Pleasant Hill City Council
May 18, 2023

Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
Draft Environmental Impact Report
State Clearinghouse #: 2022070095
prepared for
City of Pleasant Hill
Planning Division
100 Gregory Lane
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Contact: Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
449 15th Street, Suite 303
Oakland, California 94612
January 30, 2023
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
Draft Environmental Impact Report
State Clearinghouse #: 2022070095
prepared for
City of Pleasant Hill
Planning Division
100 Gregory Lane
Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Contact: Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
449 15th Street, Suite 303
Oakland, California 94612
January 30, 2023
This page intentionally left blank.

Table of Contents
Draft Environmental Impact Report i
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................................................. ix Executive Summary ...........................................................................................................................ES-1 Project Synopsis.........................................................................................................................ES-1 Plan Objectives ..........................................................................................................................ES-1 Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ES-2 Areas of Known Controversy .....................................................................................................ES-2 Issues to be Resolved.................................................................................................................ES-2 Issues Not Studied in Detail in the EIR.......................................................................................ES-2 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ES-2 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 EIR Purpose, Type, and Authority ................................................................................... 1-1

1.1.1 Regulatory Purpose ........................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.2 EIR Type .......................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1.3 Legal Authority................................................................................................ 1-2

1.2 Environmental Impact Report Background .................................................................... 1-2

1.2.1 Notice of Preparation ..................................................................................... 1-2

1.2.2 Comments Received in Response to the NOP................................................ 1-2

1.3 Scope and Adequacy..................................................................................................... 1-16

1.3.1 Scope and Sources........................................................................................ 1-16

1.3.2 Content Adequacy ........................................................................................ 1-17

1.4 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies..................................................................... 1-17

1.4.1 Lead Agency.................................................................................................. 1-17

1.4.2 Responsible Agencies ................................................................................... 1-17

1.4.3 Trustee Agencies........................................................................................... 1-17

1.5 Environmental Review Process..................................................................................... 1-17 2 Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Plan Area Location and Setting ....................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Regional Location ........................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Local Setting.................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Existing Plan Area Characteristics................................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Existing Land Use Designations....................................................................................... 2-4

2.4 Plan Objectives................................................................................................................ 2-4

2.5 Proposed Plan Components............................................................................................ 2-6

2.6 Construction.................................................................................................................. 2-57

2.7 Required Actions and Approvals................................................................................... 2-57 3 Environmental Impact Analysis .................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Aesthetics..................................................................................................................... 3.1-1

3.1.1 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.1-1

3.1.2 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.1-14

3.1.3 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.1-15

3.1.4 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.1-23

3.2 Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 3.2-1 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
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3.2.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.2-1

3.2.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.2-1

3.2.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.2-11

3.2.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.2-17

3.2.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.2-44

3.3 Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources .......................................................... 3.3-1

3.3.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.3-1

3.3.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.3-1

3.3.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.3-15

3.3.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.3-19

3.3.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.3-36

3.4 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources......................................................................... 3.4-1

3.4.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.4-1

3.4.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.4-1

3.4.3 Regulatory Framework ................................................................................ 3.4-9

3.4.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.4-17

3.4.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.4-28

3.5 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources........................................................................ 3.5-1

3.5.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.5-1

3.5.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.5-1

3.5.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.5-16

3.5.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.5-19

3.5.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.5-30

3.6 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy ....................................................................... 3.6-1

3.6.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.6-1

3.6.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.6-1

3.6.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.6-15

3.6.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.6-23

3.6.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.6-44

3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire ............................................................... 3.7-1

3.7.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.7-1

3.7.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.7-1

3.7.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.7-13

3.7.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.7-26

3.7.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.7-42

3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality ...................................................................................... 3.8-1

3.8.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.8-1

3.8.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.8-1

3.8.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.8-10

3.8.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................. 3.8-18

3.8.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.8-30

3.9 Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing .............................................................. 3.9-1

3.9.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 3.9-1

3.9.2 Environmental Setting ................................................................................. 3.9-1

3.9.3 Regulatory Framework ................................................................................ 3.9-5

3.9.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures............................................................... 3.9-9

3.9.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................... 3.9-21

3.10 Noise .......................................................................................................................... 3.10-1 Table of Contents
Draft Environmental Impact Report iii

3.10.1 Introduction............................................................................................... 3.10-1

3.10.2 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3.10-1

3.10.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.10-9

3.10.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures........................................................... 3.10-12

3.10.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................. 3.10-30

3.11 Public Services and Recreation .................................................................................. 3.11-1

3.11.1 Introduction............................................................................................... 3.11-1

3.11.2 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3.11-1

3.11.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.11-9

3.11.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures........................................................... 3.11-11

3.11.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................. 3.11-24

3.12 Transportation ........................................................................................................... 3.12-1

3.12.1 Introduction............................................................................................... 3.12-1

3.12.2 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3.12-1

3.12.3 Regulatory Framework ............................................................................ 3.12-10

3.12.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures........................................................... 3.12-17

3.12.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................. 3.12-43

3.13 Utilities and Service Systems ..................................................................................... 3.13-1

3.13.1 Introduction............................................................................................... 3.13-1

3.13.2 Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 3.13-1

3.13.3 Regulatory Framework .............................................................................. 3.13-9

3.13.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures........................................................... 3.13-15

3.13.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................. 3.13-32 4 Other CEQA Sections .................................................................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Growth Inducing Impacts................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1.1 Population and Employment Growth............................................................. 4-1

4.1.2 Removal of Obstacles to Growth.................................................................... 4-2

4.2 Irreversible Environmental Effects.................................................................................. 4-2

4.3 Mandatory Findings of Significance................................................................................ 4-3 5 EIR Alternatives........................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts.............................................................................. 5-1

5.3 Alternatives to the Proposed Plan .................................................................................. 5-2

5.4 Plan Objectives................................................................................................................ 5-3

5.5 Alternative 1: Adopted General Plan Buildout ............................................................... 5-3

5.5.1 Description ...................................................................................................... 5-3

5.5.2 Impact Analysis............................................................................................... 5-4

5.5.3 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 5-10

5.6 Alternative 2: Increased Intensity in Non-western Areas............................................. 5-10

5.6.1 Description .................................................................................................... 5-10

5.6.2 Impact Analysis............................................................................................. 5-10

5.6.3 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 5-16

5.7 Alternative 3: 25 Percent Residential Reduction .......................................................... 5-16

5.7.1 Description .................................................................................................... 5-16

5.7.2 Impact Analysis............................................................................................. 5-17

5.7.3 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 5-22

5.8 Alternatives Considered but Rejected .......................................................................... 5-22 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
iv

5.9 Environmentally Superior Alternative .......................................................................... 5-23

5.9.1 Alternative Impacts and Meeting Objectives Comparison........................... 5-23

5.9.2 Identification of Environmentally Superior Alternative ............................... 5-25 6 Contributors and Preparers........................................................................................................ 6-1

6.1 EIR Contributors.............................................................................................................. 6-1

6.2 EIR Preparers................................................................................................................... 6-2 Tables
Table ES-1 Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Residual Impacts......................................................................................................................ES-3 Table 1-1 NOP Comments and EIR Location Information.......................................................... 1-2 Table 2-1 Existing and Proposed Plan Land Uses Components Summary................................. 2-6 Table 2-2 Description of Proposed Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations .................................. 2-7 Table 2-3 Pleasant Hill Land Use Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ............................... 2-14 Table 2-4 Pleasant Hill RHNA Allocation for 2023-2031 by Income Category ......................... 2-25 Table 2-5 Pleasant Hill Housing Element Goals, Policies, and Programs................................. 2-28 Table 2-6 Pleasant Hill Transportation and Circulation Element Goals, Policies, and Programs.................................................................................................................. 2-30 Table 2-7 Pleasant Hill Hazards and Safety Element Goals, Policies, and Programs............... 2-39 Table 2-8 Pleasant Hill Environment Element Goals, Policies, and Programs......................... 2-44 Table 2-9 Pleasant Hill Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element Goals, Policies, and Programs........................................................................................................... 2-50 Table 2-10 Pleasant Hill Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Goals, Policies, and Programs............................................................................................. 2-51 Table 2-11 Pleasant Hill Economics and Economy Element Goals, Policies, and Programs.................................................................................................................. 2-55 Table 3-1 Cumulative Plans and Larger-scale Projects List........................................................ 3-4 Table 3.1-1 Summary of Viewpoint Locations for Existing General Plan Area Views................ 3.1-3 Table 3.2-1 Description of Criteria Air Pollutants of National and California Concern.............. 3.2-2 Table 3.2-2 Description of Toxic Air Contaminants of National and California Concern........... 3.2-5 Table 3.2-3 Federal and State Air Quality Standards and SFBAAB Attainment Status.............. 3.2-8 Table 3.2-4 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data................................................................... 3.2-10 Table 3.2-5 BAAQMD Odor Screening-level Distances Thresholds ......................................... 3.2-18 Table 3.2-6 Clean Air Plan Control Measures Consistency Analysis – 2040 General Plan....... 3.2-21 Table 3.2-7 Net Increase in 2040 General Plan Population versus VMT ................................. 3.2-38 Table 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in the General Plan Area............ 3.3-2 Table 3.5-1 Approximate Probability of Occurrence of Earthquake on Bay Area Faults........... 3.5-5 Table 3.5-2 Geologic Units in General Plan Area and Paleontological Sensitivity ................... 3.5-27 Table 3.6-1 Description of Greenhouse Gases of California Concern........................................ 3.6-5 Table 3.6-2 2022 Pleasant Hill Annual GHG Emissions............................................................ 3.6-10 Table 3.6-3 California 2021 Total System Electric Generation ................................................ 3.6-11 Table of Contents
Draft Environmental Impact Report v
Table 3.6-4 Transportation Energy Consumption in Contra Costa County and Pleasant Hill ......................................................................................................................... 3.6-14 Table 3.6-5 Direct Transportation Energy Use in Pleasant Hill................................................ 3.6-40 Table 3.7-1 Hazardous Material Sites within General Plan Area ............................................... 3.7-4 Table 3.9-1 Distribution of Existing Land Uses in Pleasant Hill General Plan Area.................... 3.9-2 Table 3.9-2 2040 General Plan Consistency with PHDSP......................................................... 3.9-15 Table 3.9-3 2040 General Plan Consistency with Plan Bay Area 2050 Goals........................... 3.9-16 Table 3.9-4 Plan Bay Area 2040 Pleasant Hill Population, Dwelling Units, and Employment.......................................................................................................... 3.9-18 Table 3.10-1 Typical A-Weighted Noise Levels.......................................................................... 3.10-1 Table 3.10-2 Sound Terminology ............................................................................................... 3.10-3 Table 3.10-3 Criteria for Vibration Damage Potential ............................................................... 3.10-4 Table 3.10-4 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Along Roadway Segments................................. 3.10-5 Table 3.10-5 Maximum Noise Standards by Zoning District.................................................... 3.10-11 Table 3.10-6 Typical Noise Levels for Construction Equipment .............................................. 3.10-15 Table 3.10-7 Roadway Vehicle Noise Increase Along Roadway Segments.............................. 3.10-19 Table 3.10-8 Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment......................................... 3.10-28 Table 3.11-1 Public Schools Attendance Boundaries within General Plan Area ....................... 3.11-3 Table 3.11-2 MDUSD Student Generation Rates....................................................................... 3.11-5 Table 3.11-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Facilities Inventory............................................................................................................... 3.11-6 Table 3.11-4 Mt. Diablo Unified School District Development Impact Fees ........................... 3.11-10 Table 3.11-5 2040 General Plan Student Generation.............................................................. 3.11-18 Table 3.12-1 City of Pleasant Hill Land Use Summary by Scenario.......................................... 3.12-20 Table 3.12-2 Citywide Home-Based VMT Summary ................................................................ 3.12-33 Table 3.12-3 Citywide Home-Work VMT Summary ................................................................. 3.12-33 Table 3.12-4 TDM Measures.................................................................................................... 3.12-35 Table 3.12-5 Countywide VMT Summary ................................................................................ 3.12-44 Table 3.13-1 Estimated Landfill Capacity and Closure Date ...................................................... 3.13-9 Table 3.13-2 CCWD Current and Projected Water Demand.................................................... 3.13-26 Table 3.13-3 CCWD Projected Water Supply Demand for 2040.............................................. 3.13-26 Table 5-1 Alternatives Buildout Projections Summary .............................................................. 5-2 Table 5-2 Summary of Alternatives’ Impacts........................................................................... 5-23 Figures
Figure 1-1 Environmental Review Process................................................................................ 1-20 Figure 2-1 Regional Location....................................................................................................... 2-2 Figure 2-2 Plan Area Location ..................................................................................................... 2-3 Figure 2-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map..................................................... 2-5 Figure 2-4 Proposed Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map................................................ 2-12 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
vi
Figure 2-5 Development Focus Areas within Pleasant Hill ....................................................... 2-13 Figure 2-6 Pleasant Hill Housing Opportunity Sites Locations.................................................. 2-27 Figure 2-7 Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Noise Contours ..................................................... 2-38 Figure 3.1-1 Pleasant Hill Visual Character Representative Photographs .................................. 3.1-2 Figure 3.1-2 Viewpoint Locations for Existing General Plan Area Views .................................... 3.1-5 Figure 3.1-3 View 1: Looking North along Pleasant Hill Road and Mangini Drive ...................... 3.1-6 Figure 3.1-4 View 2: Looking South along Taylor Boulevard near end of Mangini Drive ........... 3.1-6 Figure 3.1-5 View 3: Looking West from Stonebridge Way ........................................................ 3.1-7 Figure 3.1-6 View 4: Looking North along Gregory Lane and Pleasant Hill Road ....................... 3.1-7 Figure 3.1-7 View 5: Looking East along Monument Boulevard and Marcia Drive..................... 3.1-8 Figure 3.1-8 View 6: Looking Southeast from Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane ........ 3.1-8 Figure 3.1-9 View 7: Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Woodsworth Lane......................................................................................................................... 3.1-9 Figure 3.1-10 View 8: Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Doray Drive .......... 3.1-9 Figure 3.1-11 View 9: Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Ellinwood Drive ......... 3.1-10 Figure 3.1-12 View 10: Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Golf Club Road......... 3.1-10 Figure 3.1-13 View 11: Looking East from Trail by Grayson Creek south of Cottonwood Drive...................................................................................................................... 3.1-11 Figure 3.1-14 View 12: Looking West on Contra Costa Canal Trail near Gregory Lane .............. 3.1-11 Figure 3.1-15 View 13: Looking East on Iron Horse Regional Trail between Lisa Lane and Monument Boulevard........................................................................................... 3.1-12 Figure 3.1-16 View 14: Looking North from Contra Costa Canal Trail and Golf Club Road ........ 3.1-12 Figure 3.1-17 View 15: Looking South at the Pleasant Hill Library from Oak Park Boulevard .............................................................................................................. 3.1-13 Figure 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in General Plan Area .................. 3.3-3 Figure 3.3-2 Wetlands and Aquatic Resources in General Plan Area ......................................... 3.3-6 Figure 3.3-3 Critical Habitat in General Plan Area ...................................................................... 3.3-9 Figure 3.3-4 Essential Connectivity Areas in General Plan Area ............................................... 3.3-13 Figure 3.5-1 Geologic Map of General Plan Area........................................................................ 3.5-2 Figure 3.5-2 Soils Underlying General Plan Area......................................................................... 3.5-4 Figure 3.5-3 Faults Within and Near Pleasant Hill ....................................................................... 3.5-7 Figure 3.5-4 Liquefaction Potential within the General Plan Area ............................................. 3.5-9 Figure 3.5-5 Landslide Potential within the General Plan Area ................................................ 3.5-11 Figure 3.5-6 Geologic Units in General Plan Area and Paleontological Sensitivity ................... 3.5-28 Figure 3.6-1 The Greenhouse Gas Effect..................................................................................... 3.6-2 Figure 3.6-2 2018 U.S. GHG Emissions by Gas ............................................................................ 3.6-8 Figure 3.6-3 2020 California GHG Emissions by Scoping Plan Sectors and Sub-Sectors............. 3.6-9 Figure 3.7-1 Hazardous Material Sites within General Plan Area ............................................... 3.7-5 Figure 3.7-2 Hazardous Material Sites within 0.25-mile of a School .......................................... 3.7-6 Figure 3.7-3 Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones near Pleasant Hill.................................................. 3.7-8 Table of Contents
Draft Environmental Impact Report vii
Figure 3.8-1 Surface Water in and Adjacent to General Plan Area............................................. 3.8-3 Figure 3.8-2 Groundwater in and Adjacent to General Plan Area .............................................. 3.8-7 Figure 3.8-3 Flood Hazard Areas in and Adjacent to General Plan Area..................................... 3.8-9 Figure 3.10-1 Existing Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours............................................................ 3.10-7 Figure 3.10-2 Buchanan Field Airport Noise Contours................................................................ 3.10-8 Figure 3.10-3 2040 Roadway Vehicle Noise Contours.............................................................. 3.10-18 Figure 3.11-1 Existing Pleasant Hill Fire and Police Station Locations........................................ 3.11-2 Figure 3.11-2 Existing School Locations Serving Pleasant Hill..................................................... 3.11-4 Figure 3.11-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreational Facility Locations........................... 3.11-8 Figure 3.12-1 Existing Regional Highways................................................................................... 3.12-2 Figure 3.12-2 Existing and Approved Major Bicycle Facilities..................................................... 3.12-7 Figure 3.12-3 Existing Transit Lines and Stops in General Plan Area .......................................... 3.12-9 Figure 3.13-1 Water Districts in General Plan Area .................................................................... 3.13-2 Figure 3.13-2 Water Districts in Proposed Buildout Area ......................................................... 3.13-25 Appendices
Appendix A NOP and Scoping Comments Received
Appendix B Special Status Species Tables
Appendix C Greenhouse Gas Emissions Modeling and Energy Calculations Appendix D Noise Calculations
Appendix E Transportation Impact Analysis Report
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
Draft Environmental Impact Report ix
Acronyms and Abbreviations
AB Assembly Bill
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ADU accessory dwelling unit
AIRFA American Indian Religious Freedom Act
AQI Air Quality Index
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BART Bay Area Rapid Transit
BAWSCA Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency
BERD California State Office of Historic Preservation Built Environment Directory BMP best management practices
C/CAG City/County Association of Governments
CAA Federal Clean Air Act
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CalGreen California Green Building Standards Code
CalOES California Office of Emergency Services
Cal OSHA California Division of Occupational Safety and Health CalRecycle California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CBC California Building Code
CCCFPD Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDF California Department of Finance
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEC California Energy Commission
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
x
CGC California Government Code
CHRIS California Historical Resources Information System CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRHR California Register of Historical Resources
CRPR California Rare Plant Rank
CWA Federal Clean Water Act
CWC California Water Code
dB Decibel
dBA A-weighted decibel
DOC Department of Conservation
DOF Department of Finance
DPM diesel particulate matter
DTSC Department of Toxic Substances Control
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EBMUD East Bay Municipal Utility District
ECA Essential Connectivity Area
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESA Federal Endangered Species Act
ESU evolutionary significant unit
FAR floor area ratio
FC District Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSZ Fire Hazard Severity Zone
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
FMP Fisheries Management Plans
FRA Federal Responsibility Area
FTA Federal Transit Administration
GHG greenhouse gas
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Draft Environmental Impact Report xi
gpd gallons per day
GWh gigawatt-hours
HABS Historic American Building Survey
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HSC Health and Safety Code
HUD Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
in/sec Inches per second
IPaC Information for Planning and Conservation
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Ldn Day-Night Average Level
Leq Equivalent Noise Level
LEV Low-Emission Vehicle
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
LID Low Impact Development
LRA Local Responsibility Area
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
MDUSD Mount Diablo Unified School District
MLD most likely descendant
MM Mitigation Measure
MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAHC Native American Heritage Commission
NCCP Natural Communities Conservation Plan
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NOP Notice of Preparation
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPPA Native Plant Protection Act
NWI National Wetlands Inventory
NWIC Northwest Information Center
OEHHA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
OES San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
xii
OPR California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PHMC Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
PHPD Pleasant Hill Police Department
PHRPD Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District
PPM parts per million
PQS Professional Qualifications Standards
PRC Public Resources Code
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation
ROG reactive organic gas
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
RWS Regional Water System
SB Senate Bill
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy
SFO San Francisco International Airport
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SIP State Implementation Plan
SFBAAB San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin
SFPUC San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
SFRWQCB San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board SHMP State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
SLF Sacred Lands File
SR state route
SRA State Responsibility Area
SSC Species of Special Concern
SVP Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
SWRCB State Water Resource Control Board
TAC toxic air contaminant
TDM Transportation Demand Management
TIA Transportation Impact Analysis
TNC EV Transportation Network Company vehicles
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Draft Environmental Impact Report xiii
TOD Transit-Oriented Development
UCERF Uniform California Earthquake Forecast
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USC United States Code
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USDOT United States Department of Transportation
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
VDECS Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies
VMT vehicle miles traveled
VOC volatile organic compounds
VT vehicle trips
WOTUS Waters of the United States
WQS Water Quality Standards
WUI Wildland-Urban Interface
ZEV zero-emission vehicles
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
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Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-1
Executive Summary
This document is an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) analyzing the environmental effects of the proposed Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan (proposed plan). This section summarizes the characteristics of the proposed plan, alternatives to the proposed plan, and the environmental impacts and mitigation measures associated with implementation of the proposed plan.

Project Synopsis
Lead Agency Contact Person
Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
Pleasant Hill Planning Division
100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
[email protected]
Project Description
This EIR has been prepared to examine the potential environmental effects of the proposed plan.

The following is a summary of the full project description, which can be found in Chapter 2, Project Description.

As part of an overarching planning process, the City of Pleasant Hill (City) proposes to adopt an update to the City General Plan, including eight respective City General Plan elements (collectively referred to in this EIR as the 2040 General Plan).

The 2040 General Plan would serve as a long-term framework for future growth, reflect issues identified from community input and changes in State law, and update all elements of the General Plan.

Plan Objectives
The City of Pleasant Hill has the following objectives for the implementation of the proposed plan.

The City’s General Plan objectives are as follows:
 Encourage smart and sensitive development;
 Foster economic diversity and sustainability;
 Provide barrier-free mobility;
 Provide balanced growth;
 Ensure public safety; and
 Support diverse housing options.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-2
Alternatives
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this EIR examines alternatives to the proposed plan. Studied alternatives include the following three alternatives. Based on the alternatives analysis, Alternative 2 was determined to be the environmentally superior alternative.  Alternative 1: Adopted General Plan Buildout (“No Project”)  Alternative 2: Increased Intensity in Non-western Areas  Alternative 3: 25 Percent Residential Reduction
Refer to Chapter 5.0, Alternatives, for the complete EIR alternatives analysis.

Areas of Known Controversy
The EIR scoping process did not identify areas of known controversy for the proposed plan. Public responses to the Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR as well as public input received at the EIR scoping meeting held by the City are summarized in Chapter 1.0, Introduction.

Issues to be Resolved
There are no CEQA-related issues to be resolved at this time.

Issues Not Studied in Detail in the EIR
All environmental issue areas are analyzed in detail in this EIR.

Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Table ES-1 summarizes the environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and residual impacts (the impact after application of mitigation, if required) associated with implementation of the proposed plan. Impacts are categorized as follows:
 Significant and Unavoidable. An impact that cannot be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires a Statement of Overriding Considerations to be issued if the proposed plan is approved pursuant to Section15093 of the CEQA Guidelines.
 Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. An impact that can be reduced to below the threshold level given reasonably available and feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires findings under Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines.  Less than Significant. An impact that may be adverse but does not exceed the threshold levels and does not require mitigation measures. However, mitigation measures that could further lessen the environmental effect may be suggested if readily available and easily achievable.  No Impact: The proposed plan would have no effect on environmental conditions or would reduce existing environmental problems or hazards.

Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-3
Table ES-1 Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Residual Impacts Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Aesthetics
Impact AES-1. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate
development in areas along urbanized corridors that do
not offer notable scenic vistas through the plan area.

Impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact AES-2. development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not be visible from designated or
eligible scenic highways. There would be no impact.

No mitigation is required. No impact
Impact AES-3. Individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would allow for increased intensity of
development on underutilized sites. Scenic quality
would be protected through implementation of goals
and policies in the 2040 General Plan that address
visual quality. Impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact AES-4. Development facilitated by the proposed
plan would create new sources of light or glare that
could adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area. Impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation incorporated.

AES-1 Revise General Plan Land Use Element to prepare a City Lighting Standards Study and implement the findings. The City shall revise the General Plan Land Use Element to include a policy that states the following:

The City shall adopt lighting standards intended to maintain ambient lighting levels after preparing a City Lighting Standards study to determine visibility, minimum glare, and minimum spillage standards in relation toother properties or into the sky. Implementation of this policy would encourage, through the regulation of the types, kinds, construction, installation and uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems to conserve energy without decreasing safety, utility, security, and productivity while enhancing nighttime enjoyment of property and night skies.

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Air Quality
Impact AQ-1. Implementation of the 2040 General Plan
would be consistent with the BAAQMD 2017 Clean Air
Plan. Impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-4
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Impact AQ-2. Implementation of the 2040 General Plan
would result in the generation of air pollutants during construction of individual projects, which could affect local air quality. Implementation of the proposed plan
would not result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of operational criteria pollutants due to
operational VMT increase. impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation.

AQ-1 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Reduce Construction Criteria Pollutant Emissions. To reduce temporary increases in criteria air pollutant emissions during the construction phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project- specific construction emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD methodology and if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impacts to a less-than-significant level.

AQ-2 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Reduce Operational Criteria Pollutant Emissions. To reduce long-term increases in air pollutants during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA that exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:
 New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project- specific operation emissions in conformance with BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, and if operation- related air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impact to a less-thansignificant level.

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Impact AQ-3. Construction activities for individual
projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan lasting
longer than two months or located within 1,000 feet of
sensitive receptors could expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. implementation of the proposed plan may also expose sensitive receptors
to additional operational sources of TACs. Impacts
would be less than significant with mitigation.

AQ-3 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Conduct and Implement Construction Health Risk Assessment. To identify and reduce potential risk exposure to nearby sensitive receivers during the construction of individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:
 New Policy: For individual projects (excluding ADUs, single-family residences, and duplexes) where construction activities would occur within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, would last longer than two months, and would not utilize equipment rated US EPA Tier 4 for equipment of 50 horsepower or more, or construction equipment fitted with Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters for all equipment of 50 horsepower or more, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment, the project applicant shall coordinate with the City to determine if a construction health risk assessment (HRA) shall be performed. If an HRA is to be performed, the HRA shall determine potential risk and compare the risk to the following BAAQMD thresholds:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-5
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3 annual average
If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures such as requiring the use of Tier 4 engines, Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment shall be incorporated to reduce the risk to appropriate levels.

AQ-4 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Reduce Operational Toxic Air Contaminants. To ensure sensitive receptors are not exposed to toxic air contaminant emissions during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:
 New Policy: Require applicants for industrial or warehousing land uses or commercial land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel (i.e., 100 diesel trucks per day or 40 or more trucks with diesel-powered transport refrigeration units per day) to contact BAAQMD to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment (HRA) required. If required, the operational HRA shall be prepared in accordance with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and BAAQMD requirements and mitigated to an acceptable level. Typical measures to reduce risk impacts may include, but are not limited to:
a. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic Control Measures idling restrictions, as feasible.
b. Electrifying warehousing docks.
c. Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer spaces.
d. Requiring use of newer equipment and/or vehicles.
e. Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation of truck routes.

Impact AQ-4. The 2040 General Plan could create
objectionable odors that could adversely affect a
substantial number of people. Impacts related to odors
would be less than significant with mitigation.

AQ-5 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Reduce Operational Odor Impacts. To reduce odor impacts associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Policy: Odor Impacts. Consider odor impacts when evaluating land uses and development projects near wastewater treatment plants, treatment plant expansion projects, waste transfer stations, and other odor potential sources per the latest BAAQMD screening distances and guidelines.

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-6
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Biological, Agricultural, and Forestry Resources
Impact BIO-1. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan could result in direct or indirect impacts to special-status species or their associated habitats
including impacts to migratory bird nest sites. Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.

BIO-1 Add a General Plan Program to Conduct Pre-Construction Bird Surveys and Implement Avoidance and Minimization Measures. The City shall add a 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program to include the following requirements for nesting bird surveys, avoidance, and minimization measures:

For construction activities initiated during the bird nesting season (February 1 – September 15) involving removal of vegetation that could potentially serve as habitat for special-status bird species or other nesting bird habitat, including abandoned structures and other manmade features, a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation removal activities. The nesting bird pre-construction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include a buffer around the construction site at a distance determined by a qualified biologist. The survey shall be conducted by a biologist familiar with the identification of avian species known to occur in California Bay Area communities (i.e., qualified biologist). If nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall be determined by a qualified biologist dependent upon the species, the proposed work activity, and existing disturbances associated with land uses outside of the site. The buffer shall be demarcated by the biologist with bright orange construction fencing, flagging, construction lathe, or other means to demarcate the boundary. All construction personnel shall be notified as to the existence of the buffer zone and to avoid entering the buffer zone during the nesting season. No ground disturbing activities shall occur within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed that breeding/nesting is completed, and the young have fledged the nest. Encroachment into the buffer shall occur only at the discretion of the qualified biologist on the basis that the encroachment will not be detrimental to an active nest. A report summarizing the pre-construction survey(s) shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and shall be submitted to the City prior to the commencement of construction activities.

Future project site plans shall include a statement acknowledging compliance with the federal MBTA and California Fish and Game Code that includes avoidance of active bird nests and identification of Best Management Practices to avoid impacts to active nests, including checking for nests prior to construction activities during February 1 to September 15 and what to do if an active nest is found so that the nest is not inadvertently impacted during grading or construction activities.

BIO-2 Add a General Plan Program to Conduct Pre-Construction Roosting Bats Surveys and Implement Avoidance Measures Prior to Removal. The City shall add a 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program to include the following requirements for roosting bat surveys and avoidance measures prior to removal:

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-7
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Prior to the removal or alteration of trees and structures that may serve as roosting habitat for special-status bat species, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused survey of all trees and structures to be removed or impacted by construction activities to determine whether active roosts of special-status bats are present on site. Tree or structure removal shall be planned for either the spring or the fall and timed to ensure both suitable conditions for the detection of bats and adequate time for tree and/or structure removal to occur during seasonal periods of bat activity exclusive of the breeding season, as described below. Trees and/or structures containing suitable potential bat roost habitat features shall be clearly marked or identified. If no bat roosts are found, the results of the survey will be documented and submitted to the City within 30 days of the survey, after which no further action will be required.

If day roosts are present, the biologist shall prepare a site-specific roosting bat protection plan to be implemented by the contractor following the City’s approval. The plan shall incorporate the following guidance as appropriate:
 When possible, removal of trees/structures identified as suitable roosting habitat shall be conducted during seasonal periods of bat activity, including the following:
a) Between September 1 and about October 15, or before evening temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.
b) Between March 1 and April 15, or after evening temperatures rise above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or no more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.  If a tree /structure must be removed during the breeding season and is identified as potentially containing a colonial maternity roost, then a qualified biologist shall conduct acoustic emergence surveys or implement other appropriate methods to further evaluate if the roost is an active maternity roost. Under the biologist’s guidance, the contractor shall implement measures that consist of (or exceed) the following:
a) If it is determined that the roost is not an active maternity roost, then the roost may be removed in accordance with the other requirements of this measure. b) If it is found that an active maternity roost of a colonial roosting species is present, the roost shall not be disturbed during the breeding season (April 15 to August 31).  Tree removal procedures shall be implemented using a two-step tree removal process.

This method is conducted over two consecutive days and works by creating noise and vibration by cutting non-habitat branches and limbs from habitat trees using chainsaws only (no excavators or other heavy machinery) on day one. The noise and vibration disturbance, together with the visible alteration of the tree, is very effective in causing bats that emerge nightly to feed to not return to the roost that night. The remainder of the tree is removed on day two.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-8
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
 Prior to the demolition of vacant structures within the project site, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused habitat assessment of all structures to be demolished. The habitat assessment shall be conducted enough in advance to ensure the commencement of building demolition can be scheduled during seasonal periods of bat activity (see above), if required. If no signs of day roosting activity are observed, no further actions will be required. If bats or signs of day roosting by bats are observed, a qualified biologist will prepare specific recommendations such as partial dismantling to cause bats to abandon the roost, or humane eviction, both to be conducted during seasonal periods of bat activity, if required.
 If the qualified biologist determines a roost is used by a large number of bats (large hibernaculum), bat boxes shall be installed near the project site. The number of bat boxes installed will depend on the size of the hibernaculum and shall be determined through consultation with CDFW. If a maternity colony has become established, all construction activities shall be postponed within a 500-foot buffer around the maternity colony until it is determined by a qualified biologist that the young have dispersed.

Once it has been determined that the roost is clear of bats, the roost shall be removed immediately.

Impact BIO-2. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan could adversely impact riparian habitat,
other sensitive natural communities, or protected
wetlands in the General Plan area. Implementation of
federal, State, and local regulations and policies would ensure riparian habitat and wetlands are not
significantly impacted. Impacts would be less than
significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact BIO-3. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would avoid impacts to wildlife movement
corridors by conserving Open Space areas in the
General Plan area, as directed by policies in the 2040
General Plan. Impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact BIO-4. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would be required to conform with
applicable local policies and ordinances protecting
biological resources. Impacts would be less than
significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-9
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Impact BIO-5. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not conflict with an adopted HCP,
NCCP, or other approved local, regional, or State
habitat conservation plan. No impact would occur.

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Impact BIO-6. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not convert Prime Farmland,
Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland) to non-agricultural use nor conflict with
existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract. No impact would occur.

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Impact BIO-7. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not result in the conversion of land used for forestry purposes nor conflict with existing
zoning for forestry or timberland use. No impact would
occur.

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact CR-1. The 2040 General Plan has the potential
to result in significant impacts if development carried out under the plan would cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a historical resource. this impact would be significant and unavoidable even with
mitigation.

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. The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program M to include that, in addition to updating the existing historical and cultural resources survey, a historical resources evaluation shall be prepared prior to approval of a project carried out under the 2040 General Plan involving the demolition or substantial alteration of a building, structure, object, or other built environment feature that is 45 years of age or older.

The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Program M that state the following:
 The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in architectural history or history (as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 61). The qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct an intensive-level evaluation in accordance with the guidelines and best practices promulgated by the State Office of Historic Preservation to identify potential historical resources within the proposed development site. All properties 45 years of age or older shall be evaluated within their historic context and documented in a report meeting the State Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. All evaluated properties shall be documented on Department of Parks and Recreation Series 523 Forms. The report shall be submitted to the City for review and concurrence. If the property is already listed in the NRHP or CRHR, the historical resources evaluation described above shall not be required.

Significant and
Unavoidable
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-10
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
 If historical resources are identified within the site of a proposed development, efforts shall be made to the extent feasible to ensure that impacts are mitigated. Application of mitigation shall generally be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards, unless unnecessary in the circumstances (e.g., preservation in place). In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, the historical resources evaluation report shall also identify and specify the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities.
 Efforts shall be made to the greatest extent feasible to ensure that the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of the resource is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Application of the Standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards. In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City for review and concurrence. As applicable, the report shall demonstrate how a project complies with the Standards and be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of permits.  If significant historical resources are identified on a development site and compliance with the Standards and or avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. Mitigation measures may include documentation of the historical resource in the form of a Historic American Building Survey (HABS) report, or equivalent. The report shall comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Architectural and Engineering Documentation and shall generally follow the HABS Level III requirements, including digital photographic recordation, detailed historic narrative report, and compilation of historic research. The documentation shall be completed by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Professional Qualification Standards and submitted to the City prior to issuance of any permits for demolition or alteration of the historical resource.

Impact CR-2. The 2040 general Plan has the potential to result in significant impacts if development carried out under the plan would cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of an archaeological
resource, including those that qualify as historical
resources. This impact would be less than significant
with mitigation.

CR-2 Revise 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. The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program M to include that, in addition to updating the existing historical and cultural resources survey, prior to approval of a project that involves ground disturbance activities in native or previously undisturbed soils that may include, but are not limited to, pavement removal, potholing, grubbing, tree removal, excavation or grading, an archaeological resources assessment shall be prepared under the supervision of an Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-11
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in either prehistoric or historic archaeology.

The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Program M that state the following:
 Assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System records search at the Northwest Information Center (NAHC) and a Sacred Lands File search maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission. The records searches will characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated in and around a project site. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken at a project site that is on previously undeveloped land in order to locate any surface cultural materials. By performing a records search, consultation with the NAHC, and a Phase I survey, a qualified archaeologist shall be able to classify a project site as having high, medium, or low sensitivity for archaeological resources.
 If the Phase I archaeological survey identifies resources that may be affected by a project, the archaeological resources assessment shall also include Phase II testing and evaluation. If resources are determined significant or unique through Phase II testing and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be identified in the Phase II evaluation. These measures shall include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III data recovery program, avoidance, or other appropriate actions to be determined by a qualified archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes, as stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Goal ENV-5. If significant archaeological resources cannot be avoided, impacts may be reduced to less-than-significant levels by filling on top of the sites rather than cutting into a cultural deposits. Alternatively, and/or in addition, a data collection program may be warranted, including mapping the location of artifacts, surface collection of artifacts, or excavation of the cultural deposit to characterize the nature of the buried portions of sites. Curation of the excavated artifacts or samples shall occur as specified by the archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes. As stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Goal ENV-5, the final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner. Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.

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. The City shall revise the 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-5 to include a policy that, if cultural City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-12
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
resources are encountered during ground-disturbing activities for a project, work in the immediate area shall be halted and an archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology in either prehistoric or historic archaeology shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the find.

If necessary, the evaluation may require preparation of a treatment plan and archaeological testing for CRHR eligibility. If the discovery proves to be significant under CEQA and cannot be avoided by a project, additional work such as excavating the cultural deposit to fully characterize its extent, and collecting and curating artifacts may be warranted to mitigate any significant impacts to cultural resources. In the event that archaeological resources of Native American origin are identified during project construction, a qualified archaeologist will consult with the City to begin Native American consultation procedures.

Impact CR-3. The discovery of human remains is always
a possibility during ground-disturbing activities. Ground disturbance associated with development carried out
under the 2040 General Plan may disturb or damage
known or unknown human remains. This impact would
be less than significant with adherence to existing
regulations.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact CR-4. Development facilitated by the 2040
general plan has the potential to impact unidentified
tribal cultural resources. Impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation.

CR-4 Revise General Plan Goal ENV-5 to Include a Policy to Suspend Work around Tribal Cultural Resources Identified During Construction. The City shall revise the 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal 5 to include a policy that in the event that cultural resources of Native American origin are identified during construction of a project implemented under the 2040 General Plan, all earth-disturbing work in the vicinity of the find shall be temporarily suspended or redirected until an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find as a cultural resource and an appropriate local Native American representative is consulted. If the City, in consultation with local Native Americans, determines that the resource is a tribal cultural resource and, thus, significant under CEQA, a mitigation plan shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with State guidelines and in consultation with local Native American group(s). The mitigation plan shall include avoidance of the resource or, if avoidance of the resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the appropriate treatment of the resource in coordination with the appropriate local Native American tribal representative and, if applicable, a qualified archaeologist. Examples of appropriate mitigation for tribal cultural resources include, but are not limited to, protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource, protecting traditional use of the resource, protecting the confidentiality of the resource, or heritage recovery.

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-13
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Geology/Soils and Mineral Resources
Impact GEO-1. The 2040 General Plan is not located
within an Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, and,
therefore, the proposed plan would not be subject to
effects involving rupture of a known earthquake fault.

There would be no impact.

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Impact GEO-2. Development facilitated by the
proposed plan could result in exposure of people or
structures to a risk of loss, injury, or death from seismic events. Development facilitated by the proposed plan
could be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable or could become unstable resulting in on- or
off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction, or collapse. However, with compliance
with applicable laws, regulations, and applicable
General Plan Goals and Policies, this impact would be
less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact GEO-3. Construction facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would include ground disturbance such as
excavation and grading that would result in loose or
exposed soil. Disturbed soil could be eroded by wind or rain during a storm event, which could result in the loss of topsoil. Adherence to existing regulatory
requirements would ensure that this impact would be
less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact GEO-4. Future seismic events could result in
liquefaction and lateral spreading of soils within the
city. Development in the General Plan area could be
subject to liquefaction hazards. Compliance with the
CBC would reduce liquefaction hazards. Proposed
Health, Safety, and HazMat goals and policies apply to
development facilitated by the proposed plan in hazard
zones for liquefaction or lateral spreading of soils.

Impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-14
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Impact GEO-5. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would occur on urbanized sites that are
served by existing sanitation infrastructure. New
development would not include septic systems. There
would be no impact .

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Impact GEO-6. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan has the potential to impact
paleontological resources. Impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation incorporated.

GEO-1 Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Protect Paleontological Resources. The City of Pleasant Hill shall add a policy (or policies) providing for the protection of paleontological resources to the 2040 General Plan prior to its adoption. The policy (policies) shall include the following:
 A Qualified Professional Paleontologist (as defined by SVP13) must be retained to conduct a paleontological resources analysis prior to the beginning of projects involving ground disturbance in geologic units with high paleontological sensitivity to determine whether there is a potential for significant impacts to paleontological resources.  If potential impacts to paleontological resources are found to be significant, then a Qualified Professional Paleontologist shall be retained to develop and implement a Paleontological Resources Mitigation Program to ensure that impacts to paleontological resources are less than significant.

Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Impact GEO-7. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not have the potential to impact
mineral resources. There would be no impact.

No mitigation is required. No Impact
Greenhous Gas Emissions and Energy
Impact GHG-1. Pleasant Hill does not have a Climate
Action Plan. Therefore, implementation of the 2040
General Plan would not meet State 2030 and 2045
goals. Mitigation Measures GHG-1 and GHG-2 would
result in adoption of CEQA GHG thresholds and a
Climate Action Plan; however, development facilitated
by the 2040 General Plan would not meet the 2030 and
2045 goals until the CAP is adopted. this impact would
be significant and unavoidable.

GHG-1 Revise General Plan Policy ENV 8.1 to Reflect Latest State and BAAQMD GHG Emissions Targets. The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Policy ENV

8.1 (Meet State Emission Reduction Targets) to reflect the latest State and BAAQMD GHG emissions targets of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (pursuant to SB 32) and carbon neutrality by 2045 (pursuant to AB 1279).

GHG-2 Revise General Plan Program O to Include Details Related to Adoption and Implementation of a Climate Action Plan and CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds. The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program O (Climate Action) that state the following:

The City shall adopt the Pleasant Hill Climate Action Plan by Summer 2024 and include targets that reflect those set by SB 32 to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and AB 1279 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Implementation measures in the CAP to achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

Significant and
Unavoidable
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-15
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
 Develop and adopt Zero Net Energy requirements for new and remodeled residential and non-residential development;
 Develop and adopt a building electrification ordinance for existing and proposed structures;
 Expand charging infrastructure and parking for electric vehicles;  Implement carbon sequestration by expanding the urban forest, participating in soilbased or compost application sequestration initiatives, supporting regional open space protection, and/or incentivizing rooftop gardens; and
 Implement policies and measures included in the 2017 and 2022 California Climate Change Scoping Plans, such as mobile source strategies for increasing clean transit options and zero emissions vehicles by providing electric vehicle charging stations.

The City shall also adopt Pleasant Hill CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds of Significance that are consistent with the Pleasant Hill Climate Action Plan by Summer 2024 for use in future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through 2030 and consistent with SB 32. In addition, upon completion of future Climate Action Plan updates and as necessary, the City shall update the CEQA GHG emissions threshold of significance to be consistent with each climate action plan update.

Impact GHG-2. The 2040 General Plan would
implement a land-use strategy and policies that would
promote greater overall energy efficiency. Wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy
would not occur. impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact GHG-3. The 2040 General Plan would be
consistent with applicable energy efficiency goals and
regulations, including relevant provisions of CALGreen
and California Energy Code Title 24. Impacts would be
less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Hazards/Hazardous Materials and Wildfire
Impact HAZ-1. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan could result in the release of potentially hazardous materials, which may occur within 0.25 mile
of a school. However, compliance with local, regional,
State, and federal regulations related to hazardous
materials would minimize the risk of releases and
exposure to these materials. Impacts would be less
than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-16
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Impact HAZ-2. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan could result in development on sites
contaminated with hazardous materials. However,
compliance with applicable regulations relating to site remediation
No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact HAZ-3. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would not result in significantly increased airport and airstrip activity. Compliance with State and federal regulations, Contra Costa Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan, and proposed 2040 General Plan
policies would minimize safety hazards and disturbance
to people residing or working within proximity of the
Buchanan Field Airport. Impacts would be less than
significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Impact HAZ-4. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan would result in additional population and
vehicle miles traveled in the city. However, the
proposed plan would not result in changes to
emergency evacuation routes nor would substantially
increase roadway congestion such that the use of an
evacuation route would be hindered. Impacts would be
less than significant.

HAZ-1: Adopt and Implement a New General Plan Policy to Conduct Project Design Review for Wildfire Risk Reduction. The City shall include a new 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policy as follows:

Project landscape plans shall include fire-resistant vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the use of fire-prone species especially non-native, invasive species.

If the project site is within a known landslide area, the site shall be subject to geotechnical review regarding potential post-fire slope instability. Structural engineering features incorporated into the design of the structure to reduce the risk of damage to the structure from post-fire slope instability shall be recommended by a qualified engineer and approved by the City prior to the building permit approval.

HAZ-2: Construction Wildfire Risk Reduction. The City shall require the following measures during project construction:

1. Construction activities with potential to ignite wildfires shall be prohibited during redflag warnings issued by the National Weather Service for the site. Example activities include welding and grinding outside of enclosed buildings.

2. Fire extinguishers shall be available onsite during project construction. Fire extinguishers shall be maintained to function according to manufacturer specifications.

Construction personnel shall receive training on the proper methods of using a fire extinguisher.

Significant and
Unavoidable
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-17
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact

3. Construction equipment powered by internal combustion engines shall be equipped with spark arresters. The spark arresters shall be maintained pursuant to manufacturer recommendations to ensure adequate performance.

At the City’s discretion, additional wildfire risk reduction requirements may be required during construction. The City shall review and approve the project-specific methods to be employed prior to building permit approval.

HAZ-3: Project Design Wildfire Risk Reduction. Project landscape plans (as made available when project applications are submitted) shall include fire-resistant vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the use of fireprone species especially non-native, invasive species.

If the project site is within a known landslide area (see Figure 3.5-5 in Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources), the site shall be subject to geotechnical review regarding potential post-fire slope instability. Structural engineering features incorporated into the design of a structure to reduce the risk of damage to the structure from post-fire slope instability shall be recommended by a qualified engineer and approved by the City prior to the building permit approval.

Impact HAZ-5. Emergency response and evacuation
procedures would not be affected by the 2040 General
Plan. Pleasant Hill is not located within or near a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or State Responsibility
area; however, portions of Pleasant Hill are located in and near a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a Local
Responsibility area, and areas of vegetated open space. compliance with applicable codes and regulations
would not fully reduce the risk of loss, injury, or death from wildfire associated with 2040 General Plan
development. This impact would be significant and
unavoidable even with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures HAZ-1, HAZ-2, and HAZ-3 would apply. Significant and Unavoidable
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-18
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Hydrology and Water Quality
Impact HYD-1. Implementation of the 2040 General
Plan would involve ground-disturbing activities during
construction that could temporarily increase the
potential for water quality to be affected by
sedimentation or an accidental spill or release of
hazardous materials. However, with adherence to
applicable water quality standards, waste discharge
requirements, and proposed General Plan policies,
impacts would be less than significant.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-19
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Land Use/Planning and Population/Housing
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-20
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
Noise
Impact NOI-1. Construction of individual projects
facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would temporarily
increase noise levels, potentially affecting nearby noisesensitive 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.

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.
 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.

Significant and
Unavoidable
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-21
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
 Temporary Noise Barriers. Erect temporary noise barriers, where feasible, when construction noise is predicted to exceed the acceptable standards (e.g., 80 dBA Leq at residential receivers, schools or other sensitive receptors during the daytime) and when the anticipated construction duration is greater than is typical (e.g., two years or greater). Temporary noise barriers shall be constructed with solid materials (e.g., wood) with a density of at least 1.5 pounds per square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the barrier. If a sound blanket is used, barriers shall be constructed with solid material with a density of at least 1 pound per square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the barrier and be lined on the construction side with acoustical blanket, curtain or equivalent absorptive material rated sound transmission class (STC) 32 or higher.

Impact NOI-2. Development facilitated by the 2040
General Plan near major transportation-noise sources
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 contours for exterior noise compliance. 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.

No mitigation would be required Less than Significant
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.

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 non-engineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster); a vibratory roller within 40 feet of fragile historical resources or 25 feet of any other structure; or a dozer or other large earthmoving equipment within 20 feet for a fragile historical structure or 15 feet of any other structure, the project applicant shall prepare a groundborne noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these construction activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be Less than Significant
with Mitigation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-22
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
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.

Public Services & Recreation
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

Mitigation Measures AQ-1, AQ-3, CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4, GEO-1, NOI-1, and NOI-2 would apply.

Significant and
Unavoidable
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-23
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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 and potentially create the need for new public facilities, including 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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Transportation and Traffic
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 with mitigation.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

TRA-2 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.

Significant and
Unavoidable
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-24
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact

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.

Table 3.12-5: TDM Measures
CAPCOA Handbook Measure Types of Projects Core Elements T-7: Commute Trip Reduction
Marketing
Employmentbased*Thoughtful marketing strategy
*Readily available commute information
*Designated TDM Coordinator
*Guaranteed Ride Home
T-8: Provide Ridesharing
Program
Employmentbased*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,
Employmentbased
*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-toPoint Shuttles
Employmentbased*Coordinate logistics of vanpool program *Cover vanpool fares for riders through
commute benefits program
*Promote and facilitate vanpool creation
T-12: Price Workplace Parking Employmentbased*Location within 1/2 mile of transit service *Priced at least $5 per day
*On-street parking nearby is not readily
available
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-25
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
T-13: Implement Employee
Parking Cashout
Employmentbased*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.

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
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
ES-26
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
T-22: Bikeshare/Scootershare All Projects in
PDAs
Fund and implement program providing ebikes 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 3.12-5 to reduce VMT below CCTA thresholds shall be implemented for individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. VMT reduction measures shall be included at project design review and be reviewed and approved by the City prior to issuance of construction permits.

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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
Utilities and Service Systems
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.

Mitigation Measures AQ-1, AQ-3, CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4, GEO-1, NOI-1, and NOI-2 would apply.

Significant and
Unavoidable
Executive Summary
Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-27
Impact Statement Mitigation Measure(s) Residual Impact
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
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.

No mitigation is required. Less than Significant
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
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Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-1
Introduction
This document is a programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of an update to the Pleasant Hill General Plan, including eight respective City General Plan elements (collectively referred to in this EIR as the “2040 General Plan”). A programmatic EIR evaluates the effects of broad proposals or planning-level decisions such as the proposed plan with a level of detail sufficient to allow informed decisions among planning-level alternatives and to develop broad mitigation strategies.

This chapter discusses (1) the proposed plan and EIR background; (2) the legal basis for preparing an EIR; (3) the scope and content of the EIR; (4) the lead, responsible, and trustee agencies; and (5) the environmental review process required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The 2040 General Plan (sometimes referred to in this EIR as the “proposed plan”) are described in detail in Chapter 2, Project Description.

1.1 EIR Purpose, Type, and Authority

1.1.1 Regulatory Purpose
The 2040 General Plan requires the discretionary approval of the Pleasant Hill City Council; therefore, the proposed plan is subject to the environmental review requirements of CEQA. In accordance with Section 15121 of the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14), the purpose of an EIR is to serve as an informational document that:
“...will inform public agency decision makers and the public generally of the significant environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project.”
As such, the regulatory purpose of this EIR is to disclose the environmental impacts, including any significant effects, of the proposed plan, identify ways to avoid or reduce environmental impacts through planning design or environmental mitigation measures, consider feasible alternatives to the proposed plan, and integrate public participation and input into the overall planning process.

1.1.2 EIR Type
This EIR has been prepared as a programmatic EIR pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines. A programmatic EIR is appropriate for planning documents or other long-term programs.

As stated in the CEQA Guidelines:
“A program EIR is an EIR which may be prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project and are related either:
1) Geographically,
2) As logical parts in the chain of contemplated actions; 3) In connections with issuance of rules, regulations, plans, or other general criteria to govern the conduct of a continuing program; or
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-2
4) As individual activities carried out under the same authorizing statutory or regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental effects which can be mitigated in similar ways.”
This EIR is programmatic in nature with a broad comprehensive evaluation to cover the actions taken under the longer-range plan. Some future development projects may require additional project-specific environmental review, given that this program EIR analysis is not parcel- or projectspecific.

1.1.3 Legal Authority
This EIR is intended to serve as an informational document for the public and City of Pleasant Hill decision makers. The approval process will include public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council to consider certification of a Final EIR and adoption of the proposed plan.

Adoption of the proposed plan may not be considered until this EIR has first been considered by the decision makers and certified by the approving body, in this case the Pleasant Hill City Council.

1.2 Environmental Impact Report Background

1.2.1 Notice of Preparation
The City of Pleasant Hill distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the EIR for a 30-day agency and public review period starting on July 7, 2022 and ending on August 8, 2022. In addition, the City held an EIR Scoping Meeting on July 26, 2022. The meeting was aimed at providing information about the proposed plan to members of public agencies, interested stakeholders, and residents/community members, and at receiving input on the scope of the environmental review. The meeting was held virtually via Zoom due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic health and safety precautions.

1.2.2 Comments Received in Response to the NOP
In addition to one verbal comment received during the EIR Scoping Meeting, the City received written scoping comment letters from six agencies, two organizations, and 37 individuals in response to the NOP during the public review period. The NOP is included in Appendix A of this EIR, along with the written NOP responses that were received. Table 1-1 summarizes the content of the letters and verbal comments and where the issues raised are addressed in this EIR.

Table 1-1 NOP Comments and EIR Location Information
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Agency Comments
East Bay Municipal
Utility District
(EBMUD)
Water service for new multi-unit
structures shall be individually metered in
compliance with California State Senate
Bill 7.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems.

When development plans are finalized for
individual projects within the General
Plan area, project sponsors for individual
projects should contact EBMUD to
request a water service estimate for
water service to developments.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-3
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Project sponsors must submit copies to
EBMUD of all known information
regarding soil and groundwater quality
within or adjacent to the project
boundary.

Individual projects within the General
Plan presents an opportunity to
incorporate water conservation
measures. Requests that the City include
in its conditions of approval a
requirement that the project sponsor
comply with Assembly Bill 325, Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Native American
Heritage Commission
(NAHC)
States that the proposed project is
subject to the requirements and
provisions under Senate Bill 18 (SB 18)
and Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) for tribal
cultural resources.

Consultation required pursuant to SB 18 and AB
52 was carried out by the City of Pleasant Hill.

Related topics relevant to CEQA are discussed in
Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural
Resources, of this EIR.

Department of Toxic
Substances Control
(DTSC)
Recommends that the EIR address actions
to be taken for sites impacted by
hazardous waste or hazardous materials,
not just those found on the Cortese List. A
search of EnviroStor should be conducted.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, &
Wildfire.

The EIR should acknowledge the potential
for historic or future activities on or near
the project site to result in the release of
hazardous waste/substances
Aerially deposited lead contaminated soils
may still exist along roadsides, medians,
and some existing road surfaces. It’s
recommended that soil samples be
collected for lead analysis prior to
performing intrusive activities for projects
described in the EIR.

Proper investigation for mine waste
should be evaluated according to DTSC’s
1998 Abandoned Mine Land Mines
Preliminary Assessment Handbook.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, & Mineral Resources.

Surveys should be conducted for the
presence of lead-based paints or
products, mercury, asbestos containing
materials, and polychlorinated biphenyl
caulk. Removal, demolition, and disposal
of the chemicals should be conducted in
compliance with California environmental
regulations and policies.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.7, Hazards, Hazardous Materials, &
Wildfire.

If projects under the proposed plans
require the importations of soil to backfill
any excavated areas, proper sampling
shall be conducted to ensure the
imported soil is free of contamination.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-4
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
If any sites included as part of the
proposed project have been used for
agricultural, weed abatement, proper
investigation for organochlorinated
pesticides be discussed in the EIR and
evaluated using DTSC’s 2008 Interim
Guidance for Sampling Agricultural
Properties.

California Department
of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW)
A California Endangered Species Act
Incidental Take Permit must be obtained
if the project has the potential to result in
take of plants of animals listed under
CESA.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture & Forestry
Resources.

For project-related activities potentially
affecting rivers, lakes, or streams, and
their associated riparian habitat, CDFW
requires a Lake and Streambed Alteration
Notification.

Migratory birds are protected under the
federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and
CDFW has authority over actions that may
disturb or destroy active nest sites or take
birds.

The commenter requests a complete
description in Section 2, Project
Description, of the following:
 Footprints of permanent project
features and temporarily impacts
areas targeted for vegetation
treatment or removal
 Land use changes that would reduce
open space or agricultural land uses
and increase residential or other land
use involving increased development
 Area and plans for proposed
structures, ground disturbing
activities, fencing, paving, stationary
machinery, landscaping, vegetation
treatment for fuel reduction,
floodwalls or levees, and stormwater
systems
 Operational features of the project,
including level of anticipated human
presence, artificial lighting/light
reflection, noise, traffic generation,
and other features.
 Construction schedule, activities,
equipment and crew sizes
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 2, Project Description.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-5
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Recommends creating a procedure or
checklist for evaluating subsequent
project impacts on biological resources to
determine if there are within the scope of
the program EIR or if an additional
environmental document is warranted.

The checklist should be included as an
attachment to the draft EIR.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture & Forestry
Resources.

Recommends the EIR provide baseline
habitat assessments for special status
plant, fish, and wildlife species located
and potentially located within the project
area and surrounding lands, including but
not limited to all rare, threatened, or
endangered species.

CDFW is concerned regarding potential
impacts to special-status species that may
be present in the project area, including,
but not limited to:
 Alameda whipsnake
 California tiger salamander
 California red-legged frog
 Foothill yellow-legged frog
 Giant garter snake
 San Joaquin kit fox
 Pallid bat
 Townsend’s big-eared bat
 Suisun song sparrow
 California least tern
 California black rail
 California Ridgeway’s rail
 Western burrowing owl
 Antioch Dunes evening-primrose
 Bay checkerspot butterfly
 Lange’s metalmark butterfly
 Longhorn fairy shrimp
 Alkali milkvetch
 Big tarplant
 Contra Costa goldfields
 Contra Costa wallflower
 Fragrant fritillary
 Large-flowered fiddleneck
 Mason’s lilaeopsis
 Mt. Diablo’s bird beak
 Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern
 Rock ranicle
 Soft bird’s beak
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture & Forestry
Resources.

Requests that any special-status species
and natural communities detected during
project surveys be reported to the
CNDDB.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-6
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Contra Costa County
Flood Control and
Water Conservation
District (FC District)
Requests a map of watersheds, existing
watercourses, tributaries, and man-made
drainage facilities, and the FC District’s
right of way, within the General Plan area,
especially where land use designation
changes would be located be included in
the EIR.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality
Requests that the EIR discuss proposed
changes in density from the City’s current
General Plan, and its corresponding
increases in impervious surface, its effect
on the existing storm drain system, and
mitigation. Downstream impacts to
downstream facilities due to higher
volume of runoff should also be discussed
Future development should design and
construct storm drain facilities to
adequately collect and convey
stormwater runoff, without diversion of
the watershed, entering or originating
within the development to the nearest
natural watercourse or adequate manmade drainage facility.

The adequacy and stability of the
drainage facilities within the GPU area be
studied to determine if local drainage
design criteria are met, as well as FEMA
National Floodplain Insurance
requirements.

The City is within the Grayson
Creek/Murderers Creek Watershed. The
EIR should evaluate direct impacts to
creeks, their tributaries, and downstream
receiving waters resulting from future
development
The EIR should discuss the payment of
drainage area fees for development
within formed drainage areas as a
mitigation measure. The FC District
charges drainage area fees for new
impervious surfaces created within
Drainage Areas 16, 44B, 46,47, 62, 72, 78,

89. Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems.

Recommends the EIR request the
appropriate environmental regulatory
agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the State Department of Fish
and Wildlife, and the State Regional
Water Quality Control Board, to explore
the permits, special conditions, and
mitigation that may be necessary for the
project.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-7
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
The EIR should discuss how the General
Plan Update will comply with the current
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System requirements under the City’s
Stormwater Management and Discharge
Control Ordinances and the C.3
Guidebook
The FC District shall be included in the
review of all drainage facilities that have a
region-wide benefit, that impact regionwide facilities, or that impact FC Districtowned facilities.

California Department
of Transportation
(Caltrans)
Requests that the City of Pleasant Hill
General Plan Update is consistent with
the California Government Code Section
65088-65089 Congestion Management
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation.

The City is requested to gain a
determination of conformity from the
Contra Costa Transportation Authority to
determine that the City of Pleasant Hill
General Plan Update is consistent with
and conforms to the Regional
Transportation Plan Consistency
Requirements of the County’s Congestion
Management Plan
Encourages a sufficient allocation of fair
share contributors toward multi-modal
and regional transit improvements to fully
mitigate cumulative impacts to regional
transportation
If Caltrans facilities are impacted by the
project, the facilities must meet American
Disabilities Act Standards after project
completion.

Organization Comments Rec
Vanhole Realty The commenter provides thoughts and
suggestions regarding the Mangini/Delu
project site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Vanhole Realty The commenter provides thoughts and
suggestions regarding alternatives for the
Mangini/Delu project site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Individual Comments
Norm Scheel Requests a revised or final Summary of
Proposed Housing sites available
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-8
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Bushra Toma Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Judy Geringer Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Sean Grech Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-9
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Pamela Reid Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Eileen Mascaro Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Pete Sabine Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-10
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Shereen Motarjemi Concerned that the addition of housing would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Catherine Boccellari Concerned that the addition of housing would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

John Walter Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-11
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Nick Gianoko Requests that the other end of Malaga
Way into the Mangini property remain
closed.

This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

David Blau Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Lesley Stiles Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Jim and Sally Whitsett Concerned that the addition of housing would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-12
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

John and Lisa
Hutchinson
Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Debbie Cotton Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Karen Lee Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-13
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Alice and Jeff Smith Concerned that the addition of housing would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Suggests high density housing belongs
near public transit and major highways
designed to handle the impact of large
scale development
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Amy Arcus-Arth Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Bruce Irion Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-14
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Darren Hall Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

David Blau The Notice of Preparation did not provide
a description of the proposed action or
alternatives.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 2, Project Description, and in Section 5,
Alternatives.

There was not a Scoping Report prepared
for the project
A Scoping Report is not required pursuant to
2022 CEQA Guidelines
The NOP does not provide a “reasonable
range of alternatives”
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 5, Alternatives.

Requests a full analysis of the No Project
Alternative
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 5, Alternatives.

Requests a detailed analysis of traffic and
greenhouse gas impacts along with
proposed mitigation
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhous Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests a Level of Service analysis and
VMT for each proposed housing site.

Pursuant to SB 743 and 2022 CEQA Guidelines, a
Level of Service analysis is no longer required.

Requests the identification and analysis of
the Environmentally Superior Alternative
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 5, Alternatives.

Marian Crompton Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-15
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Martin Gibb Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Karen Panico Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on water
resources
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

This comment is on the proposed plan rather
than the environmental scope so requires no
further response but will be considered by the
City decision-makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Alan Bade Requests that the Contra Costa Flood
Control Agency’s “50 Year Plan” be
incorporated into the new General Plan
regarding flood control.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality.

Cindy Rubin Concerned with water supply for new and
existing homes in the area
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems
Concerned with traffic in the area Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in Section 3.12, Transportation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-16
Commenter Comment/Request Where It Was Addressed
Concerned with the loss of open space Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation
Katie Hindt Concerned that the addition of housing
would have a significant impact on traffic
and greenhouse gases in the city.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Requests that a baseline traffic survey be
included for all major streets and
intersections and require new
development to avoid or mitigate
significant deterioration in the future.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.12, Transportation
Requests that the City preserve open
space and biologically sensitive habitats,
particularly creek corridors.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Requests a Master Plan for the
Mangini/Delu site
This comment is on the project rather than the
environmental scope so requires no further
response but will be considered by the City’s
decision makers as part of the plan adoption
process.

Scoping Meeting Comments
Topic Comment Request Where it Was Addressed
Biological Resources Commenters are concerned with habitat and wildlife preservation in unexpected
places
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Commenters are concerned with the
preservation of creek habitats
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, & Forestry
Resources.

Hydrology and Water
Quality
Creek restoration and the inclusion of
Contra Costa Flood Control Agency’s “50
Year Plan”
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality.

Recreation Requests the EIR consider potential
impacts to parks and open space
Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.11, Public Services and Recreation
Transportation and
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Commenters are concerned with the
impacts of transportation and greenhouse
gas emissions.

Comments relevant to CEQA are addressed in
Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy,
and in Section 3.12, Transportation.

Source: Table compiled by Rincon Consultants in 2022.

1.3 Scope and Adequacy

1.3.1 Scope and Sources
This EIR addresses impacts related to all topics listed in 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G.

The alternatives chapter of this EIR (Chapter 5.0) was prepared in accordance with Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines and focuses on alternatives that are capable of eliminating or reducing significant adverse effects associated with the project while feasibly attaining most of the basic project objectives. In addition, the alternatives chapter identifies the “environmentally superior” alternative among the alternatives assessed. The alternatives evaluated include the CEQA-required “No Project” alternative and three alternative development scenarios for the General Plan area.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-17
In preparing this EIR, use was made of pertinent City policies and guidelines, certified EIRs and adopted CEQA documents, and other background documents. References are included as footnote citation references where relevant throughout this EIR document.

1.3.2 Content Adequacy
The level of detail contained throughout this EIR is consistent with the requirements of CEQA and applicable court decisions. Section 15151 of the CEQA Guidelines provides the standard of adequacy on which this document is based. The Guidelines state:
“An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision-makers with information which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the main points of disagreement among the experts. The courts have looked not for perfection, but for adequacy, completeness, and a good faith effort at full disclosure.”

1.4 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies

1.4.1 Lead Agency
The CEQA Guidelines define lead, responsible and trustee agencies. The City of Pleasant Hill is the lead agency for the proposed plan, because it holds principal responsibility for approving the proposed plan.

1.4.2 Responsible Agencies
A responsible agency refers to a public agency other than the lead agency that has discretionary approval over a project or plan. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a responsible agency under CEQA for the proposed plan.

1.4.3 Trustee Agencies
A trustee agency refers to a State agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project or plan. The CDFW is a trustee agency for the proposed plan.

1.5 Environmental Review Process
The environmental impact review process, as required under CEQA, is summarized below and illustrated in Figure 1-1. The steps are presented in sequential order.

Notice of Preparation (NOP). After deciding that an EIR is required, the lead agency (City of Pleasant Hill) filed a NOP soliciting input on the EIR scope to the State Clearinghouse, other concerned agencies, and parties previously requesting notice in writing (CEQA Guidelines Section 15082; Public Resources Code Section 21092.2). The NOP for this EIR was posted in the Contra Costa County Clerk’s office for 30 days. In addition, the City of Pleasant Hill held an EIR Scoping Meeting on July 26, 2022.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-18
Draft EIR. This Draft EIR contains the following required components: a) table of contents or index; b) summary; c) project description; d) environmental setting as part of the various topical sections; e) discussion of significant impacts (direct, indirect, cumulative, growth-inducing, and unavoidable impacts) as part of the various topical sections; f) a discussion of alternatives; g) mitigation measures as part of the various topical sections; and h) discussion of irreversible change (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15120 through 15132).

Notice of Completion (NOC). The lead agency must file a NOC with the State Clearinghouse when it completes a Draft EIR and prepare a Public Notice of Availability of a Draft EIR. The lead agency must place the NOC in the County Clerk’s office for 30 days (Public Resources Code Section 21092) and send a copy of the NOC to anyone requesting it (CEQA Guidelines Section 15087). Additionally, public notice of Draft EIR availability must be given through at least one of the following procedures: a) publication in a newspaper of general circulation; b) posting on and off the project site (not appropriate for citywide or plan-level efforts such as the proposed plan); and c) direct mailing to owners and occupants of contiguous properties (not appropriate for citywide or plan-level efforts such as the proposed plan). The lead agency must solicit input from other agencies and the public and respond in writing to all comments received (Public Resources Code Sections 21104 and 21253). The minimum public review period for a Draft EIR is 30 days. When a Draft EIR is sent to the State Clearinghouse for review, the public review period must be 45 days unless the State Clearinghouse approves a shorter period (Public Resources Code Section 21091). Given such requirements, this Draft EIR will be noticed via publication in a newspaper of general circulation and involve a 45-day public review and comment period.

Final EIR. A Final EIR must include the following components: a) the Draft EIR; b) copies of comments received during public review; c) list of persons and entities commenting; and d) responses to comments (CEQA Guidelines Section 15132).

Final EIR Certification. Prior to making a decision on the proposed plan, the lead agency must certify that: a) the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA; b) the Final EIR was presented to the decision-making body of the lead agency (i.e., Pleasant Hill City Council); and c) the decision-making body reviewed and considered the information in the Final EIR prior to approving the proposed plan (CEQA Guidelines Section 15090).

Lead Agency Plans Decision. The lead agency may a) disapprove the proposed plan because of its significant environmental effects; b) require changes to the proposed plan to reduce or avoid significant environmental effects; or c) approve the proposed plan despite its significant environmental effects, if the proper findings and statement of overriding considerations are adopted (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15042 and 15043).

Findings/Statement of Overriding Considerations. For each significant impact of the proposed plan identified in the EIR, the lead agency must find, based on substantial evidence, that either:
a) the proposed plan has been changed to avoid or substantially reduce the magnitude of the impact; b) changes to the proposed plan are within another agency’s jurisdiction and such changes have or should be adopted; or c) specific economic, social, or other considerations make the mitigation measures or proposed plan alternatives infeasible (CEQA Guidelines Section 15091). If an agency approves a plan or project with unavoidable significant environmental effects, it must prepare a written Statement of Overriding Considerations that sets forth the specific social, economic, or other reasons supporting the agency’s decision.

Introduction
Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-19
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program. When the lead agency makes findings on significant effects identified in the EIR, it must adopt a reporting or monitoring program for mitigation measures that were adopted or made conditions of project approval to mitigate significant effects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15097).

Notice of Determination (NOD). The lead agency must file a NOD after deciding to approve a plan or project for which an EIR is prepared (CEQA Guidelines Section 15094). A local agency must file the NOD with the County Clerk. The NOD must be posted for 30 days and sent to anyone previously requesting notice. Posting of the NOD starts a 30-day statute of limitations on CEQA legal challenges (Public Resources Code Section 21167[c]).

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
1-20
Figure 1-1 Environmental Review Process
Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-1
2 Project Description
As part of an overarching planning process, the City of Pleasant Hill (City) proposes to adopt an update to the City General Plan, including eight respective City General Plan elements (collectively referred to in this EIR as the 2040 General Plan). The 2040 General Plan elements include: Land Use; Housing; Transportation and Circulation; Hazards and Safety; Environment; Open Space, Parks, and Recreation; Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure; and Economics and Economy.

The 2040 General Plan serves as the long-term blueprint for development across the City Sphere of Influence (the General Plan area).1This chapter provides an overview of the plan area location and setting as well as the proposed plan’s objectives, land use components, and policies. Intended uses of this EIR by agencies with permitting and approval authority over the proposed plan, in addition to required permits and approvals, are also discussed.

2.1 Plan Area Location and Setting

2.1.1 Regional Location
The City of Pleasant Hill is located in Contra Costa County within the San Francisco Bay Area (see Figure 2-1), and the General Plan area involves all land within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence (see Figure 2-2). Pleasant Hill is bound by the communities of Pacheco and Martinez to the north, Concord to the east, and Walnut Creek to the south. The Briones Hills are located to the west of Pleasant Hill, forming a natural barrier to development between the San Francisco Bay and inland East Bay valleys. Pleasant Hill is approximately 15 miles northeast of the City of Oakland, 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, and 40 miles north of San Jose. Principal regional transportation facilities serving Pleasant Hill are Interstate 680 (I-680), State Route 242, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and the Oakland International Airport. Regional bus service is also provided by County Connection.

2.1.2 Local Setting
Pleasant Hill is characterized as a suburban residential community. Approximately 62 percent of land within Pleasant Hill is occupied with residential uses, primarily single-family. Office and institutional uses, which include care facilities, churches, schools, shelters and government-owned property, occupy 18 percent of Pleasant Hill land, and commercial areas occupy 7 percent.

Recreation and open space account for 8 percent of Pleasant Hill land, industrial uses comprise 2 percent, and 3 percent of land in the City is vacant. Pleasant Hill falls within the Grayson-Murderers sub-watershed, which is 11,021 acres in size and also includes the western portion of Walnut Creek and the eastern portion of Briones Regional Park. The local climate in Pleasant Hill is characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
1 The area covered by the 2040 General Plan consists of the corporate limits of the City as well as lands within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). The term “sphere of influence” applies to the area designated by Contra Costa County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as the probable, future physical boundary or service area of the City. Overall, planning decisions made for the City are assumed to have a bearing on growth and development in these unincorporated adjacent areas; however, the City does not propose to annex any of this area as part of this General Plan. Instead, the General Plan will continue the City’s longtime policy of deferring to the County land use designations and regulations in the SOI. Any development or change that happens in the SOI during the lifetime of the General Plan will occur under the jurisdiction of County. Therefore, this EIR does not evaluate impacts resulting from future growth within the SOI as part of the proposed plan. However, where relevant, this EIR does evaluate potential impacts resulting from future growth within the City limit to lands within the SOI. The SOI is also included in the cumulative setting for this EIR.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-2
Figure 2-1 Regional Location
Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-3
Figure 2-2 Plan Area Location
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-4

2.2 Existing Plan Area Characteristics
The 2040 Pleasant Hill General Plan area covers the 7.10 square miles (or 4,544 acres) of land within Pleasant Hill City limits. Approximately 34,231 people live within the General Plan area as of 2019, representing a density of about 4,821 people per square mile. In addition, 14,340 housing units exist within the General Plan area as of 2019.
2 2.3 Existing Land Use Designations
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan Land Use Element establishes 18 separate land use designations to provide a mixture of land uses for the City. The existing City of Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map is shown in Figure 2-3.

2.4 Plan Objectives
The City’s General Plan objectives 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. 2 California Department of Finance (DOF). 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, January 2011- 2021, with 2010 Benchmark. Available: <https://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/e-5/>. Accessed September 2022 Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-5
Figure 2-3 Existing Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-6

2.5 Proposed Plan Components
Proposed General Plan Land Use Allowance
Table 2-1 shows the overall land use components summary for the 2040 General Plan and is followed by a more-detailed description of the proposed plan. For conservative and reasonable analysis purposes, the City has decided to assume maximum 2040 General Plan buildout (of both residential and non-residential uses) by 2040 within Pleasant Hill. While not likely to occur, maximum buildout represents development of every land parcel within Pleasant Hill in accordance with the proposed land use designation included in the proposed 2040 General Plan. Pleasant Hill, and the 2040 General Plan boundary, for purposes of this EIR is considered all land within City limits.

Table 2-1 also indicates the net change from Pleasant Hill existing conditions (in 2022) to proposed full buildout of the 2040 General Plan by 2040; this EIR analyzes the net change in terms of potential physical environmental impacts.

Table 2-1 Existing and Proposed Plan Land Uses Components Summary Existing
(2022)
Proposed
(2040)
Net Change from Existing
to Proposed
Residential Units 14,340 33,556 19,216
Non-residential gsf 8,004,317 17,160,530 3 9,156,213
The 2040 General Plan would provide the framework for development of up to 19,216 net new4 primary and accessory dwelling residential units, with the following composition:
 7,150 single-family primary units (including 525 accessory dwelling units [ADUs])  12,066 multi-family primary units
The 2040 General Plan would provide the framework for development of up to 9,156,213 net new non-residential gross square feet (gsf), with the following composition:
 1,358,792 gsf of commercial, neighborhood business, and mixed uses  (217,081) gsf of office uses
 168,672 of industrial uses
 6,444,767 gsf of school uses
 1,401,063 gsf of semi-public and institutional uses
Density ranges would be between 1.3 and 100 dwelling units per acre.

With relatively limited opportunities for new development in Pleasant Hill, the 2040 General Plan emphasizes infill and reuse development within the City limits, encourages higher-density and mixed-use projects where appropriate, and supports development that compliments the existing natural and built environment. Future development would occur where existing roads, water, and sewer are in place and in a manner that minimizes the impact of development on existing infrastructure and services.
3 Proposed non-residential gsf consists of 3,408,420 gsf of retail,  4,167,310 gsf of service, 181,600 gsf of manufacturing, and 9,403,200 gsf of other uses. 4 Net new means the change from City of Pleasant Hill existing (2019) development to full buildout of the proposed plan (i.e., 2040 General Plan) by 2040; this EIR analyzes the net change in terms of potential physical environmental impacts.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-7
Specific land use designations are currently proposed for the 2040 General Plan area. These specific map amendments are to ensure consistency with existing land uses, such as public utilities, recreational facilities, and parks. These amendments will not substantially change the development potential for these properties. Rather, the 2040 General Plan serves as the City’s long-term development blueprint through 2040, contains goals and policies guiding land use and infrastructure decisions through 2040, and brings the General Plan up to date in response to latest State and regional plans and regulations related to housing,5 climate-related hazards, 6 emergency evacuation
routes and access, water supply, and mobility. As such, the updated policies of the proposed 2040 General Plan are the focus of the 2040 General Plan description below, and the development opportunities under the umbrella of the 2040 General Plan are discussed in detail under the proposed Land Use Element and Housing Element descriptions.

Proposed General Plan Elements Aspects
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element contains the Land Use Map as well as the policies and standards that directly shape land use decisions and the resulting physical development of Pleasant Hill. The Land Use Element includes goals, policies, and programs that guide land development in Pleasant Hill. The Element addresses the type and intensity of development allowed on a site, the mix of uses permitted within Pleasant Hill, and the character of the community. The Land Use Element also determines the general location of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses.

This Element balances land use issues, opportunities, and constraints with the community’s other needs and desires.

PROPOSED LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The Land Use Element establishes 23 separate land use designations to provide a mixture of land uses for the City. The specific proposed land use designations in the Land Use Element are shown in Table 2-2. Figure 2-4 shows the proposed City of Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map.

Table 2-2 Description of Proposed Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
Residential
Single-Family Low
Density
The Single-Family Low-Density designation is
intended for the development of dwelling units on
larger parcels ranging from 15,000-20,000 sq. ft.

This designation also permits the development of
accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Per State law
ADUs are not counted toward the allowable
density.

1.3-3.0 units/acre n/a
Single-Family Medium
Density
The Single-Family Medium-Density designation is
intended for the development dwelling units on
parcels ranging from 7,000-10,000 sq. ft. This
designation also permits the development of
accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

3.1-4.5 units/acre n/a
5 The City will update the Pleasant Hill Housing Element as part of the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and to comply with California Government Code Sections 65580 to 65589.11. 6 Pursuant to SB 379, which amended California Government Code Section 65302.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-8
Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
Single-Family High
Density
The Single-Family High-Density designation is
intended for the development of dwelling units on
parcels as small as 6,000 sq. ft. This designation
also permits the development of accessory
dwelling units (ADUs).

4.6-6.0 units/acre n/a
Mangini-Delu-Winslow
Residential
The Mangini-Delu-Winslow Residential
designation identifies the Mangini-Delu-Winslow
parcels located at Taylor Boulevard and Pleasant
Hill Road, which are suitable for a variety of
housing types. This designation also permits the
development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

4.6-13.0
units/acre
n/a
Multi-Family Very Low
Density
The Multi-Family Very Low-Density designation
identifies areas suitable for the development of
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and
very-small-lot, single-family dwelling units. This
designation also permits the development of
accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

7.0-12.0
units/acre
n/a
Multi-Family Low Density The Multi-Family Low-Density designation identifies areas suitable for the development of
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses,
detached and attached single-family dwelling
units, and mobile homes. This designation also
permits the development of accessory dwelling
units (ADUs).

12.1-20.0
units/acre
n/a
Multi-Family Medium
Density
The Multi-Family Medium-Density designation
identifies areas suitable for the development of
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses,
mobile homes, and condominiums. This
designation also permits the development of
accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

20.1-30.0
units/acre
n/a
Multi-Family High
Density
The Multi-Family High-Density designation
identifies areas suitable for the development of
townhouses, studio flats, condominiums, and
apartments. This designation also permits the
development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

30.1-40.0
units/acre
n/a
Multi-Family Very High
Density
The Multi-Family Very High-Density designation
identifies areas suitable for the development of
studio flats, condominiums, and apartments. This
designation also permits the development of
accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

40.1-73.0
units/acre
n/a
Cleaveland Multi-family
Very High Density
The Cleveland Multi-family Very High-Density
designation allows multi-family residential uses
(i.e., apartments and condominiums) and applies
only to the approximately 2.3-acre area covered
by the Downtown Cleaveland Specific Plan.

40.1-93.0
units/acre

0.4-0.85
Mixed Use
Mixed-Use
Neighborhood
The Mixed-Use Neighborhood designation
identifies areas suitable for the development of
small-scale neighborhood centers where area
residents can gather to socialize or shop. This
designation allows for diverse uses, including
residential, commercial, office, employment, and

1.3-20.0
units/acre

0.75 (max)
Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-9
Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
personal services, located within the same
building (vertical mixed-use) or on the same site
(horizontal mixed-use). The intensity of
development in the Mixed-Use Neighborhood
designation is lower than that in the other mixeduse designations to maintain compatibility with adjacent lower-density single-family
neighborhoods.

Mixed-Use The Mixed-Use designation combines residential with retail, commercial, office and/or public uses
with flexible parking and setback requirements.

This designation allows for diverse uses, including
residential, commercial, office, entertainment,
and personal services, located within the same
building (vertical mixed-use) or on the same site
(horizontal mixed-use). Residential types allowed
in this designation include live work units,
townhouses, apartments, studio flats, and
condominiums.

12.0-40.0
units/acre

0.4-0.75
Mixed-Use High-Density The Mixed-Use High-Density designation combines more intense residential types with
retail, commercial, office and/or public uses with
flexible parking and setback requirements. This
designation allows for diverse uses, including
residential, commercial, office, entertainment,
and personal services, located within the same
building (vertical mixed—use) or on the same site
(horizontal mixed-use). Residential types allowed
in this designation include live-work units,
townhouses, apartments, studio flats, and
condominiums.

40.1-70.0
units/acre

0.4-0.75
Mixed-Use Very HighDensityThe Mixed-Use Very High-Density designation combines residential with retail, commercial,
office and/or public uses with flexible parking and
setback requirements. This designation allows for
the most intensive uses, including high-density
residential, commercial, hotels, office,
entertainment, and personal services, located
within the same building (vertical mixed-use) or
on the same site (horizontal mixed-use). The
intent is to shape active street frontages within
this designation that create unique social activity
community spaces. Residential types allowed in
this designation include live-work units,
townhouses, apartments, studio flats, and
condominiums.

70.1-100.0
units/acre

0.4-0.85
Commercial
Commercial and Retail The Commercial and Retail designation includes shopping centers, banks, hotels, personal services
(such as barber shops and dry cleaners),
entertainment and cultural venues, restaurants,
auto sales and service, and ancillary offices
n/a 0.4 (max)
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-10
Land Use Designation Description
Residential
Density
Intensity (Floor
Area Ratio)
Neighborhood Business The Neighborhood Business designation includes small-format retail focusing on neighborhoodserving uses including, but not limited to, banks, personal services (such as barbershops and dry
cleaners), restaurants, and ancillary offices.
n/a 0.35 (max)
Tourist Commercial Tourist Commercial provides for commercial retail and service uses oriented toward tourists and
other visitors to the community. The designation
includes hotels. motels and related facilities. and
visitor-serving businesses. Project development
shall have a Floor-Area Ratio maximum of 1.00.
n/a 1.00 (max)
Industrial
Light Industrial The Light Industrial designation includes areas suitable for light manufacturing, assembly uses,
research and development, and flex industrial
space with limited or very low nuisance
characteristics. This designation allows for office,
retail, and other service uses that serve the
employees in the area. Uses that are ancillary to
the primary use of a property, such as product
display and/or sampling areas, facility tours, and
promotional events, are also permissible.
n/a 0.35 (max)
Resource and Public Institutional
Semi-Public and
Institutional
The Semi-Public and Institutional designation
includes utility facilities and easements, libraries,
City offices, fire stations, churches, and hospitals.
n/a 0.4 (max)
Office The Office designation includes business, medical and professional uses, office buildings and office
parks with ancillary commercial and retail uses
n/a 0.4 (max)
School The School designation includes properties
dedicated to educational facilities including public
and private schools, as well as higher education
facilities.
n/a 0.75 (max)
Park The Park designation designates existing and
proposed parkland, both developed and
undeveloped. Typically, these areas are
characterized by a high degree of open area, and a
limited number of structures.
n/a n/a
Open Space The Open Space designation is essentially
unimproved land devoted to preservation of
natural resources and outdoor recreation.
n/a n/a
Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Land Use Element.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-11

PROPOSED NON-RESIDENTIAL SITES AND DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREAS The 2040 General Plan proposes changes to non-residential land uses on currently underutilized sites (e.g., surface parking lots or vacant land). New land uses would include commercial, office, retail (all allowed under residential mixed-use designations). New non-residential land uses would be located throughout the City, including along Contra Costa Boulevard, along Gregory Lane, around Diablo Valley College, the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Boulevard, Hookston Road, Taylor Boulevard, and Oak Park Boulevard.

The 2040 General Plan proposes to include policies specific to 10 focus areas within Pleasant Hill.

Focus areas include Diablo Valley College, Mangini-Delu, Downtown Pleasant Hill, Hookston Industrial Area, Contra Costa Boulevard, Gregory Lane, Taylor Boulevard, Oak Park Boulevard, Monument Boulevard, and Ellinwood Way. Each of these focus areas have unique characteristics that would require specific policies to address. A map of the focus areas is shown in Figure 2-5.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-12
Figure 2-4 Proposed Pleasant Hill Land Use Designations Map Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-13
Figure 2-5 Development Focus Areas within Pleasant Hill City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-14

PROPOSED LAND USE ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Land Use Element are shown in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3 Pleasant Hill Land Use Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal LU-1 Promote a city image that reflects the community’s diversity, inclusivity, forward-thinking, and high quality of life.

Policy LU-1.1 City Atmosphere. Enhance the quality of life and civic pride through a diverse range of development types that create a memorable place to live, play, and work.

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-1.4 Gateway Features. Enhance key intersections and entries to the city with signs, landscaping, and streetscape features.

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-1.7 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-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-2 Promote scenic routes and corridors in the city that add to the overall character of the City.

Policy LU-2.1 Scenic Route Setbacks. Enforce setbacks from the right-of-way for scenic routes, in which only landscaping and pedestrian and bicycle routes may be allowed.

Policy LU-2.2 Scenic Route Improvements. Coordinate with the County in planning for scenic route improvements.

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.

Policy LU-3.3 Neighborhood Access. Ensure that new residential development includes 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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-15
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy LU-3.5 Varying Housing Typologies. Support the development of a broad range of housing types, to increase housing choice, neighborhood diversity, and innovative design.

Policy LU-3.6 Aesthetic Enhancement. Encourage aesthetic enhancement of residential areas, while retaining the quality of individual neighborhoods.

Policy LU-3.7 Residential Intensification Criteria. When considering development proposals that include the following characteristics:
(1) intensify residential zoning or land use designations; (2) change land use designations from commercial to residential; (3) granting a residential density above the maximum density range established by the General Plan;
(4) change land use designations from residential to commercial; or (5) an intensification of commercial,
The City shall only permit such changes (1-5 above) when the following criteria have been met, subject to City Council approval:
(a) effective mitigation of environmental constraints, noise, traffic, and other hazards; (b) excellence of design;
(c) compatibility with adjacent development; and
(d) at least one of the following: provision of affordable housing pursuant to the policies in the City’s Housing Element or the provision of parkland or recreation facilities.

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-4.2 Strip Commercial Conversion. Encourage existing strip commercial uses to be redeveloped into pedestrian-friendly, contemporary shopping environments 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
Policy LU-4.4 Capture Local Spending. Encourage the development of a broad range of commercial uses that capture a greater share of local spending and reduce residents’ reliance upon travel to nearby communities.

Policy LU-4.5 Vertical and Horizontal Mixed-use. Encourage vertical and horizontal mixed-use development at key intersections and within neighborhoods that result in distinct and cohesive pedestrian-oriented places that provide additional neighborhood-serving amenities and intensified economic vitality.

Policy LU-4.6 Commercial and Mixed-Use Project Impacts. Consider the impact of new commercial and mixeduse projects and substantial enlargements or additions on schools and public agencies.

Policy LU-4.7 Commercial Intensification Criteria. When making decisions regarding intensification of commercial land uses, the City shall only permit such changes when the change in land use is reasonably expected by the City Council to result in:
(a) effective mitigation of environmental constraints, noise, traffic, and other hazards; (b) excellence of design;
(c) compatibility with adjacent development; and
(d) at least one of the following: provision of affordable housing pursuant to the policies in the City’s Housing Element or the provision of parkland or recreation facilities or equivalent funding for development of such facilities.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-16
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal LU-5 Protect and enhance Pleasant Hill’s quality of life and unique identity while continuing to grow and change
Policy LU-5.1 Measure J Compliance. Implement and ensure compliance and consistency with the Measure J Growth Management Program Implementation Documents.

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-5.4 Evaluate Project Approval. Approve new development only after finding that performance standards will be maintained following project occupancy. If necessary, require project-specific actions to ensure compliance.

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 LU-6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.

Policy LU-6.1 DVC Coordination. Coordinate with DVC on future development efforts to ensure consistency between the City’s and DVC’s goals and actions.

Policy LU-6.2 Encourage the creation of a DVC District. Encourage development of a vibrant, walkable district centered around DVC and Golf Club Road that includes student and faculty housing, retail, and daily service uses for students, faculty, and staff.

Policy LU-6.3 Creek Access from Businesses. Encourage businesses to provide secondary access to the creek and future multi-use trails.

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-6.5 Structured Parking. Encourage new DVC development to provide structured parking in lieu of surface parking to provide opportunity for common open space and development of underutilized sites.

Policy LU-6.6 Access to Contra Costa Canal Trail. Require new development to provide secondary access to the Contra Costa Canal Trail.

Policy LU-6.7 Comprehensive Planning Process. Development of the Mangini-Delu site shall be subject to a comprehensive planning process that assures the site is planned and developed in a coordinated, integrated manner. A plan for the site shall, at a minimum, shall include a traffic study and parking analysis, review of site orientation and clustering of development, preservation of natural habitat, inclusion of open space and onsite amenities, and review of compatibility and consistency with surrounding development.

Policy LU-6.8 Housing Diversity. Require future development of the Mangini-Delu site to include a variety to housing types.

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-6.10 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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-17
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy LU-6.11 Limited Access. Limit access points into the Mangini-Delu site onto Taylor Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, if appropriate, to ease congestion and mitigate traffic impacts.

Policy LU-6.12 Creek Access. Require new development of the Mangini-Delu site to provide publicly accessible walking trails that provide access to the creek.

Policy LU-6.13 Creek Preservation and Incorporation. Coordinate with Contra Costa Flood Control and Water Conservation District (CCFCD) to support creek preservation on the Mangini-Delu site and the incorporation of environmentally friendly flood control measures.

Policy LU-6.14 Downtown Identity. Continue to reinforce and enhance the identity of Downtown as the commercial, civic, and cultural center of Pleasant Hill.

Policy LU-6.15 Downtown Expansion. Support the expansion of the Downtown commercial core to include the intersection of Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane, by further accommodating a broader array of uses and activities.

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-6.17 Entertainment Hub. Enhance Downtown Pleasant Hill as the entrainment hub of the city by attracting new restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail establishments.

Policy LU-6.18 Vertical Mixed-Use. Encourage the addition and conversion of underutilized upper floor spaces to incentivize additional residential uses.

Policy LU-6.19 Civic-Oriented Uses. Encourage the establishment of civic-oriented uses Downtown such as a city arts/performing arts venue, further promoting Downtown as the civic center of the community.

Policy LU-6.20 Community Gathering Spaces. Support enhancements to community gathering spaces through additional amenities such as seating areas and public Wi-Fi.

Policy LU-6.21 Enhancement of Industrial Sites. Support the incorporation of flexible accessory uses that benefit existing industrial businesses and employees.

Policy LU-6.22 Diversity of Uses. Support the development of expanded light industrial, research and development, and collaborative workspaces within the Hookston Industrial Area.

Policy LU-6.23 Low Employment Uses. Discourage the establishment of low employment uses such a warehousing and distribution centers in the Hookston Industrial Area.

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-6.26 Strip Commercial. Support compact commercial development by discouraging new “strip” center development patterns along Contra Costa Boulevard. Strip centers are characterized by lowdensity commercial frontage with parking in front of the building and multiple access driveways.

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-6.28 Parcel Consolidation. Support parcel consolidation in the East Vivian Neighborhood to stimulate future mixed-use development.

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-6.30 Street Activation. Encourage active street fronts to create vibrant spaces for the community to congregate, including paseos, courtyards, expanded outdoor dining, expanded sidewalks, and enhanced landscaping.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-18
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy LU-6.31 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Contra Costa Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Policy LU-6.32 Commercial Use Design. Support the design of commercial uses on Contra Costa Boulevard that relate to, and reflect uses adjacent to and behind, those uses, with careful attention to design themes common to specific blocks along the boulevard.

Policy LU-6.33 Mixed-Use Compatibility. Ensure that development of the mixed-use parcels on the west side of Contra Costa Boulevard considers the interface with the lower-density parcels to the west of Shirley Drive. The mixed-use area shall be connected to- not walled off from -, the lower-density residential area, but designed in a way that reduces conflict and promotes compatibility between uses.

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.

Policy LU-6.35 Parcel Consolidation. Support parcel consolidation along Gregory Lane, between Pleasant Hill Road and Contra Costa Boulevard to stimulate future neighborhood-serving mixed-use development.

Policy LU-6.36 Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Gregory Lane.

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-6.38 Neighborhood-Serving Mixed-Use. Encourage the development of Gregory Lane to attract lowintensity, 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-6.40 Safety Enhancements. Promote Taylor Boulevard safety enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists to lessen and mitigate potential vehicular collisions.

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-6.42 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.

Policy LU-6.44 Commercial Nodes. Promote the investment and enhancement of the existing retail centers at Oak Park and Patterson Boulevard to create a vibrant commercial node.

Policy LU-6.45 EBMUD Trail Connections. Promote and encourage the connectivity of new Oak Park Boulevard development to the EBMUD Trail.

Policy LU-6.46 Parcel Consolidation. Support parcel consolidation along Oak Park Boulevard, east of Patterson Boulevard to stimulate future neighborhood-serving mixed-use development.

Policy LU-6.47 Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Oak Park Boulevard.

Policy LU-6.48 Pedestrian Connectivity. Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks.

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.

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 LU-6.51 Gateway Entry. Support the implementation of city gateway signage or monument at the entrance to Pleasant Hill from Concord southwest of Mohr Lane.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-19
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy LU-6.52 Iron Horse Trail Connections. Support and encourage new Monument Boulevard developments to provide secondary access and additional connections to the Iron Horse Trail.

Policy LU-6.53 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Monument Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Policy LU-6.54 Office Conversion. Support the conversion of designated Ellinwood Way office sites to multi-family and mixed-use to provide additional housing and retail opportunities for Pleasant Hill residents.

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 LU-6.56 Standalone Residential. Support the inclusion of standalone multi-family residential developments on Ellinwood Way.

Goal LU-7 Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy LU-7.1 Health in All Policies. Prioritize the overall health of residents in city strategies, programs, daily operations, and practices.

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.

Policy LU-7.4 Outdoor Spaces. Encourage all new development to include designated areas or other shared spaces for outdoor uses.

Policy LU-7.5 Aging in Place. Promote community health, safety, and neighborhood cohesiveness by supporting a range of housing types, such as affordable, multi-generational, independent and assisted living, and neighborhood amenities that allow residents to age in place.

Goal LU-8 Ensure that all land use decisions benefit all residents and do not create a disproportionate burden to any resident based on age, identity, income, race, color, educational status, or national origin.

Policy LU-8.1 Health and Safety Impacts. Consider potential adverse health and safety impacts associated with land use decisions and reduce negative impacts associated with hazardous materials, industrial activities, facility locations, and design features on City residents.

Policy LU-8.2 Incompatible Land Uses. Prohibit the introduction of new incompatible land uses and environmental hazards into existing residential areas.

Policy LU-8.3 Public Service and Infrastructure Equity. Provide public services and infrastructure, including parks, recreational facilities, community gardens, and public safety facilities, equitably to all city residents.

Policy LU-8.4 Safe and Sanitary Housing. Provide standards for development that promote safe and sanitary housing through implementation of the Housing Element.

Goal LU-9 Ensure all residents have equal access to healthy foods, education, green spaces, and medical services.

Policy LU-9.1 Access to Community Assets. Identify and address gaps in access to residential, commercial, recreation facilities, natural open spaces areas, and physical and mental health resources, to help ensure that these resources are equally available to all residents.

Policy LU-9.2 Equity in Capital Projects. Equitably invest in capital improvements citywide.

Policy LU-9.3 Healthy Food Providers. Encourage farmers’ markets and healthier food options, including grocery and other stores that sell fresh food products, particularly near child-oriented uses. (e.g., schools, day care, parks).

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-20
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy LU-9.4 Government-issued Vouchers. Coordinate with farmer’s market vendors and local food retailers to accept payment through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which allows residents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to purchase food with their program benefits.

Goal LU-10 Fully engage the public in City decision-making and facilitate public involvement in civic life.

Policy LU-10.1 Transparent Public Decision-Making. Ensure transparent public decision-making processes through effective public outreach, engagement, and participation that is inclusive of socially disadvantaged individuals and groups.

Policy LU-10.2 Scheduling City Events. Schedule City events using different days, times, and formats (i.e., virtual and digital accessibility) to encourage and facilitate participation among community members with work, school, and other obligations that conflict with more traditional scheduling.

Policy LU-10.3 Community Budgeting. Engage the community through multiple participation opportunities in the City’s budget process.

Policy LU-10.4 Collaboration. Continue to collaborate with other organizations and groups to provide services and programs for all city residents.

Policy LU-10.5 Youth Engagement. Encourage students from all grades, including their families to attend and participate in City events, activities, and public meetings such as the City Council, Planning Commission, and Architectural Review Commission.

Goal LU-11 Promote the effective use and implementation of the General Plan Land Use Diagram.

Policy LU-11.1 Land Use Diagram. Maintain and implement a Land Use Diagram describing the types of allowed land uses by geographic location and the density of allowed uses within each designation.

Policy LU-11.2 Land Use Designations. Apply land use designation to all parcels of land as depicted on the General Land Use Diagram.

Policy LU-11.3 Zoning Designations. Ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Diagram.

Policy LU-11.4 General Plan Amendments. Ensure that amendments to the General Plan land use designations, General Plan Land Use Diagram or General Plan text are consistent with the General Plan vision, guiding principles, and relevant goals and policies.

Goal LU-12 Provide a clear framework for the ongoing administration, maintenance, and implementation of this General Plan consistent with State law.

Policy LU-12.1 General Plan Review. Conduct a technical review of the General Plan as necessary to assure compliance with State law and responsiveness to current City needs.

Policy LU-12.2 Implementation Program Monitoring. Maintain and annually review the General Plan Implementation Programs. As part of this process, the City shall update the prioritization of programs based on applicability, relevance, timing of initiation, and availability of funding.

Implementation Programs
Program A Citywide Objective Design Standards. Prepare a comprehensive set of citywide objective design standards for all types of development (e.g., residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial) consistent with the policies in the 2040 General Plan.

Program B Five-Year Review of Design Standards. Review and amend the citywide objective design standards every five years to ensure proposed development is meeting the expectations of the community and is properly implementing the General Plan.

Program C Streetscape Improvements. Install streetscape improvements, pedestrian access elements, and public spaces to areas outside of downtown, and require new development in those areas to incorporate complementary features.

Program D Public Space Funding. Promote funding for public space improvements in the City’s biannual Capital Improvements Plan.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-21
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program E In-lieu Options for Public Art, Benefits, and Amenities Requirements. Prepare a study to explore in-lieu options for public art requirements, such as paying funds or setting aside space for future installation for projects below a certain size.

Program F Utility Undergrounding Study. Conduct a study evaluating the feasibility of requiring undergrounding of utilities in conjunction with installation or modification of public and private improvements.

Program G Visual Impacts Minimization Requirement. Amend the Zoning Ordinance to require minimization of visual impacts from structures adjacent to scenic routes.

Program H Scenic Route Landscaping Plans. Prepare provisions for scenic routes and corridors landscaping plans, including reviewing the scenic setback.

Program I Mangini-Delu Master Plan. Prepare a Master Plan for the Mangini-Delu site. The Master Plan at a minimum shall include:
 a robust community outreach and engagement process;
 traffic study and parking analysis;
 review of site orientation and clustering of development;  incorporation of objective design standards;
 preservation of natural habitat;
 inclusion of open space and onsite amenities;
 outreach and collaboration with the Recreation and Park District; and  review of compatibility and consistency with surrounding development.

Program J Taylor Boulevard Evaluation. Prepare an evaluation of potential safety measures and traffic calming options to address commute traffic problems on Taylor Boulevard resulting from cutthrough traffic.

Program K Monument Boulevard Upgrades. Prepare an analysis of necessary Monument Boulevard upgrades, including signalized crossings, bulb outs, expanded sidewalks, roadway improvements, and gateway signage. The analysis should include improvement prioritization, cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for improvements.

Program L Pedestrian and Bicycle Barrier Removal. Prepare an analysis of the physical barriers to walking and bicycling throughout the city. Identify options and prepare a program for barrier removal. The analysis should include improvement prioritization, cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for improvements.

Program M Five-year General Plan Review. Conduct a technical review of the General Plan every five years and revise and update as necessary to assure compliance with State law and responsiveness to current City needs.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Land Use Element.

Housing Element
State law requires that housing elements shall be updated every eight years.7 The proposed housing element update, the 2023-2031 Housing Element, identifies adequate sites to accommodate a variety of housing types for all income levels and needs of special population groups defined under State law,8 analyzes governmental constraints to housing maintenance, improvement, and development, addresses conservation and improvement of the condition of existing affordable housing stock, and outlines policies that promote housing opportunities for all persons. The 2040 General Plan updates the City of Pleasant Hill Housing Element as part of the 6th Cycle planning period.
7 Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65580 to 65589.8. 8 Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65583.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-22
As part of the 6th Cycle housing element update, cities are required to identify housing sites that provide the development capacity to accommodate build out of the City’s RHNA allocation at all income levels. To accommodate the City’s RHNA need for all income levels, future housing development would occur through a variety of methods as detailed in the Housing Resources section of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. This would include infill development within existing residential and commercial areas, development of accessory dwelling units (ADU), and entitled projects within Pleasant Hill. Housing elements are also required to consider ways to promote access to housing that is attainable for residents at all income levels, beyond focusing solely on opportunities for production of new units.

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE COMPONENTS
The update to the Housing Element would comply with State legislation passed since adoption of the City of Pleasant Hill General Plan in 2011 and revisions in 2015 and 2019. The 2023-2031 Housing Element would reflect current conditions and include the following components: 9  Introduction: An introduction and overview of the 2023-2031 Housing Element process and legal requirements, including data sources used to compile the Housing Element and its relationship to other General Plan Elements. This section also details the extent of public participation in the development of the Housing Element.  Housing Needs Assessment: A discussion of Pleasant Hill’s demographic and economic characteristics, along with growth projections for Northern California, housing growth forecasts compared to recent population and housing growth; and current housing stock in Pleasant Hill.

This section also includes an assessment of populations with special housing needs.  Housing Constraints Analysis: An analysis of market, regulatory, and environmental constraints on housing production, cost, and maintenance.
 Housing Resources: This section describes and analyzes the resources available for development, rehabilitation and preservation of housing in Pleasant Hill. This includes the availability of land resources and the ability to satisfy the City’s share of the regional housing need, and financial resources available to support the provision of affordable housing.  Housing Plan: This section contains objectives and policies that would address housing-related issues and to achieve the City’s overarching housing goals. This section also contains quantified objectives for the development of housing and preservation of affordable housing in Pleasant Hill.
 Appendices: The appendices offer a summary of public outreach, a summary of homeless facilities, a review of the accomplishments under the 2015-2023 Housing Element, the residential sites inventory, and a summary of Assembly Bill 686, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).

CHANGES IN STATE HOUSING LAW
Many new state housing laws have been enacted since the last housing element update cycle. The 2023-2031 Housing Element incorporates and addresses all pertinent housing law changes through analysis or new policies or programs. The 2023-2031 Housing Element is consistent with these 9 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element.https://pleasanthill2040.com/images/docs/PHGPU_04_Housing_PD_2022%2010%2020_GPAC%20Revisions.pdf (accessed January 2023)
Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-23
changes in State law, all of which are detailed in the introduction of the 2023-2031 Housing Element and are summarized below:
 Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval Process: SB 35 (2017), AB 168, and AB 831 – These bills support a streamlined, ministerial review process for qualifying multi-family, urban infill projects in jurisdictions that have failed to approve housing projects sufficient to meet their state‐mandated RHNA.
 Additional Housing Element Sites Analysis Requirements: AB 879 (2017) and AB 1397 (2017) – These bills require additional analysis and justification of the sites included in the sites inventory of the City’s Housing Element.
 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: AB 686 (2017) – AB 686 requires the City to administer its housing programs and activities in a manner to affirmatively further fair housing and not take any action that is inconsistent with this obligation.
 No-Net-Loss Zoning: SB 166 (2017) – SB 166 amended the No‐Net‐Loss rule to require that the land inventory and site identification programs in the Housing Element include sufficient sites to accommodate any unmet RHNA, should it exist. The Pleasant Hill sites inventory far exceeds the City’s RHNA, allowing for additional sites to be used for additional housing units as needed.  By Right Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing: AB 2162 (2018) and AB 101 (2019) – AB 2162 requires Pleasant Hill to change its zoning to provide a “by right” process and expedited review for supportive housing. Additionally, AB 101 requires that a Low Barrier Navigation Center development be an allowed use by right in mixed-use zones and nonresidential zones permitting multi-family uses if it meets specified requirements.  Accessory Dwelling Units: AB 2299 (2016), SB 1069 (2016), AB 494 (2017), SB 229 (2017), AB 68 (2019), AB 881 (2019), AB 587 (2019), SB 13 (2019), AB 670 (2019), AB 671 (2019), and AB 3182 (2020) – The 2016 and 2017 updates to State law included changes pertaining to the allowed size of accessory, permitting ADUs by right in at least some areas of a jurisdiction, and limits on parking requirements related to ADUs. More recent bills reduce the time to review and approve ADU applications to 60 days, remove lot size and replacement parking space requirements, and require local jurisdictions to permit junior ADUs.
 Density Bonus: AB 1763 (2019) and AB 2345 (2020) – AB 1763 amended California’s density bonus law to authorize significant development incentives to encourage 100 percent affordable housing projects, allowing developments with 100 percent affordable housing units to receive an 80 percent density bonus above the otherwise maximum allowable density on the site. AB 2345 created additional density bonus incentives for affordable housing units provided in a housing development project. It also requires that the annual report include information regarding density bonuses that were granted.
 Housing Crisis Act of 2019: SB 330 – SB 330 enacts changes to local development policies, permitting, and processes that will be in effect through January 1, 2025. Recent updates to this act include SB 8 (2019), which extended the operation of SB 330 until January 1, 2030.  Surplus Land Act Amendments: AB 1486 and AB 1255 (2019) – AB 1486 refines the Surplus Land Act to provide clarity and further enforcement to increase the supply of affordable housing. AB 1255 requires the City to create a central inventory of surplus and excess public land each year.

The City is required to transmit the inventory to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and to provide the list to the public upon request.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan
2-24
 Housing Impact Fee Data: AB 1483 (2019) – AB 1483 requires the City to publicly share information about zoning ordinances, development standards, fees, exactions, and affordability requirements.
 Emergency and Transitional Housing Act of 2019: AB 139 (2019) – AB 139 established new criteria for evaluating the needs of the homeless population.  Standardization of Sites Inventory Analysis and Reporting: SB 6 (2019) – SB 6 requires the City to electronically submit the sites inventory to HCD starting in 2021.

REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a California State Housing Law requirement that is part of the periodic process of updating local general plan housing elements. It is a process that determines existing and projected housing needs (i.e., RHNA allocation) for all jurisdictions in the state (including cities and unincorporated county areas) with the intent to provide opportunities for a mix of unit types, tenure, affordability, and help achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from cars and light trucks. The RHNA allocation process is conducted by the State and regional planning agencies every eight years. Pleasant Hill is a member city of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), which allocates a fair share of the total RHNA housing needed for each income category (as determined by the State) to the cities and unincorporated areas in the ABAG region. The RHNA quantifies the housing need in each jurisdiction for all economic segments of the community across four income categories: very low, low, moderate, and above moderate. Each jurisdiction must demonstrate in its Housing Element that it can accommodate the assigned RHNA at all income levels. This may include the identification of current vacant land that can accommodate residential use or infill sites that permit residential development. If the City cannot identify enough sites/parcels appropriately zoned to accommodate RHNA allocations, then the City must identify additional candidate housing sites.

The California Department of Finance population estimates and the RHNA are both used for regional transportation planning purposes. Senate Bill 375 (SB 375) integrates RHNA with the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). In the past, the RHNA was undertaken independently from the RTP. The California Legislature passed SB 375 in 2008 as the land use and transportation planning component of the State’s effort to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to achieve the GHG emission reduction goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32 [AB 32]). The law recognizes the importance of planning for housing and land use in creating sustainable communities where residents of all income levels have access to jobs, services, and housing by using transit, walking, or bicycling.

State Housing Law also requires that the RHNA process be consistent with the following objectives:
 Increasing the housing supply and the mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability in all cities and counties within the region in an equitable manner, which shall result in all jurisdictions receiving an allocation of units for low- and very low-income households  Promoting infill development and socioeconomic equity, protecting environmental and agricultural resources, and encouraging efficient development patterns  Promoting an improved intraregional relationship between jobs and housing  Allocating a lower proportion of housing need to an income category when a jurisdiction already has a disproportionately high share of households in that income category  Affirmatively furthering fair housing
Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-25
The RHNA allocates housing need based on future estimates of housing unit growth need over the RHNA planning period (2023-2031). The RHNA identifies the projected number of dwelling units that will be needed to accommodate estimated future growth need during the planning period at specified levels of affordability. In December 2021, ABAG issued its final 6th Cycle RHNA Allocation Plan, which determined that the City of Pleasant Hill needs to accommodate 1,803 dwelling units.

Table 2-4 indicates the RHNA allocation by income category. These categories are determined as a percentage of county area median income (AMI), adjusted for household size. Through the RHNA allocation, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) seeks to distribute the range of very low-, low-, moderate-, and above moderate-income dwelling units among all cities in the State to ensure each jurisdiction allocates a fair share of the full range of housing types.

Table 2-4 Pleasant Hill RHNA Allocation for 2023-2031 by Income Category Income Category (% of County AMI) Number of Units Percent1 Very low (<50%) 566 31%
Low (50% - 80%) 326 18%
Moderate (80% - 120%) 254 14%
Above moderate (>120%) 657 36%
Total 1,803 100%
AMI = Area Median Income
Note: 1Percentages are rounded to nearest whole numbers.

Source: ABAG RHNA Allocation Report, December 2020

PROPOSED HOUSING UNITS AND OPPORTUNITY SITES
The 2023 – 2031 Housing Element identifies 12 housing opportunity sites totaling approximately 36 acres. Additionally, the RHNA would include currently entitled or approved projects that are under construction or are pending construction and are expected to be completed during the sixth cycle RHNA period. There are 10 entitled or approved projects that would account for 91 low-income, 10 moderate-income, and 276 above-moderate-income units. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.1, the City can satisfy its regional housing need using ADU and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) trends and existing resources and incentives that promote their development. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, the City approved an average of 25 ADUs per year. As a conservative total, HCD recommends a minimum assumption equal to the average permitted total for recent years, which equates to 200 units. However, the City currently estimates a total of 320 ADUs or JADUs to be constructed through 2031.

The Housing Element must identify and analyze the City’s housing needs and establish reasonable goals, objectives, and policies based on those needs. The 2023-2031 Housing Element must also identify housing opportunity sites with the potential to accommodate housing at higher densities to meet the City’s assigned total low-income RHNA (extremely low, very low, and low income) category need. Pursuant to California Government Code 65583, a “default density” of 30 dwelling units per acre10 is deemed the appropriate density to accommodate Pleasant Hill’s housing for lower-income households (pursuant to the State’s population-based suburban category). The default density is considered by statute as appropriate to accommodate affordable housing at an acceptable density that contributes to the feasibility of lower-income housing units. As the City has limited availability of existing suitable land to accommodate future growth, it must identify 10 One acre equals 43,560 square feet.

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adequate sites with the potential to be developed at this density to meet the RHNA need for the lower-income categories. Pursuant to AB 2348 and AB 1397 requirements, the City of Pleasant Hill will be required to accommodate future growth need through the identification of sites/parcels that can be rezoned entirely or where a zoning overlay can be applied that permit residential development at specific affordability levels in compliance with State law.

Housing opportunity sites are primarily located on underutilized sites along Contra Costa Boulevard, north of I-680, and near the intersection of Gregory Lane and Pleasant Hill Road. There are also some outlying sites that would be located on Golf Club Road in the northwestern portion of Pleasant Hill and on Monument Boulevard southwest of I-680. County Connection provides transit services along Contra Costa Boulevard, Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill Road, Golf Club Road, and Monument Boulevard. Parks facilities near the housing opportunity sites would include Frank Salfingere Park, Pleasant Hill Park, and the Paso Nogal Open Space and Dog Park. Proposed housing opportunity sites are shown in Figure 2-6.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-27
Figure 2-6 Pleasant Hill Housing Opportunity Sites Locations City of Pleasant Hill
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PROPOSED HOUSING ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS
Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Housing Element are shown in Table 2-5.

Table 2-5 Pleasant Hill Housing Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal H-1 Maintain a housing supply sufficient to meet the housing needs of all Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy H-1.1 Monitor Development. Monitor residential and job producing development in the city in order to maintain and adequate housing supply for city residents.

Policy H-1.2 Maintain Adequate Supply. Maintain a sufficient supply of residential land with appropriate zoning to meet locally generated housing needs.

Policy H-1.3 Implement the Action Plan. Provide active leadership in implementing the policies and programs contained in the Housing Element
Policy H-1.4 Inter-jurisdictional Development. Encourage and facilitate inter-jurisdictional development of affordable housing.

Policy H-1.5 Encourage Higher Densities. Encourage development at the maximum allowed density to increase the quantity and affordability of the city’s housing stock Policy H-1.6 Provide Transparency. Provide transparency regarding information on housing-related actions, fees, and programs.

Goal H-2 Promote diversity in tenure, type, size, location, and price to permit a choice of housing for persons of all economic levels throughout the city.

Policy H-2.1 Housing Types. Allow a variety of housing types in all residential zones.

Policy H-2.2 Remove Constraints. Remove constraints to production and availability of housing, where possible.

Policy H-2.3 Streamline Review. Facilitate streamlined review of below market rate and special needs housing projects.

Policy H-2.4 Mixed Use Development. Encourage mixed-use development in commercial zones, at underutilized sites, and along transportation corridors.

Policy H-2.5 Promote Accessory Dwelling Unit Production. Promote the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all residential zones.

Policy H-2.6 Zone for Lot Splits and ADUs. Support SB 9 lot splits in residential zones.

Goal H-3 Increase housing opportunities for lower- and moderate-income households.

Policy H-3.1 Preference Policy. Facilitate construction of affordable housing by prioritizing new projects that include units for lower-income segments of the community.

Policy H-3.2 Workforce Housing. Look for opportunities to promote the development or preservation of housing affordable to those who work in Pleasant Hill.

Policy H-3.3 Low- and Moderate-income Housing. Participate in programs assisting production or preservation of affordable units in order to provide housing for low- and moderate-income households.

Policy H-3.4 Direct Assistance. Provide direct assistance to individuals and households needing affordable housing.

Goal H-4 Provide direct assistance to individuals and households needing affordable housing.

Policy H-4.1 Incentivize Special Needs Housing. Provide incentives for and encourage development of senior housing, and housing for the developmentally, mentally, and physically disabled, at sites where proximity to services and other features make it desirable.

Policy H-4.2 Support Shelter Efforts. Support efforts to provide temporary shelter for homeless persons.

Goal H-5 Protect and rehabilitate the existing housing stock.

Policy H-5.1 High Quality Neighborhoods. Maintain and enhance the quality of Pleasant Hill’s neighborhoods so they will retain their value as they mature.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-29
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy H-5.2 Housing Preservation. Preserve Pleasant Hill’s existing housing stock in habitable condition.

Policy H-5.3 Single-family Remodeling and Additions. Encourage updating and remodeling of single-family residences
Policy H-5.4 Livable Neighborhoods. Provide public services and improvements that keep neighborhoods safe and livable.

Goal H-6 Preserve the City’s affordable housing stock whenever and wherever feasible.

Policy H-6.1 Discourage Conversion to Non-residential Uses. Discourage the conversion of older residential units to non-residential uses.

Policy H-6.2 Preserve Affordable Units. Ensure that units produced for low- and moderate-income households are made available to those households and maintained as affordable units.

Policy H-6.3 Condominium Conversion. Prohibit conversion of multi-family rental units to market rate condominiums if such conversions would reduce the number of rental apartments to less than 20 percent of the city’s housing stock or if the rental apartment vacancy rate in the City is below 5 percent.

Goal H-7 Assure that housing programs maximize opportunity and housing choice throughout the city and proactively work to overcome patterns of economic segregation and discrimination based upon age, sex, race, sexual orientation, religion, familial status, ethnic background, or disability.

Policy H-7.1 Anti-discrimination. Ensure that individuals and families seeking housing in Pleasant Hill are not discriminated against on the basis of income, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, national origin, ethnicity, religion, occupation, or other similar factors.

Policy H-7.2 Fair Housing Service Provider. Support the fair housing services provider.

Policy H-7.3 Public Investments. Ensure public investments are equitably distributed throughout the community.

Policy H-7.4 AFFH Consideration. Evaluate affirmatively furthering fair housing goals in all housing related decisions.

Goal H-8 Require energy conserving practices in the maintenance of existing dwellings and in new residential development, additions, and remodeling.

Policy H-8.1 Energy Conservation Practices. Encourage energy conservation practices for new and existing residential dwellings
Policy H-8.2 Sustainable Building Practices. Require the use of green building and sustainable practices for new and renovation residential projects throughout the City, in compliance with State law.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Housing Element.

Transportation and Circulation Element
The Transportation and Circulation Element addresses the movement of people and goods in and around Pleasant Hill. Pleasant Hill’s transportation network and services provide mobility for residents, employees, and visitors, and serve goods movement throughout Pleasant Hill. The transportation network includes the roadway network, walking, bicycling, and transit to and from Pleasant Hill and surrounding BART stations, and travel modes provided by Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft.

The five main tenets of the City’s transportation and circulation policy framework are listed below.

Policy statements and programs would support this framework.

1. Safety

2. Accessibility

3. Mobility
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4. Connectivity

5. Community

PROPOSED BIKEWAY NETWORK
The Pleasant Hill Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan guides the expansion and improvement of bicycle facilities Citywide. The network would include 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 bikeway network would represent a more extensive and connected bicycle network within Pleasant Hill and connect bicyclists to high-demand destinations within and adjacent to Pleasant Hill.

PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element are shown in Table 2-6.

Table 2-6 Pleasant Hill Transportation and Circulation Element Goals, Policies, and Programs
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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-1.1 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.

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-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-2.2 Level of Service. Maintain a Level of Service (LOS) of LOS D or better (as defined in this Element) for all public roadways, including Routes of Regional Significance, except when maintaining LOS D would require infrastructure changes that conflict with General Plan policies or programs affecting the pedestrian network, bicycle network, safe routes to school plans, or transit access. Provide biannual (every two years) data collection, monitoring, and reporting.

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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-31
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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.

Policy TC-2.7 Retail, Commercial, and Industrial Areas. Develop a plan to improve site access, circulation, and safety to support potential future development and re-development of certain retail, commercial and industrial areas where warranted.

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.

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-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-4.3 Urban Limit Line. Promote orderly and efficient growth in existing urban areas and protect open space by adhering to the County’s Urban Limit Line, which the City has adopted.

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.

Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (non-driving) 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-5.2 Impact Mitigation Costs. Require new development to pay costs necessary to mitigate project impacts on the local and regional transportation system, including establishment of trails and other alternatives to vehicle use as specified in the Capital Improvement Plan and Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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).

Policy TC-6.5 Encourage Development of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure. Encourage development of infrastructure (public and private) to support the use of electric and other alternative fuel vehicles.

Policy TC-6.6 Leverage Regional Trail Facilities. Encourage the exploration of regional approaches to the use of inter-jurisdictional trails such as the Contra Costa Canal Trail and the Iron Horse Trail for all trip purposes.

Goal TC-7 Focus on integrated regional transportation planning to better serve the residents of Pleasant Hill.

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.

Policy TC-7.2 Transportation Conflict Resolution. Participate in the Contra Costa Transportation Authority's conflict resolution process as needed to resolve disputes related to preparation and implementation of Action Plans and other programs described in this Element.

Policy TC-7.3 Routes of Regional Significance Designations. Work with TRANSPAC and CCTA in the designation of Routes of Regional Significance.

Policy TC-7.4 Central County Action Plans for Routes of Regional Significance. Work with TRANSPAC to update and implement the Central County Action Plans for Routes of Regional Significance.

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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-33
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy TC-8.1 Regional Complete Streets Planning. Coordinate internally and with other agencies to plan for the provision of complete streets regionally
Policy TC-8.2 Multi-Modal Roadways. Consider the needs of vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrians on all city roadways and facilities.

Policy TC-8.3 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-8.4 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-8.5 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-8.6 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-8.7 Coordinate with Pavement Improvement Projects. Coordinate pedestrian facility improvements with pavement improvement projects (e.g., repaving and restriping).

Policy TC-8.8 Visually Appealing Medians and Street Edges. Provide enhanced landscape medians and street edges that are visually appealing and provide shade and buffers for pedestrians and cyclists.

Policy TC-8.9 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-9.2 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 Plan. Create a sidewalk plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the sidewalk gaps and enhancement.

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.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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 non-motorized users. This requires the installation of signs, striping, pavement markings, and actuated traffic control devices, where applicable.

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.

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, micro-mobility 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-12.6 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-12.11 Bike to Work Day. Promote and support a Bike to Work Day.

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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-35
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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).

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.

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.

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.

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-14.3 Minimize Truck Impacts on Air Quality and Noise Levels. Minimize the impact of truck parking and loading/unloading activities on air quality and noise levels.

Policy TC-14.4 Truck Route Network. Develop a signage program that identifies truck routes.

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-15.4 Require Travel Demand Model Application. Require the City or developers to apply CCTA's travel demand model and Technical Procedures to the analysis of land use projects requiring General Plan Amendments (GPAs) and developments exceeding specified threshold per Measure J requirements.

Policy TC-15.5 Help Maintain Travel Demand Modeling System. Assist CCTA in maintaining its travel demand modeling system by providing information on proposed transportation improvements, including those adopted as part of the City's Capital Improvement Program, planned and approved development within the city and long-range plans relative to MTC/ABAG's projections for household and jobs within the city.

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.

Implementation Programs
Program A Transportation System Management Ordinance. Update the transportation system management (TSM) ordinance or resolution as needed, to comply with CCTA's model TSM ordinance.

Program B Vision Zero. Adopt and maintain a vision zero action plan that monitors areas of high accident rates and identify mitigation measures to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.

Program C Right-of-way Improvement Identification. Identify specific roadway segments where improvements may be needed to improve safety, circulation, multimodal access, or other infrastructure needs.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program D LOS Standards. Amend the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Capital Improvement Program or other relevant City plans and regulations as necessary to attain the LOS standards and establish VMT criteria.

Program E Evaluate Congested Intersections. Every five (5) years, evaluate citywide intersection level-ofservice for peak hour congestion and develop mitigation measures.

Program F Commercial Area. Develop a plan to improve access, circulation, and safety for potential future development and re-development of the Monument Boulevard Triangle as shown in Figure TC-2 in the 2040 General Plan.

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 H Regional Transportation Mitigation Program Implementation. Implement TRANSPAC's Regional Transportation Mitigation Program as needed when assessing new development and its impacts to regional and sub-regional routes.

Program I Complete Streets Best Practices. Develop and apply a complete streets best practices checklist to guide the design and review of proposed transportation improvement projects incorporating appropriate provisions from standard reference guidelines from federal, state and local sources (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, MTC, ABAG, ITE, etc.) 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 K Explore Independent Alignments. Prepare an analysis of potential for the dedication and preservation of independent alignments, including utility, abandoned waterways, and railroad rights of way, for the development of bicycle paths.

Program L Review and Maintenance of Benchmarks. Ensure public bicycle and pedestrian needs are regularly reviewed by preparing and maintaining benchmark pedestrian and bicyclist volumes and movements.

Program M Collision Database. Prepare and regularly update a collision database to track and implement transportation public safety measures.

Program N Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Standards. Prepare updated design standards and upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian facilities consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Program O Accessibility Improvements Grants. Identify and apply for grants that may be used to assist in the funding of projects that will improve access for persons with disabilities.

Program P Incentivized Reduced Vehicle Trips. Create incentives for existing employers to reduce their vehicle trips.

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 S Capital Improvement Plan. Prepare and regularly update a Capital Improvement Plan that identifies roadways and transportation improvements needed to implement the general plan goals and policies for each five-year planning period, including the budgeting of local funds, development fees, and various State/Federal grants secured for the implementation of the various projects and programs
Program T Suggested Routes to School. Develop a Suggested Route to School Program that includes new Suggested Routes to School Map and Education & Encouragement programs.

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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-37
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program V Truck Route Network. Develop a signage program that identifies truck routes.

Program W Non-motorized Bicycle Requirements. Develop city code requirements regarding the use of nonmotorized bicycles including compliance and enforcement.

Program X E-Bike and E-Scooter Requirements. Develop city code requirements regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters including compliance and enforcement.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element.

Hazards and Safety Element
The Hazards and Safety Element evaluates natural and urban safety hazards in Pleasant Hill and outlines goals, policies, and implementation programs to minimize risk to life and property. The primary natural hazard threats for Pleasant Hill are earthquakes, drought, localized flooding, wildland fires, and an increased number of high heat days. Many of the goals and policies in this element correspond to local and regional safety priorities such as those established in the Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan (CCCHMP), a multi-jurisdictional document that helps coordinate more than three dozen participating jurisdictions to reduce risk from the most prevalent natural disasters in the county. Likewise, many of the goals and policies will correspond with the City’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).

NOISE CONTOURS ASSESSMENT
Pleasant Hill noise characteristics are described within the 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element including descriptions of common sources of noise as well as goals and policies to lessen noise for sensitive land uses (e.g., residences, schools, medical facilities). As required pursuant to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Guidelines, the Hazards and Safety Element also includes a map of noise contours as depicted via lines that represent equal levels of noise exposure across Pleasant Hill. Noise contours information informs planning decisions, including siting of potential future sensitive land uses. A map of Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan noise contours is shown in Figure 2-7.

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Figure 2-7 Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Noise Contours Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-39

PROPOSED HAZARDS AND SAFETY ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Hazards and Safety Element are shown in Table 2-7.

Table 2-7 Pleasant Hill Hazards and Safety Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal HS-1 Ensure the city is prepared for health, natural and human-caused hazards and can respond quickly and effectively.

Policy HS-1.1 Emergency Preparedness Planning. Coordinate with regional agencies and incorporate emergency preparedness into all City emergency planning efforts, including preparation, communications, response, emergency equipment access, and evacuations.

Policy HS-1.2 Hazards Education and Information. Provide hazard awareness information and education about potential health, natural, and human-caused hazards in Pleasant Hill and how to responsibly prepare for or mitigate them.

Policy HS-1.3 Essential Facility Location. Prohibit siting of essential, public safety, or emergency service facilities, special occupancy structures, or hazardous materials storage facilities in areas subject to the following hazard areas, unless the structure is designed to adequately mitigate the hazard or if no other viable option for siting is available to serve the need identified:
 500-year flood zones;
 seismic hazard areas and fault zones;
 areas subject to liquefaction, landslide, or seiche hazards; and  very high fire severity zone.

Policy HS-1.4 Neighborhood Planning Efforts. Encourage neighborhoods to create localized emergency action plans to further inform residents on how to prepare and respond to hazards.

Policy HS-1.5 Social Unrest Planning. Institute planning efforts related to social unrest and civil disobedience.

Goal HS-2 Reduce the potential harm to people and property from geologic and seismic hazards.

Policy HS-2.1 Earthquake Hazard. Require new development to be sited away from high-risk earthquake hazard or liquefaction-susceptibility zones, or if located in a high-risk zone, to incorporate building technologies to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Policy HS-2.2 Geotechnical Study Requirement. Require geotechnical studies for new development in areas with moderate to high liquefaction potential that include analysis of seismic settlement potential and specify appropriate mitigation.

Policy HS-2.3 Seismic Retrofit Incentives. Work with regional, State, and Federal agencies and organizations to incentivize seismic retrofits of structures.

Policy HS-2.4 Slope Failure. Prohibit new development in areas at risk for slope failure and ensure that hillside developments employ appropriate design and construction techniques consistent with City hillside development standards.

Policy HS-2.5 Emergency Service Building Construction. Ensure that buildings and structures required for emergency services are constructed to withstand a major earthquake.

Policy HS-2.6 Unbuildable Spaces. Preserve property that is unbuildable due to geologic conditions as open space.

Policy HS-2.7 Community Readiness. Improve community readiness regarding earthquake and other natural disaster response through community outreach.

Policy HS-2.8 Resilient Infrastructure. Require the location, design, and construction of new public utilities, communication infrastructure, and transportation facilities to minimize risk and maximize functionality during and after an earthquake.

Policy HS-2.9 Slope Stability Assessment. Continue to require slope stability assessments by appropriately registered professionals upon the initiation of new development proposals in areas of known slope instability and/or on slopes steeper than 15 percent.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal HS-3 Minimize the threat to people, property, and the environment from fire hazards.

Policy HS-3.1 Fire Protection District Enhancement. Enhance the ability of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to respond to and suppress fires.

Policy HS-3.2 Weed abatement and Fire-Resistant Landscaping. Require annual weed and other fuel abatement and promote the installation of fire-resistant landscaping in new and existing development.

Policy HS-3.3 Homeowner Education. Educate homeowners of defensible space requirements and recommendations per Cal Fire, including programs to aid in removal of excess vegetation and improve home wildfire resiliency.

Policy HS-3.4 Fire Safety Improvements. Develop guidelines for fire safety improvements for existing and new commercial buildings and encourage upgrades where possible.

Policy HS-3.5 Defensible Space Inspections. Coordinate with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to require annual home and business inspections to ensure proper defensible space is maintained at properties near grasslands and very high wildfire hazard severity zones.

Policy HS-3.6 Inter-jurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Bay Regional Park Fire Department, and other neighboring fire departments to reduce fire hazards and promote fire safety in and around Pleasant Hill.

Policy HS-3.7 Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ensure the Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan as it applies to Pleasant Hill is up to date with changes in State hazard legislation and lessons learned from recent wildfire related disasters.

Policy HS-3.8 Adequate Water Pressure. Coordinate with local water districts to seek funding and implement the necessary infrastructure upgrades to provide adequate water pressure to supply required fire suppression systems in existing and future development projects.

Policy HS-3.9 Weed And Fuel Abatement. Coordinate with landowners to ensure that weed and other fuel abatement occurs in an effective and timely manner.

Policy HS-3.10 Municipal Code Maintenance. Ensure the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is kept up to date on State and Federal requirements, best practices, and City processes regarding wildfire prevention design standards and requirements.

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.

Goal HS-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 HS-5 Minimize the potential for serious flooding and drainage problems including damage to property, loss of life, and economic displacement
Policy HS-5.1 Flood Damage Potential Reduction. Reduce flood damage potential in areas known to be prone to flooding.

Policy HS-5.2 Flood Emergency Response. Maintain and improve the ability of the Police, Maintenance and Engineering departments to respond to flood emergencies.

Policy HS-5.3 City Staff Training. Ensure City staff have ongoing, adequate training to support the Floodplain Management Program.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-41
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy HS-5.4 Development Stormwater Impacts. Require new development to manage stormwater runoff in a safe, responsible manner. Where possible, implement a zero-discharge policy.

Policy HS-5.5 Development in Floodplains. Minimize development in the 100-year floodplain and require projects in the 100- and 500-year floodplains to incorporate required stormwater management and flood-prevention design measures.

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.

Policy HS-5.7 Creek Clean-Up. Coordinate with regional agencies and local volunteer groups to clear debris from creeks within the City to allow water to flow uninterrupted minimizing the impact of flooding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Goal HS-8 Reduce the exposure to hazardous substances and the resulting potential for injuries, economic and social displacement, and loss of life.

Policy HS-8.1 Hazardous Materials Business Plans. Monitor and regulate hazardous materials by requiring the preparation and periodic updating Hazardous Materials Business Plans for and periodic inspections of all businesses in the city that handle, store, use, or transport hazardous materials.

Policy HS-8.2 Water and Air Supply Protection. Work with public agencies and private organizations to identify and eliminate hazardous material releases into the water and air supply.

Policy HS-8.3 Site Assessment Requirement. Require Phase I Site Assessments for projects on all properties where toxins could occur.

Policy HS-8.4 Alternative Practices. Minimize the use of toxic and hazardous materials in Pleasant Hill, promoting sustainable materials and practices where possible.

Policy HS-8.5 Household Hazardous Waste. Expand and promote household hazardous waste programs to safely dispose of items such as paint, gasoline, engine oil, batteries, and cleaners.

Policy HS-8.6 Hazardous Material Transportation Routes. Work with appropriate agencies to identify and require all transport of hazardous materials to follow approved routes.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal HS-9 Reduce the potential and severity of short- and long-term health emergencies, control the rate and extent of the spread of an illness, reduce economic and social displacement, and minimize loss of life.

Policy HS-9.1 Implement Public Health Guidance. Implement all guidance from appropriate State and Contra Costa County agencies relative to declared public health emergencies.

Policy HS-9.2 Agency Coordination During Public Health Emergencies. Work closely with the State and Contra Costa County health officials during a public health emergency to assure that City needs are considered and addressed and appropriate programs and resources are made available.

Policy HS-9.3 Essential Health Services Delivery. Partner with organizations responsible for essential health care and human services to ensure those services are provided as early as possible during the response, recovery, and return of the public health system after a public health emergency.

Policy HS-9.4 Community Education and Communication. Continue to maintain and enhance the City’s communications and education resources to provide timely and up-to-date information concerning public health emergencies.

Policy HS-9.5 Preparedness. Work with the State and Contra Costa County to maintain a supply of resources necessary to respond to early stages of a public health emergency Policy HS-9.6 Continuity of Service. Work with the State and Contra Costa County to develop a series of procedures that would support and assist the health care system at the level necessary to maintain continuity of services and operations in the case of a medical surge during a natural disaster and/or public health emergency.

Implementation Programs
Program A Review of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Update and review the Pleasant Hill Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) every five years to ensure it reflects current needs and changing conditions.

Program B Emergency Facilities Evaluation. Conduct an evaluation of public buildings and structures that provide emergency services and response, such as fire and police facilities, as well as community facilities that serve as evacuation centers or refuge sites to identify retrofitting necessary to ensure the stability and safety of such facilities in the event of a disaster.

Program C Response Drills. Conduct emergency hazard drills with key stakeholder organizations and school districts across the community to improve preparedness for known threats and hazards.

Program D Household Preparedness. Expand educational and informational programs that help and encourage each household in the city to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks after a major earthquake, flood, terrorism event, pandemic, or other major disaster.

Program E Update Preparedness Materials. Review and update the City’s earthquake preparedness information website and materials annually to keep them current. Develop and implement an effective means to disseminate these materials to city residents and businesses.

Program F Assist the Fire District. Coordinate with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to assist with training efforts when appropriate and feasible and review of new development to assure adequacy of access for equipment, water supplies, construction standards, and vegetation clearance.

Program G Wildfire Design Standards. Review and update the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code every five years to ensure it incorporates the most up-to-date standards and requirements for wildfire mitigation and risk reduction. If needed, amend the Code to include recently passed legislation or significant changes in building standards or best practices.

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.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-43
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program I Updates to the Municipal Code. Update the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code to comply with State, Federal, and Regional (Contra Costa Flood Control District Standards) requirements, best practices, and City stormwater management and flood control measures.

Program J Watershed Analysis Study. Conduct a Watershed Analysis Study of runoff and drainage systems to predict areas of insufficient capacity in the storm drain and natural creek system.

Program K Identify Capital Improvement Projects for Flood Prone Areas. Develop a prioritized list of proposed capital improvement projects for low-lying, flood-prone areas, and seek funding for those projects.

Program L Data on Low-lying Areas. Augment existing Geographic Information System (GIS) and other data with information about low-lying areas obtained during storms Program M Public Safety Personnel Training. Train Police and Maintenance and Engineering Division personnel to a level appropriate to their positions and responsibilities to respond to flood emergencies.

Program N Porous Pavement Municipal Code Standards. Update the Municipal Code to encourage that parking and low-impact drive areas with 20 or more parking spaces to install porous pavement to reduce runoff and include. vegetative buffers and islands.

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 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 Q Dialogue with Caltrans. Encourage Caltrans to resurface all designated concrete roads within the City to reduce vehicle noise.

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.

Program S Personal Protective Equipment Supply. The City should maintain a supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for City essential workers (i.e., City staff, contractors, vendors, and volunteers) that protects these workers during initial stages of a public health emergency.

Program T Continuity of Operations Plan. The City shall develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) as a standalone plan or as part of a larger emergency management plan for both short-term and long-term emergencies. The COOP should outline a set of procedures to implement as needed in preparation of and during a natural disaster and/or public health emergency.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element.

Environment Element
The Environment Element is a new component of the proposed General Plan. The purpose of the Environment Element is to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources that make Pleasant Hill a unique place. The Environment Element addresses a broad range of topics, including air and water quality; natural, biological, and cultural resources; and sustainability. Other goals of the Environment Element are to improve water and air quality and to conserve energy through programs that reduce consumption and promote sustainable alternatives.

PROPOSED ENVIRONMENT ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Environment Element are shown in Table 2-8.

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Table 2-8 Pleasant Hill Environment Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal ENV-1 Provide an adequate water supply for residential, business, and other uses needed to support the existing and projected city population.

Policy ENV-1.1 Adequate Water Supply and Delivery. Work with water districts and Central San to assure adequate water supply for, and delivery to, existing and future customers in Pleasant Hill.

Policy ENV-1.2 Green Building Code. Enforce the Green Building Code to ensure the design, construction, operation, use, and occupancy of new construction and remodeling are subject to contemporary water efficiency standards
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.

Policy ENV-1.5 Water Conservation in Public Facilities. During construction or renovation of public facilities, institute water conservation measures such as hot-on-demand water faucets, low-flush toilets, and low-water-using appliances.

Policy ENV-1.6 Recycled Water at Public Facilities. Partner with Central San to expand recycled water lines to public facilities to connect public landscape irrigation systems to a recycled water distribution system when renovating or developing new public facilities.

Policy ENV-1.7 Water Supply Resiliency. Work with Central San and the DVWS to expand the use of recycled and other non-potable water for landscape irrigation and other appropriate uses.

Goal ENV-2 Protect the quality of water resources in Pleasant Hill.

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-2.3 Limit Parking Areas. Discourage additional parking for any new development unless the developer can demonstrate the need for additional parking.

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 ENV-2.6 Creek Preservation. Creek setbacks, where feasible, should exceed minimum regulatory setback guidelines to protect native vegetation and enhance creek environments Policy ENV-2.7 Watercourse Preservation. Preserve natural watercourses or provide naturalized drainage channels within the city. Where feasible, implement restoration and rehabilitation opportunities.

Policy ENV-2.8 Creek Clean-up. Collaborate with local and regional agencies, businesses, property owners, and organizations proactively to reduce litter, illegal dumping, and reestablish native vegetation along local creeks and waterways.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-45
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal ENV-3 Preserve and restore streams, wetlands, and riparian areas to function as open space and wildlife corridors.

Policy ENV-3.1 Creek Protection Zone Establishment for New Development. Establish creek protection zones for creeks that extend a minimum of 25 feet (measured from the top of a bank and a strip of land extending laterally outward from the top of each bank), with wider buffers where significant habitat areas or high potential wetlands exist. The City shall prohibit development within a creek protection zones, except as part of greenway enhancement, including habitat conservation, bike and walking paths, wildlife habitat, and native plant landscaping. City approval is required for the following activities within the creek protection zones:

1. Construction, alteration, or removal of any structure;

2. Excavation, filling, or grading;

3. Removal or planting of vegetation (except for removal of invasive plant species); or

4. Alteration of any embankment.

Policy ENV-3.2 Creek Contamination and Sedimentation Prevention. Require new development to use site preparation, grading, and construction techniques that prevent contamination and sedimentation of creeks and streams.

Policy ENV-3.3 Creek Bank Stabilization. Require new development proposals to include appropriate measures for creek bank stabilization, and any additional steps necessary to reduce erosion and sedimentation but preserve natural creek channels and riparian vegetation.

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.

Policy ENV-3.7 Erosion Control Plans. Require erosion control plans for new development that require significant grading or are near streams, wetlands, and riparian areas. The plans shall include recommendations for grading practices that prevent erosion, loss of topsoil, and scour of drainageways, consistent with biological and aesthetic values.

Policy ENV-3.8 Educational and Research Access. Work with public and private landowners adjacent to creeks to allow access to creeks, waterways, and riparian areas for educational and research programs.

Policy ENV-3.9 Restoration and Creek Maintenance. Encourage all landowners in the city to remove invasive species, plant native plant species, and prevent pollution from entering local creeks and waterways.

Goal ENV-4 Protect and preserve natural habitat, plants, and wildlife.

Policy ENV-4.1 Minimize Development Impacts. Require new development and construction activities to minimize impacts and disturbances on plants and animals, including sensitive habitat and migration corridors, landforms, and trees.

Policy ENV-4.2 Natural Habitat Protection. Preserve, protect, and improve remaining natural habitats, sensitive habitats for special status species, waterways, and wetlands.

Policy ENV-4.3 Fish Bypass Facilities. Support efforts of the County to determine the feasibility of constructing fish bypass facilities for flood control drop structures in area creeks.

Policy ENV-4.4 Biological Resources Assessment. Require that applicants for development projects proposed to be in or adjacent to critical habitat areas to complete a site-specific biological resources assessment as part of the development review process and modify designs or add mitigations to reduce potential impacts.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy ENV-4.5 Special Status Species Protection. Cooperate with State and Federal agencies to ensure that new development does not substantially affect any special status species on State or Federal rare, endangered, or threatened species lists.

Policy ENV-4.6 Urban Forestation. Increase urban forestation by promoting urban site design that retains existing trees and includes native species, reducing the urban heat island effect.

Goal ENV-5 Protect cultural and tribal resources.

Policy ENV-5.1 Construction Monitoring. Require new development to monitor grading, ground-disturbing, and other major earth-moving construction activities by a qualified professional during construction in previously undisturbed areas or those with known archaeological resources.

Policy ENV-5.2 Consultation. Perform required consultation with the appropriate tribal organization(s) as part of projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Policy ENV-5.3 Cultural Resources Treatment. Ensure that treatment of any cultural resources discovered during site grading complies with State guidelines.

Goal ENV-6 Maintain designated historic sites and structures.

Policy ENV-6.1 Community Education. Work with the Pleasant Hill Library, community partners, and Pleasant Hill Historical Society to obtain, maintain, and display historical reference materials that provide educational background on the history of Pleasant Hill.

Policy ENV-6.2 Historic Structures. Encourage the maintenance and preservation of historic structures and appropriately designate and protect historic sites and structures.

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.1 Air Quality Improvements. Promote actions that improve air quality and help meet air quality attainment standards.

Policy ENV-7.2 Air Quality Strategies. Work with local and regional agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning and management that includes strategies to reduce vehicle trips, wood burning, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Policy ENV-7.3 Fuel-efficient Vehicles. Require fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels for vehicles, including construction and maintenance equipment, by replacing the City vehicles and equipment with zero-emission vehicles and equipment and requesting that City contractors use reduced- or zero-emission fleets.

Policy ENV-7.4 Landscape Equipment. Prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment and publicize the benefits and importance of alternative technologies.

Policy ENV-7.5 Sensitive Receptors. The City shall require that any new development considered a sensitive receptors (e.g., residential units, schools, medical facilities) proposed within 1,000 feet of I-680 or other major sources of toxic air contaminants prepare an operational health risk assessment. If TACs exposure at new sensitive receptor sites would exceed BAAQMD health risk thresholds, the City shall require mechanical air filtration or other measures be included as part of the project in order to reduce health risk exposure to acceptable levels.

Policy ENV-7.6 Best Management Construction Practices. Require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards.

Goal ENV-8 Become a low carbon community that strives to exceed State GHG reduction goals by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.1 Meet State Emission Reduction Targets. Reduce GHG emissions at a rate that meets the long-term State target to reduce emissions by at least 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.2 Health and Economic Benefits. Prioritize implementation of GHG reduction projects that provide health and economic benefits for the community.

Policy ENV-8.3 Municipal GHG Reduction. Implement cost-effective GHG reduction strategies for City facilities and operations.

Policy ENV-8.4 Land Use and Transportation Priorities. Support land uses and transportation improvements that prioritize alternative transportation modes that will reduce the number and length of automobile trips.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-47
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy ENV-8.5 GHG Thresholds. Require new development projects that would exceed GHG thresholds to feasibly mitigate all GHG emissions and locally offset any remaining GHG emissions that exceed the threshold consistent with the City standards.

Policy ENV-8.6 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multi-family projects and require new single-family residential development to include 220-volt outlets in all garages.

Policy ENV-8.7 Grant Funding. Seek grant funding to support implementation of GHG reduction projects in municipal facilities, including rebates and other incentive opportunities.

Policy ENV-8.8 Preferences for Firms Using Reduced-emissions Equipment. Give preference for City contracts to firms using reduced-emissions equipment, including for services such as trash collection and landscaping.

Policy ENV-8.9 Sustainable Community Facility Design. Encourage the incorporation of sustainable design features in community facilities to reduce energy demand and environmental impacts, such as solar reflective roofing, permeable pavement, and incorporation of shade trees.

Goal ENV-9 Improve efficiency and conservation in all development.

Policy ENV-9.1 Energy Conservation Education. Partner with utility providers to educate residents, employers, and business owners/managers on the energy conservation programs available.

Policy ENV-9.2 Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.3 Local Partnerships. Partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives that facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy production.

Policy ENV-9.4 Municipal Buildings Efficiency and Conservation. Require the design new public buildings to exceed State standards for water and energy efficiency.

Policy ENV-9.5 Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

Policy ENV-9.6 Urban Tree Canopy. Encourage discretionary development to include the planting of shade trees on each property and within parking areas to reduce the retention and radiation of heat.

Policy ENV-9.7 Energy-Efficient Lighting. Require public facilities to use energy-efficient lighting technology for outdoor and indoor spaces.

Goal PFS-10 Become a low or zero-waste community with convenient and effective options for recycling, composting, and diverting waste from landfills.

Policy ENV-10.1 Franchise Agreements. Ensure waste franchise agreements and programs offer progressively higher rates of waste diversion with the goal of attaining and eventually exceeding the mandated 75 percent diversion rate.

Policy ENV-10.2 Green Purchasing. Evaluate and implement green purchasing options across all City departments and consider the life cycle effects of purchases.

Policy ENV-10.3 Zero Waste Education. Provide simple zero-waste education programs in City facilities and other organizations and partner with schools to facilitate education programs about recycling, composting, and reusing with standardized zero-waste materials.

Policy ENV-10.4 Composting Equipment. Provide composting equipment at community facilities and events to encourage public and commercial composting.

Policy ENV-10.5 Recycled Building Materials. Encourage new development projects to use recycled building materials where cost-effective and structurally feasible.

Policy ENV-10.6 Building Salvage and Roadway Construction Projects. Require maximization of building salvage and recycling in remodeling or building demolition or roadway reconstruction projects when issuing demolition and encroachment permits.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy ENV-10.7 Recycling and Waste Diversion. Evaluate recycling and waste diversion opportunities periodically to consider new opportunities to further increase waste diversion.

Policy ENV-10.8 Trash Reduction. Encourage the community to continue meeting the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Control Board Permit Requirements for Trash Reduction.

Policy ENV-10.9 Reduction of Non-Recyclable/Compostable Products. Reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in the community.

Policy ENV10.10 On-Site Facilities in Existing Development. Require the City and encourage commercial businesses and business parks to install recycling and compost receptacles on their premises Policy ENV10.11 Reduce Waste in Operations. Require the City and encourage residents and businesses to reuse products, choose post-consumer recycled content products, reduce packaging waste, and use nontoxic cleaning products to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Programs
Program A Water Conservation Education. Update promotion and educational materials on communitywide water conservation, including but not limited to City website updates and quarterly newsletters advertising regional rebates and programs.

Program B Water Conservation Programs. Develop and market a program to facilitate the installation of waterconserving equipment or infrastructure beyond that already required by the City or State.

Program C Public Facility Water Conservation Programs. Prepare and update every five years an action plan for water conservation measures in existing and new public facilities, including using recycled water for public roadways and facility irrigation.

Program D Water Conservation Ordinance. Review and update every five years, if necessary, the waterefficient landscape standards for consistency with State provisions.

Program E Development Standards. Review and update every five years, if necessary, the citywide design guidelines to include latest technologies for permeable surfaces, parking lot drainage, and other ways to reduce pollution in urban stormwater runoff.

Program F Litter and Debris Removal in Creeks. Create a citywide litter and debris removal and cleanup program that aims to address sources of pollution that affect local creeks and waterways by partnering with local groups, organizations, and agencies.

Program G Erosion Control. Revise and update every five years the Municipal Code as necessary to require best practices that reduce soil erosion and minimize or eliminate the effects of grading on loss of topsoil.

Program H Creek Restoration Funding. Seek regional, State, and federal funding sources to reclaim, restore, and enhance local creeks and waterways in order to:
 Reduce embankment erosion and deterioration;
 Clearing debris to maintain free flowing waterways; and  Stabilize and restore stream banks through the planting of new vegetation.

Program I Planting Education. Provide residents with education and informational sources on invasive plants species to avoid planting, as well as locally native plants appropriate to Contra Costa County and Pleasant Hill.

Program J Tree Planting and Maintenance Strategy. Prepare and update as necessary the tree planting and maintenance strategy to reduce ambient air temperature on hot sunny days. This plan should be reviewed and updated, as appropriate.

Program K Tribal Construction Monitors. Require tribal monitor(s) during all activities in areas with cultural resources of interest to local Native American tribes. Both monitors shall observe grading, grounddisturbing, and other earth-moving activities.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-49
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program L Tribal Consultation. Require the determination of the significance of the cultural resource(s) and development and implementation of any data recovery program shall be conducted by a qualified professional and in consultation with interested Native American tribes. All Native American human remains and associated grave goods shall be returned to their most likely descendent and repatriated. The final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner. Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.

Program M Identify Historic and Cultural Sites. Update the historic and cultural resources survey to identify historic or cultural sites eligible for resource protection, with specific consideration of structures 45 years old and older.

Program N Clean Fleet Program. Research potential funding mechanisms, including grant funding, to prepare and implement a clean fleet program to purchase or lease of zero emission, alternative energy vehicles and equipment with the objective of replacing all fossil fuel vehicles and equipment.

Program O Climate Action Plan. Prepare a Climate Action Plan that addresses all changes in State law pertaining to climate change and emissions, as well as setting GHG threshold targets for the City.

Program P GHG Reduction and Source Alignment. Pursue a diverse mix of GHG reduction strategies across a range of municipal activities that generate GHG emissions and perform municipal GHG inventories at least once every five years to track results for implementation elsewhere.

Program Q Electric Vehicle Parking Regulations. Revise and update the Zoning Ordinance Parking regulations, as needed, to reflect current best practices for electric vehicle charging considering new state legislation banning combustion engine vehicle by 2035.

Program R Energy Conservation Education. Create a program to educate, provide access to a clearinghouse of available grants, and other funding sources to promote energy conservation and the application of alternative energy technology.

Program S Zero Waste. Prepare and update as necessary a zero-waste action plan to maximize waste diversion.

Program T Recycled and Salvaged Building Materials. Create educational information for distribution to development project applicants on the use of recycled materials in new development projects and roadway projects.

Program U Ban of Non-Recyclable/Compostable Materials. Develop an ordinance to ban the use of styrofoam, plastics straws, and other petroleum-based, non-recyclable, or non-compostable materials used for food and beverage services, including to-go and delivery items.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Environment Element.

Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element
The Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element, another component of the current General Plan, would also be updated. The purpose of the Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element is to provide for the continued enhancement of parks and recreation facilities to meet the recreational needs of existing and future residents, as well as ensure the City meets its General Plan proposed standard of providing three acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents.

PROPOSED OPEN SPACE, PARKS, AND RECREATION ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element are shown in Table 2-9.

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Table 2-9 Pleasant Hill Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element Goals, Policies, and Programs
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal OSP-1 Preserve, enhance, and protect a continuous system of open space areas, hillsides, and natural features.

Policy OSP-1.1 Open Space Preservation. Keep open space and undeveloped hillsides free of future development.

Policy OSP-1.2 Regional Coordination. Encourage and coordinate with Contra Costa County, the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, and organizations like the East Bay Regional Park District, Contra Costa Water District, and John Muir Land Trust in the preservation of open space resources within and surrounding the city.

Policy OSP-1.3 Access to Open Space Resources. Ensure that the public has equitable access to all parts of the City to experience and appreciate open space resources.

Policy OSP-1.4 Connected Open Space Areas. Integrate, wherever possible, the local open space and parks systems with the open space systems of nearby communities and the region to create and preserve a continuous and connected system of open space areas.

Goal OSP-2 Support the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District’s efforts to offer high-quality 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.

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
Goal OSP-3 Ensure the provision of a variety of community facilities that are well-maintained and accessible to all residents.

Policy OSP-3.1 Awareness of Facilities. Work with the PHRPD to provide information about available recreational and community facilities and strive to make all residents aware of these facilities and the programs offered in each.

Policy OSP-3.2 Support Facility Needs. Support the community’s needs by working with PHRPD to implement the 2020 Parks, Facilities & Recreation Master Plan).

Implementation Programs
Program A Maintain Land Coverage Constraints. Ensure the Zoning Ordinance continues to require aesthetic and land coverage constraints on new land divisions in open space and undeveloped hillside areas.

Program B Coordination with the Recreation and Park District. Continue to coordinate with the Recreation and Park District on efforts and initiatives taking place in the city.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-51
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element The Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element, another component of the current General Plan previously included within the Community Development Element, would also be updated. The purpose of the Public Facilities, Services, & Infrastructure Element is to present goals, policies, and programs related to public facilities and community services within City limits. Public facilities provide convenient and efficient services, a sense of identity, and define the visual character of Pleasant Hill.

PROPOSED PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND

PROGRAMS
Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Public Facilities, Services, & Infrastructure Element are shown in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10 Pleasant Hill Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element Goals, Policies, and Programs
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Goal PFC-1 Ensure adequate water supply to existing and future development.

Policy PFS-1.1 Preserve and Enhance Water Supply. Support the water providers in their efforts to preserve and enhance the water supply.

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-1.3 Water-Saving Devices. Require the use of water-saving devices (e.g., low flow faucets and shower heads, dual-flush toilets) in new developments and plumbing-related remodels.

Policy PFS-1.4 Reclaimed Water Use. Require new development to incorporate reclaimed water infrastructure into site and landscaping design and facilities in building/home design and business operations as allowed by applicable agency guidelines.

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.

Policy PFS-2.3 Wastewater Services Requirement. Ensure that wastewater services for new developments does not negatively affect service to existing uses.

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..

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.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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, rain gardens, 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.

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.

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 co-location of telecommunication facilities and work with service providers to site telecommunications facilities on City-owned property or public rights-of-way.

Policy PFS-5.4 Utility Undergrounding. Require the undergrounding of local-serving utilities in areas of the city undergoing development or significant construction.

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.

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 (CPTED) principles, as appropriate.

Policy PFS-6.3 Public Communications. Use a variety of communication methods (e.g., social media, text messaging, television and radio alerts, website postings) to communicate and inform residents and businesses about crimes, investigations, and emergencies.

Goal PFS-7 Continue to uphold police-community trust, engagement, and collaboration.

Policy PFS-7.1 Professional Standards and Training. Promote policing strategies, standards, and training that prioritize de-escalation, awareness of implicit bias, and practices that safeguard individual rights and liberties.

Policy PFS-7.2 Community Engagement. Enhance a community presence beyond policing duties, including, but not limited to, hosting events in neighborhoods and schools.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-53
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
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.

Goal PFS-9 Promote excellence in public education.

Policy PFS-9.1 School Contribution. Acknowledge and support the contribution of schools to the socioeconomic health of 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-9.3 Support Qualified Teacher Recruitment. Support public and private schools in teacher recruitment, facilities planning, housing and other key efforts.

Policy PFS-9.4 Support Education/Schools Advisory Committee. Continue to address issues of concern to the Pleasant Hill Schools with the Mount Diablo Unified School District through the City’s Education Commission and Education Task Force Commission.

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-9.7 Coordination and Communication. Improve communication and cooperative interaction among all schools (public, private, and charter) and the Recreation and Park District.

Policy PFS-9.8 Physical and Cultural Connections. Establish strong physical and cultural connections between the City, Diablo Valley College, and local schools that result in creative, proactive opportunities for cooperation.

Policy PFS-9.9 Elementary Schools as Community Focal Points. Coordinate with the school districts and Recreation and Park District to use existing educational facilities for social, cultural, and recreational activities.

Goal PFS-10 Ensure access to library facilities and services to meet the educational 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 PFS-10.2 Library Operating Hours. Support a broad range of operating hours for the community to use the library and associated amenities.

Policy PFS-10.3 Benefits of the Library. Support the library in providing a diverse set of amenities for patrons, programs and events, and access to technological resources.

Policy PFS-10.4 Lifelong Learning. Maintain and develop library programs and services that contribute to the personal education of adults (of all ages) pursuing lifelong learning opportunities.

Implementation Programs
Program A Diablo Vista Feasibility Study. Prepare a study to evaluate the long-term feasibility and provision of Diablo Vista (DV) water services in the community.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/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.

Program C Energy Efficiency Public Campaign. Develop a public outreach campaign on the benefits of energy efficiency and what steps residents and businesses can take to be more energy efficient.

Program D Green Retrofit Program. Seek funding to develop a program that provides financial assistance and informational resources to incentivize homeowners and business owners to retrofit their properties with green infrastructure.

Program E “Dig Once” Open Trench Requirements. Prepare and maintain a list of utility-related infrastructure needs (e.g., for improved internet technologies) and require the installation of purple pipe and additional utility conduit associated with identified needs in the public rights-of-way when a trench is opened for major utility projects.

Program F Undergrounding Utilities Study. Prepare a study to analyze varying methods of implementing undergrounding of utilities on a citywide scale.

Program G Undergrounding Requirements. Prepare an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that includes criteria for determining when the undergrounding of utilities is required.

Program H Communications Master Plan. Prepare a Communications Master Plan, which provides a framework to guide the evaluation, planning, implementation, and management of the City's communications infrastructure, including but not limited to outlining the necessary coordination between different government agencies when installing new communications infrastructure.

Program I Natural Gas Ban Study. Prepare a study to analyze the implementation of a natural gas ban for all new residential development.

Program J College/University Liaison. Establish a Diablo Valley College liaison to address issues of mutual concern and potential community-wide benefit.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Public Facilities, Services, & Infrastructure Element.

Economics and Economy Element
The Economics and Economy Element, another component of the current General Plan, will also be updated. The Economics and Economy Element includes goals, policies, and programs related to retention and expansion of existing business sectors, as well as diversifying the economy to develop new kinds of businesses in Pleasant Hill.

PROPOSED ECONOMICS AND ECONOMY ELEMENT GOALS, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS Goals and supportive policies and programs of the proposed General Plan Economics and Economy Element are shown in Table 2-11.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-55
Table 2-11 Pleasant Hill Economics and Economy Element Goals, Policies, and Programs ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Topic
Goal E-1 Promote economic health of the downtown and the city as a whole, particularly through the growth of businesses that generate sales taxes and other revenues for the City.

Policy E-1.1 Mixed-use. Encourage mixed-use development downtown and at other sites where appropriate.

Policy E-1.2 Annexations. Consider annexation of land in the Sphere of Influence when likely to generate positive fiscal benefits to the City and provide open space, housing, or employment opportunities.

Goal E-2 Facilitate additional retail and commercial opportunities that meet local needs.

Policy E-2.1 Uses Along Contra Costa Boulevard. Facilitate the improvement and upgrading of older and outmoded uses along Contra Costa Boulevard, including mixed-use development where feasible.

Policy E-2.2 Mix of Retailers. Support the attraction and development of more local businesses and firms with creative and innovative business concepts in terms of the product sold, shopping experience, and/or the way that the tenant space is used. A mix of local, regional, and national retailers will offer a diversity of product and pricing choices to local residents. Encourage the integration of entertainment and high demand service uses (such as creative studios, consumer-oriented class spaces, and youth attractions) with retail to create attractive shopper environments.

Policy E-2.3 Retail and Restaurant Uses. Encourage quality retail and restaurant uses in strategic locations to support the success of mixed-use developments.

Policy E-2.4 Cultural and Business Activity at Diablo Valley College (DVC). Support DVC’s desire to create a hub of entertainment, commerce and education that benefits students, residents and the business community alike.

Goal E-3 Create and maintain a dynamic and diverse economic base.

Policy E-3.1 City Serving Retail and Commercial Growth. Allow for changes to General Plan commercial land use designations provided such changes include effective mitigation of environmental constraints, noise, traffic, and other hazards. Further, in consideration of such changes, the City Council may require the provision of public benefit, including, but not limited to, provision of affordable housing pursuant to the policies in the City’s Housing Element; or provision of parkland, trails, or other community or recreation facilities or equivalent funding for development of such facilities; or other appropriate public benefit as determined by the City Council.

Policy E-3.2 Existing Business Support. Support existing businesses and encourage them to expand when appropriate.

Policy E-3.3 New Businesses. Prioritize attraction of new businesses that:
 are independent and not affiliated with national chains;  are innovative and creative in concept in terms of the product being sold and/or the building or space that the business is located within;
 fill unique niches and/or unmet demand;
 augment needed services and/or existing amenities (including recreation, retail and restaurant uses);
 generate net fiscal benefits to the City, such as tax revenues;  create higher-paying, higher-skill, and/or higher-quality jobs for local residents;  match the skill levels of the local labor pool;
 have potential to stimulate other private investment in the city;  are compatible with existing infrastructure and the environment;  support, participate in, and promote civic activities;  create minimal negative impact on the surrounding community; and  require minimal public investment.

Policy E-3.4 Light Manufacturing. Encourage the location of artisanal consumer goods manufacturing in commercial districts through design standards that permit flexible building design, with onsite retail sales as well as offsite distribution. Also encourage incubator light industrial uses in industrial districts.

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ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Policy E-3.5 Underutilized Parcels. Facilitate appropriate reuse of underutilized parcels.

Policy E-3.6 Technology Companies. Encourage the location of firms in growing technology sectors, such as biotech, in existing commercial and industrial zones through design standards that achieve appropriate building scale and environmental standards.

Goal E-4 Enlarge the City’s revenue base as necessary to sustain and support the community.

Policy E-4.1 Revenue Base Impacts. Evaluate and support proposed development to determine whether it would have a positive impact on the City’s revenue base.

Goal E-5 Help local businesses and the City of Pleasant Hill capture visitor dollars that are otherwise lost to the larger regional area, thereby increasing revenue to local businesses and the City.

Policy E-5.1 Tourism Industry Development. The City shall continue to encourage organizations that promote Pleasant Hill as a visitor destination and work with the local business community to ensure that a full range of visitor services, events, and attractions is available to maximize the economic benefit from this market.

Goal E-6 Encourage the development and expansion of critical communications and transportation infrastructure.

Policy E-6.1 Broadband Network. Encourage the expansion of a high-capacity broadband network in Pleasant Hill and other high-capacity internet technologies as they evolve.

Policy E-6.2 Transportation Systems. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, ride sharing hubs, and bike/scooter rental services to support consumer interest in alternative transportation modes. Evaluate the changing needs for parking in commercial and mixed-use districts. Promote expansion of transit services.

Policy E-6.3 Active Transportation. Promote the use of the City’s trail systems to increase pedestrian and bike travel, particularly for local work trips. Develop circulation designs in mixed-use districts, including Downtown, to promote pedestrian access and bike/scooter travel.

Implementation Programs
Program A Allowable Office and Hotel Density. Encourage the use of allowable development density for office and hotel development, while preserving areas designated for retail uses.

Program B Density Incentives. Create incentives to encourage higher density and/or mixed-use development in the downtown and at other appropriate sites along transit corridors.

Program C Downtown Plan Update. Review and update Downtown Plan, as necessary.

Program D Cultural & Business Hub at DVC. Support DVC’s efforts to create shared use opportunities for the performing arts center and other event venues at DVC. Promote close connections between the business community and the educational resources at DVC.

Program E Plan for a Mix of Uses at Key Opportunity Sites. Identify the specific types of mixed-use development that would be appropriate at key opportunity sites. Develop zoning standards that reflect the locational attributes of the sites. In particular, plans should allow for a compatible mix of office, hotel, retail, entertainment and/or residential uses at the Crossroads and DVC Plaza shopping centers, and should include fiscal implications of any proposed net reduction in the square footage of retail floor space that existed at DVC Plaza in December 2020 so that the new development will provide equivalent or superior fiscal or economic benefits to the City.

Program F Additional Non-Residential Uses. Ensure that the City maintains a well-balanced and modern regulatory system that permits additional retail, commercial, entertainment, technology and light industrial uses while mitigating impacts to residential areas, traffic, schools, City services and other environmental conditions.

Program G Reuse Opportunity Identification. Identify the reuse potential and feasibility of commercial and light industrial properties that respond to the emerging needs of specific business uses.

Program H Work with Key Employers. Work with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Pleasant Hill Shopping Center owner and/or property manager on issues that may impact businesses’ decisions to remain in the city.

Project Description
Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-57
ID # Goals and Supportive Policies/Programs
Program I Identify Opportunities to Attract New Employers. Work with real estate and development professionals, as well as workforce development agencies such as DVC, to identify opportunities to bring employers into the city that will diversify the job base. Collaborate with regional economic development entities to support economic growth throughout Contra Costa County.

Program J Promote City Assets and Visitor Attractions. Encourage the efforts of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Stay Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District, DVC, and any future programs or organizations that market and promote the city’s businesses, city amenities, visitor attractions, ease of access, affordability, and quality of life. Create and maintain an Opportunity Site Map to illustrate key development opportunities.

Program K Support Job-training Programs. Support the efforts of DVC, Cal State East Bay, and other regional educational institutions to tailor job-training programs to local businesses (including technology, service, retail, finance, insurance, real estate, local government, education, and transportation).

Program L Periodic Sales Analysis. Analyze periodically city per capita sales by market category (as compared to statewide averages) to identify trends and sectors that should be targeted for growth.

Program M Broadband Network. Consider support of local internet service providers, educational and health care agencies, and business groups seeking to address network gaps as they are identified. Seek available state and federal grants where appropriate to close any broadband service gaps.

Program N Electric Vehicle and Micromobility Charging Stations. Develop a plan for the location and development of publicly available charging stations for autos and other types of personal electric transportation.

Source: Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Draft 2040 General Plan Economics and Economy Element.

2.6 Construction
Given the programmatic nature of the 2040 General Plan, specific projects details and locations that could result in the future within these land use areas are unknown at this time. All future projects would require project-level environmental review analysis.

2.7 Required Actions and Approvals
Implementation of the proposed plan would require the following approvals:
 EIR Certification: City Council
 Adoption of 2040 General Plan: City Council
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Environmental Impact Analysis
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-1
3 Environmental Impact Analysis
This chapter sets forth the physical and regulatory environmental setting and addresses the environmental impacts of the General Plan Update (proposed plan) with respect to 13 environmental resource areas. The discussions of the environmental setting in each subsequent section of this Environmental Impact Report (EIR) describe the present physical conditions, or baseline conditions, in the General Plan area (plan area). The baseline used for the analysis of environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reflects the conditions present at the time the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for this EIR, published on July 7, 2022. The potential impacts of the proposed plan are compared against the existing baseline conditions for each environmental resource.

Environmental Topics Addressed in this EIR
The proposed plan is analyzed in this EIR from the perspective of the following 13 environmental topics:
 Aesthetics
 Air Quality
 Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
 Hydrology and Water Quality
 Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing
 Noise
 Public Services and Recreation
 Transportation
 Utilities and Service Systems
Format of the Environmental Analysis
Each environmental resource area is analyzed in individual sections that include the subsections summarized below.

Introduction
This subsection summarizes what will be discussed in the respective environmental topic section, states what informational documents are used as the basis for the section, and indicates what related comments, if any, were received during the EIR public scoping period.

Environmental Setting
This subsection describes the existing, baseline physical conditions of the plan area and surroundings (e.g., existing land uses, transportation conditions, noise environment) with respect to each resource topic at the time the NOP was issued. Conditions are described in sufficient detail and breadth to allow a general understanding of the environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed plan.

Regulatory Framework
This subsection describes the relevant federal, California, regional, and local regulatory requirements that are directly applicable to the environmental topic being analyzed.

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Impacts and Mitigation Measures
This subsection evaluates the potential for the implementation of the proposed plan to result in direct and indirect adverse impacts on the existing physical environment, with consideration of both construction and operation impacts. The significance criteria questions for environmental impacts are listed at the beginning of this subsection, followed by the discussion of the approach to the analysis and specific thresholds of significance that have been applied to evaluate the impacts of the proposed plan.

Indirect impacts are discussed only for those resources for which they have the potential to occur (e.g., population and housing, cultural resources, air quality, and biological resources). Both planlevel and cumulative-level impacts are analyzed. Plan-level impacts could result from actions related to implementation of the proposed plan. Cumulative-level impacts could result from implementation of the proposed plan in combination with other identified cumulative projects. As discussed in “Cumulative Setting” below, the plans and projects listed in Table 3-1, in conjunction with the proposed plan, are considered the cumulative scenario for the analysis of cumulative impacts.

Impacts are analyzed and the respective assessment and findings are provided, applying the following levels of significance:
 No Impact. A determination of No Impact is reached if no potential exists for impacts or if the environmental resource does not occur in the plan area or the area of potential impacts.  Less Than Significant Impact. This determination applies if the impact does not exceed the defined significance criteria or would be eliminated or reduced to a less than significant level through compliance with existing local, state, and federal laws and regulations. No mitigation is required for impacts determined to be less than significant.  Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. This determination applies if the proposed plan would result in a significant impact, exceeding the established significance criteria, but feasible mitigation is available that would reduce the impact to a less than significant level.  Significant and Unavoidable Impact. This determination applies if the proposed plan would result in an adverse impact that exceeds the established significance criteria, and no feasible mitigation is available to reduce the impact to a less than significant level. Therefore, the residual impact would be significant and unavoidable.

Impacts are defined in terms of their context and intensity. Context is related to the uniqueness of a resource; intensity refers to the severity of the impact. Where applicable, best management practices or improvement measures, or both, are incorporated into the proposed plan to limit the potential for a significant impact. Where necessary, mitigation measures are identified for significant impacts to limit the degree or lower the magnitude of the impact; rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; or compensate for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments. These impacts conclude with a finding of Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Where no mitigation measures are necessary, relevant impacts are concluded to be Less than Significant or to have No Impact.

As part of the impact analysis, mitigation measures are identified, where feasible, for impacts considered significant or potentially significant consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4, which states that an EIR “shall describe feasible measures which could minimize significant adverse impacts.” CEQA requires that mitigation measures have an essential nexus and be roughly proportional to the significant impact identified in the EIR. The future project sponsors are required Environmental Impact Analysis
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-3
to implement all identified mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR, and the lead agency (in this case, the City of Pleasant Hill) is responsible for overseeing implementation of such mitigation measures.

Impacts are numbered and shown in bold type. The corresponding mitigation measures, where identified, are numbered and indented, and follow the impact statements. Impacts and mitigation measures are numbered consecutively within each topic and include an abbreviated reference to the impact section (e.g., “LU” for Land Use and Planning). The following abbreviations are used for individual topics:
 Aesthetics (AES)
 Air Quality (AQ)
 Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources (BIO)  Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources (CR)
 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources (GEO)
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy (GHG)
 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire (HAZ)
 Hydrology and Water Quality (HYD)
 Land Use Planning, Population, and Housing (LU)
 Noise (NOI)
 Public Services and Recreation (PS)
 Transportation (TRA)
 Utilities and Service Systems (UTL)
Cumulative Impacts
This subsection evaluates the potential for the proposed plan in conjunction with other identified cumulative plans and projects (see Table 3-1) to result in cumulative impacts. The goal of this analysis is to determine whether the overall long-term impacts of all such plans and projects would be cumulatively significant, and to determine whether the proposed plan on its own would cause a “cumulatively considerable” incremental contribution to any such cumulatively significant impacts.

To determine whether the overall long-term impacts of all such plan and projects would be cumulatively significant, the analysis generally considers the following:
 The area in which impacts of the proposed plan would be experienced;  The impacts of the proposed plan that are expected in the area;  Other past, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable plans and projects that have had or are expected to have impacts in the same area;
 The impacts or expected impacts of these other plans and projects; and  The overall impact that can be expected if the individual impacts from each plan or project are allowed to accumulate.
“Cumulative impacts” refers to two or more individual impacts that, when considered together, are considerable, or that compound or increase other environmental impacts (CEQA Guidelines Section 15355). Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant impacts taking place over time. If the analysis determines that the potential exists for the proposed plan, taken together with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects, to City of Pleasant Hill
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result in a significant or adverse cumulative impact, the analysis then determines whether the proposed plan’s incremental contribution to any significant cumulative impact is itself significant (i.e., “cumulatively considerable”). The cumulative impact analysis for each individual resource topic is presented in each resource section of this chapter immediately after the description of the direct impacts and identified mitigation measures.

Cumulative Scenario Setting
Table 3-1 lists the relevant plans and larger-scale projects considered in conjunction with the proposed plan for the cumulative impacts environmental analysis that is included at the end of each environmental resource topic section in this EIR.

Table 3-1 Cumulative Plans and Larger-scale Projects List Name Jurisdiction Land Uses
Development Net Increase
Units
Non-residential
Gross Square
Footage Location Status
85 Cleaveland
Residential
City of
Pleasant Hill
Residential 189 - Pleasant Hill Approved – under
construction
401 Taylor
Residential
City of
Pleasant Hill
Residential 31 + 6
ADUs1
- Pleasant Hill Approved – under
construction
Oak Park
Properties Specific
Plan
City of
Pleasant Hill
Civic,
recreation,
residential
34 + 7
ADUs
24,800 Pleasant Hill Approved – under
construction
Reliez Terraces
Residential
City of
Pleasant Hill
Residential 17 + 4
ADUs
- Pleasant Hill Approved – under
construction
Cambria Hotel City of
Pleasant Hill
Commercial - 96,000 Pleasant Hill Approved
Concord Naval
Weapons Station
Redevelopment
City of
Concord
Residential,
commercial,
office
Up to
13,000
millions Concord Undergoing
environmental
review
Lafayette 6th Cycle
Housing Element
Update
City of
Lafayette
Residential 3,356 - Lafayette Undergoing
environmental
review
2nd Revised Draft
General Plan 2035
City of
Martinez
Commercial,
residential,
agricultural,
open space
2,060 2.8 million Martinez Undergoing
environmental
review
Clayton Draft
Housing Element
City of
Clayton
Residential 868 13,000 Clayton Undergoing
environmental
review
2022-2030
Housing Element
Update
City of
Danville
Residential 2,577 - Danville Undergoing
environmental
review
Plan Orinda City of
Orinda
Residential,
commercial
1,506 - Orinda Undergoing
environmental
review
Environmental Impact Analysis
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-5
Name Jurisdiction Land Uses
Development Net Increase
Units
Non-residential
Gross Square
Footage Location Status
Envision Pittsburg
2040 General Plan
Update
City of
Pittsburg
Residential,
commercial,
agricultural,
open space
15,576 26,089,499 Pittsburg Undergoing
environmental
review
Comprehensive
Advanced Planning
Initiative
City of
Moraga
Residential 1,821 - Moraga Undergoing
environmental
review
Contra Costa
Centre Transit
Village
Contra Costa
County
Residential,
commercial,
office, hotel
2,700 2,400,000 Unincorporated
Contra Costa
County
(proximate to
Pleasant
Hill/Contra
Costa Centre
BART Station)
Approved – under
construction
Envision Contra
Costa 2040
Contra Costa
County
Residential,
commercial
7,610* n/a Unincorporated
Contra Costa
County
Undergoing
environmental
review
Plan Bay Area
2050
All Bay Area
jurisdictions
Transportation,
residential
- - All Bay Area
jurisdictions
Approved – under
implementation
Source: Information compiled by Rincon Consultants in 2022. * This is the estimated RHNA requirement. As of the date of this document the proposed buildout numbers are not available. 1 ADUs = Accessory Dwelling Units City of Pleasant Hill
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Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-1

3.1 Aesthetics
This section describes existing conditions related to visual character, scenic resources, views, and light and glare, as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates potential impacts to aesthetics that could result from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information in this section is based on information obtained from the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan, the California State Scenic Highway System map, and photos taken of the General Plan area.

3.1.1 Environmental Setting
Visual Character
Visual character in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) context is an impartial description of the defining physical features, landscape patterns, and distinctive physical qualities within a landscape. Visual character is informed by the composition of land, vegetation, water, and structure and their relationship (or dominance) to one another, and by prominent elements of form, line, color, and texture that combine to define the composition of views. Visual character-defining resources and features within a landscape may derive from notable landforms, vegetation, land uses, building design and façade treatments, transportation facilities, overhead utility structures and lighting, historic structures or districts, or panoramic open space.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., General Plan area) is located in the east San Francisco Bay area, 19 miles northeast of San Francisco and seven miles south of the Suisun Bay. The General Plan area boundaries extend from roughly Alhambra Avenue and Taylor Boulevard on the west to roughly Interstate 680 (I-680) and State Route (SR) 242 on the east. Neighboring areas include the City of Martinez to the north, the City of Concord to the north and east, the City of Walnut Creek to the south, and Briones Regional Park to the west. Surrounding natural features include undeveloped hillsides to the west, and Walnut and Grayson Creeks along the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill.

Pleasant Hill is a mostly residential community characterized largely by one and two-story, singlefamily homes occupying approximately 70 percent of Pleasant Hill’s area, such as shown looking south from the intersection of Shelley Drive and Collins Drive in photograph 1 in Figure 3.1-1.

Pleasant Hill is largely built out, with a limited amount of undeveloped open space, along with parks, schools, and vacant land, such as open space in the northern portion of Pleasant Hill seen from Paso Nogal Park in photograph 2 in Figure 3.1-1. 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, such as the multi-family development looking north from the intersection of Old Quarry Road and Chilpancingo Parkway shown in photograph 3 in Figure 3.1-1.

Commercial development is concentrated along I-680 in the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill, and light industrial areas are located in the northernmost area of Pleasant Hill east of Pacheco Boulevard and in the southeastern corner of the city along Hookston Road. A gateway to Pleasant Hill’s downtown commercial area as seen from the intersection of Contra Costa Boulevard and Crescent Drive is shown in photograph 4 in Figure 3.1-1. Most non-residential buildings are contemporary office and industrial styles of architecture, with concrete walls, tinted glass windows, and neutral colors.

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3.1-2
Figure 3.1-1 Pleasant Hill Visual Character Representative Photographs Photograph 1. Photograph of single-family units from
intersection of Shelley Drive and Collins Drive looking south Photograph 2. Photograph of open space area from Paso Nogal Park looking north
Photograph 3. Photograph of multi-family units from
intersection of Chilpancingo Parkway and Old Quarry Road looking north
Photograph 4. Photograph of downtown gateway area from
intersection of Crescent Drive and Contra Costa Boulevard looking west
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Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-3
Scenic Resources
Most communities identify scenic resources as important visual assets that contribute to community identity. These resources can include landforms, trees, water features, and the built environment insofar as they enhance and define the visual character of a landscape. Scenic resources include natural and open spaces, as well as the built environment, particularly if certain architecture is of historic or artistic value.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., General Plan area) does not contain any City-designated scenic resources.

Views
Views may be generally described as panoramic views of a large geographic area for which the field of view can be wide and extend into the distance. Associated vantage points provide an orientation from publicly accessible locations. Examples of distinctive views include urban skylines, valleys, mountain ranges, or large bodies of water. Viewshed is a term used to describe a range of resources and their context that relate to what people can see in the foreground, middle ground, and background distances.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Viewers recreating, driving, biking, or walking through Pleasant Hill (i.e., General Plan area) might be afforded views of the hills to the west as they visit Pleasant Hill parks and trails or travel through Pleasant Hill. Their exposure would vary based on proximity and ability to see the viewshed. Most buildings within the General Plan area are one to five stories, and views west from Pleasant Hill toward the western hillsides are visible beyond existing residential development. These views are not remarkable in their vividness as dense development prevents expansive vistas, but the hillsides are a notable part of the regional landscape and views, however limited, providing a sense of place and the context of the Diablo Valley.

As summarized in Table 3.1-1, various publicly accessible locations in the General Plan area offer views toward and/or through the General Pan area. Selected viewpoint locations are shown on Figure 3.1-2. Figure 3.1-3 through Figure 3.1-17 demonstrate existing daytime views from the selected viewpoints.

Table 3.1-1 Summary of Viewpoint Locations for Existing General Plan Area Views Viewpoint
Number View Location Description Development Focus Area1 1 Looking North along Pleasant Hill Road and Mangini Drive 2 2 Looking South along Taylor Boulevard near the end of Mangini Drive 2 3 Looking West from Stonebridge Way N/A
4 Looking North along Gregory Lane and Pleasant Hill Road 6 5 Looking East along Monument Boulevard and Marcia Drive 9 6 Looking Southeast from Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane 3 7 Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Woodsworth Lane 5 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-4
Viewpoint
Number View Location Description Development Focus Area1 8 Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Doray Drive 5 9 Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Ellinwood Drive 5 10 Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Golf Club Road N/A 11 Looking East from Trail by Grayson Creek south of Cottonwood Drive N/A 12 Looking West along Contra Costa Canal Trail near Gregory Lane 6 13 Looking East on Iron Horse Regional Trail between Lisa Lane and Monument Boulevard
9 14 Looking North from Contra Costa Canal Trail and Golf Club Road 1 15 Looking South at the Pleasant Hill Library from Oak Park Boulevard N/A Source: Information compiled by Rincon in 2022.
1 Refer to Figure 2-5 in S Chapter 2.0, Project Description, for a map of the development focus areas.

Most of the views in Pleasant Hill reflect the visual unity of the built environment and indicate that Pleasant Hill is horizontally built out to its urban limits. However, views along Mangini Drive, such as in Figure 3.1-3 and Figure 3.1-4, are of an open space area currently used for low-intensity agriculture; this is uncommon throughout the remainder of Pleasant Hill. Surrounding this remnant of Pleasant Hill’s nineteenth century past as an agricultural community and found throughout Pleasant Hill are sprawling discontinuous roadways lined with detached single-family residences.

Few of Pleasant Hill’s residential uses contain multi-family residences, which are concentrated in Pleasant Hill’s eastern section near I-680, off Ellinwood Drive as shown in Figure 3.1-5.

Along commercial corridors that also serve as vehicle thoroughfares, such as Gregory Lane and Contra Costa Boulevard, are dotted with typical strip malls, which are characterized by large setbacks and parking lots larger in square footage than the commercial buildings themselves. Views onto such commercial frontages are shown in Figure 3.1-6 through Figure 3.1-13. Several multi-use paths serve pedestrians and cyclists in Pleasant Hill, such as the Contra Costa Canal Trail and Iron Horse Regional Trail, from which a user may see roadways, parking lots, or commercial uses through the trees lining the trail, as shown in Figure 3.1-14 through Figure 3.1-16.

Figure 3.1-17 shows one of Pleasant Hill’s public/institutional uses, the newly constructed Pleasant Hill Library along Oak Park Boulevard in the southern portion of Pleasant Hill. There are minimal long-range views within Pleasant Hill, but the hills of Briones Regional Park may be visible from publicly accessible location in Pleasant Hill’s western sections, such as along Alhambra Avenue or Taylor Boulevard.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-5
Figure 3.1-2 Viewpoint Locations for Existing General Plan Area Views Source: Rincon, 2022
City of Pleasant Hill
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3.1-6
Figure 3.1-3 View 1: Looking North along Pleasant Hill Road and Mangini Drive Figure 3.1-4 View 2: Looking South along Taylor Boulevard near end of Mangini Drive Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-7
Figure 3.1-5 View 3: Looking West from Stonebridge Way
Figure 3.1-6 View 4: Looking North along Gregory Lane and Pleasant Hill Road City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-8
Figure 3.1-7 View 5: Looking East along Monument Boulevard and Marcia Drive Figure 3.1-8 View 6: Looking Southeast from Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane
Environmental Impact Analysis
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Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-9
Figure 3.1-9 View 7: Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Woodsworth Lane
Figure 3.1-10 View 8: Looking Southwest from Contra Costa Boulevard and Doray Drive City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-10
Figure 3.1-11 View 9: Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Ellinwood Drive Figure 3.1-12 View 10: Looking North from Contra Costa Boulevard and Golf Club Road Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-11
Figure 3.1-13 View 11: Looking East from Trail by Grayson Creek south of Cottonwood Drive
Figure 3.1-14 View 12: Looking West on Contra Costa Canal Trail near Gregory Lane City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-12
Figure 3.1-15 View 13: Looking East on Iron Horse Regional Trail between Lisa Lane and Monument Boulevard
Figure 3.1-16 View 14: Looking North from Contra Costa Canal Trail and Golf Club Road Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-13
Figure 3.1-17 View 15: Looking South at the Pleasant Hill Library from Oak Park Boulevard
Scenic Highways
The State Scenic Highway System includes a list of highways that are either eligible for designation as scenic highways or have been officially designated. A highway may be designated scenic depending upon how much of the natural landscape can be seen by travelers, the scenic quality of the landscape, and the extent to which development intrudes upon the traveler’s enjoyment of the view.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
There are no designated State scenic highways within the Pleasant Hill (i.e., General Plan area). The nearest designated State scenic highways to Pleasant Hill are a segment of I-680 and a segment of SR 24, both are located within the City of Walnut Creek. The portion of I-680 that traverses Pleasant Hill is not designated as a State Scenic Highway.1
1 California Department of Transportation. 2019. California State Scenic Highway System Map. https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa (accessed October 2022).

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Light and Glare
In the context of CEQA Guidelines, light is nighttime illumination that stimulates sight and makes things visible; glare is difficulty seeing in the presence of bright light such as direct or reflected sunlight.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Current light and glare levels within the General Plan area are consistent with urbanized development and include streetlights, exterior building lighting, and lighted signs. Primary sources of light are streetlights, parking lot lights, exterior building lighting, and lighted signs. Automobile headlights can also create temporary sources of light as they exit parking areas. Primary sources of glare include sunlight reflected in the windows of buildings, including glass façades, and the windshields of parked cars.

3.1.2 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
No federal plans, policies, regulations, or laws related to aesthetics are applicable.

State Regulations
California Scenic Highway Program
The State Legislature created the California Scenic Highway Program, maintained by Caltrans, in 1963. The purpose of the State Scenic Highway Program is to protect and enhance the natural scenic beauty of California highways and adjacent corridors, through special conservation treatment. The State laws governing the Scenic Highway Program are found in the Streets and Highways Code, Sections 260 through 263. The State Scenic Highway System includes a list of highways that are either eligible for designation as scenic highways or have been officially designated. The status of a proposed State Scenic Highway changes officially from eligible to officially designated when the local governing body applies to Caltrans for scenic highway approval, adopts a Corridor Protection Program, and receives notification that the highway has been officially designated a Scenic Highway.

California Code of Regulations Title 24 - Building Lighting Characteristics California Building Code (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 24)—including Title 24, Part 6— includes Section 132 of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which regulate lighting characteristics (i.e., maximum power/brightness, shielding, light sensor controls). Different lighting standards are set by classifying areas by lighting zone. The classification is based on 2000 Census population figures. Areas can be designated as LZ1 (dark), LZ2 (rural), or LZ3 (urban). Lighting requirements for dark and rural areas are stricter in order to protect the areas from new sources of light pollution and light trespass. The majority of Pleasant Hill falls under the “urban” standard.

Local Regulations
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to aesthetics, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-15
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
TITLE 18 – PLANNING AND LAND USE
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 18, Planning and Land Use, specifies development and design standards, including lighting, density, height, parking, and setback requirements for residential, commercial, retail, office, light industrial, public and semipublic uses within Pleasant Hill.

TITLE 7 – COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 7, Community Preservation, enforces the maintenance of properties to improve the health, safety and welfare of the residents and the image of Pleasant Hill.

This includes the maintenance of buildings, structures, vegetation and site conditions on private properties.

TITLE 17 – SUBDIVISIONS
Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 17.52, Commercial Condominiums, governs commercial condominiums use. Chapter 17.52.040 (D) dictates that a subdivider shall install on-site lighting on all vehicular access ways and major walkways, such that the lighting is directed onto driveways and walkways and shielded to eliminate off-site glare.

3.1.3 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Aesthetics.

Would the 2040 General Plan:

Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Approach to Analysis
Aesthetic impact assessments involve qualitative analysis that is subjective but informed by the basic guidelines provided above. Reactions to the same aesthetic conditions vary according to viewer taste and interests. Since the proposed plan is not a concrete development proposal, the analysis focuses on a general discussion of the aesthetic impacts within Pleasant Hill, in terms of the City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-16
arrangement of built space to open space, potential loss of scenic resources, degradation of visual character, density and intensity of development, and visual fit with landscape characteristics.

Scenic Vistas and Resources
For the purposes of analysis, a scenic vista is a view from a public place (roadway, designated scenic viewing spot, etc.) that is expansive and considered by the City of Pleasant Hill to be important. It can be obtained from an elevated position (such as from a trail near the top of a hillside) or it can be seen from a roadway with a longer-range view of the landscape. An adverse effect would occur if a proposed development would block or otherwise damage the scenic vista upon implementation.

Visual Character and Views
The impacts on visual character or quality attributable to 2040 General Plan implementation were evaluated relative to visual conditions under buildout, as estimated by existing experiences from public viewpoints in and around Pleasant Hill. Photographs of Pleasant Hill were taken and reviewed in preparation of this analysis. Given that the proposed plan would facilitate development in urbanized areas,
2 the impact discussion of visual character and views is focused on consistency with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality.

Light and Glare
The analysis of light and glare impacts focuses on the nature and magnitude of changes in light and glare conditions associated with implementation of the proposed plan on the General Plan area and surroundings. If the light and glare conditions of the proposed plan and the existing environment are similar, then the visual compatibility would be high. If the light and glare conditions of the proposed plan strongly contrast with the existing light and glare or applicable policies and guidelines, then light and glare compatibility would be low and significant impacts may result.

Proposed design standards and guidelines as well as proposed plan goals and policies are applied to determine the significance of light and glare impacts associated with the proposed plan.

EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No comments relevant to CEQA were received in response to the EIR NOP specific to aesthetics that need to be addressed in the impacts discussion.

Specific Thresholds of Significance
The City of Pleasant Hill has not adopted quantitative thresholds for the evaluation of aesthetics.

The City applies the following qualitative thresholds based on adopted policies and guidelines to evaluate the significance of aesthetics impacts resulting from development.  Block existing views from a scenic route or corridor toward a visual/scenic resource (i.e., ridgeline)  Be inconsistent with the character of the plan area or existing development in the surrounding area or would substantially alter existing natural topography  Increase existing nighttime light or daytime glare sources in the plan area or vicinity in a manner that would substantially affect nighttime or daytime views 2 Pleasant Hill is in an urbanized area pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 21071, which states that an incorporated city is urbanized if it has either (1) a population of at least 100,000 persons or (2) has a population of less than 100,000 persons if the population of that city and not more than two contiguous incorporated cities combined equals at least 100,000 persons. Since Pleasant Hill has a population of less than 100,000 persons but a contiguous city (the City of Concord) has a population exceeding 100,000, it is considered urbanized.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-17
Impact Evaluation
Scenic Vistas
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
Impact AES-1 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS ALONG URBANIZED CORRIDORS THAT DO NOT OFFER NOTABLE SCENIC VISTAS THROUGH THE PLAN AREA. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Impacts related to substantial adverse effects on a scenic vista are limited to operational impacts, because construction impacts would not result in obstructions to scenic vistas. No substantial adverse effects on scenic vistas from construction would result from implementation of the proposed plan.

Operation
Pleasant Hill includes longer range views from public streets from the western neighborhoods westward towards Briones Regional Park across the urbanized landscape of Pleasant Hill. None of these views are designated as “vistas” or “scenic corridors” in the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan or the proposed 2040 General Plan. Development implemented under the 2040 General Plan would be located along commercial corridors and/or consist of infill development.

These areas are highly urbanized with retail, restaurant, commercial, and residential uses no taller than three stories. Publicly available views throughout the General Plan area are largely limited by intervening development, mature landscaping, and large street or median trees.

Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would largely be infill, some of which could exceed baseline (2022) building heights. From streets and public places (e.g., parks and trails) in Pleasant Hill, intervening development prevents expansive views of the hills to the west. Views in most of the General Plan area are of the built environment. Views of the natural environment are obscured by development, although views down the streets of the built environment and street trees are intact and create a sense of place.

Since scenic vistas of the hills west of Pleasant Hill are not widely available from public viewing areas and new development would be limited by development standards dictated by Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 18, Planning and Land Use, scenic vistas would continue to be available where they currently exist. Therefore, impacts of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan related to scenic vistas would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-18
Scenic Resources within State Scenic Highways
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway?
Impact AES-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT BE VISIBLE FROM DESIGNATED OR ELIGIBLE SCENIC HIGHWAYS. THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT.

Construction
Impacts related to substantial damage to scenic resources are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur under development facilitated by the proposed plan.

Operation
The closest designated State scenic highways to Pleasant Hill are a segment of I-680 and a segment of SR 24 both located outside of Pleasant Hill within Walnut Creek. The portion of I-680 that traverses Pleasant Hill is not designated as a State Scenic Highway.

The segments of I-680 and SR 24 designated as a State Scenic Highway are located approximately two miles south of the General Plan area’s southern border at which point Pleasant Hill is not visible from these freeway alignments. No development would be facilitated by the 2040 General Plan near this State-designated Scenic Highway, and views from such designated State scenic highways do not include the General Plan area. Furthermore, there are no City-designated scenic resources within the General Plan area. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would result in no operational impact related to effects on scenic resources within a State scenic highway.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact
Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-19
Visual Character or Quality of Public Views
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan, in non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the proposed plan is in an urbanized area, would the plan conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
Impact AES-3 INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD ALLOW FOR INCREASED INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT ON UNDERUTILIZED SITES. SCENIC QUALITY WOULD BE PROTECTED THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF GOALS AND POLICIES IN THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN THAT ADDRESS VISUAL QUALITY. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Impacts related to substantial degrading of visual character or quality of public views are limited to operational impacts. In addition, no respective construction impacts resulting in conflicts with zoning and regulations governing scenic quality would occur under development facilitated by the proposed plan.

Operation
Pleasant Hill is largely built out with a mix of single-family residences and commercial uses along corridors such as Gregory Lane and Contra Costa Boulevard. Vacant parcels comprise approximately only two percent of all land within the General Plan area. As such, the 2040 General Plan would facilitate development of new and redeveloped mixed-use (commercial and multi-family residential) land uses within already developed areas of Pleasant Hill. This would largely constitute infill development, including a mix of heights, architectural styles, and open spaces that would increase density and urbanization. Land use and zoning changes are proposed under the 2040 General Plan that would allow increased residential densities near commercial uses. Throughout the 2040 General Plan, residential and commercial design policies are included that address building massing, transitions, scale, orientation, and exterior building materials.

Development implemented under the 2040 General Plan would be infill development in an urbanized area that would be required to conform with visual resource goals and policies that the 2040 General Plan proposes. The 2040 General Plan would allow for an increase in height and density but would also require that all future projects conform to policies that ensure high-quality architectural and site design that would create a sense of place and increase visual quality and unity throughout the entire General Plan area. The following 2040 General Plan goals and policies related to visual character and quality would reduce impacts:

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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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-1.4 Gateway Features. Enhance key intersections and entries to the city with signs, landscaping, and streetscape features.

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-1.7 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-1.8 Citywide Beautification. Promote a clean and attractive city through periodic clean-up and beautification of commercial areas and neighborhoods.

Goal LU 2 Promote scenic routes and corridors in the city that add to the overall character of the City.

Policy LU-2.1 Scenic Route Setbacks. Enforce setbacks from the right-of-way for scenic routes, in which only landscaping and pedestrian and bicycle routes may be allowed.

Policy LU-2.2 Scenic Route Improvements. Coordinate with the County in planning for scenic route improvements.

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-3.6 Aesthetic Enhancement. Encourage aesthetic enhancement of residential areas, while retaining the quality of individual neighborhoods.

Goal LU 6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.

Policy LU-6.9 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-6.14 Downtown Identity. Continue to reinforce and enhance the identity of Downtown as the commercial, civic, and cultural center of Pleasant Hill.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-21
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-6.30 Street Activation. Encourage active street fronts to create vibrant spaces for the community to congregate, including paseos, courtyards, expanded outdoor dining, expanded sidewalks, and enhanced landscaping.

Policy LU-6.32 Commercial Use Design. Support the design of commercial uses on Contra Costa Boulevard that relate to, and reflect uses adjacent to and behind, those uses, with careful attention to design themes common to specific blocks along 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.

Buildout associated with the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with the aforementioned goals and policies. Goal LU-1 coupled with Policies LU-1.2, and LU-1.8 would broadly maintain a quality community atmosphere and image through beautification and a high level of civic, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Policies LU-1.3, LU-1.4, and LU-1.6 would encourage a coherent cityscape through well-defined street fronts, gateway features, and scaled new development (i.e., appropriate transition between adjoining neighborhoods and land uses). Policy LU-1.5 would require installation of public art in new public and private development, which would enhance the visual quality and character of the city. Finally, Policy LU-1.7 would encourage a human-scale community environment (as opposed to vehicle scale), which would improve the urban design of Pleasant Hill.

Goal LU-2 and Policies LU-2.1 and LU-2.2 would promote setbacks and improvements to scenic routes to maintain visual quality around scenic roadways. Goal LU-3 and Policies LU-3.1 and LU-3.6 would improve the aesthetic quality of residential neighborhoods by maintenance of public services and facilities (such as streets and drainages) and encouraging aesthetic enhancement in residential areas.

Goal LU-6 and associated policies would aim to create distinct places within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character. Like Policy LU-1.6, Policy LU-6.9 would encourage development specifically on the Mangini-Delu site to seamlessly transition new development between existing residential neighborhoods. Policy LU-6.14 reinforces the identity of Downtown Pleasant Hill through commercial, civic, and cultural continuity, which would maintain the city’s visual character. Policy LU-1.7, Policy LU-6.27 supports transformation of auto-oriented and strip commercial uses to attractive pedestrian-oriented development. Specific to segments of Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane within Pleasant Hill, Policies LU-6.32 and LU-6.34 would support consistency of design themes and transformation into an attractive streetscape, respectively. 2040 General Plan goals and polices would encourage urban design that complements and is consistent with the character of existing neighborhoods and encourages high-quality design throughout the General Plan area. Implementation of these goals and policies would ensure that development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be visually compatible with Pleasant Hill’s overall form and would improve underutilized parcels through excellent architectural and landscape design. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with Pleasant Hill regulations governing City of Pleasant Hill
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visual character or quality. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to visual quality and character would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
New Source of Light or Glare
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? Impact AES-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD CREATE NEW SOURCES OF LIGHT OR GLARE THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DAYTIME OR NIGHTTIME VIEWS IN THE AREA. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED.

Construction
Impacts related to creation of new sources of light and glare that could adversely affect daytime and nighttime views in the area are typically limited to operational impacts. In addition, most construction facilitated by the proposed plan would occur during the daytime, limiting potential for construction-related, temporary nighttime lighting impacts. Construction-related nighttime lighting would be used at future project construction sites only for safety and security purposes and would be directed downward and limited from potential spillover to adjacent areas. As such, construction light and glare impacts related to implementation of the proposed plan would be less than significant.

Operation
Pleasant Hill is an urbanized city with a commensurate degree of light and glare. New development associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan would, in large part, occur as infill development of unused parcels between existing built sites or development of existing built sites on already developed parcels. New lighting could occur on buildings for safety and in pedestrian walkways, and light could be emitted from interior sources. The main source of glare would likely be from the sun shining on the windows of parked cars associated with uses at the new development or reflective building surfaces or windows.

Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would increase lighting and glare in Pleasant Hill.

As the 2040 General Plan would facilitate infill development within the General Plan area along major transit corridors like Contra Costa Boulevard and Gregory Lane, such land uses would be designed to encourage alternative forms of transportation, and surface parking lots would be limited or replaced with other forms of parking. When facilities such as parking lots are replaced with buildings, these replacements may reduce nighttime sources of light, because parking lots are often more brightly lit during the nighttime than most buildings. Infill development of underutilized or vacant parcels may result in new light sources, but they would likely be congruous with nearby light sources (e.g., lighting from shop windows or residential windows). Furthermore, as the infill development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would largely be mixed-use with residential units Environmental Impact Analysis
Aesthetics
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-23
on the upper stories and retail stores or services on the ground floor, light from windows at light would be limited to normal business hours for the ground floor and would be filtered or obscured by window coverings in the residential units. Nonetheless, the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code currently does not contain specific regulations that limit light levels, light spillage, or specify lighting standards on new development, except for Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 17.52.040 (D) regarding commercial condominiums development, and Chapter 18.55.140 regarding parking lots.

However, Mitigation Measure AES-1 would require adoption and implementation of lighting standards to maintain ambient lighting levels. Glare would be reduced from commercial condominiums development through compliance with Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter

17.52.040 (D), which dictates that lighting on commercial condominiums be shielded to eliminate off-site glare, and Chapter 18.55.140 (B), which dictates that outdoor parking lot lighting shall be designed to prevent light pollution. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational light and glare impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AES-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO PREPARE A

CITY LIGHTING STANDARDS STUDY AND IMPLEMENT THE FINDINGS The City shall revise the General Plan Land Use Element to include a policy that states the following:

The City shall adopt lighting standards intended to maintain ambient lighting levels after preparing a City Lighting Standards study to determine visibility, minimum glare, and minimum spillage standards in relation to other properties or into the sky. Implementation of this policy would encourage, through the regulation of the types, kinds, construction, installation and uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems to conserve energy without decreasing safety, utility, security, and productivity while enhancing nighttime enjoyment of property and night skies.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

3.1.4 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative aesthetics analysis is the visible areas within and surrounding the General Plan area. 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 and the City of Concord, as well as plans in Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, and Plan Bay Area 2050, in addition to the proposed plan.

Scenic Vistas, Scenic Resources, and Visual Character
Development facilitated by the proposed plan, in conjunction with other cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 could result in impacts to scenic vistas, scenic resources, and visual quality, although largely visual quality would improve with development replacement of aging buildings and sparsely landscaped areas. Cumulative plans and projects are anticipated to increase development in areas already developed with other uses. Cumulative plans and projects located in Pleasant Hill, adjacent cities, and Contra Costa County would be required to undergo analysis for impacts related to scenic vistas, scenic resource, and visual quality. These impacts would be City of Pleasant Hill
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mitigated by design guidelines, regulations, policies, and project-specific mitigation measures, thereby limiting damage to existing scenic resources and enhancing the visual quality of areas where development occurs. Nevertheless, Pleasant Hill’s contribution to potential cumulative aesthetic impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. Consequently, future residential development facilitated by cumulative development would not result in significant cumulative environmental impacts in conflict with requirements for preserving scenic vistas, scenic resources in State- or locally designated highways or drives, or visual quality. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to scenic vistas, scenic resources, and visual character would be less than significant.

Light and Glare
Cumulative plans and projects in Pleasant Hill, adjacent cities, and Contra Costa County would be required to undergo analysis for impacts related to light and glare. Such impacts would be mitigated by design guidelines, regulations, policies, and project-specific mitigation measures, thereby limiting damage related to light and glare in and near areas where development occurs. Nevertheless, Pleasant Hill’s contribution to potential cumulative aesthetic impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. Consequently, future development facilitated by cumulative plans and projects would not result in significant cumulative environmental impacts in conflict with requirements for limiting the effects of light and glare. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to light and glare would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant
Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-1

3.2 Air Quality

3.2.1 Introduction
This section describes existing air quality conditions regionally and within the City of Pleasant Hill as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also analyzes the possible impacts related to air quality (specifically with regard to emissions of criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants) that could result from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information included in this section is based partially on the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data drawn from the Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA), which is included as Appendix E to this EIR.

3.2.2 Environmental Setting
Regional Climate and Meteorology
Pleasant Hill is located in Contra Costa County and is in the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys region of the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (SFBAAB), which is a subregion of the SFBAAB. The SFBAAB includes the counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Napa, Contra Costa, and Alameda, along with the southeast portion of Sonoma County and the southwest portion of Solano County. Contra Costa County is bounded on the west by the San Francisco Bay and Alameda County, on the east by San Joaquin County, on the south by Alameda County, and on the north by Suisun Bay.

The Diablo and San Ramon Valleys subregion lays east of the Coast Range. The Diablo Valley is bordered in the north by the Carquinez Strait and in the south by the San Ramon Valley. The San Ramon Valley extends south from Walnut Creek to Dublin with its southern end opening onto the Amador Valley. The mountains on the west side of the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys block most of the marine air from reaching the valleys. During the daytime, there are two predominant flow patterns: an upvalley flow from the north and a westerly flow (wind from the west) across the lower elevations of the Coast Range. Pollution potential is relatively high in these valleys. On winter evenings, light winds combined with surface-based inversions and terrain that restricts air flow can cause pollutants levels to build up. In the summer months, ozone and ozone precursors are often transported into the valleys from both the central SFBAAB and the Central Valley. Pleasant Hill’s meteorology is affected by its inland location and its proximity to the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys.1 Pleasant Hill’s meteorology is affected by its inland location and its proximity to the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys.

The average daily temperature in Pleasant Hill (based on meteorology data measured at the Buchanan Field Airport) is 62 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), the average low temperature is 50°F, and the average high temperature is 74°F.2
The average wind speed is 8.3 miles per hour.3
In winter, the SFBAAB experiences periods of storminess, moderate-to-strong winds, and periods of stagnation with very light winds. Winter stagnation episodes are characterized by outflow from the 1 Bay Area Air Quality Management District [BAAQMD]. 2017a. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. May. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022). 2 Iowa Environmental Mesonet. 2022. CA_ASOS Concord/Buchanan Monthly Summaries. N.d. https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?station=CCR&network=CA_ASOS (accessed November 2022). 3 Iowa Environmental Mesonet. 2022. CA_ASOS Concord/Buchanan Wind Roses. N.d. https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/windrose.phtml?station=CCR&network=CA_ASOS (accessed November 2022).

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Central Valley, nighttime drainage flows in coastal valleys, weak onshore flows in the afternoon, and otherwise light and variable winds.

A primary factor in air quality is the mixing depth (the vertical air column available for dilution of contaminant sources). Generally, the temperature of air decreases with height, creating a gradient from warmer air near the ground to cooler air at elevation. This is caused by most of the sun’s energy being converted to sensible heat at the ground, which in turn warms the air at the surface.

The warm air rises in the atmosphere, where it expands and cools. Sometimes, however, the temperature of air actually increases with height. This condition is known as temperature inversion, because the temperature profile of the atmosphere is “inverted” from its usual state. Over the SFBAAB, the frequent occurrence of temperature inversions limits mixing depth and, consequently, limits the availability of air for dilution.

Air Pollutant Types, Sources, and Effects
Criteria Air Pollutants
Concentrations of criteria air pollutants are used as indicators of air quality conditions. Air pollutants are termed criteria air pollutants if they are regulated by developing specific public health and welfare-based criteria as the basis for setting permissible levels. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), criteria air pollutants are ozone, particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), PM equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Criteria air pollutants are defined in more detail under Section 3.2.3, Regulatory Framework. Table 3.2-1 provides a summary of the types, sources, and effects of these criteria air pollutants of national and California concern.

Table 3.2-1 Description of Criteria Air Pollutants of National and California Concern Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Ozone Ozone is a photochemical
pollutant as it is not emitted
directly into the atmosphere, but
is formed by a complex series of
chemical reactions between
volatile organic compounds (VOC),
nitrous oxides (NOX), and sunlight.

Ozone is a regional pollutant that
is generated over a large area and
is transported and spread by the
wind.

Ozone is a secondary
pollutant; thus, it is not
emitted directly into the
lower level of the
atmosphere. The primary
sources of ozone
precursors (VOC and NOX)
are mobile sources (onroad and off-road vehicle
exhaust).

Irritate respiratory system; reduce
lung function; breathing pattern
changes; reduction of breathing
capacity; inflame and damage cells
that line the lungs; make lungs
more susceptible to infection;
aggravate asthma; aggravate other
chronic lung diseases; cause
permanent lung damage; some
immunological changes; increased
mortality risk; vegetation and
property damage.

Particulate
matter (PM10)
Suspended particulate matter is a
mixture of small particles that
consist of dry solid fragments,
droplets of water, or solid cores
with liquid coatings. The particles
vary in shape, size, and
composition. PM10 refers to
particulate matter that is between

2.5 and 10 microns in diameter,
(one micron is one-millionth of a
Stationary sources include
fuel or wood combustion
for electrical utilities,
residential space heating,
and industrial processes;
construction and
demolition; metals,
minerals, and
petrochemicals; wood
products processing; mills
 Short-term exposure
(hours/days): irritation of the
eyes, nose, throat; coughing;
phlegm; chest tightness;
shortness of breath; aggravate
existing lung disease, causing
asthma attacks and acute
bronchitis; those with heart
disease can suffer heart
attacks and arrhythmias.

Particulate
matter (PM2.5)
Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-3
Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
meter). PM2.5 refers to particulate
matter that is 2.5 microns or less
in diameter, about one-thirtieth
the size of the average human
hair.
and elevators used in
agriculture; erosion from
tilled lands; waste disposal,
and recycling. Mobile or
transportation related
sources are from vehicle
exhaust and road dust.

Secondary particles form
from reactions in the
atmosphere.
 Long-term exposure: reduced
lung function; chronic
bronchitis; changes in lung
morphology; death.

Nitrogen
dioxide (NO2)
During combustion of fossil fuels,
oxygen reacts with nitrogen to
produce nitrogen oxides—NOX
(NO, NO2, NO3, N2O, N2O3, N2O4,
and N2O5). NOX is a precursor to
ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 formation.

NOX can react with compounds to
form nitric acid and related small
particles and result in PM related
health effects.

NOX is produced in motor
vehicle internal
combustion engines and
fossil fuel-fired electric
utility and industrial
boilers. Nitrogen dioxide
forms quickly from NOX
emissions. NO2
concentrations near major
roads can be 30 to 100
percent higher than those
at monitoring stations.

Potential to aggravate chronic
respiratory disease and
respiratory symptoms in sensitive
groups; risk to public health
implied by pulmonary and extrapulmonary biochemical and cellular changes and pulmonary
structural changes; contributions
to atmospheric discoloration;
increased visits to hospital for
respiratory illnesses.

Carbon
monoxide (CO)
CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas.

CO is somewhat soluble in water;
therefore, rainfall and fog can
suppress CO conditions. CO enters
the body through the lungs,
dissolves in the blood, replaces
oxygen as an attachment to
hemoglobin, and reduces available
oxygen in the blood.

CO is produced by
incomplete combustion of
carbon-containing fuels
(e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel,
and biomass). Sources
include motor vehicle
exhaust, industrial
processes (metals
processing and chemical
manufacturing),
residential wood burning,
and natural sources.

Ranges depending on exposure:
slight headaches; nausea;
aggravation of angina pectoris
(chest pain) and other aspects of
coronary heart disease;
decreased exercise tolerance in
persons with peripheral vascular
disease and lung disease;
impairment of central nervous
system functions; possible
increased risk to fetuses; death.

Sulfur dioxide
(SO2)
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless,
pungent gas. At levels greater than

0.5 ppm, the gas has a strong odor,
similar to rotten eggs. Sulfur
oxides (SOX) include sulfur dioxide
and sulfur trioxide. Sulfuric acid is
formed from sulfur dioxide, which
can lead to acid deposition and
can harm natural resources and
materials. Although sulfur dioxide
concentrations have been reduced
to levels well below state and
federal standards, further
reductions are desirable because
sulfur dioxide is a precursor to
sulfate and PM10.

Human caused sources
include fossil-fuel
combustion, mineral ore
processing, and chemical
manufacturing. Volcanic
emissions are a natural
source of sulfur dioxide.

The gas can also be
produced in the air by
dimethyl sulfide and
hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur
dioxide is removed from
the air by dissolution in
water, chemical reactions,
and transfer to soils and
ice caps. The sulfur
dioxide levels in the State
are well below the
maximum standards.

Bronchoconstriction accompanied
by symptoms which may include
wheezing, shortness of breath
and chest tightness, during
exercise or physical activity in
persons with asthma. Some
population-based studies indicate
that the mortality and morbidity
effects associated with fine
particles show a similar
association with ambient sulfur
dioxide levels. It is not clear
whether the two pollutants act
synergistically or one pollutant
alone is the predominant factor.

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Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Lead Lead is a solid heavy metal that
can exist in air pollution as an
aerosol particle component.

Leaded gasoline was used in motor
vehicles until around 1970. Lead
concentrations have not exceeded
state or federal standards at any
monitoring station since 1982.

Lead ore crushing, leadore smelting, and battery
manufacturing are
currently the largest
sources of lead in the
atmosphere in the United
States. Other sources
include dust from soils
contaminated with leadbased paint, solid waste
disposal, and crustal
physical weathering.

Lead accumulates in bones, soft
tissue, and blood and can affect
the kidneys, liver, and nervous
system. It can cause impairment
of blood formation and nerve
conduction, behavior disorders,
mental retardation, neurological
impairment, learning deficiencies,
and low IQs.

Sources: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD); California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) 2002; California Air Resources Board (CARB); United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); National Toxicology Program Toxic Air Contaminants
Concentrations of toxic air contaminants (TACs) are also used as indicators of air quality conditions.

TACs are defined as air pollutants that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness or that may pose a hazard to human health. TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air; however, their high toxicity or health risk may pose a threat to public health even at very low concentrations. TACs can cause long-term health effects (such as cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, asthma, bronchitis, or genetic damage) or short-term acute affects (such as eye watering, respiratory irritation, runny nose, throat pain, or headaches). For those TACs that may cause cancer, there is no concentration that does not present some risk. In other words, there is no threshold level below which some adverse health impacts are not expected to occur. This contrasts with the criteria pollutants such as NO2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which the State and federal governments have set ambient air quality standards.

TACs are separated into carcinogens and noncarcinogens based on the nature of the physiological effects associated with exposure to a particular TAC. Carcinogens are assumed to have no safe threshold below which health impacts would not occur. Cancer risk is typically expressed as excess cancer cases per million exposed individuals, typically over a lifetime exposure or other prolonged duration. For noncarcinogenic substances, there is generally assumed to be a safe level of exposure below which no negative health impact is believed to occur. These levels may vary depending on the specific pollutant. Acute and chronic exposure to noncarcinogens is expressed as a hazard index (HI), which is the ratio of expected exposure levels to an acceptable reference exposure levels.

To date, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has designated nearly 200 compounds as TACs.

CARB has implemented control measures for a number of compounds that pose high risks and show potential for effective control. The majority of the estimated health risk from TACs can be attributed to a relatively few compounds, the most important being diesel particulate matter (DPM) from diesel-fueled engines. Common TACs of national and California concern include: DPM, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, asbestos, hydrogen sulfide, sulfates, visibility-reducing particulates, vinyl chloride, and lead. Table 3.2-2 provides a summary of these types, sources, and effects of TACs of national and California concern.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-5
Table 3.2-2 Description of Toxic Air Contaminants of National and California Concern Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Diesel
Particulate
Matter (DPM)
Diesel PM is a source of PM2.5—
diesel particles are typically 2.5
microns and smaller. Diesel
exhaust is a complex mixture of
thousands of particles and gases
that is produced when an
engine burns diesel fuel. Organic
compounds account for 80
percent of the total particulate
matter mass, which consists of
compounds such as
hydrocarbons and their
derivatives, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons and
their derivatives. Fifteen
polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons are confirmed
carcinogens, a number of which
are found in diesel exhaust.

Diesel exhaust is a major source
of ambient particulate matter
pollution in urban environments.

Typically, the main source of
DPM is from combustion of
diesel fuel in diesel-powered
engines. Such engines are in onroad vehicles such as diesel trucks, off-road construction
vehicles, diesel electrical
generators, and various pieces
of stationary construction
equipment.

Some short-term (acute) effects
of DPM exposure include eye,
nose, throat, and lung irritation,
coughs, headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea. Studies have linked elevated particle
levels in the air to increased
hospital admissions, emergency
room visits, asthma attacks, and
premature deaths among those
suffering from respiratory
problems. Human studies on the
carcinogenicity of DPM
demonstrate an increased risk of
lung cancer, although the
increased risk cannot be clearly
attributed to diesel exhaust
exposure.

Volatile
Organic
Compounds
(VOCs)
Reactive organic gases (ROGs),
or VOCs, are defined as any
compound of carbon—
excluding CO, CO2, carbonic
acid, metallic carbides or
carbonates, and ammonium
carbonate—that participates
in atmospheric photochemical
reactions. Although there are
slight differences in the
definition of ROGs and VOCs,
the two terms are often used
interchangeably.

Indoor sources of VOCs include
paints, solvents, aerosol sprays,
cleansers, tobacco smoke, etc.

Outdoor sources of VOCs are
from combustion and fuel
evaporation. A reduction in VOC
emissions reduces certain
chemical reactions that
contribute to the formulation of
ozone. VOCs are transformed
into organic aerosols in the
atmosphere, which contribute to
higher PM10 and lower visibility.

Although health-based standards
have not been established for
VOCs, health effects can occur
from exposures to high
concentrations because of
interference with oxygen uptake.

In general, concentrations of VOCs
are suspected to cause eye, nose,
and throat irritation; headaches;
loss of coordination; nausea; and
damage to the liver, the kidneys,
and the central nervous system.

Many VOCs have been classified as
toxic air contaminants.

Benzene Benzene is a VOC. It is a clear or
colorless light-yellow, volatile,
highly flammable liquid with a
gasoline-like odor. The EPA has
classified benzene as a “Group
A” carcinogen.

Benzene is emitted into the air
from fuel evaporation, motor
vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke,
and from burning oil and coal.

Benzene is used as a solvent for
paints, inks, oils, waxes, plastic,
and rubber. Benzene occurs
naturally in gasoline at one to two
percent by volume. The primary
route of human exposure is
through inhalation.

Short-term (acute) exposure of
high doses from inhalation of
benzene may cause dizziness,
drowsiness, headaches, eye
irritation, skin irritation, and
respiratory tract irritation, and at
higher levels, loss of
consciousness can occur. Longterm (chronic) occupational exposure of high doses has
caused blood disorders, leukemia,
and lymphatic cancer.

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Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Asbestos Asbestos is the name given to
a number of naturally
occurring fibrous silicate
minerals that have been mined
for their useful properties such
as thermal insulation, chemical
and thermal stability, and high
tensile strength. The three
most common types of
asbestos are chrysotile,
amosite, and crocidolite.

Chrysotile, also known as white
asbestos, is the most common
type of asbestos found in
buildings. Chrysotile makes up
approximately 90 to 95 percent
of all asbestos contained in
buildings in the United States.

Exposure to asbestos is a health
threat; exposure to asbestos
fibers may result in health issues
such as lung cancer,
mesothelioma (a rare cancer of
the thin membranes lining the
lungs, chest, and abdominal
cavity), and asbestosis (a noncancerous lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs).

Exposure to asbestos can occur
during demolition or remodeling
of buildings that were
constructed prior to the 1977
ban on asbestos for use in
buildings. Exposure to naturally
occurring asbestos can occur
during soil-disturbing activities
in areas with deposits present.

Hydrogen
Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a
flammable, colorless, poisonous
gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Manure, storage tanks, ponds,
anaerobic lagoons, and land
application sites are the primary
sources of hydrogen sulfide.

Anthropogenic sources include
the combustion of sulfur
containing fuels (oil and coal).

High levels of hydrogen sulfide
can cause immediate respiratory
arrest. It can irritate the eyes and
respiratory tract and cause
headache, nausea, vomiting, and
cough. Long exposure can cause
pulmonary edema.

Sulfates The sulfate ion is a polyatomic
anion with the empirical
formula SO2−
4 Sulfates occur in
combination with metal and/or
hydrogen ions. Many sulfates
are soluble in water.

Sulfates are particulates formed
through the photochemical
oxidation of sulfur dioxide. In
California, the main source of
sulfur compounds is combustion
of gasoline and diesel fuel.
(a) Decrease in ventilatory
function;
(b) aggravation of asthmatic
symptoms;
(c) aggravation of cardiopulmonary disease;
(d) vegetation damage;
(e) degradation of visibility;
(f) property damage.

Visibilityreducing
Particles
Suspended particulate matter
is a mixture of small particles
that consist of dry solid
fragments, droplets of water,
or solid cores with liquid
coatings. The particles vary in
shape, size, and composition.

PM10 refers to particulate
matter that is between 2.5 and
10 microns in diameter (1
micron is one-millionth of a
meter). PM2.5 refers to
particulate matter that is 2.5
microns or less in diameter,
about one-thirtieth the size of
the average human hair.

Stationary sources include fuel or
wood combustion for electrical
utilities, residential space
heating, and industrial processes;
construction and demolition;
metals, minerals, and
petrochemicals; wood products
processing; mills and elevators
used in agriculture; erosion from
tilled lands; waste disposal; and
recycling. Mobile or
transportation-related sources
are from vehicle exhaust and
road dust. Secondary particles
form from reactions in the
atmosphere.
 Short-term exposure
(hours/days): irritation of the
eyes, nose, throat; coughing;
phlegm; chest tightness;
shortness of breath;
aggravates existing lung
disease, causing asthma
attacks and acute bronchitis;
those with heart disease can
suffer heart attacks and
arrhythmias.
 Long-term exposure:
reduced lung function;
chronic bronchitis; changes
in lung morphology; death.

Environmental Impact Analysis
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Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-7
Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Vinyl Chloride Vinyl chloride, or
chloroethene, is a chlorinated
hydrocarbon and a colorless
gas with a mild, sweet odor. In
1990, CARB identified vinyl
chloride as a toxic air
contaminant and estimated a
cancer unit risk factor.

Most vinyl chloride is used to
make polyvinyl chloride plastic
and vinyl products, including
pipes, wire and cable coatings,
and packaging materials. It can
be formed when plastics
containing these substances are
left to decompose in solid waste
landfills. Vinyl chloride has been
detected near landfills, sewage
plants, and hazardous waste
sites.

Short-term exposure to high
levels of vinyl chloride in the air
causes central nervous system
effects, such as dizziness,
drowsiness, and headaches.

Epidemiological studies of
occupationally exposed workers
have linked vinyl chloride
exposure to development of a
rare cancer, liver angiosarcoma,
and have suggested a
relationship between exposure
and lung and brain cancers.

Lead Lead is a solid heavy metal that
can exist in air pollution as an
aerosol particle component.

Leaded gasoline was used in
motor vehicles until around
1970. Lead concentrations
have not exceeded state or
federal standards at any
monitoring station since 1982.

Lead ore crushing, lead-ore
smelting, and battery
manufacturing are currently the
largest sources of lead in the
atmosphere in the United
States. Other sources include
dust from soils contaminated
with lead-based paint, solid
waste disposal, and crustal
physical weathering.

Lead accumulates in bones, soft
tissue, and blood and can affect
the kidneys, liver, and nervous
system. It can cause impairment
of blood formation and nerve
conduction, behavior disorders,
mental retardation, neurological
impairment, learning deficiencies,
and low IQs.

Sources: Bay Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD); California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA); California Air Resources Board (CARB); United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); National Toxicology Program Air Quality
Air quality is a function of both the rate and location of pollutant emissions under the influence of meteorological conditions and topographic features. Atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature inversions interact with the physical features of the landscape to determine the movement and dispersal of air pollutant emissions and, consequently, their effect on air quality.

Regional Air Quality
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the regional agency with jurisdiction for regulating air quality within the nine‐county SFBAAB, which includes Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, the western portion of Solano County, and the southern portion of Sonoma County.

AIR POLLUTANT STANDARDS
Air pollutant standards have been identified by USEPA and CARB for the following six criteria air pollutants that affect ambient air quality: ozone, NO2, CO, SO2, lead, PM10, and PM2.5 These air pollutants are called “criteria air pollutants,” because they are regulated by developing specific public health- and welfare-based criteria as the basis for setting permissible levels. California has also established standards for toxic air contaminants such as visibility-reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. Table 3.2-3 presents the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for these aforementioned air pollutants. California air quality standards are identical to or stricter than federal standards for all City of Pleasant Hill
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criteria pollutants. It should be noted that there are no State or federal air quality standards for VOCs, benzene, or DPM.

Ambient air pollutant concentrations in the SFBAAB are measured at air quality monitoring stations operated by CARB and BAAQMD. Air quality monitoring stations measure pollutant ground-level concentrations (typically, ten feet above ground level). In general, the SFBAAB experiences low concentrations of most pollutants compared to federal or State standards.

AIR POLLUTANT ATTAINMENT DESIGNATIONS
Both USEPA and CARB use ambient air quality monitoring data to designate areas according to their attainment status for criteria air pollutants. The purpose of these designations is to identify the areas with air quality problems and initiate planning efforts for improvement. The three basic designation categories are nonattainment, attainment, and unclassified. “Attainment” status refers to those regions that are meeting federal and/or State standards for a specified criteria pollutant. “Nonattainment” refers to regions that do not meet federal and/or State standards for a specified criteria pollutant. “Unclassified” refers to regions where there is not enough data to determine the region’s attainment status for a specified criteria air pollutant. Each standard has a different definition, or “form” of what constitutes attainment, based on specific air quality statistics. For example, the federal 8-hour CO standard is not to be exceeded more than once per year; therefore, an area is in attainment of the CO standard if no more than one 8-hour ambient air monitoring values exceeds the threshold per year. In contrast, the federal annual PM2.5 standard is met if the three-year average of the annual average PM2.5 concentration is less than or equal to the standard.

The current attainment designations for the SFBAAB are also shown in Table 3.2-3. The SFBAAB is designated as nonattainment for the State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 standards, nonattainment for the national ozone and PM2.5 standards, and unclassified for the national PM10 standard.

Table 3.2-3 Federal and State Air Quality Standards and SFBAAB Attainment Status Pollutant Averaging Time
California Standards National Standards
Concentration
Attainment
Status Concentration
Attainment
Status
Ozone 8 Hour 0.070 ppm N 0.070 ppm N
1 Hour 0.09 ppm N
Carbon Monoxide 8 Hour 9.0 ppm A 9 ppm A
1 Hour 20 ppm A 35 ppm A
Nitrogen Dioxide 1 Hour 0.18 ppm A 0.100 ppm U
Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm 0.053 ppm A
Sulfur Dioxide 24 Hour 0.04 ppm A 0.14 ppm A
1 Hour 0.25 ppm A 0.075 ppm A
Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm A
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual Arithmetic Mean 20 µg/m3 N
24 Hour 50 µg/m3 N 150 µg/m3 U
Particulate Matter
- Fine (PM2.5)
Annual Arithmetic Mean 12 µg/m3 N 12 µg/m3 U/A
24 Hour 35 µg/m3 N
Sulfates 24 Hour 25 µg/m3 A
Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-9
Pollutant Averaging Time
California Standards National Standards
Concentration
Attainment
Status Concentration
Attainment
Status
Lead Calendar Quarter 1.5 µg/m3 A
Rolling 3 Month Average 0.15 µg/m3
30 Day Average 1.5 µg/m3) A
Hydrogen Sulfide 1 Hour 0.03 ppm U
Vinyl Chloride
(chloroethene)
24 Hour 0.010 ppm No information
available
Visibility Reducing
particles
8 Hour (10:00 to 18:00 PST) U
A=Attainment N=Nonattainment U=Unclassified; mg/m3=milligrams per cubic meter ppm=parts per million, µg/m3=micrograms per cubic meter
Source: BAAQMD. 2017b. Air Quality Standards and Attainment Status. Last Updated January 5, 2017. https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/research-and-data/air-quality-standards-and-attainment-status (accessed October 2022).

Local control in air quality management is provided by CARB through county-level or regional (multicounty) air districts. CARB establishes Statewide air quality standards and is responsible for control of mobile emission sources, while the local air districts are responsible for enforcing standards and regulating stationary sources. CARB has established 15 air basins Statewide. The City of Pleasant Hill is located in the SFBAAB, which is under the jurisdiction of BAAQMD.

Existing Local (General Plan Area) Air Quality
The Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring station at 2975 Treat Boulevard in Concord is the closest monitoring station to Pleasant Hill and is located 1.5 miles east of Pleasant Hill. The Concord2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring station measures 8-hour ozone, hourly ozone, PM10, PM2.5, and NO2.

Table 3.2-4 summarizes the representative annual air quality data for the General Plan area over the years 2019 through 2021 at the Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring stations. As shown in Table 3.2-4, the hourly ozone State standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021, while the 8-hour federal and State standards were exceeded in in every year from 2019 to 2021. The PM10 State standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021 and the PM10 federal standard was exceeded in 2020. The PM2.5 federal standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021.4 No other air quality standards were exceeded.
4 CARB. 2022a. Top 4 Summary: Select Pollutant, Years, & Area. N.d. https://www.arb.ca.gov/adam/topfour/topfour1.php (accessed November 2022).

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Table 3.2-4 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data
Pollutant 2019 2020 2021
Ozone (ppm), Worst 1-Hour1 0.092 0.108 0.096
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.09 ppm) 0 2 1
Ozone (ppm), 8-Hour Average1 0.074 0.083 0.077
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 2 3 1
Number of days of Federal exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 2 3 1 Nitrogen Dioxide, Worst 1-Hour 0.0406 0.0339 0.029
Number of days above CAAQS (>0.180 ppm) 0 0 0
Number of days above CAAQS (>0.180 ppm) 0 0 0
Particulate Matter <10 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours1 36.0 167.0 26.0 Number of days above State standard (>50 µg/m3) 0 1 2
Number of days above Federal standard (>150 µg/m3) 0 1 0 Particulate Matter <2.5 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours1 28.2 121.4 43.7 Number of days above Federal standard (>35 µg/m3) 0 16 2 ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter 1 Measurements taken from the Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard Station Source: CARB 2022a
Note: U.S. EPA 2022 monitoring data has not yet been finalized.

MOBILE EMISSIONS
The primary source of mobile air pollutants (both criteria air pollutant and TACs) in the vicinity of the General Plan area is motor-related vehicle trips associated with the local residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational uses.

STATIONARY EMISSIONS
The primary source of stationary air pollutants (both criteria air pollutant and TACs) in the vicinity of the General Plan area is building-related energy use associated with the local residential, commercial, office, industrial, school, and semi-public and institutional uses. Other sources of stationary emissions include landscape maintenance, and consumer products from residential, institutional, and commercial uses. Within the General Plan area, there are 23 facilities regulated by the BAAQMD.5
Air Pollution Sensitive Receptors
Sensitive Receptor Types
Air pollution does not affect every individual in the population in the same way, and some groups are more sensitive to adverse health effects related to air pollutants exposure than others. Land uses such as residences, schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, and parks are considered to be the most sensitive to poor air quality, because the population groups 5 BAAQMD. 2022. Interactive Data Maps. Last updated June 9. Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/interactive-datamaps (accessed November 2022).

Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-11
associated with these uses have increased susceptibility to respiratory distress or, as in the case of residential receptors, their exposure time is greater than that for other land uses. Therefore, these groups are referred to as sensitive receptors. Exposure assessment guidance typically assumes that residences would be exposed to air pollution 24 hours per day, 350 days per year, for 70 years.

BAAQMD defines sensitive receptors as children, adults, and seniors occupying or residing in residential dwellings, schools, day care centers, hospitals, and senior-care facilities.

Sensitive Receptors in General Plan Area
Air pollution sensitive receptors in the General Plan area include single- and multi-family residential land uses, schools, daycares, senior care facilities, and public parks. The commercial and office land uses throughout the General Plan area are not considered air pollution sensitive receptors.

3.2.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Clean Air Act and National Ambient Air Quality Standards Congress established much of the basic structure of the Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1970, and made major revisions in 1977 and 1990. Six common air pollutants (also known as criteria pollutants) are addressed in the CAA. These are particulate matter, ground-level ozone, CO, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. USEPA calls these pollutants criteria air pollutants, because it regulates them by developing human health-based and/or environmentally based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits based on human health are called primary standards.

Another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage are called secondary standards. The federal standards are called NAAQS. The air quality standards provide benchmarks for determining whether air quality is healthy at specific locations and whether development activities will cause or contribute to a violation of the standards.

The federal standards were set to protect public health, including that of sensitive individuals; thus, USEPA is tasked with updating the standards as more medical research is available regarding the health effects of the criteria pollutants. Primary federal standards are the levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety, to protect the public health.

The CAA also requires each state to prepare an air quality control plan referred to as a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 added requirements for states with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate additional control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP is periodically modified to reflect the latest emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins, as reported by their jurisdictional agencies.

USEPA Emission Standards for New Off-road Equipment
Before 1994, there were no standards to limit the amount of emissions from off-road equipment. In 1994, USEPA established emission standards for hydrocarbons, NOX, CO, and PM to regulate new pieces of off-road equipment. These emission standards came to be known as Tier 1. Since that time, increasingly more stringent Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 (interim and final) standards were adopted by US EPA, as well as by CARB. Each adopted emission standard was phased in over time.

New engines built in and after 2015 across all horsepower sizes must meet Tier 4 final emission City of Pleasant Hill
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standards. In other words, new manufactured engines cannot exceed the emissions established for Tier 4 final emissions standards.

State Regulations
California Air Quality Control Plan (State Implementation Plan) A State Implementation Plan (SIP) is a document prepared by each state describing existing air quality conditions and measures that will be followed to attain and maintain federal standards. The SIP for California is administered by CARB, which has overall responsibility for Statewide air quality maintenance and air pollution prevention. California’s SIP incorporates individual federal attainment plans for regional air districts—an air district prepares their federal attainment plan, which is sent to CARB to be approved and incorporated into the California SIP. Federal attainment plans include the technical foundation for understanding air quality (e.g., emission inventories and air quality monitoring), control measures and strategies, and enforcement mechanisms.

Areas designated nonattainment must develop air quality plans and regulations to achieve standards by specified dates, depending on the severity of the exceedances. For much of the country, implementation of federal motor vehicle standards and compliance with federal permitting requirements for industrial sources are adequate to attain air quality standards on schedule. For many areas of California, however, additional State and local regulation is required to achieve the standards.

California Clean Air Act and California Ambient Air Quality Standards The California CAA, signed into law in 1988, requires all areas of the State to make incremental progress toward the achievement of the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). CARB is the State air pollution control agency and is a part of CalEPA. CARB is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of State and local air pollution control programs in California, and for implementing the requirements of the California CAA. CARB overseas local district compliance with federal and California laws, approves local air quality plans, submits the State implementation plans to the USEPA, monitors air quality, determines and updates State area designations and maps, and sets emissions standards for new mobile sources and off-road vehicles pursuant to California waiver and authorization requests, consumer products, small utility engines, and fuels.

The California CAA requires CARB to establish ambient air quality standards for California, known as CAAQS. Similar to the NAAQS, CAAQS have been established for criteria pollutants and standards are established for vinyl chloride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfates, and visibility-reducing particulates. In general, the CAAQS are more stringent than the NAAQS on criteria pollutants. The California CAA requires all local air districts to endeavor to make incremental progress toward attaining the CAAQS.

The California CAA specifies that local air districts focus attention on reducing the emissions from transportation and area-wide emission sources and provides districts with the authority to regulate indirect sources as long as the regulations do not infringe on local land use authority.

In 2017, CARB released a technical advisory on reducing air pollution exposure from near highvolume roadways that is a technical supplement to CARB’s air quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective. Since the publication of the handbook, research has demonstrated the public health, climate, financial and other benefits of compact, infill development along transportation corridors, and that exposures can be reduced with new strategies. As described in the technical advisory, California has implemented various measures to improve air quality and reduce exposure to roadway vehicle emissions. These include the Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, which Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-13
aims to reduce particulate matter emissions from diesel vehicles. The continued electrification of California’s vehicle fleet would also reduce PM2.5 levels, and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from cars and trucks and to move vehicles towards “zero emission” alternatives will continue to drive down roadway vehicle pollution.

California Health and Safety Code Section 39655 and California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 93000 (Substances Identified as Toxic Air Contaminants) CARB identifies substances as TACs as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 39655 and listed in Title 17, Section 93000 of the California Code of Regulations, “Substances Identified as Toxic Air Contaminants.” A TAC is defined as an air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness, or that may pose a hazard to human health. TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air; however, their high toxicity or health risk may pose a threat to public health even at low concentrations. In general, for those TACs that may cause cancer, there are thresholds set by regulatory agencies below which adverse health impacts are not expected to occur. This contrasts with the criteria pollutants for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which the state and federal governments have set ambient air quality standards. According to the California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality, the majority of the estimated health risk from TACs for the State of California can be attributed to relatively few compounds, the most important of which is DPM from diesel-fueled engines.

California Low-emission Vehicle Program
CARB first adopted Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) program standards in 1990. These first LEV standards ran from 1994 through 2003. LEV II regulations, running from 2004 through 2010, represent continuing progress in emission reductions. As the State’s passenger vehicle fleet continues to grow and more sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are used as passenger cars rather than work vehicles, the more stringent LEV II standards were adopted to provide reductions necessary for California to meet federally mandated clean air goals outlined in the 1994 State Implementation Plan. In 2012, CARB adopted the LEV III amendments to California’s LEV regulations. These amendments, also known as the Advanced Clean Car Program, include more stringent emission standards for model years 2017 through 2025 for both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for new passenger vehicles.

California On-Road Heavy-duty Vehicle Program
CARB has adopted standards for emissions from various types of new on-road heavy-duty vehicles.

Section 1956.8, Title 13, California Code of Regulations contains California’s emission standards for on-road heavy-duty engines and vehicles, and test procedures. CARB has also adopted programs to reduce emissions from in-use heavy-duty vehicles including the Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Idling Reduction Program, the Heavy-Duty Diesel In-Use Compliance Program, the Public Bus Fleet Rule and Engine Standards, and the School Bus Program and others.

California Airborne Toxics Control Measure for Asbestos CARB has adopted Airborne Toxics Control Measures for sources that emit a particular TAC. If there is a safe threshold for a substance at which there is no toxic effect, the control measure must reduce exposure below that threshold. If there is no safe threshold, the measure must incorporate Best Available Control Technology to minimize emissions. In July 2001, CARB approved an Air Toxic Control Measure for construction, grading, quarrying and surface mining operations to minimize City of Pleasant Hill
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emissions of naturally occurring asbestos. The regulation requires application of best management practices (BMPs) to control fugitive dust in areas known to have naturally occurring asbestos and requires notification to the local air district prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities.

The measure establishes specific testing, notification and engineering controls prior to grading, quarrying, or surface mining in construction zones where naturally occurring asbestos is located on projects of any size. There are additional notification and engineering controls at work sites larger than one acre in size. These projects require the submittal of a “Dust Mitigation Plan” and approval by the air district prior to the start of a project.

Construction sometimes requires the demolition of existing buildings where construction occurs.

Asbestos is also found in a natural state, known as naturally occurring asbestos. Exposure and disturbance of rock and soil that naturally contain asbestos can result in the release of fibers into the air and consequent exposure to the public. Asbestos most commonly occurs in ultramafic rock that has undergone partial or complete alteration to serpentine rock (serpentinite) and often contains chrysotile asbestos. In addition, another form of asbestos, tremolite, can be found associated with ultramafic rock, particularly near faults. Sources of asbestos emissions include unpaved roads or driveways surfaced with ultramafic rock, construction activities in ultramafic rock deposits, or rock quarrying activities where ultramafic rock is present. Pleasant Hill is located in an area likely to not contain naturally occurring asbestos.

Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies
USEPA and CARB tiered off-road emission standards only apply to new engines and off-road equipment can last several years. CARB has developed Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (VDECS), which are devices, systems, or strategies used to achieve the highest level of pollution control from existing off-road vehicles, to help reduce emissions from existing engines. VDECS are designed primarily for the reduction of diesel PM emissions and have been verified by CARB. There are three levels of VDECS, the most effective of which is the Level 3 VDECS. Tier 4 engines are not required to install VDECS because they already meet the emissions standards for lower tiered equipment with installed controls.

California Diesel Risk Reduction Plan
CARB Diesel Risk Reduction Plan has led to the adoption of new state regulatory standards for all new on-road, off-road, and stationary diesel-fueled engines and vehicles to reduce DPM emissions by about 90 percent overall from year 2000 levels. The projected emission benefits associated with the full implementation of this plan, including federal measures, are reductions in DPM emissions and associated cancer risks of 75 percent by 2010, and 85 percent by 2020.

Tanner Air Toxics Act and Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act TACs in California are primarily regulated through the Tanner Air Toxics Act (AB 1807) and the Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB 2588), also known as the Hot Spots Act. To date, CARB has identified more than 21 TACs and has adopted the USEPA list of HAPs as TACs.

Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Carl Moyer Program), a partnership between CARB and local air districts, issues grants to replace or retrofit older engines and equipment with engines and equipment that exceed current regulatory requirements to reduce Environmental Impact Analysis
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air pollution. Money collected through the Carl Moyer Program complements California’s regulatory program by providing incentives to effect early or extra emission reductions, especially from emission sources in environmental justice communities and areas disproportionately affected by air pollution. The program has established guidelines and criteria for the funding of emissions reduction projects. Within the SFBAAB, the BAAQMD administers the Carl Moyer Program. The program establishes cost-effectiveness criteria for funding emission reductions projects, which under the final 2017 Carl Moyer Program Guidelines are $30,000 per weighted ton of NOX, ROG, and PM.

Regional and Local Regulations
Bay Area Clean Air Plan
The BAAQMD is responsible for assuring that the federal and state ambient air quality standards are attained and maintained in the Bay Area. BAAQMD is also responsible for adopting and enforcing rules and regulations concerning air pollutant sources, issuing permits for stationary sources of air pollutants, inspecting stationary sources of air pollutants, responding to citizen complaints, monitoring ambient air quality and meteorological conditions, awarding grants to reduce motor vehicle emissions, conducting public education campaigns, as well as many other activities.

BAAQMD adopted the Bay Area Clean Air Plan: Spare the Air, Cool the Climate (Bay Area Clean Air Plan) on April 19, 2017 as an update to the 2010 Clean Air Plan. The 2017 Clean Air Plan, which focuses on protecting public health and the climate, defines an integrated, multi-pollutant control strategy that includes feasible measures to reduce emissions for four categories: ground-level ozone and its precursors, ROG and NOX; PM (primarily PM2.5, and precursors to secondary PM2.5); TACs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The control measures are categorized based on the economic sector framework and include stationary sources, transportation, energy, buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, waste management, and water. To protect public health, the control strategy will decrease population exposure to PM and TACs in communities that are most impacted by air pollution with the goal of eliminating disparities in exposure to air pollution between communities.

The control strategy will also protect the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing a long-range vision of how the Bay Area could look and function in a year 2050 postcarbon economy.

BAAQMD Particulate Matter Plan
To fulfill federal air quality planning requirements, BAAQMD adopted a PM2.5 emissions inventory for year 2010 at a public hearing on November 7, 2012. The Bay Area Clean Air Plan also included several measures for reducing PM emissions from stationary sources and wood burning. On January 9, 2013, USEPA issued a final rule determining that the Bay Area has attained the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, suspending federal SIP planning requirements for the SFBAAB. Despite this USEPA action, the SFBAAB will continue to be designated as nonattainment for the national 24-hour PM2.5 standard until BAAQMD submits a redesignation request and a maintenance plan to USEPA, and USEPA approves the proposed redesignation.

The SFBAAB is in nonattainment for the federal PM10 and federal PM2.5 standards. USEPA lowered the 24-hour PM2.5 standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3 ) to 35 µg/m3 in 2006, and
designated the Air Basin as nonattainment for the new PM2.5 standard effective December 14, 2009.

On December 8, 2011, CARB submitted a “clean data finding” request to USEPA on behalf of the Bay Area. If the clean data finding request is approved, then USEPA guidelines provide that the region can fulfill federal PM2.5 SIP requirements by preparing either a redesignation request and a PM2.5 City of Pleasant Hill
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maintenance plan, or a “clean data” SIP submittal. Because peak PM2.5 levels can vary from year to year based on natural, short-term changes in weather conditions, the BAAQMD believes that it would be premature to submit a redesignation request and PM2.5 maintenance plan at this time.

Therefore, BAAQMD will prepare a “clean data” SIP to address the required elements, including:
 An emission inventory for primary PM2.5, as well as precursors to secondary PM formation; and  Amendments to the BAAQMD’s New Source Review regulation to address PM2.5.

BAAQMD Regulations
REGULATION 2, RULE 5 (NEW SOURCE REVIEW PERMITTING)
The BAAQMD regulates backup emergency generators, fire pumps, and other sources of TACs through its New Source Review (Regulation 2, Rule 5) permitting process. Although emergency generators are intended to be used only during periods of power outages, monthly testing of each generator is required; however, the BAAQMD limits testing to no more than 50 hours per year. Each emergency generator installed is assumed to meet a minimum of Tier 2 emission standards (before control measures). As part of the permitting process, the BAAQMD limits the excess cancer risk from any facility to no more than 10 per 1-million-population for any permits that are applied for within a 2‐year period and would require any source that would result in an excess cancer risk greater than 1 per 1 million to install Best Available Control Technology for Toxics.

REGULATION 8, RULE 3 (ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS)
This rule governs the manufacture, distribution, and sale of architectural coatings and limits the reactive organic gases content in paints and paint solvents. Although this rule does not directly apply to the proposed plan, it does dictate the ROG content of paint available for use during the construction.

REGULATION 8, RULE 15 (EMULSIFIED AND LIQUID ASPHALTS)
Although this rule does not directly apply to the proposed plan, it does dictate the reactive organic gases content of asphalt available for use during the construction through regulating the sale and use of asphalt and limits the ROG content in asphalt.

REGULATION 1, RULE 301 (ODOROUS EMISSIONS)
BAAQMD enforces odor control by helping the public to document a public nuisance. Upon receipt of a complaint, BAAQMD sends an investigator to interview the complainant and to locate the odor source if possible. BAAQMD typically brings a public nuisance court action when there are a substantial number of confirmed odor events within a 24-hour period. An odor source with five or more confirmed complaints per year averaged over 3 years is considered to have a substantial effect on receptors. Several BAAQMD regulations and rules apply to odorous emissions. Regulation 1, Rule 301 is the nuisance provision that states that sources cannot emit air contaminants that cause nuisance to a number of persons. Regulation 7 specifies limits for the discharge of odorous substances where BAAQMD receives complaints from 10 or more complainants within a 90-day period. Among other things, Regulation 7 precludes discharge of an odorous substance that causes the ambient air at or beyond the property line to be odorous after dilution with 4 parts of odor-free air, and specifies maximum limits on the emission of certain odorous compounds.

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Plan Bay Area
In October 2021, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved Plan Bay Area 2050.

Plan Bay Area includes integrated land use and transportation strategies for the region and was developed through OneBayArea, a joint initiative between ABAG, BAAQMD, MTC, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Plan Bay Area is also considered the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)/MTC Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). In accordance with SB 743, Plan Bay Area included elements designed to encourage the type of land-use development to meet three primary objectives. First, Roadway Level of Service (LOS) could not be considered an environmental impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Second, it introduced changes to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita as a determinant of environmental impact. Third, the use of VMT as an environmental impact in CEQA is considered a mechanism for achieving State and regional GHG reduction goals. As a regional land use plan, Plan Bay Area aims to reduce per-capita GHG emissions through the promotion of more compact, mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhoods located near transit.

Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to air quality, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

3.2.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Air Quality.

Would the 2040 General Plan:

Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Approach to Analysis
This analysis uses the BAAQMD May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines to evaluate air quality.

Construction Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions
Construction-related emissions are limited in duration but may still cause adverse air quality impacts. Construction associated with implementation of the proposed plan would generate emissions from three primary sources: the operation of construction vehicles (e.g., scrapers, loaders, dump trucks, etc.); ground disturbance during site preparation and grading, which creates fugitive dust; and the application of asphalt, paint, or other oil-based substances.

At this time, the pace, location and duration associated with constructing projects permitted by the proposed plan are not sufficiently detailed to quantify a specific emission impact, and thus it would City of Pleasant Hill
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be speculative to do so. Rather, construction criteria pollutant and TAC emissions impacts for the 2040 General Plan are discussed qualitatively pursuant to the four significance criteria identified above. The OEHHA recommends evaluating risk exposure from short-term projects (e.g., construction projects) lasting more than two months.

Operation Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions
Based on plan-level guidance from the BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, long-term operational criteria pollutant and TAC emissions associated with implementation of the proposed plan are discussed qualitatively by comparing the proposed plan to the 2017 Clean Air Plan goals, policies, and control measures. In addition, comparing the rate of increase of plan VMT and population is recommended by BAAQMD for determining significance of criteria pollutants. If the proposed plan does not meet either criterion, then impacts would be potentially significant.

Odors
The impact analysis qualitatively evaluates the types of land uses facilitated by the proposed plan to evaluate whether major sources of anticipated odors would be present and, if so, whether those sources would likely generate objectionable odors. Screening distance for potential odor impacts are shown in Table 3.2-5. For a plan level analysis, BAAQMD requires the identification of potential existing and planned location of odor sources and policies to reduce odors.

Table 3.2-5 BAAQMD Odor Screening-level Distances Thresholds Land Use/Type of Operation Plan Areas Screening Distance Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 miles
Wastewater Pumping Facilities 1 mile
Sanitary Landfill 2 miles
Transfer Station 1 mile
Composting Facility 1 mile
Petroleum Refinery 2 miles
Asphalt Batch Plant 2 miles
Chemical Manufacturing 2 miles
Fiberglass Manufacturing 1 mile
Painting/Coating Operations 1 mile
Rendering Plant 2 miles
Coffee Roaster 1 mile
Food Processing Facility 1 mile
Confined Animal Facility/Feed Lot/Dairy 1 mile
Green Waste and Recycling Operations 1 mile
Metal Smelting Plants 2 miles
Source: BAAQMD 2017a
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No comments relevant to CEQA were received in response to the EIR NOP specific to air quality that need to be addressed in the impacts discussion.

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Specific Thresholds of Significance
Consistency with Air Quality Plan
The applicable air quality plan is the BAAQMD 2017 Bay Area Clean Air Plan, which identifies measures to:
 Reduce emissions and reduce ambient concentrations of air pollutants; and  Safeguard public health by reducing exposure to the air pollutants that pose the greatest health risk, with an emphasis on protecting the communities most heavily affected by air pollution.

The 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the Bay Area Clean Air Plan if it would support the Clean Air Plan goals, include applicable control measures, and not disrupt or hinder implementation of Clean Air Plan control. Consistency with the Clean Air Plan is the basis for determining whether the proposed plan would conflict with or obstruct implementation of an applicable air quality plan.

Construction Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions Thresholds BAAQMD’s May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines have no plan-level significance thresholds for construction air pollutants emissions. However, they do include the individual project-level thresholds for construction-related and long-term operational emissions of air pollutants. These thresholds represent the levels at which a project’s individual emissions of criteria air pollutants or precursors would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to the SFBAAB‘s existing air quality conditions. Construction emissions associated with plan implementation are discussed qualitatively to evaluate potential air quality impacts.

For health risks associated with TAC and PM2.5 emissions, the BAAQMD May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines state a project would result in a significant impact if the any of the following thresholds are exceeded:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3 annual average
In addition, a project would have a cumulatively considerably impact associated with health risks from TAC and PM2.5 emissions if the aggregate total emissions of all past, present, and foreseeable future sources within a 1,000-foot radius of the property line of the source plus the project’s contribution exceed any of the following thresholds:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 100.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 10.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.8 µg/m3 annual average
Operational Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions Thresholds BAAQMD’s 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines contain specific operational plan-level significance thresholds for criteria air pollutants. Plans must show the following over the planning period:
 Consistency with current air quality plan control measures City of Pleasant Hill
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 VMT or vehicle trips (VT) increase is less than or equal to the plan’s projected population increase
If a plan can demonstrate consistency with both of these criteria, then impacts are considered less than significant.

The same thresholds listed above for construction health risks from TAC and PM2.5 would apply to operation.

Odors
The significance thresholds for odor impacts are qualitative in nature. Specifically, an odorgenerating source with five or more confirmed complaints in the new source area per year averaged over three years is considered to have a significant impact on receptors within the screening distances shown above under Approach to Analysis.

Impact Evaluation
Air Quality Management Plans Consistency
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Impact AQ-1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE BAAQMD 2017 CLEAN AIR PLAN. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction and Operation
2040 GENERAL PLAN
The most recently adopted air quality plan in the SFBAAB is the 2017 Clean Air Plan.6 The 2017 Clean Air Plan is a roadmap showing how the San Francisco Bay Area will achieve compliance with the State one-hour ozone standard as expeditiously as practicable, and how the region will reduce transport of ozone and ozone precursors to neighboring air basins. The 2017 Clean Air Plan does not include control measures that apply directly to construction and operation of individual development projects. Instead, the control strategy includes stationary-source control measures to be implemented through the BAAQMD regulations; mobile-source control measures to be implemented through incentive programs and other activities; and transportation control measures to be implemented through transportation programs in cooperation with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), local governments, transit agencies, and others. The 2017 Clean Air Plan also represents the Bay Area’s most recent triennial assessment of the region’s strategy to attain the state one-hour ozone standard. In this, the 2017 Clean Air Plan replaces the 2010 Clean Air Plan. Under BAAQMD’s methodology, a determination of consistency with CEQA Guidelines thresholds should demonstrate that a project:
 Supports the primary goals of the 2017 Clean Air Plan;  Includes applicable control measures from the 2017 Clean Air Plan; and 6 BAAQMD. 2017c. Spare the Air Cool the Climate Final 2017 Clean Air Plan. April. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-andresearch/plans/2017-clean-air-plan/attachment-a_-proposed-final-cap-vol-1-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

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 Does not disrupt or hinder implementation of any 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures.

The following includes a discussion of consistency with these criteria for the 2040 General Plan. The 2017 Clean Air Plan contains 85 control strategies aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting the climate in the Bay Area. For consistency with climate planning efforts at the State level, the control strategies in the 2017 Clean Air Plan are based on the same economic sector framework used by CARB, which encompass stationary sources, transportation, energy, buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, waste management, water, and super-GHG pollutants. Table 3.2-6 identifies applicable control measures, discusses 2040 General Plan consistency, and shows corresponding policies from the 2040 General Plan that address the measures.

Table 3.2-6 Clean Air Plan Control Measures Consistency Analysis – 2040 General Plan Control Measures Consistency
Transportation
TR2: Trip Reduction Programs. Implement the
regional Commuter Benefits Program (Rule 14-
1) that requires employers with 50 or more
Bay Area employees to provide commuter
benefits. Encourage trip reduction policies and
programs in local plans, e.g., general and
specific plans, while providing grants to
support trip reduction efforts. Encourage local
governments to require mitigation of vehicle
travel as part of new development approval, to
adopt transit benefits ordinances in order to
reduce transit costs to employees, and to
develop innovative ways to encourage
rideshare, transit, cycling, and walking for work
trips. Fund various employer-based trip
reduction programs.

Consistent: Development of the 2040 General Plan would promote compatible land uses resulting in City residents living and working in closer proximity to each other. Proposed policies such as TS-12.11, TC-13.4, and TC-15.6 emphasize transit for commuter and vehicular trip and VMT reduction for non-residential land uses.

Policy TC-12.11: Commute Information. Promote 511 Contra Costa alternative commute mode materials to encourage reduced reliance on vehicular use.

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-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.

TR3: Local and Regional Bus Service. Fund
local and regional bus projects, including
operations and maintenance.

TR4: Local and Regional Rail Service. Fund
local and regional rail service projects,
including operations and maintenance.

Consistent. Proposed Goal TC-13 of the Transportation and Circulation Element focuses on reducing congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation. In particular, the following policies would encourage improved transit access and regional transit connections in Pleasant Hill:

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-13.3: 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.

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.

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Control Measures Consistency
TR6: Freeway and Arterial Operations.

Improve the performance and efficiency of
freeway and arterial systems through
operational improvements, such as
implementing the Freeway Performance
Initiative, the Freeway Service Patrol and the
Arterial Management Program.

Consistent. Proposed Policy TC-4.2 in the Transportation and Circulation Element calls for the City to develop and improve thoroughfares based on existing and proposed land use patterns and projected demand.

Policy LU-6.50 requires upgrades to the street network on Monument Boulevard to improve overall traffic flow pending approval of a new development.

TR9: Bicycle and Pedestrian Access and
Facilities. Encourage planning for bicycle and
pedestrian facilities in local plans, e.g., general
and specific plans, fund bike lanes, routes,
paths and bicycle parking facilities.

Consistent: Proposed policies in the 2040 General Plan would support an efficient and safe bicycle and pedestrian system that would improve the connectivity and accessibility throughout Pleasant Hill. Proposed Goal TC-9 from the Transportation and Circulation Element is focused on prioritizing a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities. Goal TC-11 from the Transportation and Circulation Element focuses on increasing the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips. Proposed policies from the Transportation and Circulation Element listed below would encourage bicycle and pedestrian facilities:

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.

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-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.

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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 Plan. Create a sidewalk plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the sidewalk gaps and enhancement.

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-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, micro-mobility 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.

Policy TC-12.2: Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.

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-12.8: Bicycle Parking. Support the expansion of the bicycle parking network in Pleasant Hill.

TR13: Parking Policies. Encourage parking
policies and programs in local plans, e.g.,
reduce minimum parking requirements; limit
the supply of off-street parking in transitoriented areas; unbundle the price of parking spaces; support implementation of demandbased pricing (such as “SF Park”) in high-traffic areas.

Consistent: The 2040 General Plan proposes policies that recognize that parking should be balanced with other objectives that encourage transit use, bicycling, and walking. The following policies that support this goal and are relevant to TR13 are included below:

Policy LU-6.36: Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Gregory Lane.

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Control Measures Consistency
Policy LU-6.47: Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Oak Park Boulevard.

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 ENV-2.3: Limit Parking Areas. Discourage additional parking for any new development unless the developer can demonstrate the need for additional parking.

Policy E-6.2: Transportation Systems. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, ride sharing hubs, and bike/scooter rental services to support consumer interest in alternative transportation modes. Evaluate the changing needs for parking in commercial and mixed-use districts. Promote expansion of transit services.

Energy
EN1: Decarbonize Electricity Production.

Engage with PG&E, municipal electric utilities
and community choice energy programs (CCEs)
to maximize the amount of renewable energy
contributing to the production of electricity
within the Bay Area as well as electricity
imported into the region. Work with local
governments to implement local renewable
energy programs. Engage with stakeholders
including dairy farms, forest managers, water
treatment facilities, food processors, public
works agencies and waste management to
increase use of biomass in electricity
production.

Consistent. The focus of proposed Goal 9 of the Environment Element is to improve energy efficiency and energy conservation in development. Relevant policies are as follows:

Policy ENV-9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

EN2: Decrease Electricity Demand. Work with
local governments to adopt additional energyefficiency policies and programs. Support local government energy efficiency program via best
practices, model ordinances, and technical
support. Work with partners to develop
messaging to decrease electricity demand
during peak times.

Consistent: Goals and policies proposed in the 2040 General Plan would support the City’s efforts to conserve various resources that would translate to energy conservation, such as improving water and power conservation. Overarching sustainability strategies to decrease energy demand include encouraging incorporation of green building features contained in the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Part 11, Title 24, encouraging energy-efficient infrastructure, and designing developments with water efficient landscaping. The following proposed policies would reduce energy demand in Pleasant Hill:

Policy ENV-1.2: Green Building Code. Enforce the Green Building Code to ensure the design, construction, operation, use, and occupancy of new construction and remodeling are subject to contemporary water efficiency standards.

Policy ENV-8.9: Sustainable Community Facility Design. Encourage the incorporation of sustainable design features in community facilities to reduce energy demand and environmental impacts, such as solar reflective roofing, permeable pavement, and incorporation of shade trees.

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Policy ENV-9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.4: Municipal Buildings Efficiency and Conservation.

Require the design new public buildings to exceed State standards for water and energy efficiency.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

Policy ENV-9.7: Energy-Efficient Lighting. Require public facilities to use energy-efficient lighting technology for outdoor and indoor spaces.

Policy PFS-1.3: Water-Saving Devices. Require the use of watersaving devices (e.g., low flow faucets and shower heads, dual flush toilets) in new developments and plumbing-related remodels.

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).

Buildings
BL1: Green Buildings. Collaborate with
partners such as KyotoUSA to identify energyrelated improvements and opportunities for on-site renewable energy systems in school
districts; investigate funding strategies to
implement upgrades. Identify barriers to
effective local implementation of the
CALGreen (Title 24) statewide building energy
code; develop solutions to improve
implementation/enforcement. Work with
ABAG’s BayREN program to make additional
funding available for energy-related projects in
the buildings sector. Engage with additional
partners to target reducing emissions from
specific types of buildings.

Consistent: Implementation of the proposed 2040 General Plan policies would promote green building standards. In addition, future development envisioned under the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with energy standards of Title 24 that are in effect at the time of construction. The following proposed policies would promote green building standards in Pleasant Hill:

Policy ENV-1.2: Green Building Code. Enforce the Green Building Code to ensure the design, construction, operation, use, and occupancy of new construction and remodeling are subject to contemporary water efficiency standards.

Policy PFS-3.4: Retrofit for Green Infrastructure. Encourage the retrofit of existing development to include sustainable infrastructure and green building practices.

BL2: Decarbonize Buildings. Explore potential
Air District rulemaking options regarding the
sale of fossil fuel-based space and water
heating systems for both residential and
commercial use. Explore incentives for
property owners to replace their furnace,
water heater or natural-gas powered
appliances with zero-carbon alternatives.

Update Air District guidance documents to
recommend that commercial and multi-family
developments install ground source heat
pumps and solar hot water heaters.

Consistent. The 2040 General Plan proposes the following policies to support the decarbonization of buildings:

Policy ENV 9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.3: Local Partnerships. Partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives that facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy production.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

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Control Measures Consistency
Waste Management Control Measures
WA4: Recycling and Waste Reduction.

Develop or identify and promote model
ordinances on community-wide zero waste
goals and recycling of construction and
demolition materials in commercial and public
construction projects
Consistent. Proposed Goal ENV-10 in the Environment Element includes specific policies to reduce the generation of solid waste and improve recycling capabilities. Proposed Goal PFS-4 in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Elements focuses on efforts to divert waste from landfills. Policies include:

Policy ENV-10.1: Franchise Agreements. Ensure waste franchise agreements and programs offer progressively higher rates of waste diversion with the goal of attaining and eventually exceeding the mandated 75 percent diversion rate.

Policy ENV-10.2: Green Purchasing. Evaluate and implement green purchasing options across all City departments and consider the life cycle effects of purchases.

Policy ENV-10.3: Zero Waste Education. Provide simple zero-waste education programs in City facilities and other organizations and partner with schools to facilitate education programs about recycling, composting, and reusing with standardized zero-waste materials.

Policy ENV-10.4: Composting Equipment. Provide composting equipment at community facilities and events to encourage public and commercial composting.

Policy ENV-10.5: Recycled Building Materials. Encourage new development projects to use recycled building materials where costeffective and structurally feasible.

Policy ENV-10.6: Building Salvage and Roadway Construction Projects. Require maximization of building salvage and recycling in remodeling or building demolition or roadway reconstruction projects when issuing demolition and encroachment permits.

Policy ENV-10.7: Recycling and Waste Diversion. Evaluate recycling and waste diversion opportunities periodically to consider new opportunities to further increase waste diversion.

Policy ENV-10.8: Trash Reduction. Encourage the community to continue meeting the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Control Board Permit Requirements for Trash Reduction.

Policy ENV-10.9: Reduction of Non-Recyclable/Compostable Products. Reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in the community.

Policy ENV-10.10: On-Site Facilities in Existing Development. Require the City and encourage commercial businesses and business parks to install recycling and compost receptacles on their premises.

Policy ENV-10.11: Reduce Waste in Operations. Require the City and encourage residents and businesses to reuse products, choose postconsumer recycled content products, reduce packaging waste, and use non-toxic cleaning products to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

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Control Measures Consistency
Water Control Measures
WR2: Support Water Conservation. Develop a
list of best practices that reduce water
consumption and increase on-site water
recycling in new and existing buildings;
incorporate into local planning guidance.

Consistent: Goals and policies proposed in the 2040 General Plan would support the City’s efforts to conserve water. Goal HS-4 in the Hazards and Safety Element is focused on minimizing the effects of drought by creating an emphasis on routine water conservation. The following 2040 General Plan policies would support water conservation in the City:

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 droughttolerant 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.

Policy ENV-1.5: Water Conservation in Public Facilities. During construction or renovation of public facilities, institute water conservation measures such as hot-on-demand water faucets, low flush toilets, and low water using appliances.

Policy PFS-1.1: Preserve and Enhance Water Supply. Support the water providers in their efforts to preserve and enhance the water supply.

Policy PFS-1.3: Water-Saving Devices. Require the use of watersaving devices (e.g., low flow faucets and shower heads, dual flush toilets) in new developments and plumbing-related remodels.

Policy PFS-1.4: Reclaimed Water Use. Require new development to incorporate reclaimed water infrastructure into site and landscaping design and facilities in building/home design and business operations as allowed by applicable agency guidelines.

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.

Note: Only control measures that are applicable to the proposed project are identified.

As indicated in Table 3.2-6, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the three criteria for evaluating consistency with the 2017 Clean Air Plan. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. Therefore, the impact related to air quality management plan consistency would be less than significant.

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Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
Criteria Air Pollutants Emissions Compared to Air Quality Standards Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard?
Impact AQ-2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN THE GENERATION OF

AIR POLLUTANTS DURING CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS, WHICH COULD AFFECT LOCAL AIR QUALITY. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN A CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE NET INCREASE OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA POLLUTANTS DUE TO OPERATIONAL VMT INCREASE. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve activities that result in air pollutant emissions. Specifically, construction activities such as demolition, grading, construction worker travel, delivery and hauling of construction supplies and debris, and fuel combustion by on-site construction equipment would generate pollutant emissions. These construction activities would create emissions of dust, fumes, equipment exhaust, and other air contaminants, particularly during site preparation and grading. The extent of daily emissions, particularly ROGs and NOX emissions, generated by construction equipment, would depend on the quantity of equipment used and the hours of operation for each project. The extent of PM2.5 and PM10 emissions would depend upon the following factors: 1) the amount of disturbed soils; 2) the length of disturbance time; 3) whether existing structures are demolished; 4) whether excavation is involved; and 5) whether transporting excavated materials offsite is necessary. Dust emissions can lead to both nuisance and health impacts. According to the 2017 BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, PM2.5 is the greatest pollutant of concern during construction.7
The BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines have no plan-level significance thresholds for construction air pollutant emissions that would apply to the 2040 General Plan. However, the guidelines include project-level thresholds for construction emissions. If an individual project’s construction emissions fall below the project-level thresholds, the project’s impacts on regional air quality would be individually and cumulatively less than significant. The BAAQMD has also identified feasible fugitive dust control measures for construction activities. These Basic Construction Mitigation Measures are recommended for all projects. In addition, the BAAQMD and CARB have regulations that address the handling of hazardous air pollutants such as lead and asbestos, which could be aerially disbursed during demolition activities. BAAQMD rules and regulations address both the handling and transport of these contaminants. Construction of development envisioned under 7 BAAQMD. 2017a. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. May. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planningand-research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

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the project would temporarily increase air pollutant emissions, possibly creating localized areas of unhealthy air pollution concentrations or air quality nuisances.

To promote clean air quality to protect public health and safety and to mitigate adverse air quality impacts, the 2040 General Plan includes Policies ENV-7.1 through ENV-7.4 and Policy ENV-7.6 in the Environment Element, which support implementation of feasible measures to reduce construction emissions associated with buildout of the 2040 General Plan. These policies are listed below.

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.1 Air Quality Improvements. Promote actions that improve air quality and help meet air quality attainment standards.

Policy ENV-7.2 Air Quality Strategies. Work with local and regional agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning and management that includes strategies to reduce vehicle trips, wood burning, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Policy ENV-7.3 Fuel-efficient Vehicles. Require fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels for vehicles, including construction and maintenance equipment, by replacing the City vehicles and equipment with zero-emission vehicles and equipment and requesting that City contractors use reduced- or zero-emission fleets.

Policy ENV-7.4 Landscape Equipment. Prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment and publicize the benefits and importance of alternative technologies.

Policy ENV-7.6 Best Management Construction Practices. Require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards.

The 2040 General Plan Policy ENV-7.1 promotes actions that would improve air quality to help the region meet air quality attainment standards and Policy ENV-7.2 encourages cooperation with local and regional agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning. Policy ENV-7.3 states that the City will require fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels for vehicles, including construction equipment, and request that City contractors use reduced- or zero-emission fleets.

Under Policy ENV 7.4, the use of gas-powered landscape equipment would be prohibited. Policy ENV-7.6 would require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards. These policies would reduce construction criteria pollutant emissions generated by future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.

CONSTRUCTION FUGITIVE DUST
Implementation of Policy ENV-7.6 would require future development projects to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards. Implementation of BAAQMD best management construction practices would require watering exposed surfaces twice a day, covering all haul trucks transporting loose materials, removing visible mud or dirt track-out once a day, limiting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour, completing paving as soon as possible, minimizing idling times, and maintaining and properly tuning all construction equipment during future project-level construction which would reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction activities. With adherence to these 2040 General Plan policies listed above, City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-30
cumulative construction criteria pollutant impacts related to fugitive dust and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant.

CONSTRUCTION AIR POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
BAAQMD identifies screening sizes of development projects in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines that apply to development projects in Pleasant Hill and throughout BAAQMD’s jurisdiction. Development projectsthat are below the screening size are assumed to have less-than-significant impacts.

Development projects that are larger than the screening size are required to demonstrate that the construction phase of the project would not exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, as identified in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. If construction-related criteria air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, as identified in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, project applicants would be required to incorporate project-specific mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions (e.g., NOX, ROG, PM10,PM2.5) during construction activities to below the thresholds (e.g., see BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, Table 8-2, Additional Construction Mitigation Measures Recommended for Projects with Construction Emissions Above the Threshold, or applicable construction mitigation measures subsequently approved by BAAQMD). Therefore, without the preparation of project-specific analysis on a projectby-project basisfor development proposalsthat exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes, construction criteria pollutant emission impacts at the program level are potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, described below, would require that projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project-specific construction emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD methodology and to mitigate the impacts to a less-than-significant level if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance.

Therefore, 2040 General Plan cumulative construction criteria pollutant impacts related to air pollutant emissions and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

OVERALL
With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, overall cumulative construction criteria pollutant emission impacts and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
The greatest source of criteria pollutants in Pleasant Hill is and would continue to be from transportation sources, specifically mobile emissions from roadway vehicle volumes. In addition, natural gas usage and area sources (e.g., landscaping and other mechanical equipment and ROG emissions from paint) also contribute to criteria air pollutant emissions in Pleasant Hill. The 2040 General Plan emphasizes reducing VMT on area roadways through emphasizing greater residential density, proximity of residents to jobs and commercial services, and implementation of alternative modes of transportation. The 2040 General Plan policies that support a VMT reduction, and thus a reduction in mobile criteria pollutant emissions, are listed below:

Goal LU-3 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.

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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-3.2 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-4.2 Strip Commercial Conversion. Encourage existing strip commercial uses to be redeveloped into pedestrian friendly, contemporary shopping environments 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.

Policy LU-4.4 Capture Local Spending. Encourage the development of a broad range of commercial uses that capture a greater share of local spending and reduce residents’ reliance upon travel to nearby communities.

Policy LU-4.5 Vertical and Horizontal Mixed-use. Encourage vertical and horizontal mixeduse development at key intersections and within neighborhoods that result in distinct and cohesive pedestrian-oriented places that provide additional neighborhood-serving amenities and intensified economic vitality.

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 pedestrian-oriented developments that enhance the visual character and interest of the boulevard.

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Policy LU-6.31 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Contra Costa Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

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.

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.

Policy LU-6.53 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Monument Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

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 C Streetscape Improvements. Install streetscape improvements, pedestrian access elements, and public spaces to areas outside of downtown, and require new development in those areas to incorporate complementary features.

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.

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Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.

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.

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-5.2 Impact Mitigation Costs. Require new development to pay costs necessary to mitigate project impacts on the local and regional transportation system, including establishment of trails and other alternatives to vehicle use as specified in the Capital Improvement Plan and Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

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.

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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 eBike pod stations for residential and commercial development.

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.

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-8.6 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.

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.

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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 Plan. Create a sidewalk plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the sidewalk gaps and enhancement.

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.

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-12.2 Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.

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.

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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.

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
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.

Goal TC-14 Provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods to support commerce, industry, and the community
Policy TC-14.3 Minimize Truck Impacts on Air Quality and Noise Levels. Minimize the impact of truck parking and loading/unloading activities on air quality and noise levels.

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 miniconference rooms for virtual meetings.

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Transportation and 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 I Complete Streets Best Practices. Develop and apply a complete streets best practices checklist to guide the design and review of proposed transportation improvement projects incorporating appropriate provisions from standard reference guidelines from federal, state and local sources (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, MTC, ABAG, ITE, etc.).

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 K Explore Independent Alignments. Prepare an analysis of potential for the dedication and preservation of independent alignments, including utility, abandoned waterways, and railroad right of ways, for the development of bicycle paths.

Program L Review and Maintenance of Benchmarks. Ensure public bicycle and pedestrian needs are regularly reviewed by preparing and maintaining benchmark pedestrian and bicyclist volumes and movements.

Program N Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Standards. Prepare updated design standards and upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian facilities consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Program P Incentivized Reduced Vehicle Trips. Create incentives for existing employers to reduce their vehicle trips.

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.

Goal ENV-8 Become a low carbon community that strives to exceed State GHG reduction goals by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.4 Land Use and Transportation Priorities. Support land uses and transportation improvements that prioritize alternative transportation modes that will reduce the number and length of automobile trips.

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Policy ENV-8.6 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multi-family projects and require new single-family residential development to include 220-volt outlets in all garages.

Goal E-6 Encourage the development and expansion of critical communications and transportation infrastructure.

Policy E-6.2 Transportation Systems. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, ride sharing hubs, and bike/scooter rental services to support consumer interest in alternative transportation modes. Evaluate the changing needs for parking in commercial and mixed-use districts. Promote expansion of transit services.

Policy E-6.3 Active Transportation. Promote the use of the City’s trail systems to increase pedestrian and bike travel, particularly for local work trips. Develop circulation designs in mixed use districts, including Downtown, to promote pedestrian access and bike/scooter travel.

Economics and Economy Element Implementation Programs
Program N Electric Vehicle and Micromobility Charging Stations. Develop a plan for the location and development of publicly available charging stations for autos and other types of personal electric transportation.

According to the BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, the threshold for criteria air pollutants and precursors requires an assessment of the rate of increase of plan VMT and population.

Table 3.2-7 summarizes the net increase in population versus VMT for 2040 General Plan buildout.

The proposed plan is projected to accommodate a population of 70,397 persons by the year 2040, which is an increase of 36,204 persons or 106% compared to baseline conditions (34,193 persons).

The proposed plan would generate an estimated daily VMT of 3,018,600 miles in the year 2040, which is an increase of 1,131,900 miles or 60 percent compared to existing (2022) conditions (1,886,700 miles).

Table 3.2-7 Net Increase in 2040 General Plan Population versus VMT Scenario Existing (2022) 2040 General Plan Buildout Net Increase Population 34,193 70,397 36,204
Percentage change 106%
VMT 1,886,700 3,018,600 1,131,900
Percentage change 60%
Source: Fehr & Peers, 2022
The 2040 General Plan emphasizes changing land uses to concentrate growth and residences near jobs and services to reduce singular vehicle trips and encourage alternative models of travel. As shown in Table 3.2-7 above, the City’s population increase would be proportionately greater than the VMT increase. As such, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in an increase in VMT that is less than the increase in service population. As discussed under Specific Environmental Impact Analysis
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Thresholds of Significance above, if a plan’s VMT increase is less than or equal to the plan’s projected population increase, impacts related to operational criteria pollutant emissions would be less than significant. Nonetheless, individual development projects under the plan could generate potentially significant operational criteria air pollutant unless analyzed and mitigated. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2, described below, requires projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project-specific operation emissions and to mitigate impacts to a less-than-significant level if operational-related air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance. Therefore, 2040 General Plan cumulative operational criteria pollutant impacts related to air pollutant emissions and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
To reduce temporary increases in criteria air pollutant emissions during the construction phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate projectspecific construction emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD methodology and if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impacts to a less-than-significant level.

MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-2: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
To reduce long-term increases in air pollutants during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA that exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:

New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate projectspecific operation emissions in conformance with BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, and if operationrelated air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation
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Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions Exposure
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Impact AQ-3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN LASTING LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS OR LOCATED WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF SENSITIVE RECEPTORS COULD EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO SUBSTANTIAL POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN MAY ALSO EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL SOURCES OF TACS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in DPM exhaust emissions from offroad, heavy-duty diesel equipment associated with site preparation (e.g., excavation, grading, clearing), building construction, and other miscellaneous construction activities. DPM was identified as a TAC by CARB in 1998. The potential cancer risk from the inhalation of DPM, as discussed below, outweighs the potential non-cancer8 health impacts.9 Generation of DPM from construction typically occurs in a single area for a short period of time. Construction of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur over approximately 18 years but use of diesel-powered construction equipment in any one area would likely occur for no more than a few years for an individual project and would cease when construction is completed in that area. It is not possible to quantify risk without identified specific project details and locations, as impacts would vary based on location, intensity, construction methods, and other project-specific factors. For example, a project proposing construction of a small-scale commercial building on an infill site over a six-month construction period would generally have less impacts than a large-scale commercial development on an undeveloped site with a two-year constriction period.

The dose to which the receptors are exposed is the primary factor used to determine health risk.

Dose is a function of the concentration of a substance or substances in the environment and the extent of exposure that person has with the substance. Dose is positively correlated with time, meaning that a longer exposure period would result in a higher exposure level for the Maximally Exposed Individual. The risks estimated for a Maximally Exposed Individual are higher if a fixed exposure occurs over a longer period. According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), health risk assessments, which determine the exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic emissions, should be based on a 70-year exposure period; however, such assessments should be limited to the period/duration of activities associated with the development.10 BAAQMD uses an exposure period of 30 years.11 8 Non-cancer risks include premature death, hospitalizations and emergency department visits for exacerbated chronic heart and lung disease, including asthma, increased respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function (CARB 2022b). 9 CARB. 2022b. Overview: Diesel Exhaust & Health. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/overview-diesel-exhaust-and-health (accessed November 2022).
10 OEHHA. 2015. Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Guidance Manual for Preparation of Health Risk Assessments. https://oehha.ca.gov/air/crnr/notice-adoption-air-toxics-hot-spots-program-guidance-manual-preparation-health-risk-0 (accessed October 2022).
11 BAAQMD. 2016. Air Toxics NSR Program Health Risk Assessment Guidelines. December. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/permit-modeling/hra_guidelines_12_7_2016_clean-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

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The maximum PM10 and PM2.5 emissions would occur during demolition, site preparation and grading activities, which would only occur for a portion of the overall construction duration. PM10 and PM2.5 emissions would decrease for the remaining construction period because construction activities such as building construction and architectural coating would require less intensive construction equipment. The 2040 General Plan contains the following policy that would have the effect of minimizing construction TACs from future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan:

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.6 Best Management Construction Practices. Require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards.

Future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would also be required to be consistent with the applicable 2017 Clean Air Plan, BAAQMD regulatory requirements and control strategies, and the CARB In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which are intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and activities. Additionally, future development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with Mitigation Measure AQ-1requiring implementation of construction emission measures that would also reduce construction-related TACs. According to the OEHHA, construction of individual projects lasting longer than two months or placed within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors could potentially expose nearby sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. In addition, these future projects could exceed BAAQMD thresholds of an increased cancer risk of greater than 10.0 in a million and an increased non-cancer risk of greater than 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute). As such, construction impacts from TAC emissions would be potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-3 would require coordination with the City to determine if a construction HRA would need to be performed for future projects with construction timelines greater than two months and within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, in order to identify and reduce potential risk exposure to nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore, construction-related TACs exposure impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could accommodate a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and up to 9,156,213 net new non-residential gross square feet. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan in accordance with land use and zoning regulations would not site land uses that typically generate TAC, such as industrial land uses, in close proximity to residential land uses. Additionally, if the proposed commercial, neighborhood business, mixed uses, and industrial uses site a new stationary TAC source, like an emergency generator, then said stationary source would be required to receive a permit from BAAQMD. The permitting process would ensure that the stationary source does not present a health risk to existing nearby sensitive receptors.

The primary mobile source of TACs within the plan area is truck idling and use of off-road equipment. New warehousing operations could generate substantial DPM emissions from off-road equipment use and truck idling. In addition, some warehousing and industrial facilities may include use of TRUs for cold storage. Such potential future uses could generate an increase in DPM that would contribute to cancer and noncancer health risk at nearby sensitive receptors. Without project-specific analysis, health risk impactsfrom nonpermitted sources associated with development of industrial and commercial land uses under the proposed plan are considered City of Pleasant Hill
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potentially significant. However, with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-4, that requires new applicants for land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment required, operational 2040 General Plan impacts related to TAC emissions would be less than significant with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-3: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO CONDUCT

AND IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
To identify and reduce potential risk exposure to nearby sensitive receivers during the construction of individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:

New Policy: For individual projects (excluding ADUs, single-family residences, and duplexes) where construction activities would occur within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, would last longer than two months, and would not utilize equipment rated US EPA Tier 4 for equipment of 50 horsepower or more, or construction equipment fitted with Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters for all equipment of 50 horsepower or more, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment, the project applicant shall coordinate with the City to determine if a construction health risk assessment (HRA) shall be performed. If an HRA is to be performed, the HRA shall determine potential risk and compare the risk to the following BAAQMD thresholds:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3 annual average
If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures such as requiring the use of Tier 4 engines, Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment shall be incorporated to reduce the risk to appropriate levels.

MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-4: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
To ensure sensitive receptors are not exposed to toxic air contaminant emissions during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Program:

New Program: Require applicants for industrial or warehousing land uses or commercial land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel (i.e., 100 diesel trucks per day or 40 or more trucks with diesel-powered transport refrigeration units per day) to contact BAAQMD to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment (HRA) required. If required, the operational HRA shall be prepared in accordance with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and BAAQMD requirements and mitigated to an acceptable level.

Typical measures to reduce risk impacts may include, but are not limited to:
a. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic Control Measures idling restrictions, as feasible. b. Electrifying warehousing docks.
c. Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer spaces.

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d. Requiring use of newer equipment and/or vehicles.
e. Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation of truck routes.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation
Objectionable Odors
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? Impact AQ-4 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD CREATE OBJECTIONABLE ODORS THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE. IMPACTS RELATED TO ODORS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Implementation of the 2040 General Plan would generate oil and diesel fuel odors during construction from equipment use as well as odors related to asphalt paving. The odors would be limited to the construction period and would be temporary. Therefore, odors emitted from the construction of individual future projects under the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.

Operation
As stated in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, land uses typically producing objectionable odors include agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, food manufacturing plants, chemical plants, composting, refineries, landfills, and confined animal facilities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would include residential, commercial and retail, office, semi-public and institutional, and light industrial development. These land uses typically do not produce objectionable odors. In addition, it is not anticipated that the 2040 General Plan would add land uses that would have the potential to expose sensitive receptors, such as residences, to odors. However, certain commercial and industrial uses would have the potential to generate nuisance odors. Other odors from development of the 2040 General Plan include odor emissions that would be limited to odors associated with vehicle and engine exhaust and idling; however, odors from vehicles are not stationary and are dispersed throughout the roadway network. Therefore, individual projects under the plan could generate potentially significant objectionable odors unless analyzed and mitigated.

However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-5, which requires the evaluation of land uses and development projects near land uses that typically generate odors, would reduce this impact to less than significant. Therefore, 2040 General Plan impacts related to operational odor impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.

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Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-5: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL ODOR IMPACTS
To reduce odor impacts associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Program to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Program: Odor Impacts. Consider odor impacts when evaluating land uses and development projects near wastewater treatment plants, treatment plant expansion projects, waste transfer stations, and other odor potential sources per the latest BAAQMD screening distances and guidelines.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

3.2.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative air quality analysis is the regional air basin, specifically the SFBAAB. 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, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County in addition to the proposed plans.

Criteria Air Pollutants
The SFBAAB is in non-attainment for federal standards of ozone and PM2.5 and in non-attainment for the State standard for ozone, PM2.5, and PM10. The SFBAAB is in attainment of all other federal and State standards. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would generate particulate matter and the ozone precursors (ROG and NOX) in the area during construction and operation. As described under Impact AQ-1, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the overall goal of the 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures as development would comply with the latest Title 24 regulations and would increase density in urban areas in proximity to transit, allowing for greater use of alternative modes of transportation. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan does not contain elements that would disrupt or hinder implementation of any 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures. In addition, the 2040 General Plan would support the primary goals of the 2017 Clean Air Plan. Discussion of these impacts considers the cumulative nature of criteria pollutants in the region. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a conflict with or obstruction of implementation of the applicable air quality plan.

As described under Impact AQ-2, 2040 General Plan construction would temporarily increase air pollutant emissions, possibly creating localized areas of unhealthy air pollution levels or air quality nuisances. BAAQMD has identified feasible fugitive dust control measures for construction activities because fugitive PM10 and PM2.5 are of concern. These temporary impacts would be mitigated with Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2 would ensure that individual projects as part of plan buildout do not exceed BAQQMD’s operational criteria pollutant thresholds.

Discussion of these impacts considers the cumulative nature of criteria pollutants in the region; therefore, with mitigation, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of a criteria pollutant from construction emissions.

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In addition, as described under Impact AQ-2, the 2040 General Plan would result in an increase of operational VMT that would not proportionately exceed the projected population increase per the BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines for operational emissions from plans. Therefore, impacts from operational criteria pollutant impacts from the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant and the 2040 General Plan’s operational criteria pollutant emissions would not be cumulatively considerable.

Therefore, the overall cumulative impact related to criteria air pollutants would be less than significant.

Toxic Air Contaminants
As identified under Impact AQ-3, 2040 General Plan development would not have a significant impact from TACs with implementation of 2040 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures AQ-3 and AQ-4As discussed under Specific Thresholds of Significance, a project would have a cumulatively considerably impact associated with health risks from TAC and PM2.5 emissions if the aggregate total emissions of all past, present, and foreseeable future sources within a 1,000-foot radius of the property line of the source plus the project’s contribution exceed 100 in a million or the BAAQMD non-cancer risk thresholds. As identified under Impact AQ-3, individual development under the 2040 General Plan would not have a significant impact from TACs with implementation of 2040 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures AQ-3 and AQ-4. However, implementation of the 2040 General Plan and planned and approved projects from the cumulative projects list would generate TACs that could contribute to elevated risk levels in the city. While individual projects would achieve the project-level risk threshold of 10 per million with mitigation, they would nonetheless contribute to the higher levels of risk in the city and there may be instances where sensitive receptors are exposed to combined increased risk levels exceeding the BAAQMD cumulative risk thresholds from projects within a 1,000-foot radius. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan’s cumulative contribution to health risk is considered significant and unavoidable.

Odors
As identified under Impact AQ-4, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not have a significant impact from odor emissions with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-5.

Construction emissions would disperse rapidly with distance, and therefore construction projects in close proximity to one another would not result in combined odors above those analyzed. In addition, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan is not anticipated to contain uses known to result in objectionable odors and therefore cumulative odor impacts from multiple developments would not result in a cumulatively considerable increase in odors. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to odors would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
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3.3 Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources

3.3.1 Introduction
This section describes existing biological, agricultural, and forestry resources in the General Plan area as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates possible direct and indirect impacts to biological resources, including special-status species, sensitive natural communities, regulated waters and wetlands, sensitive habitat and mature native trees, and wildlife movement corridors associated with implementation of the proposed plan. This section also addresses and evaluates potential impacts related to agricultural and forestry resources.

Information included in this section is based on online record searches of the following databases:
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB),
1 the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants of California,
2 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI),
3 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper,4 and USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC).
5 3.3.2 Environmental Setting
Vegetation Communities and Other Land Cover Types
Definitions
Vegetation communities provide wildlife habitat components including food, shelter, movement corridors, and breeding opportunities for wildlife species. They are classified in general terms with an emphasis on vegetation structure, vegetation species composition, soil structure, and water availability. Some wildlife species are generalists that use a variety of habitats, while other species are adapted to very specific habitats. Species that are limited to a single habitat type are more vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance than are generalists and therefore, may be more at risk to experience population declines.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area encompasses the land within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Pleasant Hill is a predominantly residential community located in central Contra Costa County. The General Plan area is primarily developed and does not offer suitable habitat for special-status species or other special-status biological resources. However, Pleasant Hill is located south of Suisun Bay and east of San Francisco Bay and generally representing an ecologically diverse area supporting many plants and animal species, including special-status species.

The General Plan area has the following vegetation communities: annual grassland, blue oak woodland, valley oak woodland, and valley foothill riparian. These communities provide resources 1 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022. California Natural Diversity Database, Rarefind V. (accessed September 2022). 2 California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2022. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v9-01 0.0) https://www.rareplants.cnps.org (accessed September 2022). 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022a. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands mapper. Available at:
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html (accessed September 2022). 4 USFWS. 2022b. Environmental Conservation Online System, Critical Habitat Mapper [online]. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html (accessed September 2022). 5 USFWS. 2022c. Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) [online]. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ (accessed September 2022).

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for a wide variety of wildlife species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) closely monitor communities classified as sensitive native plant communities or that provide habitat for sensitive wildlife species. In addition, the General Plan area has urban land uses, which are not vegetation communities.

Existing information for the General Plan area and surrounding vicinity was utilized to create a list of vegetation communities and land cover types. The plant community descriptions and nomenclature discussed are based on Holland’s Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. 6 Wildlife species assemblage information was based on existing documentation gathered from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System 7 and A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition 8
. Table 3.3-1 and Figure 3.3-1 display the major vegetation communities and other land cover types present in the General Plan area.

Table 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in the General Plan Area Type9 Acres Percent
Annual Grassland 632 11%
Blue Oak Woodland 125 2%
Coastal Oak Woodland 101 2%
Valley Oak Woodland 44 1%
Valley Foothill Riparian 84 1%
Urban 4,817 83%
Total 4,527 100

ANNUAL GRASSLAND
Annual grasslands are open grasslands composed primarily of annual herbaceous and forb species.

This habitat type exists throughout Pleasant Hill with most concentrations occurring at the northwestern portion of Pleasant Hill, where introduced annual grasses are the dominant plant species. These include wild oats (Avena fatua, A. barbata), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), ripgut brome (B. diandrus), red brome (B. tectorum), wild barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), and rattail sixweeks grass (Festuca myuros). Common forbs include broadleaf filaree (Erodium botrys), redstem filaree (E. cicutarium), turkey mullein (Croton setiger), true clovers (Trifolium spp.), bur clover (Medicago polymorpha), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys spp.), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), and many others. Perennial grasses, found in moist, lightly grazed, or relic prairie areas, are dominated by California oatgrass (Danthonia californica), Pacific hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. holciformis), and sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). These alliances can include, but are not limited to, Avena (barbata, fatua) semi-natural stands and Bromus (diandrus, hordeaceous) – Brachypodium distachyon semi-natural stands.10 Annual grasslands and relic perennial grasslands within these annual grasses occur in patches of various sizes throughout the 6 Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame Heritage Program. 156 pgs. 7 CDFW. 2014. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System (CWHR). Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR (accessed October 2022).
8 Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.
9 CDFW CWHR, op. cit.
10 Sawyer et al., op. cit.

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Figure 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
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state. Annual grassland occurs mostly on flat plains to gently rolling foothills. Climatic conditions are typically Mediterranean, with cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers.

BLUE OAK WOODLANDS
Generally, these woodlands have an over story of scattered trees, although the canopy can be nearly closed. The canopy is dominated by broad-leaved trees 16 feet to 50 feet tall, commonly forming open savanna-like stands on dry ridges and gentle slopes. Blue oak (Quercus douglasii) is typically the dominant tree species. Shrubs such as poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), California coffeeberry (Frangula californica), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), and redberry (Rhamnus crocea) are often present but rarely extensive, and often occur on rock outcrops. Typical understory is composed of an extension of Annual Grassland vegetation described above. Blue oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus douglasii Woodland Alliance.11

COASTAL OAK WOODLANDS
Coastal oak woodlands, which occur in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, are extremely variable. The overstory consists of deciduous and evergreen hardwoods (mostly oaks 15 to 70 feet tall) sometimes mixed with scattered conifers. In mesic sites, the trees are dense and form a closed canopy. In drier sites, the trees are widely spaced, forming an open woodland or savannah. The understory is equally variable. In some instances, it is composed of shrubs from adjacent chaparral or coastal scrub which forms a dense, almost impenetrable understory. More commonly, shrubs are scattered under and between trees. Coastal oak woodlands occupy a variety of Mediterranean type climates that vary from north to south and west to east (the climate becomes hotter and drier toward the south and east.) Coastal oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus agrifolia Forest and Woodland Alliance.12

VALLEY OAK WOODLANDS
Remnant patches of this habitat are found in the Sacramento Valley from Redding south, in the San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra Nevada foothills, in the Tehachapi Mountains, and in valleys of the Coast Range from Lake County to western Los Angeles County. This habitat varies from savanna-like to forest-like stands with partially closed canopies, comprised mostly of winter-deciduous, broadleaved species. Within Pleasant Hill this community occurs only near Shannon Hills Park in the western portion of the city. Canopies of these woodlands are dominated almost exclusively by valley oaks (Quercus lobata).13 The shrub understory consists of poison oak, blue elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), California coffeeberry, and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus). Various species of wild oats, bromes (Bromus spp.), barleys (Hordeum spp.), ryegrasses (Festuca spp.), and needlegrasses (Stipa spp.) dominate the ground cover. Valley oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus lobata Woodland Alliance.14

VALLEY FOOTHILL RIPARIAN
Valley foothill riparian vegetation communities are located within Pleasant Hill along Murderer’s Creek and other drainages throughout the southern extent of the city. The dominant species in the canopy layer of valley foothill riparian habitats include cottonwood (Populus spp.), and valley oak.

Subcanopy trees are white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), box elder (Acer negundo) and Oregon ash 11 Ibid. 12 Sawyer et al., op. cit. 13 CDFW CWHR, op. cit. 14 Sawyer et al., op. cit.

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(Fraxinus latifolia). Typical understory shrub layer plants include California wild rose (Rosa californica), California blackberry, blue elderberry, poison oak, and willows (Salix spp.). The herbaceous layer consists of sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), grasses, miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), California mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum), and hoary nettle (Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea). These alliances can include, but are not limited to, Platanus racemosa Woodland Alliance, and the various Populus alliances, depending upon dominant species present.15
Riparian communities are associated with rivers and streams as well as lakes, ponds, seeps, bogs, meadows, and springs. Valley foothill riparian communities occur in the Central Valley and the lower foothills of the Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Coast ranges. Valley foothill riparian habitats range from sea level to 3,000 feet, reaching an elevation of 5,000 feet on south-facing slopes. Valley-foothill riparian habitats are found in valleys bordered by sloping alluvial fans, slightly dissected terraces, lower foothills, and coastal plains. They are generally associated with low velocity flows, flood plains, and gentle topography.

URBAN
This land cover type is completely human-made, comprising residential, commercial, office, institutional, and industrial developed areas. Plant species within urban land cover types are typically comprised of ornamental and other non-native invasive plant species, with large, developed areas lacking vegetation.

Waters and Wetlands
Definitions
The term “waters of the U.S.” has a broad meaning and incorporates both deep-water aquatic habitats and special aquatic sites, including wetlands. Generally, this term applies to the jurisdictional limits of the authority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Waters of the U.S. includes essentially all surface waters such as all navigable waters and their tributaries, all interstate waters and their tributaries, all wetlands adjacent to these waters, and all impoundments of these waters.

Wetlands are driven by hydrology and occur where water is present near the soil surface resulting in soil and plant characteristics that are not found in upland (mostly dry) or aquatic (almost always wet and un-vegetated) habitats. Wetlands are generally found in transition zones between upland and aquatic habitats. These terms are further defined along with their application in federal and state regulations below under Section 3.3.3, Regulatory Framework.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The USFWS NWI is a publicly available resource that provides detailed information on the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of waters and wetlands. It should be noted that some wetland and stream features, such as freshwater seeps and springs, are generally not identified as part of the NWI because of the general scale of the mapping effort. The extent of the major wetlands and waterways in Pleasant Hill, based on NWI mapping, is shown on Figure 3.3-2. 15 Ibid.

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Figure 3.3-2 Wetlands and Aquatic Resources in General Plan Area Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-7
Wetland features that have been mapped either within or near Pleasant Hill include freshwater forested/shrub wetland, freshwater ponds, and riverine habitat.16 Wetlands and waters provide habitat for a variety of special-status plant and animal species and are typically subject to USACE jurisdiction under section 404 of the CWA. In addition, the State of California has adopted a no-netloss policy for wetlands which is administered by the CDFW and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). A description of each of these aquatic features as well as their location within the General Plan area is provided below.

FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
These wetlands include non-tidal waters that are dominated by trees and shrubs, with emergent herbaceous plants, mosses and/or lichens. The NWI also includes within this category wetlands that lack vegetation if they also exhibit the same criteria as described for freshwater emergent wetlands.

Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands are generally dominated by woody vegetation such as shrubs and trees. This wetland category also can include riparian habitats. The reach of Walnut Creek that runs through the eastern portion of the General Plan area is considered freshwater forested/shrub wetland likely due to the presence of riparian woody vegetation.

FRESHWATER POND
Freshwater ponds include non-tidal waters, typically less than 20 acres in size and typically with vegetative cover along its edges such as trees, shrubs, emergent herbaceous plants, mosses, and/or lichens. Freshwater ponds can be man-made or natural and typically consist of an area of standing water with variable amounts of shoreline. These wetlands and deep-water habitats are dominated by plants that grow on or below the surface of the water. Freshwater pond habitats in the General Plan area are characterized by developed surroundings at either golf courses or as man-made features at the Diablo Valley College and near the Contra Costa County government building complex in the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill.

RIVERINE
Riverine habitats are stream systems that include all wetlands and deep-water habitats contained in natural or artificial channels that contain periodically or continuously flowing water. This system may also form a connecting link between two bodies of standing water. Substrates generally consist of rock, cobble, gravel, or sand. Features mapped as riverine wetlands in the NWI include drainages and creeks, such as Grayson Creek and portions of Murderer’s Creek in Pleasant Hill.

Sensitive Natural Communities and Critical Habitats
Definitions
Sensitive natural communities are vegetation types, associations, or sub-associations that support concentrations of special-status plant and/or wildlife species, are of relatively limited distribution, and/or are of particular value to wildlife. Currently, CDFW publishes the California Sensitive Natural Communities List online. Natural Communities are evaluated using NatureServe’s Heritage Methodology, the same system used to assign global and State rarity ranks for plant and animal species in the CNDDB. Evaluation is done at both the Global (full natural range within and outside of California) and State (within California) levels resulting in a single G (global) and S (State) rank, ranging from 1 (very rare and threatened) to 5 (demonstrably secure). According to the CDFW 16 USFWS NWI, op. cit.

City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-8
Vegetation Program, Natural Communities with State ranks of S1-S3 and certain other specified associations are considered imperiled, and thus, potentially of special concern. Riparian areas are also considered sensitive natural communities by CDFW.

Critical habitat is a term used in the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is defined as a specific geographic area (or areas) that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery.

These areas provide notice to the public and land managers of the importance of these areas to the conservation of a listed species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in these areas when federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The CDFW’s CNDDB lists four sensitive natural communities that occur within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Walnut Creek and the eight surrounding 7.5-minute series quadrangles (Diablo, Clayton, Oakland East, Briones Valley, Honker Bay, Vine Hill, Benicia, and Las Trampas Ridge). These natural communities include Coastal Brackish Marsh, Northern Coastal Salt Marsh, Northern Maritime Chaparral, and Serpentine Bunchgrass. Although these sensitive natural communities are recorded in the regional vicinity of Pleasant Hill, none are mapped within the General Plan area. 17 The USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper18 and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Critical Habitat website19 depict designated critical habitats in the vicinity of the General Plan area.

No federally designated critical habitat is located within the General Plan area; however Pleasant Hill is located proximate to critical habitat for several species. As shown on Figure 3.3-3, critical habitat for Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) and California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) is located immediately west of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence in the Briones Regional Park open space as well as to the south and east of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence . A portion of the critical habitat for Alameda whipsnake overlaps with the western portion of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Critical habitat for Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 11) is also designated within the regional vicinity to the north of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence in the Suisun Bay. 20 17 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 18 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper, op. cit. 19 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2022. Critical Habitat [website]. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangeredspecies-conservation/critical-habitat#critical-habitat-designations,-maps,-and-gis-data (accessed September 2022). 20 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper, op. cit.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-9
Figure 3.3-3 Critical Habitat in General Plan Area
City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-10
Special-Status Species
Definitions
For the purpose of this analysis, special-status species are those plants and animals listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the USFWS and/or NMFS under the ESA; those listed or proposed for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered by the CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); plants listed as rare by the CDFW under the Native Plant Protection Act; and animals designated as “Species of Special Concern,” “Fully Protected,” or “Watch List” by the CDFW. Those plants ranked as California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 1 or 2 are typically regarded as rare, threatened, or endangered under CEQA by lead agencies and were considered as such in this EIR. The CRPR utilizes the following code definitions:
 List 1A = Plants presumed extinct in California
 List 1B.1 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously endangered in California (over 80 percent of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat)  List 1B.2 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere; fairly endangered in California (20- 80 percent occurrences threatened)
 List 1B.3 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere, not very endangered in California (<20 percent of occurrences threatened, or no current threats known)  List 2 = Rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR List 3 species are “review list,” and CRPR 4 species are considered “watch list” species. CRPR 3 and 4 species do not typically warrant analysis under CEQA except where they are part of a unique community, from the type locality, or designated as rare or significant by local governments, or where cumulative impacts could result in population–level effects. The CRPR 3 and 4 species reported from the region are not locally designated as rare or significant by the City of Pleasant Hill or Contra Costa County General Plans and are not part of a unique community. Additionally, the City of Pleasant Hill is not known to be the type locality for any ranked plant species. Therefore, potential impacts to CRPR 3 and CRPR 4 species were not considered in this analysis.

Species of Special Concern (SSC) is a category used by the CDFW for those species which are considered indicators of regional habitat changes or are considered to be potential future protected species. SSC do not have any special legal status except that which may be afforded by the Fish and Game Code. The SSC category is intended by the CDFW for use as a management tool to include these species into special consideration when decisions are made concerning the development of natural lands, and these species are considered sensitive as described under the CEQA Appendix G questions.

Queries of the USFWS IPaC 21, the CDFW CNDDB 22, and CNPS Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants of California were conducted.23 These queries were conducted to obtain comprehensive information regarding state and federally listed species considered to have potential to occur within the General Plan area.
21 USFWS IPaC, op. cit. 22 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 23 CNPS op. cit.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-11
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is home to several species protected by federal and State agencies. Important animal species can be found in a variety of habitats in the General Plan area.

The CNDDB,24 CNPS,25 and USFWS IPaC 26 together list 108 special-status plant and animal species (58 plant species and 50 animal species [inclusive of special animals]) that occur or have potential to occur within the General Plan area. The status and habitat requirements of these species are presented in Appendix B as Tables B-1 and B-2, respectively.

SPECIAL-STATUS PLANTS
Based on the database and literature review, 58 special-status plant species are known to occur, or have potential to occur, in the General Plan area or the surrounding area. Several of these species are associated with sensitive natural communities including open woodland habitats or riparian zones along creeks and waterways. Table B-1 in Appendix B lists these special-status plant species, their listing status, and their CRPR.

Special-status plants that are known or have potential to occur in the General Plan area and surrounding area can occupy a range of habitat types. Some are associated with chaparral, cismontane woodland, and broadleafed upland forests such as Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern (Calochortus pulchellus), Diablo helianthella (Helianthella castanea), and oval-leaved viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum). Others are associated with valley and foothill grasslands such as bent-flowered fiddleneck (Amsinckia lunaris), big tarplant (Blepharizonia plumosa), and Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii). Most of the known special-status plant species occurrences are recorded in areas of open space including Las Juntas Open Space Park and Paso Nogal Park.

Additionally, some of the species listed are not currently known to be found within the General Plan area limits but are regionally occurring species that could occur in the General Plan area or in the surrounding area.

SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE
Based on the database and literature review, 50 special-status wildlife species are known, or have potential, to occur within the General Plan area or surrounding area. Table B-2 in Appendix B lists these special-status wildlife species, their listing status, and other status designations.

Special-status species are most likely to occur in undeveloped areas and open space areas.

However, riparian areas that intersect urban development may also provide habitat and movement corridors for special-status species. The General Plan area and the surrounding area also provide habitat for avian wildlife, including several listed species and other special-status species. Several occurrences of Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) have been recorded within the General Plan area. Ponds, wetlands, streams, and riparian areas may provide habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibians and reptiles, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), and Alameda whipsnake.

Special-status bats such as pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), and big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) are State SSCs and have potential to occur within the General Plan area. In addition, although not listed in the CNDDB, mountain lions 24 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 25 Ibid. 26 USFWS IPaC, op. cit.

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3.3-12
(Puma concolor) are legally classified as "specially protected species." In July 2019, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned CDFW to list mountain lions as threatened under the CESA within a proposed evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) located in Southern California and along the central coast of California. In April 2020, CDFW found that listing of this ESU may be warranted and designated mountain lion within the ESU as a candidate species under CESA. Mountain lions inhabit diverse habitats across most of California and can be found wherever deer are present, which includes the foothills and mountainous areas within the eastern Bay Area where the General Plan area is located.

Wildlife Movement Corridors
Definitions
Wildlife movement corridors, or habitat linkages, are generally defined as connections between habitat patches that allow for physical and genetic exchange between otherwise isolated animal populations. Such linkages may serve a local purpose, such as providing a linkage between foraging and denning areas, or they may be regional in nature. Some habitat linkages may serve as migration corridors, wherein animals periodically move away from an area and then subsequently return.

Others may be dispersal corridors for young animals. A group of habitat linkages in an area can form a wildlife corridor network.

The habitats within the link do not necessarily need to be the same as the habitats that are being linked. Rather, the link merely needs to contain sufficient cover and forage to allow temporary habitation by ground-dwelling species. Typically, habitat linkages are contiguous strips of natural areas, though dense plantings of landscape vegetation can be used by certain disturbance-tolerant species. Depending upon the species using a corridor, specific physical resources (such as rock outcroppings, vernal pools, or oak trees) may need to be located within the habitat link at certain intervals to allow slower-moving species to traverse the link. For highly mobile or aerial species, habitat linkages may be discontinuous patches of suitable resources spaced sufficiently close together to permit travel along a route in a short period of time.

Wildlife movement corridors can be both large and small scale. Essential Connectivity Areas (ECAs) are mapped in the report, California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California and represent principal connections between Natural Landscape Blocks.

ECAs are regions in which land conservation and management actions should be prioritized to maintain and enhance connectivity between areas of high ecological importance. 27 ECAs are mapped based on coarse ecological condition indicators, rather than the needs of particular species and thus serve most of the species in each region. It is important to recognize that even areas outside of Natural Landscape Blocks and ECAs support important ecological values and should not be immediately discounted as lacking conservation value without further review.

Most of the General Plan area is developed and urbanized and does not provide for wildlife movement corridors. However, the western most extent of the General Plan area overlaps with an ECA that runs from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in the Berkley and Oakland Hills to the north and extending south to the Calaveras Reservoir (see Figure 3.3-4). This ECA, as a part of the Bay Area hills, may serve as a movement corridor for the state provisionally protected Southern 27 Spencer, W.D., P. Beier, K. Penrod, K. Winters, C. Paulman, H. Rustigian-Romsos, J. Strittholt, M. Parisi, and A. Pettler. 2010. California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California. Prepared for California Department of Transportation, California Department of Fish and Game, and Federal Highways Administration.

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Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-13
Figure 3.3-4 Essential Connectivity Areas in General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-14
California/Central Coast ESU of mountain lion. Small scale habitat corridors important to wildlife movement are also present within the General Plan area, many of which are not mapped as ECAs.

Locally, Las Juntas Open Space Park and Paso Nogal Park may serve as smaller scale movement corridors for terrestrial species throughout the General Plan area, as they are mostly continuous vegetated areas connected by Pleasant Hill trails. However, these parks as well as most vegetated areas throughout Pleasant Hill are intersected by streets, are highly disturbed by both human and domestic animal use, and are surrounded by residential development. Additionally, drainages and riverine habitats throughout Pleasant Hill, such as Grayson Creek, provide potential fish and other aquatic wildlife movement habitat.

Important Farmland Resources
Definitions
To characterize the environmental baseline for agricultural resources, Important Farmland Maps produced by the California Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) were reviewed.28 Unless otherwise expressed, the future use of “Important Farmland” specifically includes the following definitions provided by the DOC:
 Prime Farmland: Land which has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to current farming standards.
 Unique Farmland: Land of lesser quality soils used for the production of specific high economic value crops. It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high quality or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to current farming methods. It is usually irrigated but may include nonirrigated orchards or vineyards as found in some climatic zones in California. Examples of crops include oranges, olives, avocados, rice, grapes and cut flowers.  Farmland of Local Importance: Land of importance to the local agricultural economy as determined by each county's board of supervisors following recommendations by a local advisory committee.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area is almost entirely designated as Urban and Built-Up Land and does not include identified farmland.29 However, a small patch of land along Taylor Boulevard in the western portion of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence is designated as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Grazing Land. Additionally, the area known as Paso Nogal Park is designated as Other Land, which includes land not categorized in another mapping class. Common examples of the Other Land type include low density rural developments, brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing.
30 28 California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2022. California Important Farmland Finder [map]. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/ (accessed October 2022). 29 Ibid. 30 Ibid.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-15
Productive Forestry Resources
Definitions
Forestry resources include forestland, timberland, and timberland production zones. Definitions used for forest land and timberland are those found in the California Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 12220(g) and 4789.2(g) and California Government Code (CGC) Section 51104(g). These codes define forestland, timberland, and timberland production zones.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area is mostly designated as Urban and Built-Up Land and does not include identified forest land.
31 No timberland or timberland production zones exist within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence.

3.3.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Federal Endangered Species Act
Under the ESA, authorization is required to “take” a listed species. Take is defined under Section 3 of the ESA as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Under federal regulation (50 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Sections 17.3, 222.102); “harm” is further defined to include habitat modification or degradation where it would be expected to result in death or injury to listed wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering. Critical habitat is a specific geographic area(s) that is essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery. Section 7 of the ESA outlines procedures for federal interagency cooperation to conserve federally listed species and designated critical habitat.