N:\0032005.00\_CAD\_Civil\0032005-PLP01.dwg 4/29/2022 3:27 PM Ellie Czeck NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION REVISIONS:
# DATE COMMENT125 E. JOHN CARPENTER FREEWAY, SUITE 525
IRVING, TEXAS 75062
PREPARED FOR:
DATE:
SHEET:
04/29/2022
Sunridge SolarStorage Project
Sacramento County, California
westwoodps.com
Westwood Professional Services, Inc.
Phone (720) 531-8350 10170 Church Ranch Way, Suite #100 Toll Free (888) 937-5150 Westminster, CO 80021
A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
BC
D
E
F
G
0' 50' 100' 150'
L.101
Preliminary Landscape
Screening Notes & Details
DESIGN REVIEW NOTES
SET ROOT BALL ON UNDISTURBED SUBSOILOR COMPACTED SOIL MOUND MATCHING
TREES NATURAL GROUNDLINE WITH
FINISHED SITE GRADE.REFER TO AMERICAN STANDARD FORNURSERY STOCK FOR MINIMUM BALL SIZE.ROOT FLARE TO BE PLANTED AT OR NEARFINISHED GROUNDLINE.SCARIFY SIDES AND BOTTOM OF HOLE.BACKFILL PLANT PIT WITH SPECIFIEDBACKFILL SOIL.FORM 3" DEEP WATERING BASIN.PLACE MULCH, DEPTH AS SPECIFIED, OVERPLANT PITS - DO NOT PILE AGAINST TRUNK.
PRUNE OUT MISDIRECTED BRANCHES.PROVIDE ONE CENTRAL LEADER.
GUYING AND STAKING, AS REQUIRED, FORONE (1) YEAR ON ALL DECIDUOUS ANDCONIFEROUS TREES:
TOP STAKES 5' ABOVE GROUND (MAX.)
OR TO FIRST BRANCH. BOTTOM OFSTAKE 3' (MIN.) BELOW GROUND.STAKING POSTS TO BE 2"X2" STAINED
WOOD OR PAINTED STEEL DELINEATOR
POSTS. PLACE 3 POSTS EQUIDISTANT
AROUND AND OUTSIDE ROOT BALL.
SECURE TREE TO POSTS WITH 16" LONG
POLYPROPYLENE OR POLYETHYLENE, 40MIL., 1.5" WIDE STRAP. 2XBALL
DIAMETER
NOT TO SCALE
EVERGREEN TREE PLANTING LA01
SET ROOT BALL ON UNDISTURBED SUBSOIL
OR COMPACTED SOIL MOUND MATCHINGTREES NATURAL GROUNDLINE WITH FINISHED SITE GRADE.
REFER TO AMERICAN STANDARD FORNURSERY STOCK FOR MINIMUM BALL SIZE.ROOT FLARE TO BE PLANTED AT OR NEARFINISHED GROUNDLINE.
SCARIFY SIDES AND BOTTOM OF HOLE.
BACKFILL PLANT PIT WITH SPECIFIED BACKFILL
SOIL.
FORM 3" DEEP WATERING BASIN.PLACE MULCH, DEPTH AS SPECIFIED, OVERPLANT PITS - DO NOT PILE AGAINST TRUNK.
TREE WRAP MATERIAL FROM GROUNDLINE
UPWARD TO FIRST BRANCHES, AS REQUIRED.
PRUNE OUT MISDIRECTED BRANCHES.PROVIDE ONE CENTRAL LEADER.
GUYING AND STAKING, AS REQUIRED, FORONE (1) YEAR ON ALL DECIDUOUS ANDCONIFEROUS TREES:
TOP STAKES 5' ABOVE GROUND (MAX.)OR TO FIRST BRANCH. BOTTOM OF STAKE 3' (MIN.) BELOW GROUND.STAKING POSTS TO BE 2"X2" STAINED
WOOD OR PAINTED STEEL DELINEATOR
POSTS. PLACE 3 POSTS EQUIDISTANT
AROUND AND OUTSIDE ROOT BALL.
SECURE TREE TO POSTS WITH 16" LONGPOLYPROPYLENE OR POLYETHYLENE, 40MIL., 1.5" WIDE STRAP. 2X
BALL
DIAMETER
NOT TO SCALE
DECIDUOUS TREE PLANTING LA02
2X
CONT.
DIAMETER
SET CONTAINER ROOT SOIL ON
UNDISTURBED SUBSOIL OR MILD
COMPACTED SOIL FOR DEPTH TO MATCH
FINISH GRADE
SCARIFY SIDES AND BOTTOM OF HOLE.
DEPTH PER CONTAINER SOIL DEPTHBACKFILL PLANT PIT WITH SPECIFIEDPLANTING SOIL OR AS APPROVEDEDGING AT PLANTING BEDS, AS SPECIFIED,
ADJACENT TO LAWN AREAS
MULCH AS SPECIFIED (AND FILTER FABRIC,
AS INDICATED)
REMOVE CONTAINER, SCARIFY SIDES, AND
SET SOIL MASS ON COMPACTED SOIL BASE
MOUND, MATCHING SHRUBS NATURAL
GROUNDLINE WITH FINISHED GRADE
NOT TO SCALE
SHRUB & PERENNIAL CONTAINER PLANTING LA03
PLANTING NOTES
1. CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTACT COMMON GROUND ALLIANCE AT 811 OR CALL811.COM TO VERIFY LOCATIONS OF ALL UNDERGROUND UTILITIES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF ANY PLANTS OR LANDSCAPE MATERIAL.
2. ACTUAL LOCATION OF PLANT MATERIAL IS SUBJECT TO FIELD AND SITE CONDITIONS.3. NO PLANTING WILL BE INSTALLED UNTIL ALL GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA.
4. ALL SUBSTITUTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF ANY BID AND/OR QUOTE BY THE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR.
5. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TWO YEAR GUARANTEE OF ALL PLANT MATERIALS. THE GUARANTEE BEGINS ON THE DATE OF THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT'S OR OWNER'S WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE OF THE INITIAL PLANTING. REPLACEMENT PLANT MATERIAL SHALL HAVE A ONE YEAR GUARANTEE COMMENCING UPON PLANTING.
6. ALL PLANTS TO BE SPECIMEN GRADE, CALIFRONIA-GROWN AND/OR HARDY. SPECIMEN GRADE SHALL ADHERE TO, BUT IS NOT LIMITED BY, THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS:
ALL PLANTS SHALL BE FREE FROM DISEASE, PESTS, WOUNDS, SCARS, ETC.ALL PLANTS SHALL BE FREE FROM NOTICEABLE GAPS, HOLES, OR DEFORMITIES.ALL PLANTS SHALL BE FREE FROM BROKEN OR DEAD BRANCHES.ALL PLANTS SHALL HAVE HEAVY, HEALTHY BRANCHING AND LEAFING.
CONIFEROUS TREES SHALL HAVE AN ESTABLISHED MAIN LEADER AND A HEIGHT TO WIDTH RATIO OF NO LESS THAN 5:3.
7. PLANTS TO MEET AMERICAN STANDARD FOR NURSERY STOCK (ANSI Z60.1-2014 OR MOST CURRENT VERSION) REQUIREMENTS FOR SIZE AND TYPE SPECIFIED.
8. PLANTS TO BE INSTALLED AS PER MNLA & ANSI STANDARD PLANTING PRACTICES.
9. PLANTS SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY PLANTED UPON ARRIVAL AT SITE. PROPERLY HEEL-IN MATERIALS IF NECESSARY; TEMPORARY ONLY.
10. PRIOR TO PLANTING, FIELD VERIFY THAT THE ROOT COLLAR/ROOT FLAIR IS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE BALLED & BURLAP TREE. IF THIS IS NOT THE CASE, SOIL SHALL BE REMOVED DOWN TO THE ROOT COLLAR/ROOT FLAIR. WHEN THE BALLED & BURLAP TREE IS PLANTED, THE ROOT COLLAR/ROOT FLAIR SHALL BE EVEN OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE FINISHED GRADE.
11. OPEN TOP OF BURLAP ON BB MATERIALS; REMOVE POT ON POTTED PLANTS; SPLIT AND BREAK APART PEAT POTS.12. PRUNE PLANTS AS NECESSARY - PER STANDARD NURSERY PRACTICE AND TO CORRECT POOR BRANCHING OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED TREES.13. WRAP ALL SMOOTH-BARKED TREES - FASTEN TOP AND BOTTOM. REMOVE BY APRIL 1ST.14. STAKING OF TREES AS REQUIRED; REPOSITION, PLUMB AND STAKE IF NOT PLUMB AFTER ONE YEAR.15. THE NEED FOR SOIL AMENDMENTS SHALL BE DETERMINED UPON SITE SOIL CONDITIONS PRIOR TO PLANTING. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FOR THE NEED OF ANY SOIL AMENDMENTS.
16. BACKFILL SOIL AND TOPSOIL TO ADHERE TO MN/DOT STANDARD SPECIFICATION 3877 (SELECT TOPSOIL BORROW) AND TO BE EXISTING TOP SOIL FROM SITE FREE OF ROOTS, ROCKS LARGER THAN ONE INCH, SUBSOIL DEBRIS, AND LARGE WEEDS UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE. MINIMUM 4" DEPTH TOPSOIL FOR ALL LAWN GRASS AREAS AND 12" DEPTH TOPSOIL FOR TREE, SHRUBS, AND PERENNIALS.
17. MULCH TO BE AT ALL TREE, SHRUB, PERENNIAL, AND MAINTENANCE AREAS. TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING BEDS SHALL HAVE 3" DEPTH OF SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH. SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH TO BE USED AROUND ALL PLANTS WITHIN TURF AREAS. MULCH TO BE FREE OF DELETERIOUSMATERIAL. MULCH AND FABRIC TO BE APPROVED BY OWNER PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. MULCH TO MATCH EXISTING CONDITIONS (WHERE APPLICABLE).
18. EDGING TO BE COMMERCIAL GRADE VALLEY-VIEW BLACK DIAMOND (OR EQUAL) POLY EDGING OR SPADED EDGE, AS INDICATED. POLY EDGING SHALL BE PLACED WITH SMOOTH CURVES AND STAKED WITH METAL SPIKES NO GREATER THAN 4 FOOT ON CENTER WITH BASE OF TOP BEAD AT GRADE, FORMOWERS TO CUT ABOVE WITHOUT DAMAGE. UTILIZE CURBS AND SIDEWALKS FOR EDGING WHERE POSSIBLE. SPADED EDGE TO PROVIDE V-SHAPEDDEPTH AND WIDTH TO CREATE SEPARATION BETWEEN MULCH AND GRASS. INDIVIDUAL TREE, SHRUB, OR RAIN-GARDEN BEDS TO BE SPADED EDGE,UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE. EDGING TO MATCH EXISTING CONDITIONS (WHERE APPLICABLE).
19. ALL DISTURBED AREAS TO BE SODDED OR SEEDED, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. PARKING LOT ISLANDS TO BE SODDED WITH SHREDDED HARDWOOD MULCH AROUND ALL TREES AND SHRUBS. SOD TO BE STANDARD CALIFRONIA GROWN AND HARDY BLUEGRASS MIX, FREE OF LAWN WEEDS. ALL TOPSOIL AREAS TO BE RAKED TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND ENSURE DRAINAGE. SLOPES OF 3:1 OR GREATER SHALL BE STAKED. SEED AS SPECIFIED AND PER MN/DOT SPECIFICATIONS. IF NOT INDICATED ON LANDSCAPE PLAN, SEE EROSION CONTROL PLAN.
20. PROVIDE IRRIGATION TO ALL PLANTED AREAS ON SITE. IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO BE DESIGN/BUILD BY LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE SHOP DRAWINGS TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM.CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE OPERATION MANUALS, AS-BUILT PLANS, AND NORMAL PROGRAMMING. SYSTEM SHALL BE WINTERIZED AND HAVE SPRINGSTARTUP DURING FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION. SYSTEM SHALL HAVE ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL PARTS AND LABOR. ALL INFORMATION ABOUT INSTALLATION AND SCHEDULING CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR.
21. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE NECESSARY WATERING OF PLANT MATERIALS UNTIL THE PLANT IS FULLY ESTABLISHED OR IRRIGATION SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL. OWNER WILL NOT PROVIDE WATER FOR CONTRACTOR.
22. REPAIR, REPLACE, OR PROVIDE SOD/SEED AS REQUIRED FOR ANY ROADWAY BOULEVARD AREAS ADJACENT TO THE SITE DISTURBED DURING CONSTRUCTION.
23. REPAIR ALL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY FROM PLANTING OPERATIONS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
PER THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA DESIGN GUIDELINES AND WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE, THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:
1. A MINIMUM OF 25% OF ALL TREES SHALL BE 24" BOX CONTAINER SIZE OR LARGER. TREE SIZES SHALL BE ADJUSTED IF REQUIRED TO COMPLY BASED ON CALCULATIONS TO BE PROVIDED WITH CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.
2. A MINIMUM OF 30% OF ALL TREES SHALL BE EVERGREEN.3. ROOT BARRIERS ARE REQUIRED FOR TREES PLANTED WITHIN 10'OF PAVING OR HARDSCAPE PER ZONING CODE SECTION 23.716.
4. PRE-EMERGENT SHALL BE APPLIED TO ALL NON-SEEDED LANDSCAPE AREAS PRIOR TO PLANTING
5. A 3" MINIMUM OF BARK MULCH IS REQUIRED IN ALL NON-TURF PLANTERS.
6. A WEED CONTROL LAYER IS REQUIRED IN ALL BARK MULCH AREAS.
PER THE CITY ARBORIST, THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:
1. TREES SHALL BE NOT LESS THAN 15' FROM STREETLIGHTS, AND 6'FROM PAVING AND UTILITY LATERALS (WATER, SEWER).
ITEM 17.1.
ATTACHMENT 6
Exhibit A to the Resolution
APPENDIX A
ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT PHOTOS
13267
A-1 March 2022
Photo A-1: Typical modular battery energy storage unit
Photo A-2: Illustration of typical battery energy storage system enclosure and medium-voltage transformers/inverters
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 6 Exhibit A to the Resolution
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 1 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
General Conditions
1. The approved entitlement is for a Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for the Juniper Creek Energy Storage project as described in the City Council staff report dated July 17, 2023 and attached project plans (Exhibit A) with the conditions herein, for project number PLND-0422-0034.
Project
Description
On-Going Planning
2. The Applicant shall hold harmless the City, its Council Members, officers, agents, employees, and representatives from liability for any award, damages, costs and fees incurred by the City and/or awarded to any plaintiff in an action challenging the validity of this permit or any environmental or other documentation related to approval of this permit. Applicant further agrees to provide a defense for the City in any such action.
General On-Going Planning
3. Any future alteration to the buildings, change in use, intensification of the site, or modification to the landscaped area must be reviewed by the City to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Minor modifications that are found to be in substantial conformance with the approved plans, may be approved administratively. Major modifications shall be approved by the applicable decision-making body.
General On-Going Planning/
Building
/Public Works
4. Applicant/Developer shall not carry a negative account balance with the City for the processing of the project. If a negative account balance occurs, it will be the developer's responsibility to pay the balance due, in order to avoid delays in the processing of future permits or recordation of maps. Please email the Finance Department at [email protected] for the status of your account with the City.
General On-Going Finance
5. Applicant shall be responsible for all damage to City streets associated with construction of the project and shall repair any damage as soon as possible.
City Street
Repair
On-Going Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 2 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
6. If any proposed garbage enclosure will contain a drain to the sewer, it must be covered.
Garbage
Enclosure
On-Going Sacramento
Area Sewer
District
7. SMUD reserves the right to use any portion of its easements on or adjacent to the subject property that it reasonably needs and shall not be responsible for any damages to the developed property with said easement that unreasonably interferes with those needs.
SMUD
Easements
On-Going SMUD
8. All outdoor lighting shall be constructed and operate within the required standards of Chapter 23.725.060 of the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code.
Outdoor
Lighting
On-Going Planning
9. The Conditional Use Permit Entitlement is valid for three years from the date of City Council approval, unless an extension of time is subsequently approved or substantial construction of the permitted use has commenced and is diligently pursued to completion; clear documentation is provided to establish that the permit holder has made a good faith effort to commence work upon the use; the permitted use has clearly been established; actual occupancy of an existing building or land occurs under the terms of the permitted use.
Permit
Expiration
Three years,
commencing
with the date of
approval.
Planning
10. Any ground or roof mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from view where feasible per Chapter 23.731 of the RCMC
Equipment
Screening
On-Going Planning
11. The Applicant/Developer shall comply with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Juniper Creek Energy Storage project (Exhibit C of the Resolution).
MMRP On-Going Planning
Prior to Approval of Improvement Plans
12. Any necessary future SMUD facilities located on the Applicant’s property shall require a dedicated SMUD easement. This will be determined prior to SMUD performing work on the Applicant’s property.
SMUD
Easements
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
SMUD
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 3 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
13. In the event the City requires an Irrevocable Offer of Dedication (IOD) for future roadway improvements, the Applicant shall dedicate a 12.5-foot public utility easement (PUE) for overhead and/or underground facilities and appurtenances adjacent to the City’s IOD.
Public Utility
Easement
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
SMUD
14. The Applicant shall dedicate a 12.5-foot public utility easement for overhead and/or underground facilities and appurtenances adjacent to all public street rights-of-ways.
Utility
Easement
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
SMUD
15. The Applicant shall dedicate any private drive, ingress and egress easement, (and 10-feet adjacent thereto) as a public utility easement for (overhead and) underground facilities and
appurtenances. All access roads shall meet minimum SMUD requirements for access roads.
Access Roads Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
SMUD
16. Show the design for a fire access roadway of not less than 20-feet of unobstructed width, 13-feet, 6-inches of vertical clearance, and turning radii of 25 feet inside and 50 feet outside dimension on the improvement plans. The access roadway shall extend within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any proposed building. The use of turf-block or grass-crete or similar alternate road surfaces is not approved for installation in fire apparatus access roadways.
Fire Access
Roadway
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
17. Show the design for a minimum of 2 remote fire access roadways.
Remote fire access roadways shall be spaced a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the maximum diagonal dimension of the property or areas to be served. A minimum 2 remote access roadways shall be provided for in any of the following conditions:
• A single building in excess of 62,000 sq. ft.
• Multiple buildings within a single parcel where the total combined square footage is in excess of 62,000 sq. ft.
• Multi-family dwellings in excess of 39 units.
Fire Access
Roadway
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 4 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
18. Show the design for an approved fire apparatus turnaround. The fire apparatus turnaround shall conform to Sacramento Metro Fire Districts, Fire Prevention Standard #3. The fire access turn-around shall be located within 50 feet of the end of the access roadway.
Aerial
Apparatus
Turnaround
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
19. Show on the plan how Fire Lanes will be marked. Fire Lane identification shall be provided along the required fire access roadway. Fire Lane identification shall be in accordance with the Sacramento Metro Fire Districts Fire Prevention Standard #3 and the California Vehicle Code. Vehicle parking is prohibited on any street less than 28 feet in width. Vehicle parking is permitted on both sides of streets 36 feet or more in width. Roadway widths shall be measured between the gutter-line or edge of pavement on opposite sides of the road. Identification of fire apparatus access roadways may be required on private roads.
Fire Lanes Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
20. Provide a note on the plan that reads, “Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed live load of 80,000 pounds, with a maximum axle load of 31,000 pounds, and meet Public Works Standards for roadways. A report, prepared by a registered geotechnical engineer, verifying the ability of the road to bear the required minimum weight, shall be submitted with any plan indicating construction of roadway.
Verification of constructed roadway shall be provided by a registered geotechnical engineer prior to final of the project.” Fire Apparatus
Access Roads
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
21. Show the location of the required fire hydrants for this project on the improvement plans. Approved fire hydrants capable of providing the required fire flow for the protection of any and all structures shall be located along the fire apparatus access roadway. The required fire hydrants shall be installed and operational prior to any construction or on-site storage of combustible materials. The minimum required fire flow for the protection of commercial developments is 1,500 gallons per minute Fire Hydrants Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 5 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
(gpm) at a pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) for a twohour duration.
22. Drainage Study: Applicant shall prepare and submit a project specific drainage study that includes but is not limited to: a pre- and post-project drainage analysis of the project impacts, identification of offsite project impacts or required offsite improvements, and identification of proposed connections to the City’s Storm Drainage System with adequate supporting calculations. The drainage study shall conform to the requirements of the Sacramento City/County Drainage Manual (Volume 2), County of Sacramento Improvement Standards (Section 9), and all other applicable City standards. The drainage study must be developed and stamped by a Professional Engineer and determined by the City to be accurate and adequate.
Drainage Study Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
23. Stormwater Quality- Post Construction
The improvement plans shall incorporate all applicable post construction stormwater quality measures; including source control, hydromodification management, low impact development, and full capture trash control measures into the site improvement plans in conformance with the most recent version of the Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento Region.
The applicant shall prepare and submit a Post-Construction Stormwater Quality Control Plan that includes details and sizing calculations of all the proposed post construction stormwater quality measures. In addition, a maintenance covenant is required for all proposed post construction stormwater quality measures, as detailed in Appendix B of the Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento Region.
Stormwater
Quality
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 6 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
24. Stormwater Quality– During Construction:
SWPPP – the applicant shall prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be executed through all phases of grading and project construction. The SWPPP shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure that potential water quality impacts during construction phases are minimized.
These measures shall be consistent with the City’s Improvement Standards and Land Grading and Erosion Control Ordinance.
During construction, the applicant shall implement BMPs in accordance with the SWPPP and the City’s Improvement
Standards.
Advisory Condition: Construction General Permit
The project applicant shall file a Notice of Intent (NOI) to obtain coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit For Storm Water Discharges Associated With Construction And Land Disturbance Activities (Construction General Permit). Permits are issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Stormwater
Quality
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
25. The SWPPP for the site shall include a contingency plan for the implementation of a process to remove fine clay sediments prior to discharge to the City of Rancho Cordova’s storm drain system and/or Waters of the State (e.g., creeks, rivers) to the satisfaction of the City of Rancho Cordova. A polymer treatment system or comparable process shall be incorporated in the erosion and sediment control plan as part of the improvement plans submittal.
This system shall be implemented by qualified professionals with training and proven experience in this field. Such treatment shall be accomplished in a manner that does not pose a toxic threat to fish and other aquatic organisms in receiving waters.
SWPPP
Mitigation
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 7 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
26. Drainage System Design:
The applicant shall submit and obtain City approval of plans and specifications for the construction of public improvements and all grading. The drainage system shall be designed in accordance with the approved Drainage Study to accommodate runoff from the ultimate development and shall meet the City of Rancho Cordova’s Improvement Standards, construction standards, and Floodplain Management Ordinances in effect at the time of improvement plans approval.
Drainage
System
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
27. All development within the City must comply with the City of Rancho Cordova’s Floodplain Management Ordinance. All new structures shall be protected from the 100-year (1 percent) flood event. Certified pad elevations (certified by a registered Civil Engineer or licensed Land Surveyor) shall be set at least one and two tenths foot (1.2') above all sources of 100-year flooding (see Section 9-1 of improvement standards). The overland release path must be shown on the improvement plans and the hydraulic computation must be provided to estimate the flow depths along the overland release paths. The calculations must be in conformance with Section 9-15 of the Improvement Standards.
Floodplain
Management
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
28. Provide a permanent concrete stamp, or other permanently applied message to the satisfaction of the City not including paint, which reads “No Dumping-Flows to Creek” or other approved message at each storm drain inlet.
Concrete
Stamps
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
29. All storm drain facilities within private lots shall be privately maintained and shall be clearly labeled as “private” in the improvement plans.
Private Lot
Drains
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
30. Fees:
Pay the drainage impact fees to the satisfaction of the City of Rancho Cordova’s Public Works Department.
Drainage
Impact Fees
Prior to
Approval of
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 8 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
Improvement
Plans
31. Number, size, and location of driveways are subject to approval by the Public Works Department
Driveway
Location
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
32. Enter into a frontage agreement and bond for construction of public improvements per the approved Public Works plans to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department.
Frontage
Agreement
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
33. A final landscape plan shall be submitted in conjunction with improvement plan and or building permit submittal and approved by the planning and public works departments prior to issuance of permits and/or any installation of landscape materials RCMC
23.716.020. The final landscape planting and irrigation plan shall be prepared by a registered licensed landscape architect and include the following items per RCMC 22.180.060:
• Planting plan to scale that indicate slope
• Irrigation Plan
• Soils Test
• Water Use Calculations
• Irrigation Schedule
• Permeability test for LID facilities’ locations
• Soil media specifications (LID features)
Landscape
Plan
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
34. All landscape strips, medians, etc. that contain trees shall be designed to include continuous root barriers. Trees shall be appropriately sized for their proposed planters.
Root Barriers Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 9 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage
July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
35. Driveway access grade shall be designed to accommodate a future 10ft wide frontage path. Provide details to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department.
Driveway
Grade
Prior to
approval of
improvement
plans
Public Works
36. The Applicant shall not place any building foundations within 5-feet of any SMUD trench to maintain adequate trench integrity. The Applicant shall verify specific clearance requirements for other utilities (e.g., Gas, Telephone, etc.).
Clearance
Requirements
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
SMUD
37. Prior to any ground disturbance or issuance of grading or improvement plans, the applicant shall obtain a Covered Activities Authorization permit in compliance with the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (SSHCP).
SSHCP Prior to
Issuance of
grading or
improvement
plans
Planning
Prior to Issuance of Building Permit
38. Applicant shall complete improvement plans to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department. Improvement plans shall include, but shall not be limited to:
• All onsite civil improvements
• Civil plan shall include an ADA access plan
• Remove and replace existing sidewalk and provide a 10’ wide Class I Bike Path within the existing 10’ Pedestrian Easement along Canyonlands Dr. The Bike Path, curb, and gutter shall extend along the entire property, frontage of Canyonlands Dr., excepting the easterly approximately 100ft of frontage at the “bulb-like” feature. Per the City of Rancho Cordova Bicycle Master Plan, a Class I Bike Path is planned within the project site.
• The existing “bulb-like” feature in the roadway (south of the right of way line) is not a part of the ultimate configuration of Canyonlands Dr. Said feature shall be removed and replaced Improvement
Plans
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 10 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
with City standard roadway section at a time determined by the Public Works Department or at such time that
Canyonlands Dr. is extended further to the east, whichever occurs first. Enter into a deferred improvement agreement with the City for completion of property frontage
improvements in “bulb-like” feature at the easterly
approximately 100ft of frontage, including but not limited to 10ft wide trail, curb, gutters, and removal and replacement of bulb per RCMC 12.03 - Street Improvements.
• Relocate any obstructions (existing street light, street light pullbox, and vaults) to be outside of the new bike path and driveway.
• Utility laterals
• Replacement of damaged pavement along property frontage to the satisfaction of The Public Works Department
• Public improvement plans shall clearly delineate all transitions to existing improvements.
• All improvements to be designed and constructed to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department.
• Compete installation of all improvements shown on the improvement plan to satisfaction of the City prior to occupancy
39. The 12-foot screen wall shall be continued along the northern property boundary to provide screening of the site from Canyonlands Drive.
Screen Wall Prior to
Issuance of a
Building Permit
Planning
40. Property Owner/Applicant shall participate in or provide a funding mechanism for maintenance services for the project’s stormwater drainage and flood protection system. This may be accomplished through annexation to the City’s Stormwater Utility Fee District, or other financial mechanism as may be proposed and provided by the Property Owner for the same purpose of providing a funding Stormwater
Drainage and
Flood
Protection
System
Prior to
Issuance of
Building Permit
Public Works
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 11 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
mechanism to fund the operation and maintenance of the Project’s stormwater drainage and flood protection system. Costs
associated with the annexation shall be borne by the Property Owner/Applicant through payment of the annexation costs in the amount of $7,000 per annexation. Contact Dalia Fadl at (916) 851- 8718 with regard to the process to satisfy this condition of approval.
41. Property Owner/Applicant shall participate in or provide a funding mechanism for maintenance services for the fair share of existing and all new public improvements associated with the project including, but not limited to, streets, bridges/culverts, traffic signals, traffic signs, striping and legends, ITS operations, street lights and safety lights, and public frontage and median landscape improvements. This may be accomplished through annexation to the City’s Communities Facilities District No. 2008-1 (Street Lighting and Road Maintenance). All costs associated with the annexation shall be borne by the Property Owner/Applicant through payment of the annexation costs of the CFD annexation in the amount of $5,000 per annexation. Contact Dalia Fadl at (916) 851-8718 with regard to the process to satisfy this condition of approval.
Existing and
New Public
Improvements
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Public Works
42. All projects are subject to Sacramento Metro Air District rules and regulations in effect at the time of construction.
Construction
Regulations
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Air
District
43. Provide details regarding minimum 100 feet setback from buildings, lot line, public ways, stored combustible materials, hazardous materials, high-pilled stock and other exposure hazards, as to comply with 2022 CA Fire Code Sections 1207.5.2 and 1207.8.1 and NFPA 855-2020, Sections 4.4.3.1(2) and 4.8(2).
Fire Standards Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 12 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
44. The proposed storage quantity exceeds the maximum allowable quantities per 2022 CA Fire Code, Table 1207.5 and a dedicateduse building will be required to comply with Section 1207.7.1.
Storage
Quantity
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
45. The NFPA 13-2022 excepts Li-ion batteries from commodity classifications, therefore the fire sprinkler system shall be designed based on large-scale fire testing (NFPA 12-2022, Section 24.1.6).
Fire Sprinkler
System
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
46. The Applicant shall meet the following: Civil Site Plans and Architectural Plans shall be submitted and approved prior to Final Building Permit being issued. Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm plan shall be submitted prior to Final Building Permit being issued.
Please note: The Sacramento Metro Fire District does not allow deferred submittals for Fire Sprinkler or Fire Alarm plans.
Plan Submittal Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
47. Where a bridge or elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17.
Bridge
Construction
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
48. In the event the Applicant requires the relocation or removal of existing SMUD facilities on or adjacent to the subject property, the Applicant shall coordinate with SMUD. The Applicant shall be responsible for the cost of relocation or removal.
SMUD
Facilities
Prior to
Issuance of
Building Permit
SMUD
49. The Applicant shall comply with SMUD siting requirements (e.g., panel size/location, clearances from SMUD equipment,
transformer location, service conductors). Information regarding SMUD siting requirements can be found at:
https://www.smud.org/en/Business-Solutions-andRebates/Design-and-Construction-Services Siting
Requirements
Prior to
Issuance of
Building Permit
SMUD
Prior to Final Inspection
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 13 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
50. Install public and onsite improvements per the approved Public Works plans and to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department.
Improvements Prior to Final
Inspection of
the First Unit
Public Works
51. Upon completion of the installation of the landscaping, the designer shall certify that the landscape complies with all city water conserving landscape requirements. Certification shall be accomplished by completion of a certificate of compliance on a form approved by the director of the city public works department.
Failure to submit a complete and accurate certificate of compliance will delay final approval of the project and/or discontinue water service per RCMC 22.180.090. Upon receipt of the certificate of compliance and site inspection from City staff, the landscaping performance bond will be released.
Landscape
Improvements
Prior to final
building
inspection
Public Works
52. Record drawings of grading and improvement plans (1 full size and 1 half size hard copy), as well as a compact disc containing said plans in AutoCAD and pdf format, and a GIS shape file, or equivalent to the satisfaction of the City Engineer shall be submitted and approved by the Public Works Department.
Final Drawings Prior to final
building
inspection
Public Works
53. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new or existing buildings in such a position as to be easily read from the street or road fronting the property. The minimum size of the numbers shall not be less than six (6) inches and shall be mounted immediately adjacent to a light source and shall also contrast with their background.
Addressing Prior to final
inspection
Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
54. Prior to issuance of final certificate of occupancy, the Property Owner or Applicant shall incorporate a form of artwork into the project which could include a mural, freestanding statue or some other form of art that is approved by the Planning Department Art Prior to final
inspection
Planning
Advisory Conditions
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 7
Exhibit B to the Resolution
Conditions of Approval
City Council Page 14 of 14 Juniper Creek Energy Storage July 17, 2023 Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Category
Timing/
Implementation
Enforcement/
Monitoring
Verification
(date
&
Signature)
55. Any gates shall be installed in accordance with The County Emergency Access and Barriers Standard. Plan submittal is required prior to installation.
Gates Advisory Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
56. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Districts requirements are not to be construed as abrogating more restrictive requirements by other agencies having jurisdiction. Final acceptance is subject to field approval and completion of required tests.
SMFD
Requirements
Advisory Sacramento
Metro Fire
District
57. The Owner must contact Permit Services Unit at
[email protected] or by phone at (916) 876-6100 to determine if sewer impact fees are due. Fees are to be paid prior to the issuance of building permits.
Sewer Impact
Fees
Prior to
Issuance of
Building
Permits
Sacramento
Area Sewer
District
57. To obtain sewer service, construction of SASD sewer infrastructure will be required. Current SASD Standards and Specifications apply to any offsite or onsite public sewer construction or modification. These improvements must be shown on the plans.
Field modifications to new or existing precast manhole bases are not allowed.
Sewer
Infrastructure
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Area Sewer
District
58. SASD requires each building on each lot with a sewage source to have a separate connection to SASD’s sewer system. If there is more than one building in any single parcel and the parcel is not proposed for split, then each building on that parcel must have a separate connection to a private onsite sewer line or a separate connection to the SASD public sewer line. These improvements must be shown on the plans.
Sewer
Connections
Prior to
Approval of
Improvement
Plans
Sacramento
Area Sewer
District
ITEM 17.1 ATTACHMENT 8
Exhibit C to the Resolution
City of Rancho Cordova
Juniper Creek Energy Storage Project 1
JUNIPER CREEK ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines (PRC Section 21081.6 and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091[d] and 15097) require public agencies “to adopt a reporting and monitoring program for changes to the project which it has adopted or made a condition of project approval to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment.” A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) is required for the proposed project because the Initial Study identifies potential significant adverse impacts related to the project implementation, and mitigation measure have been identified to reduce those impacts. Adoption of the MMRP would occur along with approval of the proposed project.
PURPOSE OF MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
This MMRP has been prepared to ensure that all required mitigation measures are implemented and completed in a satisfactory manner prior to implementation of the proposed ordinance. The attached table has been prepared to assist the responsible parties in implementing the mitigation measures. The table identifies the mitigation measures, responsibility, mitigation timing, and provides space to confirm implementation of the mitigation measures. The numbering of mitigation measures follows the numbering sequence found in the Initial Study. Mitigation measures that are referenced more than once in the Initial Study are not duplicated in the MMRP table.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As specified herein, the project applicant or its designee is responsible for taking all actions necessary to implement the mitigation measures and for demonstrating that the action has been successfully completed. The City of Rancho Cordova shall confirm implementation of all measures under its jurisdiction according to the specifications provided for each measure.
Inquiries should be directed to:
Darcy Goulart, Planning Manager
City of Rancho Cordova Planning Division
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
E-mail comments may be addressed to: [email protected] The location of this information is:
City of Rancho Cordova
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM TABLE
The categories identified in the attached MMRP table are described below. Mitigation Measure – This column provides the verbatim text of the adopted mitigation measure. Implementation Responsibility – This column identifies the party responsible for implementing the mitigation measure.
ITEM 17.1 ATTACHMENT 8
Exhibit C to the Resolution
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program City of Rancho Cordova 2 Timing – This column identifies the time frame in which the mitigation will be implemented. Verification – This column is to be dated and signed by the person (either project manager or his/her designee) responsible for verifying compliance with the requirements of the mitigation measure.
ITEM 17.1 ATTACHMENT 8
Exhibit C to the Resolution
Ascent Environmental Executive Summary
Napa County
Love’s Travel Stop Draft EIR ES-3
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Mitigation Measures Implementation Responsibility Timing Verification Geology and Soils and Mandatory Findings of Significance Mitigation Measure-PAL-1 Unanticipated Discovery of Archaeological Resources.
In the event that archaeological resources (sites, features, or artifacts) are exposed during construction activities for the Project, all construction work occurring within 100 feet of the find shall immediately stop until a qualified archaeologist, meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards, can evaluate the significance of the find and determine whether or not additional study is warranted. Depending upon the significance of the find under CEQA (14 CCR 15064.5(f); PRC Section 21082), the archaeologist may simply record the find and allow work to continue. If the discovery proves significant under CEQA, additional work such as preparation of an archaeological treatment plan, testing, or data recovery may be warranted.
Project Applicant and
Construction Contractors
Throughout construction.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2023, passed April 3, 2023.
Note: Only those sections and/or subsections that are proposed to be amended within the indicated Chapter are included below. In some instances, the entirety of the Chapter or Section is included for context, even if amendments are not proposed. Amendments are reflected in a track change format. All other sections and/or subsections within the indicated Chapter that are not included below are not proposed to change and shall remain intact.
Chapter 23.907
UTILITY, TRANSPORTATION, AND COMMUNICATION USES
23.907.010 Purpose and applicability.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish site planning, development, and/or operating standards for utility, transportation, and communication uses, including telecommunication facilities and utility facilities and infrastructure and battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities. It is the city’s intent, in establishing these standards, to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of these uses and activities on adjacent and surrounding land uses by regulating the size, scale, and location of these uses, as well as requiring additional setbacks, landscaping, and other buffering between the subject use and surrounding property.
B. Applicability. The regulations and standards contained in this chapter shall apply only to telecommunication facilities, BESS facilities, and utility facilities and infrastructure as expressly identified in the corresponding sections and shall be in addition to any other development standards and regulations contained elsewhere within this zoning code (e.g., lighting, landscaping, parking). These uses may only be located in those zoning districts as described in, and shall only be authorized in concert with the permit requirements of, Article 3 of this title (Zoning Districts, Allowable Uses, and General Development Standards) or Article 10 of this title (Special Purpose Zones). [Ord. 11-2018 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 5.3.010)].
23.907.030 Utility facilities and infrastructure.
A. Purpose and Applicability. The regulations contained in this section shall apply to utility facilities and infrastructure, as well as BESS facilities, as defined in RCMC 23.1104.040 (Land use definitions). The establishment of new utility facilities and infrastructure and BESS facilities shall be consistent with the allowed use provisions of Article 3 of this title (Zoning Districts, Allowable Uses, and General Development Standards) and the standards contained within this section, as well as other development standards as required in the underlying zoning district. Where the standards of the underlying district conflict with the standards herein, these standards shall apply.
The intent of these provisions is to minimize the visual and physical impacts of the use on surrounding property by balancing the need for the facilities with a desire to minimize the visual impact.
B. Permit Requirements and Exemptions. To the extent allowed by state or federal law, the uses regulated by this section shall be subject to the allowed use and permit requirements of Article 3 of this title (Zoning Districts, Allowable Uses, and General Development Standards) and, where applicable, Article 10 of this title (Special Purpose Zones). In addition, such facilities may be subject to design review as required by Chapter 23.140 RCMC (Minor Design Review) or Chapter 23.141 RCMC (Major Design Review) and allowed by state and federal law.
C. Location Requirements for Transmission Lines and Pipelines.
1. General Location. Generally, transmission lines and pipelines shall be located within public rights-of-way (with approval of the public works director) or within dedicated easements for transmission lines (e.g., public utility easement).
2. Electrical Transmission Lines. Electrical transmission lines of 100,000 volts or greater capacity may be located in any zone and shall be located in easements or rights-of-way which permit access for maintenance with minimal disruption to surrounding properties. Preference shall be given to the location of transmission
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2023, passed April 3, 2023. lines in the rank order specified below; every reasonable effort shall be exerted to avoid established residential areas. In the event SMUD determines that it has no alternative but to route a 100,000 volt or greater capacity transmission line through an established residential area, such lines shall be installed underground except when SMUD can demonstrate that it is not feasible to do so. “Feasible” shall be as defined in California Government Code Section 53096(c).
a. Within existing SMUD transmission rights-of-way or those anticipated for other projects proposed subject to this code.
b. Adjacent to railroads or adopted freeway routes.
c. Along or adjacent to major arterial streets where existing or planned uses are commercial or industrial. d. Adjacent to or through existing or planned commercial, industrial, or agricultural uses. e. Along arterial streets where residential uses designated in an adopted plan are RD-20 or greater density. f. Through areas where land uses in an adopted plan are predominantly commercial, but include residential uses.
g. Through residential areas, including side and rear yards, irrespective of density.
D. Location Requirements for Fixed-Base Structures and Facilities and BESS facilities. In siting fixed-base structures and facilities and BESS facilities, the city shall place preference on the locations listed below in the order listed. In any case, siting fixed-base facilities or BESS facilities within residential zoning districts, particularly those intended for multifamily housing, shall be a last resort. All new subdivisions and land planning (e.g., Specific Plans) shall include provisions for siting fixed-base facilities in dedicated, reserved locations that are identified with assistance from the utility service provider.
1. Sites zoned community service (CS), transportation corridor (T), or parks and open space (POS);
2. Areas within Specific Plans or special planning areas specifically identified for utility facilities and infrastructure uses or BESS facilities;
3. Sites zoned heavy industrial (M-2);
4. Sites zoned any limited commercial or mixed-use zoning district, provided the facility is not located at the intersection of two major streets;
5. Any other portion of a limited commercial or mixed-use zoning district not otherwise described above; or
6. Within a residential or agricultural zoning district.
E. Development Requirements for Fixed-Base Structures and Facilities.
1. Communication Substations. Communication substations shall be entirely located within an enclosed building, the design of which shall be consistent with the standards of the underlying zoning district and the citywide design guidelines, the intent being to integrate the design of the facility into the area in which it is located.
2. Electrical Substations and BESS Facilities.
a. Overhead electrical transmission lines of 100,000 volts or greater capacity shall be installed in such a manner as to minimize adverse visual impacts. When feasible, SMUD shall relocate and combine existing overhead transmission poles and lines with new installations.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2023, passed April 3, 2023. b. Substations and BESS Facilities shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimize off-site visual and noise impacts. Planted or landscaped setbacks of at least 25 feet shall be provided on all property lines.
3. Potable Water Storage Facility. Potable water storage facilities shall observe all development standards of the underlying zoning district. Additionally, such facilities shall be screened consistent with the provisions of Chapter 23.731 RCMC (Fences, Walls, and Screening).
4. Treatment Plant. Treatment plants shall observe all development standards of the underlying zoning district, except that any treatment ponds or other structures that may emit an odor shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from a residential zoning district or residential use. The use shall also provide landscaping along the perimeter of the use, including a minimum 25-foot-wide landscape area and evergreen trees planted 30 feet on center. [Ord. 11-2018 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 13-2013 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 5.3.030)].
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
Rancho Cordova Municipal Code
Chapter 23.1000 SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2023, passed April 3, 2023.
Chapter 23.1000
SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
Sections:
23.1000.010 Purpose.
23.1000.020 Specific Plan zoning districts.
23.1000.030 Special planning area zoning districts.
23.1000.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to identify and provide reference to all special purpose zones within the city. Special purpose zones provide unique development regulations to subject property than may otherwise be granted through the application of any base zoning district provided by this title. Currently there are two special purpose zones in the city:
A. Specific Plan zones;
B. Special planning area zones. [Ord. 6-2011 § 3 (Exh. A)].
23.1000.020 Specific Plan zoning districts.
A. Purpose of the Specific Plan Zoning District. The purpose of the Specific Plan zoning district is to designate unique planning areas within the city for which the city council has adopted or requires adoption of a separate planning document (a Specific Plan) consistent with the General Plan and state law. The contents, requirements, and adoption and amendment procedures for Specific Plans are listed in Chapter 23.152 RCMC (Specific Plans).
B. Designation. Specific Plan zoning districts shall be delineated on the zoning map in a manner similar to that of any other zoning district except that each Specific Plan-zoned area shall also bear a name, number, symbol, or other delineation, as determined by the planning director, which distinguishes it from other Specific Plan zones, base zoning districts, or overlay zones. The assignment of the Specific Plan zone designation serves to provide a reference to the corresponding Specific Plan zoning document adopted by ordinance of the city council. Applicable zoning regulations and standards applicable to the land area are provided in the Specific Plan zones document, as adopted by reference in this title.
C. Specific Plans Adopted by Reference. The following Specific Plans have been adopted as part of this title by reference and are so designated on the zoning map of the city:
1. Mather Specific Plan (adopted 1997 by Sacramento County);
2. Sunridge Specific Plan (adopted July 17, 2002, by Sacramento County);
3. Folsom Boulevard Specific Plan (first adopted November 6, 2006, by Ordinance No. 57-2006; amended July 7, 2008, by Ordinance No. 13-2008).
D. Allowed Uses. Allowed uses within the Specific Plan area are those listed uses in the adopted Specific Plan document. A Specific Plan may reference the allowed use provisions of the concurrent base zoning district contained in this title; however, in the event that there are conflicts between the provisions of the Specific Plan and this title, the Specific Plan shall prevail. BESS facilities, as defined by RCMC 23.1104.040 (Land Use Definitions), are an allowed use for those parcels identified as Sunridge Specific Plan Limited Commercial (LC) zoning district upon issuance of a conditional use permit as required by RCMC Chapter 23.134 (Conditional Use Permits.
E. Development Standards. Development standards within the Specific Plan area are those standards listed in the adopted Specific Plan. A Specific Plan may reference the development standards of this title, in which case the standards of this title shall apply. Where a Specific Plan is silent regarding a city-wide standard (e.g., sign regulations), the city standard shall apply. Where a Specific Plan establishes unique standards that are in conflict with the standards of this title, the Specific Plan standards shall prevail. BESS Facilities, as defined in RCMC
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
Rancho Cordova Municipal Code
Chapter 23.1000 SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
The Rancho Cordova Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 6-2023, passed April 3, 2023.
23.1104.040 (Land Use Definitions), in the Sunridge Specific Plan Limited Commercial (LC) zoning district are subject to the standards in RCMC 23.907.030 (Utility facility and infrastructure) and those standards in RCMC
23.316.040 (Development standards for general commercial and industrial zones) applicable to the General Commercial (GC) district. [Ord. 6-2011 § 3 (Exh. A)].
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 9
Rancho Cordova Municipal Code
Chapter 23.1104 GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Chapter 23.1104
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
23.1104.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide all definitions used throughout this title. Definitions are organized alphabetically. [Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 10.2.010)].
23.1104.040 Land use definitions.
“Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility” means a system consisting of electrochemical storage batteries, battery chargers, controls, power condition systems and associated electrical equipment, assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a future time, not to include a stand-alone 12-volt car battery or an electric motor vehicle or behind-the-meter battery energy storage systems.
April 21, 2022 13836.01
Keleigh Wright
Sunridge Energy, LLC
125 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 525
Irving, Texas 75062
Subject: Sunridge Energy Storage Project – Visual Impact Assessment Dear Ms. Wright,
Dudek is proud to present the following Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) for the proposed Sunridge Energy Storage Project. Consistent with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, the VIA documents the existing environmental setting and describes the aesthetic setting as it pertains to the region, project vicinity and project sites. In addition, the VIA describes potential impacts to existing views and visual character in accordance with significance thresholds established in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. 1 Purpose
The purpose of this technical memorandum is to provide a VIA that describes the existing environmental and regulatory setting and describes the potential impacts to aesthetic resources resulting from development of the Sunridge Energy Storage Project (Project) in Rancho Cordova, California. For purpose of this technical memorandum, aesthetic resources include resources considered in the aesthetics thresholds of Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines (i.e., scenic vista, scenic resources within a state Scenic Highway, existing visual quality and character, and day and nighttime views).
2 Introduction
2.1 Proposed Project Overview
The applicant, Sunridge Energy, LLC., proposes to develop an approximately 200-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) on approximately six acres of vacant land in the City of Rancho Cordova, California. See Figure 1, Location Map. Batteries operate with direct current (DC) electricity, which must be converted to alternating current (AC) for compatibility with the existing electric grid. Power inverters to convert between AC and DC, along with transformers to step up the voltage, will be included as part of the Project. The Project site is currently undeveloped and is adjacent to the Sunridge Park Village residential community and the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) Cordova Substation. The point of interconnection is the adjacent SMUD substation. The remainder of the surrounding area to the northeast, east, and southeast is vacant undeveloped land.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 2
APRIL 2022
The Project will be operated remotely with no permanent on-site operations and maintenance personnel, and no occupied buildings, habitable structures, or parking. It is expected that between two to four staff members will visit the site monthly and as needed for maintenance and monitoring. The site will be fully enclosed and will not be open to the public.
2.2 Detailed Project Description
2.1.1 Battery Energy Storage System Enclosures
Batteries will be housed in containers or purpose-built enclosures (see Appendix A). The BESS will be designed and installed in conformance with the nationally recognized National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, along with all applicable state and City fire protection requirements. The BESS will be unstaffed, with remote operational control and periodic inspections and maintenance performed as necessary.
Each individual module is monitored and controlled to ensure safe and efficient operations, and every BESS enclosure will be equipped with integrated operational management systems, fire, and safety systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, ventilation, gas, heat, and smoke detection and alarms, and fire suppression system. The systems will be designed, constructed, and operated pursuant to the 2019 California Fire Code.
A typical BESS enclosure is approximately 50 feet long by 10 feet wide by 15 feet high, however, the number, size, layout, and capabilities of each enclosure will vary depending on the battery, enclosure and BESS system manufacturer selected for the Project.
The location of BESS enclosures is depicted on Figure 2, Preliminary Site Plan.
2.1.2 Batteries and Racks
The lithium-ion batteries will be housed in racks similar to common computer server racks. The racks are typically made of aluminum, but sometimes may be composed of steel. The lithium-ion technology is considered one of the safest, best understood, and most efficient methods of energy storage on the market. The proposed facility will use a lithium-ion technology that has a long lifespan and boasts superior safety and stability characteristics. The battery racks will be designed and installed in accordance with the local seismic design requirements.
2.1.3 Fire Protection System
The proposed Project will use battery storage systems that are NFPA 855 Code compliant and UL certified and that include built-in failsafe and cooling systems designed to prevent thermal runaway and the spread of fire. Under normal operations, BESS facilities do not contain, store or generate hazardous materials in quantities that would represent a risk to off-site receptors. In addition, the Project’s preventative measures and fire and safety systems, as described below, make an accident condition very rare. Nevertheless, because lithium-ion BESS facilities do ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 3
APRIL 2022
store energy, a battery thermal runaway can occur if a cell, or area within a cell, reaches elevated temperatures due to thermal failure, mechanical failure or internal/external short circuiting.
All stationary battery storage facilities in California are required to comply with Chapter 12 (Energy Systems) and particularly Section 1206 (Electrical Energy Storage Systems) of the California Fire Code, which has adopted internationally and federally accepted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 standards for the design construction, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of stationary energy storage systems. In addition to compliance with the 2019 California Fire Code, the Project will also comply with all other local, state, and federal safety standards and regulations, including those of the Sacramento County Fire Department.
Pursuant to the 2019 California Fire Code, all battery manufacturers must prove that a failed battery cell inside and enclosure will not cause a fire outside the system. The Project must meet the industry standards for adequate separations, cascading protections, and suppression systems to limit failure to a single battery cell. All BESS must use an Energy Management System for 24/7 monitoring, management, and balancing of cell voltages, currents and temperatures in order to ensure every cell remains within its safe operating parameters. The system must transmit an alarm signal if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions such as short circuits, over voltage or under voltage, are detected. This system is capable of controlling and isolating individual cells from the rest of the system both remotely and manually.
The Project will utilize pre-engineered battery storage systems equipped with integrated operational management systems, fire, and safety systems, such as HVAC, ventilation, gas, heat and smoke detection and alarms, and fire extinguishing and suppression systems. The 2019 California Fire Code contains safety standards for the system’s construction (e.g., frame and enclosure, including mounting, supporting materials, barriers and more); the insulation, wiring, switches, transformers, spacing and grounding; safety standards for performance, such as tests for temperature, volatility, impact, overload of switches, and an impact drop test; and standards for manufacturing, ratings, markings, and instruction manuals. In addition to the many individual standards referenced, a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) must be performed for each system and requires a test to ensure safe compatibility of the system’s parts.
2.1.4 Generation Transmission Line
A loop-in gen-tie line will be constructed that will transfer power to and from the project and the existing SMUD Cordova Substation
2.1.5 Outdoor Electrical Equipment
MV transformers and additional electrical equipment will be installed outside the BESS enclosures. The collector substation will be located within the Project site. Components will include a main power transformer, control house, and switchgear. Underground wires and cabling will run from the battery cable collection box (inside the enclosure) to a concrete pad housing the inverter and transformer. From the MV transformer, cabling will be run to the collector substation. All outside electrical equipment will be housed in the appropriate National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rated enclosures and screened from view, to the extent possible, on all sides. All outside electrical cabling on the site will be run underground.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 4
APRIL 2022
2.1.6 Inverters
Inverters are unattended, stand-alone units that operate in all conditions. They operate in both a charge mode and a discharge mode. They are UL listed for bi-directional use and are monitored and controlled remotely. There will be on-site disconnects in the case of an emergency or unscheduled maintenance. They are robust in their design and are designed to last more than 30 years with proper preventive maintenance, scheduled maintenance, and occasional major overhauls.
2.1.7 Telecommunications Facilities
The Project will also require telecommunication facilities to meet the communication requirements for interconnecting and communicating with the SMUD/CAISO facilities and to support remote project operations monitoring. To provide for communication with SMUD facilities, a fiber-optic cable will be used to connect the Project Collector Substation with the SMUD point of interconnection. Utility interconnection regulations require the installation of a second, separate, redundant fiber-optic cable. The redundant fiber-optic cable will also be installed within the Project footprint.
The SCADA system is critical to the CAISO and SMUD utility interconnection and for the proper operation and maintenance of the project. The SCADA system uses proprietary software; a fiber-optic transmission system; a telephone, radio, and/or microwave communication network; and other means of communication such as radio links and phase loop communication systems. The SCADA system functions as a remote start, stop, reset, and tag out for the facility, thus minimizing the labor and site diagnostic information generated from the panels. The SCADA system will also control the collector substation, allowing for fully centralized operation of the project to meet all CAISO and utility interconnection requirements.
2.1.8 Site Access and Security
Access to the project site is anticipated to be provided via Canyonlands Drive, an existing two-lane paved roadway.
All fence installation requirements will be evaluated, and the best-fit scenario will be incorporated into the project design based on consultation with the City. Fences or solid walls will be installed around the perimeter of the project site for safety, security, and screening purposes. The fencing or walls will remain in place and maintained in good condition for the life of the Project. A solid, 12-foot-high wall constructed of concrete masonry unit (or similar solid material) would be constructed along the western boundary of the project and standard chain-link fencing (6-7 feet high) would be installed along the remaining perimeter of the site.
Permanent motion-sensitive, directional security lights will be installed to provide adequate illumination around the collector substation area and points of ingress/egress. All lighting will be shielded and directed downward to minimize the potential for glare or spillover onto adjacent properties. Security cameras will be placed on site and monitored 7 days a week and 24 hours per day.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 5
APRIL 2022
3 Regulatory Setting
3.1 Federal
Federal Highway Administration
While the Project is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Guideline for the Visual Impact Assessment of Highway Project is referenced in this report and is used as a model for the assessment of visual impacts. Per the FHWA guidelines, the aesthetic quality of an area is determined through the variety and contrast of the area’s visual features, the character of the features, and the scope and scale of the visible landscape.
An area’s aesthetic quality is dependent on the relationship between it features and their significance/importance in the available view. The method for evaluating resource change requires consideration of visual character and an assessment of the attributes of visual quality (vividness, intactness, and unity). Viewer response is informed by viewer exposure and viewer sensitivity. The change in resource combined with viewer response to determine the overall visual impact.
3.2 State
Caltrans Scenic Highways Program
California's Scenic Highway Program was created by the Legislature in 1963. Its purpose is to preserve and protect scenic highway corridors from change which would diminish the aesthetic value of lands adjacent to highways. The state laws governing the Scenic Highway Program are found in the Streets and Highway Code, Section 260 et seq.
The Scenic Highways Program is comprised of officially designated scenic highways (i.e., highways for which corridor protection programs have been adopted and the highways are listed in the Streets and Highway Code) and eligible scenic highways (i.e., highways designated as scenic by the local planning department).
The nearest state scenic highway, State Route 160 (SR-160; an officially designated state scenic highway from the Contra Costa county line to the Sacramento city limits, is over 17 miles to the southwest from the project site (Caltrans 2022). The nearest eligible state scenic highway, SR-49 from Tuolumne County to Nevada County near Grass Valley, is nearly 20 miles to the east of the project site (and in a narrow valley to the immediate east of Logtown Ridge).
3.3 Local
Rancho Cordova General Plan
The Rancho Cordova General Plan serves as a blueprint for future growth and development of the City. The General Plan includes twelve elements that include the State required land use, circulation, housing, open space, ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 6
APRIL 2022
conservation, safety, and noise components. The following General Plan elements contain goals, policies, and action items that are relevant to aesthetics, the project, and/or the project site:
Urban Design Element
• Goal UD.4: Ensure that projects are designed in keeping with the context of surrounding areas and overall community.
• Policy UD.4.2: Design new development to be compatible with surrounding development in ways that contribute to the desired character of the City and District. • Policy UD.4.5: Recognize existing vistas and views of natural and manmade landmarks throughout and around the community.
Infrastructure Services and Finance Element
• Policy ISF.2.7: Minimize visual impacts and physical impediments of utility sites, infrastructure, and equipment.
• Action ISF.2.7.2: Require complete visual screening of all utility sites, facilities, and equipment, with special emphasis on screening in proximity to residential property or in viewshed.
Require complete visual screening of all utility sites, facilities, and equipment, with special emphasis on screening in proximity to residential property or in viewshed. Rancho Cordova Municipal Code and Future Land Map and Sunridge Specific Plan
According to the City’s Zoning and Future Land Map (City of Rancho Cordova 2006), the project site is zoned for Limited Commercial (LC) use and is within the Sunridge Specific Plan. However, it should be noted that the City’s current Zoning Code does not currently use or reference a Limited Commercial zone except by reference to and incorporation of the Sunridge Specific Plan, which in turn references the Sacramento County Zoning Code. Section 8, Non-Residential Design: General Standards, of the Sunridge Specific Plan contains the following general design standards intended to achieve compatible designs in the specific plan area (note that only standards determined to be particularly relevant to the project and aesthetics are listed below):
8.1 Quality Image
• DS 90: Exterior materials that convey quality, permanence, and substance are required in all design. • DS 91: The use of materials, color, and finishes shall be coordinated to achieve a sense of continuity and quality in design.
• DS 92: Textured material(s) and/or architectural details shall be used to articular the surface of the walls.
Untextured, untreated concrete tilt-up buildings lacking detail and architectural style are not appropriate in this Plan Area.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 7
APRIL 2022
• DS 95: Natural light and external night lighting shall be used to enhance and articulate the buildings without off-site glare.
• DS 96: All primary building and project entries shall afford a sense of entry and be well-defined by varied textures, forms, materials, colors and landscaping.
8.2 Scale and Massing of Buildings
• Create an interesting view from vantage points both within and from the exterior of the site, and allow “landmark” buildings to stand out above the other buildings and landscape.
Lastly, Chapter 23.725, Outdoor Lighting, of the Zoning Code (i.e., Title 23 of the City’s Municipal Code) regulates lighting and contains prohibited lighting types, as well as general lighting standards. Standards include requiring lighting to be designed, installed, directed, shielded, and maintained to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution. Other than exempt lights including holiday, special event, and emergency lighting, outdoor lighting must be fully shielded or recessed to reduce light trespass from adjoining properties and generally must be designed to illuminate the minimum level necessary for safety and security. 4 Environmental Setting
4.1 Regional
4.1.1 Project Vicinity
The Project site is currently undeveloped and is located near the Sunridge Park Village residential community, Sunridge Park, and the SMUD Cordova Substation. The single-family residential community includes both one- and two-story residences that exhibit similar design characteristics (i.e., rectangular floor plans, light colored stucco clad exteriors (some structures include stone or brick accents), rectangular or arched entryways and windows, shinglestyle roofs, and small front yards. Internal roadways tend to be unmarked/unstriped and wider streets include small landscaped parkways and dedicated sidewalks. Located northwest of the project site, Sunridge Park (approximately 7 acres) features a large turf area encircled by a paved concrete path, a basketball court, splash, picnic areas, covered playgrounds, and pavilion building. The approximately 6-acre SMUD Cordova Substation features a graveled site surrounded by simple chain-link fencing and limited landscaping. The substation is defined by numerous greyish vertical features (transmission line poles, racks, bays, circuit breakers, switchgear, transformers, etc.) that, due to the relatively flat terrain in the surrounding area, are typically viewed from nearby areas against the distant sky. A related transmission corridor is located to the immediate west of the substation in lands that are seasonally inundated by rainfall. A primarily wood fence and single-family homes in the Sunridge Park Village residential community lie to the west of the transmission corridor.
The remainder of the surrounding area to the northeast, east, and southeast is vacant undeveloped lands with the majority designated for Natural Resource use by the City. The vacant undeveloped lands to the east include an existing preserve associated with Laguna Creek that includes vernal pool, valley grassland, streams/creeks, and ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 8
APRIL 2022
several swales. To the north of the site, simple post and wire fencing delineates the natural lands that in additional to supporting the land covers described above is used for limited livestock grazing.
4.1.2 Project Site
The approximately 6-acre Project site is located wholly within the incorporated City of Rancho Cordova. The site, which is generally undeveloped, primarily consists of disturbed lands with the balance (approximately 0.40-acre) mapped as either grasslands or vernal pools. Grasslands and vernal pools are focused along the easternmost portion of the project site. Existing vegetation on site is comprised of low grasses that display shades of green or yellow depending on the season of observation. Onsite terrain is generally flat although gradual slopes occurs from the south to the north (approximately 8 feet of elevation gain) and west to east (approximately 6 feet of elevation loss). Electrical transmission infrastructure (i.e., aboveground transmission lines and poles) are aligned along the western portion of the site adjacent to the existing two-lane paved access road (Canyonlands Drive) to the SMUD Cordova Substation. Furthermore, evidence of onsite recreational vehicle use is visible in aerial photographs of the site and an informal road/access path is evident along the eastern and southern boundary of the site.
Existing overhead high-voltage transmission lines connecting to the SMUD Cordova Substation are located to the north and northeast of the Project site. Canyonlands Drive, a two-lane paved road that provides access to the SMUD Cordova Substation is located north and northeast of the Project site.
4.2 Existing Conditions
In addition to the description of the visual characteristics of the project vicinity and site provided above in Sections
4.1.1 and 4.1.2, existing conditions including view quality and visual character is investigated in this report through use of Key Observation Points (KOPs). KOPs are representative vantage points available to the primary viewing groups in the surrounding area that offer public views to the Project site. For purposes of this report and due to the location of the Project site relative to the Sunridge residential community, three (3) KOPs were established to support to the characterization of the existing setting and aid in the assessment of aesthetic/visual impacts. The location of the KOPs relative to the project site is depicted on Figure 3, Key Observation Points.
4.2.1 Key Observation Point 1 – Canyonlands Drive
Located on Canyonlands Drive, KOP 1 is situated approximately 85 feet from the northwestern corner of the Project site and is oriented to the southeast towards the site and Cordova Substation. See Figure 4, Key Observation 1 – Canyonlands Drive. The KOP is located along the westbound travel lane and looks across Canyonlands Drive to the visibly elevated and low-grasses covered site. The site, which is approximately 4 feet greater in elevation than the surface of KOP 1, is undeveloped but tall tubular steel transmission line poles are visible to the southeast and multiple conductor lines are present in the foreground of the view. A paved driveway to the substation is in the foreground of the view as is a single street light, fire hydrant and other aboveground utilities, and signage. A line of seemingly low trees (Italian cypress) line the northern extent of the Cordova Substation.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 9
APRIL 2022
4.2.2 Key Observation Point 2 – Public Trail/Path
Located west of the Project site, Cordova Substation, and transmission corridors, KOP 2 is situated on an informal trail/path that is adjacent to single-family residences in the Sunridge residential community. See Figure 5, Key Observation Point 2 – Public Trail/Path. As shown in the figure, KOP 2 looks across a creek corridor with visible standing water and dry reeds/aquatic grasses. The edges of the curving corridor are marked by isolated, spreading shrubs (4-8 feet high) and lands to the east are covered with low grasses. The local terrain gradually rises to the east and supports two tall transmission poles (the more proximate poles is situated on lower elevation lands and is constructed atop a wide concrete foundation/pedestal. Additional poles are visible outside of the extents of Figure 5, and numerous transmission line are visible in the foreground at KOP 2. SMUD’s Cordova Substation is also within the KOP 2 viewshed and sit slight to the right of frame captured in Figure 5. From this vantage point, the undeveloped project site appear slightly elevated relative to the trail/path, is covered with low grasses, and appears to feature a low chain-link fence along a portion of its western boundary.
4.2.3 Key Observation Point 3 – Sunridge Park
KOP 3 is located just off the paved pathway that meanders around the perimeter of the large turf area available at Sunridge Park. Park turf and the concrete pathway are visible in the immediate foreground of the view and with the exception of a slightly wider scene, the KOP 3 view is similar to the view available at KOP 1. Figure 6, Key Observation Point 3 – Sunridge Park, presents the existing landscape setting including the undeveloped (and slightly elevated) project site, electrical transmission infrastructure, and SMUD Cordova Substation. While not central in the available view at KOP 3, the existing substation is visible and along with the concentration of tall transmission poles near the fenced substation perimeter, electrical generation infrastructure marks the otherwise open landscape near Sunridge Park.
4.3 Scenic Vistas
Neither the Rancho Cordova General Plan nor the Sunridge Specific Plan establish or discuss designated scenic vistas within the City. Further, the project site does not contain any particularly notable or distinguishing features and is not publicly accessible such that the site would be considered a vista or provide opportunities for scenic views.
While the project vicinity includes undeveloped preserve lands that are open and visually appealing (long views to the distant and dark silhouettes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains may also be available from Sunridge Park, Douglas Road, and other public vantage points), the project site itself does not provide opportunities for scenic views and the public trail/path to the west of the project site is not considered a scenic vista for purposes of this report due to the lack of a particularly open view to preserve lands or distant mountains due to the elevated terrain of the project site (and surrounding terrain) and creek vegetation which routinely blocks distant mountains in views.
4.4 Scenic Highways
As previously discussed above in Section 3, the nearest officially designated state scenic highway, SR-160, is over 17 miles to the southwest from the project site and the nearest eligible state scenic highway, SR-49, is nearly 20 ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 10 APRIL 2022
miles to the east of the project site. Therefore, there are no scenic highways in the vicinity that provide views to the project site. It should also be noted that the site is undeveloped and does not contain trees, rock outcrops, or historic buildings.
4.5 Light and Glare
There are two typical types of light intrusion. First, light emanates from the interior of structures and passes out through windows. Secondly, light projects from exterior sources such as street lighting, security lighting, balcony lighting, and landscape lighting. “Light spill” is typically defined as the presence of unwanted and/or misdirected light on properties adjacent to the property being illuminated.
Glare is the sensation produced by luminance within the visual field that is significantly greater than the luminance to which the eyes are adapted, which causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.
While there are no sources of lighting or glare on the project site, sources in the vicinity include street and park lighting, structure (residence) and associated decorative lighting, illuminated signs. While nighttime observations of the SMUD Cordova Substation did not occur during fieldwork conducted for this report, substations typically include motion-sensor lighting at entrance gates and/or at internal components to facilitate emergency nighttime work if needed.
5 Methodology
Scenic Vistas
For purposes of this report, scenic vistas are considered formally designated public vantage points offering views of primarily natural settings containing recognized scenic features or landscapes of special importance. As stated in Section 4.3 above, Rancho Cordova has not designated scenic vista in the City and project site itself does not provide opportunities for scenic views.
The concepts of view blockage, interrupted, and degradation are used to determine the severity of potential impacts to scenic vista. If views from public vantage points across the project site include recognized scenic features, project components are examined to determine the likelihood for view obstruction (i.e., view blockage), view interruption (i.e., intrusion on available view due to contrasting features), or degradation (i.e., decline in scenic quality).
Scenic Highways
Scenic highways includes those state facilities that have been officially designated or nominated for official designation through eligible status by Caltrans. If the project site is located within the viewshed of a scenic highway, then the potential for impacts to scenic highways is informed by the presence of existing scenic resources on the project site, project plans to avoid/protect or disturb existing scenic resources, and the visibility of scenic resource disturbance from an officially designated or eligible state scenic highway. Pursuant to CEQA Appendix G guidelines, scenic resources include trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings and may also include locally recognized scenic resources including oak trees, vineyards, and rolling hills.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 11 APRIL 2022
Visual Character and Quality
Impacts to existing visual character and quality are determined through a comparison of pre- and post-development conditions on the project site. Specifically, the project is examined for potential contrast with existing onsite feature and features in the surrounding area.
Lighting and Glare
The potential for lighting and glare impacts are evaluated based on a comparative review of pre- and postdevelopment lighting and glare sources operating in the project area. If a project in an urban or developed area currently contains existing nighttime lighting and glare sources, then the likelihood for a project with comparable lighting to result in significant lighting and glare impacts (assuming the installation of standard control measures).
On the other hand, if a dissimilar project in a low-lighting rural environment with excessive or unusually bright lighting is implemented, then the likelihood for potentially significant lighting and glare impacts would be high. 6 Impact Analysis
Significance Criteria
In accordance with significance thresholds for aesthetics established in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a significant impact may occur if the Project:
a) Would have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Would substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
As discussed in Section 4.4, above, the project site is not located adjacent to or in the vicinity of a state scenic highway. As such, the Project would have no impact related to the potential to substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings, within a state scenic highway. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant. This issue will not be addressed further.
Analysis
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 12 APRIL 2022
a) Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Neither the Rancho Cordova General Plan nor the Sunridge Specific Plan establish or discuss designated scenic vistas within the City. Further, the project site does not contain any particularly notable or distinguishing features and is not publicly accessible such that the site would be considered a vista point or provide opportunities for scenic views.
While the project site is not designated as a scenic vista and is not a public viewing location, the project site is visible from Canyonlands Drive and views from the road where it dead-ends (i.e., immediately north of the project site) include the open, undeveloped grasslands and aquatic communities of the adjacent preserve. The project site also visible from Douglas Road that, in addition to the preserve, includes multiple transmission lines and support poles (the undeveloped project site is also viewed in-line with the adjacent SMUD Cordova Substation). While neither Canyonlands Drive and Douglas Road are designated as scenic by the City, views from these roads include undeveloped and open preserve lands that are considered to be visually pleasing. In addition to gen-tie poles, vertical elements at the collector substation, the upper profile of battery energy storage system enclosures, and outdoor electrical equipment, proposed site fencing would be detectable in southerly views from the dead-end of Canyonlands Drive. The 12-foot high wall along the western boundary of the project site would be visible but would be backscreened by residential development of the Sunridge residential neighborhood (views are relatively short in length and lack particularly scenic elements beyond primarily undeveloped lands in the immediate foreground).
Project components would alter and shorten the existing available view through the construction of foreground elements; however, the existing landscape and views have already been altered by residential development, the SMUD Cordova Substation, and electrical transmission infrastructure. Specifically, the existing substation and transmission infrastructure are focal elements in available views and block from view the open, undeveloped terrain further to the south. Similarly, as viewed from Douglas Road, the project site and proposed BESS facility would be back screened by existing substation and transmission lines and thus, views towards the project site lack the open, undeveloped traits of nearby preserve lands to the east and further south. Therefore, due to the presence of the Cordova Substation and transmission line infrastructure, the introduction of project components including numerous battery energy storage enclosures (approximately 50 feet long by 10 feet wide by 15 feet high), collector substation (various vertical components), and gen-tie poles (approximately 75 – 100 feet high), to the undeveloped site would not substantially obstruct or interrupt existing available views and would not have a substantial effect on a designated or informal scenic vista. Impacts would be less than significant. b) Would the Project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
Pursuant to Public Resources Code 21071, Rancho Cordova does not qualify as an “urbanized area” as the current population is less than 100,000 persons and the city is not contiguous with one or two contiguous incorporated cities, which combined, would equal at least 100,000 persons. Rancho Cordova is contiguous with unincorporated County lands/areas. Therefore, the visual character and quality impact analysis presented below focused on whether the project would substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings.
Development of the project would convert the site from primarily undeveloped land with two transmission line poles (tubular steel; approximately 100 feet high) to a battery energy storage facility with numerous BESS enclosures, ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 13 APRIL 2022
outdoor electrical equipment, a collector substation, gen-tie to the adjacent SMUD Cordova Substation, fencing, and motion-sensitive lighting. To aid in the assessment of impact severity associated with development of the project, visual simulations of the project depicting anticipated visual change as experienced from KOP 1, KOP 2, and KOP 3 have been prepared and are referenced in the discussion below.
Key Observation Point 1 – Canyonlands Drive
As viewed from KOP 1, the perimeter walls/fencing along the western and northern project boundary would be prominent in the foreground. See Figure 7, Key Observation 1 – Visual Simulation. With the introduction of walls/fencing (and vertical project elements visible above the 12-foot wall including the horizontal lines of the battery energy storage system enclosures, vertical gen-tie poles and horizontal conductor/lines between the collector substation and adjacent Cordova Substation, and outdoor electrical equipment including collector substation components), the character of the undeveloped site and quality of the existing view would be visibly changed and reduced. Specifically, the remaining openness present in the view would be altered by the introduction of repeating rows of battery energy storage structure enclosures and a solid sound wall. In addition, the memorability of the existing view would be reduced by the construction of a 12-foot high, linear element (i.e., the perimeter wall) in the foreground. See Figure 7. The monotonous and stark characteristics of the solid sound wall would be softened and obscured by implementation of a dense landscaping plan consisting of large street and accent trees (planted 40 feet on center) that would be accented by vertical trees and shrubs (planted 20 feet on center) that would parallel the proposed noise wall. See Figure 2. Therefore, while proposed development would alter existing character, project elements would be screened from viewers by perimeter landscape plantings and the KOP 1 landscape already includes multiple transmission lines and the Cordova Substation that includes components similar in character to those of the proposed BESS facility. Therefore, with perimeter screening of project components and due to the existing presence of electrical transmission and generation infrastructure (and the prominence of these features in the landscape), the introduction of the project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. Visual change would be moderate but, due to the low sensitivity of the KOP 1 landscape due to previous electrical infrastructure development, impacts associated with development of the project would be less than significant.
Key Observation Point 2 – Public Trail/Path
Similar to the view available at KOP 1, the captured view at KOP 2 looks towards the slightly elevated project site and includes both natural and developed features. While the creek corridor and associated vegetation is prominent in the immediate foreground, the prominence of electrical infrastructure (i.e., transmission lines and support poles) increases west of the creek corridor. See Figure 8, Key Observation Point 2. The introduction of project features to the site (most notably, the 12-foot-high wall along the western site boundary and vertical elements visible above the top of the wall) would alter the character of the site; however, as shown in Figure 8, the landscape has been noticeably altered by previous development and the project would include elements of a similar scale. Further and while not detectable in the KOP 2 shown on Figure 8, the existing Cordova Substation and numerous racks, bays, transformers, and a control building is immediately adjacent to the project and just out of frame of Figure 8. Thus, the existing view from the trail represented by KOP 2 includes the substation and related visual effects. The introduction of the 12-foot-high wall would not result in the blockage of a scenic resources) and while a portion of the background sky would be blocked, the installation of a solid wall would not substantially degrade existing ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 14 APRIL 2022
character. Further, the hard form and line of the sound wall as experienced from KOP 2 would be softened and the continuous massing of the feature would be broken up by the proposed landscape plan. As shown in Figure 8, mature landscaping adjacent to the sound wall would add an element of interest to the site’s western boundary and would visually connect with existing trees and shrubs in the immediate foreground of the view. From this specific vantage point, visual change would be moderate but, due to visual screening of the Project associated with the proposed landscape plan and a reduced sensitivity to visual change associated with the presence of previous electrical infrastructure development, impacts associated with development of the project would be less than significant.
Key Observation Point 3 – Sunridge Park
As described above in Section 4.2.3, the KOP 3 view is similar to the view available at KOP 1. Compared to KOP 1, KOP 3 presents a slightly wider frame/view and includes additional electrical transmission poles and provides slightly enhanced visibility to the Cordova Substation. From this specific vantage point, the introduction of the perimeter wall and vertical components that would extend above the wall to be visible (including battery energy storage system enclosures, gen-tie poles and horizontal conductor/lines, and outdoor electrical equipment including collector substation components) would be evident and alter the existing character of the site. See Figure 9, Key Observation Point 3. However, implementation of a dense landscape plan would break up the massing and stark exterior of the proposed sound wall and would obscure battery energy storage system enclosure and other interior project components from view. Further, the anticipated severity of visual change in the KOP 3 would be tempered by the presence of transmission line infrastructure and the Cordova Substation. While partially blocked and cut off from the baseline photograph included in Figure 9, electrical transmission and substation infrastructure is visually prominent in southeasterly views available from the perimeter path at Sunridge Park. Therefore and within the context of the existing landscape setting, the introduction of the project would result in less than significant impacts to existing visual character.
Summary
As demonstrated in the analysis presented above and depicted visual simulations from identified key view locations, development of the proposed BESS facility would alter the existing character of the primarily undeveloped project site. The introduction of numerous battery energy storage system enclosures, outdoor electrical equipment, gen-tie infrastructure, and perimeter walls/fencing would transform the site to a developed facility. However, project development is proposed adjacent to a visually prominent electrical substation and near an existing transmission corridor featuring several transmission lines and an assortment of lines and poles. As shown in the visual simulations, these existing features have altered the visual landscape and while project components include solid perimeter features, the inclusion of these features would not result in substantial blockage of a scenic resource/features. Therefore and based on the KOP assessment prepared above, development of the project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surrounding and impacts would be less than significant.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 15 APRIL 2022
c) Would the Project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Lighting
As proposed, permanent motion-sensitive, directional security lights would be installed at the project site to provide adequate illumination around the collector substation area and points of ingress/egress. All lighting will be shielded and directed downward to minimize the potential for glare or spillover onto adjacent properties. In addition, lighting typical of residential development/neighborhoods is installed to the west of the project site and existing lighting sources (fixed) including streetlights, security and decorative fixtures, and structure lighting operates nearby during nighttime hours. Although the installation of lighting on the undeveloped project site would be a new source of lighting and potentially, glare, motion-sensitive lighting would avoid the need for steady and unnecessary illumination of the site and would reduce potential lighting impacts. In addition, the installation of shielded, downward directed lighting would reduce the potential for light trespass beyond the project boundary and skyglow (or upward lighting). Further, all lighting installed at the project site would conform to Chapter 23.725 of the City’s zoning code that requires lighting to be “designed, installed, directed, shielded, and maintained to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution” (Rancho Cordova Municipal Code Chapter 23.725). Based on the analysis presented above, potential lighting impacts associated with operation of the project would be less than significant.
Glare
With the exception of battery energy storage system enclosures, batteries and racks, and inverters, components on the project site would generally be similar to those on the adjacent SMUD Cordova Substation. Thus, potential glare introduced by the project would be similar in kind to the potential glare created by components at the adjacent SMUD Cordova Substation. Battery energy storage system enclosures are typically constructed of steel and racks housing batteries are typically made of aluminum or steel. Inverters are also typically housed in rectangular, metallic structures. While metallic components could potentially reflect incoming sun and generate glare capable of being received at offsite locations, metal materials used in the exterior of these components are typically painted and/or finished such that glare potential is reduced. Further, and due to the elevated location of the project site relative to the nearest residential land uses to the west (and due to the inclusion of a 12-foot high solid wall along the site’s western boundary), reflected light of battery energy storage system enclosures, batteries and racks, and inverters would be blocked from view of the nearest residents. Due to distance, the relatively wide angle of available views, and the presence of the existing SMUD Cordova Substation and electrical transmission line infrastructure in the landscape, project operations would not substantially affect daytime views in the area available from the residentially developed area/neighborhood to the east of the project site (i.e., east of the preserve and east of Cypress Grove Drive). Lastly and as discussed in the lighting discussion above, all lighting would be shielded and would typically be off as motion-sensor technology is proposed. The use of shields, motion-sensor technology, and the installation of a limited number of fixtures on site would reduce the potential for onsite lighting to produce substantial glare capable of adversely affected nighttime views.
Based on the analysis presented above, potential glare impacts associated with operation of the project would be less than significant.
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
TO: KELEIGH WRIGHT
SUBJECT: SUNRIDGE ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT – VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 13836.01 16 APRIL 2022
Sincerely,
____________________________________
Joshua Saunders, AICP
Environmental Planner
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Date: 4/18/2022 - Last saved by: tfriesen - Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual\Figure1_ProjectLocation.mxd Project Location
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment SOURCE: Bing Imagery 2021; County of Sacramento 2021; Open Street Maps 2019 02 1,000 ,000
Feet
Project Boundary
FIGURE 1
Isleton
Rancho
Cordova
Galt
Elk
Grove
Folsom
Citrus
Heights
Sacramento
Amador
County
El Dorado
County
Placer County
San
Joaquin
County
Yolo
County
Solano County
Sacramento
County
50 99
160
220
124
4 12
16 26
113
12 84 104
16 88
99 80
80 505
5 Project Site
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
P-POH P-POH
P-POH P-POH
P-POH P-POH
X
X X
X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X
X
X X
X
X X X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X
X X X X X X
X
X X X X X X
X X X X
X X X X X X X X
POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH
POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH
POH POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH
POH POH POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH PO
POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH
POH POH POH
POH POH
POH
POH POH POH
POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH POH
SMUD Cordova Substation
X
LOD
LOD
LOD LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD LOD LOD LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
LOD
W LOD
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
o
o
X X X X X X X X
MISC MISC MISC MISC MISC MISC MISC MISC
MISC
MISC
MISC
MISC
MISC
CANYONLANDS DR.
POOPENAUT CT. (PRIVATE)
R42'
194
200
200
205
205
200
200
202
203
204
195
190
002
202
201
201
202
197
198
199
196
189
190
195
199
200
20' ACCESS ROAD (TYP)
PROPOSED BESS EQUIPMENT
PROPOSED SECURITY FENCE
PROPOSED NOISE WALL
PROJECT BOUNDARY
VERNAL POOL (TYP)
PROPOSED AUXILIARY
EQUIPMENT AREA
PROPOSED POI (LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED)
30' ACCESS EASEMENT
12' P.U.E.
ACCESS, ELECTRICAL, WATER &
COMMUNICATION EASEMENT
20' S.A.S.D. EASEMENT
10' PIPELINE EASEMENT
10' PIPELINE EASEMENT
200' ELECTRICAL
FACILITIES EASEMENT 10' L.E.
16' P.U.E.
PROPOSED STORMWATER
RETENTION BASIN
PROPOSED STORMWATER
RETENTION BASIN
PROPOSED STREET
AND ACCENT TREES
APPROX. EVERY 40'
PROPOSED VERTICAL
ACCENT PLANTINGS
APPROX. EVERY 20'
PROPOSED FLOWERING
GROUND COVER
PROPOSED VARIED
GROUND COVER
PROPOSED ENTRANCE GATE
PROPOSED ENTRANCE GATE
25.0' LANDSCAPE SETBACK
50.0' SOUTH SACRAMENTO HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN SETBACK
10.0' STORMWATER CONTROL
DITCH SETBACK
10.0 69.0
10.0 10.0
65.0 135.0
16.0 20.0'
12.5 Su
St
Sacr
LEGEND:
PROJECT BOUNDARY
PROPOSED 24 FT ACCESS ROAD
PROPOSED PERMANENT BASIN
205
EX. 1' INTERVAL CONTOUR
EX. 5' INDEX CONTOUR
PARCEL LINES
EASEMENT LINES
PROPOSED EQUIPMENT
NOTES:
1. THIS PLAN IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
2. FURTHER SITE DESIGN DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO SACRAMENTO COUNTY AND CALIFORNIA STATE REQUIREMENTS.
3. PROPOSED GRADING WILL BE ANTICIPATED WITH FURTHER ITERATION OF DESIGN. DETAILED
GRADING WILL PRIORITIZE BALANCING EARTHWORK AND TERRACING PADS AS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE SLOPE TOLERANCES OF EQUIPMENT.
4. ALL LANDSCAPING SHOWN IS PRELIMINARY IN NATURE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPE DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED AT A LATER DATE.
5. THE HORIZONTAL DATUM IS CALIFORNIA STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM, ZONE 2, NAD83 (2011), IN U.S. SURVEY FEET. THE VERTICAL DATUM IS NAVD88 (GEOID 18)
6. FEMA FLOOD ZONE IDENTIFICATION IS: ZONE X - AREAS OF MINIMAL FLOOD HAZARD. FEMA FLOOD ZONE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP(S) (FIRM) NO. 6067C0240J, ALL WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF JULY 19, 2018.
7. RECTIFIED ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY AND LiDAR DATA, USED FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MAPPING, ACQUIRED AUGUST 19, 2021.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRIANTS PROVIDED BY DUDEK.
POH
LOD
EX. ASPHALT LINE
EX. CONCRETE LINE
EX. POWER OVERHEAD LINE
EX. VEGETATION LINE
EX. BUILDING LINE
EX. RIGHT OF WAY LINE
PROPOSED LIMIT OF DISTURBANCE
EX. PRESERVE SETBACK (50 FEET)
EX. STORMWATER CONTROL DITCH SETBACK (25 FEET)
EX. STORMWATER CONTROL DITCH
EX. BOUNDARY LINE SETBACK
EX. VERNAL POOL
EX. VEGETATION BUFFER (25 FEET)
X PROPOSED 6-TO-8-FOOT SECURITY FENCE
PROPOSED 12-FOOT HIGH WALL
X EX. FENCE LINE
Preliminary Site Plan
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 2
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
Source: Westwood Professional Services, Inc. 2022
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Date: 4/18/2022 - Last saved by: tfriesen - Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual\Figure03_KOP.mxd Key Observation Points
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment SOURCE: Bing Imagery 2021; County of Sacramento 2021; Open Street Maps 2019 0 100 200Feet
Project Boundary
Key Observation Points
FIGURE 3
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Key Observation Point 1 - Canyonlands Drive
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 4
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
Existing Conditions
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Key Observation Point 2 - Public Trail/Path
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 5
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
Existing Conditions
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Key Observation Point 3 - Sunridge Park
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 6
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
Existing Conditions
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Key Observation Point 1 - Visual Simulation
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 7
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
Photographic Simulation of Project
Existing Conditions
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Existing Conditions
Photographic Simulation of Project
Key Observation Point 2 - Visual Simulation
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 8
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
Existing Conditions
Photographic Simulation of Project
Key Observation Point 3 - Visual Simulation
Sunridge Energy Storage Project Visual Impact Asssesment FIGURE 9
Path: Z:\Projects\j1326705\MAPDOC\DOCUMENT\Visual
ITEM 17.1. ATTACHMENT 10
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 3
ITEM 19.1.
DATE: July 17, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Darcy Goulart, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WRITTEN REPORT DESCRIBING
THE MEASURES TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE CONDITION WHICH
LED TO THE ADOPTION OF THE URGENCY ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE
ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, OR MODIFICATION OF USES IN
VILLAGES OF ZINFANDEL SPECIAL PLANNING AREA
DESIGNATED THEREIN AS M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) AND MP
(OFFICE INDUSTRIAL PARK) ZONES.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Resolution and direct staff to issue the written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to the Urgency Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or modification of uses in the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area Designated Therein as M-1 (Light Industrial) and MP (Office Industrial Park) zones.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
If approved, staff would be directed to issue the written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to Ordinance No. 7-2023. The issuance of this written report ten (10) days prior to the expiration of Ordinance No. 7-2023 is a procedural requirement that must be satisfied before any extension of the Urgency Ordinance occurs.
BACKGROUND
Government Code Section 65858(a) expressly authorizes the City Council, in order to protect public safety, health, and welfare, to adopt as an urgency measure, an interim ordinance prohibiting any uses that may conflict with a contemplated general plan, specific plan, or zoning proposal that the City Council is considering or studying or intends to study within a reasonable time; that adoption of such urgency measure requires a four-fifths vote of the legislative body; that such measures shall be of no effect 45 days from adoption, and may be extended a maximum of two times and have a maximum total duration of two years.
The Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area (VOZSPA) was adopted by the County of Sacramento in 2002, and has been subject to a Development Agreement for the last twenty years that has constrained the City’s ability to adapt and modify the allowed uses based upon City Council input and community insights related to the build out of the VOZSPA. The
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 3
Development Agreement expired on June 22, 2023, and thereafter the City is unencumbered by it and authorized to update the General Plan, Special Planning Area, and zoning applicable to the VOZSPA.
REPORT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(d)
On June 19, 2023, the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova adopted an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or modification of uses on the M-1 and MP zoned properties, including Warehouses, within the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858. Ordinance 7-2023 established a 45-day moratorium on issuing new City approvals, including, but not limited to, variances, conditional use permits, design review permits, grading permits, and building permits for the establishment, expansion, or modification of uses in the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area designated as M-1 and MP (Office Industrial Park) zones.
California Government Code Section 65858(d) provides that at least ten (10) days before expiration of an interim ordinance or any extension, the legislative body shall issue a written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to the adoption of the interim ordinance. The interim ordinance was adopted in order to allow sufficient time for the City of Rancho Cordova to:
1. Study and develop policy guidance to ensure there is a logical relationship between the placement of uses to avoid the deleterious effects of routing trucks past sensitive uses.
2. Study and develop policy guidance regarding the health and environmental impacts related to uses in order to create standards related to these uses that adequately address negative environmental health, safety, and environmental impacts to protect the community in accordance with current recognized environmental regulatory standards and accepted industry and state recommended best practices.
In the last 30 days, City staff further analyzed and outlined the necessary tasks needed to study and develop policy guidance on the above-mentioned items. In order to adequately address the logical relationship between the placement of uses to avoid the deleterious effects of routing trucks past sensitive uses and to create standards related to uses to address negative environmental health, safety, and environmental impacts to protect the community in accordance with current recognized environmental regulatory standards and accepted industry and state recommended best practices, the following tasks are necessary:
1. Analysis and consistency determination with the current General Plan and prepare amendments to the General Plan to achieve alignment and consistency. Analysis of the Village of Zinfandel SPA and Title 23 Zoning and prepare amendments to one or both documents.
2. Community outreach and engagement regarding necessary amendments and changes to these documents.
3. Preparation of the appropriate environmental document pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The CEQA document cannot be prepared until the full extent of the "project" is defined. Tasks one through three will help determine what the overall project will ultimately be. It is anticipated that the necessary CEQA document could take several months to prepare for circulation.
The conditions justifying the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 7-2023 have not been
City Council Staff Report - Page 3 of 3
alleviated, it is necessary to extend the moratorium established by Urgency Ordinance No. 7- 2023 for an additional 10 months and 15 days, as permitted by Government Code Section 65858(b). The extension of the Urgency Ordinance will provide additional time to: (1) study and develop policy guidance to ensure there is a logical relationship between the placement of uses to avoid the deleterious effects of routing trucks past sensitive uses, (2) study and develop policy guidance regarding the health and environmental impacts related to uses in order to create standards related to these uses that adequately address negative environmental health, safety, and environmental impacts to protect the community in accordance with current recognized environmental regulatory standards and accepted industry and state recommended best practice, (3) conduct community outreach and engagement related to potential amendments, (4) prepare the appropriate environmental document pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Staff will return to the City Council at a future meeting with an Ordinance extending Urgency Ordinance No. 7-2023 for an additional 10 months and 15 days to complete all the tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this Ordinance is an organizational or administrative activity of the City that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore not a project. Additionally, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA review because there is no possibility that the Moratorium may have a significant effect on the environment, insofar as it prohibits the construction of or alterations to, Prohibited Uses within the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area. Furthermore, even if the Ordinance is considered a project, the proposed moratorium is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, because it is clear that the Moratorium will not create an environmental impact and the action will assure the maintenance, enhancement, or protection of the environment through the eventual adoption of regulations and development standards on Prohibited Uses. Accordingly, no further environmental review is necessary. Furthermore, as the Ordinance is an administrative procedure related to uses, facilities, and regulations identified in the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code and General Plan, and given that the proposed Ordinance is not related to a specific project, the Ordinance (i) by virtue of the location of affected improvements, will not impact a sensitive environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern; (ii) will not have a cumulative impact on the environment through successive projects of the same type, in the same place, over time; (iii) does not have any unusual circumstances that will have a significant effect on the environment; (iv) does not impact a scenic highway; (v) is not located on a hazardous waste site; and (vi) will not adversely impact a historical resource. Accordingly, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2, apply to this Ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no Fiscal Impact.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution
ITEM 19.1. ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 1 of 2
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
RESOLUTION NO. XX-2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
CORDOVA APPROVING A WRITTEN REPORT DESCRIBING THE
MEASURES TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE CONDITION WHICH LED TO THE ADOPTION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 7-2023, IMPOSING A
TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, OR
MODIFICATION OF USES IN THE VILLAGES OF ZINFANDEL SPECIAL PLANNING AREA DESIGNATED THEREIN AS M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL)
AND MP (OFFICE INDUSTRIAL PARK) ZONES, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO
ISSUE THE REPORT
WHEREAS, at its June 19, 2023 regular meeting, pursuant to California Government Code section 65858, the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 7-2023 imposing a 45-day moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or modification of uses in the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area designated therein as M1 (Light Industrial) and MP (Office Industrial Park) zones; and WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 7-2023 will, unless extended, expire by its own terms on August 3, 2023; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code section 65858(d), “Ten days prior to the expiration of that interim ordinance or any extension, the legislative body shall issue a written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to the adoption of the ordinance”; and
WHEREAS, the staff report accompanying this Resolution shall serve as the written report described by Government Code section 65858(d) and the above recital.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA does approve the written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition that led to the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 7-2023, imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or modification of uses in the Villages of Zinfandel Special Planning Area designated therein as M-1 (Light Industrial) and MP (Office Industrial Park) zones.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA does direct staff to issue the written report approved by this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 17th day of July 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ITEM 19.1. ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 2
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________
Linda Budge, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 3
ITEM 19.2.
DATE: July 17, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stacy Leitner, City Clerk
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO
TRANSITION FROM AT-LARGE TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS AND TO
INITIATE PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING
DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND
DISCUSSION WITH AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF AND
CONSULTANTS REGARDING THE NUMBER OF DISTRICTS INCLUDING
WHETHER OR NOT TO TRANSITION FROM AN APPOINTED MAYOR TO A
DIRECTLY ELECTED MAYOR
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Resolution of Intent.
2. Possibly discuss with and provide direction to staff and consultants about the number of districts including whether or not to transition from an appointed Mayor to a directly elected Mayor.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adoption of the Resolution would direct staff and consultants to initiate a public process to transition the City from its current at-large system for Council elections to a district-based election system pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), which would direct staff to take steps to implement district-based elections in the City of Rancho Cordova for the election to be held in November 2024.
In addition, the City Council may direct staff and consultants about the number of districts including whether or not to transition from an appointed Mayor to a directly elected Mayor, which direction could be used during the implementation of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Cordova currently utilizes an at-large election system to elect its City Council Members. This means that voters from the entire City elect the members of the City Council.
On June 7, 2023, the City received a letter from attorney Scott J. Rafferty asserting that the at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act (“CVRA”) and threatens
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 3
litigation if the City declines to voluntarily convert to district-based elections.
District-based elections is a method of electing the members to the City Council in which the candidate must reside within an election district and is elected only by voters residing within that election district.
Mr. Rafferty and other attorneys have served similar letters and subsequently filed lawsuits in recent years against numerous other public agencies across the state for CVRA violations alleging racially polarized voting. A copy of Mr. Rafferty’s letter is included in this report as Attachment 3.
Neighborhood Elections Now, representing minority voters in Rancho Cordova, has asked the Bay Area Voting Rights Initiative to send Mr. Rafferty’s notice.
The CVRA only applies to jurisdictions that utilize an “at-large” election method, where voters of the entire jurisdiction elect the members of the City Council. Prevailing CVRA plaintiffs are guaranteed to recover their attorneys’ fees and costs. To date, every public agency that has challenged the conversion to district elections has either lost in court or settled and has also been forced to pay at least some portion of the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and costs. Some of the attorneys’ fees and awards that local governments have been required to pay have amounted to millions of dollars.
Upon receiving the letter from attorney Scott J. Rafferty, staff scheduled a closed session on June 19, 2023 to discuss the threated CVRA litigation.
The CVRA provides a “Safe Harbor” provision to local government agencies with at-large election systems. Under the provision, a local agency has 45 days from the date of receipt of the letter to adopt a resolution of intent to transition from at-large to district-based elections. If the City of Rancho Cordova complies with the “Safe Harbor” provisions, the amount of attorney’s fees Mr. Rafferty can collect is expected to be approximately $37,000 if the City complies with the process to transition from at-large to district-based elections.
Staff provides this opportunity for the City Council to discuss the transition from at-large to district-based elections taking advantage of the “Safe Harbor” provisions by voluntarily implementing district-based elections to protect the City from risk of future litigation.
The first step in transitioning to district-based elections under the “Safe Harbor” provisions is adoption of a resolution of intent. A resolution of intent to transition from at-large to districtbased elections has been prepared and if adopted would direct staff and consultants to initiate a public process to transition the City from its current at-large system for Council elections to a district-based system for the November 2024 election.
In addition, the City is engaging an experienced demographer to assist the City with the process to transition from at-large to district-based elections.
Staff is proposing the City Council adopt the proposed Resolution (attachment 1) with the intent to hold district-based elections by the November 2024 election and to follow the district mapping process in the CVRA. Following the adoption of the Resolution, there will be at least two community forums and five public hearings. Furthermore, the City Council may introduce for first reading an ordinance establishing the district boundaries and the district-based election method pursuant to California Government Code section 34886 and Elections Code section 10010. The
City Council Staff Report - Page 3 of 3
draft districting schedule is included within the PowerPoint presentation in this report as Attachment 2.
Alternatively, the City Council may choose to not approve the resolution of intent to hold districtbased elections by November 2024. By not approving the Resolution, the prospective plaintiffs would be able to file a lawsuit against the City for the alleged violation of the CVRA.
Number of Districts and Possible Transition to Elected Mayor Early in the process of transitioning to district-based elections, the City Council will need to provide direction to staff and consultants on the number of Council districts to be created including whether or not to transition from an appointed Mayor to a directly elected Mayor. The City Council currently annually appoints a member of the City Council to serve for one-year as Mayor of the City.
While this decision does not need to be made tonight, the City Council must decide how many districts are needed to create the draft district maps. Staff would welcome Council input and possibly direction.
FISCAL IMPACT
Neighborhood Elections Now will receive a partial reimbursement, capped at approximately $37,000 if the City complies with the process to transition from at-large to district-based elections.
The City will retain a professional demographer at an estimated cost of $60,000-$80,000 to assist the City with the process to transition from an at-large to district-based elections.
The City will also incur additional fees for City Attorney time, community meetings, assistance from consultants for public outreach and staff time.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution of Intent
2. PowerPoint Presentation
3. Petition to Comply with California Voting Rights Act from attorney Scott J. Rafferty
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 1 of 3
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
RESOLUTION NO. XX-2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA DECLARING ITS INTENTION, PURSUANT TO ELECTIONS CODE SECTION 10010(e)(3)(A), TO TRANSITION FROM AT-LARGE TO DISTRICT-BASED
ELECTIONS AND TO INITIATE PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING
DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Cordova, California (“City”) is a general law city, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, members of the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova are currently elected in “at-large” elections, in which voters of the entire City elect the members of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code section 34886 permits the legislative body of a city to change its method of election by ordinance from an “at-large” system to a “district-based” system in which each member of the legislative body is elected only by the voters in the district in which the candidate resides; and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2023, a notice of potential violation of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) was filed against the City of Rancho Cordova by attorney Scott J. Rafferty pursuant to Elections Code section 10010(e)(1), representing minority voters in Rancho Cordova and Neighborhood Elections Now, asking the City to begin the process to create single-member districts for the election to be held in November 2024; and WHEREAS, the CVRA allows Prospective Plaintiffs to file a lawsuit against the City if the City does not adopt a resolution of intent to transition from at-large to district-based elections within 45 days of the notice (“45-day period”); and
WHEREAS, CVRA lawsuits can cost local jurisdictions millions of dollars to defend, and to date no jurisdiction has won a CVRA lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, the City will work with an experienced demographer to assist the City with the process to transition from at-large to district-based elections and to establish maps; and WHEREAS, before drawing a draft map of the proposed boundaries of the districts, the City will hold at least two (2) public hearings over no more than thirty (30) days, at which the public is invited to provide input regarding the composition of the districts; and WHEREAS, the City will then publish and make available for release at least one (1) draft map of the new electoral districts, including the potential sequence of elections shown; and WHEREAS, once the draft map has been publicized for at least seven (7) days, the City will hold at least two (2) additional public hearings, over no more than forty-five (45) days, at which time the public is invited to provide input regarding the content of the draft map or maps and the proposed sequence of elections prior to the public hearing at which the Council adopts
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 3
a map; and
WHEREAS, if a draft map is revised at or following a public hearing, the revised map will be published and made available to the public at least seven (7) days before the City chooses to adopt it; and
WHEREAS, in determining the final sequence of staggered district elections, the City Council will give special consideration to the purposes of the CVRA, and will take in to account the preferences expressed by the members of the districts; and WHEREAS, this Resolution is intended solely to document the Council’s intent to proceed with district-based elections; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now wishes to adopt criteria to guide the establishment of electoral districts consistent with legal requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby resolves, pursuant to Elections Code section 10010, to adopt a district-based election system by ordinance as authorized by California Government Code section 34886 for use in the City’s General Municipal Election for City Council Members.
SECTION 3. The City Council further resolves to retain an experienced demographer, hold at least five (5) public hearings and publish at least one (1) draft map and related sequence of elections.
SECTION 4. Staff is directed to publicize relevant maps, information, notices, agendas and other materials regarding district-based elections and to establish means of communication to answer questions from the public.
SECTION 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova this 17th day of July 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 3 of 3
ATTEST:
Linda Budge, Mayor
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
Rancho Cordova
Districting Resolution of Intent
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
2 Election Systems
1. “At Large”
2. “By District”
The California Voting Rights Act was
written to specifically encourage bydistrict elections.
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
3 California Voting Rights Act (CVRA)
Under the Federal Voting Rights Act (passed in 1965), a jurisdiction must fail 4 factual tests before it is in violation of the law. The California VRA makes it significantly easier for plaintiffs to force jurisdictions into “by-district” election systems by arguably eliminating two of the US Supreme Court Gingles tests:
Can the protected class constitute the majority of a district? Does the protected class vote as a bloc?
Do the voters who are not in the protected class vote in a bloc to defeat the preferred candidates of the protected class?
Do the “totality of circumstances” indicate race is a factor in elections? Liability is now arguably determined only by the presence of racially polarized voting
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
4 CVRA Impact
Switched (or in the process of
switching) as a result of CVRA:
At least 275 school districts
36 Community College Districts
191 cities
1 County Board of Supervisors
53 water and other special districts.
Cases So Far:
Palmdale, Santa Clara and Santa Monica
went to trial on the merits. Palmdale and
Santa Clara lost. Santa Monica is awaiting
a decision.
Modesto, Santa Clara and Palmdale each
spent about $1.8 million on their defense
(in addition to the attorney fee awards in
those cases).
Santa Monica has spent an estimated $7
million so far. Plaintiffs in Santa Monica
requested $22 million in legal fees after
the original trial.
Key settlements:
Palmdale: $4.7 million
Santa Clara: $4.55 million
Modesto: $3 million
Highland: $1.3 million
Anaheim: $1.1 million
Whittier: $1 million
Santa Barbara: $600,000
Palm Desert: $555,000
Tulare Hospital: $500,000
Santa Clarita: $250,000
Camarillo: $233,000
Compton Unified: $200,000
Madera Unified: about $170,000
Hanford Joint Union Schools: $118,000
Merced City: $42,000
An estimated $18 million in total
settlements and court awards so far.
July 17, 2023 July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
5 Districting Process (1 of 2)
Step Description
Adopt Resolution of Intent
July 17
Declares Council’s intention to move to by-district elections.
Starts 90-day “safe harbor” timeline to complete the process.
Initial Hearing
Aug. 7
Held prior to release of draft maps.
Education and to solicit input on the composition of districts.
Community Forum
Aug. 10
Informal discussion about the process, communities &
neighborhoods, and demonstration of public mapping tools.
Initial Hearing
Aug. 14
Held prior to release of draft maps.
Education and to solicit input on the composition of districts.
Initial Map Deadline
Aug. 17
Residents must submit maps by close of business on this day to have the map considered by Council at the Aug. 29 hearing.
Post draft maps on Website
Aug. 22
Maps must be posted at least 7 days prior to Aug. 29 hearing.
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
6 Districting Process (2 of 2)
Step Description
First Hearing on
Draft Maps
Aug. 29
Two meetings to discuss and revise the draft maps and to discuss the election sequence.
Community Forum
Aug 30
Informal discussion about the draft maps.
Final Public Map Deadline
Sept. 6
Residents must submit maps by close of business on this day to have the map considered by Council at the Sept. 18 hearing.
Post Final Map Options
Sept. 11
Maps must be posted at least 7 days prior to Sept. 18 hearing. 2nd Hearing on Draft Maps
Sept. 18
Must be held within 45 days of first hearing on draft maps.
Map selected & ordinance introduced at end of hearing.
Final Hearing
& Map Adoption
Oct. 2
Map adopted via ordinance.
Final map must be posted at least 7 days prior to adoption.
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
7 Equal Population
Federal Voting Rights Act
No Racial Gerrymandering
Respect voters’ choices /
continuity in office
Future population growth
1. Federal Laws 2. California Criteria for
Cities
1. Geographically contiguous
2. Undivided neighborhoods
and “communities of
interest”
(Socio-economic geographic areas
that should be kept together)
3. Easily identifiable
boundaries
4. Compact
(Do not bypass one group of
people to get to a more distant
group of people)
Prohibited:
“Shall not favor or discriminate against
a political party.”
3. Other Traditional
Districting Principles
Districting Rules and Goals
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
8 Demographic
Summary
Each of four districts
must contain about
19,911 people.
Each of five districts
must contain about
15,929 people.
Category Field Total
2020 Census Total Population 79,643
Hispanic/Latino 22%
NH White 45%
NH Black 11%
NH Asian/Pac.Isl. 19%
NH Native Amer. 2%
Total 51,505
Hisp 16%
NH White 54%
NH Black 13%
Asian/Pac.Isl. 15%
Native Amer. 1%
Total Pop.
Citizen Voting Age
Pop
Much more socio-economic and demographic data will
be added as the process begins.
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
9 Latinos are not geographically
concentrated in any one area.
Latino CVAP
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
10 Asian-Americans are more
geographically concentrated in
the southeast.
Asian-American
CVAP
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
11 African-Americans are
somewhat geographically
concentrated along the freeway.
AfricanAmerican CVAP
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
12 Public Mapping and Map Review Tools
Different tools for different purposes
Different tools for different levels of technical skill and interest Simple “review draft maps” tool
Paper-based simple “Draw a draft map” tools
Powerful, data-rich “Draw a draft map” online tool
Whether you use the online mapping tool, the paper kit, or just draw on a napkin, we welcome your maps!
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
13 Today’s Actions
Decide whether to adopt “Resolution of Intent.”
Optional: decide whether to switch to 5 Council districts with a rotating Mayor, or 4 districts with a Citywideelected Mayor or some other configuration.
July 17, 2023
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 2
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3
ITEM 19.2. ATTACHMENT 3