Operation
Potential impacts related to the violation of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, or the potential for activities to “otherwise substantially degrade water quality,” would largely be limited to construction activities. Operation and maintenance activities would not involve the ground-disturbing activities or use of heavy construction equipment and machinery that introduce potential for an accidental spill or release of hazardous materials to occur, or erosion and sedimentation associated with disturbed soils.
33 DWR. 2020. Groundwater Level Report – Station 379795N1220595W001. Available:
https://wdl.water.ca.gov/GroundwaterBrowseData.aspx?LocalWellNumber=&StationId=27022&StateWellNumber=&SelectedCounties=7 &SiteCode=&SelectedGWBasins=Ygnacio+Valley+(2-006) (accessed October 20, 2022). 34 SFBRWQCB. 2012. NPDES No. CAG912004. Groundwater General Permit Order No. R2-2012-0060. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb2/water_issues/programs/npdes/R2-2012-0060/Attachment_E.pdf (accessed October 20, 2022) Environmental Impact Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-23
Operation of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur in compliance with goals and policies for the protection of surface water and groundwater quality. As mentioned above, those include additional policies under Goal PFS-2, as listed below.
Policy PFS-3.3 Green Infrastructure. Require new developments to install green infrastructure as required by the permit conditions of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, as part of their natural stormwater drainage systems, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID).
Policy PFS-3.4 Retrofit for Green Infrastructure. Encourage the retrofit of existing development to include sustainable infrastructure and green building practices.
Policies PFS-3.3 and PFS-3.4 protect water quality by encouraging design features that maximize stormwater infiltration, which reduces the velocity of stormwater runoff, and minimizes potential for the conveyance of contaminants in stormwater runoff. Policy PFS-3.4 could result in increased permeable surfaces in the General Plan area, compared to existing conditions, if existing development characterized by impermeable surfaces is retrofitted with sustainability infrastructure and green building practices under the 2040 General Plan. In addition, below is a goal and policy from the Hazards Safety (HS) Element, as well as another goal and associated policies from the ENV Element, which serve to maximize stormwater infiltration, thereby minimizing potential water quality impacts associated with stormwater runoff.
Goal HS-5 Minimize the potential for serious flooding and drainage problems including damage to property, loss of life, and economic displacement.
Policy HS-5.6 Low-Impact Development. Require low-impact development (LID) measures in new development, major remodeling projects, and public projects to limit the amount of impervious surface in new development and to increase retention, treatment, and infiltration of urban stormwater runoff.
Goal ENV-2 Protect the quality of water resources in Pleasant Hill.
Policy ENV-2.4 Alternative Paving Methods. Encourage alternative materials and designs to limit driveways, parking areas and parking lots citywide, including pervious paving material, turf stones, and “ribbon strip” driveways.
Policy ENV-2.5 Alternative Drainage Design. Continue to require bioswales and other innovations in new development to allow runoff from parking lots and all impervious area to drain into landscaped areas and rainwater percolate into the ground.
Policy HS-5.6 compliments Policy PFS-3.3 (presented above), by explicitly applying LID features to new development as well as remodeling and public projects. In addition, Policies ENV-2.4 and ENV2.5 further complement these policies for LID features by facilitating use of materials and methods that increase infiltration of surface water, thereby reducing water quality impacts from runoff.
The implementation of LID features as part of both new development and retrofitting existing development, as applicable under the 2040 General Plan, could result in increased stormwater infiltration compared to existing conditions and, thus enhance water quality by minimizing the City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.8-24
conveyance of contaminants in stormwater. It would also be in alignment with the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s 50-Year Plan, which encourages local communities to plan for modifying flood control channels to incorporate natural features. 35 With implementation of
these 2040 General Plan policies and regionally consistent BMPs for water quality and NPDES compliance, operation would be consistent with water quality standards and waste discharge requirements. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to surface water quality and groundwater quality would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Groundwater Supply and Recharge
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? Impact HYD-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT PUMP WATER
FROM THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER BASIN AND WOULD NOT INTRODUCE SUBSTANTIAL NEW AREAS OF
IMPERMEABLE SURFACES SUCH THAT THE RATES OR PATTERNS OF GROUNDWATER RECHARGE FROM INFILTRATION WOULD BE AFFECTED. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
During construction of individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, ground-disturbing activities would temporarily alter site-specific drainage patterns; BMPs would be implemented through the SWPPP required for compliance with the Clean Water Act and the CCCWP, as discussed under Impact HYD-1. Construction-related impacts would be site-specific and temporary in nature, limited to the construction period for the respective development, and would not affect groundwater recharge rates and patterns. Therefore, construction-related impacts related to groundwater supply and recharge would be less than significant.
Operation
Water service is provided to much of Pleasant Hill by the CCWD, which obtains its water supply exclusively from the Delta via the Contra Costa Canal, through contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation).36 The CCWD does not pump or distribute groundwater; therefore, water obtained from the CCWD by the Pleasant Hill to support development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not consist of groundwater, and would not deplete groundwater resources. The Martinez Water District and EBMUD also serve some areas of the western portion of Pleasant Hill, but similarly do not provide groundwater as a supply source (except through 35 Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. 2009. The 50 Year Plan “From Channels to Creeks”. Adopted March
31. Available: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6853/50---Year-Plan-3-20-09-BOS-compressed-PDF?bidId= (accessed October 26, 2022).
36 CCWD. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. June. Available: https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020- Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF (accessed October 19, 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-25
conjunctive use and groundwater recharge programs developed for the purpose of managing groundwater sustainably). As such, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would connect to the existing Pleasant Hill water supply system and would not install groundwater supply wells or conduct on-side groundwater pumping to meet water demands. Therefore, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not affect groundwater through direct pumping, and potential operational groundwater impacts would be limited to indirect means such as through alteration of infiltration and recharge, as discussed below.
The General Plan area is primarily built-up, and development would be focused on infill within previously disturbed areas, and reuse of existing development. Previously undisturbed areas would not be affected by the proposed plan. Goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan encourage the use of LID features and explicitly aim to increase areas of permeable surfaces, which would facilitate increased stormwater retention and infiltration to the subsurface. This includes Goal ENV-3, which is introduced under Impact HYD-1, and would be further implemented through the policies below, which aim to protect, reclaim, and improve natural stream corridors as part of the development that would be facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.
Policy ENV-3.4 Stream, Wetland, and Riparian Reclamation. Reclaim degraded streams, wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife migration corridors, where possible, in cooperation with the Flood Control District, and other local and regional organizations.
Policy ENV-3.5 Reclamation with New Development. Require new development adjacent to creek protection zones to encourage the reclamation of adjacent creeks, wetlands, and riparian areas.
Policy ENV-3.6 Natural Stream Corridor Retention and Improvement. Actively support the use of natural waterways within the city. The City will actively work to avoid any new channelization of creeks and waterways within the city and shall work with regional agencies to restore channelized sections to a more natural channel, where feasible.
Policies ENV-3.4, ENV-3.5, and ENV-3.6 would serve to minimize or avoid potential indirect impacts to groundwater recharge that might otherwise occur as a result of channelizing or alteration to existing natural cover areas including streams, wetlands, and riparian areas.
Also as discussed under Impact HYD-1, the 2040 General Plan includes policies to require LID features for new development (Policies PFS-3.3, HS-5.6, ENV-2.4, ENV-2.5), as well as for the retrofitting of existing development (Policy PFS-3.4). While development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could increase impervious surfaces throughout the General Plan area, LID features associated with development would minimize potential to increase impervious surfaces and adversely affect infiltration and runoff; such features may include bioretention systems, swales, green roofs, infiltration systems, and permeable pavers. This would in turn facilitate infiltration of surface water to the subsurface and help filter contaminants out of surface runoff as it infiltrates soil to underlying groundwater resources. Therefore, operational impacts related to groundwater supply and recharge would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.8-26
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Drainage Pattern Alteration
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i. result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; ii. substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site;
iii. create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or
iv. impede or redirect flood flows?
Impact HYD-3 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT ALTER THE
COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER OR SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER EXISTING DRAINAGE PATTERNS, INCLUDING
THROUGH NEW IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS POLICIES TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE DRAINAGE PATTERNS WOULD MINIMIZE EROSION, FLOODING, AND RUNOFF. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
ALTERATION OF DRAINAGE RESULTING IN EROSION/SILTATION
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not alter the course of any stream or river.
In addition, as discussed under Impact HYD-2, above, the 2040 General Plan includes policies under Goal ENV-3 to reclaim degraded streams (Policy ENV-3.4), maintain creek protection zones (Policy ENV-3.5), and avoid any new channelization of creeks and waterways in the city (Policy ENV-3.6), which would collectively reduce or avoid adverse construction-related impacts associated with drainage pattern alterations, by protecting and improving existing drainage patterns.
The potential for erosion to occur during construction is addressed under Impact HYD-1, which details how compliance with regulatory requirements would include BMPs to minimize or avoid potential for erosion to occur during construction activities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not result in substantial drainage pattern alterations, and would not result in substantial erosion on-or off-site. Therefore, construction impacts related to flooding or alteration of flood flows would be less than significant.
Operation
INCREASED RUNOFF RESULTING IN FLOODING
The discussion provided under Impact HYD-1 addresses potential for runoff and describes that development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, including implementation of LID features, could include infiltration ponds and features to manage stormwater runoff in a way that minimizes runoff.
Specifically, Policies PFS-3.3 and PFS-3.4 encourage design features that maximize stormwater Environmental Impact Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-27
infiltration, which reduces the velocity of stormwater runoff, and Policy HS-5.6 explicitly applies LID features to new development as well as remodeling and public projects. In addition, Policies ENV2.4 and ENV-2.5 further complement requirements for LID features by facilitating use of materials and methods that increase infiltration of surface water, which reduce runoff. These policies and the 2040 General Plan are consistent with the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s 50-Year Plan, which encourages local communities to plan for modifying flood control channels to incorporate natural features.37
Therefore, while future development could result in site-specific drainage pattern alterations, due to the use of LID features and stormwater management in accordance with the aforementioned policies, the proposed plan would not result in increased runoff, and potential impacts would be less than significant.
ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF RUNOFF EXCEEDING STORM DRAIN SYSTEM CAPACITY The potential for water quality degradation to occur as a result of polluted runoff is addressed under Impact HYD-1; the 2040 General Plan would not create or contribute substantial new sources of polluted runoff. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be concentrated as infill development, and would not include drainage pattern alterations that would result in exceedance of the storm drain system. As with existing development throughout the General Plan area, future development would connect to the City’s existing storm drain system. The 2040 General Plan includes Policies ENV-2.1 and ENV-2.2, under Goal ENV-2 (introduced under Impact HYD-1), which address the active maintenance and improvement of the city drainage system.
Policy ENV-2.1 Drainage System Maintenance. Maintain and upgrade the city drainage system, including regularly clearing drainage systems of debris build up that exacerbates flood impacts.
Policy ENV-2.2 Drainage Improvements. Cooperate with regional agencies to complete regional storm drainage improvements.
Policy ENV-2.1 ensures that drainage system capacity is maintained to appropriately accommodate runoff from development within the General Plan area, and Policy ENV-2.2 supports ongoing improvements to the existing storm drainage system. In addition, Policy PFS-3.2, under Goal PFS-2 (introduced under Impact HYD-1), ensures appropriate conveyance capacity for all drainage facilities.
Policy PFS-3.2 Drainage Facility Maintenance. Collaborate with property owners and the Flood Control District to regularly maintain and provide funding for all drainage facilities to ensure that they continue operating at full carrying capacity.
In addition, as stated in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Surface Water Hydrology,” development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would require verification by the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the City Engineering Division that adequate storm drainage facilities exist or are funded prior to project approval. Although the proposed plan would not alter drainage patterns such that exceedance of storm drain system capacity occurs, future development would connect to the existing storm drain system; with 37 Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. 2009. The 50 Year Plan “From Channels to Creeks”. Adopted March
31. Available: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6853/50---Year-Plan-3-20-09-BOS-compressed-PDF?bidId= (accessed October 26, 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.8-28
appropriate maintenance, as supported through the 2040 General Plan and the policies presented above, potential impacts would be less than significant.
Impedance or Redirection of Flood Flows
As shown on Figure 3.8-3, there are two classified flood zones within Pleasant Hill, a 100-year floodplain and 500-year floodplain. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be concentrated as infill within previously developed areas, and would not impede or redirect existing flood flows. Below are policies from the Land Use (LU) Element of the 2040 General Plan, which address flood control in the General Plan area, and require that new development complies with performance standards (Policy LU-5.3) and contributes to flood control services (Policy LU-5.5).
Goal LU-5 Protect and enhance Pleasant Hill’s quality of life and unique identity while continuing to grow and change.
Policy LU-5.3 Compliance with Performance Standards. Require that all new development comply with the City's performance standards for fire, police, parks, water, flood control, sanitary sewer, and transportation facilities.
Policy LU-5.5 Development Contribution Requirement. Require all new development to contribute to or participate in the improvement of park, school, police, sanitary, water, and flood control services in proportion to the demand generated by the development's occupants and users.
Policies LU-5.3 and LU-5.5 ensure that development within the General Plan area is appropriately served by flood control facilities and programs, and development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not result in drainage pattern alterations that impede or redirect flood flows.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Risk of Pollutant Release Due to Inundation
Significance Criterion d: In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, would the proposed plan risk release of pollutants due to inundation?
Impact HYD-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT INCREASE
EXISTING POTENTIAL FOR INUNDATION WITHIN FLOOD HAZARD AREAS TO OCCUR AND WOULD NOT INTRODUCE SUBSTANTIAL NEW POLLUTANT SOURCES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE RELEASED DUE TO INUNDATION. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Potential impacts associated with risk of release of pollutants during construction activities are addressed under Impact HYD-1. As discussed therein, potential construction-related impacts would be less than significant through regulatory compliance and through implementation of policies to protect and enhance water quality. The presence of construction activities within a FEMA- Environmental Impact Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-29
designated Flood Hazard Area would not alter the potential for water quality impacts to occur, including as related to potential risk of release of pollutants. No construction impacts to water quality resulting from a Flood Hazard Area would occur.
Operation
The General Plan area is not located within the inundation area of any dams, or within a tsunami hazard area, and no enclosed surface water bodies are present that could result in inundation due to seiche. Therefore, the proposed plan would not introduce a risk of pollutant release due to inundation from dam failure, tsunami, or seiche.
There are areas of both 100-year and 500-year floodplains within the General Plan area. Figure 3.8-3 shows that these areas area occur along a north-south alignment in the eastern portion of the city.
The aerial imagery in Figure 3.8-3 shows that these flood hazard areas are located within portions of the General Plan area that are fully developed. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be concentrated as infill development. The Impact HYD-3 impact discussion related to “Impedance or Redirection of Flood Flows” identifies 2040 General Plan Goal LU-5 and associated policies that address flood control in the General Plan area and require that new development comply with performance standards (Policy LU-5.3) and contribute to flood control services (Policy LU-5.5). These policies ensure that development within the General Plan area is appropriately served by flood control facilities and programs, which minimizes the potential for inundation from flooding to occur, and thereby reduces the potential for risk of pollutant release to occur. Through Policies LU-5.4 and LU-5.5, new development would be served by appropriate flood control services and facilities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not introduce new potential sources of polluted runoff, or new hazardous materials or potential for pollutant releases to occur in the General Plan area. Therefore, while portions of the General Plan area are within flood hazard areas, the proposed General Plan would not alter existing potential for inundation or pollutant release, and 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to water quality resulting from a Flood Hazard Area would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Water Quality Control and Sustainable Groundwater Management Plan Consistency Significance Criterion e: Would the proposed plan conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? Impact HYD-5 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT CONFLICT WITH
OR OBSTRUCT IMPLEMENTATION OF A WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLAN OR SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
The potential to result in impacts to groundwater management would be limited to operation, when groundwater supply and recharge could be affected by permanent land use changes. In addition, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.8-30
construction activities would be required to adhere to water quality control regulations, including BMPs, to be included in project-specific SWPPPs for any construction project disturbing more than one acre, as discussed under Impact HYD-1. Therefore, construction of the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a surface water quality or groundwater quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan, and impacts would be less than significant.
Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to adhere to NPDES drainage control requirements as well as municipal requirements to manage surface water quality during operations, as discussed under Impact HYD-1. The proposed plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan. Similarly, groundwater resources are addressed under Impact HYD-2, which details how potential impacts to groundwater would be less than significant. In addition, as discussed in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Groundwater Resources,” the General Plan area overlies the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin, which is designated by DWR as Very Low Priority and, thus, not required to be managed under a GSP for SGMA. Water supply for development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be purchased from CCWD, EBMUD, and Martinez Water District and would not affect groundwater resources.
Therefore, operation of the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a surface water or groundwater quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan, and impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
3.8.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative hydrology and water quality analysis is the surface area of the Walnut Creek Watershed system shown in Figure 3.8-1 and the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin shown on Figure 3.8-2. Potential impacts associated with surface water and drainage would generally be site-specific and confined within the stormwater drainage and management areas of Pleasant Hill. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1, Cumulative Plans and Larger-scale Projects List, which lists the relevant plans and larger-scale projects considered in conjunction with the proposed plan (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis).
Surface Water
Table 3-1 identifies other general plan buildouts that direct the type and intensity of land use and development within specific areas, consisting primarily of residential and commercial projects, none of which overlap with the General Plan area or are within Pleasant Hill. As with the proposed plan, cumulative plans and projects would generally occur as infill and would not develop previously undisturbed areas or substantially change drainage patterns of the area. Additionally, regulations protecting surface water would be equally applicable to cumulative projects as the proposed plan, including the NPDES program which requires implementation of SWPPPs with BMPs to minimize or Environmental Impact Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-31
avoid potential impacts to surface waters. Due to the site-specific nature of surface water impacts, the lack of site overlap between cumulative projects and the proposed plan, and the common applicability of surface water regulations, potential cumulative impacts associated with surface flows and drainage would be less than significant.
Groundwater
Potential impacts to groundwater could occur through direct pumping and consumption of groundwater, or through indirect interference with groundwater recharge. However, due to the existing developed nature of the General Plan area, and the fact that neither the proposed plan nor cumulative projects would develop previously undisturbed areas or substantially change drainage patterns of the area (see “Surface Water” above), cumulative impacts associated with interference with groundwater recharge would be less than significant. In addition, no cumulative impacts associated with direct consumption of groundwater would occur, because water supply for the proposed plan would be provided primarily by the CCWD, as well as Martinez Water District and EBMUD in some areas of the western portion of Pleasant Hill, and neither the CCWD, Martinez Water District, nor EBMUD uses groundwater to meet local demands (refer to Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Groundwater Basin Hydrology”). As discussed under Impact HYD-2, groundwater activities conducted by these agencies involve conjunctive use and groundwater recharge programs that are designed to manage groundwater sustainably.
Water Quality
Development facilitated by cumulative plans and projects would comply with policies related to water quality, including through implementation of project-specific SWPPPs as applicable, including with BMPs to minimize or avoid water quality degradation from construction and other grounddisturbing activities. As discussed in Section 3.8.3, Environmental Setting, under “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System,” the City of Pleasant Hill is a member agency of the CCCWP, which assists municipalities and other agencies in Contra Costa County with implementation of the NPDES Permit; the proposed plan as well as cumulative plans listed in Table 3-1 are subject to the same requirements of the Clean Water Act, and would be implemented in compliance with NPDES and SWPPP requirements, through the CCCWP.
In addition, the proposed plan would not adversely affect water quality by increasing the extent of permeable surfaces in the area. While development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could increase impervious surfaces throughout the General Plan area, LID features associated with development would minimize potential to increase impervious surfaces and adversely affect infiltration and runoff; such features may include bioretention systems, swales, green roofs, infiltration systems, and permeable pavers. This would in turn facilitate infiltration of surface water to the subsurface and help filter contaminants out of surface runoff as it infiltrates soil to underlying groundwater resources. The potential for cumulative impacts related to water quality is considered unlikely. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to water quality would be less than significant.
Flooding
The cumulative projects would likely include LID features as part of proposed infill development and development and, thus, would increase the extent of permeable surfaces that would increase the rate and extent of infiltration of surface water runoff, thereby reducing its velocity. Due to the sitespecific nature of flooding impacts and the infill characteristics of the proposed plan as well as the City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.8-32
other cumulative plans and projects, cumulative impacts related to potential for flooding would be less than significant.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-1
3.9 Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
3.9.1 Introduction
This section summarizes Pleasant Hill’s land use characteristics, including the overall land use pattern as well as a more detailed analysis by major land use type, and analyzes existing plans and focus areas with development potential in order to determine the potential environmental effects of the proposed plan related to Land Use Planning. Additionally, this section addresses the potential population growth and housing displacement impacts associated with development facilitated by the proposed plan. Information included in this section is partially based on data obtained from the United States Bureau of the Census (US Census), the California Department of Finance (CDF), and the Association of Bay Area Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (ABAG/MTC).
3.9.2 Environmental Setting
Current Physical Land Use
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area covers the 7.08 square miles (approximately 4,500 acres, including streets, highways, and other transportation corridors) of land comprising the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Pleasant Hill’s current land use pattern is the result of more than 100 years of change, starting from an agricultural community to the present-day built-out city. Residential and commercial development is currently driven by local and regional demand. Pleasant Hill is characterized as a suburban residential community, as more than 70 percent of Pleasant Hill’s land is occupied with residential uses. Neighborhoods in the northern two-thirds of Pleasant Hill are newer compared to those in the southern portion, and multi-family housing is located primarily near the downtown area and in the Chilpancingo and Ellinwood area in the northern and eastern portions of Pleasant Hill.
Parks and open space account for nine percent of land uses, while institutional uses (such as health care facilities, churches, schools, shelters and government-owned property) account for seven percent. Additional land uses include commercial/business (four percent), industrial (three percent), mixed use (two percent) and office (two percent). Commercial development is concentrated along Interstate 680 (I-680) in the eastern portion of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Light industrial areas are located in the northernmost area of Pleasant Hill east of Pacheco Boulevard and in the southeastern corner along Hookston Road.
Both the number of acres and the general percentage of total area distribution of existing land uses within Pleasant Hill is shown in Table 3.9-1. As shown in Table 3.9-1, the various residential land uses (single-family and multi-family combined) make up the largest share of existing land use within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Approximately 3,285 acres (or 73 percent) of Pleasant Hill’s land uses are used for residential uses.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-2
Table 3.9-1 Distribution of Existing Land Uses in Pleasant Hill General Plan Area Existing Land Use Acres Percentage of Total Area
Single-Family Residential 2,835 63
Multi-Family Residential 450 10
Parks/Open Space 405 9
Institutional 315 7
Commercial/Business 180 4
Industrial 135 3
Mixed-Use 90 2
Office 90 2
Source: Pleasant Hill, City of, 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook.
Note 1: This table does not include streets, highways, or other transportation corridors. Therefore, total acreage accounts for only these land uses and does not reflect the total acreage within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence.
Note 2: While 2022 is the baseline year for analysis in the EIR, these land uses are sourced from a 2019 source, however the City has determined, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that the City’s land uses have not changed substantially in that timeframe.
Most of the City’s zoning districts pertain to residential land uses (65 percent by area). Single-family land use types are differentiated by zones that allow lot sizes of 6,000 square feet, 7,000 square feet, 10,000 square feet, 15,000 square feet, and 20,000 square feet. Multi-family housing zones are differentiated by low-density, medium-density, and high-density residential land use types. 25 percent of land within the City falls within planned unit development and precise plan districts, including Planned Unit Districts, Precise Plan Districts, and Hillside Planned Unit Districts. The City uses planned unit development and precise plan districts to establish procedures for the development or large parcels of land by ensuring orderly and thorough planning and review procedures that will result in quality projects.
Pleasant Hill is almost entirely built out with approximately 102 acres of vacant land within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Most of this vacant land (approximately 80 acres) is currently designated for single-family development. Remaining vacant land primarily consists of small parcels and is currently designated for multi-family development, office/institutional uses, and commercial uses.
Areas Surrounding General Plan Area
TO THE NORTH
The City of Concord borders Pleasant Hill to the northeast and the City of Martinez borders Pleasant Hill to the northwest. The unincorporated community of Pacheco is immediately north of Pleasant Hill. Directly adjacent land uses are primarily residential neighborhoods with some open space and recreational areas.
TO THE EAST
The City of Concord borders Pleasant Hill to the northeast and the City of Walnut Creek and unincorporated Contra Costa County borders Pleasant Hill to the southeast. Directly adjacent land uses include residential neighborhoods and commercial developments.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-3
TO THE SOUTH
The City of Walnut Creek borders Pleasant Hill to the south, and directly adjacent uses include residential neighborhoods, commercial and office developments, and industrial operations.
TO THE WEST
The unincorporated neighborhoods of Baywood and Lafayette Hills, as well as Briones Regional Park, border Pleasant Hill to the west. Briones Regional Park is a 6,110-acre regional park part of the East Bay Regional Park District System accessible via Alhambra Valley. Directly adjacent land uses include residential neighborhoods and open space.
Current Land Use Designations and Zoning
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan establishes 18 land use designations to provide a mixture of land uses for the City, and the current Pleasant Hill Zoning Code establishes 18 separate zoning categories to provide a mixture of permitted land use densities, heights, and types for the City. Figure 2-3 in Chapter 2.0, Project Description, show the City’s existing Land Use Designations Map.
Population, Housing, and Employment
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
POPULATION
The City of Pleasant Hill experienced approximately 319 percent growth from 1950 to 1960. After its incorporation in 1961, the City of Pleasant Hill’s population growth slowed. From the 1960s until 2000, population growth in Pleasant Hill was slow and overall population increased roughly one percent per year. Population growth between 2000 and 2010 was virtually nonexistent at approximately one percent.1
Since 2010, the population of Pleasant Hill increased by approximately 0.6 percent per year, with a total increase of less than 2,000 people during that timeframe2 . In comparison, the overall
population in Contra Costa County during this same timeframe grew nearly twice as fast at 1.1 percent annually 3
. Population growth since 2010 in Pleasant Hill has continued at a slower rate than previous decades. As of January 2022, the City of Pleasant Hill had a population of 34,026 residents.4
HOUSEHOLDS AND DWELLING UNITS
A household is defined by the CDF and the US Census as a group of people who occupy a dwelling unit. A household differs from a dwelling unit because the number of dwelling units includes both occupied and vacant dwelling units. Not all of a jurisdiction’s population lives in households. Rather, 1 MTC/ABAG. 2022. Bay Area Census City of Pleasant Hill. Available: <http://www.bayareacensus.ca.gov/cities/PleasantHill.htm>. (accessed December 2022)
2 CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. Available:
<https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/>. (accessed October 2022) 3 CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. Available:
<https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/>. (accessed October 2022) 4 CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. Available:
<https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/>. (accessed October 2022) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-4
a portion of a jurisdiction’s population lives in group quarters, such as board and care facilities; others are experiencing homelessness.
Small households, consisting of one to two persons per household, generally reside in units with zero to two bedrooms; family households of three to four persons per household normally reside in units with three to four bedrooms. Large households of five or more persons per household typically reside in units with four or more bedrooms. However, the number of units in relation to the household size may also reflect preference and economics. Many small households obtain larger units and some large households live in small units for economic reasons.
As of 2022, there were approximately 14,498 dwelling units in Pleasant Hill. Most of Pleasant Hill’s households reside in single-family dwelling units, with over 60 percent of the Pleasant Hill current housing stock consisting of detached single-family homes. Ten percent of homes in Pleasant Hill are single-family attached units, and 29 percent are multi-family units, including condominiums.
Pleasant Hill has experienced slow growth in housing supply; from 1990 to 2019, an average of 24 units per year were constructed. This average growth varies by decade and was higher between 1990 and 2000 at 37 new dwelling units per year, and between 2000 to 2010 at 30 units per year.
Between 2010 to 2019, an average of two housing units were built per year.
Pleasant Hill experiences a stable housing vacancy rate of 4.6 percent, which is lower than both the State average of 8.1 percent and the Contra Costa County average of 6.4 percent. The median age of homes in Pleasant Hill is 46 years, with approximately 43 percent of the Pleasant Hill current housing stock built between 1970 to 1989.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment indicates the number of people who reside in a jurisdiction that have a job within or outside of that jurisdiction. Pleasant Hill has approximately 17,600 jobs, which represents about five percent of total jobs in Contra Costa County. Approximately 18,400 residents in Pleasant Hill are employed.5 Between 2008 and 2018, Pleasant Hill added approximately 700 jobs. The number of employed residents has grown from 16,870 in 2010, an 8 percent increase6 . This indicates that the number of employed residents has outpaced population growth.
JOBS-HOUSEHOLD RATIO
The jobs-household ratio in a jurisdiction is an overall indicator of jobs availability within the area. A balance of jobs and households can give residents an opportunity to work locally and avoid employment commutes to other places in the region. Pleasant Hill has slightly more employed residents living in Pleasant Hill (18,400 residents) than it has jobs (17,600 jobs). Approximately 3,280 people both live and work in Pleasant Hill; 14,515 people work in but live outside Pleasant Hill, and 15,120 people live in but work outside Pleasant Hill. Of the population that lives within Pleasant Hill but commutes to other jurisdictions for work, approximately 25 percent commute to other places within Contra Costa County; 16 percent commute to the City and County of San Francisco; 13 percent commute to the East Bay area; 17 percent commute to the San Francisco Peninsula area; and 11 percent commute to areas in the southern I-680 corridor. Approximately 14,500 nonPleasant Hill residents commute into Pleasant Hill for work daily.7 5 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. 6 MTC/ABAG. 2022. Bay Area Census City of Pleasant Hill. Available: <http://www.bayareacensus.ca.gov/cities/PleasantHill.htm>. (accessed December 2022)
7 Pleasant Hill, City of. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-5
ABAG’s growth pattern depicting projected household and job growth by “superdistrict” illustrates a 2015 job to household ratio of 1.4 in northern Contra Costa County, which is slightly below the region-wide average of 1.5.8 Pleasant Hill’s jobs per household ratio being above one indicates that regional residents are likely commuting to employment inside of Pleasant Hill. In general, most households have more than one worker; therefore, a ratio of jobs to household should be well above 1:1 to have a balance of jobs to households.
3.9.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
No federal plans, policies, regulations, or laws related to population and housing are applicable to the proposed plan.
State Regulations
California Government Code
California Government Code Section 65300 regulates the substantive and topical requirements of general plans. State law requires each city and county to adopt a general plan “for the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning.” The California Supreme Court has called the general plan the “constitution for future development.” The general plan expresses the community’s development goals and embodies public policy relative to the distribution of future land uses, both public and private.
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 exercise its own 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 proposed plan would not facilitate land use changes outside of city limits and within the sphere of influence; therefore, the plan area for the proposed plan consists of Pleasant Hill city limits.
In counties and general law cities,
9 zoning provisions must be consistent with the general plan.
Pleasant Hill is a general law city and is, therefore, required to have zoning consistency with its General Plan.
Local and Regional Regulations
Plan Bay Area 2050 and ABAG Regional Housing Needs Allocation The ABAG/MTC Plan Bay Area 2050, adopted in October 2021, integrated transportation and landuse plan for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, including Contra Costa County. Plan Bay Area 2050 meets all state and federal requirements for a Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Plan Bay Area 2050 describes where and how the region can accommodate the additional 1.4 million new households and 1.4 million new jobs projected in the Bay Area by 2050 and details the regional transportation investment strategy over this period. Plan 8 ABAG. 2021. Plan Bay Area 2050 Growth Pattern. Updated January 21, 2021. 9 General law cities are municipalities limited to governmental structures and powers specifically granted by State law.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-6
Bay Area 2050 identifies 35 strategies focused on improving housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment across the Bay Area over a 30-year period. Four geographic areas are identified in Plan Bay area 2050 to guide where future growth in housing and jobs would be focused over the next 30 years: Priority Development Areas (PDA), Priority Production Areas, Transit-Rich Areas, and High-Resource Areas. ABAG and MTC developed land use and transportation scenarios in Plan Bay Area 2050 that distributes the total amount of anticipated growth across the region and evaluates how well each scenario measures against the Plan goals. Based upon performance, the preferred scenario provides a regional pattern of household and employment growth and a corresponding transportation investment strategy.
Bay Area Rapid Transit District Transit Oriented Development Policy In 2016, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District's Board of Directors adopted a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy that aims to promote high-quality, more intensive development on and near BART stations.
10 BART's TOD Policy has the goal of increasing transit ridership and quality of life at and around BART stations by encouraging and supporting high-quality TOD within walking distance of BART stations, and by reducing the access mode share of the automobile by enhancing multi-modal access to and from BART stations. The Pleasant Hill BART Station is located just southeast of the city limits in the unincorporated County area, at Contra Costa Centre.
Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan The purpose of the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is to establish procedures and criteria by which, in accordance with the California State Aeronautics Act:
1.1.1. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) — The ALUC:
a) Shall review proposed land use development in Contra Costa County and affected cities within the county for compatibility with airport activity.
b) Shall review certain types of airport development proposals which are also subject to ALUC review and are addressed by the Plan.
1.5.1. Actions Which Always Require ALUC Review — As required by state law, the following types of actions shall be referred to the ALUC for determination of consistency with the ALUCP prior to their approval by the local jurisdiction:
1) The adoption or approval of any amendment to a general or specific plan affecting the property within an airport influence area (State Aeronautics Act Section 21676(b)).
1.5.3. Major Land Use Actions — The scope or character of certain proposed major land use actions, as listed below, is such that their compatibility with airport activity is a potential concern.
Even though these actions may be basically consistent with the local general plan or specific plan, sufficient detail may not be known to enable a full airport compatibility evaluation at the time that the general plan or specific plan is reviewed. To enable better assessment of compliance with the compatibility criteria set forth herein, ALUC review of these actions may be warranted. 10 BART. 2016. Transit-Oriented Development Policy. Amended April 23, 2020. Available:
<https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/docs/BART%20Transit-Oriented%20Development%20Policy_Amended2020-04-23.pdf>. (accessed March 2022)
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-7
Depending upon the circumstances indicated in Countywide Policy 1.5.3 above, such reviews may be either required or requested.
(a) For the Buchanan Field Airport environs:
2) Actions affecting land uses within the composite 55 dB CNEL noise contour or any Safety Zone (see Figures 3B and 3C in Chapter 3 of the ALUCP):
Proposed residential development, including land divisions, consisting of 20 or more acres and 5 or more lots.
Any discretionary development proposal for projects having a building floor area of 20,000 square feet or greater.
3) Additionally:
Within Safety Zones 3 or 4: Any proposal for new development (including buildings, antennas, and other structures) more than 50 feet tall.
The northeastern portion of the General Plan area is within Buchanan Field Airport’s Airport Influence Area, as shown on Figure 3A of the ALUCP.11
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to land use/planning and population/housing, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.
Pleasant Hill Downtown Specific Plan
The Pleasant Hill Downtown Specific Plan (PHDSP), adopted in 1991 and amended several times since, establishes a long-term strategy for realizing the development potential of downtown Pleasant Hill. The goal of the PHDSP is to develop downtown Pleasant Hill as a competitive retail and commercial center with a focus on entertainment and recreational facilities, including public amenities and other features to establish an identifiable sense of place for the City of Pleasant Hill that provides a positive image for Pleasant Hill. The plan’s guiding policies include encouraging development of a compatible mix of retail, recreational, civic, office, and residential uses with an emphasis on ground floor retail uses.12
Pleasant Hill Priority Development Areas
Cities and counties within the jurisdiction of ABAG identify and delineate Priority Development Areas (PDAs), or areas near public transit planned to contain new homes, jobs, and community amenities. Local governments nominate these areas to ABAG for designation as a PDA, and if adopted by ABAG, the PDA Planning and Technical Assistance Grant programs become available to that local government. The PDA eligibility criteria include but are not limited to at least 50 percent of the PDA being within 0.5 mile of an existing or planned rail station or ferry terminal, a bus stop with peak service frequency of 15 minutes or less, or at least 50 percent of the area being defined as 11 CCCALUC. 2000. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Adopted December 2000. Available:
<https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/856/Buchanan-Field-Airport-Policies>. (accessed November 2022) 12 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2012. Downtown Pleasant Hill Specific Plan. Available: <https://www.pleasanthillca.org/1247/Downtown-PleasantHill-Specific-Plan>. (accessed October 2022) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-8
a High or Highest Resource area by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.13
Pleasant Hill contains two PDAs. The Buskirk Avenue-Monument Boulevard Corridor PDA is generally located northeast and southwest of the Buskirk Avenue and Monument Boulevard intersection; the Diablo Valley College Bus Transit Center PDA is generally located in the area bounded by Contra Costa Boulevard, Chilpancingo Parkway, and Golf Club Road.
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance
Zoning is the primary tool used to implement a community’s general plan. A major difference between a general plan and zoning ordinance is that the general plan provides general guidance on the location, type, and density of new growth and development over the long term, while the zoning ordinance provides detailed development and use standards for each parcel of land. The zoning ordinance divides the community into zoning districts and specifies the uses that are permitted, conditionally permitted, and in some instances, which uses are specifically prohibited within each district.
Typically, a zoning ordinance consists of text and a map delineating districts for such basic land uses as residential, commercial, and industrial, and establishing special regulations for historic preservation, floodplains, hillside development and other specific concerns. For each of the basic land uses, the zoning ordinance text typically includes an explanation of the purpose of the zoning district; a list of principally permitted and conditionally permitted uses; and standards for minimum lot size, density, height, lot coverage, setback, and parking. The zoning ordinance also typically describes procedures for processing discretionary approvals.
The Pleasant Hill Zoning Ordinance (Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 18) includes 18 zoning districts. Each zoning district has developed standards that are designed to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and to implement the policies of the General Plan. The zoning districts only apply to land within City limits and the standards aim to preserve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods. Within a typical district there are regulations related to land use, lot size, coverage, building heights, parking, and landscaping.
The 18 zoning districts established by the Pleasant Hill Zoning Ordinance are:
R6 (Single-Family, 6,000 square foot lots)
R7 (Single-Family, 7,000 square foot lots)
R10 (Single-Family, 10,000 square foot lots)
R10A (Single-Family, average 10,000 square foot lots) R15 (Single-Family, 15,000 square foot lots)
R20 (Single-Family, 20,000 square foot lots)
MRL (Multi-Family, Low Density)
MRM (Multi-Family, Medium Density)
MRH (Multi-Family, High Density)
NB (Neighborhood Business)
RB (Retail Business)
C (General Commercial)
13 MTC. 2022. Priority Development Areas. Available: <https://mtc.ca.gov/planning/land-use/priority-development-areas-pdas>. (accessed October 2022)
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-9
PAO (Professional and Administrative Offices)
LI (Light Industrial)
PUD (Planned Unit District)
PPD (Precise Plan District)
HPUD (Hillside Planned Unit District)
PUD-H (Historic Planned Unit District)
3.9.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing.
Would the 2040 General Plan:
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? 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?
Approach to Analysis
Land Use Planning
The evaluation of proposed plan impacts related to land use planning is based on a comparison of the 2040 General Plan to the applicable plans, policies, and regulations to determine if development facilitated by the proposed plan would conflict with a plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. This section also analyzes whether development facilitated by the proposed plan, or its policies would physically divide communities.
Implementation of the proposed plan could result in a significant impact if it conflicts with applicable land use plans and policies of the PHDSP, ABAG/MTC Plan Bay Area 2050, Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) 2017 Clean Air Plan, and the Contra Costa County ALUCP.
A policy inconsistency is considered a significant adverse impact only if the inconsistency would result in a significant adverse physical impact based on the established significance criterion.
Consistency of the proposed plan with applicable land use plans and policies is evaluated below.
Consistency of the proposed plan with the BAAQMD 2017 Clean Air Plan is discussed in Section 3.2, Air Quality. Consistency with the existing Zoning Ordinance in the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is not evaluated, since adoption of the 2040 General Plan would require revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to ensure consistency with the 2040 General Plan. Consistency with the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code with respect to protected trees are evaluated in Section 3.3, Biological, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-10
Agriculture, and Forestry Resources, and with the Pleasant Hill adopted land use compatibility standards specifically with respect to noise are evaluated in Section 3.10, Noise.
Population and Housing
Population and housing trends in Pleasant Hill were evaluated by reviewing the most current data available from the US Census Bureau, CDF, the current 2003 Pleasant Hill General Plan, ABAG, and the 2023-2031 RHNA. Impacts related to population are generally social or economic in nature.
Under CEQA, a social or economic change is not considered a significant effect on the environment unless the changes are directly linked to a physical change.
For purposes of this analysis, substantial population growth is defined as growth exceeding ABAG or BAAQMD population forecasts for Pleasant Hill. Substantial displacement would occur if allowed land uses would displace substantially more residences than would be accommodated through growth accommodated by the proposed plan.
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No comments that pertain to land use planning or population and housing were received in response to publication of the Notice of Preparation for this EIR.
Specific Thresholds of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of land use/planning and population/housing impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan. Development resulting in physically dividing a community area within Pleasant Hill. Development conflicting with the PHDSP or Municipal Code. Inducement of permanent or daytime population or employment growth in the Pleasant Hill planning area that would exceed City of Pleasant Hill or ABAG population projections for Pleasant Hill.
Displacement of existing housing or permanent population.
Impact Evaluation
Established Community Division
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan physically divide an established community? Impact LU-1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD MAINTAIN ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT IN PLEASANT HILL AND WOULD NOT PHYSICALLY DIVIDE AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to physical division of an established community are limited to operational impacts.
To the extent that construction activities obstruct roads, it would be temporary and would not constitute a division of an established community. No respective construction impacts would occur related to potential division of a community.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-11
Operation
Most of the land within the General Plan area is currently developed, with more than 70 percent of Pleasant Hill’s land occupied with residential uses. As summarized in Table 3.9-1, commercial uses are mostly concentrated along I-680 in the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill and account for less than five percent of Pleasant Hill’s existing land use. Vacant parcels comprise approximately two percent of all land within the General Plan area; this limits new housing and development opportunities.
Most vacant parcels are small and would require parcel consolidation to accommodate future development. As such, most new housing and development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur through development of existing underutilized land and reuse of existing buildings and would increase the density and intensity of the existing land uses within Pleasant Hill. The proposed plan does not include substantial land use or circulation changes that would physically divide an established community, residential, or otherwise. For example, no major roads or other facilities would be constructed that would physically divide established communities within Pleasant Hill.
The potential growth associated with the 2040 General Plan is based on development assumptions/projections for residential and non-residential development for all land within the General Plan area through the year 2040. Vacant and underutilized parcels were identified using existing land use data from the Assessor’s Office. Collectively, the existing uses, development capacity on the vacant and underutilized sites, planned and approved projects, and intensified development for residential, commercial, and civic uses sum up to be Pleasant Hill’s total buildout capacity in 2040. The 2040 General Plan seeks to ensure that infill development is done in a way that captures opportunities to increase the local base of high-paying jobs while achieving a commercial business mix of uses that better serves resident needs and attracts visitors.
Pleasant Hill is surrounded by existing development and natural features, such as Briones Regional Park (located to the west), I-680 (located on the eastern edge), and neighboring development within the Cities of Concord and Martinez to the north and Walnut Creek to the south. As discussed above in Section 3.9.2, Environmental Setting, much of Pleasant Hill is developed with residential uses with established recreational parks and green spaces. The 2040 General Plan includes policies and establishes land use designations that identify the type and intensity of uses permissible in the General Plan area. Infill development and the creative reuse and development of existing sites have emerged as the primary means for accommodating future growth in Pleasant Hill. Intensity/density standards are established for each land use classification. The intent of the land use designations is to adequately classify and distinguish the various land uses needed within the General Plan area.
The 2040 General Plan also aims to direct growth within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence to ensure orderly buildout in density and intensity while maintaining existing neighborhood characteristics and encourage economic development that is compatible with existing uses to reinforce and create a cohesive community.
The existing transportation network in Pleasant Hill also presents constraints to future development, despite the ample variety of regional transportation connections. The 2040 General Plan notes that one of the greatest challenges is congestion on arterials like Contra Costa Boulevard and Taylor Boulevard, and I-680 interchange areas. Adding roadway lanes is not feasible nor would roadway expansion resolve congestion over the long term. Solutions like improving access to public transit and encouraging walking and bicycling may relieve congestion. Further, many residential and collector streets have discontinuous sidewalks, making it difficult to safely walk throughout Pleasant Hill. As adjacent parcels develop or redevelop, Pleasant Hill typically requires sidewalk improvements. However, where development is unlikely in the near-term, a prioritized plan for addressing these gaps in the network is needed.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-12
The 2040 General Plan emphasizes the integration of land use and transportation as a major focus to reinforcing community cohesion and accessibility in the Land Use Element. Policies in the 2040 General Plan Land Use Element, as well as the Circulation Element, support Pleasant Hill in embracing changes to circulation issues created by land use choices by planning for the future and maintaining flexible land use regulations that embrace smarter land use planning around transportation. Providing this link between land use and transportation planning reduces the necessity for new high volume arterial roads that could otherwise physically divide communities.
The 2040 General Plan Land Use Element contains goals and policies, listed below, that would maintain existing communities within Pleasant Hill and ensure that established communities would not be divided by development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.
Goal LU-1 Promote a city image that reflects the community’s diversity, inclusivity, forwardthinking, and high quality of life.
Policy LU-1.2 City Image. Continue efforts to define and enhance the City’s image by emphasizing the high quality, intergenerational park facilities and recreational opportunities in the city; dedication to education, including the presence of Diablo Valley College and its potential to provide cultural and lifelong learning opportunities; and the vital, progressive nature of the city as a diverse residential community and a supportive environment for business.
Policy LU-1.3 Well-Defined Street Fronts. Require new buildings to maintain a street front that creates or maintains a well-defined streetscape.
Policy LU-1.5 Public Amenities/Art. Require installation of public art, landscaping, and/or other public amenities in conjunction with all new public and private development and major rehabilitation or expansion of existing development.
Policy LU-1.6 Transition in Scale. Require that new development transition appropriately in building scale, height and massing in relation to the physical and visual character of adjoining neighborhoods.
Policy LU-1.8 Citywide Beautification. Promote a clean and attractive city through periodic clean-up and beautification of commercial areas and neighborhoods.
Policy LU-1.9 Connectivity Between Existing and New Development. Encourage linking new development to existing development, parks, and trails through the creation of internal circulation systems that allow travel by foot, bicycles, vehicles, and other alternative modes of travel.
Goal LU-3 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.1 Neighborhood Character. Maintain and enhance the character and quality of existing residential neighborhoods, ensuring adequate public services and facilities maintained by the City such as streets and drainage are provided.
Policy LU-3.2 Connectivity. Encourage new residential and mixed-use development to incorporate design features that promote walking within neighborhoods and citywide.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-13
Policy LU-3.3 Neighborhood Access. Ensure that new residential development include safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to existing residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.4 Clustering Development. Encourage new residential development to be clustered to support increased densities, open space, and efficiencies of public facilities and services.
Goal LU-4 To ensure that commercial and mixed-use development in the city is consistent with the overall community character and serves the existing and future needs of residents and visitors.
Policy LU-4.1 Retail Center Enhancement. Encourage new commercial uses to group into clustered areas or centers containing professional offices, retail sales and services. Clustered development shall locate at the intersections of major thoroughfares.
Policy LU-4.3 Neighborhood Connectivity. Encourage commercial and mixed-use development to link to adjoining residential neighborhoods by incorporating well-designed and attractive streetscapes with sidewalks, bicycle paths, and street amenities.
Goal LU-6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.
Policy LU-6.4 Enhanced Connectivity. Support the expansion of alternative transportation options including enhancements to the multi-use trail, expanded bike lanes along Golf Club Road, and additional connections between new and existing development.
Policy LU-6.10 Cluster Development. Promote clustered development on the Mangini-Delu site to allow for enhanced opportunities to preserve and/or create open space and resident amenities.
Policy LU-6.16 Walkable Environment. Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.
Policy LU-6.24 Flexible Development. Ensure that zoning regulations in the Municipal Code pertaining to industrial development are flexible enough to facilitate the conversion of underperforming industrial sites, into higher intensive uses.
Policy LU-6.25 Transit-Oriented Development. Encourage the design and development of transit-oriented developments along Contra Costa Boulevard to support future transportation system enhancements.
Policy LU-6.49 Mobile Home Park Preservation. Encourage private-sector investments to maintain the existing mobile home park and discourage the conversion of the mobile home park to alternative uses.
Goal LU-7 Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.
Policy LU-7.3 Remove Physical Barriers. Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-14
These 2040 General Plan goals and policies would help maintain existing communities in Pleasant Hill and prevent division of established communities by development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. Specifically, Goal LU-1 and associated policies would support strategic development that prioritizes connectivity, rehabilitation of existing development, and an overall well-maintained city.
Goal LU-3 and associated policies encourages connected and accessible clustered neighborhoods that maintain neighborhood character. Policies LU-4.1, LU-4.3, LU-6.4, LU-6.10, and LU-7.3 further promote connected, clustered and accessible neighborhoods. Lastly, Policy LU-6.49 explicitly encourages maintenance of the existing mobile home park and discourages conversion to other uses.
Overall, the 2040 General Plan would promote orderly development in Pleasant Hill by encouraging growth in designated development focus areas and at infill sites near transit and other amenities while promoting the enhancement of the Pleasant Hill multimodal circulation system, maximizing connections, and minimizing barriers to connectivity. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not physically divide Pleasant Hill, and development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in a less than significant impact.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
Land Use Plans, Policies, and Regulations Consistency
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan 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? Impact LU-2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD BE GENERALLY CONSISTENT WITH
APPLICABLE LAND USE PLANS, POLICIES, OR REGULATIONS ADOPTED TO AVOID OR MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, SUCH AS ABAG/MTC PLAN BAY AREA 2050. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to consistency with applicable land use plans and policies are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur from development facilitated by the proposed plan.
Operation
CONSISTENCY WITH THE PLEASANT HILL DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN The PHDSP serves as a regulatory framework and development guide for land use in the downtown area of Pleasant Hill. The goal of the PHDSP is to develop a downtown that is a competitive retail and commercial center with an entertainment/recreational focus and sufficient public amenities to establish a sense of place and positive image for Pleasant Hill. Table 3.9-2 includes five relevant PHDSP guiding policies and analysis that addresses whether the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the policies.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-15
Table 3.9-2 2040 General Plan Consistency with PHDSP
PHDSP Guiding Policy 2040 General Plan Consistency
1. Encourage the development of a
special retail environment in the
Downtown for Pleasant Hill
Consistent. The 2040 General Plan includes policies that would encourage the development of Downtown as a special retail environment. For example, Policies LU-6.14, LU-6.17, and LU-6.19 call to enhance Downtown as a commercial, civic, and cultural capital of the city, in addition to being an entertainment hub with retail establishments. Further, Policy LU-6.15 supports the expansion of Downtown’s commercial core, while Policy LU-6.16 aims to enhance the walkability of Downtown with adjacent commercial centers. Additionally, Policy E-1.1 encourages mixed-use development in Downtown.
2. Promote a compatible mix of
retail, recreational, civic, office,
and residential uses.
Consistent. As mentioned in the consistency analysis for PHDSP Guiding Policy 1 above, Policy LU-6.14 specifically calls to reinforce and enhance the identity of Downtown as the commercial, civic, and cultural center of Pleasant Hill.
3. Strongly encourage ground floor
retail uses.
Consistent. The 2040 General Plan includes policies that would encourage retail uses in the Downtown area, which may include ground floor placements. Policy LU-4.1 encourages clustered areas of retail sales and services along intersections of major thoroughfares, which would include Downtown. Similarly, Policy LU6.17 aims to enhance Downtown as an entertainment hub that includes retail establishments. Policy LC-2.7 calls development of a plan to improve access and safety for new and re-developed retail areas. Goal E-2 and associated policies would facilitate additional retail opportunities.
4. Develop a Downtown which
complements the City Hall complex
Consistent. Policy LU-6.14 encourages reinforcement and enhancement of the identity of Downtown as the civic center of the city, which would involve development that complements the civic complex of City Hall. Further, Policy LU6.16 supports enhancement of pedestrian connections around City Hall.
6. Establish a positive and unique
image for Downtown.
Consistent. Policy LU-1.2 encourages efforts to define and enhance the City’s imagine, which would encompass Downtown. Further, as identified under Guiding Policies 1 and 2, Policy LU-6.14 specifically calls to reinforce and enhance the identity of Downtown.
Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 1991. Pleasant Hill Downtown Specific Plan. Amended April 2, 2012.
As shown in Table 3.9-2, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the guiding policies contained in the PHDASP.
CONSISTENCY WITH ABAG/MTC PLAN BAY AREA 2050
Plan Bay Area 2050 is a long-range land use and transportation plan for the San Francisco Bay Area region. The plan contains 11 overarching strategies with associated specific strategies that seek to promote healthy, safe, and equitable communities by reducing impacts from air pollution, protecting open space and agriculture, and increasing active transportation. 2040 General Plan consistency with such strategies in the Plan Bay Area 2050 are addressed below in Table 3.9-3.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-16
Table 3.9-3 2040 General Plan Consistency with Plan Bay Area 2050 Goals Plan Bay Area Strategies 2040 General Plan Consistency
Housing Strategies
H2. Preserve existing affordable housing.
Acquire homes currently affordable to low
and middle-income residents for
preservation as permanently deedrestricted affordable housing.
Consistent. The proposed 2040 General Plan Policy LU-7.5 promotes affordable housing to allow aging residents to remain in their residences. Policies LU-3.7 and LU-4.7 encourage the provision of affordable housing when considering development proposals. Policy H1.4 facilitates inter-jurisdictional development of affordable housing.
Goal H-3 and Policies H-3.1 through H-3.4 aim to increase housing opportunities for lower- and moderate-income households. Further, Goal H-6 and Policies H-6.1 through H-6.3 call to preserve the City’s existing affordable housing stock. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy H2.
H3. Allow a greater mix of housing
densities and types in Growth
Geographies. Allow a variety of housing
types at a range of densities to be built in
Priority Development Areas, select TransitRich Areas and select High-Resource Areas.
Consistent. 2040 General Plan Policy LU-6.31 and LU-6.53 supports vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects along Contra Costa Boulevard and Monument Boulevard, respectively. Further, Policy LU-4.5 broadens the two aforementioned policies by encouraging vertical and horizontal mixed-use at key intersections and in neighborhoods that provide additional amenities, which could involve Priority Development Areas, Transit-Rich Areas, and High-Resources Areas. The city currently contains mostly low-density residences, but Policy H-1.5 encourages development at the maximum allowed density. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy H3.
H4. Build adequate affordable housing to
ensure homes for all. Construct enough
deed restricted affordable homes to fill the
existing gap in housing for the unhoused
community and to meet the needs of lowincome households.
Consistent. Policies LU-3.7 and LU-4.7 encourage the provision of affordable housing when considering development proposals. Policy H1.4 facilitates inter-jurisdictional development of affordable housing.
Goal H-3 and Policies H-3.1 through H-3.4 aim to increase housing opportunities for lower- and moderate-income households. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy H4.
H6. Transform aging malls and office parks
into neighborhoods. Permit and promote
the reuse of shopping malls and office
parks with limited commercial viability as
neighborhoods with housing for residents
at all income levels.
Consistent. Policy LU-6.54 supports the conversion of office sites along Ellinwood Way to multi-family and mixed-use residences and retail opportunities. Policy H-2.4 encourages mixed-use development in commercial zones, specifically at underutilized sites. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy H6.
Economic Strategies
EC4. Allow greater commercial densities in
Growth Geographies. Allow greater
densities for new commercial development
in select Priority Development Areas and
Transit-Rich Areas to encourage more jobs
to locate near public transit.
Consistent. 2040 General Plan Goal LU-4 and associated policies encourages commercial and mixed-use development that is clustered and attractive to pedestrians and cyclists. Policies LU-6.26 and LU6.27 support transforming “strip” commercial development into compact commercial development that is not auto-oriented. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy EC4.
EC6. Retain and invest in key industrial
lands. Implement local land use policies to
protect key industrial lands, identified as
Priority Production Areas, while funding
key infrastructure improvements in these
areas
Consistent. Policy LU-6.21 supports enhancement of industrial sites, while Policy LU-6.22 supports development of expanded light industrial uses within the Hookston Industrial Area. Additionally, Policy TC-2.7 calls for a plan to improve access, circulation, and safety in industrial areas. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with strategy EC6.
Source: MTC/ABAG. 2021. Plan Bay Area 2050.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-17
As shown in Table 3.9-3, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the goals contained in the Plan Bay Area 2050.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ALUCP
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan in Pleasant Hill areas north of Gregory Lane and east of Pleasant Hill Road would be located within the Buchanan Field Airport Influence Area. The Buchanan Field Airport itself is located directly to the northeast of Pleasant Hill. As discussed in Section 3.9.3, Regulatory Setting, the Contra Costa ALUC would be responsible for review of the 2040 General Plan prior to approval by the City of Pleasant Hill, pursuant to ALUCP Policies 1.5.1 and
1.5.3. As such , future development facilitated by the proposed plan within the Buchanan Field Airport environs would be subject to additional review at the time of future development proposals.
Additional noise and safety compatibility considerations regarding Buchanan Field Airport are discussed in Sections 3.10, Noise, and 3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, & Wildfire, respectively. 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element Goal HS-6 and associated policies, listed below, would ensure that development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the ALUCP, and that coordination with Buchanan Field Airport with regard to land use considerations would occur.
Goal HS-6 Ensure that airport operations do not adversely affect quality of life and safety for residents.
Policy HS-6.1 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Adherence. Ensure consistency with the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan development restrictions.
Policy HS-6.2 Airport Coordination. Coordinate with Buchanan Field Airport on land use considerations where compatibility issues may occur on the border of the airfield.
Implementation of the various 2040 General Plan goals and policies identified within this Impact LU2 analysis would result in 2040 General Plan consistency with applicable, adopted, land use plans, regulations, and policies. Therefore, 2040 General plan operational impacts related to land use plans and policies consistency would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-18
Unplanned Population Growth Inducement
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan 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)?
Impact LU-3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSING IN PLEASANT HILL. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN POPULATION THAT WOULD EXCEED ABAG POPULATION FORECASTS BY 122 PERCENT BY 2040. HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED PLAN IS INTENDED TO ACCOMMODATE AND PLAN FOR POPULATION GROWTH. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to inducing substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur from development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.
Operation
Table 3.9-4 presents population, dwelling units, and employment projections through 2040 (the 2040 General Plan horizon year) for Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area), based on Plan Bay Area 2040 estimates. The projections suggest that Pleasant Hill’s population will grow approximately 5.6 percent between 2022 and 2040. This translates to an estimated 1,899 new residents by 2040. New dwelling units are expected to increase less than 0.1 percent between 2022 and 2040, for a total of 52 new units. Increased land uses and cultivation of a commercial business mix of uses that better serve residents needs and attract visitors is anticipated to increase employment by approximately
12.5 percent from 2022 levels, for a total of approximately 2,200 new jobs by 2040. This would increase the Pleasant Hill jobs-housing ratio by 7.7 percent.
Table 3.9-4 Plan Bay Area 2040 Pleasant Hill Population, Dwelling Units, and Employment Pleasant Hill 2022 2040
Change
2022 to 2040
Percent Change
2022 to 2040
Population 34,026 35,925 1,899 5.6%
Dwelling Units 14,498 14,550 52 >.01%
Jobs 17,600 19,800 2,200 12.5%
Jobs-Household Ratio1 1.3 1.4 0.1 7.7%
1 Based on CDF estimates of 13,815 households in 2020 and 14,305 households projected in 2040.
Sources: CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State 2010-2022; ABAG. 2019. Projections 2040 by Jurisdiction; ABAG. 2021. Plan Bay Area 2040 Growth Pattern.
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in approximately 19,216 net new residential units in Pleasant Hill through 2040. This additional housing, coupled with ongoing and planned development, would lead to an increase of approximately 46,119 net new residents in the City from 2022 to 2040, based on an estimated 2.4 persons per household. In the unlikely event that all potential buildout of the 2040 General Plan occurs, the total population of Pleasant Hill in 2040 would be 80,145, which is 123 percent above ABAG’s 2040 population forecast of 35,925, as shown Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-19
in Table 3.9-4. However, the ABAG growth projection is based on the land use assumptions in the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan. Growth anticipated under the proposed 2040 General Plan is intended in part to meet regional housing needs over the long term. Although the 2040 General Plan would facilitate development beyond what is forecasted by ABAG, it would bring the forecasts for the Pleasant Hill General Plan and RTP/SCS into consistency when the RTP/SCS is next updated to reflect new forecasts for each city in the region. Note that growth assumptions within this EIR are conservative and potentially unlikely to come to complete fruition, and accordingly future RTP/SCS forecasts may provide more realistic growth assumptions, which would be lower than the growth presented here.)
Given that the State is currently in an ongoing housing crisis due to an insufficient housing supply, the additional units under the 2040 General Plan would further assist in addressing the existing crisis and meeting the housing needs of Pleasant Hill communities.
The increase in affordable housing units would provide housing opportunities in proximity to jobs for those employed in Contra Costa County that earn below median household income categories.
Most of those employed in Pleasant Hill commute from areas outside Pleasant Hill and affordable housing units would provide for a better balance of jobs and housing in the region.
As shown on Table 3.9-4, Pleasant Hill has a current jobs-household ratio of 1.3; this means that there are not enough households in Pleasant Hill to support employment opportunities and that workers must commute to Pleasant Hill. Growth facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in a more balanced jobs-household ratio by 2040 by increasing the number of residential units available in Pleasant Hill (Table 3.9-4). Therefore, such growth would not result in substantial adverse effects associated with an increased imbalance of jobs and housing in Pleasant Hill.
The following 2040 General Plan Land Use and Transportation and Circulation Element policies would encourage integration of development into surrounding neighborhoods and existing land use patterns, increasing the orderly nature of growth induced by the 2040 General Plan:
Policy LU-1.6 Transition in Scale. Require that new development transition appropriately in building scale, height and massing in relation to the physical and visual character of adjoining neighborhoods.
Policy LU-6.9 Transition between Surrounding Development. Require development of the Mangini-Delu site to incorporate design and development techniques meant to implement a seamless transition between existing residential neighborhoods and proposed development.
Policy LU-6.38 Neighborhood-Serving Mixed-Use. Encourage the development of Gregory Lane to attract low-intensity neighborhood-serving mixed-use development.
Policy LU-6.39 Development Compatibility. Require Gregory Lane mixed-use projects to apply design and development techniques to ensure a seamless transition between adjacent low-density residential.
Policy LU-6.42 Neighborhood-Serving Mixed-Use. Encourage the development of Oak Park Boulevard to attract low-intensity neighborhood-serving mixed-use development.
Policy LU-6.43 Development Compatibility. Require Oak Park Boulevard mixed-use projects to apply design and development techniques to ensure a seamless transition between adjacent low-density residential.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-20
Policy TC-4.4 Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.
Finally, one purpose of the 2040 General Plan is to direct future development in such a way as to minimize the impacts of growth by emphasizing the intensification and reuse of already developed areas, thus minimizing pressure to develop on the remaining open space in Pleasant Hill and directing growth and development to infill areas. Because the 2040 General Plan is designed for planned and orderly growth, and residential development would be completed in accordance with State law, development facilitated by and in accordance with the 2040 General Plan would not directly or indirectly induce substantial unplanned growth in Pleasant Hill. Therefore, operational 2040 General Plan impacts related to substantial unplanned population growth would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
Population or Housing Displacement
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
Impact LU-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE DISPLACEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF HOUSING OR PEOPLE. THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD FACILITATE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOUSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL HOUSING REQUIREMENTS, WHILE PRESERVING EXISTING RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to displacement of substantial existing people or housing are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts related to population or housing displacement would occur from development facilitated by the proposed plan.
Operation
2040 GENERAL PLAN
“Substantial” displacement would occur if allowed land uses would displace more residences than would be accommodated through growth facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. The 2040 General Plan would accommodate new development in the General Plan area under land use designations that encourages higher-density and mixed-use projects. Full buildout of the 2040 General Plan would result in 19,216 net new housing units by 2040. The types of housing units anticipated under the 2040 General Plan would generally fall into the following categories of development projects:
single-family, multi-family residential, and/or mixed-use development, development of existing nonresidential, and residential sites that would allow residential use or higher density residential use.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.9-21
Development in the General Plan area would not result in significant displacement of existing residences in order to accommodate the planned increase in development intensity considering that existing residences are not proposed for demolition. In addition, the 2040 General Plan would facilitate the development of 19,216 net new dwelling units throughout the General Plan area. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not result in the net loss or displacement of housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. Therefore, operational 2040 General Plan impacts related to population or housing displacement would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
3.9.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative land use/planning and population/housing analysis is the City of Pleasant Hill and adjacent city and airport planning areas. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects located in Pleasant Hill (in addition to the proposed plan) and the City of Concord listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis), as well as plans in Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, and Plan Bay Area 2050.
Community Division
Development facilitated by the proposed plan in conjunction with the cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would result in the development of residential, retail, office, hotel, industrial, and transportation uses. The cumulative plans and projects do not propose the type of large or linear construction that could reduce mobility within an existing community and the surrounding area and would occur in an urban environment. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to potential to divide an existing community would be less than significant.
Land Use Plan, Policy, or Regulation Consistency
Land use decisions for both the proposed plan and for the other cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 are made at the City level. Development within the City of Pleasant Hill is governed by the Pleasant Hill General Plan and Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, which ensure logical and orderly land use development and require discretionary review to ensure that projects do not result in land use environmental impacts due to inconsistency with the General Plan and other regulations.
Cumulative development projects in Pleasant Hill would be required to demonstrate consistency with the proposed 2040 General Plan and applicable codes, ordinances, and policies. This would ensure that these projects comply with applicable planning regulations. The proposed plan has been determined to be consistent with the City’s policy. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to potential conflict with a land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect would be less than significant.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.9-22
Population Growth
Cumulative projects listed in Table 3-1 in conjunction with the proposed plan would add residents to the cities of Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, and Moraga, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and the greater Bay Area. The CDF estimates that the total population of Pleasant Hill was 34,026 as of January 1, 2022.14 The development of other cumulative plans and projects include residential projects that would add additional housing units resulting in additional residents. This increase in population would be in addition to the approximately 45,470 residents associated with the proposed plan. The proposed plan estimates Pleasant Hill at buildout to have a population of 80,145 people by 2040. Because the proposed plan is designed for planned and orderly growth, and residential development would be completed in accordance with State law, development facilitated by and in accordance with the proposed plan would not directly or indirectly induce substantial unplanned growth in Pleasant Hill. As such, while other cumulative plans and projects would result in direct population growth, implementation of the proposed plan, in conjunction with other cumulative projects, would result in a less than significant cumulative impact associated with direct population growth, as this growth is planned for by the City of Pleasant Hill. Furthermore, cumulative plans and projects are expected to generate employment opportunities. Total employment in Pleasant Hill was 17,600 in 2022. The cumulative plans and projects are estimated to increase employment, and the proposed plan is expected to increase jobs in Pleasant Hill by 2,200. Employees associated with the cumulative plans and projects would be expected to be drawn from the local labor force. The proposed plan is not expected to employ new employees. As such, there would not be substantial indirect population growth associated with implementation of the cumulative plans and projects. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to direct and indirect population growth would be considered less than significant.
Population/Housing Displacement
Cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 in conjunction with implementation of the proposed plan would add residential units to Pleasant Hill. The plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would not remove existing housing and rather would add housing units. Furthermore, the development facilitated by the proposed plan would add approximately 14,550 housing units to the Pleasant Hill housing stock. In addition, implementation of the proposed plan would not require the removal of any homes and would not displace any people. As such, implementation of the proposed plan, in conjunction with other cumulative plans and projects, would not displace housing or people such that it would necessitate the construction of additional housing elsewhere. Therefore, no cumulative impact related to displacement of housing or people would occur.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant
14 CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State 2010-2021. Available:
<https://dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/>. (accessed November 2022) Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-1
3.10 Noise
3.10.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing conditions related to noise and vibration within the General Plan area as well as the regulatory framework. This section also evaluates the possible impacts related to noise and vibration that could result from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information included in this section is based on the Pleasant Hill General Plan, as well as transportation volume data drawn from the Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA), which is included as Appendix E to this EIR.
3.10.2 Environmental Setting
Characteristics of Noise
Sound is a vibratory disturbance created by a moving or vibrating source, which is capable of being detected by the hearing organs. Noise is defined as sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired and may therefore be classified as a more specific group of sounds. The effects of noise on people can include general annoyance, interference with speech communication, sleep disturbance, and, in the extreme, hearing impairment.
1 Noise levels are commonly measured in
decibels (dB) using the A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA). The A-weighting scale is an adjustment to the actual sound pressure levels so that they are consistent with the human hearing response, which is most sensitive to frequencies around 4,000 Hertz and less sensitive to frequencies around and below 100 Hertz. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale that quantifies sound intensity in a manner similar to the Richter scale used to measure earthquake magnitudes. A doubling of the energy of a noise source, such as doubling of roadway vehicle volume, would increase the noise level by 3 dBA; reducing the energy in half would result in a 3 dBA decrease.2 Table 3.10-1 shows some representative noise sources and their corresponding noise levels in dBA.
Table 3.10-1 Typical A-Weighted Noise Levels
Indoor Noise Source Noise Level (dBA) Outdoor Noise Sources (Threshold of Hearing in Laboratory) 0 —
Library 30 Quiet Rural Nighttime
Refrigerator Humming 40 Quiet Suburban Nighttime
Quiet Office 50 Quiet Urban Daytime
Normal Conversation at 3 feet 60 Normal Conversation at 3 feet Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet 70 Gas Lawn Mower at 100 feet Hair Dryer at 1 foot 80 Freight Train at 50 feet
Food Blender at 3 feet 90 Heavy-duty Truck at 50 feet
Inside Subway Train (New York) 100 Jet Takeoff at 2,000 feet Smoke Detector Alarm at 3 feet 110 Unmuffled Motorcycle 1 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. (CT-HWANPRT-13-069.25.2) September. Available at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/pub/TeNS_Sept_2013B.pdf (accessed October 2022). 2 Crocker, Malcom. 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control Book, ISBN: 978-0-471-39599-7, Wiley-VCH, October.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-2
Indoor Noise Source Noise Level (dBA) Outdoor Noise Sources Rock Band near stage 120 Chainsaw at 3 feet
— 130 Military Jet Takeoff at 50 feet
— 140 (Threshold of Pain)
Source: Data compiled by Rincon in 2022.
Human perception of noise has no simple correlation with sound energy: the perception of sound is not linear in terms of dBA or in terms of sound energy. Two sources do not “sound twice as loud” as one source. It is widely accepted that the average healthy ear can barely perceive changes of 3 dBA, increase or decrease (i.e., twice the sound energy); that a change of 5 dBA is readily perceptible; and that an increase (or decrease) of 10 dBA sounds twice (or half) as loud.
Sound changes in both level and frequency spectrum as it travels from the source to the receptor.
The most obvious change is the decrease in level as the distance from the source increases. The manner in which noise reduces with distance depends on factors such as the type of sources (e.g., point or line, the path the sound will travel, site conditions, and obstructions). Noise levels from a point source typically attenuate, or drop off, at a rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance (e.g., construction, industrial machinery, ventilation units). Noise from a line source (e.g., roadway, pipeline, railroad) typically attenuates at about 3 dBA per doubling of distance. The propagation of noise is also affected by the intervening ground, known as ground absorption. A hard site, such as a parking lot or smooth body of water, receives no additional ground attenuation and the changes in noise levels with distance (drop-off rate) result from simply the geometric spreading of the source.
An additional ground attenuation value of 1.5 dBA per doubling of distance applies to a soft site (e.g., soft dirt, grass, or scattered bushes and trees). Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures. The amount of attenuation provided by this “shielding” depends on the size of the object and the frequencies of the noise levels. Natural terrain features such as hills and dense woods, and man-made features such as buildings and walls, can substantially alter noise levels.
Generally, any large structure blocking the line of sight will provide at least a 5-dBA reduction in source noise levels at the receptor.
3 Structures can substantially reduce exposure to noise as well.
The FHWA’s guidelines indicate that modern building construction generally provides an exterior-tointerior noise level reduction of 20 to 35 dBA with closed windows.
The impact of noise is not a function of loudness alone. The time of day when noise occurs and the duration of the noise are also important factors of project noise impact. Most noise that lasts for more than a few seconds is variable in its intensity. Consequently, a variety of noise descriptors have been developed. One of the most frequently used noise metrics is the equivalent noise level (Leq); it considers both duration and sound power level. Leq is defined as the single steady A-weighted level equivalent to the same amount of energy as that contained in the actual fluctuating levels over time. Typically, Leq is summed over a one-hour period. Lmax is the highest root mean squared (RMS) sound pressure level within the sampling period, and Lmin is the lowest RMS sound pressure level within the measuring period.
Noise that occurs at night tends to be more disturbing than that occurring during the day.
Community noise is usually measured using Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which is the 24-hour average noise level with a +10 dBA penalty for noise occurring during nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 3 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2011. Highway Traffic Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guidance. (FHWAHEP-10-025).
December. Available at: https://www.codot.gov/programs/environmental/noise/assets/fhwa-noise-guidance-dec-2011 (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-3
7:00 a.m.) hours; it is also measured using Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), which is the 24-hour average noise level with a +5 dBA penalty for noise occurring from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and a +10 dBA penalty for noise occurring from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Noise levels described by Ldn and CNEL usually differ by about 1 dBA or less. The relationship between the peak-hour Leq value and the Ldn/CNEL depends on the distribution of roadway noise during the day, evening, and night.
Quiet suburban areas typically have CNEL noise levels in the range of 40 to 50 dBA, while areas near arterial streets are in the 50 to 60-plus CNEL range. Normal conversational levels are in the 60 to 65- dBA Leq range; ambient noise levels greater than 65 dBA Leq can interrupt conversations.4 Table 3.10-2 briefly defines measurement descriptors and other sound terminology used in this section.
Table 3.10-2 Sound Terminology
Term Definition
Sound A vibratory disturbance created by a vibrating object which, when transmitted by pressure waves through a medium such as air, can be detected by a receiving mechanism such as the human ear or a microphone.
Noise Sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or otherwise undesirable.
Ambient Noise The composite of noise from all sources near and far in a given environment.
Decibel (dB) A unitless measure of sound on a logarithmic scale, which represents the squared ratio of sound-pressure amplitude to a reference sound pressure. The reference pressure is 20 micropascals, representing the threshold of human hearing (0 dB).
A-Weighted Decibel (dBA) An overall frequency-weighted sound level that approximates the frequency response of the human ear.
Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) The average sound energy occurring over a specified time period. In effect, Leq is the steady-state sound level that in a stated period would contain the same acoustical energy as the time-varying sound that actually occurs during the same period.
Ambient Noise The composite of noise from all sources near and far in a given environment.
Maximum and Minimum
Noise Levels (Lmax and Lmin)
The maximum or minimum instantaneous sound level measured during a measurement period.
Day-Night Level (DNL or Ldn) The energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during a 24-hour period, with 10 dB added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (nighttime).
Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL)
The energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during a 24-hour period, with 5 dB added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and 10 dB added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Source: Data compiled by Rincon in 2022.
Characteristics of Vibration
Groundborne vibration of concern in environmental analysis consists of the oscillatory waves that move from a source through the ground to adjacent structures. The number of cycles per second of oscillation makes up the vibration frequency, described in terms of Hertz. The frequency of a vibrating object describes how rapidly it oscillates. The normal frequency range of most groundborne vibration that can be felt by the human body is from a low of less than 1 Hertz up to a 4 Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-4
high of about 200 Hertz.5 Typically, groundborne vibration generated by human activities attenuates rapidly with distance from the source of the vibration.
While people have varying sensitivities to vibrations at different frequencies, in general they are most sensitive to low-frequency vibration. Vibration in buildings, such as from nearby construction activities, may cause windows, items on shelves, and pictures on walls to rattle. Vibration of building components can also take the form of an audible low-frequency rumbling noise, referred to as groundborne noise. Groundborne noise is usually only a problem when the originating vibration spectrum is dominated by frequencies in the upper end of the range (60 to 200 Hertz), or when foundations or utilities, such as sewer and water pipes, physically connect the structure and the vibration source.6
Vibration energy spreads out as it travels through the ground, causing the vibration level to diminish with distance away from the source. High-frequency vibrations diminish much more rapidly than low frequencies, so low frequencies tend to dominate the spectrum at large distances from the source. Discontinuities in the soil strata can also cause diffractions or channeling effects that affect the propagation of vibration over long distances.7 When a building is impacted by vibration, a ground-to-foundation coupling loss will usually reduce the overall vibration level. However, under rare circumstances, the ground-to-foundation coupling may amplify the vibration level due to structural resonances of the floors and walls.
Vibration amplitudes are usually expressed in peak particle velocity (PPV). The PPV is normally described in inches per second (in/sec). PPV is defined as the maximum instantaneous positive or negative peak of a vibration signal. PPV is often used in monitoring of blasting vibration and other construction activity because it is related to the stresses that are experienced by buildings.8 Table 3.10-3 summarizes the vibration damage criteria recommended by the FTA for evaluating the potential for architectural damage to buildings.
Table 3.10-3 Criteria for Vibration Damage Potential
Building Category 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
in/sec = inches per second; PPV = peak particle velocity Source: Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022). 5 Crocker, Malcolm J. (Editor). 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control Book. ISBN: 978-0-471-39599-7, Wiley-VCH. October 2007. 6 Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022). 7 Caltrans. 2020 Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual. (CT-HWANP-RT-20-365.01.01) September. Available at:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tcvgm-apr2020-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022).
8 Caltrans. 2020 Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual. (CT-HWANP-RT-20-365.01.01) September. Available at:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tcvgm-apr2020-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-5
Noise-Sensitive Land Uses
Noise exposure goals for various types of land uses reflect the varying noise sensitivities associated with those uses. Noise-sensitive land uses are typically defined as single and multi-family residential; hotels and motels; group homes, hospital and extended medical facilities; churches; schools and other learning institutions; and libraries. Sensitive land uses generally should not be subjected to noise levels that would be considered intrusive in character.
General Plan Area
Noise-sensitive land uses are located throughout Pleasant Hill, as it is a predominantly residential city. Residential development is located between Taylor Boulevard and Contra Costa Boulevard and the southern edge of Pleasant Hill, with residential development also located north of Taylor Boulevard between Alhambra Avenue and the Contra Costa County Club. Pleasant Hill also includes noise-sensitive land uses such as hotels and motels; group homes; churches; schools and other learning institutions; and libraries.
Existing Noise Conditions and Sources
General Plan Area
The predominant source of noise in Pleasant Hill, as in most communities, is motor vehicles. Motor vehicle noise is characterized by a high number of individual events that can create a sustained noise level in proximity to noise-sensitive uses. Roadways with the highest roadway vehicle volumes and speeds produce the highest noise levels. The roadways in Pleasant Hill with the highest roadway vehicle volumes and, thus, the highest noise levels are I-680, Contra Costa Boulevard, Taylor Boulevard, and Monument Boulevard. Table 3.10-4 provides existing roadway vehicle noise along roadways in the plan area.
Table 3.10-4 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Along Roadway Segments Roadway Segment Existing ADT
Existing Roadway Vehicle
Noise Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
Pacheco Boulevard – North of 1st Avenue 17,000 66.8
Center Avenue – West of Pacheco Boulevard 8,000 63.4
Chilpancingo Parkway – West of Pacheco Boulevard 17,800 65.9 Contra Costa Boulevard – South of Concord Avenue 30,000 67.8 Golf Club Road – West of Pacheco Boulevard 13,100 64.2
Morello Avenue – North of Paso Nogal Road 8,600 63.8
Paso Nogal Road – East of Morello Avenue 3,900 56.9
Paso Nogal Road – East of Alhambra Avenue 5,000 56.3
Viking Drive – West of Contra Costa Boulevard 7,200 58.4 Morello Avenue – South of Viking Drive 8,800 61.1
Norse Drive – North of Taylor Boulevard 6,500 59.1
Taylor Boulevard – West of Contra Costa Boulevard 23,200 70.4 Contra Costa Boulevard – North of Beth Drive 21,600 68.1 Ellinwood Drive – East of Contra Costa Boulevard 8,200 60.1 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-6
Roadway Segment Existing ADT
Existing Roadway Vehicle
Noise Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
Lucille Lane – North of Maureen Lane 3,100 55.9
Taylor Boulevard – East of Alhambra Avenue 19,800 69.4
Pleasant Hill Road – North of Taylor Boulevard 27,200 69.8 Taylor Boulevard – West of Alhambra Avenue 19,000 72.3
Pleasant Hill Road – North of Grayson Road 15,900 66.7
Taylor Boulevard – South of Grayson Road 21,600 69.9
Gregory Lane – East of Pleasant Hill Road 13,300 64.3
Gregory Lane – West of Cleaveland Road 16,700 65.6
Cleaveland Road – South of Gregory Lane 9,300 61.9
Contra Costa Blvd – North of Monument Boulevard 30,600 70.5 Boyd Road – West of Cleaveland Road 16,700 63.2
Monument Boulevard – East of Buskirk Avenue 45,300 71.0 Buskirk Avenue – South of Monument Boulevard 25,800 66.4 Hookston Road – East of Buskirk Avenue 14,100 63.9
Buskirk Avenue – South of Mayhew Way 8,900 61.6
Oak Park Boulevard – West of Hook Avenue 14,400 64.0
Patterson Boulevard – North of Oak Park Boulevard 5,500 59.6 Pleasant Hill Road – North of Oak Park Boulevard 8,200 64.2 Oak Park Blvd – East of Pleasant Hill Road 10,500 63.9
Geary Road – East of Pleasant Hill Road 12,600 64.9
Taylor Boulevard – South of Withers Avenue 22,500 73.0
ADT = average daily trips
Source: Data provided by Fehr & Peers in 2022.
Figure 3.10-1 shows the existing 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL noise contours from roadways and highways in the plan area.
Airport noise associated with Buchanan Field Airport operations is an additional noise source in Pleasant Hill. The Buchanan Field Airport is located just outside the northeast corner of the Pleasant Hill city limits, with flightpaths from the Buchanan Field Airport southwestern to northeastern runways located over Pleasant Hill. Aircraft following these flightpaths generate noise over Pleasant Hill. The airport influence area extends approximately 2.5 miles from the runways and includes most of Pleasant Hill north of Boyd Road. Airport noise contours are shown in Figure 3.10-2.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Antioch-SFO/Millbrae line is another source of noise in the plan area. While BART noise may be audible at times in the plan area, it is not a substantial source of noise since the rapid transit line is approximately 850 feet southeast of the plan area.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-7
Figure 3.10-1 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-8
Figure 3.10-2 Buchanan Field Airport Noise Contours
Source: Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commissions. 2000. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4307/Airport-Land-Use-Commission-ALUC (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-9
3.10.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Department of Housing and Urban Development
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets environmental criteria and standards in Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 51. New construction proposed in areas that exceed 65 dBA Ldn must incorporate noise attenuation features to maintain interior noise levels at 45 dBA Ldn. Development in areas exceeding 65 dBA Ldn requires further attenuation features. In general, the HUD regulations match the California state regulations discussed below.
Federal Transit Administration
The FTA provides reasonable criteria for assessing construction noise impacts based on the potential for adverse community reaction in their Transit and Noise Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018). For residential uses, the daytime noise threshold is 80 dBA Leq for an 8-hour period.
Occupational Health and Safety Administration
The federal government regulates occupational noise exposure common in the workplace through the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) under the EPA. Noise limitations would apply to the operation of construction equipment and could also apply to any proposed industrial land uses. Noise exposure of this type is dependent on work conditions and is addressed through a facility’s Health and Safety Plan, as required under OSHA, and is not addressed further in this analysis.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces Title 14, Part 150 of the CFR, which governs airport noise compatibility programs and identifies land uses that are normally compatible with various levels of noise exposure. The FAA has determined that sound levels up to 45 dB CNEL are acceptable within residential buildings. As discussed in Section 3.10.2, Environmental Setting, flightpaths from the Buchanan Field Airport are located over Pleasant Hill and would require implementation of the FAA standards.
State Regulations
California General Plan Guidelines
State law requires general plans to include a Noise Element under Government Code Section 65302(f). The California General Plan Guidelines, published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, indicate acceptable, specific land use types in areas with specific noise exposure. The guidelines also offer adjustment factors that may be used to arrive at noise acceptability standards that reflect the noise control goals of the community, the community’s sensitivity to noise, and the community’s assessment of the relative importance of noise pollution. These guidelines are advisory, and local jurisdictions have the authority to set specific noise standards based on local conditions.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-10
California Building Code
California Code of Regulations Title 24, Building Standards Administrative Code, Part 2, Chapter 12, and the California Building Code codify the State noise insulation standards. These noise standards apply to new construction in California to control interior noise levels as they are affected by exterior noise sources and interior noise sources from separate areas. The regulations specify that interior noise levels shall not exceed 45 dB CNEL/Ldn in any habitable room, as well as specifying sound transmission class requirements for walls, floors, and ceilings around sleeping units.
California Green Building Code
California Green Building Standards Code 2019 (CALGreen) Section 5.507.4, Acoustical Control, regulates construction of non-residential uses within the 65 dBA CNEL/Ldn contour of an airport, freeway, expressway, railroad, industrial noise source, or other fixed source. According to Section
5.507.4.1.1 “buildings exposed to a noise level of 65 dB Leq(1-hr) during any hour of operation shall employ sound-resistant assemblies as determined by a prescriptive method (CALGreen Section
5.507.4.1) or performance method (CALGreen Section 5.507.4.2).
Projects may demonstrate compliance through the prescriptive method if wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source meet a composite sound transmission class (STC) rating of at least 50 or a composite outdoor/indoor transmission class (OITC) rating of no less than 40, with exterior windows of a minimum STC of 40 or OITC of 30. Projects may demonstrate compliance through the performance method if wall and roof-ceiling assemblies exposed to the noise source are constructed to provide an interior noise environment that does not exceed 50 dB Leq-1Hr in occupied areas during hours of operations.
California Airport Noise Standards
California Code of Regulations Title 21, Subchapter 6, Airport Noise Standards, establishes 65 dBA CNEL as the acceptable level of aircraft noise for persons living in the vicinity of airports. Noisesensitive land uses are generally incompatible in locations where the aircraft exterior noise level exceeds 65 dBA CNEL. This standard remains unless an aviation easement for aircraft noise has been acquired by the airport proprietor, or the residence is a high-rise with an interior CNEL of 45 dBA or less in all habitable rooms. Assembly Bill (AB) 2776 requires any person who intends to sell or lease residential properties in an airport influence area to disclose that fact to the person buying the property.
Local Regulations
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains land use compatibility categories for community noise exposure, noise contour maps, and policies related to noise, but the categories for noise exposure, noise contour maps, and policies would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 9.15 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code contains a noise ordinance. Relevant sections in the noise ordinance include the following:
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-11
Chapter 9.15, Section 9.1 5.040.H.: Special noise sources - Machinery, equipment, fans, and air conditioning. It is unlawful for a person to operate machinery, equipment, a pump, fan, airconditioning apparatus or similar mechanical device in the manner which creates noise, unless the noise is muffled and the device is equipped with a muffler sufficient to deaden the noise. Chapter 9.15, Section 9.1 5.040.L.: Special noise sources – Construction of building and projects. It is unlawful for a person within a residential land use district to operate or perform construction or repair work on a building, structure or project, or to operate a pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam of electric hoist, or other construction-type device on city-recognized holidays as designated by city council resolution, and on Monday through Friday, prior to 7:30 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on each day and on Saturday and Sundays, prior to 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. The above prohibition does not apply to emergency work.
Chapter 18.50 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code includes maximum noise standards by zoning district. Relevant sections include the following:
Chapter 18.50, Section 18.50.060: Performance standards.
All uses and activities shall comply with the Pleasant Hill noise regulations (PHMC Chapter 9.15), and no use shall create ambient noise levels measured at the property line which exceed the standards in Table 3.10-5.
Table 3.10-5 Maximum Noise Standards by Zoning District Zone of Property Receiving Noise Maximum Noise Level Ldn or CNEL, dB R, NB Residential and Neighborhood Business Districts 50 RB, C Commercial and Retail Business Districts 60
PAO Office District 65
LI Industrial District 70
PUD, PPD Planned Development/Precise Plan District Study Required Source: Schedule 18.50.060, Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Notes:
Where noise is measured at the property line of abutting districts, the noise standard for the more restrictive district applies. Duration and timing. The noise standards above shall be modified as follows to account for the effects of time and duration on the impact of noise levels:
a) In residential zones, the noise standard shall be five dB lower between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. b) Noise that is produced for no more than a cumulative period of five minutes in any hour may exceed the standards above by five dB.
c) Noise that is produced for no more than a cumulative period of one minute in any hour may exceed the standards above by 10 dB.
Zoning administrator may require acoustic study. The zoning administrator may require an acoustic study for any proposed project which could have or create a noise exposure greater than that deemed acceptable. For any study required, noise shall be measured with a sound level meter which meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section S1.4- 1979, Type 1 or Type 2). Noise levels shall be measured in decibels from the property line. The unit of measure shall be designated as dB. A calibration check shall be made of the instrument at the time any noise measurement is made. Noise attenuation measures. The zoning administrator may require the incorporation into a project of any noise attenuation measures deemed necessary to ensure that noise standards are not exceeded.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-12
Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan The Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan is intended to promote compatibility between the airports in Contra Costa County and the land uses which surround them. As previously discussed, the Buchanan Field Airport is located just outside the northeast corner of the Pleasant Hill city limits. The operation of the Buchanan Field Airport affects development in Pleasant Hill through the enforcement of overlay and safety zones, which functionally creates restrictions on development within the vicinity of the airport based on proximity to the airport and flight path.
Portions of Pleasant Hill are located in Safety Zone 4, which limits buildings to have no more than four habitable floors above ground.9 Additionally, per policy 5.2.2, new single-family, duplex, and mobile home residential uses are considered normally acceptable up to 55 dB CNEL and marginally acceptable at exposures between 55 and 65 dB CNEL. Per policy 5.2.3, new multi-family residential developments are normally acceptable up to 60 dB CNEL and marginally acceptable at exposures between 60 and 65 dB CNEL.
3.10.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Noise.
Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Generate 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?
b) Generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) If located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Approach to Analysis
Construction Noise
Construction noise levels that could occur with implementation of the 2040 General Plan are based on reference noise levels published by the FTA.
Stationary On-Site Operational Noise
Stationary noise (i.e., on-site operational noise) were analyzed in context of typical mechanical equipment on commercial, industrial, residential and mixed-use development such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units.
Mobile Off-site Operational Noise
Roadway vehicle noise levels for the 2040 General Plan were estimated using the FHWA roadway vehicle noise prediction model methodology. Roadway vehicle noise impacts are analyzed based on 9 Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commissions. 2000. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4307/Airport-Land-Use-Commission-ALUC (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-13
average daily trip (ADT) roadway volume for existing conditions and General Plan 2040 Buildout, as well as speeds, and number of lanes data.
10 The FHWA model predicts noise levels through a series of adjustments to a reference sound level. These adjustments account for distances from the roadway, roadway vehicle volumes, vehicle speeds, car/truck mix, number of lanes, and road width.
Groundborne Vibration
Development facilitated under the 2040 General Plan would not include substantial vibration sources associated with operation. Construction activities have the greatest potential to generate groundborne vibration affecting nearby noise-sensitive receptors. Construction vibration levels that could occur due to buildout of the 2040 General Plan are based on reference vibration levels published by the FTA.
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No comments relevant to CEQA were received in response to the EIR NOP specific to noise and vibration that need to be addressed in the impacts discussion.
Specific Thresholds of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds of significance are used to evaluate the significance of noise and vibration resulting from implementation of the proposed plan.
Construction Noise
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could have a significant impact if temporary construction noise during permitted daytime hours exposed noise-sensitive receivers to significantly adverse noise levels, or if construction noise occurred outside the hours detailed in Municipal Code Section 9.1 5.040.L. As the City does not define a quantitative construction noise threshold, for purposes of analyzing impacts from the project, the City has determined that the FTA construction criteria are applicable to the project. The FTA provides reasonable criteria for assessing construction noise impacts based on the potential for adverse community reaction in their Transit and Noise Vibration Impact Assessment Manual.
11 For residential uses, the daytime noise threshold is 80 dBA Leq(8hr) for an 8-hour period. Construction noise would be significant if it exceeds this threshold.
Stationary On-site Operational Noise
Stationary on-site operational noise impacts were analyzed using the City’s maximum noise standards for each zoning district as shown in Table 3.10-5 above.
Mobile Off-site Operational Noise
A project normally has a significant effect on the environment related to noise if it substantially increases the ambient noise levels for adjoining areas. Most people can detect changes in sound levels of approximately 3 dBA under normal, quiet conditions. Changes of 1 to 3 dBA are detectable under quiet, controlled conditions. Changes of less than 1 dBA are usually indiscernible. A change of 10 Roadway vehicle segment volumes and data from Fehr & Peers collected in 2019 were used as existing conditions for analysis purposes.
The City determined that roadway vehicle data collected in 2019 provided a more conservative baseline compared to data during the COVID-19 pandemic. 11 Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-14
5 dBA is readily discernible to most people in an exterior environment. Based on this, the following thresholds of significance are used to assess roadway vehicle noise impacts at sensitive receiver locations:
Greater than 1.5 dBA increase for ambient noise environments of 65 dBA CNEL and higher Greater than 3 dBA increase for ambient noise environments of 60-64 CNEL Greater than 5 dBA increase for ambient noise environments of less than 60 dBA CNEL Exposure to Aircraft Noise
For a plan or project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, if the plan or project exposes people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels such as noise levels exceeding normally acceptable noise levels in the 2040 General Plan.
Vibration
The City has not adopted a significance threshold to assess vibration impacts during construction and operation. Therefore, criteria from the FTA are used to evaluate potential construction vibration impacts related to potential building damage from construction. 12 Construction vibration impacts
from development would be significant if vibration levels exceed the FTA criteria shown in Table 3.10-3 above.
Impact Evaluation
Ambient Noise Compared to Standards
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan generate 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?
Impact NOI-1 CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD TEMPORARILY INCREASE NOISE LEVELS, POTENTIALLY AFFECTING NEARBY NOISE-SENSITIVE LAND USES.
DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD ALSO INTRODUCE NEW NOISE SOURCES AND CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASES IN OPERATIONAL NOISE. THE CONTINUED REGULATION OF NOISE, CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY CODE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSED 2040 GENERAL PLAN POLICIES WOULD MINIMIZE DISTURBANCE TO ADJACENT LAND USES. HOWEVER, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL MOBILE NOISE COULD EXCEED STANDARDS. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE EVEN WITH MITIGATION.
Construction
Noise from individual construction projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would temporarily increase noise levels at nearby noise-sensitive receptors. Since at this stage of planning, projectlevel details are not available for future projects that would be carried out under the 2040 General Plan, it is not possible to determine exact noise levels, locations, or time periods for construction of 12 Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-15
such projects, or construction noise at adjacent properties. However, noise estimates for typical construction activities have been provided below.
Construction activities would generate noise from phases such as demolition, site preparation, grading, building construction, and paving activities. Each phase of construction has a specific equipment mix and associated noise characteristics, depending on the equipment used during that phase. Construction noise would typically be higher during the more equipment-intensive phases of initial construction (i.e., demolition, site preparation, and grading work) and would be lower during the later construction phases (i.e., building construction and paving). Table 3.10-6 illustrates typical noise levels associated with construction equipment at a distance of 50 feet and 100 feet.
Table 3.10-6 Typical Noise Levels for Construction Equipment Equipment
Estimated Noise Levels at Nearest
Sensitive Receptors (dBA Leq)
50 feet 100 feet
Air Compressor 80 74
Backhoe 80 74
Concrete Mixer 85 79
Dozer 85 79
Grader 85 79
Jack Hammer 88 82
Loader 80 74
Paver 85 79
Pile-drive (Impact) 101 95
Pile-driver (Sonic) 95 89
Roller 85 79
Saw 76 70
Scarified 83 77
Scraper 85 79
Truck 84 78
Source: Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Neither the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code nor the 2040 General Plan contain quantitative limits for construction noise. In lieu of City-specific standards, the FTA criteria for assessing construction noise impacts are used. For residential uses, the FTA daytime noise threshold is 80 dBA Leq (8 hour) for an 8- hour period.
Noise would typically drop off at a rate of about 6 dBA per doubling of distance. Therefore, noise levels would be about 6 dBA lower than shown in Table 3.10-6 at 200 feet from the noise source and 12 dBA lower at a distance of 400 feet from the noise source. As shown in these noise levels, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-16
construction noise may exceed the FTA’s daytime noise threshold, depending on the equipment used and the distance in which the equipment is operating compared to noise-sensitive receptors.
Since at this stage of planning, project-level details are not available for future projects that would facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, it is not possible to determine exact noise levels, locations, or time periods for construction of such projects, or construction noise at adjacent properties.
Therefore, construction noise levels associated with future projects may exceed the FTA’s daytime construction noise limits, and impacts would be potentially significant.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1 would reduce 2040 General Plan construction noise impacts associated with future discretionary projects in Pleasant Hill. However, as exact details of future project-specific construction activities are unknown at this stage of planning, construction noise could still exceed the daytime significance threshold or potentially need to occur during the more sensitive nighttime hours for concrete pours or pumps that need to run overnight for water resources projects. Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1 would not ensure that construction noise impacts would be reduced to below the significance threshold of 80 dBA Leq during the daytime at residential uses and other sensitive receptors in all cases. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan construction noise impact would be significant and unavoidable. It should be noted that the identification of this program-level impact does not preclude the finding of less-thansignificant impacts for subsequent projects analyzed at the project level. .
Operation
STATIONARY OPERATIONAL NOISE
Stationary sources of noises may occur on all types of land uses. Residential uses would generate noise from landscaping, maintenance activities, and mechanical equipment such as ground-level and rooftop ventilation and heating (HVAC) systems. Commercial uses would generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, and other sources. Industrial uses may generate noise from HVAC systems, loading docks, and possibly machinery. Other noise generated by residential or commercial uses such as conversations and parking lot activity is generally short and intermittent. Industrial uses may generate noise on a more continual basis. Nightclubs, outdoor dining areas, gas stations, car washes, fire stations, drive-throughs, swimming pool pumps, school playgrounds, athletic and music events, and public parks are other common noise sources. The proposed Hazards and Safety Element contains goals, policies, and programs that require local planning and development decisions to consider noise-related impacts from stationary sources.
The following proposed General Plan 2040 goal, policies, and programs would minimize potential adverse noise-related impacts from stationary sources.
Goal HS-7 Ensure the community is protected from noise that interferes with human activity or causes health problems.
Policy HS-7.1 Noise Level Standards. Require new development to be designed and constructed to meet acceptable noise level standards adopted by the City.
Policy HS-7.2 Noise Impact Mitigation. Evaluate the noise impacts of new development based on the potential for significant increases in noise levels, in addition to compliance with acceptability standards and require mitigation, if necessary, to comply with City noise standards.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-17
Policy HS-7.4 Residential Site Design Noise Consideration. Protect residential areas from noise and vibration by requiring appropriate site and building design, sound walls, and landscaping and by the use of noise attenuating construction techniques and materials.
Policy HS-7.5 Noise Restrictions in Commercial and Industrial Developments. Require new commercial and industrial developments adjacent to residential uses to reduce potential noise impacts to comply with City noise standards.
Hazards and Safety Element Implementation Programs
Program O Establish Acoustical Study Requirement Areas. Prepare acoustical study requirements based on the City noise contour map that will determine when acoustic studies shall be required for sensitive land uses.
Program P Noise Level Standards. Amend Municipal Code Chapter 9.15 to establish clear, measurable, and acceptable exterior noise level standards for all new developments and additions, including capital improvement projects. The amended Chapter shall include procedures to measure and monitor noise, and enforcement procedures.
Program R Noise in Residential Areas. Amend the City noise ordinance to prohibit activities such as garbage and recycling pickup, parking lot vacuuming in residential areas, and the use of all landscape equipment.
Implementation of these policies would ensure that noise from new developments is analyzed and mitigated to acceptable levels prior to project approval. Noise impacts from operational use of residential-scale HVAC units, industrial equipment, and other stationary noise sources would be reduced by proposed 2040 General Plan policies. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan stationary operational noise impact would be less than significant.
MOBILE OPERATIONAL NOISE
Implementation of the 2040 General Plan would allow additional buildout, which would generate new vehicle trips that could incrementally increase the exposure of land uses along roadways to operation roadway vehicle noise. Figure 3.10-3 shows the 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL noise contours from roadways and highways for 2040 roadway vehicle scenarios. The complete distances to the 70, 65, and 60 dBA CNEL noise contours for roadway segments are included in Appendix D. Table 3.10-7 shows the estimated roadway vehicle noise level increases on study roadway segments over existing conditions at 50 feet from the centerline of the nearest travel lane.
As shown in Table 3.10-7, significant roadway vehicle noise increases are estimated along Taylor Boulevard west of Contra Costa Boulevard, Contra Costa Boulevard north of Beth Drive, Taylor Boulevard east of Alhambra Avenue, Taylor Boulevard west of Alhambra Avenue, Gregory Lane west of Cleaveland Road, and Contra Costa Boulevard north of Monument Boulevard. Along all other roadway study segments, roadway vehicle noise increases would be less than significant.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-18
Figure 3.10-3 2040 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-19
Table 3.10-7 Roadway Vehicle Noise Increase Along Roadway Segments Roadway Segment Existing ADT 2040 Buildout ADT
Existing Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
2040 Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Increase
(dBA CNEL)
Significant?
Y/N
Pacheco Boulevard – North of 1st Avenue 17,000 23,600 66.8 68.2 1.4 N Center Avenue – West of Pacheco Boulevard 8,000 82,00 63.4 63.5 0.1 N Chilpaningo Parkway – West of Pacheco Boulevard 17,800 23,000 65.9 67.0 1.1 N Contra Costa Boulevard – South of Concord Avenue 30,000 39,700 67.8 69.0 1.2 N Golf Club Road – West of Pacheco Boulevard 13,100 15,700 64.2 65.0 0.8 N Morello Avenue – North of Paso Nogal Road 8,600 11,500 63.8 65.1 1.3 N Paso Nogal Road – East of Morello Avenue 3,900 8,600 56.9 60.3 3.4 N Paso Nogal Road – East of Alhambra Avenue 5,000 5,900 56.3 57.0 0.7 N Viking Drive – West of Contra Costa Boulevard 7,200 9,100 58.4 59.4 1.0 N Morello Avenue – South of Viking Drive 8,800 14,800 61.1 63.4 2.3 N Norse Drive – North of Taylor Boulevard 6,500 9,600 59.1 60.8 1.7 N Taylor Boulevard – West of Contra Costa Boulevard 23,200 34,400 70.4 72.1 1.7 Y Contra Costa Boulevard – North of Beth Drive 21,600 37,100 68.1 70.5 2.3 Y Ellinwood Drive – East of Contra Costa Boulevard 8,200 15,900 60.1 63.0 2.9 N Lucille Lane – North of Maureen Lane 3,100 9,400 55.9 60.7 4.8 N Taylor Boulevard – East of Alhambra Avenue 19,800 29,800 69.4 71.0 1.6 Y Pleasant Hill Road – North of Taylor Boulevard 27,200 32,500 69.8 70.6 0.8 N Taylor Boulevard – West of Alhambra Avenue 19,000 27,400 72.3 73.9 1.6 Y Pleasant Hill Road – North of Grayson Road 15,900 22,300 66.7 68.1 1.5 N Taylor Boulevard – South of Grayson Road 21,600 29,400 69.9 71.2 1.3 N Gregory Lane – East of Pleasant Hill Road 13,300 18,500 64.3 65.7 1.4 N Gregory Lane – West of Cleaveland Road 16,700 28,400 65.6 67.9 2.3 Y Cleaveland Road – South of Gregory Lane 9,300 14,000 61.9 63.6 1.8 N Contra Costa Blvd – North of Monument Boulevard 30,600 53,500 70.5 72.9 2.4 Y City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-20
Roadway Segment Existing ADT 2040 Buildout ADT
Existing Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
2040 Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Level at 50 feet
(dBA CNEL)
Roadway
Vehicle Noise
Increase
(dBA CNEL)
Significant?
Y/N
Boyd Road – West of Cleaveland Road 16,700 21,700 63.2 64.3 1.1 N Monument Boulevard – East of Buskirk Avenue 45,300 49,000 71.0 71.4 0.3 N Buskirk Avenue – South of Monument Boulevard 25,800 30,800 66.4 67.1 0.8 N Hookston Road – East of Buskirk Avenue 14,100 14,900 63.9 64.1 0.2 N Buskirk Avenue – South of Mayhew Way 8,900 12,300 61.6 63.0 1.4 N Oak Park Boulevard – West of Hook Avenue 14,400 19,600 64.0 65.3 1.3 N Patterson Boulevard – North of Oak Park Boulevard 5,500 8,200 59.6 61.4 1.7 N Pleasant Hill Road – North of Oak Park Boulevard 8,200 13,400 64.2 66.3 2.1 N Oak Park Blvd – East of Pleasant Hill Road 10,500 15,200 63.9 65.5 1.6 N Geary Road – East of Pleasant Hill Road 12,600 13,900 64.9 64.9 0.0 N Taylor Boulevard – South of Withers Avenue 22,500 30,100 73.0 74.3 1.3 N ADT = average daily trips
Bold = significant increase
Source: Fehr & Peers 2022
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-21
The following proposed 2040 General Plan policies and program would reduce roadway vehicle noise:
Policy LU-6.55 Freeway Buffering. Encourage additional Ellinwood Way buffering techniques to mitigate potential noise impacts from Interstate 680 on future mixed-use development.
Policy HS-7.3 Transportation Agency Cooperation. Proactively cooperate with transportation agencies, including Caltrans and CCTA, to reduce noise from existing and future transportation facilities, including the development of noise reduction strategies related to the design and location of all facilities.
Hazards and Safety Element Implementation Programs
Program Q Dialogue with Caltrans. Encourage Caltrans to resurface all designated concrete roads within the City to reduce vehicle noise.
In addition, the following proposed 2040 General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs would encourage active transportation modes, such as walking and bicycling, as well as the use of public transit, thereby reducing vehicle trips and roadway vehicle noise in Pleasant Hill.
Goal LU-3 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.2 Connectivity. Encourage new residential and mixed-use development to incorporate design features that promote walking within neighborhoods and citywide.
Goal LU-6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.
Policy LU-6.4 Enhanced Connectivity. Support the expansion of alternative transportation options including enhancements to the multi-use trail, expanded bike lanes along Golf Club Road, and additional connections between new and existing development.
Policy LU-6.16 Walkable Environment. Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.
Policy LU-6.25 Transit-Oriented Development. Encourage the design and development of transit-oriented developments along Contra Costa Boulevard to support future transportation system enhancements.
Policy LU-6.27 Pedestrian Oriented Development. Support the transformation of existing auto-oriented and strip commercial uses into attractive pedestrianoriented developments that enhance the visual character and interest of the boulevard.
Policy LU-6.34 Transform Gregory Lane. Support the transformation of Gregory Lane into an attractive streetscape that includes neighborhood-serving mixed-use with active frontages facing the street, wider sidewalks, expanded bicycle lanes, and consistent landscaping.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-22
Policy LU-6.48 Pedestrian Connectivity. Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks.
Goal LU-7 Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.
Policy LU-7.2 Alternative Transportation Improvements. Support new development and infrastructure improvements in existing neighborhoods that enable and encourage people to drive less and walk, bike, or take public transit more.
Policy LU-7.3 Remove Physical Barriers. Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.
Land Use Element Implementation Programs
Program L Pedestrian and Bicycle Barrier Removal. Prepare an analysis of the physical barriers to walking and bicycling throughout the city. Identify options for and prepare a program for barrier removal. The analysis should include improvement prioritization, cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for improvements.
Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.
Policy TC-1.2 Multimodal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.
Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.
Policy TC-2.5 Transportation Demand Management (TDM). Require robust transportation demand management with all new private development that requires establishment of incentives and programs to reduce traffic congestion including annual reporting to ensure transportation demand management goals for a project are being met and to correct transportation demand management practices.
Policy TC-2.6 Safe Routes to School (SR2S). Establish a Safe Routes to School program in collaboration with the school districts and private schools that identifies and promotes suggested routes to school and incentivizes students and parents to use alternative transportation modes for school commutes.
Goal TC-4 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.
Policy TC-4.4 Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.
Policy TC-4.5 Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-23
Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (nondriving) modes of transportation.
Policy TC-5.1 Evaluate Multimodal Facility Needs. Evaluate the needs of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and/or access for new development as part of the review process, and require new development to incorporate transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access where feasible and appropriate, consistent with the Circulation Element and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (when adopted).
Policy TC-5.3 Mobility Technology Support. Identify and implement technology that supports walking, biking, commuting, and other alternative transportation modes within the City including infrastructure that supports micro mobility use within the City.
Goal TC-6 Reduce reliance on the automobile by promoting alternative modes of transportation.
Policy TC-6.1 Encourage Non-Driving Forms of Personal Mobility. Encourage bicycling, walking, and other forms of personal mobility, like e-scooters, e-bikes, and neighborhood electric vehicles, as energy conserving, non-polluting modes of travel.
Policy TC-6.2 Private Development of Transportation Facilities. Encourage private entities to develop and maintain publicly accessible transportation facilities, including transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities.
Policy TC-6.3 Non-Vehicular Transportation Requirement. Require new developments that would result in significant increases in air pollution, VMT or noise to incorporate non-vehicular facilities or programs that would reduce the overall project impacts on these resources including e-Bike charging stations and free use e-Bike pod stations for residential and commercial development.
Policy TC-6.4 Amenities for Non-Driving Modes of Transportation. Require new development with more than 10 housing units or over 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses to include amenities that encourage active modes of transportation that reduce pollution or VMT as a benefit to the community (e.g., bicycle lockers/racks, showers, dedicated vanpool or carpool parking areas, dedicated shuttle services, e-bike charging stations innovative bus shelter designs).
Goal TC-12 Strive to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian related crashes.
Policy TC-12.6 Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network of bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools and other frequently visited destinations.
Policy TC-12.7 Emphasis on Walking and Biking. Encourage more people to walk and bicycle for a variety of purposes.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-24
Policy TC-12.8 Bicycle Parking. Support the expansion of the bicycle parking network in Pleasant Hill.
Policy TC-12.11 Commute Information. Promote 511 Contra Costa alternative commute mode materials to encourage reduced reliance on vehicular use.
Goal TC-13 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation.
Policy TC-13.1 Bus and Rail Services. Coordinate with local transit providers (i.e., bus, paratransit, and rail service) to provide expanded schedules and services that meet the needs of Pleasant Hill residents.
Policy TC-13.2 Innovative Transportation Technologies. Work with transit providers, employers, schools, and developers to encourage innovative technologies that promote more effective and expanded use of transit and facilitate other innovations to serve first and last mile travel, such as mobility hubs and micro-mobility (e-scooters, e-bikes).
Goal TC-15 Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle trip lengths and manage vehicle congestion through a comprehensive program of transportation resources and services.
Policy TC-15.1 TDM Alternatives. Meet the increased transportation needs of the community with TDM alternatives.
Policy TC-15.2 Require TDM Programs. Require new development to implement appropriate TDM programs to encourage walking, biking, carpooling, and transit use, and to reduce vehicle trips.
Policy TC-15.3 TDM for New Development. All new development with more than 10 housing units or over 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses shall be required to include a detailed and measurable TDM program.
Policy TC-15.6 TDM Measures for Non-Residential Land Uses. Encourage measures to reduce vehicular trips and vehicle-miles travelled (VMT). Examples are the provision of on-site childcare and after-school care facilities, and on-site modular mini-conference rooms for virtual meetings.
Transportation & Circulation Element Implementation Programs Program G Non-automobile Commute Incentives. Prepare an analysis of potential incentives to encourage City employees to commute to work using alternative means, including BART and bus passes, ridesharing, van pooling, and secure bicycle storage facilities.
Program J Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan. Update every seven (7) years the Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan to specify bicycle and pedestrian facility networks, and to identify and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility needs in the city.
Program P Incentivized Reduced Vehicle Trips. Create incentives for existing employers to reduce their vehicle trips.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-25
Program Q Promote Carpools and Vanpools. Promote the use of carpools and vanpools by supporting and advertising services and programs implemented by 511ContraCosta.org, which operates transportation demand management (TDM) programs and services in the city.
Program R Transportation Demand Management System. Develop a transportation demand management program checklist and seek to fund TDM fee.
Program U Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network or bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools, and other frequently visited destinations.
Implementation of these policies would reduce operational roadway vehicle trips and associated operational roadway vehicle noise to the extent feasible. However, implementation of these goals, policies, and implementation programs highlighted above would not guarantee that roadway vehicle noise would be below the thresholds of significance. As such, roadway vehicle noise impacts would be potentially significant. Since there are no feasible measures that would reduce roadway vehicle noise to less than significant in all cases, this impact is considered significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-1 ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO UPDATE THE
ZONING ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION NOISE REDUCTION
MEASURES
To minimize noise during construction, 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. 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. Stationary Equipment. All stationary construction equipment shall be placed so that emitted noise is directed away from the nearest sensitive receivers. 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.
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.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-26
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. 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.
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.
Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Airport Activity Noise
Significance Criterion b: For location within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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 proposed plans expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? IMPACT NOI-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN NEAR BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT
MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE LEVELS THAT EXCEED NOISE LAND USE COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS BUT WOULD NOT RESULT IN A DIRECT INCREASE IN AIRPORT AND AIRSTRIP ACTIVITY. PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN POLICIES REQUIRE ANALYSIS OF PROJECTS THAT MAY EXCEED ACCEPTABLE NOISE EXPOSURE STANDARDS. THE CONTINUED
REGULATION OF AIRPORT NOISE CONSISTENT WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN POLICIES AND THE CONTRA COSTA AIRPORT LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PLAN
WOULD ALSO MINIMIZE DISTURBANCE TO PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN PROXIMITY OF THE BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Potential noise impacts related to location proximate to a private airstrip or public use airport are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts related to effects of airport activity noise would occur.
Operation
The Buchanan Field Airport is a public airport that has a recently renovated runway, aviation services and facilities, emergency response services, access to Bay Area transportation and business Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-27
centers, and related transportation amenities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan is not expected to directly increase airport activities and airport noise. Existing requirements for airports would reduce the noise impacts of airport activity on residents and workers. Title 21 of the California Code of Regulations establishes noise standards for airports and the responsibilities of the regional Airport Land Use Commissions, which prepare land use compatibility plans with thorough evaluations of airport noise, as described above in Section 3.10.3, Regulatory Setting. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administrative Regulation Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program is designed to reduce the effect of airport noise on the surrounding communities as airports expand.
Further, individual projects as a result of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be subject to all development standards if the project is located within Safety Zone 4 of the Buchanan Field Airport, and other policies contained within the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan intended to reduce land use conflicts with airport operations. Such measures are required for the Buchanan Field Airport, which are outlined in Section 3.10.3, Regulatory Setting.
As required by General Plan 2040 Policy HS-7.1, new development would be required to be designed and constructed to meet acceptable noise level standards adopted by the City.
Additionally, as required by Policy HS-7.2, noise impacts from new development would be evaluated based on the potential for significant increases in noise levels and compliance with acceptability standards. Acoustical design features would be required, if necessary, to comply with City noise standards. Program O of the Hazards and Safety Element also requires the establishment of acoustical study requirement areas which would determine when acoustical studies shall be required for sensitive land uses.
Lastly, the following proposed 2040 General Plan Health and Safety Element policies would reduce noise from the Buchanan Field Airport.
Goal HS-6 Ensure that airport operations do not adversely affect quality of life and safety for residents.
Policy HS-6.1 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Adherence. Ensure consistency with the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan development restrictions.
Policy HS-6.2 Airport Coordination. Coordinate with Buchanan Field Airport on land use considerations where compatibility issues may occur on the border of the airfield.
With the aforementioned requirements in place and implementation of proposed 2040 General Plan policies, airport activity would not expose residents and workers to excessive noise. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan operational impact related to consistency with noise land use compatibility standards and effects of airport activity noise would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures would be required.
Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-28
Groundborne Vibration and Noise Generation
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
IMPACT NOI-3 CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD TEMPORARILY GENERATE GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION AND NOISE, POTENTIALLY AFFECTING NEARBY LAND USES.
OPERATION OF DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION AND NOISE. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.
Construction
Construction of individual projects facilitated by the proposed 2040 General Plan could intermittently generate groundborne vibration to nearby properties. Table 3.10-8 lists groundborne vibration levels from various types of construction equipment at various distances.
Table 3.10-8 Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment Approximate Vibration Level (in/sec PPV)
Equipment
25 feet
from Source
50 feet
from Source
100 feet
from Source
200 feet
from Source
Caisson Drilling 0.089 0.031 0.011 0.004
Jackhammer 0.035 0.012 0.004 0.002
Large Bulldozer 0.089 0.031 0.011 0.004
Loaded Truck 0.076 0.027 0.010 0.003
Pile Driver (impact) Upper range 1.519 0.537 0.190 0.067 Typical 0.644 0.228 0.081 0.028
Pile Driver (sonic) Upper range 0.734 0.260 0.092 0.032 Typical 0.170 0.060 0.021 0.008
Small Bulldozer 0.003 0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Vibratory Roller 0.21 0.074 0.026 0.009
Source: Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. November. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessmentmanual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed October 2022).
As shown in Table 3.10-8, buildings and structures could experience the strongest vibration during the use of pile-drivers and vibratory rollers. Vibration levels from pile-drivers could approach 1.519 in/sec PPV at a distance of 25 feet from the source and 0.190 in/sec at 100 feet, and vibration levels from vibratory rollers could approach 0.21 in/sec PPV at a distance of 25 feet and 0.026 at 100 feet.
The threshold for historic structures is 0.12 in/sec PPV; the threshold is higher for residential buildings at 0.2 in/sec PPV.
Vibration levels from typical equipment such as bulldozers and jackhammers would not exceed FTA thresholds for historic structures and residential buildings at a distance of 25 feet or greater.
However, vibration levels from pile driving equipment and vibratory rollers may exceed FTA thresholds. Implementation of Policy HS-7.4 contained in the 2040 General Plan would reduce construction vibration in residential areas.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-29
Policy HS-7.4 Residential Site Design Noise Consideration. Protect residential areas from noise and vibration by requiring appropriate site and building design, sound walls, and landscaping and by the use of noise attenuating construction techniques and materials.
Implementation of Policy HS-7.4 would ensure that residential areas are protected from noise and vibration. However, since at this stage of planning, project-level details are not available for individual development projects that would be carried out under the 2040 General Plan, it is not possible to determine which projects may use pile driving or vibratory rollers and their exact vibration levels, locations, or time periods for construction of such projects. Therefore, construction vibration levels may exceed FTA vibration levels for preventing architectural building damage, and impacts would be potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-2 would reduce 2040 General Plan construction groundborne vibration and noise impacts in Pleasant Hill to a level of less than significant.
Operation
Residential, commercial, industrial, and retail land uses facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not involve substantial vibration sources associated with operation such as railroad and subway.
Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational groundborne vibration and noise impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-2 ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO UPDATE
THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION
CONTROL MEASURES
To reduce potential construction vibration 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 nonengineered 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.
Level of Significance
Less than significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-30
3.10.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative noise analysis is the City of Pleasant Hill and adjacent city and airport areas. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (see Chapter 3.0, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and at the Buchanan Field Airport in addition to the proposed plan.
Construction Noise
Construction noise generated by the 2040 General Plan, in combination with construction activities for other cumulative projects that may be constructed simultaneously could, without mitigation, substantially increase noise levels in the vicinity of future projects. Mitigation measures have been identified to help reduce noise from construction equipment from 2040 General Plan projects.
Therefore, unless construction of cumulative projects, including those proposed under development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, occur in close proximity to each other and simultaneously, noise from individual construction projects have a small chance of combining to create significant cumulative impacts. Although this scenario is unlikely, and mitigation measures would be implemented to the extent feasible, the potential remains for a cumulatively considerable increase in construction noise from 2040 General Plan projects. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to construction noise would be significant and unavoidable.
Operational Stationary Noise
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would introduce new stationary noise sources to the ambient noise environment in the vicinity of the plan area, including new mechanical ventilation equipment. These sources may combine with other nearby cumulative projects to result in higher noise levels. However, operational noise from these sources is localized and rapidly attenuates within an urbanized setting due to the effects of intervening structures and topography that block the line of sight and due to other noise sources closer to receptors that obscure project-related noise. Implementation of city municipal code noise standards would ensure that noise from new stationary sources as part of the cumulative projects would be within acceptable levels. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to operational stationary noise would be less than significant.
Operational Mobile Noise
As discussed in Impact NOI-2, roadway vehicle noise increases from development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would contribute to noise level increases that exceed impact criteria and would be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, in combination with mobile noise for other cumulative projects, the cumulative impact related to operational mobile (roadway vehicle) noise would be significant and unavoidable.
Groundborne Vibration and Noise
Although there could be other cumulative projects simultaneously under construction near a development project facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the potential for construction groundborne vibration and noise impacts is within relatively close distances (e.g., within approximately 25 feet for a vibratory roller). Since no two construction cumulative projects would Environmental Impact Analysis
Noise
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.10-31
both be within 25 feet of a given sensitive structure, cumulative groundborne vibration and noise impacts would be less than significant.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.10-32
This page intentionally left blank.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-1
3.11 Public Services and Recreation
3.11.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing conditions related to public services (fire, police, schools, library) and recreation (parks and open space) serving Pleasant Hill, as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates potential impacts to public services and recreation that could result from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information in this section is based on information obtained from the Pleasant Hill 2003 General Plan, Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, as well as from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Pleasant Hill Police Department, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Contra Costa County Library, and Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District.
3.11.2 Environmental Setting
Fire Protection
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Service Area The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) provides fire protection services to all of Contra Costa County in its approximately 304 square-mile service area. CCCFPD operates 25 fire stations with 27 fire companies and approximately 288 firefighters, and provides a variety of services including fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical, rescue, ambulance transport, and public education programs.According to the 2018 CCCFPD annual report, CCCFPD maintains a fleet of approximately 40 Type 1 fire engines, 10 aerial ladder trucks, 22 Type 3 wildland firefighting engines, 53 ambulances, two heavy rescue vehicles, and several additional vehicles. The average response time to calls within the central region of the County, where the City of Pleasant Hill is located, is approximately 5 minutes and 35 seconds. 1, 2 Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan Area) is served by CCCFPD Fire Station No. 2, located at 2012 Geary Road in Pleasant Hill, and CCCFPD Fire Station No. 5, located at 205 Boyd Road in Pleasant Hill.3 Figure 3.11-1 shows these existing fire stations within Pleasant Hill.
Police Protection
City of Pleasant Hill Police Department Service Area (General Plan Area) The City of Pleasant Hill Police Department (PHPD) provides police protection services to Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan Area). PHPD operates one station, located at 330 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill. PHPD has approximately 57 full-time employees, and as of 2019 PHPD maintained 1.3 full-time equivalent sworn personnel per 1,000 residents, or approximately 46 sworn personnel.4 Figure 3.11-1 shows this existing police station within Pleasant Hill. 1 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. https://pleasanthill2040.com/documents.html (accessed September 2022). 2 CCCFPD. 2018. 2018 Annual Report. https://cccfpd.org/2018-annual-report/# (accessed September 2022). 3 CCCFPD. 2022. Station Addresses. https://cccfpd.org/station-address/ (accessed September 2022). 4 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. https://pleasanthill2040.com/documents.html (accessed September 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-2
Figure 3.11-1 Existing Pleasant Hill Fire and Police Station Locations Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-3
Public Schools
Mount Diablo Unified School District Service Area
Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) provides public education services to the City of Pleasant Hill. MDUSD operates 31 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools, and two adult education centers, which serve students across the Cities of Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and Concord; portions of the Cities of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, and several unincorporated Contra Costa County communities.5
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is served by seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, with all but two of these elementary schools located within Pleasant Hill (see Figure 3.11-3).6 These schools and their existing enrollment are shown below in Table 3.11-1.
Table 3.11-1 Public Schools Attendance Boundaries within General Plan Area School Name Grades 2021-2022 Enrollment
Mount Diablo Unified School District
Cambridge Elementary K – 5 499
Fair Oaks Elementary K – 5 306
Gregory Gardens Elementary K – 5 352
Hidden Valley Elementary K – 5 767
Pleasant Hill Elementary K – 5 570
Strandwood Elementary K – 5 551
Valhalla Elementary K – 5 579
Pleasant Hill Middle 6 – 8 706
Valley View Middle 6 – 8 732
College Park High 9 – 12 1,973
Ygnacio Valley High 9 – 12 1,230
Source: California Department of Education (DOE). 2022. 2021 – 2022. Enrollment by Grade. https://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/dqcensus/EnrGrdLevels.aspx?cds=0761754&agglevel=district&year=2021-22 (accessed September 2022).
The MDUSD current enrollment is approximately 29,800 students.7 Enrollment has been declining in recent years, decreasing by 0.6 percent to 1.5 percent each year between 2015 and 2020. Between 2020 and 2021, enrollment at MDUSD schools decreased by 1,129 students.8
5 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. https://pleasanthill2040.com/documents.html (accessed September 2022). 6 Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD). 2022. SchoolSite Locator. https://portal.schoolsitelocator.com/apps/ssl/?districtcode=10020 (accessed September 2022). 7 California Department of Education. 2022. 2021 – 2022. Enrollment by Grade. https://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/dqcensus/EnrGrdLevels.aspx?cds=0761754&agglevel=district&year=2021-22 (accessed September 2022).
8 California Department of Education. 2021. Enrollment Multi-Year Summary by Grade. https://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/dqcensus/EnrGrdYears.aspx?cds=0761754&agglevel=district&year=2021-22 (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-4
Figure 3.11-2 Existing School Locations Serving Pleasant Hill Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-5
Table 3.11-2 outlines the student generation rates utilized by MDUSD to calculate student enrollment associated with general housing development.
Table 3.11-2 MDUSD Student Generation Rates
Generation Rate per Housing Unit
Grade Single-Family units Multi-Family units
K – 6 0.172 0.253
7 – 8 0.046 0.064
9 – 12 0.077 0.117
Total 0.295 0.434
Source: Mt. Diablo Unified School District Ten Year Student Population Projections by Residence. https://mdusdca.schoolloop.com/file/1516177890045/1575703006235/5723210495881803816.pdf (accessed November 2022).
Libraries
Contra Costa County Library System Service Area
The Contra Costa County Library system operates 28 library facilities across Contra Costa County which serve the Cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek; the Towns of Danville and Moraga; and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Crockett, El Sobrante, Kensington, Rodeo.9
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The Pleasant Hill Library, located at 2 Monticello Avenue in Pleasant Hill, is operated by the Contra Costa County Library system and provides thousands of materials in multiple languages, and offers several programs to library patrons. Programs include weekly English language conversation meetings, weekly story readings for children of varying ages, and after-school art programs.
Parks and Recreational Facilities
City of Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Service Area (General Plan Area) There are approximately 147 acres of developed parkland in Pleasant Hill. The City provides four types of parkland, in addition to non-joint use school recreation facilities for public recreation. Parks are classified by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (PHRPD) as follows:
Developed parks, which consist of City parks throughout Pleasant Hill Open space, which consists of the Las Juntas Open Space Undeveloped open space, which consists of several undeveloped acres throughout the city Joint-use school facilities, which consist of school recreation facilities 9 Contra Costa County Library. 2022. Contra Costa County Library Locations. https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/locations/list (accessed December 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-6
PHRPD currently maintains 13 parks, one area of open space, and seven areas of undeveloped open space. PHRPD also lists the recreation facilities located at several schools within Pleasant Hill as publicly available parks and recreational facilities.10 Currently, there are approximately 4.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in Pleasant Hill (147 acres of parkland divided by 34 thousand residents),11 which exceeds the City goal to provide three acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. Additional parkland is available to Pleasant Hill residents west of the General Plan area, including Briones Regional Park. Table 3.11-3 summarizes the types and areas of parkland, and Figure 3.11-3 shows the locations of parkland throughout the General Plan area.
Table 3.11-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Facilities Inventory
Park or Recreational Facility Acreage1
Parks 127
Sherman Acres Park 0.16
Pinewood Park 0.5
Frank Salfingere Park 1.5
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center 1.8
Shannon Hills Park 2.1
Chilpancingo Park 2.5
Shadowood Park 2.5
Rodgers-Smith Park 4.5
Brookwood Park 6.3
Pleasant Oaks Park 11.5
Dinosaur Hill Park 13.6
Pleasant Hill Park 16.5
Paso Nogal Park 63
Open Space 7
Las Juntas Open Space 7
Undeveloped Acres 116
Ridgeview Open Space 57
Diablo Valley Estates Open Space 4
Valley High II Open Space 19.1
Valley High IV Open Space 11
Valley V Open Space 4.6
Woodside Hills I Open Space 7.2
Woodside Hills III Open Space 13.3
10 Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. 2020. Parks, Facilities, and Recreation Master Plan. https://pleasanthillrec.com/DocumentCenter/View/5770/Pleasant-Hill-MasterPlan-_FINAL_5-19-2020 (accessed September 2022). 11 California Department of Finance. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/ (accessed September 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-7
Park or Recreational Facility Acreage1
Schools/Other 13
College Park High School 3.4
Valley View Middle School Softball Field 4.8
Pleasant Hill Middle School N/A
Winslow Center 3.1
School House Site 1.9
Total Developed Parkland 147
Total Parkland 262.86
Recreational Facilities
Winslow Center >1
Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center >1
Pleasant Hill Community Center >1
Senior Center >1
Teen Center >1
Aquatic Park >1
1 Acreage is rounded to the nearest tenth acre. Numbers may not sum precisely due to rounding.
Source: Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. 2022. Recreation and Park District Parks, Facilities, and Recreation Master Plan. https://pleasanthillrec.com/DocumentCenter/View/5770/Pleasant-Hill-MasterPlan-_FINAL_5-19-2020 (accessed September 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-8
Figure 3.11-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreational Facility Locations Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-9
3.11.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes 300 codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. Among these codes and standards are specific policies designed for fire protection. These standards range from fire protection and life safety systems, standards for portable fire extinguishers to recreational vehicle standards.
State Regulations
California Health and Safety Code (Sections 13000 et seq.) California Health and Safety Code Sections 13100–13135 establish State fire regulations, including regulations for building standards (also set forth in the California Building Code), fire protection and notification systems, fire protection devices such as extinguishers and smoke alarms, high-rise building and childcare facility standards, and fire suppression training.
California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) The 2022 California Building Standards Code (CBC), contained in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, became effective January 1, 2020 and was adopted by the City of Pleasant Hill December 5, 2022 (Ordinance 958). Section 701A.3.2 of the CBC requires that new buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone in State Responsibility Areas, 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, comply with all sections of the Chapter.
California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9 (California Fire Code) The 2022 California Fire Code, contained in Part 9 of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, incorporates by adoption the 2018 International Fire Code of the International Code Council, with California amendments, and became effective January 1, 2020. The City of Pleasant Hill adopted the 2022 California Building Code December 5, 2022 (Ordinance 959). The California Fire Code regulates building standards set forth in the CBC, fire department access, fire protection systems and devices, fire and explosion hazards safety, hazardous materials storage and use, and standards for building inspection. The California Fire Code 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 or occupancy of buildings or premises; and provisions to assist emergency response personnel.
The California Fire Code is updated and published every 3 years by the California Building Standards Commission.
California Constitution Article XIII, Section 35
Section 35 of Article XIII of the California Constitution was adopted by the voters in 1993 under Proposition 172. Proposition 172 directed the proceeds of a 0.50-percent sales tax to be expended exclusively for local public safety services. California Government Code Sections 30051-30056 provide rules to implement Proposition 172. Public safety services include police protection. Section 30056 provides that cities are not allowed to spend less of their own financial resources on their combined public safety services in any given year compared to the 1992-93 fiscal year. Therefore, an City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-10
agency is required to use Proposition 172 to supplement its local funds used on police protection, as well as other public safety services. Section 35 at subdivision (a)(2) provides: “The protection of public safety is the first responsibility of local government and local officials have an obligation to give priority to the provision of adequate public safety services.” In City of Hayward v. Board of Trustees of California State University (2015) 242 Cal. App. 4th 833, the court found that Section 35 of Article XIII of the California Constitution requires local agencies to provide public safety services, including police protection, and that it is reasonable to conclude that the city will comply with that provision to ensure that public safety services are provided.
California Senate Bill 50
California Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) (funded by Proposition 1A, approved in 1998) limits the power of cities and counties to require mitigation of school facilities impacts as a condition of approving new development, and provides instead for a standardized developer fee. SB 50 generally provides for a 50/50 State and local school facilities funding match. SB 50 also provides for three levels of statutory impact fees. The application level depends on whether State funding is available, whether the school district is eligible for State funding, and whether the school district meets certain additional criteria involving bonding capacity, year-round school, and the percentage of moveable classrooms in use.
California Government Code Section 65995(b) (Title 7, Chapter 4.9) and Education Code Section 17620
California Government Code Section 65995 authorizes school districts to collect impact fees from developers of new residential and commercial/industrial building space. Section 65995 was established under the School Facilities Act of 1986 and refined and amended by the SB 50 to provide further guidance and restrictions on fee limits and fee types. The maximum fees authorized under SB 50 apply to zone changes, general plan amendments, zoning permits, and subdivisions.
No fees are charged for new or expanded facilities that are under 500 square feet. The payment of school impact fees by developers are deemed to provide full and complete mitigation of school facilities impacts, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in CEQA or other State or local laws.
MDUSD determines fees annually in accordance with California Government Code Section 65995.
Current MDUSD development impact fees are shown below in Table 3.11-4.
Table 3.11-4 Mt. Diablo Unified School District Development Impact Fees Development Type Development Impact Fee (per square foot) Residential $4.08
Commercial and Industrial $0.66
Hotel/Motel $0.524
Self-Storage $0.03
Source: Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD). 2021. Mt. Diablo Unified School District Annual Report Accounting for Developer Fees in the Capital Facilities Fund (Fund 25 For Fiscal Year 2020-21. https://mdusdca.schoolloop.com/file/1516177890045/1575703006235/232043188211450375.pdf?filename=20- 21%2BAnnual%2BReport%2BAccounting%2Bfor%2BDeveloper%2BFees%2Bin%2Bthe%2BCapital%2BFacilities%2BFund%2B%2528Fun d%2B25%2529.pdf (accessed September 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-11
Local Regulations
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Section 14.05.080 (Fire Code) Pleasant Hill Municipal Code (PHMC) Section 14.05.080 adopts the 2022 California Fire Code and incorporates local amendments proposed by the City and CCCFPD. Local amendments include but are not limited to access requirements for fire apparatus, construction and renovation requirements, and operational permit requirements.
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Articles 27 and 28
The City imposes development impact fees through PHMC Articles XXVII and XXVIII to fully or partially offset the costs of public capital facilities and infrastructure that is needed to serve new demand created by development projects that derive from projects. All new development in the City of Pleasant Hill is required to pay applicable development impact fees. The fees are imposed based on specified development categories.
Impact fees are different from, and apply in addition to, utility connection and planning application and building permit application fees, which are used to cover the cost of the City’s processing for permits and direct utility costs. The City may also impose other fees or exactions imposed pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act, or other measures required to mitigate site-specific impacts of a development project, including, but not limited to, mitigations pursuant to CEQA; regulatory and processing fees; fees required pursuant to a development agreement; funds collected pursuant to a reimbursement agreement that exceed the applicant’s share of public improvement costs; or assessment district proceedings, benefit assessments, or taxes.
City of Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to public services and recreation, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.
3.11.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Public Services and Recreation.
Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) 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:
1. Fire protection?
2. Police protection?
3. Schools?
4. Parks?
5. Other public facilities?
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-12
b) 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? c) Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Approach to Analysis
Fire and Police Services
Impacts on fire and police services were determined by evaluating the proposed plan’s effect on existing fire and police station response times. Projected population associated with buildout of the proposed 2040 General Plan was also reviewed. In addition, fire and police (emergency) access to the plan areas was evaluated. Furthermore, impacts related to fire and police service were also based on information received in response to request letters sent to the respective service providers for input related to possible impacts.
School and Library Services
Impacts on schools were determined by evaluating the proposed plan’s effect on existing school enrollment. Projected population and school enrollment data provided by the California Department of Education and MDUSD were also reviewed. Furthermore, impacts related to schools and other public facilities (i.e., libraries) were also based on information received in response to request letters sent to the respective service providers for input related to possible impacts.
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addresses comments received in response to publication of the Notice of Preparation for this EIR, regarding the provision of parks and open space. Impacts to parks and open space are discussed under Impact PS-4.
Specific Significance Thresholds
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of public service and recreation impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan:
Result in additional population or activities requiring fire protection, police protection, school, or library services in a manner that necessitates the need for new or altered facilities, the construction of which would result in significant construction-related traffic air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or noise impacts. If new or altered facilities are proposed or determined to be needed, then determination of significance of construction-related transportation, air quality, GHG emissions, hazards, and noise impacts is based on the respective specific thresholds of significance listed in Section 3.12, Transportation; Section 3.2, Air Quality; Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy; Section 3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire; and Section 3.10, Noise.
Result in additional population using recreational facilities and causing physical deterioration of such facilities.
Result in additional population creating need for new or physically altered parks, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable recreational facilities per capita ratio (specifically 3 acres of park per 1,000 persons).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-13
Impact Evaluation
New or Altered Fire Protection Facilities
Significance Criterion a1: Would the proposed plan result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered fire protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered fire protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
Impact PS-1 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCREASE THE POPULATION OF PLEASANT HILL, GENERATING ADDITIONAL NEED FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES. HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE WITH THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN IMPACTS RELATED TO THE NEED FOR NEW OR ALTERED FIRE FACILITIES THAT ARE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
The 2040 General Plan would allow a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill. As a result, CCCFPD could need to incrementally increase their fire protection services to the City of Pleasant Hill through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to accommodate subsequent personnel, equipment, and vehicles. In addition, the proposed plan would allow for a net increase of 1,401,063 gross square feet of semi-public and institutional land uses that could include fire protection facilities. The specific placement and potential impacts of new fire protection facilities are unknown at this time; if construction or expansion of future facilities are needed or proposed, then separate environmental review would be required that could determine and require future project-specific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are currently developed. As such, construction of new fire protection facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed and, thus, within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. Additionally, construction would be required to comply with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations governing the provision of fire protection services, including adequate fire access, fire flows, and number of hydrants. This includes the 2022 California Fire Code or its latest iteration, which contains project-specific requirements such as construction standards in new structures and remodels, road widths and configurations designed to accommodate the passage of fire trucks and engines, and requirements for sprinkler systems and minimum fire flow rates for water mains. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded fire facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Therefore, construction impacts related to potential need for new or expanded fire protection facilities would be less than significant.
Operation
As future buildout occurs under the 2040 General Plan, the CCCFPD will evaluate operations and deployment of services to efficiently use resources. Additionally, new development under buildout of the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations governing the provision of fire protection services, including adequate fire access, fire flows, and number of hydrants. This includes the 2022 California Fire Code or its latest iteration, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-14
which contains project-specific requirements such as construction standards in new structures and remodels, road widths and configurations designed to accommodate the passage of fire trucks and engines, and requirements for sprinkler systems and minimum fire flow rates for water mains.
Further, the 2040 General Plan would allow approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in the 2040 General Plan area, which would increase the demand for fire protection services.As a result, CCCFPD would need to incrementally increase their fire services to the City of Pleasant Hill through the year 2040.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element contains a number of goals and associated policies, listed below, for providing adequate fire protection services in Pleasant Hill.
Goal PFS-8 Advocate for high-quality fire emergency response citywide to prevent and minimize injury, loss of life, and property damage.
Policy PFS-8.1 First Response Travel Time. Work with the CCCFPD to ensure that first response travel time is maintained and enhanced where possible.
Policy PFS-8.2 Emergency Response Facilities and Personnel. Work with the CCCFPD to continue to increase the emergency response facilities and personnel necessary to meet residential and employment growth in the city.
Policy PFS-8.3 Fire Safety Requirements for New Developments. Require new development to incorporate adequate emergency water flow, fire resistant design and materials, and evacuation routes.
Policy PFS-8.4 Emergency Vehicle Accessibility. New development shall incorporate necessary emergency vehicle access and not impede the ability of service providers to provide adequate emergency response.
Policy PFS-8.5 Secondary Emergency Access Route Requirement. Require secondary emergency access routes for all areas of the city currently lacking dual access.
Consistent with Policy PFS-8.2, as future buildout occurs under the 2040 General Plan, the City will evaluate operations and deployment of services to efficiently use resources and ensure that development does not exceed the service capacity of CCCFPD. Further, Policies PFS-8.3 and PFS-8.4 would ensure that development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be served by adequate water supplies and would comply with applicable fire access and building standards so that CCCFPD can continue to adequately serve the City. Because the 2040 General Plan regulates the provision of fire protection services concurrently with 2040 General Plan development and population growth, operational impacts related to provision of fire protection services would be less than significant.
In summary, there is potential for CCCFPD to increase staffing levels through the year 2040 to meet established standards under buildout of the 2040 General Plan. Because the 2040 General Plan regulates the provision of fire protection services concurrently with development and population growth, operational impacts related to provision of fire protection services would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-15
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
New or Altered Police Protection Facilities
Significance Criterion a2: Would the proposed plan result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered police protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered fire protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
Impact PS-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCREASE POPULATION IN PLEASANT HILL, GENERATING ADDITIONAL NEED FOR POLICE PROTECTION SERVICES.
HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE WITH 2040 GENERAL PLAN POLICIES WOULD RESULT IN IMPACTS RELATED TO THE NEED FOR NEW OR ALTERED POLICE FACILITIES THAT ARE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
The 2040 General Plan would allow a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill. As a result, PHPD could need to incrementally increase their police services through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to house subsequent personnel, equipment, and vehicles. In addition, the proposed plan would allow for a net increase of 1,401,063 gross square feet of semi-public and institutional land uses that could include police protection facilities. The specific placement and potential impacts of new police facilities are unknown at this time; if construction or expansion of future facilities are needed or proposed, separate environmental review would be required that could determine and require future project-specific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are currently developed. Therefore, construction of new police facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed, and thus, within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded police protection facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Thus, construction impacts related to potential need for new or expanded police protection facilities would be considered less than significant.
Operation
As future buildout occurs under the 2040 General Plan, the City will evaluate operations and deployment of services to efficiently use resources. New development under buildout of the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations governing the provision of police protection services, including adequate emergency access and community safety measures. Further, the 2040 General Plan would allow approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill. As a result, PHPD would need to incrementally increase their police services through the year 2040.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-16
In addition, the 2040 General Plan Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element contains goals and associated policies, listed below, for providing adequate police protection services in Pleasant Hill.
Goal PFS-6 Provide high-quality public safety and crime reduction services to maintain a safe and secure community.
Policy PFS-6.1 Police Staffing. Maintain Police Department staffing levels in line with community needs.
Policy PFS-6.2 Development Review. Include the Police Department in the review of development proposals to ensure that crime and safety issues are consistently addressed in the review of new development. Such review shall take a comprehensive approach to public safety and promote the implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, as appropriate.
Because the 2040 General Plan regulates the provision of police protection services concurrently with 2040 General Plan development and population growth, operational impacts related to provision of police protection services would be less than significant.
In summary, there is potential for PHPD to increase staffing levels through the year 2040 to meet established standards under buildout of the 2040 General Plan. Because the 2040 General Plan regulates the provision of police protection services concurrently with development and population growth, operational impacts related to provision of police protection services would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-17
New or Altered School Facilities
Significance Criterion a3: Would the proposed plan result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered schools, or the need for new or physically altered schools, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives? Impact PS-3 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN POPULATION OF SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN PLEASANT HILL. THIS WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR SCHOOL SERVICES AND POTENTIALLY CREATE THE NEED FOR NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES. OPERATIONAL
IMPACTS OF NEW SCHOOL FACILITIES WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH PAYMENT OF SCHOOL IMPACT FEES. HOWEVER, EVEN WITH COMPLIANCE WITH 2040 GENERAL PLAN POLICIES, IMPACTS RELATED TO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW OR ALTERED SCHOOL FACILITIES WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF NEW SCHOOL LAND USES FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN.
Construction
The 2040 General Plan would allow a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill. As a result, MDUSD could need to incrementally increase their school services to the City of Pleasant Hill through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to accommodate subsequent students, staff, and facility space. In addition, the proposed plan would include 6,444,767 gross square feet of school uses. The specific placement and potential impacts of the new school facilities are unknown at this time; if construction or expansion of future facilities are needed, separate environmental review would be required, which could result in development and implementation of future projectspecific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan facilitates development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are currently developed. Therefore, construction of new school facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed and thus within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded school facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. However, given the large amount of net new school facilities anticipated under the proposed plan and the significant and unavoidable construction impacts associated with air quality, cultural resources, paleontological resources, and noise as discussed in Sections 3.2, Air Quality, 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources, and 3.10, Noise, respectively, it is conservatively concluded that construction impacts related to new or expanded school facilities would be significant and unavoidable.
Operation
Table 3.11-5 summarizes the potential increase in student population for MDUSD that could occur as a result of the 2040 General Plan, using the generation rates identified in Table 3.11-2.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-18
Table 3.11-5 2040 General Plan Student Generation
Grade
Generation Rate
per SingleFamily Unit
Number of Net
New SingleFamily UnitsGeneration Rate per
Multi-Family unit
Number of Net New
Multi-Family Units
Total Students
Generated
K – 6 0.172 7,150 0.253 12,066 4,283
7 – 8 0.046 7,150 0.064 12,066 1,101
9 – 12 0.077 7,150 0.117 12,066 1,962
Total 0.295 7,150 0.434 12,066 7,345
As shown above in Table 3.11-5, buildout of the 2040 General Plan would add approximately 7,345 students to MDUSD by 2040.
Although MDUSD has experienced a decline in enrollment in the last several years, the addition of 7,345 school students within Pleasant Hill could exceed anticipated school district capacity. Such potential additional students would increase enrollment in schools in Pleasant Hill. However, the proposed plan would facilitate development a net increase of 6,444,767 gross square feet of schools.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element of the 2040 General Plan includes the following policy specific to education and the provision of school facilities in the City:
Policy PFS-9.2 High Quality Education. Support the efforts of local educational institutions and school districts to provide high-quality education and facilities.
Policy PFS-9.5 Support of School Upgrades. Support upgrading and updating public educational institutions, facilities, additions and improvements.
Policy PFS-9.6 Collection of School Impact Fees. Continue to collect Mt. Diablo Unified School District school impact fees for new residential development.
Policy PFS-9.2 would ensure that the City coordinates with MDUSD on long range planning efforts to facilitate MDUSD planning for future growth. As such, the City would work with MDUSD regarding new school land use needs by grade to ensure that new school facilities would accommodate anticipated student generation within Pleasant Hill associated with 2040 General Plan buildout.
Further, all future development facilitated by 2040 General Plan is required to pay MDUSD school impact fees which, pursuant to Section 65995(3)(h) of the California Government Code (Senate Bill 50, chaptered August 27, 1998), are “deemed to be full and complete mitigation of the impacts of any legislative or adjudicative act, or both, involving, but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization or reorganization.” Because the 2040 General Plan regulates the provision of school services concurrently with 2040 General Plan development and population growth and with payment of mandatory MDUSD school impact fees by developers for future projects in the City, operational impacts related to provision of school services would be less than significant.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-19
Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (SEE SECTION 3.2,
AIR QUALITY, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-3: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO CONDUCT
AND IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS (SEE SECTION 3.2, AIR QUALITY, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT) MITIGATION MEASURE CR-1: REVISE GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE
PREPARATION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING BUILDINGS 45 YEARS OR OLDER
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND DURING
CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.4, CULTURAL AND TRIBAL CULTURAL
RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-2: REVISED GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE
PREPARATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT PRIOR
TO PROJECT APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.10, NOISE, FOR FULL
MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-3: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO STOP
WORK IN THE EVENT OF UNANTICIPATED CULTURAL RESOURCES
DISCOVERIES DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.10, NOISE, FOR
FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-4: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO
SUSPEND WORK AROUND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.4, CULTURAL AND TRIBAL
CULTURAL RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE GEO-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO PROTECT PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES (SEE SECTION 3.5, GEOLOGY, SOILS,
AND MINERAL RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT) MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES (SEE SECTION 3.10,
NOISE, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-2: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO IMPLEMENT A CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION CONTROL PLAN (SEE SECTION 3.10,
NOISE, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-20
New or Altered Parks/Recreational Facilities
Significance Criterion a4: Would the proposed plan result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered parks, or the need for new or physically altered parks, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives?
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan 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? Significance Criterion c: Does the proposed plan include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
Impact PS-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN PLEASANT HILL POPULATION. THIS WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR AND USE OF PARKS AND POTENTIALLY CREATE THE NEED FOR NEW OR ALTERED PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE WITH 2040 GENERAL PLAN POLICIES WOULD RESULT IN IMPACTS RELATED TO INCREASED USE OR THE NEED FOR NEW OR ALTERED PARKS OR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THAT ARE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
The 2040 General Plan would allow a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill, but the proposed 2040 General Plan does not include designation of additional land for parks, recreational facilities, or open space within the City. Consequently, existing parks and recreational facilities in Pleasant Hill could be used more frequently and potentially deteriorate at an accelerated pace and the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District could need to incrementally increase their parks and recreational services through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to accommodate subsequent recreational visitors and facility space. If construction or expansion of future facilities is needed or proposed, then separate environmental review would be required that could determine and require future project-specific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are currently developed. Therefore, construction of new parks and recreational facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed and, thus, within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded parks and recreational facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Thus, construction impacts related to potential need for new or expanded parks and recreational facilities would be considered less than significant.
Operation
The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District currently maintains 13 parks, one area of open space, and seven areas of undeveloped open space, totaling approximately 147 acres. Currently, there are approximately 4.3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in Pleasant Hill (147 acres of parkland Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-21
divided by 34 thousand residents).12 which exceeds the City’s goal to provide three acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. As discussed in Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing, the 2040 General Plan would add approximately 19,216 net new residential units to Pleasant Hill, which would support approximately 45,740 net new residents. The current (January 2022) population of Pleasant Hill is 34,026, and the proposed plan would result in a population of approximately 79,766 by 2040; thus, the 2040 General Plan would result in a ratio of 1.8 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents (147 acres of parkland divided by approximately 80 thousand residents). This would be below the City’s target ratio of three acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. As such, implementation of the 2040 General Plan would require the development of additional parkland to maintain the City’s established parkland to population ratio.
The 2040 General Plan would not include designation of additional land for parks or recreational facilities within the City. However, as discussed previously, the 2040 General Plan would facilitate the addition of approximately 45,740 residents in Pleasant Hill. To ensure that parkland and park access increase concurrently with population growth, the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element of the 2040 General Plan includes the goals and policies related to parks and recreation.
Goals and policies from the 2040 General Plan related to park land, access, and recreation are as follows:
Policy LU-1.2 City Image. Continue efforts to define and enhance the City’s image by emphasizing the high quality, intergenerational park facilities and recreational opportunities in the city; dedication to education, including the presence of Diablo Valley College and its potential to provide cultural and lifelong learning opportunities; and the vital, progressive nature of the city as a diverse residential community and a supportive environment for business.
Policy LU-1.9 Connectivity Between Existing and New Development. Encourage linking new development to existing development, parks, and trails through the creation of internal circulation systems that allow travel by foot, bicycles, vehicles, and other alternative modes of travel.
Goal OSP-2 Support the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District’s efforts to offer highquality park, recreation (e.g., sports fields), and trail facilities for residents and visitors.
Policy OSP-2.1 Recreation Facilities Planning. Plan for appropriate sites for new recreational facilities, including playing fields, tennis courts, and other facilities.
Policy OSP-2.2 Recreational Programs for All. Advocate for and support PHRPD in their efforts to provide a wide range of recreation programs that are appropriate to a wide range of ages (e.g., youths, seniors), interests (e.g., sports, arts), and backgrounds which reflect Pleasant Hill’s cultural diversity.
Policy OSP-2.3 Expand Youth Programs. Encourage new and expanded youth recreation and extracurricular educational programs.
12 California Department of Finance. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/ (accessed September 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-22
Policy OSP-2.4 Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. Advocate for and support PHRPD in their efforts to provide recreation programs accessible to those with disabilities and strive to improve accessibility of existing recreation programs.
Policy OSP-2.5 Accessibility for Persons of All Income Levels. Advocate for and support PHRPD in their efforts to make all programs available regardless of participants’ ability to pay, through scholarships, fee waivers, program cost underwriting, and other available methods.
Policy OSP-2.6 Parkland Standard. Work with the PHRPD to establish and achieve a standard of 3 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 population.
Policy OSP-2.7 Expand Recreation and Park Facilities. Work with the PHRPD in supporting implementation outlined in the2020 Parks, Facilities & Recreation Master Plan to facilitate development and expansion of recreation and park facilities.
Policy OSP-2.8 Equitable Access to all Parkland. Work with the PHRPD to identify parcels for new parks and open space preservation to ensure all residents have access to parkland within a one-mile radius of their place of residence regardless of socio-economic status.
Policies OSP-2.1 through OSP-2.5 would ensure that the City would continue to plan for parks and recreational facilities through the year 2040. Further, Policies OSP-2.6 and OSP-2.8 would facilitate the addition of parkland in Pleasant Hill in a manner that would meet the City’s standard of three acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. These policies would increase the amount of parkland available to City residents, which currently exceeds the City’s standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents. The provision of parkland in accordance with this standard would ensure that substantial physical deterioration of existing parks would not occur or be accelerated. Because the 2040 General Plan and the Municipal Code regulate provision of parkland concurrently with development and population growth and because of substantial parkland available immediately outside of City Limits and with payment of mandatory parkland impact fees by developers for future projects in the City, operational impacts related to provision of, access to, and potential deterioration of parks and recreation facilities would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-23
Need for New or Altered Library Facilities
Significance Criterion a5: Would the proposed plan result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered public facilities, or the need for new or physically altered public facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives?
Impact PS-5 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN THE CITY’S POPULATION. THIS WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES, SPECIFICALLY LIBRARIES, AND POTENTIALLY CREATE THE NEED FOR NEW LIBRARIES. HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE WITH 2040
GENERAL PLAN POLICIES WOULD RESULT IN IMPACTS RELATED TO NEED FOR NEW OR ALTERED PUBLIC FACILITIES THAT ARE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
The 2040 General Plan would allow approximately 19,216 residential units and facilitate the addition of 45,740 net new residents in Pleasant Hill. The proposed 2040 General Plan does not include designation of additional land for libraries or other public facilities within the City that would require construction and might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. However, the proposed plan would allow for a net increase of 1,401,063 gross square feet of semi-public and institutional land uses, which could include library facilities. Additionally, Contra Costa County Libraries could need to incrementally increase their library services to the City of Pleasant Hill through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to accommodate subsequent library visitors and facility space. The specific placement and potential impacts of a new library facilities are unknown at this time; if construction or expansion of future facilities are needed or proposed, separate environmental review would be required that could determine and require future project-specific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are currently developed. Therefore, construction of new library facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed, and thus, within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded library facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Thus, construction impacts related to potential need for new or expanded library facilities would be considered less than significant.
Operation
The 2040 General Plan would facilitate the addition of approximately 45,740 residents in Pleasant Hill. An increase in population would increase demand for public facilities.
In addition to 2040 General Plan goals and policies already listed in this section, goals and policies from the Land Use Element of the 2040 General Plan support enhancement of Pleasant Hill’s existing public facilities and encourage adaptations in the future to meet the City’s needs. Relevant goals and policies are listed below.
Policy LU-3.4 Clustering Development. Encourage new residential development to be clustered to support increased densities, open space, and efficiencies of public facilities and services.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-24
Policy LU-5.2 Costs of Growth. Require that new development pays its fair share of costs associated with the overall growth in the region.
Policy LU-5.3 Compliance with Performance Standards. Require that all new development comply with the City's performance standards for fire, police, parks, water, flood control, sanitary sewer, and transportation facilities.
Policy LU-5.5 Development Contribution Requirement. Require all new development to contribute to or participate in the improvement of park, school, police, sanitary, water, and flood control services in proportion to the demand generated by the development's occupants and users.
Policy LU-5.6 Fiscal and Economic Impact. Consider fiscal impact analyses for major development proposals to identify any burden or unintended negative economic impacts on the City, the school district, or other public agencies and to ensure the burdens are sufficiently mitigated.
Goal PFS-10 Ensure access to library facilities and services to meet the education and informational needs of the community.
Policy PFS-10.1 City Library Facility. Ensure that the City Library facility continues to provide high-quality services and education forums for residents and seeks to serve all members of the community.
Policy LU-3.4 and Policies LU-5.2 through LU-5.6 would ensure that adequate public facilities, including fire, police, public school, recreation, and library facilities, are planned to support current and future residents of Pleasant Hill. Policy LU-3.4 would support the efficiency of public services and the provision of parks and open space, and Policy LU-5.3 would ensure that existing performance standards for fire, police, parks, and other facilities are maintained as future development occurs. Policies LU-5.2, LU-5.5, and LU-5.6 would ensure that development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would pay its fair share of costs and impacts to parks, schools, police, and other public services. Finally, Goal PFS-10 and Policy PFS-10.1 would ensure the provision of library services to residents of Pleasant Hill. With implementation of the goals and policies included in the 2040 General Plan, impacts related to public facilities, including libraries, associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
3.11.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative public services analysis is the service areas of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD), the Pleasant Hill Police Department (PHPD), Mt.
Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD), and the Contra Costa County Library system. In addition, the geographic scope of the cumulative recreation analysis consists of the local community and regional parks within the boundary of the City of Pleasant Hill and include parks and recreational facilities managed by Contra Costa County. Because of differences in the nature of the public service Environmental Impact Analysis
Public Services and Recreation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.11-25
topical areas, they are discussed separately. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette, Clayton, Danville, Pittsburg, and Contra Costa County, in addition to the proposed plan.
Fire Protection Facilities
The CCCFPD service area consists of the jurisdictional limits of Contra Costa County, which encompasses approximately 304 square miles. Cumulative development in Pleasant Hill would result in predominantly residential and commercial development. These types of development would increase the permanent resident and daytime population of the City. The increase in population would result in an increased demand for fire protection facilities. However, the need for fire protection services is gradual as development occurs. To help offset the increased demand, the cumulative plans and projects would be required to pay all applicable review and development impact fees to the CCCFPD. Cumulative developments would be in compliance with the California Fire Code, Part 9 of the CBC and would follow standards for fire safety such as fire flow requirements for buildings, fire hydrant location and distribution criteria, automated sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant building materials. For these reasons, the cumulative projects would not result in the need to construct new or expand existing fire protection or emergency medical services facilities beyond those anticipated for expected population growth. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to fire protection facilities would be less than significant.
Police Protection Facilities
The PHPD service area is within the city limits of Pleasant Hill. Cumulative development in Pleasant Hill would result in predominantly residential and commercial development. These types of development would increase the permanent resident and daytime population. The increase in population and development would result in an increased demand for police protection facilities.
Cumulative plans and projects within the service area of the PHPD would be reviewed for impacts on police protection services, would be required to address any potential impacts with mitigation, and would need to provide adequate emergency access for police services with proper signage and lighting. Because demand for law enforcement services is highly dependent on a number of factors that vary substantially by project (clientele, hours of operation, crime prevention measures, etc.), it is unlikely that there would be substantial overlap in demand that would result such that new facilities are necessary. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to police protection facilities would be less than significant.
School Facilities
Pleasant Hill is served by MDUSD with a service area including Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and Concord; portions of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek; and surrounding unincorporated communities.
Cumulative projects would result in predominantly residential and commercial development; residential development would increase permanent population, increasing demand for school facilities. Implementation of the 2040 General Plan, in addition to the General Plans of surrounding cities including but not limited to Lafayette, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, would also add residential units to their respective plan areas and would result in an increase in schoolaged residents. Although cumulative projects would be required to pay development impact fees towards school operation, construction of cumulative school facilities could result in significant and City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.11-26
unavoidable impacts related to air quality, noise, cultural resources, and paleontological resources.
Therefore, the cumulative impact related to school facilities would be significant and unavoidable.
Library Facilities
The geographic scope for the cumulative analysis of other public facilities analysis is the service area of the Contra Costa County Library system, which includes the existing Pleasant Hill library.
Cumulative plans and projects, mainly the residential projects, may also result in the increase in library use. Contra Costa County Libraries could need to incrementally increase their library services to the cities of Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette, Clayton, Danville, Pittsburg, and Contra Costa County through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new facilities to accommodate subsequent library visitors and facility space. The proposed plan in conjunction with other cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would facilitate development in areas that are currently developed; therefore, construction of new Contra Costa County Libraries facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed. This would reduce the potential of adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded library facilities. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to library facilities would be less than significant.
Recreation and Park Facilities
The implementation of the proposed plan in conjunction with the cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would result in residential and commercial developments in and near Pleasant Hill. Such cumulative development would be expected to permanently increase residents, which would increase cumulative demand for park facilities. The greater use of parks and recreational facilities in Pleasant Hill could result in physical deterioration of existing parks. However, population growth is only one factor in determining whether parks and recreational facilities would deteriorate through increased use. Other variables include park design, age, infrastructure, and park use. To further offset demand, the cumulative plans and projects would be required to demonstrate compliance with applicable design guidelines established in the proposed 2040 General Plan. In addition, cumulative development would be subject to parkland dedication requirements or in-lieu parkland fees. Pleasant Hill also continues to retain, enhance, and expand park and recreation facilities throughout the City limits, as well as continues to assess its current and future park needs.
With payment of park impact fees by cumulative development, there would be limited potential physical deterioration of existing parks and recreational facilities due to increased use. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to recreational and park facilities would be less than significant.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-1
3.12 Transportation
3.12.1 Introduction
This section describes existing conditions related to roadway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation systems, as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates impacts of the 2040 General Plan related to the potential for conflict with existing programs, plans, ordinances, or policies addressing the circulation system; conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b); increase hazards due to geometric design features; or result in inadequate emergency access. The information in this section is primarily based on the findings of the Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA), which is included as Appendix E to this EIR.
3.12.2 Environmental Setting
Roadway System
There is a natural hierarchy of streets in Pleasant Hill that provide various levels of access and mobility, with regional highways (Interstate 680 [I-680], State Route [SR] 4, SR 242, and SR 24) accommodating the highest volumes and speeds, major cross-town arterial streets connecting to freeways and operating at moderate speeds and/or volumes, and local collector roads that link neighborhoods, parks, and schools to the cross-town streets and to each other, with many of these serving adjacent development and neighborhoods.
Regional Highways
Interstate 680, State Route (SR) 4, SR 242, and SR 24 are the primary routes connecting Pleasant Hill (the plan area) to the region. Figure 3.12-1 presents the location of the following key regional highways within Pleasant Hill.
I-680 is a north-south freeway which generally runs along the eastern edge of Pleasant Hill and connects Interstate 80 in Fairfield to US 101 and Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County.
SR 4 is an east-west four-to-six-lane freeway which connects Interstate 80 in Pinole to eastern Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County.
SR 242 is a north-south freeway that traverses through the east side of Pleasant Hill connecting I680 to SR 4.
SR 24 is an east–west highway that serves the eastern San Francisco Bay Area. This freeway connects the Interstate 580/Interstate 980 interchange in Oakland to the I-680 junction in Walnut Creek. Both Taylor Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road traversing through the City of Pleasant Hill intersect SR 24 via the City of Lafayette.
Arterials and Collectors
Arterials are major streets carrying the traffic of local and collector streets to and from freeways and other major streets. Collectors are streets for traffic moving between arterial and local streets, generally providing direct access to properties. Local streets provide direct access to properties and are often designed to discourage commute traffic.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-2
Figure 3.12-1 Existing Regional Highways
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-3
KEY PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA) ARTERIALS
Buskirk Avenue – A north-south arterial street with traffic signals at Monument Boulevard, along the Crossroads Shopping Center, Claire Drive, Mayhew Way, and Oak Park Boulevard-Coggins Drive.
Buskirk Avenue serves a variety commercial retail and residential land uses and is often utilized by through traffic traveling south from Monument Boulevard to the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station and destinations in Walnut Creek and Concord.
Chilpancingo Parkway – An east-west arterial street that connects to Concord Avenue from the east to Morello Avenue to the west in the City of Martinez. Existing traffic signal connections in Pleasant Hill include Contra Costa Boulevard and Old Quarry Road. I-680 access is provided via the interchange at Contra Costa Boulevard. Chilpancingo Parkway attracts regional traffic due to Diablo Valley College and adjacent shopping districts. Chilpancingo Parkway also serves adjacent commercial and medium-density multifamily residential development. The eastern extension of this parkway is Concord Avenue, a major access route to Downtown Concord.
Contra Costa Boulevard – A north-south arterial street traversing the city parallel to I-680 with freeway access at several locations. Contra Costa Boulevard continues as Pacheco Boulevard north of the North City Limit and connects to North Main Street in Walnut Creek to the south. The boulevard serves as the City’s primary thoroughfare traversing the length of the city and connecting various commercial and business developments, as well as Diablo Valley College (via Viking Drive and Golf Club Road). Contra Costa Boulevard is designated a Route of Regional Significance.
Geary Road – An east-west arterial street connecting the Lafayette/SR 24 area via Pleasant Hill Road to the east to Walnut Creek/I-680 along the south edge of the city. Geary Road serves regional traffic and provides a direct connection to the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre BART Station.
Geary Road serves as the City’s southern border with the City to Walnut Creek and provides direct access to various residential and commercial retail districts. Geary Road is designated a Route of Regional Significance.
Gregory Lane – An east-west arterial street connecting Pleasant Hill Road to Contra Costa Boulevard. Gregory Lane begins at its east end as an off-ramp from southbound I-680. West of Pleasant Hill Road, Gregory Lane becomes Grayson Road, a two-lane collector terminating at Reliez Valley Road. Gregory Lane serves east-west traffic through-traffic including residential, church, retail, and office land uses.
Golf Club Road – An east-west four-lane divided arterial street connecting Contra Costa Boulevard to Paso Nogal Road, narrowing to a two-lane road west to its terminus at Contra Costa Country Club. Golf Club Road provides access to residential uses, Diablo Valley College, and several retail centers.
Monument Boulevard – An east-west arterial street connecting Contra Costa Boulevard to Cowell Road and Galindo Street in downtown Concord (the City limits are located just west of Mohr Lane).
Monument Boulevard provides regional access to downtown Pleasant Hill and the Crossroads Shopping Center via a single-point urban interchange on I-680.
Oak Park Boulevard – An east-west arterial street connecting Pleasant Hill Road to Interstate 680, where it becomes Coggins Drive, a collector serving the Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre BART Station area. The boulevard serves both regional traffic and local residential and commercial land uses.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-4
Pleasant Hill Road and Alhambra Avenue – A north-south arterial street that connects Geary Road in Walnut Creek to the south to Alhambra Avenue in Martinez to the north. Pleasant Hill Road/Alhambra Avenue serves intra-city and regional travel and provides local access to adjacent residential areas and a school. Pleasant Hill Road/Alhambra Avenue is designated a Route of Regional Significance north of the Taylor Boulevard intersection.
Taylor Boulevard – An arterial street connecting Pleasant Hill Road to Contra Costa Boulevard, continuing as Sunvalley Boulevard east to I-680, and as Willow Pass Road east of I-680 into Concord.
Taylor Boulevard carries both local and regional traffic. Due its regional connectivity, controlled intersections, and limited driveway access, Taylor Boulevard is prone to higher speeds (45 – 55 mph). Taylor Boulevard, its extension to I-680 via Sunvalley Boulevard, as well as its extension to SR 24 via Pleasant Hill Road, is designated a Route of Regional Significance.
KEY PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA) COLLECTORS
Collectors provide access between arterials and local roadways. They connect adjacent neighborhoods, link neighborhoods to arterial streets, and carry through-traffic in residential, industrial, and commercial areas. Primary collectors in Pleasant Hill include:
Boyd Road – An east-west collector street linking Contra Costa Boulevard with Pleasant Hill Road and serving the magnet schools of Sequoia Elementary and Sequoia Middle schools that serve communities inside and outside the City.
Coggins Drive – An east-west collector street connecting Buskirk Avenue-Oak Road at Oak Park Boulevard to the eastern city limit, where it turns south and continues as a county roadway adjacent to the Iron Horse Regional Trail.
Cleaveland Road – A short north-south street connecting Downtown Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Boulevard, and North Main Street.
Ellinwood Drive – A short east-west collector street connecting Contra Costa Boulevard to residential and commercial development between Contra Costa Boulevard and I-680.
Grayson Road – An east-west collector street extending west from Gregory Lane at Pleasant Hill Road to Reliez Valley Road at the entrance to Oakmont Memorial Park.
Hookston Road – A short two-lane east-west collector street connecting Buskirk Avenue south of the Crossroads Shopping Center to Bancroft Road. Hookston Road extends further east as a local roadway serving a residential area.
Morello Avenue – A north-south collector street connecting Chilpancingo Parkway to Taylor Boulevard. Morello Avenue provides access to Diablo Valley College via Viking Drive and Paso Nogal Road and extends north to Martinez from the intersection at Chilpancingo Parkway.
Norse Drive – A north-south collector street connecting Paso Nogal Road with Taylor Boulevard.
Old Quarry Road – A short north-south collector street connecting Chilpancingo Parkway and Golf Club Road, providing access to Diablo Valley College at Golf Club Road.
Paso Nogal Road – A curving collector street connecting Alhambra Avenue/Pleasant Hill Road just north of the city limits to Morello Avenue and extending from Morello Avenue at a separate intersection to Golf Club Road. Paso Nogal Road provides access to Diablo Valley College via its connection to Golf Club Road and serves direct residential access between Alhambra Avenue/Pleasant Hill Road and Morello Avenue.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-5
Patterson Boulevard and Putnam Boulevard – A north-south collector street connecting Boyd Road to Oak Park Boulevard. Patterson Boulevard serves direct residential access as well as through trips, and extends to the south into Walnut Creek as Putnam Boulevard.
Viking Drive – An east-west collector street connecting Morello Avenue to Contra Costa Boulevard, providing access to Diablo Valley College, College Park High School, Valley View Middle School, and providing direct residential access.
Truck Routes
GENERAL PLAN AREA
The City of Pleasant Hill is authorized to restrict commercial vehicles to operate on only a portion of the public roadway system, and to set weight limits or size restrictions. Exceptions include highways such as I-680, SR 4, SR 24, and SR 242. Generally, most trucks use arterial roadways to reach commercial areas or industrial areas within Pleasant Hill. The layout of the roadway network generally discourages freight cut-through traffic within the City, and thus most truck trips within the City are for deliveries or pick-ups.
Emergency Vehicle Routes
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Emergency Services Division and Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates countywide preparedness, response and protection services and activities for large scale incidents and disasters. Within Contra Costa County, the main routes into and out of the County that would most likely be used as evacuation routes are I-680, I80, SR 24, SR 4, San Pablo Dam Road, Vasco Road, San Pablo Avenue, and Richmond Parkway.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
The Pleasant Hill OES are responsible for planning, outreach, and training or disaster management and emergency preparedness for the City. The main routes into and out of Pleasant Hill that would most likely be used as evacuation routes are I-680, SR 24, SR 4, and SR 242.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
This section describes the existing pedestrian and bicycle network in the 2040 General Plan area.
Pedestrian Facilities in General Plan Area
The City’s pedestrian facilities consist of sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, curb ramps, and pedestrian-scale street lighting, as well as the Contra Costa Canal Trail which runs north-south through the City and connects to the Iron Horse Regional Trail, and several other shorter off-road pathways. The Contra Costa Canal Trail and Iron Horse Regional Trail help provide access to commercial and residential areas, schools, public transportation, and other community facilities throughout Pleasant Hill and its surrounding communities.
While sidewalks are provided on many City streets, some streets have gaps in the sidewalk network.
In addition, walking can be uncomfortable on higher-traffic, higher-speed streets such as Contra Costa Boulevard, Taylor Boulevard, Gregory Lane, and others. Such streets present an obstacle for City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-6
pedestrians needing to cross the street, as does I-680. These barriers can discourage walking as a means to get to work, school, shopping, and recreational destinations.
The City’s Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP) (in progress as of December 2022) will guide the expansion and improvement of pedestrian facilities citywide.
Bicycle Facilities in General Plan Area
Four categories of bikeways are specified in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual and Sections 885.1 et seq. of the California Streets and Highways Code1
. These categories are:
Class I Bikeway (Bike Path): Bike paths provide a completely separate right-of-way and are designated for the exclusive use of people riding bicycles and walking with minimal cross-flow traffic.
Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane): Bike lanes provide designated street space for bicyclists, typically adjacent to the outer vehicle travel lanes. Bike lanes include special lane markings, pavement legends, and signage. Bike lanes may be enhanced with painted buffers between vehicle lanes and/or parking, and green paint at conflict zones (such as driveways or intersections). Class III Bikeway (Bike Route): Bike routes provide enhanced mixed-traffic conditions for bicyclists through signage, striping, and/or traffic calming treatments, and provide continuity to a bikeway network. Bike routes are typically designated along gaps between bike trails or bike lanes, or along low-volume, low-speed streets. Bicycle boulevards provide further enhancements to bike routes by encouraging slow speeds and discouraging non-local vehicle traffic, often using traffic calming measures. Bicycle boulevards can also feature special wayfinding signage to nearby destinations or other bikeways. Class IV Bikeway (Separated Bikeway): Separated Bikeways, also referred to as cycle tracks or protected bikeways, are bikeways for the exclusive use of bicycles which are physically separated from vehicle traffic. Separations may include grade separation, flexible posts, physical barriers, or on-street parking.
Existing and planned bicycle facilities in Pleasant Hill are shown in the City of Pleasant Hill Draft BPMP. Existing and recommended major bicycle facilities are presented on Figure 3.12-2. The network includes bicycle facility gap closures on key routes, bicycle facilities, and bicycle facility upgrades (e.g., from Class III to Class I, Class II, or Class IV). The recommended network would create a more complete and connected bicycle network within Pleasant Hill and connect bicyclists to highdemand destinations within and adjacent to the city. 1 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2020. Highway Design Manual. Seventh Edition. December 31, 2020. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/hdm-complete-12312020a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-7
Figure 3.12-2 Existing and Approved Major Bicycle Facilities City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-8
Transit Service
Pleasant Hill’s central location within the East Bay provides access to surrounding cities and communities, as well as to other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. While the suburban setting lends itself to vehicular use as a preferred mode of travel, many trips can be made by public transit.
The City’s transit services are described below. Existing transit lines and stops are shown in Figure 3.12-3.
Bay Area Rapid Transit
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA REGION
BART currently operates over 130 miles of double-track, rapid rail service, serving 50 stations and over three million people in five densely populated Bay Area Counties: Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo2
. As of 2022, BART carries more than 400,000 riders per weekday.
3 The Pleasant Hill BART Station is located just southeast of the City of Pleasant Hill limits and Sphere of Influence within unincorporated County area, at Contra Costa Centre. The station provides connections for all modes of travel and serves as a transit village for local and regional transit services. The BART Yellow Line serves travel between Pittsburg/Antioch and San Francisco, including the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (as shown in Figure 3.12-3). Via connections in Oakland, riders can travel to Oakland International Airport (OAK), Richmond, Milpitas, and Dublin/Pleasanton. Contra Costa Centre is also home to several regional and local bus routes with service to San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Fairfield, Vallejo, and Pleasanton/Dublin. In addition to the Contra Costa County Transit Authority’s County Connection routes, described below, regional connections are provided by Fairfield and Suisun Transit, Solano Express, and Wheels Express.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
There are no BART stations within the Pleasant Hill city limits or Sphere of Influence.
County Connection
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
County Connection currently provides fixed route and paratransit bus service throughout the communities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Clayton, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, San Ramon, as well as unincorporated communities in Central Contra Costa County. County Connection operates a fleet of 125 fully accessible transit buses and 63 paratransit vehicles. Service is provided from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.
4 GENERAL PLAN AREA
County Connection routes traverse the City, providing access to Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill BART, Downtown Pleasant Hill, the Martinez Amtrak Station, and other key destinations (refer to Figure 3.12-3). Routes within Pleasant Hill travel on and make frequent stops along major arterials, such as SR 4, Alhambra Avenue, Contra Costa Boulevard, Gregory Lane, and Oak Park Boulevard. 2 BART. 2022a. BART Facts 2022. https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/docs/BARTFacts2022.pdf (accessed October 2022). 3 BART, 2022b. Ridership Watch. https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200225#charts (accessed October 2022). 4 County Connection. 2022. About Us. https://countyconnection.com/about/ (accessed November 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-9
Figure 3.12-3 Existing Transit Lines and Stops in General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-10
Aviation Facilities
The City of Pleasant Hill is served by SFO and OAK. SFO enplaned and deplaned over 16 million passengers in 2020 and facilitated takeoffs of air carriers, regional jets, general aviation propeller aircraft, commuter propeller aircraft, business jets, fixed-wing military aircraft, and both civilian and military helicopters.
5 SFO is approximately 26 miles southwest of the City. OAK served approximately 13.4 million passengers in 2019, and serves major all-cargo carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
6 OAK is approximately 15 miles southwest of the City. Additionally, the Buchanan Field Airport is less than 0.5 miles northeast of the General Plan area, which is a small airport primarily serving charter aircrafts, private aircrafts, and student pilots.
3.12.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides comprehensive rights and protections to individuals with disabilities. The goal of the ADA is to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. To implement this goal, the United States Access Board, an independent Federal agency created in 1973 to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, has created accessibility guidelines for public rights-of-way. While these guidelines have not been formally adopted, they have been widely followed by jurisdictions and agencies nationwide in the last decade. The guidelines, last revised in July 2011, address various issues, including roadway design practices, slope and terrain issues, pedestrian access to streets, sidewalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, parking, and other components of public rights-of-way.
Federal Highway Administration
The FHWA is the agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for the federally funded roadway system, including the interstate highway network and portions of the primary State highway network. FHWA funding is provided through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. Federal funds can be used to fund eligible local transportation improvements in such as projects to improve the efficiency of existing roadways, traffic signal coordination, bikeways, pedestrian facilities, and transit system upgrades.
State Regulations
Senate Bill 743
On September 27, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill (SB) 743 into law. SB 743 changed the way transportation impact analysis is conducted as part of CEQA compliance. These changes eliminated automobile delay, level of service (LOS), and other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as a basis for determining significant impacts under CEQA.
Prior rules treated automobile delay and congestion as an environmental impact. SB 743 requires the CEQA Guidelines to prescribe an analysis that better accounts for transit and reductions of 5 SFO. 2020. SFO Fact Sheet Calendar Year 2020. https://www.flysfo.com/sfo-fact-sheet (accessed October 2022). 6 Oakland International Airport. 2021. Terminal Modernization and Development Project EIR. https://www.oaklandairport.com/wpcontent/uploads/2021.05.25-Fact-Sheet-FINAL.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-11
greenhouse gas emissions. In December 2018, Office of Planning and Research (OPR) released the final update to CEQA Guidelines consistent with SB 743, which recommends using vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the most appropriate metric of transportation impact to align local environmental review under CEQA with California’s long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. The Guidelines require all jurisdictions in California to use VMT-based thresholds of significance no later than July 1, 2020.
At the same time as the release of the updated CEQA Guidelines, OPR also released a non-binding Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, which outlines potential VMT analysis methodologies and thresholds of significance for use by agencies in California based on substantial evidence developed by OPR related to achievement of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets.7
Senate Bill 32 and Senate Bill 375
On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 by requiring the state to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). On December 14, 2017, the CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 target. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on the continuation and expansion of existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap-and-Trade Program, and implementation of recently adopted policies and legislation.
The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375), signed in August 2008, enhances the state’s ability to reach greenhouse gas emissions goals by directing the California Air Resources Board to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles by 2020 and 2035. SB 375 aligns regional transportation planning efforts, regional GHG reduction targets, and affordable housing allocations.
Assembly Bill 747 and Senate Bill 99
Assembly Bill (AB) 747 (2019) requires that the safety element be reviewed and updated to identify vehicle evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios. This will be a requirement for all safety elements or updates to hazard mitigation plans completed after January of 2022.
SB 99 (2019) requires review and update of the safety element to include information to identify residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two vehicle emergency evacuation routes. In essence, this legislation assists in identifying neighborhoods and households within a hazard area that have limited vehicle accessibility. This is intended to assist the City with identifying opportunities to improve connectivity and evacuation capacity (generally).
Assembly Bill 43
AB 43, also known as Traffic Safety, allows local government agencies to reduce vehicle speeds to accommodate vulnerable users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, seniors, and wheelchair users to improve traffic safety. AB 43 takes effect in July 2024. 7 OPR. 2018. Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA. https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190122- 743_Technical_Advisory.pdf (accessed October 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-12
The City of Pleasant Hill can evaluate changes to its speed limit practices as AB 43 takes effect following adoption of the 2040 General Plan.
California Department of Transportation Planning Documents Caltrans is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the State highway system. Federal highway standards are implemented in California by Caltrans. Any improvements or modifications to the highway system, including ramps and access points, within the study area would need to be approved by Caltrans. The following Caltrans planning documents emphasize the State of California’s focus on transportation infrastructure that supports mobility choice through multimodal options, smart growth, and efficient development. Smart Mobility 2010: A Call to Action for the New Decade (Smart Mobility Framework) Complete Streets Implementation Action Plan
Strategic Plan 2020-2024
California Transportation Plan 2050
SMART MOBILITY FRAMEWORK
The purpose of the Smart Mobility Framework, published in February 2010, is to address the State mandate to find solutions to climate change, reduce per capita VMT, and create a safe and equitable transportation system.8 The Smart Mobility Framework includes 10 implementing themes to achieve its purpose, including integration into Caltrans and other transportation agencies’ policy and practice, collection of data and tools to implement the Smart Mobility Framework, undertaking of major cross-functional initiatives, and integration into local government land use and transportation planning.
COMPLETE STREETS IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN
On September 30, 2008, the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 was signed into law. As of January 2011, AB 1358 requires any substantive revision of the circulation/mobility element of a city or county’s general plan to identify how they will safely accommodate the circulation of all users of the roadway including pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and transit riders, as well as motorists.
The City of Pleasant Hill adopted its Complete Streets policy on January 28, 2013.
CALTRANS DEPUTY DIRECTIVE 64-R1: COMPLETE STREETS – INTEGRATING THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM In 2001, Caltrans adopted Deputy Directive 64; a policy directive related to non-motorized travel throughout the State. In October 2008, Deputy Directive 64 was strengthened to reflect changing priorities and challenges. Deputy Directive 64-R1 states:
The Department views all transportation improvements as opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility for all travelers in California and recognizes bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes as integral elements of the transportation system. Providing safe mobility for all users, including motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders, contributes to the Department's mission/vision: "Improving Mobility across California.” 8 Caltrans. 2010. Smart Mobility 2010. February 2010. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/transportationplanning/documents/office-of-smart-mobility-and-climate-change/smf-handbook-062210-a-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-13
Successful long-term implementation of this directive is intended to result in more options for people to go from one place to another, less traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, more walkable communities (with healthier, more active people), and fewer barriers for older adults, children, and people with disabilities.
DIRECTOR’S POLICY 22: DIRECTOR’S POLICY ON CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS Director’s Policy 22, a policy regarding the use of “Context Sensitive Solutions” on all State highways, was adopted by Caltrans in November of 2001. The policy reads:
The Department uses “Context Sensitive Solutions” as an approach to plan, design, construct, maintain, and operate its transportation system. These solutions use innovative and inclusive approaches that integrate and balance community, aesthetic, historic, and environmental values with transportation safety, maintenance, and performance goals. Context sensitive solutions are reached through a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach involving all stakeholders.
The context of all projects and activities is a key factor in reaching decisions. It is considered for all State transportation and support facilities when defining, developing, and evaluating options. When considering the context, issues such as funding feasibility, maintenance feasibility, traffic demand, impact on alternate routes, impact on safety, and relevant laws, rules, and regulations must be addressed.
The policy recognizes that “in towns and cities across California, the State highway may be the only through street or may function as a local street,” that “these communities desire that their main street be an economic, social, and cultural asset as well as provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods,” and that “communities want transportation projects to provide opportunities for enhanced non-motorized travel and visual quality.” The policy acknowledges that addressing these needs will assure that transportation solutions meet more than just traffic and operational objectives.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2024
Caltrans’ 2020-2024 Strategic Plan weaved sustainability principles through all of its goals. Goals of the Strategic Plan are related to safety, enhancing and connecting the multimodal transportation network, lead climate action, and advancing equity in all communities.9 CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2050
Caltrans completed the California Transportation Plan to comply with Title 23, Code of Federal Regulation Section 450.214 and pursuant to California Government Code Title 7 Division 1 Chapter
2.3. The California Transportation Plan provides a roadmap for making effective, equitable, transparent, and transformational transportation decisions in California. The vision of the California Transportation Plan is: “California’s safe, resilient, and universally accessible transportation system supports vibrant communities, advances racial and economic justice, and improves public and environmental health,” which is supported by goals related to safety, climate, equity, accessibility, public health, economy, environment, and infrastructure.10 9 Caltrans. 2021. Caltrans 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/risk-strategicmanagement/documents/sp-2020-16p-web-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022). 10 Caltrans. 2021. California Transportation Plan 2050. February 2021. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/transportationplanning/documents/ctp-2050-v3-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-14
California Encroachment Permits
Any work within the existing right of way would have to comply with Caltrans permitting requirements. This includes a traffic control plan that adheres to the standards set forth in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). As part of these requirements, there are provisions for coordination with local emergency services, training for flagmen for emergency vehicles traveling through the work zone, temporary lane separators that have sloping sides to facilitate crossover by emergency vehicles, and vehicle storage and staging areas for emergency vehicles. MUTCD requirements also provide for construction work during off-peak hours and flaggers.
Regional and Local Regulations
Plan Bay Area 2050
MTC is responsible for regional transportation planning in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
MTC most recently updated its Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), a federally-mandated 20-year blueprint for the region, in 2021. This RTP/SCS is known as Plan Bay Area 2050. RTPs must be developed in cooperation with State and local stakeholders and provide a clear vision of the regional transportation goals, policies, objectives, and strategies. This vision must be realistic and within fiscal constraints. Responsibility for approving and overseeing improvements to the State highway system rests with Caltrans, while each local jurisdiction (cities and County) is responsible for planning and implementing improvements to the streets within its boundaries.
The RTP/SCS sets forth the following transportation-related goals under the umbrella of Transportation Strategies. Other goals have been established for Housing Strategies, Economic Strategies, and Environmental Strategies. Each Transportation Strategies goal (listed below) has associated supportive strategies to help guide implementation, and performance indicators by which the region can assess its progress.
Goal Maintain and Optimize the Existing System
T1. Restore, operate and maintain the existing system T2. Support community-led transportation enhancements in Equity Priority Communities T3. Enable a seamless mobility experience
T4. Reform regional transit fare policy
T5. Implement per-mile tolling on congested freeways with transit alternatives T6. Improve interchanges and address key highway bottlenecks T7. Advance other regional programs and local priorities Goal Create Healthy and Safe Streets
T8. Build a Complete Streets network
T9. Advance regional Vision Zero policy through street design and reduced speeds Goal Build a Next-Generation Transit Network
T10. Enhance local transit frequency, capacity and reliability T11. Expand and modernize the regional rail network
T12. Build an integrated regional express lanes and express bus network Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-15
Contra Costa County Transportation Authority Congestion Management Program The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is Contra Costa County’s designated Congestion Management Agency (CMA). It is responsible for implementing programs to ensure traffic levels remain manageable. Pleasant Hill serves on the Transportation Partnership and Cooperation (TRANSPAC) that includes Contra Costa County and the cities of Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek.
As the CMA, CCTA is in charge of coordinating land use, air quality, and transportation planning among local jurisdictions. A Congestion Management Program (CMP) was created to spend the funds allocated to these projects, known as Measure J. This measure is a one-half cent Countywide sales tax used for transportation improvements within the County. The revenue must be spent on projects and programs included in the CCTA Transportation Expenditure Plan. The Expenditure Plan designates 18 percent of the annual sales tax revenue as “return-to-source” funds. They City’s eligibility for these funds is contingent on compliance with the City’s Growth Management Program.
Contra Costa Countywide Transportation Plan
As a member of CCTA, the City of Pleasant Hill is active in the development of the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP), intended to carry out the following Countywide transportation goals and policies relevant to the 2040 General Plan:
Goal 1 Support the efficient, safe, and reliable movement of people and goods using all available travel modes.
Policy 1.1 Efficiency. Increase the efficiency of highways and arterial roads through capital investments, operational enhancements, and use of technology.
Policy 1.2 Partnerships. Engage in partnerships with jurisdictions, stakeholders, and other agencies to identify and implement strategies for managing congestion and increasing multi-modal mobility.
Policy 1.4 Street and Roadway Improvements. Improve the highway and arterial system to influence the location and nature of anticipated growth in accordance with the General Plans of local jurisdictions and consistent with Contra Costa Transportation Authority adopted Countywide Transportation Plan.
Goal 2 Manage growth to sustain Contra Costa’s economy, preserve its environment and support its communities.
Policy 2.1 Cooperative Planning. Continue to require cooperative transportation and land use planning among Contra Costa County, cities, towns, and transportation agencies.
Goal 3 Expand safe, convenient, and affordable alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle.
Policy 3.1 Transit Service Expansion. Help fund the expansion of existing transit services and regional express lanes, and maintenance of existing operations, including BART, bus transit, school buses, and paratransit.
Policy 3.2 Transit Service Coordination. Link transit investments to increased coordination and integration of public transit services, and improved connections between travel modes.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-16
Policy 3.3 Complete Streets. Require local jurisdictions to incorporate policies and standards for “complete streets” that support transit, bicycle and pedestrian access in new developments, infill development areas (“Priority Development Areas”), and transit priority areas.
Policy 3.5 Alternate Modes. Promote the formation of more carpools and vanpools, and greater use of transit, bicycling, and walking.
Goal 4 Maintain the transportation system.
Policy 4.1 Stable Funding Sources. Advocate for stable sources of funds for transit operations and other programs that support the transportation system.
Policy 4.2 Maintenance. Require and fund programs for effective preventive maintenance and rehabilitation of the transportation system (“deferred maintenance”).
Policy 4.3 Long-Term Needs. Secure funding that will maintain the long-term health of all components of the transportation system.
The CTP incorporates five sub-regional Action Plans for Routes of Regional Significance (Action Plans). This is one of the primary vehicles for implementing achieving the Measure J Growth Management Program’s goal of reducing the cumulative impacts of growth. The Action Plans also fulfill a key requirement of CCTA’s Congestion Management Program. This is a State-mandated program for evaluating the impact of land use decisions on the regional transportation system and establishing performance measures. Each Action Plan contains these components:
Long range assumptions about future land uses based on local general plans and travel demand based on household and job growth.
Multi-modal transportation objectives that can be measured and timed. Specific actions to be implemented by each jurisdiction. A process for consultation on environmental documents. A procedure for reviewing the impacts of local General Plan amendments that could affect the transportation objectives.
A schedule for reviewing and updating the Action Plans.
The City of Pleasant Hill is included in the TRANSPAC Central County Action Plan. The Action Plan includes both regional actions and actions for specific routes. There are 10 Routes of Regional Significance within Pleasant Hill:
I-680
SR 242
SR 4
Alhambra Avenue
Contra Costa Boulevard
Geary Road
North Main Street (Astrid Drive to Oak Park Boulevard-Coggins Drive) Pacheco Boulevard (Muir Road to Second Avenue South)
Pleasant Hill Road
Taylor Boulevard
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-17
CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies
The CCTA has developed guidance for member jurisdictions to use in developing their own VMT analysis methods, metrics, and thresholds of significance. The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) describes the recommendations. A flow chart describing the recommended methodology is included in the Technical Appendix (Appendix 1) to Appendix E. The City of Pleasant Hill has chosen to follow the CCTA guidance. More detail on the VMT analysis methodology, metrics, and thresholds of significance are provided in Section 3.12.4, Impacts and Mitigation Measures.
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to transportation and circulation, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.
Pleasant Hill Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
The City’s BPMP is currently in progress and is expected to be adopted in 2023. The BPMP would provide a consistent, long-term guide to the City in developing connected networks of multipurpose paths, bikeways, sidewalks, and street crossings. The BPMP would complement the City’s General Plan Circulation Element. The BPMP would identify the next phase of bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements, incorporate current policies and design standards for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation and funding strategies for future project implementation.
3.12.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Transportation.
Would the 2040 General Plan:
Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
Conflict or be inconsistent CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? Substantially increase traffic-related hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? Result in inadequate emergency access?
Approach to Analysis
VMT Impact Methodology and Assumptions
Since SB 743 eliminated the use of level of service (LOS) for CEQA impact analysis purposes, that method is not utilized in this analysis. The analysis in this document examines potential roadway transportation impacts under current CEQA criteria. The primary quantitative measure of roadway impacts is VMT. The VMT analysis methodology utilizes the procedures described in the CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F. The procedures are summarized below.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-18
PROJECT-LEVEL VMT SCREENING
There are five screening criteria that can be applied to screen projects out of needing to conduct a project-level VMT analysis.
1. CEQA Exemption. Any project that is exempt from CEQA is not required to conduct a VMT analysis.
2. Small Projects. Small projects can be presumed to cause a less-than-significant VMT impact.
Small projects are defined as having 10,000 square feet or less of non-residential space or 20 residential units or less, or otherwise generating less than 836 VMT per day.
3. Local-Serving Uses. Projects that consist of Local-Serving Uses can generally be presumed to have a less-than-significant impact absent substantial evidence to the contrary, since these types of projects will primarily draw users and customers from a relatively small geographic area that will lead to short-distance trips and trips that are linked to other destinations.
4. Projects Located in Transit Priority Areas (TPAs). Projects located within a TPA can be presumed to have a less-than-significant impact absent substantial evidence to the contrary.
This exemption would not apply if the project:
Has a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of less than 0.75;
Includes more parking for use by residents, customers, or employees than required by the lead agency (if the agency allows but does not require the project to supply a certain amount of parking);
Is inconsistent with the applicable Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) (as determined by the lead agency, with input from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)); or Results in a net reduction in multi-family housing units.
5. Projects Located in Low VMT Areas. Residential and employment-generating projects located within a low VMT-generating area can be presumed to have a less-than-significant impact absent substantial evidence to the contrary.
For residential projects, a low VMT area is defined as an area with existing home-based VMT per resident that is 85 percent or less of the existing Countywide average.
As will be discussed below, the 2040 General Plan does not meet these five potential screening approaches and, thus, requires a full VMT assessment.
PROJECTS REQUIRING VMT ANALYSIS: SCENARIOS AND SIGNIFICANCE TEST A project not excluded from VMT analysis through the screening process described above is subject to a VMT analysis to determine if it has a significant VMT impact. The analysis scenarios and significance assessment are described below.
The following scenarios are addressed in the VMT analysis. Note that, while the CCTA guidance recommends that VMT impacts be evaluated against baseline (existing) conditions, for this analysis the home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee of the 2040 General Plan is evaluated under future (2040) conditions, because the 2040 General Plan is build-out of the city under the General Plan. In addition to the comparison of the 2040 General Plan’s 2040 home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee to the baseline metrics, a cumulative assessment of the project’s effect on total countywide VMT rates (boundary VMT) is presented.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-19
Baseline (2022) Conditions: The baseline (2022) CCTA model is used to determine the baseline home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee for all traffic analysis zones (TAZs) within the city limits, as well as to determine the countywide average home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee, and the 85 percent values of these metrics. 2040 No Project Conditions: The Year 2040 CCTA model is adjusted to reflect build-out of the city under the existing General Plan, and is used to determine the 2040 No Project home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee for the traffic analysis zones (TAZs) comprising the city limits.
2040 Plus Project Conditions: The Year 2040 CCTA model is adjusted to reflect build-out of the city under the proposed General Plan Update, and is used to determine the 2040 No Project home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee for the traffic analysis zones (TAZs) comprising the city limits.
Impact Significance Assessment: The 2040 Plus Project home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee for the city of Pleasant Hill (all TAZs) is compared to the 2022 countywide home-based VMT per resident and home-work VMT per employee. If the citywide values are higher than 85 percent of the countywide average values, the impact is significant. Cumulative Analysis and Significance Assessment (Project’s Effect on Total Countywide VMT):
The total countywide VMT per service population (defined as VMT generated by all trip types on all roadways within the county divided by all residents and employees) is compared for the 2040 Plus Project condition against the 2040 No Project condition. If the plan or project causes total Countywide VMT per service population to increase, this would constitute a significant impact.
VMT Impact Analysis Approach
MODEL STEPS
The Contra Costa Countywide Travel Demand Model (CCTA Model) was used to generate VMT estimates for the plan. The CCTA Model allows analysts to forecast regional travel behavior as a function of local land use development decisions, transportation network infrastructure planning, and land use and network policies. The CCTA Model reflects data included in Plan Bay Area 2040, the RTP/SCS that was recently replaced with adoption of Plan Bay Area 2050 by the MTC and ABAG.
CCTA has prepared a memorandum documenting the CCTA Model’s consistency with Plan Bay Area 2040, and the model is currently the best available tool for analysis of VMT impacts.
Residential projects are evaluated based on the home-based VMT per resident VMT metric. Homebased VMT is defined as all home-based automobile vehicle trips traced back to the residence of the trip-maker. Non-home-based trips are excluded. This VMT includes the entire length of the trip. This home-based VMT is then divided by the number of residents to calculate home-based VMT per resident.
Non-residential uses are evaluated based on the home-work VMT per employee metric. Home-work VMT is defined as the employee commute trip to and from work, and excludes mid-day trips, vendor and delivery trips, and visitor trips to the work site.
The VMT calculations are done in the CCTA Model via the production and attraction trip matrices to be able to attribute automobile vehicle trips to the residence of the trip-maker or the work site of the trip maker, respectively. The calculations include the entire trip length, including the portion that leaves the travel model area (the nine-county Bay Area). VMT for trips that leave the travel City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-20
model area is adjusted to account for the part of the trip that occurs outside of the travel model area.
LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION ANALYSIS SCENARIOS
Table 3.12-1 shows the citywide build-out land uses under the existing (2003) General Plan and the proposed 2040 General Plan. The existing 2022 (i.e., baseline) Pleasant Hill land uses in the CCTA Model are also shown for reference. A detailed table showing more land use detail is included in Appendix E. The build-out projections represent full development of all parcels at the densities allowed under each scenario. As such, they likely represent a longer-range development scenario than is expected to occur between the baseline year (2022) and the forecast year (2040). However, the direction from City staff was to use the full build-out land use values for the 2040 VMT impact assessment. It is noted that the remainder of the 2040 CCTA Model represents 2040 land use growth consistent with the ABAG forecasts.
Table 3.12-1 City of Pleasant Hill Land Use Summary by Scenario Scenario Total Housing Units Total Employees
CCTA 2022 Baseline Model 15,511 16,883
Existing General Plan Build-Out 30,755 39,282
Draft General Plan Update Build-Out 35,341 40,176
Growth: Existing General Plan Build-Out –
CCTA 2022 Baseline Model
15,244 22,399
Growth: Draft General Plan Update Build-Out –
CCTA 2022 Baseline Model
19,830 23,293
Source: CCTA Travel Demand Model (2022 data); Mintier Harnish (Build-out data); August 2022 EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addressed comments received in response to the EIR NOP related to congestion management, CCTA and RTP consistency, multi-modal and transit improvements, and VMT/traffic analysis. Assessment of VMT, including related to travel demand reduction and multi-modal strategies, impacts is discussed under Impacts TRA-1 and TRA-2. Assessment of roadway design and safety, including for bicyclists, is addressed under Impact TRA-3.
Specific Thresholds of Significance
The City of Pleasant Hill has not adopted quantitative thresholds for the evaluation of VMT, transit facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, design feature hazards, or emergency access. However, the City applies the following qualitative transportation thresholds:
VMT and Roadway Facilities
The 2040 General Plan was assessed for VMT to comply with SB 743 requirements and CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). The City of Pleasant Hill does not have published guidelines for VMT analysis for development projects. To determine impact findings for the 2040 General Plan the analysis is estimated based on CCTA guidance.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-21
The following thresholds of significance are used to evaluate potential VMT impacts with implementation of the 2040 General Plan:
Residential land uses: 15 percent below the region’s average VMT per capita under baseline. For the purpose of this analysis, the applicable region is Contra Costa County. Office/employment land uses: 15 percent below the region’s average VMT per employee under baseline conditions.
Any increase in the VMT per capita or VMT per employee with the proposed plan compared to the respective threshold (15 percent below the applicable baseline) would be considered a significant impact.
Generally, a plan/project causes a significant impact to roadway facilities if an element of it conflicts with existing or planned roadways. The evaluation of roadway facilities shall consider if:
A plan or project or related mitigation disrupts existing roadway facilities; A plan or project or related mitigation conflicts with an existing roadway facility; or A plan or project or related mitigation conflicts with roadway policies adopted by the City of Pleasant Hill or Contra Costa County for their respective facilities.
Transit Facilities
Generally, a plan/project causes a significant impact to transit facilities and services if an element of it conflicts with existing or planned transit services. The evaluation of transit facilities shall consider if:
A plan or project creates demand for public transit services above the capacity that is provided, or planned;
A plan or project or related mitigation disrupts existing transit services or facilities; A plan or project or related mitigation conflicts with an existing or planned transit facility; or A plan or project or related mitigation conflicts with transit policies adopted by the City of Pleasant Hill or Contra Costa County for their respective facilities.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
The 2040 General Plan describes the related policies necessary to ensure that pedestrian and bicycle facilities are safe and effective for City residents. Using the 2040 General Plan as a guide, significant impacts to these facilities would occur when a plan or project:
Creates a hazardous condition that currently does not exist for pedestrians and bicyclists, or otherwise interferes with pedestrian accessibility to the site and adjoining areas; or Conflicts with an existing or planned pedestrian or bicycle facility; or Conflicts with policies related to bicycle and pedestrian activity adopted by the City.
Design Feature Hazards
The impact would be significant if a plan/project resulted in transportation facilities that do not conform to applicable City and industry design standards for roadways, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian facilities.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-22
Emergency Access
The City does not have significance thresholds related to emergency access. The City Municipal Code adopts the California Fire Code and amends the code to address local conditions. Therefore, this EIR evaluates the proposed plan using the significance threshold provided by the California Fire Code as follows:
Multiple-family Residential Projects having more than 100 dwelling units should provide two separated and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Development of one or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceed 30 units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Provide a fire apparatus access road that has a minimum width of 20 feet with turning radii of 25 feet inside and 45 feet outside.
In addition, the following factors determine whether a plan or project has sufficient access for emergency vehicles, including:
Location of closest fire stations
Number of access points (both public and emergency access only) Width, height, and turning radius of access points
Width, height, and turning radius of roadways
Impact Evaluation
Consistency with Circulation System Programs
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
Impact TRA-1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT CONFLICT WITH A
PROGRAM, PLAN, ORDINANCE, OR POLICY ADDRESSING THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES; HOWEVER, IMPLEMENTATION COULD CONFLICT WITH A POLICY ADDRESSING ROADWAY FACILITIES. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS WOULD NOT CONFLICT WITH THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
ROADWAY, TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
Construction activities related to implementation of the 2040 General Plan could create potential conflicts with other roadway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian users, such as construction related activities resulting in lane, bicycle path, or sidewalk closures along the frontages of individual development projects facilitated by the proposed plan, construction vehicles queuing within the public right-of-way waiting entry to the site, construction worker parking in non-designated parking areas, or construction debris on public streets. Construction impacts would be temporary in nature and encroachment permits from Caltrans would be required for facilities under its administration, such as I-680, SR 4, SR 24, and SR 242. However, most construction would occur along local streets, Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-23
transit routes, bicycle paths, and sidewalks, but implementation of General Plan Policy TC-2.1, included below, would require a construction traffic plan to avoid construction-related impacts.
Policy TC-2.1 Traffic Plan Requirement. Require new development to establish comprehensive construction traffic plans, for approval by City staff, which denote haul routes, detours, and other factors that may impact public safety.
Therefore, with respect to conflicts with circulation system policies related to roadway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities, 2040 General Plan construction impacts would be less than significant.
Operation
ROADWAY FACILITIES
The 2040 General Plan includes modifications to existing street facilities to create a more pedestrian-oriented and bicycle-oriented street network. These modifications could cause existing and future local and regional traffic to circulate differently. The expected influence on existing and future traffic would be minimal because roadway modifications would conform to State and local standards and generally be implemented to improve circulation. Overall, the 2040 General Plan’s proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvements would not conflict with existing or planned roadway facilities, because the proposed street changes are additions of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and do not specifically propose any reduction in roadway vehicle lanes.
The 2040 General Plan includes policies that would support development consistent with applicable plans, such as Plan Bay Area 2050 and Contra Costa CTP. In addition, the following 2040 General Plan policies related to roadway facilities would ensure consistency:
Policy LU-1.9 Connectivity Between Existing and New Development. Encourage linking new development to existing development, parks, and trails through the creation of internal circulation systems that allow travel by foot, bicycles, vehicles, and other alternative modes of travel.
Policy LU-5.3 Compliance with Performance Standards. Require that all new development comply with the City's performance standards for fire, police, parks, water, flood control, sanitary sewer, and transportation facilities.
Policy LU-6.29 Limit Driveways and Curb Cuts. Support limiting new driveways and curb cuts and encourage consolidating existing driveways and curb cuts as Contra Costa Boulevard redevelops.
Policy LU-6.41 Taylor Boulevard Access. Support limiting access points from development fronting Taylor Boulevard to enhance pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular safety.
Policy LU-6.50 Circulation Enhancements. Require upgrades to the Monument Boulevard street network to improve overall traffic flow pending approval of new development.
Policy TC-1.1 Rights-of-Way. Maintain existing circulation system rights-of-way, except as necessary to address localized congestion areas.
Policy TC-1.2 Multimodal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-24
Policy TC-2.1 Traffic Plan Requirement. Require new development to establish comprehensive construction traffic plans, for approval by City staff, which denote haul routes, detours, and other factors that may impact public safety.
Policy TC-2.3 LOS Standards and Conditions of Approval. Approve new development which at least meets or is mitigated to meet adopted LOS standards as documented in the City Findings of Consistency.
Policy TC-2.4 Traffic Impact Study. Require traffic impact studies (including VMT and LOS analysis) as part of the application review process for development projects.
Policy TC-2.5 Transportation Demand Management (TDM). Require robust transportation demand management with all new private development that requires establishment of incentives and programs to reduce traffic congestion including annual reporting to ensure transportation demand management goals for a project are being met and to correct transportation demand management practices.
Policy TC-3.1 Residential Streets. Prioritize traffic calming improvements and enforcement efforts along residential roadways that have recurring cut-through traffic or excessive speeding.
Policy TC-3.2 Arterial and Collector Streets. Minimize opportunities for regionally generated cut-through vehicle travel in the city as part of new roadway projects or projects within public roadways.
Policy TC-3.3 Vehicle Traffic Calming Devices. Consider traffic calming devices such as lane narrowing, widening medians, neighborhood traffic circles, roundabouts, and landscaping to discourage cut-through vehicle traffic.
Policy TC-3.4 Alternative Methods to Prevent Cut-Through Vehicle Traffic. Consider the use of alternative street surfacing materials, traffic diverters, special designs, and stop signs to prevent cut-through traffic on residential streets.
Policy TC-3.5 Monument Triangle Congestion. Support the reconfiguration of the Monument Triangle circulation network and to improve vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle safety while reducing congestion anticipated from future development.
Policy TC-3.6 School Area Congestion. Work with the Mount Diablo Unified School District, private schools, and Diablo Valley College to address traffic speeds and congestion near schools and on key access routes.
Policy TC-4.5 Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.
Policy TC-7.1 Multi-Jurisdictional Transportation Planning. Participate in multi-jurisdictional transportation planning through TRANSPAC and CCTA activities to ensure all City planning efforts, projects, and developments comply with regional requirements and standards.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-25
Policy TC-8.5 Reduce Vehicle Speeds. Support the reduction of vehicle speeds using engineering and design techniques, community education, and evaluation and planning strategies rather than relying solely on enforcement.
Policy TC-8.8 New Development Neighborhood Traffic Impacts. Require developer participation in the cost of installation of traffic calming measures to reduce neighborhood traffic impacts through fee payments or direct contribution as a condition of approval, if applicable.
Policy TC-8.11 Traffic Safety Corridors. Identify Traffic Safety Corridors along Suggested Routes to School and protected residential neighborhoods as allowed through California Assembly Bill 43 – Traffic Safety to establish lower speed streets to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Policy TC-14.1 Minimize Truck Conflicts. Minimize potential conflicts between trucks and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel on streets designated as truck routes.
Policy TC-14.2 Minimize Truck Loading and Unloading Conflicts. Minimize potential conflicts between truck loading and unloading and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel.
Policy TC-14.4 Truck Route Network. Develop a signage program that identifies truck routes.
Implementation of the above 2040 General Plan policies would ensure consistency with circulation system policies related to roadway facilities.
Buildout of the 2040 General Plan land use plan would lead to an approximately 100 percent increase in residential units and a 50 percent increase in non-residential uses, which in turn would increase the vehicle travel demand on the Pleasant Hill roadway network. Increased vehicle travel demand may result in increased congestion, because no roadway widenings are proposed as part of the 2040 General Plan. The travel demand forecasting performed for the 2040 General Plan indicates that certain segments of the following roadways would exceed the daily vehicle capacities, as defined in the Contra Costa Countywide Travel Demand Model:
Contra Cost Boulevard, Beth Drive to Sunvalley Boulevard Ellinwood Drive. East of Contra Costa Boulevard
Buskirk Avenue, Monument Boulevard to Hookston Road
Oak Park Boulevard, Hook Avenue to Putnam Boulevard
It is important to note that the forecasting encompasses full build-out of all parcels to their maximum capacity, and represents growth over a much longer period than the 18 years represented in the travel demand model (2022 to 2040). Therefore, these over-capacity conditions may not materialize by 2040. ,
Growth associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan could interfere with the operation of existing roadway facilities or conflict with planned roadway facilities; however, implementation of the aforementioned roadway facility policies would minimize such potential conflicts. Therefore, with respect to conflicts with circulation system policies related to roadway facilities, operational impacts of the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-26
TRANSIT FACILITIES
Development under the 2040 General Plan would not obstruct existing transit services or facilities, nor would it conflict with existing or planned facilities. All new development would be subject to City discretionary review, allowing the City to ensure that project designs would not interfere with transit operations. Buildout of the 2040 General Plan would increase the number of potential transit users on the various transit systems serving the city. Increased users would result in a correlated increase in demand for transit. Additionally, roadway traffic congestion caused from population and employment growth in the city facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could affect transit corridors by increasing travel times and decreasing headway reliability for transit vehicles.
The 2040 General Plan includes policies that would support development consistent with applicable plans, like Plan Bay Area 2050 and Contra Costa CTP. 2040 General Plan contains the following goals and policies that would support reducing traffic congestion and improving transit connectivity:
Policy LU-1.9 Connectivity Between Existing and New Development. Encourage linking new development to existing development, parks, and trails through the creation of internal circulation systems that allow travel by foot, bicycles, vehicles, and other alternative modes of travel.
Policy LU-5.3 Compliance with Performance Standards. Require that all new development comply with the City's performance standards for fire, police, parks, water, flood control, sanitary sewer, and transportation facilities.
Policy LU-6.25 Transit-Oriented Development. Encourage the design and development of transit-oriented developments along Contra Costa Boulevard to support future transportation system enhancements.
Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.
Policy TC-1.2 Multi-Modal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.
Policy TC-1.3 Community Input on Complete Streets. When planning and designing for complete streets, receive input from groups and individuals representing the various types of users of City streets.
Policy TC-1.4 Community Input on Roadway Improvements. Support the sponsoring of forums to obtain citizen input to develop roadway improvements aimed at improving traffic circulation, reduce traffic speeding, and maximizing person throughput.
Goal TC-4 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.
Policy TC-4.1 Transportation Mode Mix. Plan for appropriate mix of transportation modes and the infrastructure to support these modes to meet community needs.
Policy TC-4.2 Develop Thoroughfares. Develop and improve thoroughfares based on existing and proposed land use patterns and projected demand.
Policy TC-4.4 Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-27
Policy TC-4.5 Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.
Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (non-driving_ modes of transportation.
Policy TC-5.1 Evaluate Multi-Modal Facility Needs. Evaluate the needs of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and/or access for new development as part of the review process, and require new development to incorporate transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access where feasible and appropriate, consistent with the Circulation Element and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (when adopted).
Goal TC-8 Encourage the development of a comprehensive and integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design features that allow safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, youth, and families.
Policy TC-8.1 Complete Streets Principles. Apply complete streets principles when building new, or rehabilitating existing, roadways, consider the following design elements:
Sidewalks and curbs as a standard design principle.
Bicycle lanes and/or shared lanes as a standard design principle. Transit accessibility as a standard design principle. Shade trees and planting strips as a standard design principle along roadways
Policy TC-8.2 Review for Complete Streets. Review street reconstruction, new development, and utility projects to incorporate complete street elements when feasible, including trails, bus stop enhancements, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
Goal TC-13 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation.
Policy TC-13.1 Bus and Rail Services. Coordinate with local transit providers (i.e., bus, paratransit, and rail service) to provide expanded schedules and services that meet the needs of Pleasant Hill residents.
Policy TC-13.2 Innovative Transportation Technologies. Work with transit providers, employers, schools, and developers to encourage innovative technologies that promote more effective and expanded use of transit and facilitate other innovations to serve first and last mile travel, such as mobility hubs and micromobility (e-scooters, e-bikes).
Policy TC-13.3 Support County Connection Improvements. Support County Connection to improve all types of accessibility and comfort for their facilities and to incorporate intermodal facilities where feasible.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-28
Policy TC-13.4 Transit for Commuters and Special Needs Populations. Work with transit providers and other regional TDM entities to promote and incentivize use of transit for commuters, seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.
Policy TC-13.5 Senior Van Service. Maintain the City's Senior Van Service for residents over the age of 55, subject to the availability of funding.
2040 General Plan goals and policies listed above encourage an increase in transit ridership, decreased dependence on motor vehicles, and reduce transit delays. While the proposed plan could add peak hour transit riders, implementation of the proposed plan would not disrupt existing or interfere with planned transit services or facilities.
The CCTA CTP contains goals and policies, as listed under Section 3.12.3, Regulatory Framework, to manage the County’s transportation system, including several policies relating to the preservation and enhancement of transit service, in partnership with local jurisdictions, as the County grows.
These goals and policies are consistent with the 2040 General Plan goals and policies and would result in coordinated planning for the expansion of transit service to meet demand as the City of Pleasant Hill grows under the 2040 General Plan.
Implementation of the above 2040 General Plan policies would ensure consistency with circulation system policies related to transit facilities. Therefore, with respect to conflicts with circulation system policies related to transit facilities, operational impacts of the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.
BICYCLE FACILITIES
Growth in residential and non-residential uses under the 2040 General Plan could result in more bicycle use on existing facilities. The 2040 General Plan includes complete streets policies, new bicycle facilities, and transportation and circulation goals and policies to accommodate increased bicycle demands generated by new development. This network would accommodate bicycle demand generated by the land development. Examples of goals and policies consistent with applicable plans, like Plan Bay Area 2050 and Contra Costa CTP, in the 2040 General Plan that would encourage bicycle transportation modes while also ensuring bicycle facilities are adequate include those listed under the Transit Facilities impact discussion above, and the following:
Policy LU-3.3 Neighborhood Access. Ensure that new residential development include safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to existing residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-7.3 Remove Physical Barriers. Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.
Goal TC-11 Increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-11.1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Support a network of safe and comfortable bikeway and pedestrian facilities connecting neighborhoods and destinations in Pleasant Hill and adjacent jurisdictions.
Policy TC-11.2 Street Design. Require street cross-sections to accommodate bicyclists, micromobility users, and pedestrians.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-29
Policy TC-11.3 Protected Bicycle Facilities. Consider incorporating protected bicycle and pedestrian facilities in higher density land use areas and along major transportation corridors to the greatest extent feasible.
Goal TC-12 Strive to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian related crashes.
Policy TC-12.1 Collision Database. Create a traffic count data and collision database and work with applicable City departments and law enforcement to map collision data for identifying problem areas.
Policy TC-12.2 Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.
Policy TC-12.3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Education. Support bicycle and pedestrian safety education in all Pleasant Hill schools. Continue to support Safe Routes to Schools programs to address pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Policy TC-12.4 Safe Routes to School (SR2S). Support Safe Routes to School infrastructure and education & encouragement programs to address and enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. Develop Suggested Route to School maps for Pleasant Hill schools to help prioritize infrastructure improvements along routes supporting student commutes.
Policy TC-12.5 Technology Safety Enhancements. Identify and deploy technology solutions to support bicycle and pedestrian safety through the City including passive detection systems at traffic signals and trail crossings.
Policy TC-12.6 Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network of bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools and other frequently visited destinations.
Policy TC-12.7 Emphasis on Walking and Biking. Encourage more people to walk and bicycle for a variety of purposes.
Policy TC-12.8 Bicycle Parking. Support the expansion of the bicycle parking network in Pleasant Hill.
Policy TC-12.9 Supportive Infrastructure. Encourage the implementation of supportive infrastructure and programs.
Policy TC-12.10 Safe Intersections for Bicycles. Ensure adequate crossing times and detection for bicycle users at signalized intersections.
Policy TC-12.11 Commute Information. Promote 511 Contra Costa alternative commute mode materials to encourage reduced reliance on vehicular use.
Policy TC-12.12 Bike to Work Day. Promote and support a Bike to Work Day.
Policy TC-12.13 Speed Limit Modifications. Using future accommodations provided through AB 43 – Traffic Safety, re-survey speed limits in the City to identify speed limit reduction opportunities that focus on traffic safety for vulnerable roadway users.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-30
The 2040 General Plan would encourage bicycling by improving bicycle connectivity with a comprehensive community-wide network of on-street and off-street bicycle facilities, which would be defined in the City of Pleasant Hill Draft BPMP. Implementation of the 2040 General Plan would not interfere with existing bicycle facilities or conflict with planned bicycle facilities or adopted bicycle system plans, guidelines, policies, or standards. Furthermore, implementation of the 2040 General Plan would create new bicycle facilities consistent with the City of Pleasant Hill Draft BPMP, which would have a beneficial effect on bicycle circulation and access. Therefore, with respect to conflicts with circulation system policies related to bicycle facilities, operational impacts of the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.
PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
Growth in residential and non-residential uses under the 2040 General Plan could result in more use and demand on existing pedestrian facilities. The 2040 General Plan includes complete streets policies, new pedestrian facilities, and transportation and circulation goals and policies to accommodate increased pedestrian demands generated by the development envisioned in the 2040 General Plan. The 2040 General Plan would encourage walking by improving pedestrian facilities and connectivity with a safe and continuous pedestrian network to shorten walking distances and improve pedestrian connections to popular local destinations. Examples of goals and policies in the 2040 General Plan that would encourage walking trips and ensure pedestrian facilities are adequate include the following, and those listed under Transit Facilities and Bicycle Facilities above:
Policy LU-1.7 Multi-Story Development. Require multi-story buildings to incorporate step backs on upper floors to create a more human-scale and comfortable pedestrian environment.
Policy LU-3.2 Connectivity. Encourage new residential and mixed-use development to incorporate design features that promote walking within neighborhoods and citywide.
Policy LU-4.2 Strip Commercial Conversion. Encourage existing strip commercial uses to be redeveloped into pedestrian friendly, contemporary shopping environments.
Policy LU-6.16 Walkable Environment. Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.
Policy LU-6.27 Pedestrian Oriented Development. Support the transformation of existing auto-oriented and strip commercial uses into attractive pedestrian-oriented developments that enhance the visual character and interest of the boulevard.
Policy LU-6.37 Pedestrian Friendly Design. Encourage the expansion of Gregory Lane pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure to create a more multi-modal friendly environment that increases overall safety.
Policy LU-6.48 Pedestrian Connectivity. Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-31
Goal TC-9 Prioritize a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-9.1 Pedestrian Safety. Maintain and upgrade the City’s pedestrian system by installing or upgrading sidewalks, warning devices, crosswalks, and other pedestrian aids where appropriate, including particular consideration for the needs of users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-9.2 Pedestrian Connections. Require new development to use best practices in providing pedestrian connections between sites and existing and planned pedestrian facilities, including those identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and other relevant plans and documents.
Policy TC-9.3 Enhance Pedestrian Crossings. Enhance pedestrian crossings on all arterial and collector roadways.
Policy TC-9.4 Sidewalk Maintenance. Maintain existing sidewalk to meet ADA requirements, including removal or relocation of objects obstructing pedestrian path and installation of wider or detached sidewalks with a buffer separation from vehicular traffic, where feasible.
Policy TC-9.5 Sidewalk Guidelines and Standards. Establish sidewalk standards and guidelines for enhancing existing sidewalk and installation of new sidewalks.
Policy TC-9.6 Planning for Pedestrian Improvements. Ensure all planning processes, such as PUD Concept Plans, master plans and specific plans, identify areas where pedestrian improvements can be made, such as new connections, increased sidewalk width, improved crosswalks, improved lighting, and new street furniture.
Policy TC-9.7 Enhance Street Lighting. Enhance street lighting to provide for better pedestrian safety.
Policy TC-9.8 Sidewalk Improvements. Improve sidewalks to facilitate access by users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-9.9 Sidewalk Gap Closure Plan. Create a sidewalk gap closure plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the gaps.
Goal TC-10 Provide well-designed and well-maintained off-street paths and trails.
Policy TC-10.1 Prioritize Linkages. Design and maintain a pedestrian system that provides connections between trails and access to roadways and parking.
Policy TC-10.2 Safe and Interconnected Trails. Work with other responsible/owner agencies to ensure the trails system is designed to be safe and interconnected, incorporating on-street connections where needed, designed for pedestrians and/or bicyclists, and consistent with other relevant plans.
Policy TC-10.3 Safe Trail Crossings. Provide safe trail crossings at surface streets for all nonmotorized users. This requires the installation of signs, striping, pavement markings, and actuated traffic control devices, where applicable.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-32
Policy TC-10.4 New Trails. Coordinate with East Bay Municipal Utility District and other agencies to explore new trail opportunities to provide connections to parts of the city without off-road bicycle and pedestrian connections.
Implementation of the above 2040 General Plan policies would ensure consistency with circulation system policies related to pedestrian facilities. Therefore, with respect to conflicts with circulation system policies related to pedestrian facilities, operational impacts of the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Vehicle Miles of Travel
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Impact TRA-2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD CONFLICT OR BE INCONSISTENT WITH CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.3, SUBDIVISION (B). IMPACTS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE EVEN WITH MITIGATION.
Construction
Impacts related to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b) are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur because construction is temporary in nature and, while it may marginally generate VMT from construction worker trips or road detours, does not substantially impact regional VMT.
Operation
The Contra Costa Countywide Travel Demand Model was adjusted to reflect the relevant land use growth for with and without 2040 General Plan implementation, as described under Approach to Analysis. Table 3.12-2 presents the VMT results for the home-based VMT11 per resident.
Table 3.12-3 presents the results for the home-work VMT12 per employee. 11 Home-based VMT is VMT generated by trips to and from the home, made by residents, deliveries, etc., and excludes trips made by residents between non-home locations (such as trips between their workplace and other destinations during the day). 12 Home-work VMT is VMT generated by employee trips between the home and the workplace, and excludes other workplace trips such as visitors, vendors, and deliveries.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-33
Table 3.12-2 Citywide Home-Based VMT Summary
Scenario
Home-Based
VMT Residents
Home-Based VMT
Per Resident
County Average HomeBased VMT per Resident
2022 Baseline 441,405 34,193 12.9 17.2
Threshold1 --- --- --- 14.6
2040 With Existing General Plan Build-Out 646,563 58,629 11.0 15.9 2040 With General Plan Update Build-Out 739,984 70,397 10.5 15.9 Does Project meet Threshold? --- --- Yes ---
1. 85 percent of 2022 Baseline Countywide Average
Source: CCTA Travel Demand Model; Fehr & Peers, October 2022.
Table 3.12-3 Citywide Home-Work VMT Summary
Scenario Home-Work VMT Employees
Home-Work VMT
per Employee
County Average
Home-Work VMT
per Employee
2022 Baseline 324,168 22,742 14.3 15.0
Threshold1 --- --- --- 12.7
2040 With Existing General Plan Build-Out 506,612 36,127 14.0 15.1 2040 With General Plan Update Build-Out 519,951 37,069 14.0 15.0 Does Project meet Threshold? --- --- No ---
1 85 percent of 2022 Baseline Countywide Average
Source: CCTA Travel Demand Model; Fehr & Peers, October 2022.
The analysis indicates that the Pleasant Hill VMT per resident of 12.9 miles-per-resident is substantially lower than the Countywide average VMT per resident of 17.2 miles-per-resident in the 2022 baseline and is projected to be substantially lower than the Countywide average VMT per resident in 2040 for both the existing (2003) General Plan and proposed 2040 General Plan buildout scenarios. Further, the Pleasant Hill Home-Work VMT per employee of 14.3 miles-per-resident is slightly lower than the Countywide average Home-Work VMT per employee of 15.0 miles-perresident in the 2022 baseline and is projected to be slightly lower than the Countywide average VMT per resident in 2040 for both the existing General Plan and 2040 General Plan buildout scenarios.
Home-Based VMT rates in the County as a whole, and in Pleasant Hill, are projected to decline between 2022 and 2040. Home-Work VMT rates in the County and in Pleasant Hill are projected to stay relatively similar between 2022 and 2040. The Home-Based VMT rates in Pleasant Hill are projected to be less than 85 percent of the baseline Countywide average for both the existing General Plan and 2040 General Plan buildout scenarios. However, the Home-Work VMT rates in Pleasant Hill are projected to be higher than 85 percent of the baseline Countywide average for both the existing General Plan and 2040 General Plan Update Build-out scenarios. The 2040 General Plan Update buildout scenario projects lower Home-Based VMT rates than if the existing General Plan were built out, but the two scenarios have similar Home-Work VMT rate projections.
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in reductions in VMT per capita and VMT per employee from existing conditions, but VMT per employee would still exceed the impact threshold. Implementing the 2040 General Plan policies listed above under Impact TRA-1 would reduce VMT through promoting accessibility, encouraging non-vehicle transportation modes, and improving access to transit services. Even with the 2040 General Plan policies to reduce VMT, it is City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-34
possible that VMT per employee would still remain above applicable thresholds. Although VMT per capita and employee would be reduced as a result of the 2040 General Plan, which would a beneficial effect, according to OPR guidance on the application of SB 743, a VMT impact is still significant if VMT per capita or employee remains above 15 percent below the existing baseline.
Thus, with respect to consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), the operational VMT impact of the 2040 General Plan would be significant and unavoidable since VMT per employee would be greater than 12.7 in the 2040 General Plan area, and Mitigation Measure TRA-1 would be required.
Available project characteristics modification and TDM measures are included under Mitigation Measure TRA-1. CCTA also includes participation in a CCTA-approved VMT impact fee program and/or VMT mitigation exchange/banking program, but CCTA is still developing such a program. City of Pleasant Hill requirement to participate in this program is also included under Mitigation Measure TRA-1.
Due to unknown future conditions at the time of future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and the uncertainty of the effectiveness of VMT reduction measures under Mitigation Measure TRA1 to guarantee a reduction of VMT below thresholds, operational VMT impacts of the 2040 General Plan would remain significant and unavoidable even with mitigation.
Mitigation Measure
MITIGATION MEASURE TRA-1 PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT A TDM PLAN WITH TDM PROGRAMS The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts.
The first two options 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 CCTA-approved 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.)
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.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-35
Table 3.12-4 TDM Measures
CAPCOA Handbook Measure Types of Projects Core Elements T-7: Commute Trip Reduction Marketing Employment-based *Thoughtful marketing strategy *Readily available commute information
*Designated TDM Coordinator
*Guaranteed Ride Home
T-8: Provide Ridesharing Program Employment-based *Participation in a TMA with ride-matching program *Preferential parking policies for carpools
*Promotions and incentives such as gas cards at
carpool formation
T-9: Implement Subsidized or Discounted
Transit Program
Residential, School,
Employment-based
*Location within 1/2 mile of major transit stop or
high-quality transit corridor
*Participation in Commuter Benefits Program
*Easy to sign up for incentives
T-11: Provide Employer Sponsored
Vanpool / Point-to-Point Shuttles
Employment-based *Coordinate logistics of vanpool program *Cover vanpool fares for riders through commute
benefits program
*Promote and facilitate vanpool creation
T-12: Price Workplace Parking Employment-based *Location within 1/2 mile of transit service *Priced at least $5 per day
*On-street parking nearby is not readily available
T-13: Implement Employee Parking
Cashout
Employment-based *Parking is provided as benefit
*On-street parking nearby is not readily available
*Participants pledge to not drive to work
T-16: Unbundle Residential Parking Costs Residential *On-street parking nearby is not readily available *All parking is priced at a rate at least $30
per month
T-23: Community-Based Travel Planning Residential, Retail, School
*Proactive outreach to all households in service
area or project
*Program Coordinator designated as lead in
promoting non-auto transportation
T-10: Provide End-of-Trip Bicycle
Facilities
All Projects *Provision of secure bicycle parking in the form of lockers, a locked storage room, or an attended
storage facility
*(For non-residential): Provision of lockers, showers,
and changing rooms
T-21A: Implement Carshare Program /
Provide Carshare Parking
All Projects *Dedicate parking for carshare vehicles
*Identify carshare partner
T-15 Reduce Parking Supply Residential *On-street parking nearby is not readily available T-18: Provide Pedestrian Network
Improvements:
All Projects Completion of one or more projects identified in the Solano County Active Transportation Plan
T-19-A and T-19-B: Construct or Improve
Bicycle Facility/Bicycle Boulevard
All Projects
T-20: Expand Bikeway Network All Projects
T-26 Increase Transit Frequency All Projects in PDAs Increase the frequency of transit service by providing funding for more operators and vehicles
T-25 Increase Transit Coverage All Projects Expand transit service to areas without access to it, or expand to later/earlier hours.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-36
CAPCOA Handbook Measure Types of Projects Core Elements T-23: Community-Based Travel Planning Residential, Retail, School
*Proactive outreach to all households in service
area or project
*Program Coordinator designated as lead in
promoting non-auto transportation
T-22: Bikeshare/Scootershare All Projects in PDAs Fund and implement program providing e-bikes or scooters available on demand. Ideally pursue a
"dockless" system.
Free E-Bike Program All Projects Provide e-bikes free of charge to households pledging to reduce vehicle trips
Source: Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, Assessing Climate Change Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity (CAPCOA, December 2021).
Feasible options listed under Table 3.12-4 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 reviewed and approved by the City prior to issuance of construction permits.
Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Roadway Design Safety Hazards
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)?
Impact TRA-3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE HAZARDS BECAUSE OF A GEOMETRIC DESIGN FEATURE (E.G., SHARP CURVES OR DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS) OR INCOMPATIBLE USES (E.G., FARM EQUIPMENT). IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Construction of the proposed plan is anticipated to utilize vacant areas within the plan areas to accommodate storage of large construction vehicles. Such staging areas would reduce the amount of heavy construction vehicles using adjacent roads. During construction, truck deliveries would be expected to use collectors and would avoid adding additional heavy duty truck traffic on feeder streets and local streets. Furthermore, these truck routes are specifically designated to avoid impacts to pedestrian and bicyclists. Thus, because the construction trucks would travel along the designated truck routes, there would not be a conflict with the automobile vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian design and activity along roadways on and near the plan area. Therefore, construction impacts related to roadway design safety hazards would be less than significant.
Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would increase the number of users on the Pleasant Hill transportation system, which could increase transportation circulation design safety hazards associated with future projects in the General Plan area. Primary operational vehicular Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-37
access to and through the General Plan area would be provided by existing signalized intersections and highways.
Improvements to the transportation and circulation system in the City would be implemented over time through buildout year of 2040. Pleasant Hill maintains improvement standards that guide the construction of new transportation facilities to minimize design hazards for all users of the system.
Through the environmental review process, land use proposals that would add traffic to streets not designed to current standards are evaluated. If needed, mitigation measures are identified therein, and the project is conditioned to construct or provide funding for an improvement that would minimize or eliminate the hazard. Typical improvements Include shoulder widening, adding turn pockets, adding sidewalks or crosswalks, realigning sharp curves, prohibiting certain turning movements, signalizing intersections, and increasing sight distance, among other measures. New and upgraded roadways needed to accommodate new development would be designed according to applicable Federal, State, and local design standards. Development and infrastructure projects in Pleasant Hill would be required to comply with the General Plan Update, Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, and applicable State and local regulations. As a result, and in consideration of the 2040 General Plan’s policies regarding infrastructure safety, listed below, this impact would be less than significant. The 2040 General Plan establishes the following goals and policies that are intended to result in roadway designs that safely accommodate all users:
Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.
Policy TC-1.2 Multi-Modal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.
Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.
Policy TC-2.1 Traffic Plan Requirement. Require new development to establish comprehensive construction traffic plans, for approval by City staff, which denote haul routes, detours, and other factors that may impact public safety.
Policy TC-2.6 Safe Routes to School (SR2S). Establish a Safe Routes to School program in collaboration with the school districts and private schools that identifies and promotes suggested routes to school and incentivizes students and parents to use alternative transportation modes for school commutes.
Goal TC-3 Encourage slower vehicle speeds and discourage cut-through traffic along City roadways, especially within residential neighborhoods and along freeway bypass routes.
Policy TC-3.1 Residential Streets. Prioritize traffic calming improvements and enforcement efforts along residential roadways that have recurring cut-through traffic or excessive speeding.
Policy TC-3.2 Arterial and Collector Streets. Minimize opportunities for regionally generated cut-through vehicle travel in the city as part of new roadway projects or projects within public roadways.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-38
Policy TC-3.3 Vehicle Traffic Calming Devices. Consider traffic calming devices such as lane narrowing, widening medians, neighborhood traffic circles, roundabouts, and landscaping to discourage cut-through vehicle traffic.
Policy TC-3.4 Alternative Methods to Prevent Cut-Through Vehicle Traffic. Consider the use of alternative street surfacing materials, traffic diverters, special designs, and stop signs to prevent cut-through traffic on residential streets.
Policy TC-3.5 Monument Triangle Congestion. Support the reconfiguration of the Monument Triangle circulation network and to improve vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle safety while reducing congestion anticipated from future development.
Policy TC-3.6 School Area Congestion. Work with the Mount Diablo Unified School District, private schools, and Diablo Valley College to address traffic speeds and congestion near schools and on key access routes.
Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (non-driving) modes of transportation.
Policy TC-5.1 Evaluate Multi-modal Facility Needs. Evaluate the needs of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and/or access for new development as part of the review process, and require new development to incorporate transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access where feasible and appropriate, consistent with the Circulation Element and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (when adopted).
Policy TC-5.3. Mobility Technology Support. Identify and implement technology that supports walking, biking, commuting, and other alternative transportation modes within the City including infrastructure that supports micro mobility use within the City.
Goal TC-8 Encourage the development of a comprehensive and integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design features that allow safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, youth, and families.
Policy TC-8.1 Complete Streets Principles. Apply complete streets principles when building new, or rehabilitating existing, roadways, consider the following design elements:
Sidewalks and curbs as a standard design principle.
Bicycle lanes and/or shared lanes as a standard design principle. Transit accessibility as a standard design principle. Shade trees and planting strips as a standard design principle along roadways.
Policy TC-8.2 Review for Complete Streets. Review street reconstruction, new development, and utility projects to incorporate complete street elements when feasible, including trails, bus stop enhancements, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-39
Policy TC-8.3 Regional Complete Streets Planning. Coordinate internally and with other agencies to plan for the provision of complete streets regionally.
Policy TC-8.4 Multi-Modal Roadways. Consider the needs of vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrians on all city roadways and facilities.
Policy TC-8.5 Reduce Vehicle Speeds. Support the reduction of vehicle speeds using engineering and design techniques, community education, and evaluation and planning strategies rather than relying solely on enforcement.
Policy TC-8.6 Wide Sidewalks for Shared Use. Provide wide sidewalks to allow shared use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and non-motorized modes of transportation as directed by the City Engineer.
Policy TC-8.7 Limit Roadway Widening. Limit roadway widening and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements within the right of way to increase roadway capacity that does not conflict with emergency access requirements.
Policy TC-8.11 Traffic Safety Corridors. Identify Traffic Safety Corridors along Suggested Routes to School and protected residential neighborhoods as allowed through California Assembly Bill 43 – Traffic Safety to establish lower speed streets to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Goal TC-9 Prioritize a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities Policy TC-9.1 Pedestrian Safety. Maintain and upgrade the City’s pedestrian system by installing or upgrading sidewalks, warning devices, crosswalks, and other pedestrian aids where appropriate, including particular consideration for the needs of users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-9.3 Enhance Pedestrian Crossings. Enhance pedestrian crossings on all arterial and collector roadways.
Policy TC-9.4 Sidewalk Maintenance. Maintain existing sidewalk to meet ADA requirements, including removal or relocation of objects obstructing pedestrian path and installation of wider or detached sidewalks with a buffer separation from vehicular traffic, where feasible.
Policy TC-9.5 Sidewalk Guidelines and Standards. Establish sidewalk standards and guidelines for enhancing existing sidewalk and installation of new sidewalks.
Policy TC-9.6 Planning for Pedestrian Improvements. Ensure all planning processes, such as PUD Concept Plans, master plans and specific plans, identify areas where pedestrian improvements can be made, such as new connections, increased sidewalk width, improved crosswalks, improved lighting, and new street furniture.
Policy TC-9.7 Enhance Street Lighting. Enhance street lighting to provide for better pedestrian safety.
Goal TC-10 Provide well-designed and well-maintained off-street paths and trails.
Policy TC-10.2 Safe and Interconnected Trails. Work with other responsible/owner agencies to ensure the trails system is designed to be safe and interconnected, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-40
incorporating on-street connections where needed, designed for pedestrians and/or bicyclists, and consistent with other relevant plans.
Policy TC-10.3 Safe Trail Crossings. Provide safe trail crossings at surface streets for all nonmotorized users. This requires the installation of signs, striping, pavement markings, and actuated traffic control devices, where applicable.
Goal TC-11 Increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and abilities.
Policy TC-11.1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Support a network of safe and comfortable bikeway and pedestrian facilities connecting neighborhoods and destinations in Pleasant Hill and adjacent jurisdictions.
Policy TC-11.2 Street Design. Require street cross-sections to accommodate bicyclists, micromobility users, and pedestrians.
Policy TC-11.3 Protected Bicycle Facilities. Consider incorporating protected bicycle and pedestrian facilities in higher density land use areas and along major transportation corridors to the greatest extent feasible.
Goal TC-12 Strive to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian related crashes.
Policy TC-12.1 Collision Database. Create a traffic count data and collision database and work with applicable City departments and law enforcement to map collision data for identifying problem areas.
Policy TC-12.2 Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.
Policy TC-12.3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Education. Support bicycle and pedestrian safety education in all Pleasant Hill schools. Continue to support Safe Routes to Schools programs to address pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Policy TC-12.4 Safe Routes to School (SR2S). Support Safe Routes to School infrastructure and education & encouragement programs to address and enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety. Develop Suggested Route to School maps for Pleasant Hill schools to help prioritize infrastructure improvements along routes supporting student commutes.
Policy TC-12.5 Technology Safety Enhancements. Identify and deploy technology solutions to support bicycle and pedestrian safety through the City including passive detection systems at traffic signals and trail crossings.
Policy TC-12.10 Safe Intersections for Bicycles. Ensure adequate crossing times and detection for bicycle users at signalized intersections.
Goal TC-14 Provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods to support commerce, industry, and the community.
Policy TC-14.1 Minimize Truck Conflicts. Minimize potential conflicts between trucks and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel on streets designated as truck routes. [Source: New Policy]
Policy TC-14.2 Minimize Truck Loading and Unloading Conflicts. Minimize potential conflicts between truck loading and unloading and pedestrian, bicycle and transit travel.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-41
The above goals and policies are intended to result in roadway designs that safely accommodate all users including pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles. Therefore, with respect to increases of hazards due to design features, the General Plan would result in a less than significant operational impact.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Emergency Vehicle Access
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan result in inadequate emergency access? Impact TRA-4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN INADEQUATE EMERGENCY ACCESS. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to inadequate emergency access are limited to operational impacts. During future projects construction, two-way travel would be maintained. Should any roadways in the General Plan area experience temporary one-way travel restrictions or be closed to travel, there are multiple access routes to these plan areas, and construction detour signage would be provided. No respective construction impacts would occur.
Operation
As discussed in Section 3.9, Land Use/Planning and Population/Housing, the 2040 General Plan would result in an increase in population and development. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to meet all applicable current State and local codes and ordinances related to fire protection, which includes emergency access.
As mentioned in Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation, development facilitated by the General Plan would be adequately served by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Stations No. 2 and No. 5. Further, as mentioned in Section 3.7, Hazards/Hazardous Materials and Wildfire, development facilitated by the General Plan would not impede emergency access and response.
Therefore, development within the General Plan area would be adequately served in case of a firerelated emergency. Development facilitated by the General Plan would be required to provide adequate accommodation of fire access to structure frontages, multiple access points to development, as well as adequate width, height, and turning radius of roadways and access points, pursuant to California Building Code requirements. Future projects that would not meet required standards and codes would not be allowed to be permitted by the City. Development facilitated by the General Plan would be required to comply with City and County standards and requirements and would undergo review by public safety officials as part of the approval process.
Emergency vehicle response times would continue to be reduced over time due to the ability of emergency vehicles to use vehicle preemption technology (where possible) and sirens; this capability would remain regardless of any roadway capacity modification. Roadway segments that would experience a reduction in vehicular roadway capacity, if any, would undergo individual operations analyses to assess the potential impacts to emergency vehicle access, and mitigation City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-42
measures would be developed as needed to reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels. Additionally, development within the General Plan area would be required to comply with the California Fire Code, such as providing two separated and approved fire apparatus access roads that have a minimum width of 20 feet with turning radii of 25 feet inside and 45 feet outside. As such, there would be adequate emergency service and access associated with development facilitated by the General Plan.
Additionally, the 2040 General Plan includes the following goals, policies, and program related to provision of adequate emergency vehicle access to sites throughout Pleasant Hill:
Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.
Policy TC-1.2 Multi-Modal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.
Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.
Policy TC-2.1 Traffic Plan Requirement. Require new development to establish comprehensive construction traffic plans, for approval by City staff, which denote haul routes, detours, and other factors that may impact public safety.
Goal TC-4 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.
Policy TC-4.2 Develop Thoroughfares. Develop and improve thoroughfares based on existing and proposed land use patterns and projected demand.
Policy TC-4.5 Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.
Goal TC-8 Encourage the development of a comprehensive and integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design features that allow safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, youth, and families.
Policy TC-8.4 Multi-Modal Roadways. Consider the needs of vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrians on all city roadways and facilities.
Policy HS-3.11 Evacuation Routes. The City shall collaborate with Contra Costa County and neighboring cities as a part of the next Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update to identify evacuation routes in the event of wildfires or other natural disasters in compliance with AB 747 and SB 99.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.12-43
Hazards and Safety Element Implementation Programs
Program H Contra Costa County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City shall actively participate in the next update of the Contra Costa Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan that, among other outcomes, will identify evacuation routes in the City in compliance with AB 747 and SB 99.
Implementation of California Fire Code emergency vehicle access requirements and the aforementioned 2040 General Plan policies would ensure that there would be adequate emergency vehicle access throughout Pleasant Hill. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to emergency vehicle access adequacy would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
3.12.5 Cumulative Impacts
The transportation impact analysis (see Appendix E) prepared for the proposed plan also accounts for future land use for the entire travel model area, which includes VMT on Contra Costa County roadways that originates within and outside of the County. Adjacent development considered part of the cumulative analysis includes the projects and plan listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis).
Vehicle Miles Traveled
OPR provides the following guidance regarding cumulative impacts analysis and VMT:
When using an absolute VMT metric, i.e., total VMT (as recommended below for retail and transportation projects), analyzing the combined impacts for a cumulative impacts analysis may be appropriate. However, metrics such as VMT per capita or VMT per employee, i.e., metrics framed in terms of efficiency (as recommended below for use on residential and office projects), cannot be summed because they employ a denominator. A project that falls below an efficiency-based threshold that is aligned with long-term environmental goals and relevant plans would have no cumulative impact distinct from the project impact. Accordingly, a finding of a less-than-significant project impact would imply a less than significant cumulative impact, and vice versa.
The year 2040 total countywide VMT per service population (all residents and employees) is shown in Table 3.12-5. These metrics reflect VMT generated by all trips by all land uses in Contra Costa County, as well as non-County generated trips traveling on County roadways (i.e., all VMT within the Contra Costa County boundary). As shown in Table 3.12-5., Countywide boundary VMT per service population would decrease with the proposed plan, reflecting the travel efficiency that generally results from more dense, mixed-use development provided with the proposed plan.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.12-44
Table 3.12-5 Countywide VMT Summary
Metrics 2022 No Project
2040 with Existing
General Plan
2040 with Proposed
General Plan Update
Total 25,881,707 29,624,735 29,610,708
County Service Population 1,585,472 1,915,682 1,928,393 VMT/Service Population 16.324 15.464 15.355
Does VMT per service population
decrease with Project?
--- --- Yes
Source: CCTA Travel Demand Model; Fehr & Peers, October 2022.
While VMT per service population would decrease countywide, based on OPR’s guidance, included above, cumulative impacts would be commensurate with plan-level impacts. Because the analysis for the proposed plan is based on Home-Based VMT and Home-Work VMT, the significant VMT impact finding implies that the proposed plan would also have a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative impact. Since project-level significance thresholds were designed to support long-term environmental goals, they inherently also address potential cumulative VMT impacts. As such, VMT would be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to VMT would be significant and unavoidable.
Compatibility with Programs, Plans, Ordinances, and Policies Related to Circulation Cumulative plans and projects, including the proposed plan, would be required to comply with local regulations and policies. The plans’ incremental contribution to cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
Roadway Safety and Emergency Vehicle Access
Roadways constructed as part of the proposed plan in conjunction with other cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would be constructed to meet current design standards in respective cities. Modifications to public rights-of-way would be consistent with appropriate regulations and design standards set forth by the respective city’s applicable plans, programs, and policies. Similarly, cumulative development would also be required to comply with the respective city’s regulations and policies. Trucks necessary to construct cumulative development would utilize truck routes designated by the respective cities and would not conflict with the automobile traffic and bicycle and pedestrian activity along respective city streets. If cumulative development would redesign city streets in such a way that would significantly impact roadway safety, they would be required by the respective city to mitigate such impacts. Nevertheless, Pleasant Hill’s contribution to potential cumulative roadway safety impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. In addition, driveways and emergency vehicle access points associated with cumulative development would be constructed in compliance with the California Fire Code and other applicable regulations related to roadway safety and emergency access. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to roadway safety and emergency vehicle access would be less than significant.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-1
3.13 Utilities and Service Systems
3.13.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing conditions related to utilities and service systems (water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste) within the respective utility service areas, which cover the 2040 Pleasant Hill General Plan area vicinity as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates the impacts related to such utilities and service systems that could result from implementation of the proposed plan. Information in this section is based on information from the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), the Martinez Water District (MWD), and Pleasant Hill Department of Public Works. Note that electrical power and natural gas are addressed within Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy.
3.13.2 Environmental Setting
Water
Water Source and Supply
The residences and businesses within the General Plan area are served by three water supply providers: 1) Contra Costa Water District (CCWD); 2) East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD); and 3) Martinez Water District. The service area boundaries for the three water purveyors are shown on Figure 3.13-1. A description of each of these providers and the water source and supply provided by each is provided below.
CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
CCWD provides water service to a portion of the City of Pleasant Hill. CCWD provides treated and untreated water to approximately 500,000 people in Contra Costa County. The District’s service area encompasses most of central and northeastern Contra Costa County, a total area of more than 140,000 acres. The District obtains its water supply almost exclusively from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta at four intake facilities. The intakes are located at Rock Slough, Old River, Middle River at Victoria Canal, and Mallard Slough. The backbone of the District’s water conveyance system is the 48-mile Contra Costa Canal, which starts at Rock Slough and ends at the Martinez Reservoir.
Four untreated water reservoirs, Los Vaqueros, Contra Loma, Mallard, and Martinez, provide a total of approximately 165,000 AF of storage. These reservoirs are used to store water for blending and water quality purposes, dry-year and emergency use, supplying during peak demands, and flow regulation. There are approximately 61,550 connections in the treated water service area covering the Cities of Clyde, Concord, Clayton, Pacheco, Port Costa, and portions of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek.1
1 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2022. Service Area Map https://www.ccwater.com/289/Service-Area-Map. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-2
Figure 3.13-1 Water Districts in General Plan Area
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-3
EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
A portion of the water supplied to the City of Pleasant Hill is provided by EBMUD, which provides service to approximately 1.4 million people in a 332-square-mile-area of the San Francisco Bay Area East Bay region.
2 Approximately 90 percent of the raw water entering EBMUD’s system originates from the Mokelumne River watershed and approximately 10 percent originates from the protected watershed lands in the East Bay Area. EBMUD’s water supply system consists of a network of reservoirs, aqueducts, water treatment plants, pumping plants, and other distribution facilities and pipelines that convey Mokelumne River water from the Pardee Reservoir to the EBMUD service areas. Recycled water is a critical element of EBMUD’s water supply management policy and supplements EBMUD’s limited drinking water supply, producing approximately 8.3 million gallons per day (mgd) in 2020 from the six existing recycled water projects with potential for additional recycled water projects to take place in the future. EBMUD does not currently have supplies of groundwater, stormwater, or desalinated water.
3 MARTINEZ WATER DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
Martinez Water District supplies water to a small northwestern portion of Pleasant Hill residents.
The District’s water service area encompasses approximately 10,300 acres, extending from outside the City of Martinez limits into unincorporated Contra Costa County and the City of Pleasant Hill.
The Martinez Water District receives untreated imported water from CCWD via the Contra Costa Canal, which is part of the Central Valley Project developed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The water is sold to and represents 100 percent of the water supply for the Martinez Water District’s water service area. Therefore, water source and supply associated with the Martinez Water District are dependent on the availability of water through CCWD and are not further discussed within this EIR Utilities and Service Systems section; rather, the CCWD discussion in this EIR Utilities and Service Systems section is assumed to also encompass Martinez Water District aspects.
Water Demand and Use
CCWD SYSTEM
CCWD is responsible for preparing and implementing an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP).
The CCWD 2020 UWMP includes current and projected demand and water supply in five-year increments through the year 2045.
4 As discussed within the UWMP, projected demands would be higher without water use efficiency measures, which play a key role in reducing future water demand and, thus, reduce the need for additional supplies. The CCWD system does not anticipate supply deficits in normal years or single-dry years throughout 2045 and may have supply shortfalls in future years of up to 15 percent of demand in the later years of a multiple dry year conditions.5 The CCWD UWMP states that the current CCWD system has capacity to meet future demands through continued use of its CVP contract, its own water rights, and balanced investments in conservation, recycled water, and water transfers.
2 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2022. Service area. https://www.ebmud.com/about-us/who-we-are/service-area/. (accessed November 2022).
3 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2021. Urban Water Management Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan/. (accessed November 2022). 4 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.ccwater.com/289/Service-Area-Map. (accessed November 2022).
5 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.ccwater.com/289/Service-Area-Map. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-4
EBMUD SYSTEM
EBMUD is also responsible for preparing and implementing an UWMP. The EBMUD 2020 UWMP includes an assessment of past and future water supplies and demands, evaluation of the future reliability of the region’s water supplies through 2050, and discussion of demand management measures.6 EBMUD has water rights that allow for delivery of up to a maximum of 325 mgd. In addition, on average, local runoff supplies the East Bay 23 mgd. During multi-year droughts when the Mokelumne River and local runoff alone cannot meet projected customer demand, EBMUD signed a contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for delivery of Central Valley Project (CVP) water providing for delivery of up to 133,000 acre-feet (AF) or approximately 36,087 mgd in a single qualifying year, not to exceed a total of 165,000 AF or 44,769 mgd in three consecutive qualifying years. The EBMUD UWMP states that the current EBMUD system has capacity to meet water demands during normal, single dry, and second dry year demands through 2050; however, current water supply is not sufficient to meet water demands during third dry years.7 In 2020, EBMUD also updated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) that provides a framework for EBMUD to help address water shortages that may occur to ensure a reliable water supply.8
GENERAL PLAN AREA
Water consumption patterns in the General Plan area is a function of many independent factors including growth, weather conditions, economic conditions, and water conservation efforts.
CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
According to the CCWD 2020 UWMP, total water supply demand for its service area in 2020 was 117,110 acre-feet per year (AFY), of which 32,600 AFY was for the Treated Water Service Area (TWSA)9 portion of the District and which the majority of Pleasant Hill is located within. Demands have fluctuation in the past ten years with declines seen a result of the recession and droughts and increases associated with growth and rebound from the recession and droughts.10
EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
Demand for water in the EBMUD service area is primarily for municipal and industrial uses that include residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and irrigation. According to the EBMUD 2020 UWMP, total water supply demand for its service area in 2020 was 202,880 AFY.11 While the number of EBMUD customers has increased steadily since 1970, the average daily water demand has not increased correspondingly; outside of droughts, demand remains relatively stable.12 Several factors contributed to keeping the overall water demand from rising as might otherwise be 6 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2021. Urban Water Management Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan/. (accessed November 2022). 7 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2021. Urban Water Management Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan/. (accessed November 2022). 8 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2021. Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan/. (accessed November 2022). 9 CCWD is a retail provider of treated water to approximately 205,000 residents in Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Pacheco, Port Costa and portions of Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, referred to as the Treated Water Service Area (TWSA) 10 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.ccwater.com/289/Service-Area-Map. (accessed November 2022).
11 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan. (accessed November 2022). 12 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan. (accessed November 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-5
anticipated, including EBMUD’s water recycling and conservation programs, changes in customer usage patterns, and legislative changes.
Water Infrastructure and Distribution
WATER TREATMENT
Contra Costa Water District Service Area
CCWD operates three water treatment plants (WTP). The Bollman WTP, located in Concord, provides treated water to the City of Pleasant Hill. The 75 MGD Bollman WTP treatment process includes coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, ozonation, and disinfection. The District’s treated water distribution system consists of more than 800 miles of pipelines, 40 storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 72 million gallons, and 30 pump stations.
East Bay Municipal Utility District Service Area
EBMUD has six WTPs located in the EBMUD service area. Three of the WTPs are conventional treatment plants that use rapid mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and free chlorine disinfection to treat water. Two of these plants, Sobrante and Upper San Leandro, also have ozone and peroxide for taste and odor control. The three inline WTPs have a simpler treatment process consisting of coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. They do not have a sedimentation process and rely on a pristine, low-turbidity raw water source in Pardee Reservoir. All the WTPs meet and exceed California drinking water regulations.
General Plan Area
No WTPs are located within the General Plan area. The City of Pleasant Hill receives water from the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta, Mokelumne Watershed, EBMUD Reservoir. All water derived from these sources is treated at one of two treatment plants: the Bollman WTP or the Walnut Creek WTP.
The Bollman WTP primarily treats water from the CCWD System reservoirs and has both a peak capacity of 75 mgd and sustainable capacity of 72 mgd. The Walnut Creek WTP treats water from the EBMUD System reservoirs and has a permitted capacity of 115 mgd.
Wastewater
Wastewater Generation
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
The City of Pleasant Hill is served by the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San), which is responsible for the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater within the Central San service area. Central San provides roughly 487,300 customers and 3,000 businesses with sanitary sewer service over 147 square miles in the central Contra Costa area. Formed in 1946 as a Special District in Contra Costa County, California, Central San has 294 budgeted employees and operates a 1,500- mile network of collection system piping and a treatment plant that processes an average daily flow of 32 million gallons.
The Central San wastewater collection system includes 1,535 miles of <6- to 102-inch-diameter sewers and 30,887 manholes across its service area. The system includes 18 sewage-pumping stations. Existing sewer lines convey wastewater generated by land uses within the City of Pleasant City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-6
Hill to the Central San Treatment Plant for treatment and then disposal or reuse.13 The Central San collection system master plan identifies facility improvements necessary to maintain collection service at or above this level.
Operation of the collection system is subject to the SWRCB’s General Waste Discharge Requirement (Order No. 2006-0003) to reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) by requiring all feasible steps to control the volume of waste discharged into the system, to prevent sanitary sewer waste from entering the storm sewer system, and to develop a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). Central San updated their SSMP in 2022 which seeks to provide a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the district’s sanitary sewer system.14 In addition to the SSMP, the Central San Treatment Master Plan identifies facility improvements necessary to maintain treatment service at or above the current level, which are prioritized and scheduled for implementation in an annually updated Capital Improvement Budget and 10-year Capital Improvement Program.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
Central Sans owns and operates 18 pump stations and associated force mains. The collection system is sized for an average dry weather flow of up to 32 MGD and a peak wet weather flow of approximately 230 MGD.
Wastewater Treatment
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
Central San operates the Central San Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) where wastewater is treated and then discharged into Suisun Bay. The Central San WWTP is located in an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County adjacent to the City of Martinez. The Central San WWTP has a treatment capacity of 54 million gpd and treats an average of 35.6 million gallons of wastewater per day.
15 On average, the WWTP processes approximately 32 million gallons of wastewater each day during the dry season and can see peak flows as high as an estimated 230 million gallons per day during an extreme winter storm.16 Approximately 600 million gallons per year are treated to a tertiary level through additional filtration and disinfection before being distributed as recycled water for landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and plant operations.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
Wastewater generated in the General Plan area is conveyed to the Central San Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) where it is treated and then discharged into Suisun Bay. 13 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. 14 CCCSD, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District. 2022. Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Sewer System Management Plan, Adopted October 6, 2022. https://www.centralsan.org/sites/main/files/fileattachments/2020_ssmp_approved_audit_06.05.2020.pdf?1620312805. (accessed November 2022). 15 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). 2022. Central San Treatment Plant. https://www.centralsan.org/treatment-plant. (accessed November 2022).
16 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). 2017. Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan Executive Summary. https://www.centralsan.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/cwmp_executive_summary.pdf?1510867154. (accessed November 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-7
Stormwater
Stormwater Infrastructure and Collection
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS SERVICE AREA
Pleasant Hill is located within the Contra Costa County Public Works stormwater service area. The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District guides regional drainage plans throughout incorporated and unincorporated County areas. All stormwater drains into Suisun Bay via stormwater drainage systems and regional creeks and streams. The County Watershed Program is responsible for ensuring that the County complies with its municipal stormwater NPDES permits in unincorporated County land only.17 The Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP) is responsible for ensuring that the County and incorporated cities comply with its municipal stormwater NPDES permits. Contra Costa County Public Works owns and maintains unincorporated County drainage facilities. Incorporated cities within the service area of the Contra Costa County Public Works maintain drainage facilities within the municipality City limits.18 The CCCWP offers education and outreach to residents and businesses throughout the County to help them reduce stormwater pollution. In addition, the CCCWP provides Best Management Practice (BMP) information and pollution prevention for municipal operations, new and redevelopment planning, industrial/commercial site controls, water quality monitoring, pesticide toxicity controls, trash reduction in creeks and land, mercury and Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) controls, and other stormwater related compliance and enforcement activities through education and outreach to the public.19
GENERAL PLAN AREA
Pleasant Hill is within the CCCWP Central County Watersheds Planning Unit which includes the cities Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette. Stormwater in this area generally drains from the Mount Diablo foothills through suburban areas to Suisun Bay (Walnut Creek and Mount Diablo Creek), which is tributary to San Pablo Bay, or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Willow and Kirker Creeks).
20 Stormwater runoff within the City of Pleasant Hill is collected and disposed of by an integrated system of storm drains, inlets, curbside gutters, catch basins, drainage ditches, and man-made channels. City of Pleasant Hill maintenance personnel inspect, clean, and maintain over 1,500 storm drains within Pleasant Hill, covering over 150 miles of piping systems, ensuring inlets and drains are clear of debris in order to ensure stormwater flows freely to Suisan Bay.
21 17 Contra Costa County Flood Control District. 2019. http://www.cccounty.us/5586/Flood-Control. (accessed November 2022). 18 Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Drainage, Watershed, and Water Quality FAQs, page 5. 19 Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP). 2022, Program Activities. https://www.cccleanwater.org/about/program-activities. (accessed November 2022).
20 Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP). 2019. Contra Costa Watersheds Stormwater Resource Plan. https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/CCW%20SWRP%20Main%20%2B%20App%20A.pdf. (accessed December 2022). 21 City of Pleasant Hill. Streets, Storm Drains, and Graffiti. 2022. https://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/170/Streets-Storm-Drains-Graffiti. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-8
Telecommunications
Telecommunication services include telephone service (both landlines and mobile service) and internet service for businesses and homes.
Telecommunications Demand
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
The City of Pleasant Hill telecommunications demand is met by Xfinity and AT&T within the General Plan area.
Telecommunications Infrastructure and Distribution
CITY OF PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
Telecommunications infrastructure within Pleasant Hill includes underground optical fibers, cell towers, and standard phone equipment and internet routers. Telecommunications providers own and operate infrastructure, such as cellphone towers and fiber optic cables, within Pleasant Hill (the Genera Plan area).
Solid Waste
Solid Waste Collection
REPUBLIC SERVICES SERVICE AREA
Republic Services provides residential and commercial solid waste, organics, and recycling collection services. Republic Services provides collection services to multiple Contra Costa County cities and unincorporated areas within the county. In addition to collection services, Republic Services provides free waste audits, information for tenants, and indoor recycling receptacles for customers.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
Republic Services provides residential and commercial solid waste and recycling collection services for the General Plan area. Pleasant Hill's solid waste is processed at the Republic Services Contra Costa Transfer Station at 951 Waterbird Way in Martinez. Solid waste is then transported Acme and Keller Canyon Landfills, located in located in the City of Martinez and City of Pittsburg, respectively.
Solid Waste Disposal
REPUBLIC SERVICES SERVICE AREA
According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), the Acme Landfill has a remaining capacity of approximately 506,590 cubic yards. 22 The Keller Canyon Landfill
has a remaining capacity of 63,408,410 cubic yards. Table 3.13-1 shows the estimated permitted and remaining capacity and current status of the Acme and Keller Canyon Landfills.23 Republic Services takes Pleasant Hill commercial and residential organics to a composting facility at Golden 22 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Acme Landfill (07-AA-0002). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4396?siteID=217. (accessed November 2022). 23 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Keller Canyon Landfill (07-AA-0032). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4407?siteID=228. (accessed November 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-9
Bear Transfer Station/West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill in Richmond, CA, which has a current processing capacity of 85,000 tons/year of green waste/food waste.24 Table 3.13-1 Estimated Landfill Capacity and Closure Date Landfill Facility
Permitted Capacity
(cubic yards)
Remaining Capacity
(cubic yards) Status
Acme Landfill25 6,195,000 506,590 Active
Keller Canyon Landfill26 75,018,280 63,408,410 Active
Source: Cal Recycle
Municipal solid waste comes from primarily the Bay Area region, but also from more distant municipalities and cities. CalRecycle reports that in 2019 a total of 24,482 tons of solid waste from Pleasant Hill was disposed at 15 different landfills.
GENERAL PLAN AREA
The City’s Solid Waste and Recycling Program manages the City’s Solid Waste Ordinance and the City’s waste hauling franchise with Republic Services. The program also develops programs for diversion from the landfills, and recycling grants for used motor oil, and beverage containers.27 Over 94 percent (23,144 tons) of Pleasant Hill’s solid waste generated in 2019 went to the Keller Canyon Landfill.28
3.13.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Clean Water Act
The federal Clean Water Act, enacted by Congress in 1972 and amended several times since, is the primary federal law regulating water quality in the United States and forms the basis for several State and local laws throughout the country. The Act established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. The Clean Water Act gave the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency the authority to implement federal pollution control programs, such as setting water quality standards for contaminants in surface water, establishing wastewater and effluent discharge limits for various industry contaminants in surface water, establishing wastewater and effluent discharge limits for various industry categories, and imposing requirements for controlling nonpoint-source pollution. At the federal level, the Clean Water Act is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At the State and regional levels in California, the act is administered and enforced by the SWRCB and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs).
24 Email correspondence on November 15, 2022 with Ann James, P.E., Maintenance Superintendent at the City of Pleasant Hill 25 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Acme Landfill (07-AA-0002). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4396?siteID=217. (accessed November 2022). 26 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Keller Canyon Landfill (07-AA-0032). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4407?siteID=228. (accessed November 2022). 27 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Trash & Recycling Services in Pleasant Hill. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/382/Solid-Waste-RecyclingProgram. (accessed December 2022). 28 CalRecycle. 2020. Jurisdiction Disposal and Alternative Daily Cover (ADC) Tons by Facility. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/DisposalReporting/Destination/DisposalByFacility. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-10
Clean Water Act Section 402
Section 402 of the Clean Water Act requires that all construction sites on an acre or greater of land, as well as municipal, industrial and commercial facilities discharging wastewater or stormwater directly from a point source, such as a pipe, ditch, or channel, into a surface water of the United States must obtain permission under the NPDES permit. All NPDES permits are written to ensure that the surface water receiving discharges will achieve specified water quality standards.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The NPDES permit program was established in the CWA to regulate municipal and industrial discharges to surface waters of the United States. Federal NPDES permit regulations have been established for broad categories of discharges, including point-source municipal waste discharges and nonpoint-source stormwater runoff. NPDES permits generally identify effluent and receiving water limits on allowable concentrations and/or mass emissions of pollutants contained in the discharge; prohibitions on discharges not specifically allowed under the permit; and provisions that describe required actions by the discharger, including industrial pretreatment, pollution prevention, self-monitoring, and other activities. Wastewater discharge is regulated under the NPDES permit program for direct discharges into receiving waters and by the National Pretreatment Program for indirect discharges to a sewage treatment plant.
Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 258 (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RCRA, Subtitle D) contains regulations for municipal solid waste landfills and requires states to implement their own permitting programs incorporating the federal landfill criteria. The federal regulations address the location, operation, design, groundwater monitoring, and closure of landfills.
State Regulations
California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
In September 2014, Governor Brown signed legislation requiring that California’s critical groundwater resources be sustainably managed by local agencies. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act gives local agencies the power to sustainably manage groundwater and requires groundwater sustainability plans to be developed for medium- and high-priority groundwater basins.
California Senate Bills 610 and 221 (Water Supply Assessment and Verification) Senate Bills (SB) 610 and 221 amended State law, effective January 1, 2002, to improve the link between the information on water supply availability and certain land use decisions made by cities and counties. Both statutes require detailed information regarding water availability to be provided to city and county decision-makers prior to approval of specified large development projects with greater than 500 dwelling units or 500,000 square feet of commercial space. Both statutes also require this detailed information to be included in the administrative record that serves as the evidentiary basis for an approval action by the city or county on such projects. Under SB 610 water assessments must be furnished to local governments for inclusion in any environmental documentation for certain projects as defined in Water Code 10912 subject to CEQA. Under SB 221 Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-11
approval by a city or county of certain residential subdivisions requires an affirmative written verification of sufficient water supply.
California Water Plan
The California Department of Water Resources is responsible for preparing and updating the California Water Plan, which is a policy document that guides the development and management of State water resources. The plan is updated every five years to reflect changes in resources and urban, agricultural, and environmental water demands. The California Water Plan suggests ways of managing demand and augmenting supply to balance water supply with demand.
California Urban Water Management Planning Act
In 1983 the California Legislature enacted the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Water Code Section 10610–10656). The Act states that every urban water supplier that provides water to 3,000 or more customers, or that provides over 3,000 acre-feet annually, should make every effort to ensure the appropriate level of reliability in its water service sufficient to meet the needs of its various categories of customers during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. The Act requires that urban water suppliers adopt an urban water management plan at least once every five years and submit them to the Department of Water Resources. Noncompliant urban water suppliers are ineligible to receive funding pursuant to Division 24, commencing with Section 78500, or Division 26, commencing with Section 79000, or receive drought assistance from the State until the UWMP is submitted and deemed complete pursuant to the Urban Water Management Planning Act.
California Senate Bill 7x7 (Statewide Water Conservation) In November 2009 the California State Legislature passed and the Governor approved a comprehensive package of water legislation, including SB 7x7 addressing water conservation. In general SB 7x7 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.
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code) The State of California is authorized to administer Federal or State laws regulating water pollution within the State. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Water Code Section 13000, et seq.) includes provisions to address requirements of the Clean Water Act. These provisions include National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (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, control, and utilization 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.
In California, the NPDES program is administered by the SWRCB through the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) and requires municipalities to obtain permits that outline programs and activities to control wastewater and stormwater pollution. The federal Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of stormwater from construction projects unless the discharge is in compliance with an NPDES permit. The SWRCB is the permitting authority in California, and adopted an NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities, otherwise known as the Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009, as amended by Orders City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-12
2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-006-DWQ). The Order applies to construction sites that include one or more acre of soil disturbance. Construction activities include clearing, grading, grubbing, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal or replacement. The Construction General Permit requires that the landowner and/or contractor file permit registration documents prior to commencing construction and then pay a fee annually through the duration of construction. These documents include a notice of intent, risk assessment, site map, stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and signed certification statement. The SWPPP must include measures to ensure that: all pollutants and their sources are controlled; non-stormwater discharges are identified and eliminated, controlled, or treated; site Best Management Practices (BMPs) are effective and result in the reduction or elimination of pollutants in stormwater discharges and authorized non-stormwater discharges; and BMPs installed to reduce or eliminate pollutants after construction are completed and maintained. The Construction General Permit specifies minimum BMP requirements for stormwater control based on the risk level of the site. The Permit also specifies minimum qualifications for a qualified SWPPP developer and qualified SWPPP practitioner.
State Water Resources Control Board General Waste Discharge Requirement The SWRCB adopted a General Waste Discharge Requirement (Order No. 2006-0003) for all publicly owned sanitary sewer collection systems in California with more than 1 mile of sewer pipe. The order provides a consistent statewide approach to reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) by requiring public sewer system operators to take all feasible steps to control the volume of waste discharged into the system, to prevent sanitary sewer waste from entering the storm sewer system, and to develop a Sewer System Management Plan. The General Waste Discharge Requirement also requires that storm sewer overflows be reported to the SWRCB using an online reporting system.
The SWRCB has delegated authority to nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) to enforce these requirements within their region. NPDES permits allow the RWQCB to regulate where and how the waste is disposed, including the discharge volume and effluent limits of the waste and the monitoring and reporting responsibilities of the discharger. The San Francisco Bay RWQCB issues and enforces NPDES permits in Pleasant Hill.
California Assembly Bill 939
AB 939 (Public Resources Code 41780) requires cities and counties to prepare integrated waste management plans and to divert 50 percent of solid waste from landfills beginning in calendar year 2000 and each year thereafter. AB 939 also requires cities and counties to prepare Source Reduction and Recycling Elements as part of the integrated waste management plans. These elements are designed to develop recycling services to achieve diversion goals, stimulate local recycling in manufacturing and stimulate the purchase of recycled products.
California Assembly Bill 341
The purpose of AB 341 is to reduce GHG emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts and to expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California. AB 341 required all businesses that generate four or more cubic yards of garbage per week and multi-family dwellings with five or more units to recycle by July 1, 2012.
AB341 also sets a statewide goal of 75 percent waste diversion.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-13
California Senate Bill 1016
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 integrated waste management plan. After an initial determination of diversion requirements in 2006 and establishing diversion rates for subsequent calendar years, the Board reviews 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 once every two years.
California Senate Bill 1383
SB 1383 was adopted in September 2016 and establishes targets to achieve a 75 percent reduction in the level of Statewide landfilled organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. The law grants CalRecycle the regulatory authority required to achieve the organic waste disposal reduction targets and establishes an additional target that not less than 20 percent of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. In addition, SB 1383 regulations require that jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organics recycling to all residents, businesses, haulers, solid waste facilities, and local food banks and other food recovery organizations.
Regional and Local Regulations
CCWD 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
The CCWD 2020 UWMP is an update to the 2015 UWMP adopted by the District’s Board of Directors and is prepared in compliance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act. The UWMP includes the District’s planning activities to ensure adequate water supplies to meet existing and future demands for water. The 2020 UWMP presents information on the District’s supply and demand forecasts, conservation programs, water demand management measures, and recycled water opportunities through the year 2045. The 2020 UWMP addresses the requirements of the Water Conservation Bill of 2009, SB X7-7, demonstrating compliance with the 2020 per capita water use target reduction, as well as more recent legislation, AB 1668 and SB 606, with inclusion of a Drought Risk Assessment and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The UWMP also includes a description of the plan adoption, public coordination, and planning coordination activities.
EBMUD 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
The EBMUD UWMP 2020 is an update of the UWMP 2015. It is designed to satisfy the requirements of the Urban Water Management Planning Act and provide the public with a supply and demand report on EBMUD’s progress in implementing conservation and water recycling programs, including efforts to secure supplemental water supply sources. The UWMP 2020 also contains data on EBMUD’s compliance with SB X7-7, the state law mandating that urban water agencies reduce water use in order to achieve a statewide reduction of 20% by 2020. EBMUD prepared the UWMP 2020 to comply with all current applicable regulations and statutes. In adopting its UWMP, EBMUD commits to managing water demand efficiently using its water supplies to protect both its customers and its water and natural resources, and making every effort to ensure the appropriate level of water service reliability is met given varied water demands during normal, dry, and multiple dry years.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-14
Contra Costa Clean Water Program
The CCCWP includes 21 local government agencies who each own and operate a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The primary goal of CCCWP is to reduce the pollution carried by stormwater throughout Contra Costa County into creeks, wetlands, and the Bay/Delta. CCCWP is responsible for maintaining compliance with the NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit within the County and works to promote stormwater pollution prevention.
Municipal Stormwater Permitting Program
The San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit, Order No. R2-2015- 0049 (MRP) issues the Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES Permit for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) of over 70 municipalities, including Pleasant Hill, and local agencies in five Bay Area counties29. Under the MRP, permittees are prohibited from non-stormwater discharges into storm drain systems and watercourses. Permitted discharges must not cause or contribute to a violation of any applicable water quality standard for receiving waters. Upon a determination by either the MRP permittee(s) or the RWQCB that discharges are causing or contributing to an exceedance of an applicable water quality standards, the permittee(s) must notify, within no more than 30 days, and thereafter submit a report to the RWQCB. The report must describe controls or best management practices (BMPs) that are currently being implemented, and the current level of implementation, and additional controls or BMPs that will be implemented, and/or an increased level of implementation, to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants that are causing or contributing to the exceedance of water quality standards. The MRP also sets forth requirements for monitoring water quality.
Provision C.3 of the MRP establishes discharge requirements for new development and redevelopment projects. The goal of Provision C.3 is for the MRP permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects.
According to the MRP, this goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques.
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to utilities and service systems, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 18 (Planning and Land Use) and Title 14 (Buildings and Construction)
The City of Pleasant Hill Municipal Code contains all ordinances for the City of Pleasant Hill. The Municipal Code is organized by Title, Chapter, and Section. The current Municipal Code is up to date through Ordinance 956, passed April 4, 2022.
29 SWRCB. 2015. San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/stormwater/Municipal/R2_2015_0049_amended.pdf. (accessed March 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-15
CHAPTER 18.52 WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
This chapter ensures the requirements of the State Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (Government Code §§ 65591–65599) are implemented. This chapter would require all projects to submit a water-efficient landscape plan and have the plan approved prior to construction. The water-efficient landscape plan would include calculations of the maximum applied water allowance and estimated total water use. In addition, the water-efficient landscape plan would include required elements of plant materials, irrigation system design, water features, and grading and soil preparation.
CHAPTER 14.40 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS
The proposed plan shall comply with this chapter as a condition of approval, which shall require a Waste Management Plan (WMP). The WMP shall include the following:
The total square footage of the area to be constructed or demolished; a list of the C&D debris material types to be generated; The identity of the vendor(s) or facility(ies) that the applicant proposes to use to collect or receive that material; and
An acknowledgement of responsibility that the applicant understands the consequences of not meeting the 65% diversion requirement and that the applicant is responsible for the actions of their contractors or other agents with regard to the diversion requirement.
3.13.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Utilities and Service Systems.
Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? b) Have insufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years? c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
d) 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? e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
Approach to Analysis
Environmental impacts to utilities and service systems have been assessed using impact significance criteria from federal, State, and local regulations. The impact analysis is based on available literature City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-16
regarding the existing plans, policies, and resources in the General Plan area. Criteria used during this analysis are described below:
Water
The water supply analysis in this section is based on information included in the Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs) for each of the aforementioned districts. The availability of data from UWMPs is complex for the proposed plan, because the City of Pleasant Hill is served by multiple water supply providers and the respective UWMP boundaries do not align with the boundaries of the General Plan area. In addition, each of the three separate water suppliers have used different types of assumptions to make water demand estimates for their service territories. Therefore, an “apples to apples” comparison of water use and forecasted water demand in each service territory is not possible based on available published data. Therefore, in order to characterize water supply availability using the most reliable available information, this analysis relies upon data provided in the CCWD UWMP and the EBMUD UWMP. These two UWMPs provide detailed system description, system demands (including cumulative growth assumptions), water reduction planning, system supplies, water quality information, groundwater information, water supply reliability information, water shortage contingency planning, demand management measures, as well as information on climate change.
Wastewater
Wastewater production was calculated and compared with treatment capacity to determine whether wastewater treatment requirements would be exceeded. Wastewater discharge permitting requirements were also reviewed.
Stormwater
Stormwater production was calculated and compared with City of Pleasant Hill stormwater facility treatment capacity to determine whether stormwater collection requirements would be exceeded.
Solid Waste
Solid waste production was calculated and compared with the applicable landfill capacity to determine whether landfill daily permitted capacity and total storage capacity would be exceeded.
The City’s solid waste regulations and policies were also reviewed.
Telecommunications
The telecommunications providers in the City of Pleasant Hill were identified and ability to provide service verified.
See Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy, for discussions related to electricity and natural gas.
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section programmatically addresses an EBMUD EIR scoping comment about analyzing impacts of water service and future development within EBMUD’s service area; see discussions under Impact UTL-1 and Impact UTL-2. In addition, this section addresses an EIR scoping comment about future water supply which is addressed within Impact UTL-2.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-17
Specific Thresholds of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of utilities and service systems impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan. Create a need for relocated, new, or expanded water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater drainage facilities, or telecommunications facilities, the construction of which would result in significant construction-related transportation, air quality, GHG emissions, energy, or noise impacts. If new or altered facilities are proposed or determined to be needed, then determination of significance of construction-related transportation, air quality, GHG emissions, energy, or noise impacts is based on the respective specific thresholds of significance listed in Section 3.12, Transportation; Section 3.2, Air Quality; Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy; and Section 3.10, Noise.
Result in insufficient water supply to serve the proposed plan’s potable water demand during normal, dry, and multiple dry years.
Inadequate capacity at the Central San facility to serve the proposed plan’s wastewater generation
Insufficient daily capacity or permitted daily capacity at the Keller Canyon Landfill and Acme Landfill to serve waste generation of the proposed plan. Unable to comply with AB 939 solid waste diversion goals.
Impact Evaluation
Need for Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Telecommunication Facilities Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Impact UTL-1 DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR WATER, WASTEWATER, STORMWATER, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. WHILE UTILITY FACILITIES AND
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND RELOCATION FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD OCCUR IN
DEVELOPED AREAS OF PLEASANT HILL WHERE SUCH FACILITIES EXIST, CONSTRUCTION-RELATED IMPACTS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE EVEN WITH MITIGATION.
Construction
No new or expanded water, wastewater, stormwater, or telecommunications facilities are specifically proposed as part of the 2040 General Plan. However, the 2040 General Plan would provide the framework for development of up to 19,216 net new primary and accessory dwelling residential units in the city of Pleasant Hill. As a result, CCWD, EBMUD, Martinez Water District, Central San, and local telecommunications providers could need to increase their water supply, wastewater, stormwater, and telecommunications services to the City of Pleasant Hill through the year 2040, which could in turn require the construction of new or expanded facilities to accommodate additional utility supply and collection. The placement and potential impacts of a new utility infrastructure and facilities are unknown at this time; if construction or expansion of future facilities are needed, separate environmental review would be required, which could result in development and implementation of future project-specific construction-related mitigation measures. The 2040 General Plan facilitates development within areas of Pleasant Hill that are City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-18
currently developed. As such, construction of new utility infrastructure or facilities, if required, would likely occur on property previously disturbed or developed and thus within the programmatic analysis for buildout under the 2040 General Plan as analyzed throughout this EIR. Additionally, construction would be required to comply with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations governing the provision of utility infrastructure and utilities. This would reduce the potential for adverse construction impacts associated with construction of new or expanded utility and infrastructure and facilities associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. However significant and unavoidable construction impacts associated with air quality, historic resources, paleontological resources, and noise were determined in Sections 3.2, Air Quality, 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources, and 3.10, Noise, respectively.
Therefore, construction impacts related to potential need for new or expanded utility infrastructure and facilities would be considered significant and unavoidable.
Operation
WATER
The UWMPs for both CCWD and EBMUD determined that there are sufficient water supplies to accommodate the anticipated population growth throughout their respective service areas according to ABAG Plan Bay Area 2040 projections. In addition, the General Plan area is located in urbanized parts of both the CCWD and EBMUD service areas. As discussed under Impact UTIL-2, there would be sufficient water supplies available to serve the 2040 General Plan and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. In compliance with the California Fire Code, Part 9 of the California Building Standards Code (CBC), development facilitated under both plans would follow standards for fire safety such as fire flow requirements for buildings, fire hydrant location, and distribution criteria.
Furthermore, CCWD is in the process of updating its Treated Water Master Plan, which utilizes information from cities and the County General Plans for land use to develop future demand projections to identify improvements to the system needed to meet growth. The update to general plans will require a review by CCWD to determine if modifications or additional improvements to the system are necessary to support development in the proposed plan. With implementation of the above policies, sufficient water supply and WTP capacity would be maintained. As such, new or expanded water facilities are not anticipated to be required due to operational demand.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan contains the following goals and policies that would ensure adequate utility capacity and infrastructure:
Goal PFS-1 Ensure adequate water supply to existing and future development.
Policy PFS-1.2 Infrastructure Maintenance. Collaborate with water providers in their efforts to maintain wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal infrastructure in good working conditions within the city.
Policy PFS-1.5 Water Services Requirement. Ensure that water services for new developments does not negatively affect service to existing uses.
Policy PFS-1.6 Water Provider Coordination. Coordinate with water providers to ensure that new proposed development can be adequately served by the water supply system prior to approving the development.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-19
However, even with implementation of the aforementioned policies, there could be potential need for future water pipeline upsizing and infrastructure connections. Since significant and unavoidable construction impacts associated with air quality, historic resources, paleontological resources, and noise were determined in Sections 3.2, Air Quality, 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources, and 3.10, Noise, respectively, operational impacts related to potential need for new or expanded water supply utility infrastructure and facilities would be considered significant and unavoidable. Wastewater
Implementation of the proposed plan could have a significant impact if the wastewater treatment provider would not have sufficient capacity to serve the proposed new land uses in addition to the provider’s existing commitments.
Growth and development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would create additional demand for wastewater treatment in Pleasant Hill. However, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur within the urbanized areas of the city where existing wastewater infrastructure is present. Similar to water infrastructure, increased density could require upgraded wastewater pipelines or pumps. Development facilitated by the General Plan is projected to result in approximately 19,216 net new primary and accessory dwelling residential units in Pleasant Hill that in turn would result in approximately 46,119 new residents by the year 2040. As discussed under Impact UTIL-3, there would be adequate capacity to serve the 2040 General Plan’s wastewater demand.
Development facilitated under the 2040 General Plan would undergo review by Central San to ensure that development does not encroach on easements for sewer pipes, and applicants would be responsible for the payment of standard sewer connection fees, as necessary. 30 In addition, the
following 2040 General Plan goals and policies would ensure new development is connected to the existing sanitary sewer system and that wastewater service is adequate.
Goal PFS-1 Ensure adequate water supply to existing and future development.
Policy PFS-1.2 Infrastructure Maintenance. Collaborate with water providers in their efforts to maintain wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal infrastructure in good working conditions within the city.
Policy PFS-1.5 Water Services Requirement. Ensure that water services for new developments does not negatively affect service to existing uses.
Policy PFS-1.6 Water Provider Coordination. Coordinate with water providers to ensure that new proposed development can be adequately served by the water supply system prior to approving the development.
Goal PFS-2 Ensure that adequate wastewater facilities and services are available to meet the needs of existing and future development.
Policy PFS-2.1 Infrastructure Maintenance. Collaborate with Central San in their efforts to maintain wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal infrastructure in good working conditions within the city.
Policy PFS-2.2 New Development. Coordinate the review of development proposals with Central San to ensure that new development can be adequately served. 30 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Planning Resource Links – Contra Costa County Sanitation District. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/153/Planning-Resource-Links. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-20
Policy PSF-2.3 Wastewater Services Requirement. Ensure that wastewater services for new development does not negatively affect service to existing uses.
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Implementation Programs Program B Capital Improvements Program. When updating the Capital Improvements Program, identify and include the following:
Projects that could also support green infrastructure improvements. Street improvements consistent with emergency vehicle access standards. City-sponsored projects necessary to maintain or improve levels of performance.
However, even with implementation of the aforementioned policies, there could be potential need for future wastewater pipeline upsizing and infrastructure connections. Since significant and unavoidable construction impacts associated with air quality, historic resources, paleontological resources, and noise were determined in Sections 3.2, Air Quality, 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources, and 3.10, Noise, respectively, operational impacts related to potential need for new or expanded wastewater utility infrastructure and facilities would be considered significant and unavoidable.
STORMWATER
As described in Impact HYD-1 in Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would reduce the extent of impervious surfaces within the General Plan area, which could in turn reduce stormwater runoff that enters the City’s municipal storm drain system. In addition, because the 2040 General Plan is focused on infill development, the conversion of open space and permeable surfaces to impervious surfaces would be minimized. Furthermore, the amount of impervious surfaces would be reduced through implementation of Best Management Practices, including Low Impact Development (LID) approaches, aimed at reducing stormwater runoff to ensure downstream storm drain capacity is not exceeded. Therefore, stormwater generated by development facilitated by the proposed plan would not exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage and storage systems.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan contains the following goals and policies that would ensure adequate stormwater capacity and infrastructure:
Policy ENV-2.1 Drainage System Maintenance. Maintain and upgrade the city drainage system, including regularly clearing drainage systems of debris build up that exacerbates flood impacts.
Policy ENV-2.2 Drainage Improvements. Cooperate with regional agencies to complete regional storm drainage improvements.
Goal PFS-3 Provide a resilient, sustainable stormwater management system that reduces runoff volume and minimizes flood potential from existing and future development.
Policy PFS-3.1 NPDES Permit Activities. Implement NPDES permit activities in compliance with State and Federal law to prevent stormwater pollution.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-21
Policy PFS-3.2 Drainage Facility Maintenance. Collaborate with property owners, the Flood Control District to regularly maintain and provide funding for all drainage facilities to ensure that they continue operating at full carrying capacity.
Policy PFS-3.3 Green Infrastructure. Require new developments to install green infrastructure as required by the permit conditions of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, as part of their natural stormwater drainage systems, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID).
Policy PFS-3.4 Retrofit for Green Infrastructure. Encourage the retrofit of existing development to include sustainable infrastructure and green building practices.
With implementation of the policies mentioned above and LID techniques, sufficient stormwater collection would be maintained. As such, new or expanded facilities are not anticipated to be required due to operational demand. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to adequacy, capacity, and need for new stormwater infrastructure facilities as a result of stormwater generation would be less than significant.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
At operation, the 2040 General Plan would increase demand for internet and telephone services provided by local telecommunications providers. The library, park district, and future residents would coordinate with telecommunication providers to provide service. The plan area is located in an urbanized area of Pleasant Hill where existing telecommunications providers already offer internet and telephone services. As such, at operation the proposed plan would not require the relocation or expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, due to local telecommunications providers continuing to provide adequate telecommunications capacity and access.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan contains the following goals and policies that would ensure adequate telecommunication capacity and infrastructure:
Goal PFS-5 Provide for the current and future energy and telecommunications needs of Pleasant Hill.
Policy PFS-5.1 Provision of Utilities. Work with public, quasi-public, and private utility providers as practicable to provide adequate levels of service to city residents.
Policy PFS-5.2 Coordination with Utility Providers. Coordinate with energy providers in the siting and design of gas and electric facilities to minimize environmental, aesthetic, and safety impacts.
Policy PFS-5.3 Co-Location of Telecommunication Facilities. Encourage compatible colocation of telecommunication facilities and work with service providers to site telecommunications facilities on City-owned property or public rights-ofway.
Policy PFS-5.4 Utility Undergrounding. Require the undergrounding of local-serving utilities in areas of the city undergoing development or significant construction.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-22
Policy PFS-5.5 Telecommunication Technologies. Support the implementation of telecommunication technologies to attract new businesses and meet the changing communication needs of city residents and businesses.
Policy PFS-5.6 Fiber Optic Cable Access. Explore opportunities to expand the city's fiber optic infrastructure.
Policy PFS-5.7 Residential Electric Utility Use. Encourage the use of electric appliances and utility hook-ups in all new residential development.
With implementation of the policies mentioned above, sufficient telecommunications access would be maintained. As such, new or expanded facilities are not anticipated to be required due to operational demand. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to access, capacity, and need for new telecommunications infrastructure facilities as a result of telecommunications demand would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS (SEE SECTION 3.2,
AIR QUALITY, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-3: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO CONDUCT
AND IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS (SEE SECTION 3.2, AIR QUALITY, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT) MITIGATION MEASURE CR-1: REVISE GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE
PREPARATION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING BUILDINGS 45 YEARS OR
OLDER AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.4, CULTURAL AND TRIBAL CULTURAL
RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-2: REVISED GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE
PREPARATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT PRIOR
TO PROJECT APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.10, NOISE, FOR
FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-3: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO STOP
WORK IN THE EVENT OF UNANTICIPATED CULTURAL RESOURCES
DISCOVERIES DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.10, NOISE,
FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-4: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO
SUSPEND WORK AROUND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED DURING CONSTRUCTION (SEE SECTION 3.4, CULTURAL AND TRIBAL
CULTURAL RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE GEO-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO PROTECT PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES (SEE SECTION 3.5, GEOLOGY, SOILS,
AND MINERAL RESOURCES, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT) Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-23
MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO
IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES (SEE
SECTION 3.10, NOISE, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
MITIGATION MEASURE NOI-2: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO
IMPLEMENT A CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION CONTROL PLAN (SEE
SECTION 3.10, NOISE, FOR FULL MITIGATION MEASURE TEXT)
Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Water Supply Availability
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
Impact UTL-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR WATER SUPPLY. HOWEVER, WITH ADHERENCE TO THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES, WATER SUPPLIES WOULD BE ADEQUATE TO SUPPORT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
While construction under the 2040 General Plan could necessitate the occasional use of minimal, limited quantity of water for dust control, mixing concrete, and washing equipment and vehicles, impacts related to water supplies are primarily limited to operational impacts. Therefore, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to need for new water supply as a result of water demand would be less than significant.
Operation
The UWMPs for both CCWD and EBMUD determined there are sufficient water supplies to accommodate anticipated regional population growth throughout their service areas according to the ABAG Plan Bay Area 2040 projections.31,32 Similarly, the UWMPs for the plan area assess water supply reliability for planned growth based upon ABAG 2040 projections and determined that sufficient water supply is available under normal-year, single-dry-year, but may have supply shortfalls in the later years of multiple-dry-year conditions.33,34 However, as discussed in Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could result in an increase in population that would exceed such ABAG population forecasts by 122 percent by 2040. As such, the proposed plan could result in insufficient water supplies to serve the proposed plan buildout in 2040.
31 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table 1-1, CCWD Service Area Population. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022). 32 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table 1-3, Population Projections. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-your-water/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan. (accessed December 2022). 33 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table 1-4, Projected Water Supply. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022). 34 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table W-3, Supply & Demand Assessment, 2020- 2050. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-your-water/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan. (accessed December 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-24
Both the CCWD and EBMUD UWMPs include measures to implement during periods of water shortages. The CCWD UWMP includes a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) that outlines actions CCWD would take for managing water during water supply shortage conditions. These options have been developed based on CCWD’s previous experience with short-term demand management, including the recent droughts, and in consideration of long-term conservation goals.
Similarly, the EBMUD WSCP includes existing and planned efforts to support meeting long-term water conservation planning goals to the year 2050. It presents a phased implementation of conservation measures based on threshold water production and customer demand levels designed to achieve a cumulative 70 million gallons per day (MGD) of water savings by 2050.35 Operation of net new residential and non-residential land use built out under the 2040 General Plan would increase the demand for water for both CCWD and EBMUD. As discussed within Section 2, Project Description, maximum buildout of the 2040 General Plan represents development within city limits. As shown in Figure 3.13-2, there are only two water service providers within City Limits, CCWD and EBMUD, with CCWD being the primary service provider to a majority of Pleasant Hill.
Therefore, the analysis herein conservatively evaluates the proposed plan’s impacts solely on CCWD water supply.
36 The CCWD 2020 UWMP sets forth 142 gallons per capita daily (gpcd) as the TWSA average water consumption rate. As discussed within Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing, at maximum buildout the 2040 General Plan could facilitate the addition of approximately 46,119 net new residents in Pleasant Hill from 2022 to 2040. Multiplying the 145 gcpd by approximately 46,119 persons yields a daily water consumption value of 6,687,255 gallons which equates to 7,491 acre-feet per year (AFY) of water demand for the project.
Based on the population projections presented above and CCWD existing and planned conservation measures, the water demand projections for the TWSA and total UWMP Service Area through 2045 are shown in Table 3.13-2. As shown therein, total demand for the TWSA and UWMP Service Area through the year 2040 is approximately 40,100 AFY and 171,600 AFY, respectively. The 2040 General Plan would account for roughly 7,491 AFY or 18 percent of the total TWSA total demand in 2040. Furthermore, buildout of the 2040 General Plan would account for approximately four percent of the total UWMP Service Area demand in 2040.
35 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2020. Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan. (accessed November 2022). 36 This approach is conservative, as the other water service provider (EBMUD) covering a portion of Pleasant Hill would also be available to provide water supply within Pleasant Hill.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-25
Figure 3.13-2 Water Districts in Proposed Buildout Area City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-26
Table 3.13-2 CCWD Current and Projected Water Demand
Year 2020 20252 20302 20352 20402 20452
Total TWSA
Demand1 (AFY)
32,600 36,400 37,400 38,800 40,100 40,900
Total UWMP
Service Area
Demand (AFY)
126,320 147,400 157,300 165,000 171,600 175,900
AFY = acre-feet per year
1 TWSA demands include treated water distribution system losses. 2 Future demand projections are based on maximum dry-year demands not impacted by drought-related water shortage or economic conditions. Additionally, projected demands consider anticipated water use efficiency and conservation measures which result in reduced demands.
Source: CCWD 202037
The CCWD 2020 UWMP also anticipates the existing and planned sources of water available in fiveyear increments though the General Plan planning horizon year 2040, as shown in Table 3.13-3, as well as the projected availability of these water supplies in average, single-dry, and multiple-dry water year conditions. An average water year is a year that most closely represents the average water supply available to the agency. A single-dry year is defined as the year that represents the lowest water supply available to the agency. A multiple-dry year period is defined as the period that represents the lowest average water supply availability for five consecutive dry years.
Table 3.13-3 CCWD Projected Water Supply Demand for 2040 Water Year Type CVP2 (AFY) Total Planned Supply (AFY)
Average 185,250 242,200
Single-Dry 136,500 194,350
Multi-Dry Year 1 146,250 197,100
Multi-Dry Year 3 117,000 166,570
Multi-Dry Year 5 97,500 147,170
AFY = acre-feet per year
1 Average (Normal) represents availability of water supply in wet, above normal, below normal and normal years. Single-Dry Year represents availability of water supply in dry and critically dry years. Multiple-Dry Year sequence represents a five-year drought such as 1929-1933 conditions.
2 Central Valley Project contract which provides for a maximum delivery of 195,000 AFY of CVP supply.
Source: CCWD 202038
As shown above in Table 3.13-3, CCWD does not anticipate supply deficits in normal years or singledry years throughout the planning horizon but may have supply shortfalls in future years of up to 14 percent of demand in the later years of a multi-dry year conditions. Potential supply shortfalls experienced during dry year conditions would be met through a combination of a short-term conservation program and/or short-term water purchases, consistent with the District’s Future Water Supply Study.
39 37 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table 1-3, Current and Projected Water Demand. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022). 38 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Table 1-4, Projected Water Supply. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022). 39 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Water Supply Reliability Assessment. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-27
As shown Table 3.13-2 and Table 3.13-3, water supply associated with the 2040 General Plan would be met by CCWD supply in average and single-dry years but could result in additional demand on CCWD water supply in multi-dry year conditions. However, CCWD anticipates meeting future demands through continued use of its Central Valley Project (CVP) contract, its own water rights, and balanced investments in conservation, recycled water, and water transfers. The CVP is CCWD’s primary water source obtained under contract that provides for a maximum delivery of 195,000 AFY of CVP supply.
Furthermore, water supply shortfalls would be met by CCWD water conservation measures as outlined in the CCWD WSCP, which includes conservation surveys, rebate incentives, and education and outreach.
40 Within these broad categories, the programs and services are further tailored for residential, commercial, industrial, and large landscape water uses. CCWD continually evaluates its existing and potential conservation programs and services to determine the best combination of programs that meet criteria such as water savings potential, certainty of water savings, customer receptivity, market potential, and cost-effectiveness.
In addition to CCWD WSCP conservation measures, the 2040 General Plan includes the following goals and policies that would help reduce impacts on water supplies and encourage the conservation of water:
Goal HA-4 Minimize the effects of drought by creating an emphasis of routine water conservation.
Policy HS-4.1 Municipal Water Conservation. Continue to identify opportunities to upgrade City facilities with water-conserving appliances and using reclaimed water for irrigation, landscaping, and other allowable uses.
Policy HS-4.2 Residential Water Conservation. Implement and maintain cost-effective, citywide water conservation and efficiency programs for all customers through education, rebates, assistance programs, and building requirements.
Policy HS-4.3 Water Conservation Measures. Reduce the amount of water used by development by requiring compliance with adopted water conservation measures.
Goal ENV-1.3 Provide an adequate water supply for residential, business, and other uses needed to support the existing and projected city population.
Policy ENV-1.3 Commercial and Business Water Conservation. Require new or remodeled commercial and industrial development to make changes that conserve water, to the extent feasible. This could include utilizing efficient plumbing fixtures, installing drought-tolerant and water-wise landscaping, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation.
Policy ENV-1.4 Municipal Water Conservation. Require, where feasible, that City facilities install efficient plumbing fixtures in new construction or renovations, replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures, and installing drought-tolerant and water-wise landscaping to conserve water.
40 Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). 2020. Urban Water Management Plan – Water Shortage Contingency Planning. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF. (accessed December 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-28
Policy ENV-1.5 Water Conservation in Public Facilities. During construction or renovation of public facilities, institute water conservation measures such as hot-ondemand water faucets, low flush toilets, and low water using appliances.
Thus, while the development facilitated by the proposed plan would result in additional population beyond the projected population within Plan Bay Area 2040 and the CCWD and EBMUD UWMPs, current water supplies and adherence to the 2040 General Plan policies would be adequate to meet 2040 General Plan per capita water demand. Furthermore, the proposed General Plan would account for 18 percent of the total TWSA demand and 4 percent of the total CCWD UWMP Service Area water demand in the year 2040 which is not a significant demand on the service system. Water supply for the 2040 General Plan would be met in average and single-dry years but could result in shortfalls in multi-dry year conditions. Additional demand would be met by the CCWD CVP and water conservation measures as outlined in CCWD WSCP which includes conservation surveys, rebate incentives, and education and outreach.
41 Therefore, with implementation of the
aforementioned policies and requirement for future development of certain minimum size to prepare water supply assessments, 2040 General Plan impacts related to sufficient water supplies would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Wastewater Treatment Capacity
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
Impact UTL-3 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD INCREASE DEMAND FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT. HOWEVER, THE EXISTING WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HAS SUFFICIENT CAPACITY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN CONTAINS POLICIES TO ENSURE TREATMENT IS ADEQUATE. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Impacts related to adequate wastewater treatment capacity are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur.
41 In addition, future plans and projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan that meet certain criteria under Senate Bill 610 will be required to prepare a project-level water supply assessment, which identifies and verifies water supply availability under normal water year conditions, single dry year conditions, and multiple dry year conditions.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-29
Operation
Implementation of the proposed plan could have a significant impact if the wastewater treatment provider would not have sufficient capacity to serve the proposed new land uses in addition to the provider’s existing commitments.
Growth and development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would create additional demand for wastewater treatment in Pleasant Hill. As discussed within Section 3.9, Land Use/Planning and Population/Housing, this additional housing, coupled with ongoing and planned development, would lead to a population growth of approximately 46,119 new residents by 2040. Under full buildout of the General Plan, this equates to an approximately 80,145 new residents by the year 2040. Because development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur within the urbanized areas of the City, existing wastewater infrastructure exists.
Wastewater collected within Pleasant Hill is treated at the Central San WWTP, which has a treatment capacity of 54 million gpd and treats an average of 35.6 million gallons of wastewater per day.42 On average, the WWTP processes approximately 32 million gallons of wastewater each day during the dry season and can see peak flows as high as an estimated 230 million gallons per day during an extreme winter storm. According to the 2020 EBMUD UWMP, Central San collected and treated 35 mgd of wastewater in 2020 and this number is expected to increase to 41.8 mgd by 2045.43 Both the 2020 wastewater levels, as well as the 2045 projects water levels are within the treatment plant’s overall capacity of 54 mgd. Central San has developed the following wastewater loading criteria for different types of land uses:
44 180 gallons per dwelling unit per day (gpd) for single family dwelling units 105 gpd for multiple family dwelling units
Using the unit loading criteria for single family and multiple family dwelling units, development facilitated by the General Plan would generate approximately 1,287,000 gpd and 1,266,930 gpd of wastewater, respectively. The proposed plan would result in approximately 2,553,930 gpd or approximately 2.1 mgd, which would constitute approximately 11 percent of the remaining capacity (19 mgd)45 of the wastewater treatment plant.46 Furthermore, in 2045 the projected wastewater demand, including the General Plan would be 42.047, which would be within the capacity of the treatment plan. Therefore, Central San’s treatment plant would have sufficient capacity to accommodate wastewater generated by the General Plan.
Additionally, Central San has prepared and is implementing a 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which serves to expand, upgrade, and replace its treatment plant and collection system.
Central San has included a Collection System Program which aims to renovate aging sewers and to serve new development in Central San’s service area. Specific near-term and long-term goals include addressing capacity needs by upsizing sewers to increase capacity, improving the reliability of Central San’s pumping stations, and implementing projects to address renovation needs. Projects 42 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). 2022. Central San Treatment Plant. https://www.centralsan.org/treatment-plant. (accessed November 2022).
43 East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). 2021. Urban Water Management Plan 2020. https://www.ebmud.com/water/about-yourwater/water-supply/urban-water-management-plan/. (accessed November 2022). 44 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). 2017. Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan Technical Executive Summary. https://www.centralsan.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/cwmp_technical_executive_summary.pdf?1510867241. (accessed November 2022).
45 19 mgd = 54 mgd (capacity) – 35 mgd (wastewater treatment in 2020). 46 11 percent = [2.1 mgd (General Plan wastewater demand) / 19 mgd (remaining capacity in 2020)] * 100 percent 47 42.0 mgd = 41.8 mgd (projected wastewater demand in 2045) + 0.2 mgd (Housing Element wastewater demand) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-30
under the Collection System Program would reduce the likelihood of sewage overflows during dry and wet weather.48Implementation of Central San’s 10-year CIP and the existing WWTP’s capacity would ensure adequate wastewater treatment capacity for future development under the proposed plan. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to sufficient water treatment capacity would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Landfill Capacity and Solid Waste Reduction Regulations Consistency Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan 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?
Significance Criterion e: Would the proposed plan comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
Impact UTL-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED UNDER THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCREASE THE VOLUME OF SOLID WASTE GENERATED IN PLEASANT HILL. HOWEVER, EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SERVES THE CITY, AS WELL AS POLICIES WITHIN THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN, WOULD ENSURE THAT THE CITY HAS
ADEQUATE CAPACITY TO ACCEPT THE INCREASE IN SOLID WASTE AND COMPLY WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL MANAGEMENT REDUCTION REGULATIONS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.
Construction
Construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve the development of existing buildings, surface parking lots, and landscaping. This would result in the generation of solid waste from demolition and on-site construction activities. Future projects developed under the proposed plan that would entail construction and generate solid waste would subject to Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 14.40 to ensure that construction-generated solid waste is not in excess of State or local standards or the capacity of local landfills, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals. Additionally, the proposed General Plan includes Policy PFS-4.3 which requires the recycling and reuse of building materials during demolition and construction.
Therefore, construction impacts related to landfill capacity and solid waste reduction goals consistency would be less than significant.
Operation
Development facilitated by the proposed plan could result in the addition of up to 46,119 new residents and 19,216 residential units throughout Pleasant Hill by the year 2040. Based on a solid 48 Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). 2015. FY 2015-2016 Capital Improvement Budget and Ten-Year Plan. https://www.centralsan.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/2015_16_cib.pdf?1510722971 (accessed November 2022).
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-31
waste generation rate of 5.31 pounds per dwelling unit per year, 49 the proposed plan would
generate an estimated 102,037 pounds per day or about 37 million pounds per year (or 18,500 tons per year). According to CalRecycle, the Keller Canyon Landfill has a maximum throughput of approximately 3,500 tons per day and anticipated closure date of December 31, 2050. 50 The
proposed plan would yield an annual solid waste generation of approximately 102,037 pounds per day, which would account for approximately 1.4 percent of the throughput of the Keller Canyon Landfill. In addition to the Keller Canyon Landfill, solid waste could also be transferred to the Acme Landfill which has a remaining capacity of approximately 506,590 cubic yards and could divert a portion of the solid waste from the plan area.51 Therefore, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not generate solid waste in excess of the capacity of local solid waste infrastructure.
In addition, the 2040 General Plan contains the following goal and associated policies to address solid waste generation and disposal within Pleasant Hill.
Goal PFS-4 Continue and improve upon efforts to divert waste from landfills.
Policy PFS-4.1 Sustainable Solid Waste and Recycling Services. Work with contract service provider to advance their sustainability initiatives to increase recovery of key materials and development of regenerative landfills.
Policy PFS-4.2 Waste Reduction Education. Collaborate and partner with local organizations to provide waste reduction education programs to residents and businesses.
Policy PFS-4.3 Recycle and Reuse Building Materials. Require the recycling and reuse of building materials during demolition and construction including roadway projects.
Development facilitated by the proposed plan would be required to comply with these policies, including paying a fair share for solid waste services and achieving greater diversion rates than required by AB 939. Pursuant to AB 939 the City must divert 50 percent of solid waste from landfills.
Local infrastructure and Republic Services would have the capacity to accommodate and collect solid waste generated by the proposed plan. Development facilitated by the proposed plan would also be required to demonstrate compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations related to management and reduction of solid waste, including related to recycling and composting (e.g., California Senate Bill 1383). Therefore, the 2040 General Plan impact related to local solid waste infrastructure capacity and solid waste management and reduction regulations consistency would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
49 CalRecycle. 2019. Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/General/Rates (accessed November 2022) 50 50 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Keller Canyon Landfill (07-AA-0032). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4407?siteID=228. (accessed November 2022). 51 CalRecycle. 2019 SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details Acme Landfill (07-AA-0002). https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/4396?siteID=217. (accessed November 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-32
3.13.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative utilities and service systems analysis is the CCWD, EBMUD, Central San, Pleasant Hill Public Works, and Republic Services service areas. Because of differences in the nature of the utility and service system topical areas, they are discussed separately. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, and Plan Bay Area 2050.
Water Supply Infrastructure and Facilities
CCWD and EBMUD provide potable water to residents and businesses within the Contra Costa and the East Bay, including Pleasant Hill. Both CCWD and EBMUD considered the existing capacity and future demand for capacity to determine needed updates to water facilities. In the course of preparing the UWMP, both providers estimated water demand of future development in the service area and forecast the needed facility upgrades. The forecast included supply facility upgrades needed to accommodate growth in the service area, including Pleasant Hill. The CCWD and EBMUD prepared UWMPs that considered the buildout potential across the service area. The UWMPs determined that the CCWD and EBMUD would be able to provide adequate water supplies to the City during normal years and single dry years but would see shortfalls during multiple dry years which would be offset through planned water supply purchases. However, while the development facilitated by the proposed plan would result in additional population beyond the projected population within Plan Bay Area 2040, adherence to the General Plan policies would reduce per capita water use. In addition, future developments that meet certain criteria under Senate Bill 610 will be required to prepare a project-level water supply assessment, which identifies and verifies water supply availability under normal water year conditions, single dry year conditions, and multiple dry year conditions. Furthermore, cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 would be required to comply with provisions of the respective municipal codes and California Green Building Code related to water conservation. However, as discussed above, there is potential that infrastructure upgrades may be required to accommodate future growth. Therefore, the cumulative impacts related to water supply infrastructure expansion and construction would be significant and unavoidable.
Wastewater Infrastructure and Facilities
Central San provides wastewater collection and treatment services for the residents and business in Pleasant Hill. Central San recently updated its Sewer System Management Plan which, the purpose of which is to reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the City’s sanitary sewer collection system and to enhance compliance with the applicable permits, laws, and regulations as related to sanitary sewer overflows. The plan includes treatment facility upgrades needed to accommodate growth in the service area and maintain compliance with applicable regulatory standards for wastewater treatment and discharge. Cumulative plans and projects would generate volumes of wastewater.
The Cities of Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County anticipate development in the respective cities and determined that capacity would exist to service the demand for wastewater treatment facilities. . However, as discussed above, there is potential that infrastructure upgrades may be required to accommodate future growth. Therefore, the cumulative impacts related to wastewater infrastructure expansion and construction would be significant and unavoidable.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Utilities and Service Systems
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.13-33
Stormwater Infrastructure and Facilities
Cumulative plans and projects predominantly consist of residential and commercial uses. The cumulative plans and projects would be located in urban areas that would be served by existing municipal storm drainage systems. Consistent with measures in the Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and Contra Costa County Municipal Codes, development in the cities would incorporate a stormwater control plan and stormwater collection systems into the development that would in turn reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff that cumulative development would generate. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to stormwater infrastructure and facilities would be less than significant.
Solid Waste Facilities
Keller Canyon and Acme Landfills operate solid waste landfills and oversee regional waste diversion programs as well as solid waste and recycling collection services. Keller Canyon anticipates it would be able to absorb future growth. Cumulative plans and projects listed consist predominantly of residential and commercial uses. However, as with the surrounding areas, new cumulative development (residential and non-residential) would increase demand on solid waste facilities to receive, process, and store solid waste. The Keller Canyon Landfill has a maximum throughput of approximately 3,500 tons per day and anticipated closure date of December 31, 2050. The anticipated waste volume of development in the plan area represents approximately 1.4 percent of the throughput of the Keller Canyon Landfill. Existing solid waste facilities provide sufficient capacity to serve development anticipated in the Cities of Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County as well as existing, planned, and probable future land uses in the respective cities for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to solid waste facilities would be less than significant.
Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
3.13-34
This page intentionally left blank.
Other CEQA Sections
Draft Environmental Impact Report 4-1
4 Other CEQA Sections
This chapter discusses growth-inducing impacts and irreversible environmental impacts that would be caused by the proposed plan.
4.1 Growth Inducing Impacts
There are two types of growth-inducing impacts that a plan or project may have: direct and indirect.
To assess the potential for growth-inducing impacts, the proposed plan’s characteristics that may encourage and facilitate activities that individually or cumulatively may affect the environment must be evaluated. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(d) requires a discussion of a proposed plan or project’s potential to foster economic or population growth, including ways in which a plan could remove an obstacle to growth. Growth does not necessarily create significant physical changes to the environment. However, depending upon the type, magnitude, and location of growth, it can result in significant adverse environmental effects. The CEQA Guidelines, as interpreted by the City, state that a significant growth-inducing impact may result if the proposed plan would:
Induce substantial population growth in an area (for example, by proposing or facilitating new residences or employment-generating uses beyond the land use density/intensity envisioned in the general plan);
Substantially alter the planned location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the population of an area; or
Include extensions of roads or other infrastructure not assumed in the general plan or adopted capital improvements project list, when such infrastructure exceeds the needs of a project and could accommodate unplanned future development.
Direct growth-inducing impacts occur when the implementation of a plan or project imposes new burdens on a community by directly inducing population growth, or by leading to the construction of additional developments in the same area. Also included in this category are plans or projects that remove physical obstacles to population growth (such as a new road into an undeveloped area or a wastewater treatment plant with excess capacity that could allow additional development in the service area). Construction of these types of infrastructure cannot be considered isolated from the development they facilitate and serve. Plans or projects that physically remove obstacles to growth, or projects that indirectly induce growth, may provide a catalyst for future unrelated development in an area such as a new residential community that requires additional commercial uses to support residents.
4.1.1 Population and Employment Growth
As discussed in Section 3.9, Land Use/Planning and Population/Housing, the buildout anticipated under the 2040 General Plan could accommodate an estimated 46,119 new residents and 19,216 new dwelling units in Pleasant Hill. With the estimated growth under the 2040 General Plan, Pleasant Hill would have a 2040 population of 80,145. Additionally, ABAG estimates that Pleasant Hill would have an additional 2,200 jobs by 2040 for a total of 19,800 within the City. Note that growth assumptions within this EIR are conservative and unlikely to come to complete fruition.
Additionally, future ABAG forecasts may provide more realistic growth assumptions, which would be lower than the growth presented here.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
4-2
It is anticipated that buildout under the proposed plan would directly support the population growth and subsequent housing needs within Pleasant Hill’s projected growth estimates. Since much of Pleasant Hill is currently developed and used for residential, commercial, and various other uses, implementation of the proposed plan would largely entail the development of vacant and underutilized parcels throughout Pleasant Hill. As discussed under Impact LU-1 and LU-2, the proposed plan aims to intensify and densify development within the 2040 General Plan area to accommodate anticipated population growth and housing needs within Pleasant Hill. Proposed 2040 General Plan land use and planning policies aim to provide guidance for orderly development while balancing the land use needs for housing, residential and commercial services, civic needs, and jobs.
It is the specific purpose of the proposed plan to guide growth and development in Pleasant Hill such that infill development would be prioritized, and open space areas would be preserved and enhanced. Therefore, by its nature, the proposed plan is intended to reduce the potential for uncontrolled growth and associated environmental impacts. For the reasons discussed above, implementation of the proposed plan would not lead to direct or indirect growth impacts beyond what is anticipated and planned for by Pleasant Hill.
4.1.2 Removal of Obstacles to Growth
As discussed under Impact LU-1 and LU-2 in Section 3.9, Land Use/Planning and Population/Housing, much of Pleasant Hill is developed, and the proposed plan encourages infill development to meet Pleasant Hill’s anticipated population and employment growth and housing needs. Although development of some vacant land within Pleasant Hill would require new utility connections, new development would occur where existing roads, water, parking lots, and sewer and other utilities are in place and in a manner that minimizes the impact of development on existing infrastructure and services. Major infrastructure extensions are not envisioned due to the level of existing development within Pleasant Hill, and improvements would be primarily limited to the replacement and/or upgrade of aging facilities and enhancement of existing infrastructure as needed on a future project-by-project basis. All new development envisioned as part of the 2040 General Plan would occur within City limits. Therefore, because new development would use existing facilities and major infrastructure extensions would not occur, the proposed plan would not remove obstacles to unplanned growth within Pleasant Hill.
4.2 Irreversible Environmental Effects
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126(c) requires that EIRs evaluating plans and projects involving amendments to public plans, ordinances, or policies contain a discussion of significant irreversible environmental changes. CEQA also requires decision-makers to balance the benefits of a proposed plan or project against its unavoidable environmental risks in determining whether to approve a plan or project. This section addresses the use of non-renewable resources, the commitment of future generations to the proposed development and land use changes, and irreversible impacts associated with the development that would be facilitated by implementation of the 2040 General Plan.
Construction activity associated with planned development accommodated under the proposed plan would include the use of building materials and energy, some of which would be nonrenewable resources. Consumption of these resources would occur with any development in the Bay Area region and are not unique to Pleasant Hill or the proposed plan. The addition of new Other CEQA Sections
Draft Environmental Impact Report 4-3
residential and non-residential development in the Pleasant Hill through 2040 would irreversibly increase local demand for non-renewable energy resources such as petroleum and natural gas.
Increasingly efficient building fixtures and automobile engines, as well as implementation of policies included in the 2040 General Plan, are expected to offset the demand for non-renewable energy to some degree. Growth resulting from implementation of the proposed plan is not anticipated to significantly affect local or regional energy supplies; and project impacts related to energy consumption are further evaluated in Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy.
Growth facilitated by the proposed plan would require an irreversible commitment of City services, water supply, and wastewater treatment. As discussed in Section 3.12, Public Services and Recreation, and Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, impacts to public services and utilities would be remain significant and unavoidable as they relate to construction of schools.
Growth associated with the 2040 General Plan through 2040 would incrementally increase local vehicle miles traveled (VMT), noise levels, and regional air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As discussed in Section 3.2, Air Quality, and Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy, implementation of the proposed plan policies, regional air pollution programs, and mitigation measures would reduce the air pollutant and GHG emissions associated with individual future development projects; however, air quality pollutants and GHG emissions would not be reduced to below significant thresholds. As discussed in Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, implementation of the proposed plan policies, historical resources regulations, and mitigation measures would not be reduced to below significant thresholds.
As discussed in Section 3.10, Noise, implementation of proposed policies and mitigation measures would reduce the noise impacts associated with future growth but not to a less-than-significant level. As discussed in Section 3.12, Transportation, the policies in the proposed plan and mitigation measures would reduce many transportation impacts to a less-than-significant level; however, population growth facilitated by the proposed plan combined with regional population growth would result in additional vehicle trips on area roadways, resulting in significant and unavoidable traffic impacts on several roadways.
4.3 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Per CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Section XVIII, the following mandatory findings of significance analysis is provided.
a. Does the proposed plan have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
The 2040 General Plan would not facilitate development that would eliminate or threaten wildlife habitats. Therefore, as discussed in more detail in Section 3.3, Biological, Agricultural, and Forestry Resources, the 2040 General Plan would result in less-than-significant-with-mitigation impacts related to wildlife habitats. However, the 2040 General Plan could potentially eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Therefore, as discussed in more detail in Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, the 2040 General Plan would result in a significant and unavoidable impact related to cultural resources, specifically historical resources.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
4-4
b. Does the proposed plan have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? While the proposed 2040 General Plan policies encourage residents, businesses, and the City to reduce energy, fuel use, water use, VMT, and solid waste generation and the associated GHG emissions, the proposed plan would still result in significant and unavoidable impacts related to VMT and GHG emissions. In addition, as discussed throughout the respective cumulative impacts discussions within this EIR, the 2040 General Plan would also result in significant cumulative impacts for the similar topics. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would result in an overall significant and unavoidable cumulative impact related to all CEQA topics addressed within this EIR. c. Does the proposed plan have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? The 2040 General Plan would result in adverse effects on human beings. As discussed in more detail in Sections 3.2, Air Quality, 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy, 3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire, 3.10, Noise, and 3.13, Transportation, implementation of the 2040 General Plan could result in impacts related to transportation, air quality, GHG emission, noise, and hazards that could, in turn, affect human beings. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would result in an overall significant and unavoidable impact related to potential for adverse effects on human beings.
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-1
5 EIR Alternatives
5.1 Introduction
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15126.6, this chapter contains a comparative impact assessment of alternatives to the 2040 General Plan (proposed plan).
The primary purpose of an alternatives analysis under CEQA is to provide decision-makers and the public with a reasonable range of feasible alternatives to the proposed plan that could attain most of the basic plan’s objectives, while avoiding or reducing any of the plan’s significant adverse environmental effects.
Analysis of three alternatives to the proposed plan is provided for informational purposes and to allow decision-makers to consider the proposed plan in light of hypothetical alternative planning scenarios, thereby promoting CEQA’s purpose as an information disclosure statute. This analysis is guided by the following considerations set forth under CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6:
An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a plan or project; An EIR should identify alternatives that were considered by the lead agency, but rejected as infeasible during the scoping process;
Reasons for rejecting an alternative include:
Failure to meet most of the basic plan or project objectives; Infeasibility; or
Inability to avoid significant environmental effects.
5.2 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts
The implementation of the proposed plan was analyzed for potentially significant impacts related to each of the environmental issues discussed in Sections 3.1 through 3.13. The results of the analysis indicate that the proposed plan would result in the following significant and unavoidable impacts:
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources: construction-related historical resources GHG Emissions and Energy: operation-related GHG emissions and consistency with GHG reduction plans
Hazard, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire: operation-related wildfire exposure risk and emergency response/evacuation plans consistency
Noise: construction-related noise and operation-related mobile (roadway vehicle) noise Public Services and Recreation: construction-related new and expanded schools Transportation: operation-related VMT
Utilities and Service Systems: construction- and operational-related new and expanded utilities facilities/infrastructure
Mitigation measures (MMs) were identified for construction-related historic resources, noise, and new and expanded schools and utilities facilities/infrastructure impacts and for operational-related GHG emissions/GHG reduction plans consistency, mobile (roadway vehicle) noise, vehicle miles traveled, and wildfire exposure risk impacts; however, the identified mitigation would not reduce City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-2
the impacts to less than significant. Thus, even though the proposed plan attempts to mitigate its impacts to the greatest extent feasible as required by CEQA, the mitigation is not technically feasible or sufficient or available to reduce impacts from significant and unavoidable.
5.3 Alternatives to the Proposed Plan
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6, this EIR presents a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed plan for analysis and evaluation of their comparative merits. These alternatives are considered to cover the range of development alternatives that would meet the basic objectives of the plans while lessening one or more of its significant impacts. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a) states that an EIR need not evaluate every conceivable alternative. Information has been provided for each alternative that would allow meaningful comparison with the proposed plan.
The three alternatives to the proposed plan analyzed in this chapter are as follows:
Alternative 1: Adopted General Plan Buildout (i.e., “No Project”) Alternative 2: Increased Intensity in Non-western Areas Alternative 3: 25 Percent Residential Reduction
Table 5-1 shows the alternatives’ components summary; this EIR Alternatives analysis examines the net change from the proposed plan in terms of potential physical environmental impacts. Detailed descriptions of the alternatives are included in the impact analyses for each Alternative in Sections
5.5 through 5.7.
Table 5-1 Alternatives Buildout Projections Summary
Feature Proposed Plan Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Commercial, Neighborhood
Business, and Mixed-use
Square Feet
1,358,792 315,340 1,358,792 1,358,792
Schools
Square Feet
6,444,767 - 6,444,767 6,444,767
Semi-public and Institutional
Square Feet
1,401,063 1,401,063 1,401,063 1,401,063
Office
Square Feet
(-)217,081 146,141 (-)217,081 (-)217,081
Industrial
Square Feet
168,672 168,672 168,672 168,672
Multi-family Residential
Number of Units
12,066 808 12,066 9,050
Single-family Residential
(including 525 ADUs)
Number of Units
7,150 238 7,150 5,363
Additional Population Estimate
(Assumes 2.4 persons per
household1)
46,119 41,3002 46,119 34,591
Sources: 1 California Department of Finance. 2022. Table E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State — January 1, 2021-2022. Available: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-population-and-housing-estimates-for-citiescounties-and-the-state-2020-2022/ (accessed December 2022) 2 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. General Plan 2003. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/DocumentCenter/View/314/Current-GeneralPlan?bidId= (accessed December 2022) EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-3
5.4 Plan Objectives
As described in Chapter 2, Project Description, the objectives for the 2040 General Plan are as follows:
Encourage smart and sensitive development. Protect and enhance the community character and existing neighborhoods that define Pleasant Hill by guiding future residential and commercial development to meet the needs of the community and be respectful of the environment;
Foster economic diversity and sustainability. Promote a diverse local economy that is flexible and adaptable to changes in consumer habits and market trends. Be a business-friendly community that supports businesses that foster new job growth and attracts visitors to the city; Provide barrier-free mobility. Advance and maintain a circulation network that accommodates alternative modes of travel, provides neighborhood connectivity, and enhances safety; Provide balanced growth. Focus new development in areas adjacent to major corridors and transit systems while preserving existing neighborhoods and open space resources. Support sustainable development that aligns with current best practices and is compatible with our community;
Ensure public safety. Providing a safe community through public safety services, resilient infrastructure, public awareness, preparedness, and action plans for both human-caused and natural disasters; and
Support diverse housing options. Create the conditions necessary to stimulate the diversity of housing options for community members of all ages and incomes.
5.5 Alternative 1: Adopted General Plan Buildout
The CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6[e][2]) require that the alternatives discussion include an analysis of a ”No Project” Alternative. Pursuant to CEQA, the “No Project” Alternative refers to the analysis of existing conditions and what would reasonably be expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the proposed plan was not approved. This is based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure information. The “No Project” Alternative typically will proceed along one of two lines: (1) when a plan or project is a revision of an existing regulatory plan or policy, the “No Project” Alternative will be continuation of the existing plan or policy; or (2) if a plan or project is a development project on identifiable property, the “No Project” Alternative is the circumstance under which a project does not proceed. Thus, in the case of this programmatic EIR for a proposed plan, the “No Project” Alternative would be a No New Plan Alternative that represents the continuation of existing General Plan designations throughout Pleasant Hill. Full buildout under those existing designations is assumed to occur under this alternative. Typical development assumptions are included in the below analysis of this alternative, including compliance with applicable regulations or typical City-required measures.
5.5.1 Description
The Adopted General Plan Buildout Alternative (or Alternative 1) assumes that the current land use and zoning designations would not change from the City’s adopted 2003 General Plan. The 2040 General Plan would not be adopted. Current land uses for residential units and commercial, office, school, industrial, and semi-public/institutional area would remain unchanged under Alternative 1.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-4
Future buildout would continue to follow the current designations. For purposes of the environmental analysis, it was assumed that the number of persons per household would still be
2.4.1 Based on this, the Pleasant Hill population increase estimate would be 41,300, which represents a relative population decrease of 4,819 compared to the proposed plan (see Table 5.1).
Alternative 1 would not update the Pleasant Hill General Plan. Without the 2040 General Plan, Pleasant Hill would lack a long-term blueprint for development throughout the General Plan area and not meet its current RHNA requirements.
5.5.2 Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under to the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. As such, there would be less new sources of light or glare within the General Plan area that could adversely affect daytime or nighttime views. While the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan does not contain a policy requiring the City to adopt lighting standards intended to maintain ambient lighting levels and minimum glare, individual future projects would be required to mitigate lighting levels as applicable.
There would also be less potential for visual character of the General Plan area to be altered, as development facilitated by the existing General Plan would follow current policies that would prevent this impact. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.1, Aesthetics). Alternative 1 would lessen aesthetics impacts compared to the proposed plan due to the lower overall potential for light, glare, and visual character alterations within the General Plan area, but not to the extent of reducing the impact significance level. However, this alternative would not meet the plan objectives that focus on smart and sensitive development given that infill development would not be maximized.
Air Quality
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Temporary construction-related air quality impacts from grading and construction and longer-term air quality impacts from building operation (energy usage, maintenance), would be lower than under the proposed plan. While individual future project mitigation could result in construction-related criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions, such projects would be required to mitigate emissions as applicable as well as comply with BAAQMD basic control measures to comply with standard permit conditions. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to air quality would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to air quality would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.2, Air Quality). Alternative 1 would result in lesser levels of criteria pollutant and toxic air contaminant emission generation impacts compared to the proposed plan but not to the extent of reducing the impact significance level. However, this alternative would not meet the plan objectives that focus on smart and sensitive development given that existing land uses within the General Plan 1 California Department of Finance. 2022. Table E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State — January 1, 2021-2022. Available: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-population-and-housing-estimates-for-cities-countiesand-the-state-2020-2022/ EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-5
area would not be updated with more modern facilities in compliance with latest building codes and, thus, would not promote greater energy efficiency nor maximize infill development.
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Development changes related to wildlife, habitat, and waters of the United States conservation policies would follow the existing (2003) General Plan guidelines. Similar to the proposed plan, areas under the current General Plan currently developed with residential and non-residential uses likely are not suitable habitat for special-status species, wetlands, agricultural land, and forests. This alternative would follow the current mitigation measures in place to reduce the impact of significance level on biological, agriculture, and forestry resources. Therefore, Alternative 1 biological, agriculture, and forestry resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to biological, agriculture, and forestry resources would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources).
Alternative 1 would have a similar impact on these resources. However, this alternative would not meet the proposed plan objectives for smart and sensitive development in terms of development construction activities potentially affecting sensitive wildlife species during construction activities.
Lastly, the proposed plan includes new and updated conservation goals, policies and programs, not found in the existing General Plan.
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. The Patrick Rogers Farm and buildings 45 years or older are identified as existing cultural resources in the General Plan area (see Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources). These and other not-yetidentified historic resources could be altered as part of buildout of the existing (2003) General Plan.
Therefore, even with mitigation identified for the proposed plan, Alternative 1 cultural and tribal resources impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to Cultural and Tribal Resources would be significant and unavoidable even after mitigation (see Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources).
Alternative 1 would have reduced cultural resources impacts compared to the proposed plan due to the decrease in buildout potential but not to the extent of reducing the impact significance level.
However, this alternative would not adopt measures to revise the General Plan to adopt policies related to assessing and protecting historical, archaeological, and unanticipated cultural resources.
Consequently, this alternative would not meet the plan objectives for smart and sensitive development in terms of development construction activities potentially affecting the significance of known and not-yet-identified historic resources during construction activities.
Geology/Soils, and Mineral Resources
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. The 2040 General Plan policy to protect paleontological resources would not be implemented and would result a lack of protection for paleontological resources. Therefore, Alternative 1 geology, soils, and mineral resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-6
The proposed plan’s impacts related to geology/soils and mineral resources would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources). Alternative 1 would have a greater impact level compared to the proposed plan based on the lack of a paleontological resource protection policy that would have to be adopted in order to avoid future individual project adverse impacts. Without the adoption of this policy, this alternative would not meet plan objectives for smart and sensitive development in terms of development construction activities potentially affecting paleontological resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions generation and energy consumption would occur with development under the existing (2003) General Plan and/or as impacts occur from current population growth rates. However, the existing General Plan does not have relevant goals, policies, or programs that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Furthermore, Pleasant Hill does not have a Climate Action Plan and would, thus, not meet the State goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Therefore, regardless of alternative implementation, the latest BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for GHG emissions would not be met. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to GHG emissions would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to GHG emissions and energy would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy). The existing General Plan buildout would have a lesser impact compared to the proposed plan, given less development would occur. However, due to the lack of a General Plan goals, policies, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and no existing Climate Action Plan, there would be a lack of consistency with the BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for GHG emissions, and thus the significant impact level would remain the same. This would hinder this alternative’s ability to meet the proposed plan objective to foster economic diversity and sustainability. Furthermore, this alternative would not meet the plan objectives that focus on smart and sensitive development given that existing land uses within the General Plan area would not be updated with more modern facilities in compliance with latest building codes and, thus, would not promote greater energy efficiency nor maximize infill development. This alternative would also not meet the plan objectives that focus on providing balanced growth due to the lack of relevant General Plan goals, policies, and programs that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plan for sustainable growth.
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Impacts would occur based on the construction and operational activities following the current adopted General Plan. However, portions of the General Plan area are located in and near a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a Local Responsibility area, and areas of vegetated open space. Similar to the proposed 2040 General Plan, compliance with applicable codes and regulations would not fully reduce the risk of loss, injury, or death from wildfire associated with development under the current General Plan.
Furthermore, population and VMT growth would continue as projected under the current plan. This increase in population and VMT could result in roadway and evacuation route congestion during an EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-7
emergency. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hazards would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire). Alternative 1 would have a similar impact level compared to the proposed plan due to the area being in and near a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a Local Responsibility area, and areas of vegetated open space. Furthermore, the increase in population and VMT would have a similar impact level on emergency response and evacuation plan consistency. The current General Plan would not meet project objectives due to the lack of a plan to adopt a new General Plan policy to conduct project design review for wildlife risk reduction, which the proposed 2040 General Plan would implement in order to ensure the public safety project objective.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Grounddisturbing construction activities that could potentially affect water quality from sedimentation or accidental spills would occur following current adopted zoning. Any changes related to hydrology, water quality, watersheds and drainage patterns, flood and inundation hazards, and ground water resource management caused by changes in existing development would follow the same adopted standards. Therefore, in comparison to the proposed plan, a similar level of hydrology and water quality impacts would occur under this alternative. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant (see Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality). The adopted General Plan’s buildout would have a similar less than significant impact on this resource. However, this alternative would not incorporate the proposed plan smart and sensitive development objective due to the lack of hydrology and water quality enhancements that would be implemented by the 2040 General Plan.
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Applicable land use plans, policies, and regulations would continue to be implemented across the General Plan area.
However, the existing (2003) General Plan did not account for the increase in potential sites for housing and non-residential development. This is evident in the existing General Plan’s Potential Sites for Housing, 1999-2006 (Table H22)2
that only identifies 81.2 acres of vacant or underutilized land, of which 65 acres were deemed available for commercial development potential. This acreage is smaller compared to the 102 acres of vacant or underutilized land identified in the proposed 2040 General Plan, most of which is identified for single-family development (approximately 80 acres) and accounts for the addition of dwelling units that would come with the increase in population.
This alternative would not include allowance for future population and development growth or plan for updated maximum buildout, which the 2040 General Plan would have. Therefore, Alternative 1 land use, population, and housing impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. 2 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. General Plan 2003. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/DocumentCenter/View/314/Current-General-Plan (accessed December 2022).
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-8
The proposed plan’s impacts related to land use/planning and population/housing would be less than significant (see Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing). Alternative 1 would have a greater impact related to land use planning, population, and housing compared to the proposed plan due to the most recent State-mandated RHNA requirements not being met. Without this requirement, population growth and needs would not be met, thus resulting in a greater impact level. In addition, this alternative would not meet the balanced growth or the smart and sensitive development plan objectives due to the lack of planning for anticipated population and balanced development growth.
Noise
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Temporary noise generation or level increase from 2040 General Plan-facilitated future projects would be reduced than under the proposed plan. However, Contra Costa Boulevard/North Main Street was identified as an area with increased mobile noise due to continued development in the area3 , making impacts
potentially significant. Because of this, impacts to noise would still be significant even if no construction were to occur under the adopted plans. Therefore, Alternative 1 impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.10, Noise). Alternative 1 would have a similar impact level related to noise compared to the proposed plan. While this alternative would not generate any new and significant noise levels, it would also not have the proposed plan’s noise mitigation. Without mitigation, the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development would not be met in terms of development potentially affecting noise-sensitive groups.
Public Services and Recreation
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. The population increase resulting from development facilitated by the existing (2003) General Plan would occur as projected as would an increased demand and usage of public services and recreational facilities.
However, further increase in population and public service demand past the existing General Plan estimate would not be accounted for. Without adoption of the proposed plan, the anticipated population growth and associated increase in use of public services, increased demand for new recreation, and potential increased demand for school services would be unaddressed. However, Alternative 1 population growth would be lower than compared to the estimated population under the proposed plan, such that the additional need for fire and police protection services, parks and recreational facilities, and libraries that would be less significant than that associated with the increased demand generated by the proposed plan. As a result, Alternative 1 public services and recreation impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to public services and recreation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation). The existing General Plan buildout would have a reduced impact of less than significant compared to the proposed plan due to Alternative 1’s relative decreased projected population growth. However, this alternative would not meet the proposed plan objectives to provide balanced growth and ensure public safety due to the 3 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Pleasant Hill Draft General Plan. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/DocumentCenter/View/316/Draft-EIR-for-the-Draft-General-Plan---Jan-2003 (accessed December 2022).
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-9
lack of planning for increases in demand and potential new construction for necessary public facilities.
Transportation and Traffic
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. The Transportation Impact Analysis for this “No Project” alternative included in Appendix E (see Tables 2 and 3) concluded that VMT per resident would be 11 (which is greater than under the proposed plan) and that VMT per employee would be 14 (which is the same as under the proposed plan).
Changes in VMT per resident and per employee would follow current zoning development standards; however, there would be no plans implemented to ensure a transportation demand management (TDM) plan is created to reduce VMT generated by an individual project, as the current General Plan does not include any. Therefore, Alternative 1 transportation impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to transportation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.12, Transportation). Alternative 1 would have a greater impact related to transportation compared to the proposed plan due to the lack of mitigation measures and/or plans towards reducing any future individual project VMT increases. This alternative also would not meet the proposed plan goal of encouraging smart and sensitive development, barrier free mobility, or balanced growth due to transportation-related impacts (specifically VMT) would being accounted for or managed.
Utilities and Service Systems
Under Alternative 1, fewer residential units and reduced non-residential development would be developed than under the proposed plan, consistent with allowed existing zoning. Increased demand for stormwater drainage, water supply, or wastewater treatment would be consistent with the projected population increase in the existing (2003) General Plan. There would also be an increase in demand as the City’s population continues to naturally grow. The existing (2003) General Plan would not account for this increase in demand at the level that the proposed plan has anticipated, including increases in demand for water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities. As such, the increase in the utilities and service systems’ operational uses would be unanticipated alongside the increase in demand. Therefore, Alternative 1 utilities and service systems impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed 2040 General Plan’s impacts related to utilities and service systems would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems). The existing General Plan buildout would have a lesser impact compared to the proposed plan due to the existing plan’s lower residential unit count and reduced non-residential development, which would have less of a potential impact compared to the proposed plan’s larger population projection. However, this lower residential unit count and reduced non-residential development would result in fewer potential impacts to utility and service systems but would not change the overall significance level. This alternative would not meet the proposed plan’s smart and sensitive development objective due to the lack of population increase anticipation compared to what the proposed plan have projected.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-10
5.5.3 Conclusion
In summary, Alternative 1 would avoid the significant and unavoidable public services impacts related to construction of new and expanded schools. However, this alternative would not avoid most of the significant and unavoidable impacts of the proposed plan, including cultural resources (historic resources), GHG emissions, hazards (wildfire exposure risk), noise (construction and operational mobile), and utilities and service systems (construction of new and expanded water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities). There would also be increased impacts related to geology, soils, and mineral resources, land use planning, population, and housing resources, as well as transportation (VMT). Overall, this alternative would not encourage future residential and commercial development to meet the needs of the community with respect to the environment, nor would it advance and maintain an accommodating circulation network for barrier-free mobility to the extent that the proposed plan would.
5.6 Alternative 2: Increased Intensity in Non-western
Areas
5.6.1 Description
The Increased Intensity in the Non-western Areas Alternative (or Alternative 2) would adopt the 2040 General Plan with an increase in density and intensity development in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Alternative 2’s residential and non-residential development totals would be similar to the proposed plan’s buildout projections (see Table 5-1). For purposes of the environmental analysis, it is assumed that the maximum density allowed anywhere within the General Plan area would be 100 units/acre, similar to the proposed plan. However, the average density, and in turn the average floor area ratio (FAR),4 under this alternative would increase with concentrating the same total amount of General Plan buildout development as under the proposed plan within approximately 66 percent of the General Plan area (compared to within 100 percent of the General Plan area under the proposed plan). For purposes of the environmental analysis, it is assumed that the number of persons per household would still be 2.4.5 Based on this, the population would be 46,119, same as under the proposed plan. Alternative 2 would update the Pleasant Hill General Plan but via a different physical configuration and average density resulting in changes to the identified housing opportunity sites, compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would be focused on further enhancement of public safety protection.
5.6.2 Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would be focused in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Development would tend to be located along transportation corridors in the eastern portion rather than along commercial corridors and/or infill development throughout the entire General Plan area. There would be an overall FAR increase that would 4 FAR is the relationship between the total amount of usable floor area that a building would have, and the total area of the lot on which the building would stand. A higher FAR would indicate greater density (i.e., greater gross square footage per lot area). 5 California Department of Finance. 2022. Table E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State — January 1, 2021-2022. Available: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-population-and-housing-estimates-for-cities-countiesand-the-state-2020-2022/ (accessed December 2022) EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-11
potentially affect visual character in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area.
Available scenic vistas, such as public views of the hills west of Pleasant Hill, could be impacted by the building height increases with development concentrated in the eastern and central areas.
However, this alternative would require mitigation to comply with the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 18, Planning and Land Use. Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.1, Aesthetics). Alternative 2 would have a greater level of aesthetics impact compared to the proposed plan due to the increased density of development in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area, resulting in potentially adverse effects on scenic vistas but not to the extent of increasing the impact significance level. This alternative would not meet proposed plan objectives for smart and sensitive development, as it would result in increased FAR and building heights that could result in development to block scenic vistas.
Air Quality
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. There would be similar levels of overall construction-related and operation-related emissions. There would be a temporary increase in emissions from construction activities and similar operational emissions and odors that would require mitigation measures similar to the proposed plan. Therefore, Alternative 2 air quality impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to air quality would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.2, Air Quality). Alternative 2 would have a similar level of impacts compared to the proposed plan with impacts requiring mitigation measures available to further construction-related and operation-related impacts similar to the proposed plan (MM AQ-1 through AQ-4). Alternative 2 would meet the proposed plan objective of smart and sensitive development, as this alternative would adopt proposed plan policies to help address air quality impacts from construction and operational activities.
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Development would be required to implement the same federal, State, and local regulations to not impact agricultural, forestry, and most biological resources in the area. However, development in this area could result in some potential direct or indirect impacts on nesting birds and roosting bats. As a result, the same mitigation measures (MM BIO-1 and BIO-2) would be required for development under Alternative 2 to occur. Therefore, Alternative 2 biological, agriculture, and forestry resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to biological resources would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated (see Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources). Alternative 2 would have a similar impact level on biological resources compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would achieve the proposed plan objective related to the adoption of the proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element update and Environment Element Program. This alternative would also encourage smart and sensitive development that would also meet proposed plan objectives.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-12
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would be focused in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Because this development would be more concentrated in these areas, potential impacts related to historical resources, such as buildings over 45 years old or older, would be reduced. However, this alternative would still require the same mitigation (MM CR-1 through CR-4) related to potential alteration of historic and archeological resources due to potential development. Therefore, even with the mitigation identified for the proposed plan, Alternative 2 cultural and tribal resources impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to Cultural and Tribal Resources would be significant and unavoidable with mitigation incorporated (see Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources).
Alternative 2 would have lesser impacts compared to the proposed plan due to a relative decreased footprint of potential historic resources affects but not to the extent of reducing the impact significance level. However, this alternative would meet the proposed plan objective for smart and sensitive development due to the increase in FAR resulting in concentrating development in central and eastern portions of the General Plan area, which would decrease the potential for historic resources to be impacted by development construction-related activities.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. The central and eastern portions of the General Plan area are mostly underlain by sediments ranging from the Holocene to the Paleocene, with the older sediments being at a higher paleontological sensitivity level. Therefore, these paleontological resources would experience ground-disturbing activity due to construction efforts resulting from Alternative 2, which has the potential to have an adverse impact on erosion prevention and sediment control. However, this alternative includes the adoption of the proposed plan’s mitigation measures to incorporate a paleontological resources protection policy (MM GEO-1). Therefore, Alternative 2 geology, soils, and mineral resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to geological, soil, and mineral resources would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated (see Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources).
Alternative 2 would have a similar level of geological, soil, and mineral resource impacts compared to the proposed plan with MM GEO-1 implemented. Incorporation of the proposed plan and its mitigation measures would help this alternative meet the proposed plan objective for smart and sensitive development in terms of the measures taken to reduce the chance of development construction activities potentially affecting paleontological resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. There would be construction activities that would occur in order to increase development within the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Due to the increase in development density and intensity in a smaller portion of the General Plan area, mobile GHG emissions could be reduced. However, there would still not be a defined strategy as to EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-13
how the City would meet the goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2045. Without a clearly defined outline for this goal, the BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for GHG emissions would not be met. Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to GHG emissions would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to GHG emissions and energy would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy). Although the impact level of mobile GHG emissions could be lessened related to potentially lower VMT, Alternative 2 would have a similar impact level compared to the proposed plan due to the lack of consistency with the BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for GHG emissions. This would hinder this alternative’s ability to meet the proposed plan objective to foster economic diversity and sustainability. Furthermore, the proposed plan objectives to encourage smart and sensitive development and ensure public safety would not be met in terms of emissions of GHGs.
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, however, development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Due to development being more concentrated in the central and eastern portion of the General Plan area further away from vegetated open space areas and State and locally designated wildfire risk areas (the southwestern portion of the City Limits and the western and southwestern portions of the Sphere of Influence outside of City Limits), wildfire exposure risk would be reduced. Additionally, this alternative would adopt the proposed plan’s mitigation measures (MM HAZ-1, HAZ-2, and HAZ-3) to implement a new General Plan policy to conduct project design review for wildfire risk reduction, which would further decrease potential wildfire impacts under this alternative. In addition, impacts related to potential exposure to hazardous materials and non-wildfire hazards (flooding) would be less than significant similar to the proposed plan. Development facilitated by Alternative 2 would result in similar population as under the proposed plan, which could increase roadway congestion. Alternative 2 may hinder evacuation routes during an emergency since additional population would be concentrated in eastern and central areas. Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hazards would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire). Alternative 2 would have a lesser impact level compared to the proposed plan due the increase in development density within the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area and incorporation of the proposed plan’s hazards mitigation measures requiring design review, construction, and project design wildfire risk reduction measures to the extent of reducing the impact significance level to less than significant with mitigation. . Alternative 2 would meet the proposed plan objective to ensure public safety by locating development farther from designated wildfire risk areas and adopting measures to review project designs to ensure that wildfire risk reduction measures are incorporated.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. With concentration of development in a smaller portion of the General Plan area, increased FAR would occur within these areas. This similarity in development type compared to the proposed plan would also result in the similar potential effect on hydrology, 5-14
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
water quality, watersheds and drainage patterns, flood and inundation hazards, and ground water resource management. Alternative 2 would also implement applicable hydrology and water quality enhancements similar to the proposed plan that the existing (2003) General Plan would lack.
Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant (see Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality). Alternative 2 would have a similar impact level of less than significant. This alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development, as it would implement the 2040 General Plan policies to meet the most recent water quality standards.
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Increased density and intensity development would occur in the central and eastern portions and would be consistent with applicable land use plans, policies, and regulations. The increase in density through increased FAR instead of additional building development would avoid any physical divide in community areas and potential displacement.
Alternative 2 would also accommodate and plan for population growth and any development.
Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to land use planning, population, and housing would be less than significant.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to land use and population/housing would be less than significant (see Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing). Alternative 2 would have a similar impact level compared to the proposed plan. Though both plans assume maximum residential and non-residential buildout, unlike the proposed plan, Alternative 2 would not meet plan objectives to support diverse housing options and balanced growth.
Noise
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. Construction to increase building heights throughout the proposed area would occur, likely causing new noise sources due to construction activities. While this alternative would adopt the proposed plan’s mitigation measures to reduce new noise production (MM NOI-1 and NOI-2), impacts on noise would still be significant due to the temporary increase in noise levels during construction potentially affecting nearby noise-sensitive receptors and exceeding noise standards. Therefore, Alternative 2 impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.10, Noise). Alternative 2 would have a similar significance level compared to the proposed plan due to noise from construction activities temporarily exceeding noise standards. This alternative would meet the proposed plan’s smart and sensitive development objective in terms of noise management decreasing potential effects on sensitive receptors.
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-15
Public Services and Recreation
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. The increase in development similar to the proposed plan with increased FAR would cause a population increase, specifically among school-aged children. This increase would result in a higher demand for old and new public services, such as schools. As a result, the large amount of net new school facilities anticipated under this alternative would result in significant construction impacts associated with air quality, cultural resources, paleontological resources, and VMT. These impacts would be similar to the proposed plan’s impacts on schools.
Furthermore, development facilitated by Alternative 2 would concentrate population within Pleasant Hill, resulting in the same additional need for fire and police protection services, parks and recreational facilities, and libraries as under the proposed plan. However, the increase demand for schools resulting from development facilitated under Alternative 2 would still result in public services and recreation impacts being significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to public services and recreation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation). Alternative 2 would have a similar impact level compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would meet the proposed plan objectives to provide balanced growth and ensure public safety, because the increase in demand and potential new construction for public facilities would be accounted for.
Transportation
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. There would be an increase in FAR that could lead to a decrease in VMT per resident and employee as people move into these new spaces for work and living purposes. While future buildout still anticipates the same development total similar to the proposed plan buildout projections (see Table 5-1) resulting in an increase in population, the increase in development density would contribute to an overall VMT reduction. Furthermore, development buildout under this alternative would be planned more proximate to transportation corridors in the eastern and central portions of the General Plan area. As a result, VMT-related impacts would be reduced. However, similar to the proposed plan, Alternative 2 transportation impacts would be significant and unavoidable due to the lack of a specific TDM plan with TDM programs to ensure reduction and mitigation of VMT impacts.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to transportation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.12, Transportation). Alternative 2 would have a lesser impact compared to the proposed plan due to the reduction in VMT per resident and employee but not to the extent of reducing the impact significance level. However, this alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to provide barrier-free mobility due to the increase in FAR and concentrated location of development resulting in a potential decrease in VMT per resident and per employee across the General Plan area.
Utilities and Service Systems
Under Alternative 2, the same total amount of residential and non-residential development would occur as under the proposed plan, but development would occur only in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area. There would be in an increase in demand for water, wastewater, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-16
and stormwater facilities compared to existing conditions with this alternative’s increase in population. Construction-related impacts due to potential need for new or expanded utility infrastructure and facilities would be significant and unavoidable, as there would be significant and unavoidable construction impacts associated with air quality, historic resources, paleontological resources, and noise. Furthermore, the construction of the new or expanded facilities would result in an unanticipated increase in operational demand. Therefore, Alternative 2 utilities and service systems impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to utilities and service systems would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems). Alternative 2 would have a similar significant and unavoidable impact level compared to the proposed plan due to impacts associated with construction and operation of new or expanded facilities. However, this alternative would meet the proposed plan balanced growth objective due to the population and related utilities demand increase being planned for with implementation of the proposed 2040 General Plan under this alternative.
5.6.3 Conclusion
In summary, Alternative 2 would have a reduced impact level related to cultural resources (i.e., historical resources), transportation (i.e., VMT), and hazards (i.e., wildfire exposure risk). However, the cultural resources and transportation impacts would remain at a significant and unavoidable impact level. Furthermore, this alternative would not avoid or reduce the significant and unavoidable GHG emissions, noise, public services, and utilities and service systems impacts of the proposed plan and would also result in an increased significant aesthetics impact related to scenic vistas of the hills west of Pleasant Hill. However, this alternative would advance the proposed plan objectives to provide barrier-free mobility and encourage smart and sensitive development that would meet the needs of the community throughout the General Plan area.
5.7 Alternative 3: 25 Percent Residential Reduction
5.7.1 Description
The 25 percent Residential Reduction Alternative (or Alternative 3) would reduce residential buildout by 25 percent compared to the proposed plan’s projected buildout. Compared to the proposed plan, the number of multi-family residential units would decrease by 3,016 units, and single-family (including ADUs) residential units would decrease by 1,787 units (see Table 5-1). Nonresidential gross square footage amount and type breakdown would be the same as under the proposed plan. This alternative would have the same overall footprint (but lower residential density and height) across the General Plan area as the proposed plan while not falling below the RHNA requirements or changing the identified housing opportunity sites. For purposes of the environmental analysis, it is assumed that the number of persons per household would still be 2.4. 6 Based on this, there would be a 11,528-population decrease under Alternative 3. Alternative 3 would update the Pleasant Hill General Plan but via a reduced residential growth scenario. This alternative would be focused on smart and sensitive growth while still meeting RHNA requirements. 6 California Department of Finance. 2022. Table E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State — January 1, 2021-2022. Available: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-population-and-housing-estimates-for-cities-countiesand-the-state-2020-2022/ (accessed December 2022) EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-17
5.7.2 Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. The decrease in residential development would result in a reduced impact on views, nighttime lighting, and shadow, as there would be less residential uses on-site than the proposed plan anticipated. This would result in a less than significant impact on aesthetic resources.
However, due to this alternative having the same footprint as the proposed plan, impacts would be similar to the proposed plan’s impacts on aesthetics and a mitigation measure (MM AES-1) would be incorporated. Therefore, Alternative 3 impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to aesthetics would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.1, Aesthetics). Alternative 3 would have a similar impact on aesthetics due to the similarity in development footprint compared to the proposed plan; however, the impact level would be incrementally reduced due to the relative decrease in residential development decreasing potential impacts on scenic vistas. This alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development, due to the overall impacts related to aesthetics being lesser while providing an increase in development potential.
Air Quality
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. The decrease in residential development could result in less mobile-related emissions compared to the proposed plan. However, construction is still anticipated under this alternative and would result in the generation of criteria air and toxic air contaminant emissions during construction of individual future projects that could in turn affect regional air quality and local respiratory health. As a result, this alternative would still implement proposed plan mitigation measures to adopt and implement new General Plan policies to reduce construction and operational impacts to air quality (MM AQ-1 through AQ-4). Therefore, Alternative 3 air quality impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to air quality would be less than significant with mitigation (see Section 3.2, Air Quality). Alternative 3 would have a similar level of impacts compared to the proposed plan, due to the same development footprint as the proposed plan and, thus, the same amount of development grading and other construction activities impacting air quality.
Implementing proposed plan mitigation to adopt General Plan policies to reduce constructionrelated emissions (MM AQ-1), reduce operation-related emissions (MM AQ-2), and implement construction health risk assessments (MM AQ-3)would result in this alternative meeting the proposed plan objective to ensure public safety given that implementation of these policies would result in decreased impacts related to public health.
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. This development would be required to implement the same federal, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-18
State, and local regulations to not impact agricultural, forestry, and most biological resources in the area. However, there is the potential for development to result in direct or indirect potential impacts on nesting birds and roosting bats. As a result, the same mitigation measures (MM BIO-1 and BIO-2) would be required for development under Alternative 2. Therefore, Alternative 3 biological, agriculture, and forestry resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to biological resources would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated (see Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources). Alternative 3 would have a similar level of impact related to biological resources compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would achieve the proposed plan objective for smart and sensitive development, due to the adoption of updated regulations for biological resources.
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. Construction similar to the proposed plan’s projections would occur but would develop less residential units compared to the proposed plan. However, the same development footprint as the proposed plan is still anticipated, meaning development under this alternative could result in a substantial adverse change on historical resources identified as buildings over 45 years old. The proposed plan’s mitigation measure could be implemented by preparing historical resource evaluations to reduce significant historical resource impacts before construction (MM CR-1), assessing archeological resources before future project approval (MM CR-2), and stopping construction in the event of an unanticipated discovery (MM CR-3 and CR-4). However, even with mitigation implementation, existing historical resources could still be materially impaired by individual future projects and the loss of historical fabric could not be readily compensated for by commemorative mitigation. Therefore, Alternative 3 cultural and tribal resources impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to Cultural and Tribal Resources would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources). Alternative 3 would have a similar level of significant and unavoidable resource impacts compared to the proposed plan.
However, this alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development because the projected residential buildout reduction would reduce the potential for development to impact historic resources.
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. The decreased residential buildout construction would be underlain by sediments ranging from the Holocene to the Paleocene, with the older sediments being at a higher paleontological sensitivity level. Therefore, these paleontological resources would experience ground-disturbing activity due to construction efforts resulting from Alternative 2, which has the potential to adverse impact the sediments. Therefore, this alternative would adopt the proposed plan’s mitigation measure to incorporate a paleontological resources protection policy (MM GEO-1).
Alternative 3 geology, soils, and mineral resources impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to geological, soil, and mineral resources would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated (see Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources).
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-19
Alternative 3 would result in lesser geological, soil, and mineral resource impacts compared to the proposed plan with MM GEO-1 implemented due to the decreased number of units resulting in a decrease in potential cases of impacts on paleontological resources but not to the extent of decreasing the impact significance level. Implementing the proposed plan and its mitigation measures would help meet the proposed plan objective encouraging smart and sensitive development, due to the decreased potential of development construction activities affecting paleontological resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. While this alternative would adopt the GHG mitigation measures from the proposed plan to combat any impacts, there would still be the issue of the need for a defined strategy as to how City would meet the goal to reduce emissions to 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2045. However, with mitigation measures in place (MM GHG-1 and GHG-2), the decrease in residential unit construction would lessen GHG emissions impacts compared to the proposed plan. Therefore, Alternative 3 impacts related to GHG emissions would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to GHG emissions and energy would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy). Alternative 3 would have a lesser impact level due to the decrease in residential buildout. However, with the need to implement mitigation measures for this plan to be consistent with BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for GHG emissions, impacts would still be significant and unavoidable. This would hinder this alternative’s ability to meet the proposed plan objective to foster economic diversity and sustainability. Furthermore, the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development would not be met with regard to emissions of GHGs.
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. Construction plans and operational activities would likely follow guidelines and regulations to avoid significant effects from hazardous material transportation, emission, and/or exposure. However, this alternative would be built out throughout the entire General Plan area, including the southwestern portion of the City Limits and the western and southwestern portions of the City Sphere of Influence outside of City Limits, which are in and near a High Fire Severity Zone and Local Responsibility Area. Although this alternative has decreased development, its overall footprint would be the same as the proposed plan’s footprint, resulting in the same siting of development in and near wildfire risk zones. Furthermore, this alternative would result in a decrease in population compared to the proposed plan, which may potentially congest roadways and evacuation routes during an emergency. Therefore, Alternative 3 impacts related to hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire would still be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hazards would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire). Alternative 3 would have a lesser impact level compared to the proposed plan due to the area being in and near a High Fire Severity Zone, a Local Responsibility Area, and areas of vegetated open space, but not to the extent of changing the significance level. The population decrease would also result in a significant impact level due to City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-20
potential impacts on emergency response and evacuation plan consistency. Alternative 3 would meet plan objective with policy incorporation (MM HAZ-1), which would ensure public safety by reducing the risk of wildfire impacts through project design assessment.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. Water quality standards, drainage patterns, flood and inundation hazards, and water management plans would be similar to the proposed plan’s impact due to the similarity in development footprint. However, less residential units under this alternative and implementation of applicable hydrology and water quality enhancements over the 2003 adopted General Plan would reduce the impact level. Therefore, Alternative 3 impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to hydrology and water quality would be less than significant (see Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality). Alternative 3 would have a similar less-thansignificant impact on these resources but at a lesser level due to the decrease in residential units.
This alternative would meet the proposed plan objective for smart and sensitive development, due to the implementation of proposed plan policies to meet the most recent water quality standards.
Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. This change in development envelope would likely not result in a change of zoning designations that could conflict with the land use plans, policies, and regulations currently in place; rather it is anticipated land use designations would remain similar to the proposed plan, given that full density allowance would not be exercised. However, this impact would remain at a less than significant impact level with updates to the Zoning Code that follow General Plan implementation. Therefore, Alternative 3 land use, population, and housing impacts would be less than significant at a greater impact level.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to land use would be less than significant (see Section 3.9, Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing). While still at a less-than-significant level, Alternative 3 would have greater land use planning, population, and housing impacts compared to the proposed plan, due to the Zoning Code update to follow the General Plan update. This alternative would still achieve the development variety because this alternative would still implement the proposed 2040 General Plan, which would fulfill the plan objective to support diverse housing options.
Noise
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. Development under this alternative could result in new noise sources.
Although there would be a decrease in construction activities for residential units, development would still occur under this alternative, meaning impacts related to noise would remain significant due to the temporary increase in noise levels during construction which could potentially affect nearby noise-sensitive receptors by exceeding noise standards. As a result, this alternative would adopt the proposed plan’s mitigation measures to reduce new noise production (MM NOI-1 and NOI-2). Therefore, Alternative 3 impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable.
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-21
The proposed plan’s impacts related to noise would be significant and unavoidable (see Section
3.10, Noise). Alternative 2 would have a similar significance level compared to the proposed plan, due to noise associated with construction activities temporarily exceeding noise standards. This alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to encourage smart and sensitive development via management of noise increase.
Public Services and Recreation
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. While residential development would be decreased under this alternative, the population is still projected to increase by 34,591 persons (see Table 5-1). This would include an increase in school-aged children, which would result in a higher demand for old and new public services, such as schools. As a result, the large amount of net new school facilities anticipated under this alternative would result in significant construction impacts associated with air quality, cultural resources, paleontological resources, and noise. Development facilitated by Alternative 3 would increase the population of Pleasant Hill compared to existing conditions that could still result in the additional need for fire and police protection services, parks and recreational facilities, and libraries.
Population increase facilitated by development under Alternative 3 would result in public services and recreation impacts being significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to public services and recreation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation). Alternative 3 would have a similar impact level compared to the proposed plan, though slightly reduced due to fewer residential units.
This alternative would also meet the proposed plan objectives to provide balanced growth and ensure public safety, because the increase in demand and potential new construction for public facilities would be accounted for.
Transportation
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. The relative decrease in residential development would result in a relative decrease in population (see Table 5-1), which in turn would result in a relative decrease in VMT compared to the proposed plan. As a result, there would be an incremental decrease related to transportation impacts under Alternative 3. However, without an implemented TDM plan, Alternative 3 transportation impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to transportation would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.12, Transportation). Alternative 2 would have lesser impacts compared to the proposed plan due to the relative decrease in VMT as a result of the relative decrease in projected population but not to the extent of changing the significance level. In addition, this alternative would meet the proposed plan objectives to encourage smart and sensitive development and barrier free mobility given the assumption that Alternative 3 would also implement a TDM plan to further ensure VMT reduction.
Utilities and Service Systems
Under Alternative 3, 25 percent fewer residential units and the same total amount of nonresidential development would occur as under the proposed plan, and overall development would have the same footprint. There would be a decrease in residential development, which would result City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-22
in a reduced demand for stormwater drainage, water supply, and wastewater treatment in comparison to the proposed plan. However, because development and population increase would still occur under this alternative, construction and operation-related impacts due to the need and use for new or expanded utility infrastructure and facilities that comes from an increase in population would be significant, due to the significant and unavoidable construction and operational impacts associated with air quality, historic resources, paleontological resources, and noise. Therefore, Alternative 3 utilities and service systems impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The proposed plan’s impacts related to utilities and service systems would be significant and unavoidable (see Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems). Alternative 3 would have a similar impact level to the proposed plan, due to impacts associated with construction of new or expanded facilities. However, this alternative would meet the proposed plan objective regarding smart and sensitive development due to the planning and implementation of this alternative accounting for the population and related utilities demand increase.
5.7.3 Conclusion
In summary, Alternative 3 would not avoid the significant and unavoidable cultural resources (i.e., historical resources), hazards (i.e., wildfire), noise, public services, and utilities impacts of the proposed plan. Impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions would also be significant and unavoidable, but at a lesser level. Furthermore, land use impacts would remain less than significant, but at a greater level. Impacts related to aesthetics and geology/soils would still be less than significant with mitigation, but at a lesser level. This alternative would still satisfy the goal to advance the smart and sensitive development objective of the proposed plan to the same extent that the proposed plan would due to the same balanced growth goals and policies . However, the decrease in residential units would potentially undermine the objective to support diverse housing options given reduced density options.
5.8 Alternatives Considered but Rejected
The following summarizes alternatives considered, but ultimately rejected for inclusion in the analysis, because they would not meet most of the proposed plan objectives, would not substantially reduce impacts compared to the proposed plan, or were determined to be infeasible.
1. The City considered a potential “Increased Residential” alternative that would increase the amount of residential buildout throughout the General Plan area but eliminate some nonresidential land use development as a result. Underutilized or vacant areas designated for commercial or other non-residential use would instead be designated for residential buildout.
This potential alternative would meet the proposed plan objective to further support diverse housing options. However, the proposed 2040 General Plan already meets and exceeds the RHNA requirements, meaning that an increase in residential buildout would far exceed RHNA requirements beyond the need for additional residential development. This alternative would also impact non-residential development, which would potentially result in residents needing to drive further to access commercial goods and services that would be located outside the General Plan area. The potential alternative would also lead to additional significant impacts in other resource areas, such as construction-related Air Quality and operational-related Transportation impacts.
EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-23
2. The City considered a potential “Reduced Commercial” alternative that would reduce nonresidential commercial buildout throughout the General Plan area compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would not support maintaining of adequate public safety funding or economic viability diversity and sustainability (i.e., reduced sales tax collected from nonresidential land uses). Furthermore, this alternative would also potentially increase vehicle miles traveled, as residents and employees would likely need to travel further to access commercial centers and employment centers located further away within the General Plan area or outside of the General Plan area.
3. The City considered a potential “Reduced Residential” alternative that would entail a maximum net new residential buildout of 1,500 dwelling units resulting in a 31,695-population decrease compared to the proposed plan. This potential alternative could help meet the project objective to encourage smart and sensitive development within the City. However, this reduction of residential buildout would not meet the RHNA requirements, which would result in this potential alternative not meeting overall project objectives. This potential alternative would also not account for the natural increase of population and resulting housing need, resulting in a significant and unavoidable impact related to land use planning.
5.9 Environmentally Superior Alternative
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126(e)(2) requires identification of an environmentally superior alternative. If the “No Project” Alternative is environmentally superior, CEQA requires selection of the “environmentally superior alternative other than the No Project Alternative” from among the proposed plan and the alternatives evaluated.
5.9.1 Alternative Impacts and Meeting Objectives Comparison To identify the environmentally superior alternative in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines, Table 5-2 presents a comparison of the impacts related to the alternatives and indicates whether each alternative’s environmental impact is greater than, lesser than, or similar to that of the proposed plan for each of the topic areas that were analyzed.
Table 5-2 Summary of Alternatives’ Impacts
Issue
Proposed plan
Impact
Classification
Alternative 1
Impact
Classification
Alternative 2 Impact
Classification
Alternative 3 Impact
Classification
Aesthetics LTSM LTSM (Lesser) LTSM (Greater) LTSM (Lesser) Air Quality LTSM LTSM (Lesser) LTSM (Similar) LTSM (Similar) Biological, Agriculture, and
Forestry Resources
LTSM LTSM (Similar) LTSM (Similar) LTSM (Similar)
Cultural and Tribal Cultural
Resources
SU SU (Lesser) SU (Lesser) SU (Similar)
Geology, Soils, and Mineral
Resources
LTSM LTSM (Greater) LTSM (Similar) LTSM (Lesser)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
and Energy
SU SU (Lesser) SU (Similar) SU (Lesser)
Hazards, Hazardous
Materials, and Wildfire
SU SU (Similar) LTSM (Lesser) SU (Similar)
Hydrology and Water Quality LTS LTS (Similar) LTS (Similar) LTS (Lesser) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-24
Issue
Proposed plan
Impact
Classification
Alternative 1
Impact
Classification
Alternative 2 Impact
Classification
Alternative 3 Impact
Classification
Land Use Planning,
Population, and Housing
LTS LTSM (Greater) LTS (Similar) LTSM (Greater)
Noise SU SU (Similar) SU (Similar) SU (Similar)
Public Services and
Recreation
SU LTS (Lesser) SU (Similar) SU (Similar)
Transportation SU SU (Greater) SU (Lesser) SU (Lesser)
Utilities and Service Systems SU SU (Lesser) SU (Similar) SU (Similar) Notes: NI = No Impact; LTS = Less than Significant; LTSM = Less than Significant with Mitigation; SU = Significant and Unavoidable Alternative 1 Comparison to Proposed Plan Summary
The Buildout of Adopted General Plan Alternative would generally result in lesser impacts compared to the proposed plan (see Table 5-2). By not having any planned construction or new operational activities, compared to the proposed plan, Alternative 1 would result in lesser impacts related to aesthetics, air quality, cultural resources, greenhouse gas emission and energy, public services and recreation, and utilities and service systems. Alternative 1 would have similar impact levels compared to the proposed plan related to biological, agricultural, and forestry resources, GHG emissions, hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire, hydrology and water quality, and noise.
Impacts related to geology, soils, and mineral resources as well as land use planning, population, and housing would be greater compared to the proposed plan. However, Alternative 1 would not meet the plan’s objectives, as it would not increase the residential and community opportunities or facilitate identified needed development in the proposed General Plan area, thus not meeting the current RHNA. It would also not incorporate any of the mitigation or preventative measures that the proposed plan would incorporate.
Alternative 2 Comparison to Proposed Plan Summary
The Increased Intensity in Non-western Areas Alternative would generally result in overall similar environmental impacts compared to the proposed plan (see Table 5-2). By increasing development intensity in the central and eastern portions of the General Plan area, Alternative 2 would result in lesser impacts related to cultural resources and transportation.. However, due to the increase in FAR, Alternative 2 would result in greater impacts related to aesthetics compared to the proposed plan. Alternative 2 would also have similar impact levels compared to the proposed plan on wildfire.
Overall, this alternative would advance the proposed plan objectives to provide barrier-free mobility and encourage smart development throughout the General Plan area, due to having a similar development footprint with incorporation of the proposed 2040 General Plan.
Alternative 3 Comparison to Proposed Plan Summary
The 25 Percent Residential Reduction Alternative would generally result in similar and lesser environmental impacts compared to the proposed plan (see Table 5-2). Alternative 3 would result in lesser impacts related to aesthetics, geology, soils, and mineral resources, GHG emissions, hydrology, and transportation. However, due to the decrease in residential availability, Alternative 3 would result in greater impacts related to land use planning, population, and housing compared to the proposed plan. This alternative would advance the smart and sensitive development and barrier-free mobility objectives of the proposed plan, due to the decrease in development resulting EIR Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Report 5-25
in lesser impacts and providing more potential development opportunities throughout the General Plan area. However, Alternative 3 would not advance the overall land use and housing options diversity objective of the proposed plan, due to the decrease in residential units limiting opportunity for housing diversity.
5.9.2 Identification of Environmentally Superior Alternative Based on the alternatives analysis provided in this EIR chapter, the Adopted General Plan Buildout Alternative (Alternative 1) is the environmentally superior alternative, as it would either be similar to or lessen the severity of most impacts of the proposed plan. However, it would not meet proposed plan objectives without any development or policy additions regarding improvements. If the “No Project” Alternative is determined to avoid or reduce more impacts than any other alternative, CEQA requires that the EIR identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6[e]).
The Increased Intensity in Non-western Areas Alternative (Alternative 2) would further reduce impacts compared to the 25 Percent Residential Reduction Alternative (Alternative 3) due to this alternative avoiding significant and unavoidable impacts to wildfire. Comparatively, while most Alternative 3 impacts are similar in significance to the proposed plan but would not meet most plan objectives, Alternative 2 would meet the proposed plan objectives and it would also avoid the significant and unavoidable wildfire exposure risk impact.
The 25 Percent Residential Reduction Alternative (Alternative 3) would have some lesser impacts (aesthetics, geology, GHG emissions, and hydrology) compared to the Increased Intensity in Nonwestern Areas Alternative (Alternative 2) but not to the extent of reducing the significance level of impact. In addition, while the proposed project objectives would be met under Alternative 2, Alternative 3 would advance only the project objectives to encourage smart and sensitive development and provide barrier-free mobility due to the decrease in residential units.
Overall, of the other alternatives evaluated in this EIR chapter, the Increased Intensity in Nonwestern Areas Alternative (Alternative 2) would be the environmentally superior alternative.
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
5-26
This page intentionally left blank.
Contributors and Preparers
Draft Environmental Impact Report 6-1
6 Contributors and Preparers
6.1 EIR Contributors
Pleasant Hill Planning Division
Ethan Bindernagel, Community Development Director
Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
Haley Croffoot, Senior Planner
Pleasant Hill Engineering Division
Ananthan Kanagasundaram, City Engineer
Ryan Cook, Senior Engineer
Pleasant Hill City Attorney Office
Janet Coleson, City Attorney
Sarah Owsowitz, City Attorney
Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
Michelle Lacy, General Manager
Pleasant Hill Police Department
Scott Vermillion, Police Captain
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Lisa Gonzales, EdD, Chief Business Officer
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
General Information ([email protected])
Contra Costa County Library
Patrick Remer, Community Library Manager
Contra Costa Water District
Oliver Symonds, Senior Public Information Specialist
Jill Mosley, Principal Engineer
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Chris Carpenter, Senior Community Affairs Representative East Bay Municipal Utility District
Kathryn Horn, Community Affairs
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
6-2
Pacific Gas and Electric
Michael Bragen, Agency Liaison
6.2 EIR Preparers
This EIR was prepared by the City of Pleasant Hill, with the assistance of Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Consultant staff involved in the preparation of the EIR and associated transportation impact analysis (TIA) technical study are listed below.
RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC. (EIR PREPARER)
Kelsey Bennett, Senior Project Manager, Principal Environmental Planner, & GHG Specialist Leslie Trejo, Assistant Project Manager & Environmental Planner Matthew Maddox, Environmental Principal
Jesse Voremberg, Environmental Analyst
Kayleigh Limbach, Environmental Analyst
Lyndsey Baughman, Environmental Analyst
Gianna Meschi, Environmental Planner
Aubrey Mescher, Senior Environmental Planner
Hayley Rundle, Air, Noise, and GHG/Energy Analyst
Josh Carman, Senior Air, Noise, and GHG/Energy Specialist Beth Wilson, Biologist
Kristin Asmus, Senior Biologist
JulieAnn Murphy, Architectural Historian
Leanna Flaherty, Archeologist
Andrew McGrath, Paleontologist
Steven Treffers, Senior Cultural Resources Specialist
Darcy Kremin, Photographer
Gina Gerlich, GIS/Graphics Specialist
Emily Gaston, GIS/Graphics Specialist
Katherine Castanon, GIS/Graphics Specialist
Luis Apolinar, Publishing Specialist
FEHR AND PEERS (TIA PREPARER)
Ellen Poling, TIA Manager
Cody Lim, Transportation Engineer/Planner
Valerie Tan, Transportation Planner
Bruno Lertora, Transportation Planner
MINTIER HARNISH (GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT INFORMATION PROVIDER) Jim Harnish, General Plan Principal
Brent Gibbons, General Plan Project Manager
Ryan Lester, General Plan Analyst