EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
EIR Impact Statement Mi�ga�on Measure for Incorpora�on into 2040 General Plan
Aesthe�cs
Impact AES-4. Development facilitated by the
proposed plan would create new sources of light
or glare that could adversely affect day�me or
nigh�me views in the area. Impacts would be
less than significant with mi�ga�on incorporated.
AES-1 Revise General Plan Land Use Element to
prepare a City Ligh�ng Standards Study and
implement the findings. The City shall revise the
General Plan Land Use Element to include a policy
that states the following:
The City shall adopt lighting standards intended
to maintain ambient lighting levels after
preparing a City Lighting Standards study to
determine visibility, minimum glare, and
minimum spillage standards in relation toother
properties or into the sky. Implementation of this
policy would encourage, through the regulation
of the types, kinds, construction, installation and
uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating
devices, lighting practices and systems to
conserve energy without decreasing safety, utility,
security, and productivity while enhancing
nighttime enjoyment of property and night skies.
Air Quality
Impact AQ-2. Implementa�on of the 2040
General Plan would result in the genera�on of air
pollutants during construc�on of individual
projects, which could affect local air quality.
Implementa�on of the proposed plan would not
result in a cumula�vely considerable net increase
of opera�onal criteria pollutants due to
opera�onal VMT increase. impacts would be less
than significant with mi�ga�on.
AQ-1 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Reduce Construc�on Criteria Pollutant
Emissions. To reduce temporary increases in
criteria air pollutant emissions during the
construc�on phase for discre�onary development
projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed
the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA
Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following
General Plan Policy to be implemented as part of
the project approval process:
• New Policy: Require projects that exceed
the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate
project- specific construction emissions in
conformance with the BAAQMD
methodology and if construction-related
criteria air pollutants exceed the
BAAQMD thresholds of significance,
require the project applicant to mitigate
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
the impacts to a less-than-significant
level.
Impact AQ-2. Implementa�on of the 2040
General Plan would result in the genera�on of air
pollutants during construc�on of individual
projects, which could affect local air quality.
Implementa�on of the proposed plan would not
result in a cumula�vely considerable net increase
of opera�onal criteria pollutants due to
opera�onal VMT increase. impacts would be less
than significant with mi�ga�on.
AQ-2 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Reduce Opera�onal Criteria Pollutant
Emissions. To reduce long-term increases in air
pollutants during the opera�on phase for
discre�onary development projects that are
subject to CEQA that exceed the screening sizes in
the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt
the following General Plan Policy:
• New Policy: Require projects that exceed
the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate
project- specific operation emissions in
conformance with BAAQMD CEQA
Guidelines, and if operation- related air
pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted
thresholds of significance, require the
project applicant to mitigate the impact
to a less-than-significant level.
Impact AQ-3. Construc�on ac�vi�es for individual
projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
las�ng longer than two months or located within
1,000 feet of sensi�ve receptors could expose
sensi�ve receptors to substan�al pollutant
concentra�ons. implementa�on of the proposed
plan may also expose sensi�ve receptors to
addi�onal opera�onal sources of TACs. Impacts
would be less than significant with mi�ga�on.
AQ-3 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Conduct and Implement Construc�on
Health Risk Assessment. To iden�fy and reduce
poten�al risk exposure to nearby sensi�ve
receivers during the construc�on of individual
projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the
City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:
• New Policy: For individual projects
(excluding ADUs, single-family residences,
and duplexes) where construction
activities would occur within 1,000 feet of
sensitive receptors, would last longer
than two months, and would not utilize
equipment rated US EPA Tier 4 for
equipment of 50 horsepower or more, or
construction equipment fitted with Level 3
Diesel Particulate Filters for all equipment
of 50 horsepower or more, and/or
alternative fuel construction equipment,
the project applicant shall coordinate
with the City to determine if a
construction health risk assessment (HRA)
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
shall be performed. If an HRA is to be
performed, the HRA shall determine
potential risk and compare the risk to the
following BAAQMD thresholds:
o Non-compliance with Qualified
Community Risk Reduction Plan;
o Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in
a million;
o Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0
Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute);
or
o Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3
µg/m3 annual average
If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures
such as requiring the use of Tier 4
engines, Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters,
and/or alternative fuel construction
equipment shall be incorporated to
reduce the risk to appropriate levels.
Impact AQ-3. Construc�on ac�vi�es for individual
projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
las�ng longer than two months or located within
1,000 feet of sensi�ve receptors could expose
sensi�ve receptors to substan�al pollutant
concentra�ons. implementa�on of the proposed
plan may also expose sensi�ve receptors to
addi�onal opera�onal sources of TACs. Impacts
would be less than significant with mi�ga�on.
AQ-4 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Reduce Opera�onal Toxic Air
Contaminants. To ensure sensi�ve receptors are
not exposed to toxic air contaminant emissions
during the opera�on phase for discre�onary
development projects that are subject to CEQA
which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area
Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA
Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following
General Plan Policy:
• New Policy: Require applicants for
industrial or warehousing land uses or
commercial land uses that would
generate substantial diesel truck travel
(i.e., 100 diesel trucks per day or 40 or
more trucks with diesel-powered
transport refrigeration units per day) to
contact BAAQMD to determine the
appropriate level of operational health
risk assessment (HRA) required. If
required, the operational HRA shall be
prepared in accordance with the Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
and BAAQMD requirements and
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
mitigated to an acceptable level. Typical
measures to reduce risk impacts may
include, but are not limited to:
a. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic
Control Measures idling restrictions, as
feasible.
b. Electrifying warehousing docks.
c. Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer
spaces.
d. Requiring use of newer equipment and/or
vehicles.
e. Restricting off-site truck travel through
the creation of truck routes.
Impact AQ-4. The 2040 General Plan could create
objec�onable odors that could adversely affect a
substan�al number of people. Impacts related to
odors would be less than significant with
mi�ga�on.
AQ-5 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Reduce Opera�onal Odor Impacts. To
reduce odor impacts associated with
development facilitated by the 2040 General
Plan, the City shall adopt the following General
Plan Policy to be implemented as part of the
project approval process:
• New Policy: Odor Impacts. Consider odor
impacts when evaluating land uses and
development projects near wastewater
treatment plants, treatment plant
expansion projects, waste transfer
stations, and other odor potential sources
per the latest BAAQMD screening
distances and guidelines.
Biological, Agricultural, and Forestry Resources
Impact BIO-1. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan could result in direct or
indirect impacts to special-status species or their
associated habitats including impacts to
migratory bird nest sites. Impacts would be less
than significant with mi�ga�on incorporated.
BIO-1 Add a General Plan Program to Conduct
Pre-Construc�on Bird Surveys and Implement
Avoidance and Minimiza�on Measures. The City
shall add a 2040 General Plan Environment
Element Program to include the following
requirements for nes�ng bird surveys, avoidance,
and minimiza�on measures:
• For construction activities initiated during
the bird nesting season (February 1 –
September 15) involving removal of
vegetation that could potentially serve as
habitat for special-status bird species or
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
other nesting bird habitat, including
abandoned structures and other manmade features, a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more
than 14 days prior to initiation of ground
disturbance and vegetation removal
activities. The nesting bird preconstruction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include a buffer around the
construction site at a distance determined
by a qualified biologist. The survey shall
be conducted by a biologist familiar with
the identification of avian species known
to occur in California Bay Area
communities (i.e., qualified biologist). If
nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall
be determined by a qualified biologist
dependent upon the species, the
proposed work activity, and existing
disturbances associated with land uses
outside of the site. The buffer shall be
demarcated by the biologist with bright
orange construction fencing, flagging,
construction lathe, or other means to
demarcate the boundary. All construction
personnel shall be notified as to the
existence of the buffer zone and to avoid
entering the buffer zone during the
nesting season. No ground disturbing
activities shall occur within the buffer
until the biologist has confirmed that
breeding/nesting is completed, and the
young have fledged the nest.
Encroachment into the buffer shall occur
only at the discretion of the qualified
biologist on the basis that the
encroachment will not be detrimental to
an active nest. A report summarizing the
pre-construction survey(s) shall be
prepared by a qualified biologist and shall
be submitted to the City prior to the
commencement of construction activities.
• Future project site plans shall include a
statement acknowledging compliance
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
with the federal MBTA and California Fish
and Game Code that includes avoidance
of active bird nests and identification of
Best Management Practices to avoid
impacts to active nests, including
checking for nests prior to construction
activities during February 1 to September
15 and what to do if an active nest is
found so that the nest is not inadvertently
impacted during grading or construction
activities.
Impact BIO-1. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan could result in direct or
indirect impacts to special-status species or their
associated habitats including impacts to
migratory bird nest sites. Impacts would be less
than significant with mi�ga�on incorporated.
BIO-2 Add a General Plan Program to Conduct
Pre-Construc�on Roos�ng Bats Surveys and
Implement Avoidance Measures Prior to
Removal. The City shall add a 2040 General Plan
Environment Element Program to include the
following requirements for roos�ng bat surveys
and avoidance measures prior to removal:
Prior to the removal or alteration of trees and
structures that may serve as roosting habitat for
special-status bat species, a qualified biologist
shall conduct a focused survey of all trees and
structures to be removed or impacted by
construction activities to determine whether
active roosts of special-status bats are present on
site. Tree or structure removal shall be planned
for either the spring or the fall and timed to
ensure both suitable conditions for the detection
of bats and adequate time for tree and/or
structure removal to occur during seasonal
periods of bat activity exclusive of the breeding
season, as described below. Trees and/or
structures containing suitable potential bat roost
habitat features shall be clearly marked or
identified. If no bat roosts are found, the results of
the survey will be documented and submitted to
the City within 30 days of the survey, after which
no further action will be required.
If day roosts are present, the biologist shall
prepare a site-specific roosting bat protection
plan to be implemented by the contractor
following the City’s approval. The plan shall
incorporate the following guidance as
appropriate:
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
• When possible, removal of
trees/structures identified as suitable
roosting habitat shall be conducted
during seasonal periods of bat activity,
including the following:
a. Between September 1 and about
October 15, or before evening
temperatures fall below 45 degrees
Fahrenheit and/or more than 0.5 inch
of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.
b. Between March 1 and April 15, or
after evening temperatures rise above
45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or no
more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within
24 hours occurs.
• If a tree /structure must be removed
during the breeding season and is
identified as potentially containing a
colonial maternity roost, then a qualified
biologist shall conduct acoustic
emergence surveys or implement other
appropriate methods to further evaluate
if the roost is an active maternity roost.
Under the biologist’s guidance, the
contractor shall implement measures that
consist of (or exceed) the following:
a. If it is determined that the roost is not
an active maternity roost, then the
roost may be removed in accordance
with the other requirements of this
measure.
b. If it is found that an active maternity
roost of a colonial roosting species is
present, the roost shall not be
disturbed during the breeding season
(April 15 to August 31).
• Tree removal procedures shall be
implemented using a two-step tree
removal process. This method is
conducted over two consecutive days and
works by creating noise and vibration by
cutting non-habitat branches and limbs
from habitat trees using chainsaws only
(no excavators or other heavy machinery)
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
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May 2023
on day one. The noise and vibration
disturbance, together with the visible
alteration of the tree, is very effective in
causing bats that emerge nightly to feed
to not return to the roost that night. The
remainder of the tree is removed on day
two.
• Prior to the demolition of vacant
structures within the project site, a
qualified biologist shall conduct a focused
habitat assessment of all structures to be
demolished. The habitat assessment shall
be conducted enough in advance to
ensure the commencement of building
demolition can be scheduled during
seasonal periods of bat activity (see
above), if required. If no signs of day
roosting activity are observed, no further
actions will be required. If bats or signs of
day roosting by bats are observed, a
qualified biologist will prepare specific
recommendations such as partial
dismantling to cause bats to abandon the
roost, or humane eviction, both to be
conducted during seasonal periods of bat
activity, if required.
• If the qualified biologist determines a
roost is used by a large number of bats
(large hibernaculum), bat boxes shall be
installed near the project site. The
number of bat boxes installed will depend
on the size of the hibernaculum and shall
be determined through consultation with
CDFW. If a maternity colony has become
established, all construction activities
shall be postponed within a 500-foot
buffer around the maternity colony until it
is determined by a qualified biologist that
the young have dispersed. Once it has
been determined that the roost is clear of
bats, the roost shall be removed
immediately.
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
Impact CR-1. The 2040 General Plan has the
poten�al to result in significant impacts if
development carried out under the plan would
cause a substan�al adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource. this impact
would be significant and unavoidable even with
mi�ga�on.
CR-1 Revise General Plan Implementa�on
Program M to Include Prepara�on of
Historical Resources Evalua�on prior to
Approval for Projects Involving Buildings 45
years or Older and Implementa�on of
Mi�ga�on Prior to and During Construc�on.
The City shall revise 2040 General Plan
Environment Element Program M to include
that, in addi�on to upda�ng the exis�ng
historical and cultural resources survey, a
historical resources evalua�on shall be
prepared prior to approval of a project
carried out under the 2040 General Plan
involving the demoli�on or substan�al
altera�on of a building, structure, object, or
other built environment feature that is 45
years of age or older and as deemed
necessary by the Community Development
Director.
The City shall add further details to 2040
General Plan Program M that state the
following:
• The evaluation shall be prepared by a
qualified architectural historian or
historian who meets the Secretary of the
Interior’s Professional Qualifications
Standards in architectural history or
history (as defined in Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 36, Part 61). The
qualified architectural historian or
historian shall conduct an intensive-level
evaluation in accordance with the
guidelines and best practices
promulgated by the State Office of
Historic Preservation to identify potential
historical resources within the proposed
development site. All properties 45 years
of age or older shall be evaluated within
their historic context and documented in
a report meeting the State Office of
Historic Preservation guidelines. All
evaluated properties shall be documented
on Department of Parks and Recreation
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
Series 523 Forms. The report shall be
submitted to the City for review and
concurrence. If the property is already
listed in the NRHP or CRHR, the historical
resources evaluation described above
shall not be required.
• If historical resources are identified within
the site of a proposed development,
efforts shall be made to the extent
feasible to ensure that impacts are
mitigated. Application of mitigation shall
generally be overseen by a qualified
architectural historian or historic
architect meeting the Professional
Qualification Standards, unless
unnecessary in the circumstances (e.g.,
preservation in place). In conjunction with
a development application that may
affect the historical resource, the
historical resources evaluation report
shall also identify and specify the
treatment of character-defining features
and construction activities.
• Efforts shall be made to the greatest
extent feasible to ensure that the
relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of
the resource is consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Treatment of Historic Properties with
Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating,
Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic
Buildings. Application of the Standards
shall be overseen by a qualified
architectural historian or historic
architect meeting the Professional
Qualification Standards. In conjunction
with a development application that may
affect the historical resource, a report
identifying and specifying the treatment
of character-defining features and
construction activities shall be provided to
the City for review and concurrence. As
applicable, the report shall demonstrate
how a project complies with the
Standards and be submitted to the City
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
for review and approval prior to the
issuance of permits.
• If significant historical resources are
identified on a development site and
compliance with the Standards and or
avoidance is not possible, appropriate
site-specific mitigation measures shall be
established and undertaken. Mitigation
measures may include documentation of
the historical resource in the form of a
Historic American Building Survey (HABS)
report, or equivalent. The report shall
comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for Architectural and
Engineering Documentation and shall
generally follow the HABS Level III
requirements, including digital
photographic recordation, detailed
historic narrative report, and compilation
of historic research. The documentation
shall be completed by a qualified
architectural historian or historian who
meets the Professional Qualification
Standards and submitted to the City prior
to issuance of any permits for demolition
or alteration of the historical resource.
Impact CR-2. The 2040 general Plan has the
poten�al to result in significant impacts if
development carried out under the plan would
cause a substan�al adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource,
including those that qualify as historical
resources. This impact would be less than
significant with mi�ga�on.
CR-2 Revise General Plan Implementa�on
Program M to Include Prepara�on of
Archaeological Resources Assessment Prior to
Project Approval and Implementa�on of
Mi�ga�on Prior To and During Construc�on. The
City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment
Element Program M to include that, in addi�on to
upda�ng the exis�ng historical and cultural
resources survey, prior to approval of a project
that involves ground disturbance ac�vi�es in
na�ve or previously undisturbed soils that may
include, but are not limited to, pavement
removal, potholing, grubbing, tree removal,
excava�on or grading, an archaeological
resources assessment shall be prepared under
the supervision of an archaeologist that meets
the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional
Qualifica�on Standards in either prehistoric or
historic archaeology.
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
The City shall add further details to 2040 General
Plan Program M that state the following:
• Assessments shall include a California
Historical Resources Information System
records search at the Northwest
Information Center (NAHC) and a Sacred
Lands File search maintained by the
Native American Heritage Commission.
The records searches will characterize the
results of previous cultural resource
surveys and disclose any cultural
resources that have been recorded and/or
evaluated in and around a project site. A
Phase I pedestrian survey shall be
undertaken at a project site that is on
previously undeveloped land in order to
locate any surface cultural materials. By
performing a records search, consultation
with the NAHC, and a Phase I survey, a
qualified archaeologist shall be able to
classify a project site as having high,
medium, or low sensitivity for
archaeological resources.
• If the Phase I archaeological survey
identifies resources that may be affected
by a project, the archaeological resources
assessment shall also include Phase II
testing and evaluation. If resources are
determined significant or unique through
Phase II testing and site avoidance is not
possible, appropriate site-specific
mitigation measures shall be identified in
the Phase II evaluation. These measures
shall include, but would not be limited to,
a Phase III data recovery program,
avoidance, or other appropriate actions
to be determined by a qualified
archaeologist in consultation with the
City and any interested Tribes, as stated in
the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation
Implementation Program outlined by
Goal ENV-5. If significant archaeological
resources cannot be avoided, impacts
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
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May 2023
may be reduced to less-than-significant
levels by filling on top of the sites rather
than cutting into a cultural deposits.
Alternatively, and/or in addition, a data
collection program may be warranted,
including mapping the location of
artifacts, surface collection of artifacts, or
excavation of the cultural deposit to
characterize the nature of the buried
portions of sites. Curation of the
excavated artifacts or samples shall occur
as specified by the archaeologist in
consultation with the City and any
interested Tribes. As stated in the 2040
General Plan Tribal Consultation
Implementation Program outlined by
Goal ENV-5, the final disposition of
artifacts not directly associated with
Native American graves shall be
negotiated during consultation with
interested tribes. If Native American
tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall
be offered to an institution staffed by
qualified professionals, as determined by
the City Planner. Artifacts include
material recovered from all phases of
work, including the initial survey, testing,
indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.
Impact CR-2. The 2040 general Plan has the
poten�al to result in significant impacts if
development carried out under the plan would
cause a substan�al adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource,
including those that qualify as historical
resources. This impact would be less than
significant with mi�ga�on.
CR-3 Revise General Plan Goal ENV-5 to Include a
Policy to Stop Work in the Event of Unan�cipated
Cultural Resources Discoveries During
Construc�on. The City shall revise the 2040
General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-5 to
include a policy that, if cultural resources are
encountered during ground-disturbing ac�vi�es
for a project, work in the immediate area shall be
halted and an archaeologist mee�ng the
Secretary of the Interior’s Professional
Qualifica�on Standards for archaeology in either
prehistoric or historic archaeology shall be
contacted immediately to evaluate the find.
If necessary, the evalua�on may require
prepara�on of a treatment plan and
archaeological tes�ng for CRHR eligibility. If the
discovery proves to be significant under CEQA
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May 2023
and cannot be avoided by a project, addi�onal
work such as excava�ng the cultural deposit to
fully characterize its extent, and collec�ng and
cura�ng ar�facts may be warranted to mi�gate
any significant impacts to cultural resources. In
the event that archaeological resources of Na�ve
American origin are iden�fied during project
construc�on, a qualified archaeologist will
consult with the City to begin Na�ve American
consulta�on procedures.
Impact CR-4. Development facilitated by the 2040
general plan has the poten�al to impact
uniden�fied tribal cultural resources. Impacts
would be less than significant with mi�ga�on.
CR-4 Revise General Plan Goal ENV-5 to Include a
Policy to Suspend Work around Tribal Cultural
Resources Iden�fied During Construc�on. The
City shall revise the 2040 General Plan
Environment Element Goal 5 to include a policy
that in the event that cultural resources of Na�ve
American origin are iden�fied during construc�on
of a project implemented under the 2040 General
Plan, all earth-disturbing work in the vicinity of
the find shall be temporarily suspended or
redirected un�l an archaeologist has evaluated
the nature and significance of the find as a
cultural resource and an appropriate local Na�ve
American representa�ve is consulted. If the City,
in consulta�on with local Na�ve Americans,
determines that the resource is a tribal cultural
resource and, thus, significant under CEQA, a
mi�ga�on plan shall be prepared and
implemented in accordance with State guidelines
and in consulta�on with local Na�ve American
group(s). The mi�ga�on plan shall include
avoidance of the resource or, if avoidance of the
resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the
appropriate treatment of the resource in
coordina�on with the appropriate local Na�ve
American tribal representa�ve and, if applicable,
a qualified archaeologist. Examples of
appropriate mi�ga�on for tribal cultural
resources include, but are not limited to,
protec�ng the cultural character and integrity of
the resource, protec�ng tradi�onal use of the
resource, protec�ng the confiden�ality of the
resource, or heritage recovery.
Geology/Soils and Mineral Resources
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
Impact GEO-6. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan has the poten�al to impact
paleontological resources. Impacts would be less
than significant with mi�ga�on incorporated.
GEO-1 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Protect Paleontological Resources. The
City of Pleasant Hill shall add a policy (or policies)
providing for the protec�on of paleontological
resources to the 2040 General Plan prior to its
adop�on. The policy (policies) shall include the
following:
• A Qualified Professional Paleontologist
(as defined by SVP13) must be retained to
conduct a paleontological resources
analysis prior to the beginning of projects
involving ground disturbance in geologic
units with high paleontological sensitivity
to determine whether there is a potential
for significant impacts to paleontological
resources.
• If potential impacts to paleontological
resources are found to be significant, then
a Qualified Professional Paleontologist
shall be retained to develop and
implement a Paleontological Resources
Mitigation Program to ensure that
impacts to paleontological resources are
less than significant.
Greenhous Gas Emissions and Energy
Impact GHG-1. Pleasant Hill does not have a
Climate Ac�on Plan. Therefore, implementa�on
of the 2040 General Plan would not meet State
2030 and 2045 goals. Mi�ga�on Measures GHG-1
and GHG-2 would result in adop�on of CEQA GHG
thresholds and a Climate Ac�on Plan; however,
development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
would not meet the 2030 and 2045 goals un�l
the CAP is adopted. this impact would be
significant and unavoidable.
GHG-1 Revise General Plan Policy ENV 8.1 to
Reflect Latest State and BAAQMD GHG Emissions
Targets. The City shall revise 2040 General Plan
Environment Element Policy ENV 8.1 (Meet State
Emission Reduc�on Targets) to reflect the latest
State and BAAQMD GHG emissions targets of 40
percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (pursuant to
SB 32) and carbon neutrality by 2045 (pursuant to
AB 1279).
Impact GHG-1. Pleasant Hill does not have a
Climate Ac�on Plan. Therefore, implementa�on
of the 2040 General Plan would not meet State
2030 and 2045 goals. Mi�ga�on Measures GHG-1
and GHG-2 would result in adop�on of CEQA GHG
thresholds and a Climate Ac�on Plan; however,
development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
would not meet the 2030 and 2045 goals un�l
GHG-2 Revise General Plan Program O to Include
Details Related to Adop�on and Implementa�on
of a Climate Ac�on Plan and CEQA GHG Emissions
Thresholds. The City shall add further details to
2040 General Plan Environment Element Program
O (Climate Ac�on) that state the following:
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
the CAP is adopted. this impact would be
significant and unavoidable.
The City shall adopt the Pleasant Hill Climate
Action Plan by Summer 2025 and include targets
that reflect those set by SB 32 to reduce GHG
emissions by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by
2030 and AB 1279 to achieve carbon neutrality by
2045. Implementation measures in the CAP to
achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets shall include,
but are not limited to, the following:
• Develop and adopt Zero Net Energy
requirements for new and remodeled
residential and non-residential
development;
• Develop and adopt a building
electrification ordinance for existing and
proposed structures;
• Expand charging infrastructure and
parking for electric vehicles;
• Implement carbon sequestration by
expanding the urban forest, participating
in soil-based or compost application
sequestration initiatives, supporting
regional open space protection, and/or
incentivizing rooftop gardens; and
• Implement policies and measures
included in the 2017 and 2022 California
Climate Change Scoping Plans, such as
mobile source strategies for increasing
clean transit options and zero emissions
vehicles by providing electric vehicle
charging stations.
The City shall also adopt Pleasant Hill CEQA GHG
Emissions Thresholds of Significance that are
consistent with the Pleasant Hill Climate Action
Plan by Summer 2025 for use in future CEQA GHG
emissions analyses through 2030 and consistent
with SB 32. In addition, upon completion of future
Climate Action Plan updates and as necessary, the
City shall update the CEQA GHG emissions
threshold of significance to be consistent with
each climate action plan update.
Hazards/Hazardous Materials and Wildfire
Impact HAZ-4. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan would result in addi�onal
HAZ-1: Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Conduct Project Design Review for
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
popula�on and vehicle miles traveled in the city.
However, the proposed plan would not result in
changes to emergency evacua�on routes nor
would substan�ally increase roadway conges�on
such that the use of an evacua�on route would
be hindered. Impacts would be less than
significant.
Wildfire Risk Reduc�on. The City shall include a
new 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety
Element policy as follows:
Project landscape plans shall include fire-resistant
vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or
the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the
use of fire-prone species especially non-native,
invasive species.
If the project site is within a known landslide area,
the site shall be subject to geotechnical review
regarding potential post-fire slope instability.
Structural engineering features incorporated into
the design of the structure to reduce the risk of
damage to the structure from post-fire slope
instability shall be recommended by a qualified
engineer and approved by the City prior to the
building permit approval.
Impact HAZ-4. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan would result in addi�onal
popula�on and vehicle miles traveled in the city.
However, the proposed plan would not result in
changes to emergency evacua�on routes nor
would substan�ally increase roadway conges�on
such that the use of an evacua�on route would
be hindered. Impacts would be less than
significant.
HAZ-2: Construction Wildfire Risk Reduction. The
City shall require the following measures during
project construction:
1. Construction activities with potential to
ignite wildfires shall be prohibited during
red-flag warnings issued by the National
Weather Service for the site. Example
activities include welding and grinding
outside of enclosed buildings.
2. Fire extinguishers shall be available onsite
during project construction. Fire
extinguishers shall be maintained to
function according to manufacturer
specifications. Construction personnel
shall receive training on the proper
methods of using a fire extinguisher.
3. Construction equipment powered by
internal combustion engines shall be
equipped with spark arresters. The spark
arresters shall be maintained pursuant to
manufacturer recommendations to
ensure adequate performance.
At the City’s discretion, additional wildfire risk
reduction requirements may be required during
construction. The City shall review and approve
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
the project-specific methods to be employed prior
to building permit approval.
Impact HAZ-4. Development facilitated by the
2040 General Plan would result in addi�onal
popula�on and vehicle miles traveled in the city.
However, the proposed plan would not result in
changes to emergency evacua�on routes nor
would substan�ally increase roadway conges�on
such that the use of an evacua�on route would
be hindered. Impacts would be less than
significant.
HAZ-3: Project Design Wildfire Risk Reduc�on.
Project landscape plans (as made available when
project applica�ons are submited) shall include
fire-resistant vegeta�on na�ve to Contra Costa
County and/or the local microclimate of the site
and prohibit the use of fire-prone species
especially non-na�ve, invasive species.
If the project site is within a known landslide area
(see Figure 3.5-5 in Sec�on 3.5, Geology, Soils,
and Mineral Resources), the site shall be subject
to geotechnical review regarding poten�al postfire slope instability. Structural engineering features incorporated into the design of a
structure to reduce the risk of damage to the
structure from post-fire slope instability shall be
recommended by a qualified engineer and
approved by the City prior to the building permit
approval.
Noise
Impact NOI-1. Construc�on of individual projects
facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would
temporarily increase noise levels, poten�ally
affec�ng nearby noise-sensi�ve land uses.
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
would also introduce new noise sources and
contribute to increases in opera�onal noise. The
con�nued regula�on of noise, consistent with the
City Code and implementa�on of proposed 2040
General Plan policies would minimize disturbance
to adjacent land uses. However, construc�on and
opera�onal mobile noise could exceed standards.
This impact would be significant and unavoidable
even with mi�ga�on.
NOI-1 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Update the Zoning Ordinance to
Implement Construc�on Noise Reduc�on
Measures. To minimize noise during construc�on,
the City shall adopt the following 2040 General
Plan Hazards and Safety Element policy to update
the Zoning Ordinance to include the following:
• New Policy: Construction contractors shall
implement the following measures for
construction activities conducted within
the City. Construction plans submitted to
the City shall include construction noise
analysis and identify these measures on
demolition, grading, and construction
plans submitted to the City. The City of
Pleasant Hill Building Division shall verify
that grading, demolition, and/or
construction plans submitted to the City
include these notations prior to issuance
of demolition, grading and/or building
permits.
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
o Mufflers. During excavation and
grading construction phases, all
construction equipment, fixed or
mobile, shall be operated with
closed engine doors and shall be
equipped with properly operating
and maintained mufflers
consistent with manufacturers’
standards.
o Stationary Equipment. All
stationary construction
equipment shall be placed so that
emitted noise is directed away
from the nearest sensitive
receivers.
o Equipment Staging Areas.
Equipment staging shall be
located in areas that will create
the greatest distance feasible
between construction-related
noise sources and noise-sensitive
receivers.
o Smart Back-up Alarms. Mobile
construction equipment shall
have smart back-up alarms that
automatically adjust the sound
level of the alarm in response to
ambient noise levels.
Alternatively, back-up alarms
shall be disabled and replaced
with human spotters to ensure
safety when mobile construction
equipment is moving in the
reverse direction in compliance
with applicable safety laws and
regulations.
o Electrically-Powered Tools and
Facilities. Electrical power shall
be used to run air compressors
and similar power tools and to
power any temporary structures,
such as construction trailers or
caretaker facilities, where
feasible.
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
o Noise Disturbance Coordinator.
The project applicant shall
designate a “noise disturbance
coordinator” responsible for
responding to any local
complaints about construction
noise. The disturbance
coordinator shall determine the
cause of any noise complaint and
shall require that reasonable
measures be implemented to
correct the problem. A telephone
number for the disturbance
coordinator and the City shall be
posted at the construction site.
o Temporary Noise Barriers. Erect
temporary noise barriers, where
feasible, when construction noise
is predicted to exceed the
acceptable standards (e.g., 80
dBA Leq at residential receivers,
schools or other sensitive
receptors during the daytime)
and when the anticipated
construction duration is greater
than is typical (e.g., two years or
greater). Temporary noise
barriers shall be constructed with
solid materials (e.g., wood) with
a density of at least 1.5 pounds
per square foot with no gaps
from the ground to the top of the
barrier. If a sound blanket is used,
barriers shall be constructed with
solid material with a density of at
least 1 pound per square foot
with no gaps from the ground to
the top of the barrier and be lined
on the construction side with
acoustical blanket, curtain or
equivalent absorptive material
rated sound transmission class
(STC) 32 or higher.
Impact NOI-3. Construc�on of individual projects
facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would
NOI-2 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan
Policy to Update the Zoning Ordinance to
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
temporarily generate groundborne vibra�on and
noise, poten�ally affec�ng nearby land uses.
Opera�on of development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not result in substan�al
groundborne vibra�on and noise. This impact
would be less than significant with mi�ga�on.
Implement Construc�on Vibra�on Control
Measures. To reduce poten�al construc�on
vibra�on impacts, the City shall adopt the
following 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety
Element policy to update the Zoning Ordinance to
include the following:
• New Policy: Prior to issuance of a building
permit for a project requiring pile driving
during construction within 135 feet of
fragile structures such as historical
resources, 100 feet of non-engineered
timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most
residential buildings), or within 75 feet of
engineered concrete and masonry (no
plaster); a vibratory roller within 40 feet
of fragile historical resources or 25 feet of
any other structure; or a dozer or other
large earthmoving equipment within 20
feet for a fragile historical structure or 15
feet of any other structure, the project
applicant shall prepare a groundborne
noise and vibration analysis to assess and
mitigate potential noise and vibration
impacts related to these construction
activities. This noise and vibration
analysis shall be conducted by a qualified
and experienced acoustical consultant or
engineer. The vibration levels shall not
exceed FTA architectural damage
thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec PPV for
fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec
PPV for non-engineered timber and
masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for
engineered concrete and masonry). If
vibration levels would exceed this
threshold, alternative uses such as drilling
piles as opposed to pile driving, static
rollers as opposed to vibratory rollers,
and lower horsepower earthmoving
equipment shall be used. If necessary,
construction vibration monitoring shall be
conducted to ensure FTA vibration
thresholds are not exceeded.
Transporta�on and Traffic
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
Impact TRA-2. Implementa�on of the 2040
General Plan would conflict or be inconsistent
with CEQA Guidelines Sec�on 15064.3,
subdivision (b). impacts would be significant and
unavoidable even with mi�ga�on.
TRA-2 Prepare and Implement a TDM Plan with
TDM Programs. The CCTA’s Growth Management
Program Implementa�on Guide (Revised
February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA
Recommended Methodology) describes op�ons
for mi�ga�on of VMT impacts. The first two
op�ons below apply to development project and
plans, and the third applies at a Citywide scale.
1. The project applicant shall modify the
project’s characteristics to reduce VMT
generated by the project prior to issuance
of an occupancy permit. This might
involve changing the density or mixture of
land uses on the project site, or changing
the project’s location to one that is more
accessible by transit or other travel
modes.
2. The project applicant shall implement
transportation demand management
(TDM) or physical design measures to
reduce VMT generated by the project
prior to issuance of an occupancy permit.
3. The City shall participate in a CCTAapproved VMT impact fee program and/or VMT mitigation
exchange/banking program, when it is
completed and published by CCTA. (Note
that CCTA is developing such a program
for Contra Costa County.)
*See TDM table in the EIR*
The City shall require preparation and
implementation of project-level TDM Plans with
the following TDM measures for future land use
development projects facilitated by the 2040
General Plan that do not meet CCTA screening
criteria and thresholds.
Feasible options listed under Table 3.12-5 to
reduce VMT below CCTA thresholds shall be
implemented for individual projects facilitated by
the 2040 General Plan. VMT reduction measures
shall be included at project design review and be
EIR Mitigation Measures for incorporation into on the
Public Review Draft General Plan
May 2023
reviewed and approved by the City prior to
issuance of construction permits.
Summary of Potential Modifications to the Draft 2040
General Plan – Tribal Comments
May 2023
Tribal Comment Relevant Ac�on Proposed Ac�on for
Commission Considera�on
Noted that California Na�ve
American Tribes should be
contracted as early as possible
for land use decisions, related
to long-term impacts.
Consider incorpora�ng a new
General Plan program that
highlights and notes compliance
with State laws related to Na�ve
American Tribes and that
encourages developers and
project applicants to ini�ate
early consulta�on with Na�ve
American tribes for future land
use changes.
Request to include addi�onal
informa�on/data on other
relevant tribes in the Housing
Element appendix and how
na�ve popula�ons are
addressed in the document.
Additional contextual
information and historical
information will be added as
appropriate in the document.
Include language regarding
tribal consulta�on prior to an
applica�on being submited for
State streamlining (ex. SB 35),
referring to language of AB 168
and its counterparts, and the
requirements of AB 52 (CEQA
consulta�ons)
Also note the requirements
under Cal. Health and Safety
Code Sec�on 7050.5, including
Cal. Public Resources Code
Sec�on 5097.98 (tribal
monitoring during
Construc�on).
Compliance with AB 168 and AB
52 will be added to the list of
State laws impacting the
Housing Element. It should be
noted that the City does follow
both provisions for applicable
streamlined housing projects,
and when the City prepares an
EIR, (Mitigated) Negative
Declarations, as necessary, and
when the City prepares these
relevant documents.
Consult with affected Na�ve
American tribes prior to
amending the General &
Specific Plans for the purpose of
placing tribal cultural sites in
permanent open space,
consistent with state law.
Supplemental language can be
added to proposed Policy ENV
5.2 (Consultation) that requires
consultation with the
appropriate tribal
organization(s) as part of
project, subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), including but not
limited to amending the General
*The Planning Commission recommended that these only apply to projects that do not have to complete a Negative Declaration or an EIR.
Summary of Potential Modifications to the Draft 2040
General Plan – Tribal Comments
May 2023
Plan, adopting or amending
specific plans, and when a tribal
cultural site is to be placed in
permanent open space.
Encourage voluntary landowner
efforts to protect cultural
resources and tribal cultural
sites consistent with state law.
The Commission should
consider whether a new
policy/program should be
included that encourages
landowners to protect cultural
and tribal cultural sites
consistent with the
requirements of State law.
Consult with affected tribes
prior to designa�ng open space
to protect the iden�ty of any
cultural places, including
developing a management plan.
The Commission should
consider whether a new
policy/program should be
included that requires
consulta�on with culturally
affiliated tribes prior to
designa�ng open space in order
to protect the iden�ty of any
cultural places that exist on the
proposed open space and
develop a treatment
and management plan for
iden�fied cultural places.
This proposed requirement
would likely require addi�onal
�me and effort to a project, if
they are designa�ng open space
at a site with cultural resources.
Work with culturally affiliated
tribes to establish conserva�on
easements for protec�ng tribal
cultural places on mutually
sa�sfactory terms for tribes and
property owners.
This comment is par�ally
addressed in proposed Policy
ENV 5.3 (that ensures that
treatment of any cultural
resources discovered during site
grading complies with State
guidelines), however, in
addi�on, the Commission
should consider whether
addi�onal language is
warranted, beyond what is
already proposed in Policy ENV
5.3. Thus, at this �me no
language modifica�on is
Summary of Potential Modifications to the Draft 2040
General Plan – Tribal Comments
May 2023
proposed unless it is desired by
the Commission and Council.
Require developments to enter
into a cultural resource’s
treatment agreement with the
affected tribes prior to ground
disturbance ac�vi�es. This
would address the treatment
and disposi�on of cultural
resources and human remains
and provisions for tribal
monitors.
The Commission should
consider whether a new
program should be including
that would require projects to
enter into an agreement for
cultural resources treatment.
There are already exis�ng
provisions to address cultural
resources and the City can
require this required on a caseby-case basis when deemed appropriate. Thus, at this �me,
there are no recommenda�ons
to add a new program.
Encourage voluntary landowner
efforts to protect cultural
resources and tribal cultural
sites consistent with state law.
The Commission should
consider whether a new
policy/program is to be added
that encourages landowners to
protect cultural and tribal
cultural sites consistent with the
requirements of State law.