is defined as a non-structural fire in undeveloped area with the potential to spread to an urban area. The fire season in California is starting earlier and ending later each year , with c limate change considered to be a key factor for this phenomenon. The length of fire season is estimated to have increased by 75 days across the Sierras and seems to correspond with an increase in the forest fires across the state (CalFire, 2020).

Fires are typically classified by type and intensity. Fire types may include understory fir es, crown fires, surface fires, and broadcast fires, among others. Fire intensity, or severity, is the heat energy released by a fire either during a smoldering or raging fire event (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2020).

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has mapped areas of significant fire hazards in the state through its Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP). These maps place areas of the state into different Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) based on a hazard scoring system using subjective criteria for fuels, fire history, terrain influences, housing density, and occurrence of severe fire weather. Typically, these classifications include Non-Wildland, Non -Urban, Moderate, High and Very High . As part of this mapping system, land where Cal Fire is responsible for wildland fire protection and generally located in unincorporated areas is classified as a State Responsibility Area (SRA). Where local fire protection agencies, such as the town of Colma’s Fire Protection District (CFPD), are responsible for wildfire protection, the land is classified as a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2020).

The closest Very High Fire Hazard Severity (VH FHSZ) to the town of Colma is the San Bruno State Mountain Park. CAL FIRE has rated the San Bruno Mountain Park and the adjacent undeveloped areas of the town, as areas of high fire hazard (Figure 4.16-1: Fire Hazard Areas). However, when considering fire hazard threat to people, CAL FIRE rated the San Bruno Mountain and surrounding areas an extreme fire hazard (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2020). CAL FIRE responds to wildland fires from several fire stations, depending on their proximity and availability. The closest station to the project area is at 20 Tower Road in the City of Belmont (Figure 4.16-2: CalFire Stations).

Fire Safe Councils throughout California educate homeowners about community wildfire preparedness activities while working with local fire officials to design and implement projects that increase the wildfire survivability of their communities. Many Fire Safe Councils have successfully implemented such projects as hazardous-fuel-reduction projects, Community Wildfire Protection Planning, and homeowner training.

The closest Fire Council to the town of Colma is the Fire Safe Council of San Mateo County locate d in the city of Half Moon Bay (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2020).

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LOCAL
Cal Fire currently identifies the town of Colma as a Local Responsibility Area and non -Very High Fire Severity Zone. However, the Planning Area is near lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, such as San Bruno Mountain Park and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County (Figure 4.16-1).

The town of Colma Fire Protection District (CFPD) provides fire protection to the town and surrounding unincorporated areas, through one fire station with 36 members. The town of Colma Fire Station is located just north of town at 50 Reiner Street, near San Pedro Roa d. Though the fire station in not loca ted within the town limits, should the unincorporated area where the Colma Fire Station is located be annexed into the city of Daly City, the facility would continue to provide fire protection services to the town of Colma.

Equipment available to the Fire District includes three engines each with 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm) pumping capacity, one reserve engine rated at 1,000 gallons per min ute (gpm), one 75 -foot aerial ladder truck and one squad truc k. The Colma Fire Protection District currently has an average response time of two to four minutes to sites in the town of Colma. The time it takes to respond to an emergency is important because of the critical care period (seven to eight minutes) needed for physical health emergencies, and of the increasing intensity and spread of fire.

The required peak load water supply is the amount of water necessary to suppress fire in a structure during peak water use periods. The Colma Fire Protection District and Uniform Fire Code requires that all structures have fire flows of no less than 1500 gpm.

The town’s fire protection services are evaluated by the Insurance Service Office (ISO), whose ratings establish the fire insurance rates paid by residents and businesses. ISO rating is partially based on such factors as available water supply, manpower and equipment. Colma Fire District’s ISO rating is V on a scale of I-X (best to worst) which is an improvement from their previous rating of VI (US FS).

The Colma Fire has mutual aid agreements with the cities of Daly City, San Bruno, Pacifica, South San Francisco and Brisbane. The Fire Protection District’s Mutual Aid Agreements provide additional fire protection support and for rapid response to structural fires in the District , when requested. When additional assistance is needed by the Colma Fire Protection District or Police Department, the San Mateo County, Central and South strike teams or County offices may be called in to assist the town.

4.16.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL
Federal Emergency Management Agency Regulation
The primary mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA) is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other human -made disasters, by leading and supporting the nation in a risk -based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.

The town of Colma is under the jurisdiction of FEMA Region 9, which covers Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Republic o f Marshall

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Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, and more than 150 sovereign tribal entities. In Southern California, FEMA Region 9 specifically plans for hazards such as major earthquakes and wildfires.

National Fire Plan
The Department of the Interior’s National Fire Plan is intended to ensure an appropriate federal response to severe wildland fires, reduce fire impacts to rural communities, and ensure sufficient firefighting capacity in the future. The Rural Fire Assistan ce program is funded to enhance the fire protection capabilities of rural fire districts and safe and effective fire suppression in the wildland/urban interface.

The program promotes close coordination among local, state, tribal, and federal firefighting r esources by conducting training, equipment purchase, and prevention activities on a cost-shared basis.

STATE
Assembly Bill 301
Assembly Bill 301 was enacted to amend Section 4213.1 of, and to add Section 4213.2 to, the Public Resources Code related to fire prevention. Section 4213.1 requires CAL FIRE to notify an owner of property, through Fire Prevention Fee billing process, that if selling the habitable structure or structures, a division of the fee may be negotiated as one of the terms of sale. Section 4213.2 allows the owner of a property with one or more habitable structures subject to the fee, if selling the property, to negotiate a division of the fee as one of the terms of the sale. However, payment of the total fee liability remains the responsibility of the person who owns the habitable structure on July 1 of the year the fee is due.

State California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection California Fire (Cal Fire) protects the people of California from fires, responds to emergencies, and protects and enhances forest, range, and watershed values providing social, economic, and environmental benefits to rural and urban citizens. Cal Fire’s firefighters, fire engines, and aircraft respond to an average of more than 5,600 wild land fires each year. The Office of the State Fire Marshal supports Cal Fire’s mission by focusing on fire prevention. It provides support through a wide variety of fire safety responsibilities including regulating buildings in which people live, congregat e, or are confined; controlling substances and products which may, in and of themselves, or by their misuse, cause injuries, death, and destruction by fire; providing statewide direction for fire prevention in wildland areas; regulating hazardous liquid pipelines; reviewing regulations and building standards; and providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities.

California Fire Plan
The California Fire Plan is the state’s road map for reducing the risk of wildfire. By placing the emphasis on what needs to be done long before a fire starts, the Fire Plan looks to reduce firefighting costs and property losses, increase firefighter safety, and to contribute to ecosystem health. This a cooperative effort between the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) Cal OES is the Emergency Management Authority (EMA) for the State of California. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) began as the State War Council in 1943. With an increasing emphasis on emergency management, it officially became OES in 1970. On July 1, 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s Reorganization Plan #2 elimina ted the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA); restored its powers, purposes, and responsibilities to Cal OES; and also

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merged it with the Office of Public Safety Communications. Cal OES’ mission statement is the following:
“Protect lives and property, build capabilities, and support our communities for a resilient California.” OES goals include:
• Goal 1: Anticipate and enhance prevention and detection capabilities to protect our State from all hazards and threats.
• Goal 2: Strengthen California’s ability to plan, prepare for, and provide resources to mitigate the impacts of disasters, emergencies, crimes, and terrorist events. • Goal 3: Effectively respond to and recover from both human-caused and natural disasters. • Goal 4: Enhance the administration and delivery of all state and federal funding, and maintain fiscal and program integrity.
• Goal 5: Develop a united and innovative workforce that is trained, experienced, knowledgeable, and ready to adapt and respond.
• Goal 6: Strengthen capabilities in public safety
California Public Resources Code Section 4290
The California Public Resources Code ( PRC) Section 4290 was adopted to establish minimum wildfire protection standards in conjunction with building, construction, and development in State Responsibility Areas. Under PRC Section 4290, the future design and construction of structures, subdivisions, and developments in SRAs must provide for basic emergency access and specified perimeter wildfire - protection measures. These measures pr ovide for road standards for emergency access; signing and building numbering; water supply reserves; and fuel breaks and greenbelts.

California Public Resources Code Section 4119
The California Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 4119 authorizes USFS, BLM, and CAL FIRE to inspect properties to determine whether they comply with state forest and fire laws, regulations, or use permits.

After completing the inspection, the inspector should note all violations in writing on the Interagency Inspection Form and set a definite time limit for compliance.

California Public Resources Code Section 4291
The California Public Resources Code ( PRC) Section 4291 applies to a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in, upon, or adjoining a mountainous area; lands covered by forest, brush, or grass; or land that is covered with flammable material. Section 4291 requires maintaining defensible space of 100 feet from each side of the structure, but not beyond the property line. The amount of fuel modification necessary must account for the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation.

California Fire Code
The California Fire Code is the primary means for authorizing and enforcing procedures and mechanisms to ensure the safe handling and storage of any substance that may pose a threat to public health and safety.

The California Fire Code establishes minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, a nd general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings.

The California Fire Code also contains requirements related to emergency planning and preparedness, fire service features, building services and systems, fire resistance–rated construction, fire protection systems,

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and construction requirements for existing buildings, as well as specialized standards for specific types of facilities and materials.

State Fire Regulations
Fire regulations for California are established in Sections 13000 et seq. of the California Health and Services Code and include regulations for structural standards (similar to those identified in the California Building Code); fire protection and public notification systems; fire p rotection devices such as extinguishers and smoke alarms; standards for high-rise structures and childcare facilities; and fire suppression training. The State Fire Marshal is responsible for enforcement of these established regulations and building standa rds for all state-owned buildings, state-occupied buildings, and state institutions within California.

California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA)
The California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA; CCR Title 19, Chapter 6) authorizes the Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to administer a disaster assistance program that provides financial assistance from the state for costs incurred by local governments as a result of a disaster event. Funding for the repair, restoration, or replacement of public real property damaged or destroyed by a disaster is made available when the Director concurs with a local emergency proclamation requesting state disaster assistance.

California Building Code
CCR Title 24, Part 2, Section 701A.3.2 (New Buildings Located in Any Fire Hazard Severity Zone) requires that new buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within SRAs, any local agency Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency for which an application for a building permit is submitted.

4.16.3 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Standards of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. Wildfire impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following:
• Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. • Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire.
• Require the installatio n or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. • Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes.

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METHODOLOGY
Evaluation of potential wildfire impacts of the proposed Town of Colma General Plan Update was based primarily on information gathered from the US Wildland Fire Assessment System (WFAS) and the United States Department of Agriculture and Forest Service. A detailed list of resources used in the completion of the analysis in this section can be found under References located at the end of the section. Implementation of the proposed project was compared to the existing conditions to determine the impacts due to wildfire risk.

IMPACTS
Impair an Adopted Emergency Response Plan or expose Town’s Occupants to Wildfire Risks Impact 4.16.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not result in substantially impairing an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, nor would it result in project occupants being exposed to pollutants concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors that exacerbate wildfire risks (Less than Significant).

Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would result in project occupants to be exposed to pollutants concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors that exacerbate wildfire risks. While the town of Colma is limited in its land area for future development which can only be focused on limited residential development as well as commercial redevelopment on existi ng sites within the town, the 2040 GPU does propose new land uses such a medium density residential land use that is consistent with current developments a s well as a commercial overlay over vacant and underutilized cemetery land east of Hillside Boulevard. The 2040 GPU would allow for an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

However, any future development would be required to comply with the town’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (Plan) as well as any criteria under t he County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Services . The town is covered under the services by the Colma Fire Protection District. Though the District has a number of fire stations in close proximity to the town, Fire Station 85 is located approximately less than a mile to the town’s northern boundary. Future development projects would have to comply with Action items specifically related to Actions C -1, C-3, C-6, C-7, C-11 and C -20 (San Mateo County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016). Additionally, fire safety codes, emergency access routes and evacuation procedures are already addressed in the town’s Local hazard Mitigation Plan and emergency operators (Town staff, fire and police staff). Construction and operation of new residential or commercial development within the town would nominally increase the demand for fire protection in the town. Thus the Proposed Project would not impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, or would it expose project occupants to uncontrolled wildfire risks.

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Proposed General Plan Update Policies
The following proposed General Plan policies address emergency response plans and actions:

Policy CS-2-2: Development in Hazardous Areas . Prohibit development, including any land alteration, grading for roads and structural development, in areas of slope i nstability unless the appropriate mitigation measures are taken.

Policy CS-2-3: Unsafe Buildings . Encourage seismic retrofits of existing buildings based on the recommendations of a licensed engineer or architect. Prioritize working with owners of buildings whose loss would impact the greatest number of people and/or particularly vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, or low-income households.

Policy CS-4-1: Alternate EOC. Establish an alternative Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to be used in the event the existing EOC is not operational during a fire event.

Policy CS-7-1: Hazard Mitigation Plan. Implement, maintain and update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which is part of the larger County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Policy CS-7-2: Emergency Management Plan. Continue to participate with San Mateo County’s Mutual Aid Programs and Plans for community emergency preparedness.

Policy CS-7-3: Promote Emergency Preparedness. Utilize multiple information channels to educate residents and businesses of the Town’s emergency operations procedure.

Policy CS-7-4: Collaborative Planning. Improve inter -jurisdictional and interagency cooperation with regard to hazard prevention and emergency response through town participation in and initiation of coordination meetings and exercises.

Policy CS-7-5: Evacuation Routes. Utilize emergency evacuation routes established by the Town and ensure that all residential areas of Colma maintain access to at least two routes for evacuation..

Implementation of the policies described above would reduce the environmental impacts to less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Impact 4.16.2 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that ma y result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment (No Impact).

The town of Colma is fairly developed with residential and commercial uses. Existing cemetery land in the town account for approximately 75% of the town’s land area, leaving approximately 25% of the town’s 1.91 acreages to residential, office, and commercial uses. The types of future GPU las uses would include an additional 11 residential units in the Sterling Park Planning Area; 20 infill residential units, 15,000 square feet of commercial uses, and 5,000 square feet of office uses in the Mission Road Planning Area; 315,000 square feet of commercial uses within the Hillside Boulevard Planning Area; 310,000 square feet of commercial uses and 10,000 square feet of office uses in the Commercial Core Planning Area; and, 20,000 square of office uses, 352,500 square feet of commercial uses, and 42 residential units, 240 residential units, and 15 residential units at the Bocci Center, Town Center and Sandblaster site, respectively.

Any new development would therefore be incorporated into the town’s existing infrastructure such as roads, emergency water sources, power lines and other utilities. Maintenance of these existing infrastructure would continue as per the town’s typical maintenance of its facilities. Therefore

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implementation of the GPU would not require the installation of any new infrastructure and this would have no impact, nor require mitigation measures.

Impact 4.16.3 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes (No Impact).

The town of Colma Is not located on a slope or downstream from any rivers or streams. The Colma Creek mainly runs underground through the town and there are no water bodies located with the town limits.

Therefore implementation of the 2040 GPU would not expose people or structure to any impacts from downslope or downstream flooding. There would be no impact and no mitigation measures are required

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REFERENCES
Documents
Public Law 106-390. October 30, 2000. Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

International Journal of Wildland Fire. Volume 18 Issue 1. 2009. Fire Intensity, Fire Severity and Burn Severity:

A Brief Review and Suggested Usage.

USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Sequoia - Kings Canyon Field Station, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 2009.

Websites
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) 2020 <https://www.fire.ca.gov/> Accessed August, 2020
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2020. California Forest Stewardship Program. https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protection-improvement/landowner- assistance/forest-stewardship/. Accessed July 2020.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2020. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Resources Assessment Program . http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html Accessed August 7, 2020.

Colma Fire Prevention District (CFPD). 2015. < https://colmafire.org> Accessed March 19, 2020 Fire Safe San Mateo County (Fire Safe). 2019. < https://www.firesafesanmateo.org/> Accessed August 2020 HASpod. 2019. < https://www.haspod.com/blog/fire/classes-of-fire> Accessed August 2020.

San Mateo Fire Department (SMFD). 2018. https://www.cfsfire.org/about/fire-stations/ Accessed August 10 , 2020.

San Mateo County Fire Hazards (Fire Hazards). 2015. < https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/wildfire-planning- engineering/wildland-hazards-building-codes/fire-hazard-severity-zones-maps/> Accessed April 15, 2020 United States Forest Service (USFC). <https://www.fs.usda.gov/> Accessed August 2020.

United States Forest Service Wildland Fire Assessment System. (USFS). 1995. <https://www.wfas.net/index.php/fire-danger-rating-fire-potential--danger-32 > Accessed March 19, 2020.

5.0 CEQA REQUIRED TOPICS

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California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) guidelines require an Environmental Impact Report ( EIR) to evaluate a project's effects in relationship to broader changes occurring, or that are foreseeable to occur, in the surrounding environment. This section of the Town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update (2040 GPU) Program EIR (PEIR) presents a summary of the impacts of the proposed Genera l Plan Update on several subject areas specifically required by CEQA. These findings are based on the analysis provided in Section 4: Settings, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures.

Growth-inducing impacts, such as those associated with increases in employment, has the potential to impact housing and related demand in surrounding jurisdictions over an extended time period . Such future demands are difficult to ascertain with any certainty since future economic and population trends may be influenced by unforeseeable events, such as natural disasters and business development cycles.

Long-term changes in economic and population growth are often regional, or even global in nature and are not influenced solely by changes or policies related to a single city or development project. Further, just because a jurisdictio n has the potential to create growth in housing or employment, this does not necessarily automatically lead to growth. Future investment in development/redevelopment activities and the regulatory authority of local governments, result in the growth-inducing potential of a jurisdiction.

5.1 GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACTS
As required under CEQA, t his DPEIR must examine the potential growth -inducing impacts of the proposed town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update. A growth-inducing impact is defined by the CEQA Guidelines as: The way in which a proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. Included in this are projects which could remove obstacles to population growth…It is not assumed that growth in an area is necessarily beneficial, detrimental, or of little significance to the environment.

Based on Government Code Section 65300, the proposed 2040 General Plan Update (GPU) is intended to serve as the overall plan for the physical development of the town of Colma. While the 2040 GPU does not specifically propose any development /redevelopment projects, it does regulate future population and economic growth of the town that could lead to indirect growth-inducing effects. Implementation of the 2040 GPU could refine existing land use des ignations in the town as it establishes new policies to direct and manage future development. In addition, the GPU could induce further population growth and job expansion in the town of Colma, as well as indirectly inducing growth if it were to remove an obstacle to additional growth and development, such as removing a constraint on a required public service, such as sewer service.

5.1.1 COMPONENTS OF GROWTH
The timing, magnitude, and location of land development and population growth in a community or region are based on various interrelated land use and economic variables. Typical main variables include regional economic trends, market demand for residential and non -residential uses, land availability and cost, the availability and quality of transportation facilities and public services, proximity to employment centers, the supply and cost of housing, and regulatory policies or conditions. Since a community’s general plan defines the location, type, and intensity of growth, it is the primary means of regulating development and growth in California.

A project can have direct and/or indirect growth inducement potential. Direct growth inducement could result if a project, for example, involved construction of new housing. A project could have indirect growth inducement potential if it established substantial new permanent employment opportunities (e.g.,

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commercial, industrial, or governmental enterprises) or if it could involve a construction effort with substantial short-term employment opportunities that could indirectly stimulate the need for additional housing and services to support the new employment demand. Similarly, a project could indirectly induce growth if it could remove an obstacle to additional growth and development, such as removing a constraint on a required public service. A project providing an increased water supply in an area where water service historically limited growth could be considered growth inducing.

The CEQA Guidelines furth er explain that the environmental effects of induced growth are considered indirect impacts of the proposed action. These indirect impacts or secondary effects of growth may result in significant, adverse environmental impacts. Potential secondary effects of growth include increased demand on other community and public services and infrastructure, increased traffic and noise, and adverse environmental impacts such as degradation of air and water quality, degradation or loss of plant and animal habitat, and conversion of agricultural and open space land to developed uses.

Growth inducement may constitute an adverse impact if the growth is not consistent with or accommodated by the land use plans and growth management plans and policies for the area affected.

Local land use plans provide for land use development patterns and growth policies that allow for the orderly expansion of urban development supported by adequate urban public services, such as water supply, roadway infrastructure, sewer service, and solid waste service.

5.1.2 SECONDARY EFFECTS OF GROWTH
Based on Government Code Section §65300, the proposed Project is intended to serve as the overall plan for the p hysical development of the town of Colma . While the town’s 2040 GPU does not propose any specific development projects, it does regulate future population and growth of the Planning Area that could result in indirect growth -inducing effects. Since th is DPEIR discusses the environmental effects associated with the implementation of the proposed 2040 GPU , the e nvironmental effects of growth , especially on lands beyond the town’s proposed Planning Area could be similar to those associated with the proposed project evaluated in Sections 4.1 through 4.16.

5.1.3 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS
State CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.2(b) requires an EIR to discuss unavoidable significant environmental effects, including those that cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level. As discussed in Sections 4.1 through 4.16, the following impacts would be considered significant and unavoidable impacts:

4.2 Air Quality
Impact 4.2.2 The project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutants for which the project region is in non -attainment under applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard (Significant and Unavoidable).

Impact 4.2.3 The project could expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations (Significant and Unavoidable).

4.7 Cultural and Tribal Resources
Impact 4.4.1 Future development to implement the proposed project could potentially cause a direct substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section §15064.5 (Significant and Unavoidable).

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Impact 4.4.2 Future development to implement the proposed General Plan Update could result in the potential disturbance of cultural resources (i.e., prehistoric archaeological sites, historical archaeological sites, and isolated artifacts and features) within the Planning Area (Significant and Unavoidable).

Impact 4.4.3 The proposed project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a TCR as defined in Public Resources Code Section §21074 or §5020.1(k) (Significant and Unavoidable).

Impact 4.4.4 Adoption of the proposed General Plan Update could result in the potential disturb ance of human remains, including those interred outside of cemeteries within the Planning Area (Significant and Unavoidable).

4.7 Greenhouse Gas
Impact 4.7.1 Implementation of the proposed project would generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment (Significant and Unavoidable).

5.1.4 IMPACTS FOUND NOT TO BE SIGNIFICANT
State CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal Code Regs, Section §15000, et. seq.) require that an environmental impact report provide a brief explanation as to why various possible significant impacts were determined to be not significant. The significance of an impact is evaluated in relation to the significance criteria under each section of Chapter 4 of this DPEIR. The following therefore are impacts that, either do not exist or have no significant adverse impact on the environment for the proposed project . A summary of all impacts is provided in the Executive Summary of this Program EIR. The following issues were not included in the detailed analysis of this project because these resources either do not exist or are not impacted by the proposed Plan, and no comments were received regarding these topics in response to the Town of Colma’s 2040 GPU PEIR Notice of Preparation.

5.2 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

5.2.1 REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
San, Mateo County
San Mateo County (County) is in the middle of a continuous urban area stretching from San Jose (Santa Clara County) in the south to San Francisco County in the north. San Mateo County is one of nine counties which significantly contribute to the economy of the San Francisco Bay Area 1. The coastal Santa Cruz Mountain range bisects San Mateo County, leaving the w estern portion of the County to more rural uses such as agriculture, game preserve, watershed, parks, and undeveloped lands. In contrast, the densely populated eastern half of the County contains most of its major transportation arteries including Interstate 280, Highway 101, State Route 1, the Dumbarton and San Mateo Bridges, San Francisco International Airport and the deep-water port of Redwood City.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2017 Census of Agriculture for San Mateo County shows that there are currently 241 farms in the County, spanning across approximately 45,972 acres of land.

San Mateo County is best known for producing top-quality brussels sprouts, pumpkins and artichokes. In

1 The Bay Area is defined by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) to include the nine counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Francisco. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Bay_Area. Accessed March 1, 2020

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2018, the gross production value of organic commod ities grew to $10.6 million, an increase of 5.7 percent from the prior year. Despite being a leading producer of some top -quality vegetables in 2018, San Mateo County’s top crops were indoor grown cut flowers and potted plants. According to the 2018 Agricu ltural Crop Report done by the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures for the County, increases in both group and individual commodities whose value increased include Indoor Floral and Nursery Crops, which went up by $5.3 million to total $87.9 million.

5.2.2 LOCAL AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Town of Colma
The town of Colma is a small community recognized for its large expanses of cemetery land. Prior to the town’s cemetery development, t he town of Colma was used for agricultural production , primarily providing produce to the growing City of San Francisco. Agricultural uses were generally limited to small- scale farms and greenhouse activities. The town of Colma and the surrounding area are urbanized and has one zoning designation for memorial park, agriculture, and recreation. The town does not have areas zoned as forest land or timberland, or timberland zoned as Timberland Production. According to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, the town of Colma is designated as Urban and Built Up. No land in the town is designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. Urban and Built-Up Land is defined as “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. The major components of the total open space resource in the town of Colma (about 75% of the total land area) is land owned by cemeteries that is used for memorial parks, agriculture or general open space. The largest landholding of land that is not in use for cemetery use is owned by the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The land is located east of Hillside Boulevard and is primarily used for several wholesale nurseries, in-ground agriculture and landscape contractors.

5.2.3 IMPACT CONCLUSION
The town of Colma does not encompass any Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, forest land, or timberland. Therefore, there would be no impacts to Agricultural Resources from the proposed General Plan Update.

5.3 MINERAL RESOURCES

5.3.1 REGIONAL MINERAL RESOURCES
The California Department of Conservation Reclamation Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Section 2710), also known as SMARA, provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy that permits the continued mining of minerals, as well as the protection and subsequent beneficial use of the mined and reclaimed land. The purpose of SMARA is to ensure that adverse environmental effects are prevented or minimized and that mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition and readily adaptable for alternative land uses. As such, the California Geological Survey and the State Mining and Geology Board are the state agencies responsible for the classification and designation of areas containing, or potentially containing, significant mineral resources. Areas known as Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) are classified based on geologic factors, without regard to existing land use and land ownership. The areas are categorized into four general classifications (MRZ-1 through MRZ-4) and are defined as follows:

MRZ-1 Areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence.

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MRZ-2 Areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits a re present, or where it is judged that a high likelihood for their presence exists.

MRZ-3 Areas containing mineral deposits, the significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data.

MRZ-4 Areas where available data is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ.

San, Mateo County
The State Division of Mines Reclamation has classified or designated six areas in the San Mateo County as containing regionally significant mineral resources. The following are the 6 mines listed:
• Guadalupe Valley Quarry- primary product is sand/gravel and reclamation is in progress • Marine Oyster Shell Mining- primary product is seashells and reclamation has not started • Pilarcitos Quarry- primary product is sand/gravel and reclamation has not started • Langley Hill Quarry- primary product is sand/gravel and reclamation has not started • Pescadero Quarry- closed and reclamation in progress

5.3.2 LOCAL MINERAL RESOURCES
Town of Colma
Colma sand is a well -known construction resource , and had been previously mined from the Hillside Landfill, which closed in 2012.

5.3.3 IMPACT CONCLUSION
The State Division of Mines and Geology has not classified or designated any areas in the town of Colma as containing regionally significant mineral resources. Therefore there would be no impacts to Mineral Resources from the proposed General Plan Update.

5.4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ANALYSIS
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluates a proposed project’s cumulative impacts in relationship to foreseeable changes that could occur with other past, present, or planned developments, as w ell as foreseeable development projects in the surrounding environment. Under CEQA, the discussion of cumulative impacts should focus on the severity of the impacts and the likelihood of their occurrence. According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a), “an EIR shall discuss cumulative impacts of a project when the project’s incremental effect is cumulatively considerable.” “Cumulatively considerable” means that the additional effects of a project are considered to be considerable when evaluated in connection with the effects of past projects, other current projects, and probable future projects (as defined by Section 15130).

In addition, Section 15130(b) identifies that the following three elements are necessary for an adequate cumulative analysis. For the purposes of the PEIR, the cumulative impacts analysis is based on section (a) below:
a. A list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including, if necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency; or, b. A summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document, or in a prior environmental document which has been adopted or certified, which described or evaluated

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regional or area wide conditions contributing to the cumulative impact. Any such planning document shall be referenced and made available to the public at a location specified by the lead agency. c. A summary of the expected environmental effects to be produced by those projects with specific reference to additional information stating where that information is available; and, a reasonable analysis of the cumulative impacts of the relevant projects. An EIR shall examine reasonable, feasible options for mitigating or avoiding the project’s contribution to any significant cumulative effects.

SECTION 4.1 Aesthetics
The town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update has the potential to change the visual character of the town.

Since the town of Colma is mostly built out, future development or addition of new residential and commercial uses, even under cumulative circumstances, would be located on infill sites, underutilized sites, or redevelopment of existing sites. While s uch structures could impact views from surrounding jurisdictions, overall impacts related to aesthetics would be minimal and limited in a cumulative context.

Although the GPU anticipates additional housing and commercial uses over the 20 -year General Plan horizon, as mentioned, all future development is anticipated to be developed on vacant or underutilized sites within the town limits. Since the town is l imited to infill and redevelopment growth for future residential, commercial or office uses, compact development near the center of town is encouraged and would protect the existing visual character of the town while not visually impacting existing cemetery and open space uses. Infill development would be encouraged so as to be aesthetically pleasing as well as compatible to surrounding land uses, particularly in the central area of the town of Colma. This would, in turn, assist in creating minimal aesthetic contrasts with the existing uses in terms of scale, color, form or overall visual character of the area. Further, though new infill development and redevelopment projects may result in taller or larger buildings than what currently exists in the town, the 2040 GPU’s policies has the potential to reduce any impacts and ensure compatible development.

Implementation of the proposed GPU would result in new infill development or redevelopment of existing properties that may add to the potential sources or glare and night-time lighting. These new development areas could result in new light sources which intensifies daytime glare and nighttime lighting levels.

However, the 2040 GPU contains numerous polices related to the protection of aesthetic r esources in the Planning Area and future projects would have to be consistent with the 2040 General Plan’s policies and minimize effects for light and glare.

Therefore, the impact to aesthetics would be less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.2 Air Quality
Emissions of pollutants are not confined to the town’s boundaries but are dispersed throughout and accounted for by air basin. Therefore, t he cumulative area for air quality impacts is the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (SFBAAB). California is divided into air basins for the purpose of managing the air resources of the state based on meteorological and geographic conditions. Like greenhouse gas ( GHG) emissions impacts, air quality impacts are regional in nature as no single project generates enough emissions that would cause an air basin to be designated as a nonattainment area. Construction emissions generated by cumulative development associated with buildout of the proposed project could exceed Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) project-level significance thresholds and would contribute to the nonattainment designations of the SFBAAB. The SFBAAB is currently designated a nonattainment area for California and National O 3, California and National PM 2.5, and California PM10 AAQS. However the 2010 Clean Air Plan, prepared by BAAQMD contains numerous control measures that seek to reduce air pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area by promoting, for example, mixed use development, compact

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development that reduces vehicle emissions, and projects that reduce exposure from stationary and mobile source pollutants.

The 2040 GPU does contain goals and policies that promote higher density mixed used development as well as ensuring that future development projects would comply with regional efforts to reduce air quality emissions throughout the Bay Area. However, in combination with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects elsewhere within the SFBAAB, the proposed project, proposed 2040 GPU’s contribution to cumulative air quality impacts would result in a significant and unavoidable impact.

SECTION 4.3 Biological Resources
The cumulative area for impacts to biological resources is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions. On a cumulative level, the change in land uses can potentially contribute to a loss of potential habitat for special-status species that currently inhabit the area or could inhabit the area in the future. In addition to potential direct impacts on biological resources from project implementation, the increased human presence can cause potential indirect impacts that could result in direct mortalit y, habitat loss, deterioration of habitat suitability, and avoidance of habitat. The wildlife species associated with each habitat will likely be affected as well.

However, as discussed in Section 4.3, with the majority of the land reserved for cemetery uses, the town is generally built out. The majority of new development will come from in -fill sites or redevelopment of underutilized sites and would not occur within any potential biological features or habitat located within the town. In addition, the Cons ervation and Natural Resources Element of the General Plan establishes policies and programs to protect and conserve special status species and their habitat. Therefore, the project would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact on biological resources.

SECTION 4.4 Cultural and Tribal Resources
Historical Resources
The cumulative area for impacts to cultural and tribal resources is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions. Therefore, t he Planning Area and the surrounding areas of San Mateo County as a whole must be considered for the purpose of evaluating land use conversion issues associated with cultural and tribal resources on a cumulative level. The jurisdictional boundaries of the town form the geographic context in which to analyze cumulative impacts to historical resources. Compliance with the goals and policies in the town’s GPU related to historical resources will be necessary for its implementation.

Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL-2 will apply to historical resources inadvertently discovered during construction activities. Future development projects will have to demonstrate that the project includes adequate measures to mitigate potentially significant impacts to historical resources in accordance with CEQA, and the preservation of resources outlined in the town’s GPU, thereby reducing cumulative impacts of historical resources to a less than significant level. Therefore, the proposed project would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact to historical resources.

Archaeological Resources
The San Francisco Bay Area provides the geographic context for the cumulative impacts analysis of archaeological resources. Though evidence of human occupation exists throughout the San Francisco Peninsula region, there are no known archaeological sites within ¼ mi. of the GPU project area. Throughout this region, many archaeological sites do exist that contain artifacts and features of value in reconstructing cultural patterns of early indigenous people. Construction activities associated with implementation of the GPU and future development projects have the potential to impact unknown archaeological resources and may present a significant cumulative impact to those resources. However, Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and

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CUL-3, as outlined above, would apply to archaeological resources inadvertently discovered during construction activities and would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project woul d have a less than cumulatively considerable impact to archaeological resources.

Tribal Cultural Resources
The San Francisco Bay region provides the geographic context for the cumulative impacts analysis to Tribal Cultural Resources ( TCRs). Impacts would b e cumulative if the project, in combination with cumulative development, contributed to the permanent loss of TCRs on a regional scale. The cumulative context for TCRs is the ancestral land affiliated with the Ohlone or Costanoan group of Native Americans.

The town’s GPU includes goals and policies for preserving and protecting TCRs. Specifically, these measures include requesting information and tribal contacts from the NAHC, as well as outreach and consultation. Compliance with the goals and policies in the town’s GPU related to TCRs will be necessary for its implementation and to demonstrate that the project includes adequate measures to mitigate potentially significant impacts to resources in accordance with CEQA and AB 52. Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL -3 will apply to the identification of tribal cultural resources inadvertently discovered during construction activities. Following the town’s request for information from tribal representatives with regard to the GPU, there are no known TCRs within the GPU Planning Area, and thus a direct affect to known TCRs would not occur; however, past development within the regional San Francisco Bay tribal affiliated areas has caused undeveloped land to convert to urban land uses over time, thereby changing the landscape and context in which TCRs exist and resulting in their overall reduction. Future development of currently undeveloped land could contribute to further reduction of unknown or previously unrecorded TCRs in the San Francisco Bay region and cumulative effects could be cumulatively significant and unavoidable.

Human Remains
The San Francisco Bay region provides the geographic context for cumulative impacts analysis of human remains. The numerous archaeological sites in the San Francisco Bay region indicate that prehistoric early human occupation occurred throughout. Additionally, historic -era occupation of the area increases the possibility that humans could be interred outside formal cemeteries. Cumulative development projects could encounter unknown, interred human remains during construction activities, which would result in a significant cumulative impact. Unidentified human remains, whether as part of a prehistoric burial, an archaeological site, or an isolated occu rrence, could be present below the ground surface. Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL-4, which include compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and PRC Section 5097.98, apply to the identification of human remains inadvertently discovered durin g construction activities. These measures would provide an opportunity to minimize disturbance and appropriately treat human remains discovered. These measures would reduce the impacts of inadvertent discoveries of human remains to a less than significant level. Therefore, the proposed project would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact to human remains.

SECTION 4.5 Energy
The California Energy Commission oversees the achievement of the State’s ambitious climate and energy goals and ensures that the State’s energy systems remain accessible, reliable, safe and affordable through planning and policy implementation. Therefore, the cumulative area of analysis for energy impacts is the State of California.

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The implementation of the GPU could result in the addition of 765 people, 328 housing units and 1,028,500 square feet of commercial and office developments. The addition of population and buildings has the potential to have an adverse impact on the environment by using more energy. However, California is transitioning its electricity system to one that relies increasingly on clean energy sources and increasing energy efficiency through building code updates. The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards improve upon the 2016 Energy Standards for new construction of, and additions and alterations to, residential and nonresidential buildings. In addition, the population and anticipated growth in the town of Colma is small in comparison to the gro wth in San Mateo County and the state of California. Therefore, the impact to energy is less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.6 Geology
The cumulative area for geology impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

Potential infill projects with in the town and any future development projects with the Bay Area has the potential to bring additional people and structures to this area. There is always a chance that a fault located anywhere in the cumulative area could rupture and impact the town . The relative risk to safety from potential ground shaking within San Mateo County varies by location, geologic conditions and the source of the triggering event. Additionally, construction, grading, excavation, removal of vegetation and loading activities could temporarily increase runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.

While cumulative impacts to geology and soils may occur in the region as individual projects are constructed, the town’s General Plan policies and pro grams, along with state and federal regulations, reduce the risk to people in the region. Considering the programs and policies from the proposed General Plan Update and state and federal regulations, the overall impact of the proposed General Plan Update to geology and soils would be less than significant and the project’s cumulative contribution to geology and soils impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (G HG emissions ) have the potential to adversely affect the environment because, on a cumulative basis, they contribute to global climate change. In turn, global climate change has the potential to result in rising sea levels, which can inundate low -lying areas; affect ra in and snow fall, leading to changes in water supply; and affect habitat, leading to adverse effects on biological and other resources. Since GHG emissions come from many different sources in both current and expected future activities in a growing communi ty, identification and reduction of GHG emissions is an important consideration in long-range planning efforts.

The town of Colma has updated its Climate Action Plan (CAP) so as to strive for reductions in GHGs over the 20 year horizon of the 2040 GPU. The town’s updated CAP provides guidance to the town’s future development/redevelopment and includes guidance for new development so as to attempt to reduce any future project’s contribution to climate change. As discussed under Impact 4.7.1, implementatio n of the proposed project would result in a small, 1 percent increase in GHG emissions in horizon year 2040 from existing baseline and would not meet the long -term GHG reduction goal under Executive Order S -03-05.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG-1 would ensure that the town is tracking and monitoring the town’s GHG emissions in order to chart a trajectory to achieve the long-term year 2050 GHG reduction goal set by Executive Order S -03-05. It should be noted though that no one single emitter of GHG s is solely capable of triggering global climate change on its own. Therefore, the incremental addition to cumulative global GHG impacts of the proposed 2040 GPU buildout would be significant and unavoidable.

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SECTION 4.8 Hazards
The land use policies in the proposed town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update would provide direction for growth within the town limits, while the San Mateo County General Plan policies provides direction for growth outside the town limits, but within the Planning Area boundaries. Thus , the cumulative area for hazard impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

Development in the region identified in Section 4.0 would change the intensity of land uses in the town. In particular, the implementation of the 2040 General Plan Update would provide additional housing, employment, shopping, and recreational opportunities. Growth in the town could lead to increased noise, risk of flooding, risk of fire, and transport of hazardous materials on the state highways and interstates as well as that also serve the town. In addition, development elsewhere in the region could have a greater effect on the transport and accidental release of hazardous materials.

However, considering the town’s Gener al Plan Update policies and programs, and state and federal regulations to reduce impacts related to hazards and the transport of hazardous materials as discussed in Section 4.8, the overall impact would be less than significant and the project’s contribut ion to cumulative hazards and human health impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.9 Hydrology
All of the surface drainage in the town of Colma’s boundaries ultimately flows into Colma Creek, through the city of South San Francisco, and out into the San Francisco Bay. Therefore, the cumulative area of hydrology impacts is the Colma Creek watershed and San Francisco Bay. W hile the town of Colma is limited in its land area for future development, future development is anticipated to utilize infill and underutilized sites at higher densities and intensities for both residential and commercial projects. The implementation of the 2040 GPU may also increase construction that results in runoff and the introduction of additional pollutants to runoff. These future development/redevelopment projects have the potential to impact groundwater recharge, impact water quality and alter drainage patterns, among others. However, future developments are required to include stormwater treatment measures that would retain and treat runoff if 5,000 square feet or greater, of land area is affected. This improves water quality by removing pollutants, allows for ground water recharge opportunities on developed sites and mitigates the impact of development on vacant sites. In addition, any future development/redevelopment project in the town would be required by the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWP P) to comply with the NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit, all local stormwater permit requirements.

Compliance with water quality regulations, including the implementation of best management practices at construction sites would prevent erosion and tracking would mitigate construction runoff impacts.

Therefore, impacts to hydrology would be less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.10 Land Use
The cumulative area for land use impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

Typically, a cumulative impact on land use may result from projects that would destroy an established community by the construction of new roadways, highways or infrastructure, or plans and policies (in the cumulative context) that would conflict with existing plans at a cumulative level. While the 2040 GPU would increase land use intensities within the town and anticipated adding more residences and businesses within the town boundaries by 2040 , the GPU itself does not propose any specific developments . GPU policies ensure that new developments and redevelopment projects would be designed to be compatible in use and character, are compatible with existing neighborhoods, and comply with zoning regulations. In addition GPU policies ensure that the developments are compatible with other adopted land use plans and regulations. Therefore, the cumulative impacts to land use are less than cumulatively considerable.

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SECTION 4.11 Noise
Ambient noise levels within the town of Colma and its surrounding cities and counties have the potential to increase temporarily due to the construction of new development. Thus, the cumulative area for noise impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

Construction noise impacts typically result from noise generated by the operation of heavy equipment on a project site, as well as from trucks arriving to and departing from the site, which would be an intermittent source of noise. Typical project construction activities normally include demolition, grading/excavation, installation of utilities, and erection of the building. Equipment used in these activities typically include bulldozers, excavators, graders, backhoes, concrete trucks, loaders, and heavy-duty trucks.

Implementation of the town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update has the potential to result in a number of future developments and redevelopment within the Planning Area. Construction within the Planning Area as well in those jurisdictions around the town, has the potential to expose people and buildings to high levels of ground-borne vibration. Although vibration levels from construction activities rarely reach the level of causing building damage, construction-related vibration has the potential to cause annoyance at nearby sensitive receivers. The effects of construction vibration vary depending on the intensity of the construction activities, local soil type, and d istance to/land use type of nearby receptors. Construction vibration impacts would occur from the operation of heavy equipment on a project site. In general, site work and demolition activities typically generate the highest levels of vibration throughout a construction project.

However, it should be noted that the town is primarily built out and future development would be limited to infill sites or as redevelopment on developed but underutilized sites. Buildout of the 2040 GPU, in relation to cumulative buildout in the areas surrounding the town would not result in substantial increase in noise levels. Therefore, cumulative noise impacts associated with the General Plan Update are less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.12 Population and Housing
The cumulative area for population and housing impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions. The 2040 GPU would increase land use intensities within the town and would add more residences within the town boundaries by 2040. Given that population and housing impacts are cumulative in nature, and that residents do not always work where they live in the regional area, the general region surrounding the town, including all of San Mateo County and parts of the city and county of San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and Alameda County must be considered when evaluating cumulative land use impacts. Population growth is not, in itself, an environmental impact; however, the direct and indirect effects related to population growth can lead to physical environmental effects.

While the GPU has the potential to increase the intensity of land uses in the town and increase the potential growth of the town, the 2040 GPU in itself are not expected to induce substantial population growth in a cumulative context . GPU policies also encourage mixed use developments and developments around transit-oriented corridors, mitigating some of the impacts of growth. In addition, GPU policies ensure that land uses are compatible with each other and are consistent with zoning, resulting in compatible communities. Therefore, the cumulative impacts to population growth are less than c umulatively considerable.

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SECTION 4.13 Public Services and Recreation
The cumulative area for impacts to public services and recreation is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions. The proposed town of Colma’s 2040 General Plan Update has the potential add 765 people, 328 housing units and 1,028,500 square feet of commercial and office developments, that may require more public resources. The town estimated that two additional police officers would be required under the GPU Buildout; the number of firefighters is more difficult to esti mate since the town operates solely on volunteer fire fighting resources. The town’s existing fire protection and emergency medical services, police services, and recreation services primarily serve the town but people outside of the town could also use those resources, therefore the project area and the surrounding areas of unincorporated San Mateo County, Daly City, and South San Francisco should be considered for the purpose of evaluating impacts related to public services and recreation.

In regard to fire protection, police and emer gency medical services, the proposed GPU does not identify the location of any new stations within the town’s boundaries to expand existing services. Should the future residential and commercial uses in the town of Colma require additional fire protection, police, or medical services, these would be addressed in the appropriate project -level environmental document prepared at that time.

Any increases in the town’s future population could increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks and recr eational facilities. Since the town is limited on space to add new public park and/or recreational facilities, the creation of such additional recreational facilities would be a challenge to the town.

The town is however committed to providing public park and recreation facilities that meet the needs of its residents. This commitment may require the town to creatively utilize its existing facilities or to enter into development agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to allow for the creation and maintenance of walkways, trails and bike facilities. The construction (or expansion of existing recreational facilities) would be subject to its own environmental review pursuant to CEQA and State law.

While the potential growth at buildout would impact existing resources and services, policies in the proposed GPU would ensure that public services are funded to continue to provide services to the town.

Therefore, the cumulative impact to Public Services and Recreation is less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.14 Transportation
As discussed in Section 4.14, the transportation analysis assesses impacts between No Project (Current General Plan) and Cumulative (2040) Plus Plan (Proposed General Plan Update) to determine if the implementation of the GPU would result in a cumulative increase in VMT and congestion. In addition, impacts to emergency access are reviewed on the same level. The refore, the cumulative area for transportation impacts is the regional transportation system.

As noted in Impact Statements 4.14.2, 4.14.2 and 4.14.3, the implementation of the GPU would increase VMT per person and congestion over No Project Conditions. H owever, implementation of GPU policies would mitigate the impacts to these areas and therefore, impacts to transportation are less than cumulatively considerable.

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SECTION 4.15 Utilities
Under buildout conditions, additional development allowed by the proposed 2040 GPU would increase demand for water, wastewater conveyance, solid waste disposal, energy and telecommunications facilities.

As described Section 4.15, each utility covers differ ent areas and therefore varies in terms of area of cumulative impact. Therefore, the cumulative area for impacts to utilities is the service areas of the Cal Water South San Francisco Bayshore Water District (water supply), North San Mateo County Sanitatio n District Treatment Plant and South San Francisco Water Quality Control Plant (wastewater treatment), Pacific Gas and Electric and Peninsula Clean Energy (energy) and Ox Mountain Landfill.

The increased development and population allowed by the proposed GPU would increase the demand of each resource and impact each of the utilities. However, as discussed in Section 4.15, proposed GPU policies are included to ensure that utility supplies are adequate and have a mechanism for expansion when needed. Therefore, the impacts to utilities are less than cumulatively considerable.

SECTION 4.16 Wildfires
The town is built out and does not include any fire hazard severity zones within the boundaries. However, directly east of the town boundaries, lands that include San Bruno Mountain are classified as very high fire hazard severity zones. Therefore, the cumulative area for wildfire impacts is the Planning Area as well as surrounding jurisdictions.

As discussed in Section 4.16, future developments would only nominally increase the demand for fire protection in the town due to the small geography of the planning area, the fact that there is no fire hazard severity zone in the town, and the regulations that new development and redevelopment projects are required to meet. Therefore, the impacts to wildfires are less than cumulatively considerable.

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6.1 CEQA REQUIREMENTS
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates t hat an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) analyze alternatives to the proposed Project. The intent of this is such that the range of alternatives under consideration addresses most of the basic objectives of the Project and evaluates the comparative merits of the alternatives (State CEQA Guidelines, Section §15126.6[a]). An EIR does not need to consider every conceivable alternative to a project , nor is it required to consider any infeasible alternatives. Rather, the document should only focus on those alternatives that are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project (CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6[b]).

According to the State CEQA Guide lines, an EIR need only examine a range of alternatives that could feasibly meet most of the basic objectives of the project. Therefore the range of alternative “shall include those that could feasibly accomplish most of the ba sic objectives of the project and could avoid or substantially lessen one or more of the significant effects” (CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6(c ). However, not all possible alternatives need to be analyzed. An EIR must “set forth only those alternatives necessary to permit a reasone d choice.” CEQA Guidelines, Section §15126.6(f).) The CEQA Guidelines provide a definition for a “range of reasonable alternatives” and, thus limit the number and type of alternatives that need to be evaluated in an EIR.

The State CEQA Guidelines also specify that though the alternatives discussion should not be remote and speculative, it does not require the discussion to be presented in the same level of detail as the evaluation of environmental impacts from the proposed project. This is particularly relevant for general plans and other program EIRs than for project level EIRs. Though the impacts of the alternatives may be discussed “in less detail than the significant effects of the project proposed” (CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6(d)), the CEQA Guidelines do require the analysis to identify the environmentally superior alternative. Further, the analysis must also include an analysis of the No Project alternative so that the Lea d Agency may compare the impacts of approving the project versus not approving it.

6.2 ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION
In accordance with the provisions of State CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6, the following alternatives to the proposed project were evaluated. This section describes and evaluates two alternatives, the Residential Focused (RF) Alternative and the No Project Alternative and compares them to the proposed 2040 General Plan Update.

In accordance with the provisions of State CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6, the following alternatives to the proposed project were e valuated. These alternatives were compared to the proposed project and its significant environmental impacts identified in Sections 4.1 through 4.16. • Alternative 1 – No Project Alternative
• Alternative 2 – Residential Focused Alternative
Alternative 1: No Project Alternative
CEQA, through case law , requires that the “no project” alternatives be evaluated so as to allow the Lead Agency to compare the potential impa cts of approving the project versus not approving it. Under State CEQA Guidelines § 15126.6(e)(2), “the No Project Alternative shall discuss the existing conditions at the time the notice of preparation is published…as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the

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foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services.”

The No Project analysis discusses both the existing conditions at the time the NOP is published as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if th e project were not approved.

Therefore under Alternative 1, the town would continue to implement the current (1999) General Plan, with no Climate Action Plan (C AP) in effect and with no changes made to update any of the Land Use, Open Space, Conservation, Noise, Circulation and Historical Resources Elements or the Land Use Map. It assumes that the existing General Plan would continue to guide development in the Planning Area, without directly resulting in new development. In the case of this alternative, t he proposed 2040 General Plan Update would not be approved and the existing 1999 Town of Colma General Plan, would continue as the primary guiding document for growth and development within the town.

The 1999 General Plan Planning Area includes a total of 1225 acres and is the same as the town boundary and its sphere of influence (SOI). Buildout of the existing 1999 General Plan or No Project Alternative would result in approximately 680 housing units, a popul ation of 2,310, and a total of 4,315 jobs withi n the Planning Area, expected to occur by year 2040 Table 6.0-1: Comparison of Alternatives at Buildout . In comparison, the proposed 2040 General Plan Update would increase the population to approximately 2,854 and housing units to 845. In relation to the proposed 2040 GPU, the No Project Alternative:
• Has different land uses— both in mix and location;
• Has lower allowable land use densities/intensities;
• Prohibits residential development in various commercially zoned areas; • Does not promote mixed-use development to the same extent as in the Proposed Project; • Does not have a Medium Density Residential land use designation. Medium Density land uses such as multifamily developments are allowed on properties with a Commercial designation; • Has reduced alternate modes of transportation.

Table 6.0-1 Comparison of Alternatives at Buildout
Existing (2019) Proposed
General Plan
Alternative 1:

No Project
Alternative 2:

Residential Focused
Housing Units 450 845 680 893
Households 434 815 660 862
Population 1,512 2,852 2,310 3,017
Notes:

1. No Project Housing Units, Households and Population projections are from the 2015 Housing Element. No Project Jobs data is from Plan Bay Area 2040 Projections.

2. Proposed GPU buildout Housing Units were projected by the Colma Planning Department based on opportunity sites and developable sites.

3. The RF Alternative assumes an additional 20% (48) housing units at the Town Center site.

4. All households are estimated as 96.5% of the total housing units, assuming a 3.5 percent vacancy rate.

5. All Buildout population was calculated assuming 3.5 persons per household

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Alternative 2: Residential Focused Alternative
This alternative provides an increased number of residential units and maintains/decreases future commercial land use develop ment that already exist within the town. This alternative assumes that the Town Center opportunity site would be developed to include 20% more residential units than the proposed General Plan, resulting in 48 additional units. It also assumes that by constructing more residential uses at the site, the available space for commercial uses would be further limited at the site. This alternative also assumes that more residential development could occur elsewhere on El Camino Real, closer to the Colma BART station, and that less residential development may occur at the Town Center site.

The Residential Focused Alternative and the Proposed Project both emphasize development within the El Camino Real Corridor . Both seek to provide new community amenities, improved local and regional connectivity, as well as enhanced economic activity. Given the large number of jobs in comparison to the town’s population, t his alternative could potentially lower the total vehicle miles traveled by providing housing to those that work in the area.

The Residential Focused Alternative and the Proposed Project are based on similar assumptions of buildout of opportunity sites and sites designated with a commercial overlay within the Planning Area. Opportunity sites consist of sites that are currently vacant or underutilized. What distinguishes the Residential Focused Alternative is its revision of land use density to promote more residential units in the potential mixed-use environment around the town center.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT NOT SELECTED FOR ANALYSIS
The following alternatives were considered but not selected for analysis:

Off-Site Alternative
Off-site alternatives are generally evaluated in an effort to avoid, lessen, or eliminate the significant impacts of a project by cons idering the proposed development in an entirely different location. To be feasible, development of off-site locations should satisfy the project’s purpose and meet most of the project’s basic objectives. Given the nature of the proposed project (updating the town’s existing General Plan), it would not be pertinent or possible to consider an off-site alternative since that would need to include a long-range plan for the town; the project site (town of Colma) cannot be relocated since the town’s boundaries are already established; and any off-site alternative that considers another location would not meet the basic project objectives and future development for the town. Therefore, an off-site alternative is considered infeasible pursuant to State CEQA guideli nes §15126.6(c) and is being rejected as a potentially feasible project alternative.

6.3 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
As required under State CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6, the discussion below compares each alternative with the significant environmental impact s resulting from the proposed project that were identified in environmental issue areas in Section 4.0 of this PEIR.

AESTHETICS
Differences in aesthetics between the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative are relatively minor and relate to the intensity of the future residential and commercial development/redevelopment of infill sites in the town. Compared to the Residential Focused Alternative, proposed project (2040 General Plan Update) would allow for increased height and intensified residential

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land uses along El Camino Real. The increased height would be allowed at select opportunity sites where topography, setbacks, and existing developments would reduce the impacts of the additional height. There may be more effects from light and g lare under these two alternatives than under the No Project Alternative. However, the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would essentially include policies that would reduce imp acts on aesthetics and light and glare issues with new de sign standards and policies.

The No Project Alternative would result in less development compared to the Residential Focused Alternative or the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative will lead to fewer obstructions to views, fewer sources of light and glare, and less construction activity. Therefore, while the No Project Alternative would result in less development than t hat under the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative, it would potentially result in lower quality design or have other aesthetic-related impacts. This has the potential to result in greater impacts under the No Project Alternative than under the proposed project or even the Residential Focused Alternative.

AIR QUALITY
The air quality impacts between the proposed project, No Project Alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative, would be similar and the degree of the impact is related to the amount of development and population at buildout. Therefore , the Residential Focused Alternative would have the most air q uality impacts, followed by the proposed project and then the No Project Alternative. It is possible that the Residential Focused Alternative as well as the proposed project would have more construction and operation under future project and therefore gene rate more criteria pollutants that could exceed the BAAQMD thresholds. However, potential future development associated with the proposed General Plan are included in BAAQMD projections, and future development accommodated under the proposed General Plan w ould not hinder BAAQMD thresholds. The Residential Focused Alternative, while anticipating slightly more growth and possibly in a geographically different area than under the proposed project or No Project Alternative, has not been considered under the BAA QMD‘s growth projections for the town or its related air quality impacts. Air quality impacts to current as well as future businesses and residences under the No Project Alternative would be similar to those under the proposed project, but less than either the Residential Focused Alternative or the proposed project . However, since more residences would be constructed under the Residential Focused Alternative than the proposed project or even under the No Project Alternative , construction emissions , exposure from TACs, exposure from operational emissions and al l other related air quality emissions would be greater under the Residential Focused Alternative, than under the proposed project or the No Project Alternative.

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
While the Planning Area is mainly developed with urban uses, there are small areas of diversified wildlife population within the town. Since the town of Colma is located along the Pacific Flyway, migratory birds are often found in the town’s open spaces related to cemetery u ses. The proposed project , No Project Alternative and Residential Focused Alternative would focus future development on the few vacant and underutilized parcels that exist within the town of Colma. While the types of uses and intensity of future development would differ between the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative, the impacts to biological resources would be similar as the se alternatives would result in approximately the same urban footprint. However, the No Project Alternative would result in less development than either the Residential Focused Alternative or the proposed project and has the potential to have less impacts to biological resources within the town.

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CULTURAL AND TRIBAL RESOURCES
Cultural resources include buildings of historical importance, registered historic sites, and archaeological resources and tribal resources includes site features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, or objects that are of value to a tribe and is either on or eligible for the California Historic Register or local historic register. A previously completed cultural resource studies and the town’s previous Historical Resources Element (1999) shows that no previously recorded archaeological resources, Cultural and Tribal resources or Native American remains are currently within the town limits . The town does have many historical resources (primarily in cemeteries) eligible for designati on on the National Register . However, future ground disturbing activities associated with construction excavation under the proposed project, as well as the No Project alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative, could uncover unknown resources, and the potential impacts to cultural and tribal resources would depend on the location and amount of any future development. Since the No Project Alternative proposes less development than the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative, and therefore have a less potential to impact cultural and tribal resources.

ENERGY
The three scenarios , under the proposed project, the No Project Alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative, would increase the amount of development and population in town, which in turn would increase the demand for energy use under varying degrees. Compared to the No Project Alternative, the proposed GPU and the Residential Focused Alternative proposes more potential development and has the most potential to increase the population and demand for energy use and thus could have an adverse impact on the environment. Construction of future development, or even redevelopment projects has the potential to consume gasoline and diesel during the operation of heavy-duty construction equipment and vehicles. However, these would-be temporary consumption of energy, only related to project construction under future development projects. Moreover the 2040 GPU policies promote energy efficiency which reduces the amount of energy used per capita, and future development/redevelopment under the proposed project (2040 GPU) as well as the Residential Focused Alternative would be subject to the se same energy saving policies and standards. Both the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would also have to conform to the State of California’s AB 32 Scoping Plan (for Greenhouse Gas e missions) and the Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (Title 24, Part 6) and CALgreen Code (Title 24, Part 11). Therefore, the comparative energy and power use under the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would be lower than under the No Project Alternative conditions.

While the No Project alternative may use less electricity overall, it would likely result in a higher energy use per capita for the reasons above. Since the No Project Alternative does not consider the sustainability plans or programs as under the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative , it would have greater impacts than the other two alternatives.

GEOLOGY
The town of Colma is located along the Serra Fault Zone and i s approximately less than a mile east from the San Andreas Fault Zone. Therefore, the town has the potential to experience considerable ground shaking and rupture, in the event of an earthquake, particularly within the 2040 GPU’s planning horizon.

The cur rent state and federal engineering and design regulations that minimize seismic and geologic impacts apply equally to all future development/redevelopments under the proposed project a s well as

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Alternative 1 and 2. Since all three of these alternatives have the potential to ultimately bring more people and businesses to the area, these future residences and businesses could be potentially exposed to seismic impacts from earthquakes and other geologic risks such as ground shaking and ground failure due to seismic activity, landslides, and soil expansion. Thus, the No Project Alternative, the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative all have the potential to expose people and businesses to seismic risks.

The Residential Focused Alternative, as well as the proposed project have the potential to expose even more people to such risks since these propose more residential developmen t, while the No Project Alternative would expose the least amount of people and businesses to potential geologic and seismic impacts.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
According to the town’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventories , the majority of the town’s GHG emissions come from transportation and energy use. Most of the on-road vehicles used for transportation burn fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel which results in GHG emissions. Electric vehicles do not burn fossil fuels but GHGs may be emitted elsewhere, depending on the electric power source. . Most of the customers in town utilize 100% carbon-free electricity procur ed by Peninsula Clean Energy. Natural gas consumption is the main contributor to GHG emissions from energy use.

The amount of development or even redevelopment efforts would be greater under the Residential Focused Alternative than that under the proposed project or No Project Alternative, and so the GHG impacts from the Residential Focused Alternative would likely be greater than those under the proposed project or the No Project Alternative. The No Project Alternative would result in less development and overall population growth, and therefore, less demand for energy use and transportation. However, the No Project alternative would likely result in more emissions per person without updated policies or the town’s compliance with the 2030 Climate Action Plan that would apply to the proposed project as well as the Residential Focused Alternative. Since the No Project Alternative would not have the same , if any, energy saving and conservation measures as those under the proposed project or even under the Res idential Focused Alternative, its impacts to GHG is greater than those under the proposed project or Residential Focused Alternative

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative anticipate that both infill and underutilized sites in the town would be developed, though with varying degrees of residential and commercial uses.

While these alternatives may facilitate more development than the No Project alternative, the town is generally built out and there are few industrial sites within the town boundaries. Future development would be restricted to higher density uses in limited areas of the town; and both the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative envisions more mixed-use development, particularly more residential development than the No Project Alternative . Such future development has the potential to increase exposure to possible hazardous materials, particularly as the town does have two open hazardous sites within its boundaries, one of which is the closed landfill (see Figure 4.8-1). In general, impacts with regard to hazardous materials come in the form of development near existing land uses that handle hazardous materials, areas where hazardous materials are stored or transported or by redeveloping co ntaminated sites. Even though growth in the town under the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would be greater than that anticipated under the No Project Alternative , any new development/redevelopment activities within the town of Col ma would be required to follow the California Hazardous Waste Control Law, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, other legislation as well as the 2040 GPU policies to lessen impacts from hazardous substances. .

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CSG Consultants, Inc 6.0-9 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

HYDROLOGY
Urban development/redevelopment has the potential to increase impervious surfaces that could lead to increased run off rates, water pollutants, flooding, and decreased groundwater recharge. Since t he proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative encourage more future development/redevelopment activities than under the No Project Alternative, these future development efforts would be in infill areas of the town, impacts to the town’s hydrology would be limited. Though the No Project Alternative would result in the least amount of future development and therefore impact less amounts of impervious surfaces than the Residential Focused Alternative or the proposed project, all future construction activities would have to comply with the NPDES stormwater permits. Also, the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would have to adhere to the 2040 GPU policies that encourage the incorporation of green infrastructure in site designs, manage runoff, and comply with water quality regulations. With green infrastructure, new developments would be designed to capture, treat, and retain runoff while promoting infiltration. Even though the 2040 GPU policies would not be in place to benefit new developments under the No Project Alternative , all new development is still required to comply with green infrastructure requi rements. The No Project Alternative would result in less development thereby resulting in less of an overall impact to hydrology and flooding than the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative.

LAND USE AND PLANNING
Generally, the proposed GPU, RF Alternative and No Project Alternative are consistent in land use patterns, outside of a few minor land use designation changes. However, as with the proposed project, the Residential Focused Alternative, if ado pted, would become the Planning Area’s new guiding policy document for future land use planning as well as residential and commercial development.

The proposed 2040 GPU (proposed project) and the Residential Focused Alternative differ in the amount of residential and non-residential development assumed at buildout in the year 2040. The proposed project would result in more commercial development and less housing units compared to the Residential Focused Alternative, but more residential and non-residential development than the No Project Alternative. Table

6.0-1 shows a comparison of housing units and population at full buildout of the proposed project, the No Project Alternative, and the Residential Focused Alternative. The proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would focus more on infill development and redevelopment of sites along El Camino Real, in order to encourage additional mixed-use housing opportunities at all income levels, while the No Project Alternative would continue existing trends with housing and commercial development within the town. While all three scenarios allow for more development and housing, the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative increases land use intensities and allows for more housin g units and population growth. The proposed project results in 845 housing units compared to 887 in the Residential Focused Alternative and 680 in the No Project Alternative at buildout in 2040. The scale of future housing development is far below that under the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative.

Therefore, the No Project Alternative has the least impacts from future growth and land use planning than either the No Project Alternative or the Residential Focused Alternative.

NOISE
The proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would result in increased land use intensity, and potentially more redevelopment of existing properties than under the No Project Alternative .

However, the proposed project, the No Project Alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative would result in similar short-term noise impacts, particularly with short-term construction noise levels and on

6.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

CSG Consultants, Inc 6.0-10 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

longer activity days since the type of activities (excavation, removal of site debris, building constructio n etc.). It should be noted that the duration of construction noise under the No Project Alternative would be different and potentially less than that under the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative since the No Project Alternative would involve less development activities. Conversely, due to its greater development targets, construction noise impacts under the Residential Focused Alternative would be greater than those under Alternative 1 or even the proposed project.

Roadway noise is the largest contributor to noise impacts in the town and all three scenarios would increase existing traffic and thus ambient noise levels between now and buildout in 2040. Though these future increase in noise levels within the town are significant and una voidable due to potential future growth in the town, the No Project Alternative would still result in less i mpacts than the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative. Since the No Project Alternative proposes less development than the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative, it will result in less increases in overall operational noise levels in the town than the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative.

However, the Residential Focused Alternative would generat e increased residential and commercial activity than under the No Project Alternative or proposed project. Therefore, operational noise levels under the Residential Focused Alternative would be greater than that under the proposed project and the No Project Alternative.

The impacts on stationary noise sources for the proposed project , the No Project Alternative, and the Residential Focused Alternative would be similar to each other since the proposed development/redevelopment of the town under any of the alternatives would not be significantly different between the alternatives. Construction activities and equipment used for both the Alternatives as well as the proposed project would result in similar vibration impacts . However, since the Residential Focused Alternative would involve more construction activities due to its overall development efforts, the duration of vibr ation impacts due to construction would be slightly greater under the Residential Focused Alternative than the proposed project or No Project Alternative.

PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Development under the proposed project, the No Project Alternative, and the Residential Focused Alternative would require additional public services and park areas. Other services such as police, fire, and emergency services would be required to be expanded to accommodate additional population growth.

While the greatest growth in these services would be from the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative, the impacts of such servi ce expansion wou ld be greater than those for the No Project Alternative. Since the No Project Alternative would have the least population growth , it would have the least impact related to public services and recreation facilities.

TRANSPORTATION
The proposed project as well as the Residential Focused Alternative would encourage better connectivity between all means of transportation (such as walking, biking , use of public transportation) and thus increased demand for these services more than the No Project Alternative. Similarly, the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would have better safety and roadway hazard improvements as well as emergency access components than under the No Project Alternative.

It should be noted th at the No Project Alternative only characterizes future buildout under the town’s existing 1999 General Plan and does not include any of the local transportation network improvements that would be undert aken under the proposed project or the Residential Focused Alternative. The proposed project as well as the Residential Focused Alternative would significantly generate more home-based VMT

6.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

CSG Consultants, Inc 6.0-11 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

than the No Project Alternative, due to the increased projected number of residents in the town and these residents needing to travel further for empl oyment opportunities and other related uses . Since both the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would result in greater development in the town center and the El Camino Real , these would have greater impact s on existing roadway operati onal deficiencies than the No Project Alternative.

UTILITIES
The proposed project, the No Project Alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative would require utilities and infrastructure, including water sewer electricity and landfill capacity. The demand on utilities and service systems is contingent on the amount of future growth. The proposed GPU, and the Residential Focused Alternative proposes similar types of development at buildout and is expected to demand a similar amount of resources from t he utilities. Since the Residential Focused Alternative would result in more population growth than that under the proposed project and the No Project, it is possible that additional infrastructure may be needed under this alternative than that under No Project Alternative or the proposed project. However, it is possible that any needed utility infrastructure upgrades will be of a similar size and extent to that for the proposed project , since development will occur at magnitudes comparable to the proposed project, and at locations similar to the proposed project.

The proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative would result in higher population and commercial use, and thus have higher impacts to utility facilities at buildout. The No Project Alt ernative would result in less development and therefore lower population and jobs at buildout and thus the least impacts to public utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and landfill capacity.

WILDFIRE
Wildfire impacts could affect the town under th e proposed project , No Project Alternative and the Residential Focused Alternative. The town of Colma is limited in its land area for future development which can only be focused on limited residential as well as commercial development/redevelopment on existing sites within the town. As new development occurs and existing structures are replaced with buildings built under more modern building codes, fire safety will increase. Moreover, any new construction would be required t o comply with the town’s Local H azard Mitigation Plan as well as any criteria under the County of San Mateo’s Emergency Operations Services. Since both the Residential Focused Alternative and the proposed project (2040 GPU) would result in greater residential and commercial activities than under the No Project Alternative, impacts could potentially be greater under the proposed project and the Residential Focused Alternative than under the No Project Alternative.

6.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

CSG Consultants, Inc 6.0-12 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

6.4 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
CEQA Guideline require tha t an environmentally superior alternative be identified among a range of reasonable alternatives that are analyzed in the EIR. If the No Project Alternative is the environmentally superior alternative, then the EIR must also identify another environmental ly superior alternative among the other alternatives (CEQA Guidelines Section §15126.6(e)(2)). The environmentally superior alternative is that alternative with the least adverse environmental impacts when compared to the proposed project.

Table 6.0-2: Comparison of Proposed Project Impacts to Alternative Impacts , illustrates the comparison of the relative impacts by resource topic area, between the proposed project (2040 General Plan Update), Alternative 1 (No Project), and Alternative 2 (Residential Focused Alternative).

Table 6.0-2: Comparison of Proposed Project Impacts Relative to Alternative Impacts Impact Area Proposed Project Impact
Impact of Alternative Related
to the Proposed Project
No Project Res. Focused
Aesthetics Less than Significant Greater Similar
Air Quality From Less than Significant to Significant
and Unavoidable
Less Greater
Biological Resources From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Similar Cultural and Tribal
Resources
Significant and Unavoidable Less Similar
Energy Less than Significant Greater Similar
Geology From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Greater Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
From Less than Significant to Significant
and Unavoidable
Greater Similar
Hazardous Materials From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Similar Hydrology From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Similar Land Use and Planning Less than Significant Less Greater Noise From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Similar Population and Housing Less than Significant Less Similar Public Services and
Recreation
Less than Significant Less Greater
Transportation Less than Significant Less Greater
Utilities Less than Significant Less Greater
Wildfire From No Impact to Less than Significant Less Similar

6.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

CSG Consultants, Inc 6.0-13 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Environmental Impact Report

The No Project Alternative reduces impacts in most areas, includ ing air quality, which has a significant impact under the Proposed Project. On the other hand, the No Project Alternative has impacts that are greater than the Proposed Project with respect to aesthetics, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions. Most notable is the area of greenhouse gas emissions, where the implementation of a new 2030 Climate Action Plan could redu ce greenhouse gas emissions within the town . The No Project Alternative is still environmentally superior, as impacts are reduced in more topical areas than they are increased.

The Residential Focused Alternative would support additional housing, which wo uld result in a more balanced jobs/housing ratio in the town. However, the environmental impacts of the addi tional development and population results in similar or greater impacts in every area. Therefore, the Residential Focused Alternative is worse than the proposed project in terms of environmental impacts.

Based on a comparison of the alternatives’ overall e nvironmental impacts and their compatibility with proposed project, the No Project Alternative would be the environmentally superior alternative for this Program EIR. This conclusion is based on the amount and intensity of overall development which under the No Project Alternative would be less than the Residential Focused Alternative and the Proposed Project, and most environmental impacts are correlated with development intensity and quantity.

7.0 REPORT PREPARERS

CSG Consultants, Inc Page 7.0-1 Town of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Draft Environmental Impact Report

7.1 TOWN OF COLMA

City Manager Brian Dossey

General Plan Manager Michael Laughlin/Farhad Mortazavi

7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING TEAM

CSG CONSULTANTS

EIR Project Manager Anna Choudhuri

Environmental Planners/GIS Leila Carver
Shehriyar Khan
Jonathan Kwan
Laurel Mathews
Nancy Mith
Krystal Sanchez

SUB-CONSULTANTS

ASM Affiliates Ted Bibby
Deanna Keegan

CSDA Design Group Randy Waldeck, P.E.

Kittleson & Associates, Inc Matt Braughton
Damian Stefanakis

PlaceWorks Inc. Andrea Howard
Joanna Jansen

Appendix A

CSG Consultants, Inc T own of Colma General Plan Update December 2021 Draft Environmental Impact Report

Appendix A
Notice of Determination and Response
Le
tters

A
ppendix A contains the Notice of Determination and Notice of Completion, posted by the Lead Agency on June 3, 2020; the mailing list of all agencies, organizations, and individuals that received the Notice of Determination, and all response letters that the Lead Agency received.

TOWN OF COLMA

PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1198 El Camino Real • Colma, California 94014
Phone: (650) 757-8888 • FAX: (650) 757-8890

NOTICE OF PREPARATION (NOP)

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE TOWN OF COLMA Date: June 3, 2020
To: Responsible Agencies, Organizations and Interested Parties Subject: Notice of Preparation for a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Town of Colma 2040 General Plan Update
Project Title: 2040 General Plan Update
Lead Agency: Town of Colma
Project Location: Colma, San Mateo County
Main Contact: Michael P. Laughlin, AICP, City Planner
The Town of Colma is commencing its preparation of a Draft Program-level Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2040 General Plan Update and has released this Notice of Preparation (NOP), in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), CEQA Guidelines, and local implementation procedures. In compliance with CEQA, the Town of Colma (Town) will be the Lead Agency and will prepare the EIR. Attached are the project descriptions, location maps, and identification of the potential environmental issues to be explored.

The Town requests your input regarding the scope and content of environmental analysis that is relevant to your respective agency's statutory/ regulatory responsibilities in order to ascertain potential environmental impacts of the proposed Project. Information gathered during the NOP comment period will be used to shape and focus the environmental impact analyses.

Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15082 (b), you have 30 days from the date of receipt of this NOP to respond. Please send your comments by the earliest possible date, but no later than 5:00 P.M.

July 13th, 2020. Please send your responses to:

Ms. Anna Chaudhuri
Town of Colma Planning Department
1198 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014
[email protected]
Public Review Period: June 9, 2020 to July 13th, 2020
" -.)ovemors Office of Planning & Research
JUN 03 2020
STATE CLEARIN~HOUSE
A_sco-ping meeting wilLhe-conducted a-t-Z:00 p.m. OJ"l-Wedn@£day, Ju-ng__24, 202-Q, to-GolleGt-Gral- - - comments from agencies and the public. The meeting will occur virtually, and details will be posted on the Town's website: Colma.ca.gov at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

PROJECT LOCATION:

As required by CEQA Guidelines, the Colma General Plan EIR will identify the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan update. This analysis will assess and, if necessary, include measures to mitigate potential impacts related to CEQA required topics. These topics are: aesthetics; air quality; agricultural and forest resources; biological resources; cultural resources; energy, geology and soils; greenhouse gases; hazards and hazardous materials; hydrology; land use and planning; noise; population and housing; public services; h·ansportation; h·ibal cultural resources; utilities; and wildfires. The Town of Colma, as the Lead Agency has determined mineral resources and recreation to have no impacts.

The Town of Colma is a small incorporated town in San Mateo County , California, on the San Francisco Peninsula (see Figure 1). The Town of Colma is located in northern San Mateo County and is surrounded by the cities of Daly City to the north and South San Francisco to the south. To the east lies the San Bruno Mountain State Park, and along the western border of the Town lies the junction of Highway 1 and Interstate 280. El Camino Real, or State Route 82, runs north-south through the middle of town, and BART runs underground and roughly parallel to the El Camino Real corridor.

The 2040 General Plan Planning Area is composed of approximately a total area of 1.9 square miles (see Figure 2). The 2010 United States Census reported that the Town had a population of 1,792. The population density was 938.6 people per square mile. The Town's 17 cemeteries comprise approximately 73% of the town
1 s land area. Within the Town of Colma boundary, the
ground elevation ranges from about 100 feet to about 500 feet above Mean Sea Level. Colma also includes approximately 1.89 square miles of a wide valley associated with Colma Creek. Most of the land east of El Camino Real is committed to cemetery use or agricultural fields. Land west of El Camino Real is oriented more to commercial uses although the Town's regionally oriented commercial core is bracketed on the north and south by cemeteries.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Town of Colma General Plan articulates the long-term shared community vision for the preservation, enhancement and improvement of the Town. It is a long-range plan that directs decision making. and establishes rules and standards for town improvements and new development. It reflects the community's vision for the future and is intended to provide direction through the year 2040. The last General Plan Update was in 1999. The housing element was updated in 2015 and will not be a part of the current General Plan update. The 2040 General Plan update will provide the context to effectively plan and manage the Town of Colma based on an updated set of goals, policies, and implementation programs that reflect the values and aspirations for the future expressed by the community. Additionally, the update will equip the Town of Colma with a policy framework to responsibly manage future projects and have the capacity to accommodate the growth and development anticipated to occur in the Town for the - - -
next 20 years.

As required by CA Government Code section 65302, the General Plan will cover the seven mandated elements. However, for the Town of Colma General Plan Update these include: Land Use, Circulation/Transportation (Mobility), Housing, Natural Resources/Conservation, Hazards and Safety. In addition to these elements, Colma has chosen to prepare a Historic Resources Element due to most of the Town's land use being reserved for cemetery uses. This element will provide an information base of existing historic resources as well as provide policy direction for the preservation of the Town of Colma' s historic cultural resources.

These elements will establish policy direction for the Town, relating to:
• The use and development of all remaining land within the Town of Colma • The types and provision of housing growth in the community • The protection and continued use and expansion of cemetery land uses • The growth of existing businesses as well as the attraction of new commercial ventures • The provision of public safety services and protection against natural and human caused hazards (including noise)
The 2040 General Plan update identifies and prioritizes opportunities to preserve the character of the community, conserve natural resources, and direct land use policies that enable sustainable growth and employment opportunities in Colma.

As part of the alternatives process for the General Plan update, the Town evaluated the change in land use type and development intensity that may result in environmental impacts. These changes are described as follows:
• Change in permitted land use and intensity for the "Town Center Site" located at the southwest corner of Serramonte Boulevard and El Camino Real • Change in permitted land use and intensity for undeveloped lands on the east side of Hillside Boulevard
• Change in permitted land use and intensity for properties which may redevelop along the Serramonte Boulevard corridor
• Change in intensity for specific in-fill development opportunity sites • Change in land use policies which would allow for housing in specific areas of the Town where housing has not been permitted before
It is anticipated that these potential changes in land use and intensity or density would be a primary change in the General Plan that may result in environmental impacts. The Proposed Land Use Map is shown in Figure 3. At buildout under the draft General Plan, the Town anticipates the following:
• Residential Units: 328 units
• Commercial Building Square Footage: 993,500
-~•- Office_B_uilding_Sq_uare _Enotage: 35-,H00 _ _
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENT AL IMP ACTS TO BE CONSIDERED: ·
A Draft Program-level Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared in conjunction with the 2040 General Plan Update . A program-level EIR generally looks at the broad policy of a planning document, i.e., a general · plan, and will analyze the potential environmental consequence of adopting the proposed 2040 General Plan Update Colma General Plan 2040. It may will not address potential project specific site-specific impacts of the any individual projects that may fall within the planning document.be approved by the City Council.

The general plan update EIR anticipates potential significant environmental effect concerning the following environmental issues:
• Aesthetics • Land Use/ Planning
• Agriculture/ Forestry Resources • Noise
• Biological Resources • Population/ Housing
• Air Quality • Public Services
• Cultural Resources • Transportation
• Energy • Tribal Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils • Utilities
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Wildfire
• Hydrology
The GPU Draft PEIR does not anticipate potential significant environmental effect concerning the following environmental issues:
• Mineral Resources
• Recreation
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Figure 1: Regional
Location Map
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:·· - --1 Influence . and Planning

1. ___ _; Area
Oat= orovid6d by numero t1 s s:>urce~~:

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Figure 2: Project
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:!""•'i Influence . and Planning
, • .,,.: Area
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Figure 3: Propos ed
Land Use Map
[:~J Town Lim its
Overlay
Comm ercial Overl ay

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Medium Density
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Town Center Mi xed Use
Data provided by nurnc, ous sou, ccs:

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contributors. ,:ind tho GtS user co111munil;1
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Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal .Mail to: State Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3044, Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 (916) 445-0613 For Hand Delivery /Street Address: 1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento , CA 95814 Project Title: Town of Colma General Plan Update
Appendix C
2020069005
! scH # I
Lead Agency: _T_o_w_n_o_f _C_ol_m_a ___________________ _ Contact Person: Anna Choudhuri --------------Mailing Address: 1198 El Camino Real Phone: (650) 757-8888 City: Colma Zip: 94116 County: San Mateo
Project Location: County: _S_a_n_M_a_te_o __________ City/Nearest Community: _T_o_w_n_o_f C_o_l_m_a ___________ _ Cross Streets: None - Entire Town - Bounded by San Bruno Mtn., Lawndale Blvd., I 280 and F Street Zip Code: _9_40_1_4 __ _ Longitude/Latitude (degrees, minutes and seconds): ____ " N / ______ " W Total Acres: ________ _ Assessor's Parcel No.: None --------------- Section: --- Twp.: __ _ Range: ___ _ Base:

Within 2 Miles: State Hwy #: _2_80_,_8_2 _______ _ Waterways: _c_o_lm_a_C_re_e_k _________________ _ Airports: _N_o_n_e _________ _ Railways: None (BART extends through town) Schools: Jefferson Union and SSF Districts Document Type:

CEQA: [jJ NOP
0 Early Cons
0 Neg Dec
0 MitNeg Dec
0 Draft EIR
D Supplement/Subsequent EIR
(Prior SCH No.) _____ _
Other: -----------
NEPA: □ NOI Other:
□ EA
0 Draft EIS
□ FONS!
D Joint Document
0 Final Document
D Other: --------
Local Action Type: Jovemois Office o anntn9 ·e earcrr-------- [jJ General Plan Update □ Specific Plan □ Rezone □ Annexation □ General Plan Amendment □ Master Plan □ Prezone JUN 03 20~ Redevelopment □ General Plan Element □ Planned Unit Development □ Use Permit Coastal Permit □ Community Plan □ Site Plan □ Land Div~t'f Ct M
Development Type:

D Residential: Units
0 Office: Sq.ft. ---
Acres
Acres
Acres
Acres
Employees __ _ D Transportation: Type ______________ _
D Commercial:Sq.ft.

D Industrial: Sq.ft.

Employees __ _ D Mining: Mineral _____________ _
Employees __ _ D Power: Type _______ MW _____ _
D Educational: _________________ _ D Waste Treatment:Type MGD ____ _ D Recreational: ___________________ _ D Hazardous Waste:Type _____________ _ D Water Facilities:Type ______ _ MGD ------ D Other: _________________ _ Project Issues Discussed in Document:
[j] Aesthetic/Visual D Fiscal [j] Recreation/Parks
[j] Agricultural Land [jJ Flood Plain/Flooding [jJ Schools/Universities [j] Air Quality [jJ Forest Land/Fire Hazard D Septic Systems [j] Archeological/Historical [jJ Geologic/Seismic [jJ Sewer Capacity [j] Biological Resources [jJ Minerals D Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading D Coastal Zone [jJ Noise [jJ Solid Waste
[j] Drainage/Absorption [jJ Population/Housing Balance [jJ Toxic/Hazardous [j] Economic/Jobs [jJ Public Services/Facilities [jJ Traffic/Circulation Present Land Use/Zoning/General Plan Designation:

Project Description: (please use a separate page if necessary) [jJ Vegetation
[jJ Water Quality
[jJ Water Supply/Groundwater
[jJ Wetland/Riparian
[jJ Growth Inducement
[jJ Land Use
[jJ Cumulative Effects
D Other: ______ _
- ~ - --+I-le TowR-Gf CGlma-is updatiRg its--1-999 GeAer-al-PlaA-;-The 2O40-Genefal-Plan-t:Jpdate will-provide-the-context to effectively-plan and-manage ~ the Town of Colma based on an updated set of goals , policies, and implementation programs that reflect the values and aspirations for the future expressed by the commun ity. As required by CA Government Code section 65302, the General Plan will cover the seven mandated elements . However , for the Town of Colma General Plan Update these include: Land Use, Circulation/Transportation (Mobility), Housing, Natural Resources/Conservation , Hazards and Safety. In addition to these elements, Colma has chosen to prepare an Historic Resources Element due to most of the Town's land use being reserved for cemetery uses the many historic resources present both in and outside of the Town's cemeteries.

Note: The State Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number already exists for a project (e.g. Notice of Preparation or previous draft document) please fill in.

Revised 20 I 0
Reviewing Agencies Chetklist
Lead Agenc'ies may recommend State Clearinghouse distribution by marking agencies below with and "X".

If you have already sent your document to the agency please denote that with an "S" .

X
X
X
X
X
X
Air Resources Board
Boating & Waterways, Department of
California Emergency Management Agency
California Highway Patrol
Caltrans District # 4
Caltrans Division of Aeronautics
Caltrans Planning
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
Coachella Valley Mtns. Conservancy
Coastal Commission
Colorado River Board
Conservation , Department of
Corrections, Department of
Delta Protection Commission
Education, Department of
Energy Commission
Fish & Game Region # _3 __
Food & Agriculture, Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, Depa1iment of
General Services, Department of
Health Services, Department of
Housing & Community Development
X Native American Heritage Commission
Local Public Review Period (to be filled in by lead agency) Starting Date _J_u_ne_9_, _20_2_0 ____________ _
Lead Agency (Complete if applicable):

Consulting Firm: _______________ _
Address: --------------------
City/St ate/Zip:--------------
Contact: --------------------
Phone: --------------------r--
X Office of Historic Preservation
Office of Public School Construction
__ Parks & Recreation, Department of
__ Pesticide Regulation , Department of
x Public Utilities Commission
Regional WQCB #
Resources Agency
Resources Recycling and Recovery , Department of
__ S.F. Bay Conservation & Development Comm.
__ San Gabriel & Lower L.A. Rivers & Mtns. Conservancy
__ San Joaquin River Conservancy
Santa Monica Mtns. Conservancy
State Lands Commission
SWRCB: Clean Water Grants
_x __ SWRCB: Water Quality
__ SWRCB: Water Rights
__ Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Toxic Substances Control, Department of
Water Resources , Department of
Other: --------------------
0th er: --------------------
Ending Date ____________________ _
Applicant:

Address:

City/State/Zip: ________________ _
Phone: -----------------------
- ~~A_uthority cited: Sectio n 21083, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 161, Public Resources Code.

Revised 20 I 0
San Francisco Bay Region Water
Quality Control District
1515 Clay Street, #1400
Oakland, CA 94612

Planning Director
San Mateo County Planning Dept.
455 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063

So. San Francisco Unified School Dist.
398 B Street
South San Francisco, CA 94080

No. San Mateo County Sanitation District
153 Lake Merced Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94015

Service Planning Department
PG&E
275 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070

City of South San Francisco
Planning Department
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Jefferson Union High School District
699 Serramonte Boulevard, # 100
Daly City, CA 94015

Jefferson Elementary School District
101 Lincoln Avenue
Daly City, CA 94014

Regional Clearinghouse Coordinator
c/o ABAG
P.O. Box 2050
Oakland, CA 94604-2050

San Francisco Water Department
1990 Newcomb Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124

Maria Torres/Linda Sousa
AT&T - Public Works Coordinator
795 Folsom Street, Room 426
San Francisco, CA 94107-1243

Ms. Ann Stillman
Flood Control District,
SMCO Public Works
555 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Executive Officer
San Bruno Mountain Watch
P.O. Box 53
Brisbane, CA 94005

South San Francisco
Sewer Department
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080

District Manager
California Water Service
341 North Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94401-1727

Director of Planning
CalTrans District 4
P.O. Box 23660
Oakland, CA 94623-0660

Ms. Ann Stillman
Colma Lighting District,
SMCO Public Works
555 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063

Northwest Info. Ctr. Sonoma State
University
150 Professional Center Drive, Suite E
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

South San Francisco Sewer Department
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080

PG&E
450 Eastmoor Avenue
Daly City, CA 94015

Transportation Planning
C/CAG
455 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
City of Daly City
Planning Department
333 - 90th Street
Daly City, CA 94015

Planning Division
Association of Bay Area Governments
101 Eighth Street
Oakland, CA 94604

Bay Area Air Quality Management
District
939 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

City Engineer
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711, 400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94083

Mr. Geoff Balton
Colma Fire Protection District
50 Reiner Street
Colma, CA 94014

San Mateo County
Environmental Health Director
2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 100
San Mateo, CA 94403

Airport Land Use
C/CAG
455 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Caltrans District 4, Planning
P.O. Box 23660
Oak
land, CA 94623-0660

Irenne Zwierlein, Chair
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission
San Juan Bautista
789 Canada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
Tony Cerda
Coastanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
240 East 1st Street
Pomona, CA 91766
Ann Marie Sayers
Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of
Costanoan
P.O. Box 28
Hollister, CA 95024
Andrew Galvan
The Ohlone Tribe
P.O. Box 3152
Fremont, CA 94539
Monica Arellano
Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San
Francisco Bay Area
PO Box 360791
Milpitas, CA 95036

STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom, Governor

NATIVE A MERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

Page 1 of 5 ends

Colma City CouncilMarch 23, 2022

Colma City Council
March 23, 2022