Rancho Cordova City Council
August 21, 2023

CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, August 21, 2023
5:30 PM – Regular Meeting
David B. Roberts Council Chambers
City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center - Lobby
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
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Instructions to Make Public Comment
Submitting Public Comment via Email

Members of the public who wish to provide public comment via email will need to submit written comments to [email protected] no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023. Written comments received no later than 2:00 p.m. will be distributed to the Council, filed in the record, and will not be read aloud. All comments submitted later than 2:00 p.m. will be distributed to the Council.

Listening to a Zoom Meeting by Zoom Video Conference
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Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Monday, August 21, 2023

Listening to a Zoom Meeting by Phone Only
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AGENDA

1. REGULAR MEETING - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Council Members Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge

2. METRO CABLE TV TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT

The Clerk will announce the meetings video recording and playback schedules.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Mayor will call on someone in attendance to lead the Pledge.

4. INVOCATION

Dr. Dan DeShong with River City Christian Church will give the invocation.

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.1. Employee Milestone Anniversary Presentation.

5.2. Visit Rancho Cordova Annual Report.

6. PUBLIC COMMENT

Citizens wishing to address the Council for any matter not on the agenda may do so at this time via teleconference or by completing and submitting a Speaker Card to the City Clerk.

If you want to make a public comment via teleconference, please use the “raise hand” feature at the bottom center of the screen. If you are participating by telephone and you want to make a public comment, please press *9 to raise your hand. For those participating by Zoom or telephone, please wait to be called upon by the City Clerk.

For items on the agenda, speakers will be called by the Mayor at the point on the agenda when the item will be heard. Speakers are encouraged to keep comments to three minutes or less and to state name and community of residence.

Under the provisions of the California Government Code, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking immediate action on any item not on the agenda unless it can be demonstrated to be of an emergency nature or the need to take immediate action arose after the posting of the agenda.

Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Monday, August 21, 2023

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

9. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE

9.1. Subject: Meeting Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of August 7, 2023.

Recommendation: Adopt the minutes.

9.2. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development to Receive the Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program Funds.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

9.3. Subject: Approval of Proposed Update to Council Member Appointments to Regional Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council review the current list of City of Rancho Cordova City Council Local Appointments and direct staff to modify any existing appointments including to the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Ad-hoc Committee. The FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee members are currently Vice Mayor David Sander and Council Member Donald Terry. It is proposed that the FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee members be changed to Mayor Linda Budge and Vice Mayor David Sander.

9.4. Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City of Rancho Cordova Levying a Special Tax within the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1.

Recommendation: Waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance.

10. CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE

None.

11. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

11.1. Subject: Jackson Properties Major Design Review and Height Exception - Project No. PLND- 0622-0044.

Recommendation: Continue to the September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting.

11.2. Subject: Adoption of the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Negative Declaration (CEQA) and the Adoption of the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

Recommendation: 1. Receive information on completion of the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), with amendments incorporated as directed by City Council on May 1, 2023.

2. Receive information on the CAAP environmental review process, resulting in the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND), including public review comments.

3. Approve the Resolution Adopting a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Negative Declaration for the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

4. Approve the Resolution adopting the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

11.3. Subject: An Ordinance Adding Chapter 16.96 Floodplain Management Ordinance; and Amending Title 3 Revenue and Taxation, Chapter 3.60 Purchasing System, Chapter 3.70

Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Monday, August 21, 2023

Informal Bidding Procedures; Title 6 Health and Sanitation, Chapter 6.20 Solid Waste Management, Chapter 6.21 Business and Multifamily Recycling and Organics Recycling; Title 10 Vehicles and Traffic; Title 12 Streets and Sidewalks; Title 15 Water and Sewers, Chapter

15.10 Storm Drainage Fee, Chapter 15.12 Stormwater Management and Discharge Control; Title 16 Buildings and Construction, Chapter 16.44 Land Grading and Erosion Control, Chapter 16.84 Development Impact Fees to Finance the Cost of Transportation Facilities.

Recommendation: Waive the first reading and introduce the Ordinance.

12. REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS

12.1. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Special Tax Bonds for and on Behalf of the City of Rancho Cordova Arista Del Sol Community Facilities District No. 2022-1, Improvement Area No. 1 Approving and Directing the Execution of a Fiscal Agent Agreement, Approving the Form of Preliminary Official Statement, Approving Sale of Such Bonds, and Approving Other Related Documents and Actions.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

13. COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Budge will adjourn the meeting to closed session.

15. CLOSED SESSION - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Council Members Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge

16. CLOSED SESSION

Council will meet in closed session to discuss the following item:

16.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: City Manager: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1).

17. OPEN SESSION - REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION

The City Attorney will report on action taken in closed session.

18. ADJOURNMENT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Special Meetings listed below are subject to change/cancellation without further notice.

Unless the Council adopts a motion to extend the meeting, any item that is not initiated before 11:00 p.m. will be continued to the next day at 5:30 p.m. or scheduled on the next regular meeting agenda of the Council.

Public documents related to items on the open session portion of this agenda, which are distributed to the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, shall be available for public inspection at the time the documents are distributed to the Council. Documents are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office located in Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Regular Meeting of Monday, August 21, 2023

The agenda items are accessible on the City’s website at www.cityofranchocordova.org on Thursdays or Fridays prior to the Regular City Council Meeting.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
August 29, 2023 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
September 5, 2023 4:00 PM Special Meeting/Regular Meeting September 18, 2023 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
September 26, 2023 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session October 2, 2023 4:00 PM Special Meeting/Regular Meeting October 16, 2023 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
October 24, 2023 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
November 6, 2023 4:00 PM Special Meeting/Regular Meeting If you have any technical questions related to the agenda items, please contact City Hall at (916) 851- 8700.

The Rancho Cordova City Council meeting will be videotaped in its entirety and will be cablecast without interruption on Metro Cable 14, the Government Affairs Channel on the Comcast, Consolidated Communications and AT&T U-Verse Systems. Closed Captioning will be available on the playback cablecast. A DVD copy is available from the City Clerk’s Department and a webcast of this meeting will be available for viewing via video streaming from the City’s website within 48 hours of adjournment of this meeting.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 851-8720 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Stacy Leitner, City Clerk for the City of Rancho Cordova, declare that the foregoing agenda for the August 21, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Rancho Cordova City Council was posted and available for review on August 17, 2023 at City Hall of the City of Rancho Cordova, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, California, 95670. The agenda is also available on the city website at www.cityofranchocordova.org.

Signed August 17, 2023 at Rancho Cordova, California.

Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1

CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, August 7, 2023
5:30 PM – Regular Meeting
David B. Roberts Council Chambers
City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova

DRAFT MINUTES

1. REGULAR MEETING - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Mayor Budge called the Regular meeting to order in the David B. Roberts Council Chambers at 5:44 p.m.

Council Members Present: Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge
Council Members Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Stacy Leitner, Adam Lindgren, Persephonie Riley, and Micah Runner

2. METRO CABLE TV TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT

The City Clerk read the meetings recordings and playback schedule.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Deputy Fire Marshal Amy Nygren led the pledge.

4. INVOCATION

Dr. Dan DeShong with River City Chirstian Church gave the invocation.

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.1. Presentation of Lifesaving Certificate of Recognition to Jason Slieter

5.2. Presentation of Lifesaving Certificate of Recognition to Warance Roe

5.3. Cordova Recreation & Park District's Optimized Plan Presentation

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1 Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, August 7, 2023

5.4. 20th Anniversary and 4th of July Update

6. PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:

1. Diann Rogers

2. James Garcia

3. Helen Whelan-Bashaw

4. Brenda Gustin

5. Bob Collins

6. Conrade Mayer

7. Lupe Hernandez

8. Valerie Knippschild

9. Brenda Gustin

10. Randy Getz

11. Toni Curtis

12. Beverly Thomas

13. Janice Kelley

14. Robin Jeffries

15. Eric Ross

16. Iva Lou Woodring
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

7. COUNCIL REPORTS

Council reported on events since the last meeting.

8. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

City Manager Micah Runner gave his report.

9. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Budge stated that items 9.2 and 9.3 would be pulled for separate discussion.

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

ACTION: Motion to approve item 9.1. and items 9.4 through 9.10 by Terry second by Sander;
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.

9.1. Subject: Meeting Minutes from the Regular City Council Meeting of July 17, 2023 and the Special Meeting of August 2, 2023.

Recommendation: Adopt the Minutes.

9.2. Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova of Intention to Annex the Stonecreek Industrial Project to the City of Rancho Cordova Community Facilities District No. 2014-2 (Street, Lighting, and Landscaping Maintenance) and Designate a Time and Place to Hear Protests in Connection with the Annexation.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution of Intention to annex the Stonecreek Industrial Project the Community Facilities District No. 2014-2 (Street, Lighting, and Landscaping Maintenance).

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1 Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, August 7, 2023

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:

1. James Garcia
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

ACTION: Motion to approve item 9.2. by Terry second by Pulipati; Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.

9.3. Subject: A Resolution to Submit a Letter Response to the Sacramento County Grand Jury Report on Homelessness.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

ACTION: Motion to approve item 9.3. with edits to the Letter Response to the Sacramento County Grand Jury Report on Homelessness by Budge second by Gatewood;
Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.

9.4. Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Title 23 Zoning Code, Article 9 Specific Use Provisions, Chapter 23.907 Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses; Article 10 Specific Plans and Special Planning Areas, Chapter 23.1000 Specific Purpose Zones and Article 11 Definitions, Chapter 23.1104 General Definitions (Mitigated Negative Declaration Prepared Pursuant to Article 6 of the California Environmental Quality Act).

Recommendation: Waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance.

9.5. Subject: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova, Authorizing the City Manager to Approve a Three-Year Contract for Janitorial Services and Maintenance for All Buildings Operated by the City with City Wide Maintenance for an Amount Not to Exceed $1,325,000.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

9.6. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment No. 2022-67-1 with Bennett Engineering Services, Inc. to Increase the Contract Amount from $733,170 to an Amount not to Exceed $811,597 for the Sunrise Boulevard Rehabilitation Phase 2 Project.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

9.7. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Contract No. 2023-167 with 50 Corridor Transportation Management Association in an Amount not to Exceed $158,000 for Transportation Demand Management Services for Encouragement and Education of Sustainable Transportation within the City.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

9.8. Subject: A Resolution Designating a Voting Delegate and Alternates for the 2023 League of California Cities Annual Conference to be Held September 20-22, 2023, in Sacramento, California.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

9.9. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute General Services Contract No. 2020-175-4 in an Amount not to Exceed $314,000 with Ethan Fleener Construction for Funding the Residential Beautification Program.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1 Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, August 7, 2023

9.10. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute General Services Contract No. 2022-93-1 in an Amount not to Exceed $250,000 with Excel Landscaping, for Funding the Residential Beautification Program.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

10. CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:

1. James Garcia
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

ACTION: Motion to approve items 10.1 through 10.3 by Terry second by Pulipati; Motion passed with a 5:0 vote.

10.1. Subject: A Resolution Authorizing Delinquent Residential Solid Waste Service Charges to be Collected on the 2023-2024 Property Tax Roll.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

10.2. Subject: A Resolution Declaring a Protest Hearing and Authorizing the Mailing of Property Owner Ballot Relating to the Imposition of the Annual Stormwater Utility Fee for the Logisticenter Project.

Recommendation: Approve the Resolution.

10.3. Subject: Resolutions and an Ordinance Related to the Formation of the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1.

Recommendation: Adopt the Resolutions and waive first reading and introduce the Ordinance.

11. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS

11.1. Subject: Ordinance Adding Chapter 16.96 Floodplain Management Ordinance; and Amending Title 3 Revenue and Taxation, Chapter 3.60 Purchasing System, Chapter

3.70 Informal Bidding Procedures; Title 6 Health and Sanitation, Chapter 6.20 Solid Waste Management, Chapter 6.21 Business and Multifamily Recycling and Organics Recycling; Title 10 Vehicles and Traffic; Title 12 Streets and Sidewalks; Title 15 Water and Sewers, Chapter 15.10 Storm Drainage Fee, Chapter 15.12 Stormwater Management and Discharge Control; Title 16 Buildings and Construction, Chapter 16.44 Land Grading and Erosion Control, Chapter 16.84 Development Impact Fees to Finance the Cost of Transportation Facilities.

Recommendation: Waive the first reading and introduce the Ordinance adding Chapter

16.96 and amending Titles 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, 16.

Council Member Sander recused himself from item 11.1 due to a conflict of interest related to the location of his residence.

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:

1. Mark Berry

2. James Garcia

3. Sergio Diaz

4. Helen Whelan-Bashaw

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1 Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, August 7, 2023

5. Sergio Diaz
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

ACTION: Motion to continue item 11.1. to the August 21, 2023, City Council Meeting by Terry second by Gatewood;
Motion passed with a 4:0 vote.

AYES: Gatewood, Pulipati, Terry, and Budge
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Sander

11.2. Subject: Public Hearing Requesting Public Input Regarding the Composition of Potential Council Election Districts as the City is Working to Transition from At-large to 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. To provide education and to receive public input regarding the composition of potential Council election districts as the City is working to transition from at-large to district-based elections for City Council Members pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).

2. 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.

Mayor Budge opened the public comment period. The following individuals addressed the Council or submitted public comment via email:

1. James Garcia

2. Brenda Gustin

3. Fayzah Mughal

4. Helen Whelan-Bashaw

5. Tera Kolvenbach

6. Otis Scott

7. Robert Hansen

8. Jerald Clements

9. Sergio Diaz

10. Susan Jones

11. Lupe Hernandez

12. Doniell Cummings
Mayor Budge closed the public comment period.

ACTION: Motion to consider five with a rotating mayor, six districts with an elected mayor, or seven districts with a rotating mayor for drawing of district maps by Pulipati second by Sander;
Motion passed with a 4:1 vote.

AYES: Pulipati, Sander, Terry, and Budge
NOES: Gatewood

ITEM 9.1. ATTACHMENT 1 Rancho Cordova City Council - DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting of Monday, August 7, 2023

ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None

12. REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS

None.

13. COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

1. Request to add Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day as City holidays.

14. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Budge adjourned to Closed Session at 10:07 p.m.

15. CLOSED SESSION - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Mayor Budge called closed session to order at 10:07 p.m.

Council Members Present: Garrett Gatewood, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, Donald Terry, and Mayor Linda Budge
Council Members Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Stacy Leitner, Adam Lindgren, and Micah Runner

16. CLOSED SESSION

Council met in closed session to discuss the following item:

16.1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) Stone Creek Residents for Smart Growth, an unincorporated association v. City of Rancho Cordova, Respondent; Dermody Properties, and DOES 1-10 Real Parties in Interest. Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 23WM000026.

16.2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) Stone Creek Residents for Smart Growth, an unincorporated association v. City of Rancho Cordova, and DOES 1-10 Respondent; Dermody Properties, and DOES 11-20 Real Parties in Interest.

Sacramento Superior Court Case No. 23WM000052.

17. OPEN SESSION - REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION

City Attorney Adam Lindgren reported that staff was given direction and no reportable action was taken in closed session.

18. ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Budge adjourned the meeting in memory of Reuben Meeks at 10:27 p.m. _____________________
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

MEMORANDUM

City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2

ITEM 9.2.

DATE: August 21, 2023

TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members

FROM: Ka Vang, Management Technician
Stefan Heisler, Senior Management Analyst I

SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE

AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO RECEIVE THE

PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT PROGRAM FUNDS

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt the Resolution.

RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Adoption of the Resolution would authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to receive the Prohousing Incentive Pilot (PIP) Program funds and commit these funds to the Crossings at Woodberry affordable housing development project.

BACKGROUND

On February 21, 2023, the City Council approved the City’s participation in the Prohousing Designation Program, which included authorizing staff to submit an application for the Prohousing Incentive Pilot (PIP) Program. Subsequently, on May 9, 2023, the City received an award of $960,000 in PIP funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

PIP funding must be expended by June 30, 2025. Program funds can be used for the development of rental or ownership affordable housing, distressed home acquisition and rehabilitation, assisting homeless persons, and other housing related uses. Recognizing the City’s current housing project priorities, staff recommends allocating these one-time PIP funds to a current affordable housing development project.

In order to meet this timeline, there are two current development projects that could be considered: Crossings at Woodberry and Mather Veterans Village Phase 4. Staff recommends allocating the PIP funding to the Crossings at Woodberry project. The Crossings at Woodberry project submitted an application for federal and state tax credits in April 2023 and is not expecting an award due to intense competition. Allocating PIP funds to the Crossings at Woodberry will enhance the project’s competitiveness in the next round of state grants for affordable housing. The City’s funding commitment for the Crossings at Woodberry, including

City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2

PIP, would be $4,658,000, which includes $980,000 from the City's General Fund, land contribution, ARPA funding, and the City’s portion of the Sacramento County HOME Consortium funding. This represents 21% of the overall approximately $21,750,000 project.

The previous PIP authorizing resolution adopted on February 21, 2023, authorized funds up to the application amount of $500,000. This new resolution is needed to grant authorization to the City Manager to execute an agreement up to an awarded amount of $960,000.

FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE

There is no fiscal impact.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Resolution

ITEM 9.2. 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,

STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN

AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PILOT PROGRAM AND

ALLOCATING PROGRAM FUNDS TO THE CROSSINGS AT WOODBERRY AFFORDABLE

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Cordova (“City”) submitted the Prohousing Designation application on February 21, 2023, and was awarded the Prohousing Designation on March 23, 2023; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Prohousing Designation Program, the City submitted a grant application for the one-time Prohousing Incentive Pilot (PIP) program on February 21, 2023, to the California Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $500,000; and

WHEREAS, the City was awarded with $960,000 in PIP funding on May 9, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Crossings at Woodberry is a multi-family housing project consisting of 28 affordable rental units for families earning less than 60% area median income (AMI), that the City has been working on since 2017 and has not been successful at securing competitive state funding needed to complete the project; and

WHEREAS, the City Council approves the PIP funds to be allocated to the Crossings at Woodberry affordable housing development project to enhance the project’s competitiveness for needed state housing funding.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA authorizes the City Manager of the City of Rancho Cordova to enter into, execute, and deliver on behalf of the Applicant, a State of California Agreement (Standard Agreement) for the amount of $960,000, and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to evidence and secure the PIP grant funds for the Crossings at Woodberry affordable housing development project, the Applicant’s obligations related thereto, and all amendments thereto.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 21st day of August 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

ITEM 9.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 2 ATTEST:

Linda Budge, Mayor

Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

MEMORANDUM

City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2

ITEM 9.3.

DATE: August 21, 2023

TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members

FROM: Stacy Leitner, City Clerk

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PROPOSED UPDATE TO COUNCIL MEMBER

APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND

COMMITTEES

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council review the current list of City of Rancho Cordova City Council Local Appointments and direct staff to modify any existing appointments including to the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Ad-hoc Committee. The FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee members are currently Vice Mayor David Sander and Council Member Donald Terry. It is proposed that the FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee members be changed to Mayor Linda Budge and Vice Mayor David Sander.

RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

The City Council will continue to serve in leadership roles throughout the region. The City Clerk will notify each agency board, commission, or committees of any changes or reappointments and will help ensure that any necessary Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) filings are completed.

BACKGROUND

Historically, the City Council annually reviews continuing representation by City Council Members on various regional boards, commissions, and committees to ensure that the City has representation within the region. By discussing and confirming their appointments, the members of the Council are committing their time to serve in these important leadership roles.

It was recently suggested by Council Member Donald Terry that there be a change to the City Council Member appointments to the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Ad-hoc Committee. Mayor Linda Budge would like to replace Council Member Donald Terry on the FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee. This change would confirm the FCUSD Ad-hoc Committee members would include Mayor Linda Budge and Vice Mayor David Sander.

FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE

There is no Fiscal Impact.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. City Council Boards Commissions and Ad-hoc Committee Appointments Adopted March 2023

City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2

1 City Council Appointments
Name Meeting Schedule 2023
Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG)/Capitol
Valley Regional SAFE
• Airport Land Use Commission
3rd Thursday
of the month from
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Sander
Alt: Terry
Sacramento Regional Transit District 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 5:30
p.m.

Budge
Alt: Sander
Sacramento Transportation Authority 2nd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.

Terry
Alt: Pulipati
Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority Last Friday of the month from 8:30–
10:30 a.m.

Gatewood
Pulipati
Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor Joint Powers Quarterly at 9:30 a.m.

Sander
Alt: Budge
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District 4th Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

Terry
Alt: Pulipati
ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

2 City Council Appointments - Continued
Name Meeting Schedule 2023
Sacramento Area Sewer District 2nd and 4th Wednesday
of the month at
9:30 a.m.

Sander
Alt: Gatewood
Regional San
• Sacramento County Sanitation Districts
Financing Authority
• Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District
2nd and 4th Wednesday
of the month at
9:30 a.m.

Sander
Alt: Gatewood
Sacramento Metro Cable Television Commission March, June, September, and December
1st Thursday at 2:30 p.m.

Pulipati
Gatewood
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

McGarvey
Alt: Sander
South Sacramento Habitat Conservation PlanAdvisory
Board
Last Monday of every other
month at 11:30 a.m.

Budge, Gatewood
Alt: Terry, Pulipati
ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

3 City Council Appointments - Continued
Name Meeting Schedule 2023
Greater Sacramento Economic Council Monthly Designee: Sander Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission 1st Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

Sacramento Public Library Authority Governing Board 4th Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m.

Gatewood
Alt: Budge
Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory
Committee
As Needed Terry
Alt: Gatewood
NLC Postsecondary Education Team Monthly Terry, Sander
Folsom Lake College Philanthropy Council Monthly Pulipati City Selection Committee of Sacramento County As Needed Mayor Sacramento County Criminal Justice Cabinet Meetings Quarterly January/April/July/October
Appointee: Mayor
Designee: Chief of Police
ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

4 City Council Appointments - Continued
Name Meeting Schedule 2022 2023
Sacramento Homeless Policy Council Active Terry Terry
ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

5 City Council Ad-hoc Committee Appointments
Name 2023
Sacramento County (M/VM) Budge, Sander
Elk Grove Unified School District Pulipati, Terry
Folsom Unified School District Sander, Terry
Sacramento City Unified School District Terry, Gatewood Golden State Water Gatewood, Budge
Sac Metro Fire Gatewood, Budge
SMUD Gatewood, Terry
City of Rancho Cordova Asset Naming Committee Budge, Sander City of Rancho Cordova Investment Committee Gatewood, Sander Mobile Home Committee Terry, Gatewood
Gateway Signage Committee Sander, Budge
ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

6 City Council Ad-hoc Committee Appointments
Name 2023
Nonprofit COVID-19 Recovery and Support Gatewood, Pulipati Growing Strong Neighborhoods Sander, Terry
Cordova Recreation and Park District Gatewood, Pulipati ITEM 9.3.

ATTACHMENT 1

MEMORANDUM

City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2

ITEM 9.4.

DATE: August 21, 2023

TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members

FROM: Michelle Mingay, Senior Finance Analyst

SUBJECT: SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO

CORDOVA LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN THE CITY OF
RANCHO CORDOVA GRANTLINE 220 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
DISTRICT NO. 2023-1

RECOMMENDATION

Waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance.

RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Approval of the ordinance will complete the formation of the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1

BACKGROUND

At the meeting on July 3, 2023, the City initiated the process of forming the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District 2021-1 for Grantline 220 Development Project; a project consists of 220 acres and is located south of Douglas Boulevard, east of Rancho Cordova Parkway, south of the Arista Del Sol subdivisions and is the northern most development project in the Suncreek Specific Plan. The development anticipates 537 single family units, a 6.8 acre multi-family site, a 10 acre school site, along with two parks totaling 10.9 acres, with the proposed CFD only including the 537 single family units; the multi-family units are not intended to be taxed as part of the CFD. While the CFD will be formed over the full development project, the CFD will be phased in through the use of Improvement Areas. The first Improvement Area will include 209 single family units with lots ranging in size from 45' x 105' to 60' x 105' in size.

Through the subdivision map and entitlement process, the CFD properties will be required to construct all appropriate infrastructure. CFDs are commonly used throughout California to finance infrastructure and services in new development areas. The CFD program simply provides a funding mechanism for a part of the total costs. The balance of the costs will be paid by the developer.

The Grantline 220 CFD is proposed to have a facilities special tax that will be levied on residential property within the development until all bonds issued by the district have been fully repaid. The facilities special tax within Improvement Area 1 will range between $2,300 - $3,566 per single family lot in the base year (Fiscal Year 2023-24), and will increase at a rate of 2% per

City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2

year for the life of the tax. The special tax will be authorized to support up to $532,000 in bonds, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the acquisition and construction of, and the payment of fees for, public facilities in and for the Community Facilities District.

The Resolution of Intention adopted by the City Council on July 3, 2023, set for August 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, for the hearing on the actual formation of the CFD and the levy of the special tax and the sale of bonds. On August 7, 2023, the City Council waived the first reading and introduced the Ordinance levying a Special Tax within the CFD.

Taking the above actions will conclude the formation process for the CFD. The approval of bond documentation, which provides for the issuance of the anticipated CFD bonds, will be the subject of a future meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE

There is no fiscal impact to the City. Any special tax bonds to be issued on behalf of the CFD are secured solely by the special tax levies within the District and are not debt of the City's general fund.

ATTACHMENT(S)

1. Ordinance

ITEM 9.4. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 1 of 2

CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
ORDINANCE NO. XX-2023

ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA, STATE OF

CALIFORNIA, LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX WITHIN THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA GRANTLINE 220 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.

1. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 53328 and 53340, and in accordance with the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Tax (the “RMA”) as shown as an exhibit to a resolution titled “A Resolution of Intention of the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova to Form the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1, Designate an Improvement Area and Future Annexation Area Therein, and to Authorize the Levy Special Taxes in the District” (“Resolution of Formation”) adopted by this City Council on August 7, 2023, and by passage of this Ordinance, the City Council hereby authorizes and levies special taxes within the City of Rancho Cordova Grantline 220 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (the “CFD”) (including any parcels in the Future Annexation Area that annex into the CFD) and each Future Improvement Area described in the Resolution of Formation, if any, pursuant to the Act, at the rate and in accordance with the rate and method of apportionment of special tax for Improvement Area No. 1 of the CFD set forth as an exhibit to the Resolution of Formation or the rate and method of apportionment of special tax for the Future Improvement Area set forth in the Unanimous Approval(s) for such Future Improvement Area (each, a “Rate and Method”), which Resolution of Formation and Unanimous Approval(s) are by this reference incorporated herein. For Future Improvement Areas, a different rate and method may be adopted if the annexed territory is designated as a separate improvement area, as provided in the Resolution of Formation. The special taxes for the payment of Facilities are hereby authorized to be levied commencing in fiscal year 2023-24 and in each fiscal year thereafter as provided in each applicable Rate and Method. A special tax shall not be levied to finance the Facilities after the fiscal year identified in the applicable Rate and Method, except that a special tax that was lawfully levied in or before the final tax year and that remains delinquent may be collected in subsequent years.

2. The Administrative Services Director of the City is directed, with the aid of the appropriate officers and agents of the City, to implement the provisions of the RMA and to prepare each year, without further action of this City Council, the special tax roll for the District and to provide as necessary information to the Sacramento County Auditor in the form, and in the proper time, necessary to effect the proper billing and collection of the special tax on the secured property tax roll of the County, which may include a billing of the special tax for fiscal year 2023-24 without regard to the timing of the issuance of bonds for the District and the circumstance that bonds are not issued as of the date of submission to the County for billing; alternatively, pursuant to the Resolution of Formation, the special tax for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and subsequent years may, at the option of the City, be billed directly to owners of property in the District by the Administrative Services Director of the City or other official of the City and need not be collected on the County secured property tax roll.

3. The appropriate officers and agents of the City and of the County of Sacramento are authorized to make adjustments to the special tax roll prior to the final posting of the special

ITEM 9.4. ATTACHMENT 1 Ordinance No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 2 taxes to the County tax roll each year, as may be necessary to achieve a correct match of the special tax levy with the assessor's parcel numbers finally utilized by the County in sending out property tax bills.

4. The City agrees that the County of Sacramento may deduct its reasonable and agreed charges for collecting the special tax from the amounts collected, prior to remitting the balance of the special tax collections to the City.

Section 2.

If for any cause any portion of this ordinance is found to be invalid, or if the special tax is found inapplicable to any particular parcel by a court of competent jurisdiction, the balance of this ordinance, and the application of the special tax to the remaining parcels, shall not be affected.

Section 3.

The Mayor shall sign this Ordinance and the City Clerk shall cause the same to be published within fifteen (15) days after its passage at least once in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the City. This ordinance shall go into effect on the earliest day allowable by law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 21 st day of August 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Linda Budge, Mayor
ATTEST:

Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

City Council Staff Report – Page 1 of 1

MEMORANDUM
ITEM 11.1.

DATE:August 21, 2023
TO:Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM:Nicholas Sosa, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: JACKSON PROPERTIES MAJOR DESIGN REVIEW AND HEIGHT EXCEPTION - PROJECT NO. PLND-0622-0044
PROPERTY OWNER:

JPI XXIX, L.P.

Vincent Fugina
155 Cadillac Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95825
APPLICANT/DEVELOPER:

Nacht & Lewis Architects
Mike Smith
600 Q Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95811
PROJECT: Jackson Properties Warehouse Storage Building – Major Design Review & Height Exception
FILE: PLND – 0622-0044
LOCATION: 10391 Peter A McCuen Boulevard, Mather, CA 95655 APN: 077-0420-001
PLANNER: Nicholas Sosa, Associate Planner

RECOMMENDATION
Continue to the September 5, 2023 City Council Meeting

RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
This item will be continued to the September 5, 2023, City Council Meeting to allow staff additional time for continued review and preparation of the projects final documents.

City Council Staff Report – Page 1 of 8

MEMORANDUM
ITEM 11.2.

DATE:August 21, 2023
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION AND

ADAPTATION PLAN NEGATIVE DECLARATION (CEQA) AND THE

ADOPTION OF THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION AND

ADAPTATION PLAN

RECOMMENDATION

1. Receive information on completion of the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), with amendments incorporated as directed by City Council on May 1, 2023.

2. Receive information on the CAAP environmental review process, resulting in the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND), including public review comments.

3. Approve the Resolution Adopting a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Negative Declaration for the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

4. Approve the Resolution adopting the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff will present the Final Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to provide an update to the City Council on amendments to the plan for the City Council to consider adoption of the CEQA IS/ND and adoption of the CAAP.

BACKGROUND
In March 2021, the City Council directed staff to move forward with development of a Qualified CAAP1 as defined by Section 15183.5[b][1] of the CEQA Guidelines. Staff issued a Request for Proposals for professional services and the city awarded the contract to Ascent Environmental.

Preparation of the CAAP began in July 2021. The Draft CAAP was presented to the Planning Commission on April 12, 2023 and the full City Council on May 1, 2023. Staff made additional edits to the draft plan based on Planning Commission and City Council feedback and published the Public Review Draft CAAP and CEQA IS/ND for a 30-day public review period ending on July 1, 2023. Staff have made additional minor amendments based on City Council and public 1 "Qualified CAAP" is short hand for a qualified plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions described in Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1)

City Council Staff Report – Page 2 of 8
comments received, detailed below, to prepare the Final Draft CAAP for Council consideration.

Action on this item will adopt the CEQA IS/ND and the Final Draft CAAP.

Adopting the Final Draft CAAP puts the city in a good position to meet multiple goals and priorities. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, having an adopted CAAP positions the city for grant funding to meet both GHG reduction and other city goals, such as revitalizing corridors, investing in disinvested communities, better maintenance of existing infrastructure, increasing sustainability, and becoming more resilient to natural disasters. Similarly, implementation of the CAAP’s measures to reduce GHG emissions will provide significant co-benefits, such as increased transportation safety, more diverse and equitable mobility options, improved health outcomes, enhanced community character, community resilience, and economic development opportunities. Qualified plans, such as the proposed Final Draft CAAP, are consistent with California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) recommendations and must include the plan elements listed in CEQA Section 15183.5(b)(1) to allow for the streamlining of project-level GHG emissions analysis under CEQA. With the streamlined CEQA analysis process, a project may be determined to have less than significant GHG emissions impacts if the project is consistent with the CAAP. This CEQA streamlining benefit will allow qualifying projects to move forward faster through the CEQA environmental review process and with a higher level of development certainty.

Multiple other jurisdictions in the Sacramento region have adopted Climate Action Plans including the City of Davis, City of Elk Grove, City of Sacramento, City of West Sacramento, City of Woodland, Sacramento County, and Yolo County.

CAAP Overview
Below is a brief overview of the CAAP components. The first step of the CAAP process was to conduct a Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This inventory used a 2019 base year and showed community activities generated approximately 679,706 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e). The major emissions sectors are on-road transportation (61%), residential and nonresidential building energy use (14% and 17% respectively), solid waste (3%), off-road vehicles and equipment (2%), water use (1%), and wastewater generation (1%). The 2019 inventory will serve as the city’s GHG emissions baseline, which will be used to set future emissions reductions targets and will be updated every five (5) years. This inventory has been forecasted under “business-as-usual” (BAU) and legislative-adjusted BAU scenarios for years 2030 and 2045.

Rancho Cordova’s 2030 emissions reduction target and 2045 goal has been developed to align with the statewide emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2045 (shown together with the GHG inventory and forecast in Figure 1) and establishes the following communitywide GHG reductions targets:
•36 percent below 2019 levels by 2030; and
•net zero emissions as soon as possible and no later than 2045, with at least an 81 percent reduction from 2019 levels for anthropogenic sources

In order to meet these reduction targets the CAAP identifies strategies and measures the city can take to address climate change by reducing GHG emissions and strategies and actions for the city to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change in Rancho Cordova.

City Council Staff Report – Page 3 of 8
The measures are intended to achieve the city’s 2030 target and make substantial progress towards the city’s 2045 goal.

Figure 1: Rancho Cordova Future Emissions (with Legislative Reductions) by Sector, 2030 Emission Reduction Target, and 2045 Emission Reduction Goal

Source: Ascent Environmental 2022
The proposed CAAP measures form a Strategy Framework consisting of 14 GHG reduction strategies, 34 GHG emission reduction measures, and supporting actions summarized by sector in Table 1 below. The strategy framework within the CAAP contains additional information including annual emissions reduced, percent of the city’s total reductions, performance targets, and supporting actions identified by the city to assist in achieving each strategy’s performance target. The additional details are presented in Chapter 3, Section 1.3.2, and GHG reduction calculation details are included in CAAP Appendix E.
0 100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
2019 2030 2045
On-Road Transportation Nonresidential Building Energy
Residential Building Energy Solid Waste
Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment Wastewater Treatment
GHG Emissions (MTCO2e)
36% below 2019 levels
81% below 2019 levels

City Council Staff Report – Page 4 of 8
Table 1: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Summary
Emissions Sector 2030 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2045 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
Future Emissions without Legislative Reductions 816,700 987,800 Legislative Reductions 301,400 458,000
Future Emissions with Legislative Reductions 515,400 529,800 Target Emissions 438,300 129,300
Total Reductions from Strategies and Measures 79,700 307,800 Reductions from On-Road Transportation Measures 54,800 218,200 Reductions from Building Energy Measures 13,600 45,600
Reductions from Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment
Measures 1,800 9,500
Reductions from Solid Waste Measures 8,800 32,600
Reductions from Carbon Sequestration Sector
Measures 440 1,000
Communitywide Emissions with Strategies and
Measures 435,700 222,200
Notes: Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand; values and totals may not equal the values summed in other tables or figures
MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023
Draft CAAP Feedback Received
The city hosted four public workshops and performed outreach efforts to engage residents, stakeholders, and other interested organizations and individuals. Additional outreach methods, prior to the Draft CAAP included a project website, an open online survey, a randomized public opinion poll, targeted stakeholder meetings, informal emails and conversations. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for the community to participate in the CAAP planning process and ensure that the CAAP captures the ideas and concerns of residents and businesses.

Staff presented the Draft CAAP to the Planning Commission on April 12, 2023, the City Council on May 1, and conducted a 30-day public review period in June. Comments received and updates included in the Final Draft CAAP are summarized here.

Planning Commissioners expressed a desire to see the city take the lead in transitioning the city vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, consider alternative fuel vehicles, continue collaboration with regional jurisdictions, ensure a balance between economic development costs and benefits of transitioning away from new gas stations, drive-through businesses, and provision of off-street parking, and expressed a desire for a future presentation to provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding CAAP adoption.

Response: The Final Draft CAAP includes an action to transition the city fleet to electric, or alternative fuel vehicles. Because the city leases its vehicle fleet, transition can begin in the next couple of years and continue gradually as vehicles are replaced. City staff are actively collaborating with regional jurisdictions and will continue to work on joint measures and discussions to align regional approaches and leverage resources for implementation. Alternative

City Council Staff Report – Page 5 of 8
fuels, in addition to electric vehicles, have been incorporated into the Final Draft CAAP measures. Consideration of economic costs and benefits for various CAAP measures will be determined through further discussions with the City Council as staff develops an implementation plan. Staff presented the Commission’s request for a future presentation to the Commission prior to CAAP adoption and a majority of the Council did not direct staff to return to the Commission.

The City Council, along with trade group representatives, requested the removal of the point-of- sale requirement for transitioning gas to electric appliances. The City Council also requested the inclusion of alternative fuels, requested information regarding implications of the California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley court decision overturning the City of Berkeley’s ban on natural gas infrastructure in newly constructed buildings, and to provide additional information on the costs to implement the CAAP.

Response: The point-of-sale requirement has been removed and replaced with a point-of- replacement focused action. Further discussion during CAAP implementation will be needed to determine any additional policy approach for the transition of gas to electric appliances.

Alternative fuels, in addition to electric vehicles, have been included in the Final Draft CAAP.

The City of Berkeley took a non-building code approach to prohibiting new natural gas infrastructure in new construction. This is one of several approaches that has been considered to require all-electric new construction. The Final Draft CAAP considers a building code change to adopt a reach code, which is not precluded by the Berkeley case. Similarly, the Berkeley case is still in process and may receive a rehearing on the Ninth Circuit’s decision that may reverse the decision in the next 1-2 years. Costs to implement the CAAP are considered in more detail in the CAAP Implementation and Grant Opportunities sections below.

Resident comments stressed highlighting local amenities such as the American River, protecting or expanding floodways, stronger monitoring of existing tree protection ordinances, increasing the transition to EV and availability of charging stations, focusing on increasing transit availability, and concerns about truck traffic.

Response: The Final Draft CAAP puts more emphasis on highlighting local amenities such as the American River. Protecting floodways and trees is included in the Final Draft CAAP and further emphasis will be determined within the implementation plans through future discussions with the City Council. EV transition, including the EV transition of freight hauling trucks and warehouse operations, is detailed in On-Road Transportation Strategy 5, with a heavy emphasis in this plan corresponding to 34% of the GHG reductions planned by 2030. Improvements to transit are included in On-Road Transportation Strategy 3, however less emphasis is placed on this sector recognizing currently low levels of transit ridership.

Regional environmental organization comments included a desire for more substantiation of measure implementation, including preparation of cost estimates, timelines, and planning to ensure measure feasibility.

Response: The Final Draft CAAP meets the requirements of a CEQA Qualified CAAP to specify measures, including performance standards demonstrated by substantial evidence, that would achieve the emissions reductions target, establishes a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the reductions target, and amend the plan if it is not achieving the specified targets. As drafted, the measures retain flexibility for implementation that will be determined through future City Council policy and budget discussions.

City Council Staff Report – Page 6 of 8
The city received comment letters from SacRT and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District with comments and suggestions for elaboration and contingencies on the proposed measures and continued partnership with the city through implementation of the CAAP. The city also received comments from the Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) with comments suggesting clarification of the distinct roles and collaboration for tree-planting events on other agency properties.

Response: The measures have not been modified but will be monitored on a regular basis to determine if anticipated reductions are being achieved as detailed in the CAAP Chapter 5. City staff look forward to further discussion and partnership with these agencies as annual implementation plans are developed to explore possibilities for improved services. Staff will make the requested changes from CRPD within the Adaptation Strategies.

CAAP Implementation
Implementation of CAAP measures will begin following adoption of the plan and will be regularly assessed and monitored. Staff will return to the City Council on an annual or biannual basis to determine implementation priorities along with any General Fund impacts. A monitoring report will be prepared every two years. Measures must be determined over time to be effective, keeping the city on track to achieve the GHG reduction targets, and achieving desired outcomes. Every five years, the city will prepare an update to the GHG Emissions Inventory and the CAAP.

The majority (61%) of communitywide emissions are from the on-road transportation sector.

These emissions are generated by the combustion of fossil fuels (i.e., gasoline and diesel) in motor vehicles. Local actions are focused around reducing the frequency or distance of vehicle travel or reducing the use of internal combustion vehicles by shifting to alternative modes of transportation (e.g., bicycling, transit) or alternative fuel types (e.g. electric or hydrogen vehicles). With a combined emissions contribution of 31 percent, building energy is the second largest contributor to overall communitywide emissions. Transitioning away from natural gas- powered heating and appliances and electrifying the building stock will reduce emissions in the city. At the local level, GHG emissions reductions would be achieved by decarbonizing buildings and increasing energy efficiency. Initiatives directed under the energy category rely on efforts by local utilities, organizations, and agencies, with participation from the community. CAAP GHG reduction measures are heavily focused on these two main emissions sectors and will play a larger role in discussions as future implementation plans are developed.

The costs to the City of Rancho Cordova to implement the CAAP vary considerably due to the various pathways that reductions targets can be met. On the lower cost side are the possibilities that macro-economic trends and the private market will lead to the anticipated GHG reductions without city intervention (e.g. faster market growth of electric vehicles, or continued Work from Home workplace trends). Policies enacted by the city to achieve reductions can be similarly low- cost interventions but may place larger burdens on residents and the private sector (e.g. requirements for residents to divert organic waste from landfills). City-funded incentives and programs would have a fiscal impact dependent on the size and scale of the funded incentives and programs (e.g. increasing the existing Cash for Clunkers program from $500 to a higher amount). Staff anticipates continuing discussions with the City Council to target the appropriate methods for implementation on an annual basis considering current progress on meeting reductions targets, the availability of grant funding, future GHG emissions inventory updates, and other city priorities. Administrative costs to the city to monitor and update the CAAP are estimated to be less than $100,000 annually.

City Council Staff Report – Page 7 of 8
Grant Opportunities
Federal, State, and local programs have earmarked significant funds for climate-related programs that will help the city meet the CAAP reduction targets. Upon CAAP approval, the City of Rancho Cordova will be very well-situated to respond to these opportunities that will assist in implementing CAAP measures and other city priorities.

At the Federal level, through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA), nearly $100 billion is available in loans and grants for a variety of clean energy projects. Tens of billions of these funds are available for competitive grants from the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and United State Department of Agriculture, among others, that are directly targeted to the city’s largest emissions sectors, on- road transportation and building energy. These funds will be available for projects to promote electric vehicle ownership and charging infrastructure, transition of heavy-duty trucks and buses to electric, expanding alternative fuel corridors, and home electrification and appliance rebates.

The city is working collaboratively on one of these projects already with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District to compete for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. Noncompetitive sources of Federal funding also include the city’s annual allocation of Community Development Block Grants, and a one-time allocation of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in 2023 for nearly $140,000. The federal tax credit for clean vehicles has also been expanded and extended through 2032.

Funding at the State level is available through the California Climate Investments (CCI), the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) the Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CCI utilizes billions of dollars of Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds for various statewide projects. OPR has $375 million available from the 2021 State Climate budget to support climate adaptation and resilience planning and mitigation activities. SGC has hundreds of millions in annual competitive climate grants available through its Transformative Climate Communities and Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities programs. CARB provides additional rebates for electric vehicle purchases and, new for 2023, has a $10 million program to provide low-income households with a rebate for the purchase of an electric bike (e- bike).

Lastly, at the local level, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has residential rebates for electric appliances and heat pumps, business rebates for lighting, refrigeration and HVAC, an EV rate discount for electric usage, grants for EV charging equipment and installation costs, and free shade trees. These and other funding sources are listed in the CAAP Appendix G.

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan CEQA Review
Environmental review of the CAAP is required by CEQA and the draft environmental document has been completed and released for a 30-day public review period from June 2, through July 1, 2023. Performing environmental review of the CAAP is also one of the required elements of a CEQA Qualified CAAP (CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5[b][b1][F]. The CAAP Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) is attached to this report. Following is a summary of this information.

An Initial Study analyzing the potential environmental impacts of adopting and implementing the CAAP was conducted and a Negative Declaration prepared pursuant to CEQA requirements.

City Council Staff Report – Page 8 of 8
The IS shows that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the city, that the implementation of the CAAP may have a significant effect on the environment.

Four letters were received by staff in response to the IS/ND from the following respondents:

California Department of Transportation, 350 Sacramento, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and Sacramento Regional Transit District. In response to these comments, no changes were made to the IS/ND. Because no changes that materially affect the analysis or conclusions were made, no recirculation is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5. Further, none of the comments received affect the adequacy of the IS/ND to address the proposed project. The comment letters received, and city responses to environmental issues raised in the comments are included in the IS/ND.

Staff recommends adoption of the IS/ND to meet CEQA requirements through the attached Resolution (Attachment 1).

Next Steps
Following CAAP adoption, staff will develop an implementation strategy, apply to available grant opportunities to implement CAAP actions, and return to the City Council as needed to receive direction on implementation of CAAP actions. The Final Draft CAAP Implementation and Monitoring chapter identifies future steps for required CAAP updates including a monitoring report every two (2) years and updating the GHG Inventory every five (5) years.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact with the requested action, as the Final Draft CAAP and CEQA ND are planning documents identifying prioritized actions for further development and implementation. Prioritized CAAP actions that require approval by City Council will be brought back to the City Council for review and approval, including allocating funds, approving ordinances or other actions.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution to Adopt a CEQA Negative Declaration

2. Resolution to Adopt the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

3. Final Negative Declaration, Comment Letters Received, and City Responses

4. Final Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

5. Final Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan References and Appendices

6. Presentation

ITEM 11.2. 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,

ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE

ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (SCH#2023060063) was prepared and analyzed the environmental effects associated with the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Negative Declaration was prepared and processed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Negative Declaration was circulated for a 30-day public review and comment period ending on July 1, 2023; and
WHEREAS, public comments were received, but did not identify new significant impacts or present new information that would alter the environmental analysis or require recirculation; and
WHEREAS, no changes were made to the Initial Study/Negative Declaration in response to comments, therefore no recirculation is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Negative Declaration adequately evaluated potentially significant impacts of the project and concluded that the all the potential environmental impacts were less than significant; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Negative Declaration shows that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before the city, that the project may have a significant effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2023, the City Council held a public hearing and reviewed the Initial Study/Negative Declaration, the staff reports pertaining to the project, and all evidence received at the City Council hearings, all of which documents and evidence are hereby incorporated by reference into this Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA AS FOLLOWS: The Initial Study/Negative Declaration prepared for the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan adequately evaluates the potentially significant environmental impacts of the project and hereby adopts a Negative Declaration.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 21 st day of August, 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ITEM 11.2. ATTACHMENT 1 Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 2
ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Linda Budge, Mayor
ATTEST:

Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

ITEM 11.2. ATTACHMENT 2 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,

ADOPTING THE RANCHO CORDOVA CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN WHEREAS, the City launched the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to establish a greenhouse gas reduction goal, create a set of strategies to meet the goal, and adapt to the impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP directly supports the City Council Goal 2 to ensure a safe, inviting and livable community by creating a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience in the city; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP is the first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan adopted by the City of Rancho Cordova; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP establishes a framework of implementable, measurable prioritized actions and identifies a trajectory to align with statewide GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045, bring the City into compliance with California legislation to reduce GHG emissions, and address climate risk; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP includes building energy and design, transportation and land use, water conservation and waste reduction, climate adaptation and carbon removal actions; and
WHEREAS, the CAAP development process included significant community and stakeholder outreach through virtual and in-person workshops, an online survey, a randomized public-opinion survey, targeted stakeholder meetings, a CAAP email address, and presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council; and WHEREAS, an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (SCH#2023060063) was prepared for the CAAP and circulated for public review in accordance with CEQA requirements. The Initial Study adequately analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the project and determined that all potential impacts would be less than significant. Public comments were received on the Initial Study but did not alter the analysis or conclusions. No additional circulation and no further environmental review were required and on August 21, 2023 the Negative Declaration was adopted by the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA AS FOLLOWS: adopts the Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 21st day of August 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ITEM 11.2. ATTACHMENT 2 Resolution No. XX-2023 Page 2 of 2
ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Linda Budge, Mayor
ATTEST:

Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk

Initial Study/Proposed Negative
Declaration for the
City of Rancho Cordova
Clim
ate Action and
Adaptation Plan
Prepared for:

City of Rancho Cordova
August 2023
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Initial Study/Proposed Negative Declaration for the
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan
Prepared for:

City of Rancho Cordova
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Contact:

Stefan Heisler
Housing Manager
916.851.8757
[email protected]
Prepared by:

Ascent Environmental
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
August 2023
20210054.01
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Asce
nt Environmental
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
ascentenvironmental.com
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ATTACHMENT 3

NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PROJECT: CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
LEAD AGENCY: CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the lead agency is the public agency with primary responsibility over approval of the project. The City of Rancho Cordova (City) is the CEQA lead agency because it is responsible for adoption and implementation of the proposed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The proposed project is a CAAP, which the City of Rancho Cordova (City) has prepared to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience. The purposes of the CAAP are to identify strategies and measures the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The fundamental purposes of the proposed CAAP are to set forth a plan for reducing the City’s communitywide GHG emissions to levels in alignment with statewide targets and increasing the city’s resilience to existing and anticipated climate change hazards. The City has developed the following objectives for the proposed CAAP:
 Prepare a baseline GHG emissions inventory of community-wide sources of emissions in the City, and project the potential growth of these emissions over time;
 Establish a local target for 2030 and a local goal for 2045 aligned with the statewide targets of SB 32 and AB 1279;
 Develop and quantify actions the City can take to reduce communitywide emissions to levels that meet or exceed its 2030 target and make substantial progress toward its 2045 goal;  Meet the requirements of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(2) regarding “Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” to provide streamlining of GHG emissions analysis for future projects that are consistent with the proposed CAAP; and
 Identify the city’s vulnerabilities to existing and anticipated climate change hazards, and set forth actions the City can take to protect people and property by adapting to these hazards and improving resilience.

FINDINGS
An Initial Study has been prepared to assess the project’s potential effects on the environment and the significance of those effects. Based on the Initial Study, the City has determined that the project would not have any significant effects on the environment. Therefore, no mitigation measures are proposed.

Pursuant to Section 21082.1 of the California Environmental Quality Act, the City has independently reviewed and analyzed the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the project and finds that the Initial Study and Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of the City.

_________________________________________
Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager
City of Rancho Cordova

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1 INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 1-1 2 RESPONSES TO COMMENTS ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 2-1 3 REFERENCES ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 3-1 4 REPORT PREPARERS ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 4-1 Appendices

Appendix A Initial Study/Proposed Negative Declaration
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 1-1
1 INTRODUCTION
This Final Initial Study/Negative Declaration includes responses from the City of Rancho Cordova (City) to public comments on the draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) for the proposed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The draft IS/ND was circulated for a 30-day public review period, from June 2, 2023, through July 1, 2023. Consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d), the City has considered all comments received on the draft IS/ND. No changes or revisions have been made to the draft IS/ND since its publication for public review. A copy of the draft IS/ND is included as Appendix A to this Final IS/ND.

1.1 PROJECT SUMMARY
The proposed project is a CAAP, which the City of Rancho Cordova (City) has prepared to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience. The purposes of the CAAP are to identify strategies and measures the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The fundamental purposes of the proposed CAAP are to set forth a plan for reducing the City’s communitywide GHG emissions to levels in alignment with statewide targets and increasing the city’s resilience to existing and anticipated climate change hazards. The City has developed the following objectives for the proposed CAAP:
 Prepare a baseline GHG emissions inventory of community-wide sources of emissions in the City, and project the potential growth of these emissions over time;
 Establish a local target for 2030 and local goal for 2045 aligned with the statewide targets of SB 32 and AB 1279;  Develop and quantify actions the City can take to reduce communitywide emissions to levels that meet or exceed its 2030 target and make substantial progress toward its 2045 goal;  Meet the requirements of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(2) regarding “Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” to provide streamlining of GHG emissions analysis for future projects that are consistent with the proposed CAAP; and
 Identify the city’s vulnerabilities to existing and anticipated climate change hazards, and set forth actions the City can take to protect people and property by adapting to these hazards and improving resilience.

1.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Chapter 3, “Environmental Checklist,” of the draft IS/ND analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project using the sample questions from Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. It demonstrates that implementation of the proposed CAAP would have either no impact or a less-than-significant impact for all of the environmental topics evaluated:
 Aesthetics
 Agriculture and Forest Resources
 Air Quality
 Biological Resources
 Cultural Resources
 Energy
 Geology and Soils
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
 Hydrology and Water Quality
 Land Use and Planning
 Mineral Resources
 Noise
 Population and Housing
 Public Services
 Recreation
 Transportation
 Tribal Cultural Resources
 Utilities and Service Systems
 Wildfire
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Introduction Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
1-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

1.3 DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION
This Final Initial Study/Negative Declaration is organized as follows:

Chapter 1, “Introduction,” summarizes the CAAP and the findings of the environmental analysis.

Chapter 2, “Responses to Comments,” contains a list of all parties who submitted comments on the draft IS/ND during the public review period, copies of the comment letters received, and responses from the City to environmental issues raised in the public comments.

Chapter 3, “References,” identifies the documents used as sources in the Final IS/ND.

Chapter 4, “List of Preparers,” identifies the preparers of this Final IS/ND.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-1
2 RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
This chapter contains comment letters received during the 30-day public review period for the draft IS/ND, which concluded on July 1, 2023. It also includes one comment letter received after the close of the public review period on July 3, 2023. Consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d), the City has considered these comments. CEQA does not require the lead agency to prepare responses to public comments received on a Negative Declaration; however, the City has prepared this document to disclose all comments received and provide good-faith responses to environmental issues raised in the comments. No revisions to the draft IS/ND were required in response to environmental issues raised in the public comments.

2.1 COMMENT LETTERS
The City received four comment letters on the draft IS/ND from the following agencies and organizations. This chapter includes a copy of each letter in its entirety and responses from the City to environmental issues raised in the comments.

1. 350 Sacramento, June 28, 2023.

2. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), District 3, June 5, 2023.

3. Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), June 30, 2023, and

4. Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), July 3, 2023.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Letter 1
350 Sacramento
Oscar Balaguer, Chair, CAP Team
June 28, 2023

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Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-3

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-4 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-5

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-6 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-7

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-8 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-9
CITY RESPONSE TO LETTER 1
This comment letter provides commentary and assertions on the contents of the proposed CAAP, commentary on the requirements of CEQA, and the environmental analysis of the IS-ND. Responses to comments on the environmental analysis of the IS-ND are provided below. Comments and assertions addressing the contents of the proposed CAAP, the requirements of CEQA, or otherwise unrelated to the environmental analysis of the IS-ND will be provided to the City’s decision makers as they consider adoption of the proposed CAAP.

In Section C (page 4), the comment letter asserts that the “IS-ND ignores significant indirect and cumulative impacts of CAP adoption” and refers to impacts, “associated with the ‘permit streamlining function’ of an adopted CAP.” The comment letter further asserts that “large Rancho Cordova projects…would benefit from the CAP’s streamlining function,” and makes reference to a set of draft growth projections for the Sacramento region in year 2036 published by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) and provides commentary on the amount of “vacant, undeveloped agricultural land” in the city.

The draft IS-ND appropriately evaluates the potential adverse effects that would result from implementation of the proposed CAAP by evaluating the potential physical changes that would result from implementation of the CAAP’s strategies, measures, and supporting actions to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change; as explained in the draft and Final IS-ND, the implementation of the proposed CAAP would not result in any significant impacts on the environment. The proposed CAAP does not include changes to General Plan land use designations, zoning requirements, or other provisions that would result in the construction and operation of land development projects. The proposed CAAP, by meeting the requirements of a qualified plan for the reduction of GHG emissions under CEQA Guidelines 15183.5(b)(1), would provide future development projects that are consistent with the CAAP an opportunity to streamline analysis of their GHG emissions impacts under CEQA. This comment does not provide any evidence supporting its assertion that adopting a CAAP meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines 15183.5(b)(1) would lead to the development of land use projects that result in adverse environmental effects. The construction and operation of land development projects and any associated environmental effects, including but not limited to the Westborough and Arboretum projects referenced in the comment letter, are not reasonably foreseeable changes that would be caused by the adoption of the CAAP.

In Section E (page 5), the comment letter asserts that the proposed CAAP would be inconsistent with a plan, policy, or regulation adopted to reduce GHG emissions because it is inconsistent with Senate Bill (SB) 375. Referred to as the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008), SB 375 established requirements for regional metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to include Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) within their regional transportation plans that demonstrate how transportation, housing, and land use plans can achieve specified passenger vehicle GHG reduction targets that are set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

In the Sacramento region, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is the MPO responsible for SB 375 compliance including preparing an SCS within its Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). As explained in Chapter 1, Introduction, of the proposed CAAP, SACOG most recently adopted its MTP/SCS in 2020 (refer to page 1-6 of the proposed CAAP).

Neither SB 375 nor the SCS establish requirements for local governments. In addition, SB 375 stipulates that, “(n)othing in a sustainable communities strategy shall be interpreted as superseding the exercise of the land use authority of cities and counties within the region…or shall require a city’s…land use policies and regulations, including its general plan, to be consistent with the regional transportation plan.” (Government Code Section 65080[b][2][J]) Moreover, the proposed CAAP includes a detailed list of transportation strategies, measures, and supporting actions that would reduce transportation-related GHG emissions by reducing vehicle miles of travel (VMT). These strategies, measures, and supporting actions are listed in Tables 3.2 through 3.5 in Chapter 3, of the proposed CAAP, which also includes quantitative performance metrics identifying the estimated decrease in the amount of driving in 2030 and 2045, along with the annual GHG reduction potential in 2030 and 2045 (refer to pages 3-7 through 3-13 of the proposed CAAP). Based on the foregoing, the proposed CAAP would not result in an adverse effect on the ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-10 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
environment due to being inconsistent with SACOG’s adopted MTP/SCS, and implementation of the proposed CAAP’s transportation-related strategies, measures, and supporting actions would be compatible with the objectives of SB 375 and SACOG’s MTP/SCS to reduce passenger vehicle GHG emissions.

In Section E (page 6), the comment letter also asserts that the proposed CAAP would be inconsistent with a plan, policy, or regulation adopted to reduce GHG emissions because it is inconsistent with Senate Bill (SB) 743. SB 743, which took effect in 2020, resulted in changes to how transportation impacts of projects are evaluated under CEQA – projects are now evaluated based on the amount of driving or VMT they generate, instead of measuring automobile delay (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3[b]). To implement SB 743, the City of Rancho Cordova adopted Transportation Impact Guidelines to describe the requirements for evaluating VMT impacts of projects in the city under CEQA, including thresholds for what constitutes an acceptable level of VMT and what requires mitigation measures to reduce VMT. Neither SB 743 nor the City’s Transportation Impact Guidelines impose any requirements on the proposed CAAP. In addition, the proposed CAAP, in Transportation-1.1 (page 3-7), illustrates how the City’s enforcement of its Transportation Impact Guidelines is estimated to reduce VMT levels and GHG emissions in 2030 and 2045.

Furthermore, the draft IS-ND provides an analysis demonstrating that the proposed CAAP would not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(b) – the provisions implementing SB 743. The comment letter does not address or raise any issues with this analysis of the draft IS-ND. Based on the foregoing, the proposed CAAP would not result in an adverse effect on the environment due to a conflict with SB 743. And as described above, the proposed CAAP includes numerous strategies, measures, and actions that would reduce VMT and transportation- related GHG emissions in 2030 and 2045.

This comment letter also includes commentary unrelated to the contents of the IS-ND but regarding “CEQA requirements” for the proposed CAAP, including an assertion in Section B on page 4 that “CEQA requires that CAP measures comply with requirements applicable to project-specific mitigation – that they be substantiated as feasible, effective, and enforceable.” The actual provisions of a qualified plan for the reduction greenhouse gas emissions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1), and a summary of the proposed CAAP’s compliance with these provisions, are provided in the Final CAAP (Table 5-2, pages 5-5 and 5-6). As the Final CAAP shows, CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1) does not set forth requirements for the proposed CAAP that are asserted in this comment letter (nor do any other provisions of the CEQA Statutes or CEQA Guidelines).

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-11
Letter 2
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), District 3 Nirupama Stalin, Local Development Review Branch
June 5, 2023

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ATTACHMENT 3

Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-12 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
CITY RESPONSE TO LETTER 2
This comment letter does not raise any environmental issues with the IS/ND. These comments will be provided to the City’s decision makers as they consider adoption of the proposed CAAP.

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ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-13
Letter 3
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Paul Philley, Program Supervisor, Transportation & Climate Change Division June 30, 2023

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-14 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-15

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-16 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-17

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-18 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-19

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-20 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
CITY RESPONSE TO LETTER 3
SMAQMD offers suggestions and commentary on the contents of the proposed CAAP; it does not address any environmental issues with the IS/ND. The City appreciates the suggestions and looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate with SMAQMD, including on opportunities to support and obtain funding for implementation of the proposed CAAP. These comments will be provided to the City’s decision makers as they consider adoption of the proposed CAAP.

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ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-21
Letter 4
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
Kevin Schroder, Senior Planner
July 3, 2023

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-22 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-23

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Responses to Comments Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-24 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

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Ascent Responses to Comments
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-25
CITY RESPONSE TO LETTER 4
SacRT offers specific comments and general suggestions on the contents of the proposed CAAP; it does not address any environmental issues with the IS/ND. The City appreciates the specific comments and general suggestions and looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate with SacRT to implement public transit and other mobility goals of the proposed CAAP. These comments will be provided to the City’s decision makers as they consider adoption of the proposed CAAP.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 3-1
3 REFERENCES
CHAPTER 1, INTRODUCTION
No references were used in this chapter.

CHAPTER 2, RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
No references were used in this chapter.

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References Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
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City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 4-1
4 REPORT PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager
ASCENT
Andrew Martin, Project Manager

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Report Preparers Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
4-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
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Appendix A
Initial Study/
Proposed Negative Declaration
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Preliminary Investigation
Public Review Draft
Initial Study/Proposed Negative Declaration
for the
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan
Prepared for:

City of Rancho Cordova
June 2023
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Pu
blic Review Draft
Initial Study/Proposed Negative Declaration for the
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan
Prepared for:

City of Rancho Cordova
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Contact:

Stefan Heisler
Housing Manager
916.851.8757
[email protected]
Prepared by:

Ascent Environmental
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95814
Jun
e 2023
20210054.01
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... vi 1 INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 1-1

1.1 Introduction and Regulatory Guidance ......................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Purpose of this Document ..............................................................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Summary of Findings ....................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.4 Document Organization ................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 2-1

2.1 Project Overview ................................................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.2 Project Location ................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Project Background .......................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.4 Project Objectives .............................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.5 Project Description ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-4

2.6 Potential Permits and Approvals Required ............................................................................................................ 2-12 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 3-1

3.1 Aesthetics ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3-5

3.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources ............................................................................................................................... 3-9

3.3 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-11

3.4 Biological Resources ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-19

3.5 Cultural Resources ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-24

3.6 Energy................................................................................................................................................................................. 3-27

3.7 Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-32

3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ......................................................................................................................................... 3-36

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ........................................................................................................................... 3-41

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality .................................................................................................................................... 3-45

3.11 Land Use and Planning ................................................................................................................................................. 3-50

3.12 Mineral Resources .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-52

3.13 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-54

3.14 Population and Housing .............................................................................................................................................. 3-61

3.15 Public Services ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-63

3.16 Recreation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-66

3.17 Transportation ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-67

3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 3-70

3.19 Utilities and Service Systems ...................................................................................................................................... 3-73

3.20 Wildfire ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3-76

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance ......................................................................................................................... 3-79 4 REFERENCES ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 4-1 5 REPORT PREPARERS ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .5-1

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Table of Contents Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
ii Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Figures
Figure 2-1 Regional Location ............................................................................................................................................................. 2-2 Figure 2-2 Project Location ................................................................................................................................................................ 2-3

Tables
Table 2-1 Summary of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions ........................................................................................... 2-5 Table 2-2 Summary of CAAP Measures to Reduce GHG Emissions ................................................................................... 2-6 Table 2-3 Summary of CAAP Actions to Adapt to Climate Change ................................................................................... 2-9 Table 2-4 CAAP Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe ........................................................................................... 2-12 Table 3.3-1 Sources and Health Effects of Criteria Air Pollutants ......................................................................................... 3-12 Table 3.13-1 Acoustic Term Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 3-54

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Ascent Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND iii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
2020 MTP/SCS 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy AB Assembly Bill
BMP Best Management Practices
CAA Clean Air Act
CAAP Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CalRecycle California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery CARB California Air Resources Board
CBTP Community-Based Travel Planning
CCR California Code of Regulations
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
City City of Rancho Cordova
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CO carbon monoxide
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
CRPD Cordova Recreation and Park District
CTR Commuter Trip Reduction Program
dB Decibel
draft IS/ND draft Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration EAP Energy Action Plan
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EO Executive Order
EV electric vehicle
FCUSD Folsom Cordova Unified School District
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSZ Fire Hazard Severity Zones
FTA Federal Transit Administration
GHG greenhouse gas
in/sec inches per second
Ldn Day-Night Noise Level
Leq Equivalent Noise Level
Lmax Maximum Noise Level
MPO metropolitan planning organizations
MTCO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAHC Native American Commission
NO2 nitrogen dioxide
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Acronyms and Abbreviations Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
iv Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
NOX oxides of nitrogen
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OIMP odor impact minimization plan
OPR Office of Planning and Research
PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric
PM particulate matter
PM10 respirable particulate matter
PM2.5 fine particulate matter
PPV peak particle velocity
PRC Public Resource Code
PV photo voltaic
RCMC Rancho Cordova Municipal Code
RCPD Rancho Cordova Police Department
RMS root-mean-square
ROG reactive organic gases
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SACOG Sacramento Area Council of Governments
SB Senate Bill
SCS sustainable communities strategies
SIP State implementation plan
SMAQMD Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District SMFD Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
SMUD Sacramento Municipal Utility District
SO2 sulfur dioxide
SSHCP South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan
SVAB Sacramento Valley Air Basin
SWPPP storm water pollution prevention plan
VdB vibration decibels
VMT vehicle miles traveled
ZEV zero-emission vehicle
ZNE zero-net-energy

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 1-1
1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION AND REGULATORY GUIDANCE
This draft Initial Study/Proposed Negative Declaration (draft IS/ND) has been prepared by the City of Rancho Cordova (City) to evaluate potential environmental effects resulting from implementation of the City’s proposed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). Chapter 2, “Project Description,” presents a detailed description of the proposed CAAP.

This document has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et seq.). An initial study is prepared by a lead agency to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15063[a]), and thus to determine the appropriate environmental document. In accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15070, a “public agency shall prepare…a proposed negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration…when: (a) The Initial Study shows that there is no substantial evidence…that the project may have a significant impact on the environment, or (b) The Initial Study identifies potentially significant effects but revisions to the project plans or proposal are agreed to by the applicant and such revisions would reduce potentially significant effects to a less-than-significant level.” In this circumstance, the lead agency prepares a written statement describing its reasons for concluding that the project would not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). By contrast, an EIR is required when the project may have a significant environmental impact that cannot clearly be reduced to a less-than-significant effect by adoption of mitigation or by revisions in the project design.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
As described in Chapter 3, “Environmental Checklist,” the proposed CAAP would not result in any significant environmental impacts. Therefore, an IS/ND is the appropriate document for compliance with the requirements of CEQA. This draft IS/ND conforms to these requirements and to the content requirements of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15071.

Under CEQA, the lead agency is the public agency with primary responsibility over approval of the project. The City of Rancho Cordova is the CEQA lead agency because they are responsible for adopting and implementing the proposed CAAP. This draft IS/ND will be circulated for a 30-day public review period, from June 2, 2023, through July 1, 2023. Comments on this draft IS/ND must be received by 5:00 PM on July 1, 2023. Comments can be emailed to Stefan Heisler at [email protected] or sent to the following address:

Stefan Heisler
City of Rancho Cordova
Community Development Department, Planning Division
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Comments received on the draft IS/ND will be considered and responded to before consideration of adoption of the draft IS/ND. The draft IS/ND, along with comments received by the date provided above, will be considered by the City in conjunction with consideration of adoption of the proposed CAAP.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Introduction Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
1-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

1.3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Chapter 3, “Environmental Checklist,” contains the analysis and discussion of potential environmental impacts of the proposed CAAP. The Environmental Checklist for this draft IS/ND includes the checklist question s from Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines. The analysis of Chapter 3 demonstrates that the proposed CAAP would have either no impact or a less-than-significant impact for the following environmental topics:
 Aesthetics  Land Use and Planning
 Agriculture and Forestry Resources  Mineral Resources  Air Quality  Noise
 Biological Resources  Population and Housing
 Cultural Resources  Public Services
 Energy  Recreation
 Geology and Soils  Transportation
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Tribal Cultural Resources
 Hazards and Hazardous Materials  Utilities and Service Systems  Hydrology and Water Quality  Wildfire

1.4 DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION
This draft IS/ND is organized as follows:

Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter introduces the environmental review process. It describes the purpose and organization of the draft IS/ND and presents a summary of findings.

Chapter 2: Project Description. This chapter provides an overview and background information for the proposed CAAP, lists the project objectives, and provides a detailed description of the proposed CAAP.

Chapter 3: Environmental Checklist. This chapter presents an analysis of the range of environmental topics identified in the Environmental Checklist and determines if implementation of the proposed CAAP would result in no impact, a less-than-significant impact, a less-than-significant impact with mitigation incorporated, or a potentially significant impact. If any potentially significant impacts could not be reduced to less than significant, an EIR would be required.

Chapter 4: References. This chapter lists the references used in preparation of this draft IS/ND.

Chapter 5: List of Preparers. This chapter identifies report preparers.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-1
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW
This chapter presents a detailed description of the proposed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (C AAP), which the City of Rancho Cordova (City) has prepared to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience. The purposes of the CAAP are to identify strategies and measures the City can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change. The City is the lead agency for the proposed CAAP under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

2.2 PROJECT LOCATION
As shown in Figure 2-1, the City is located within the eastern portion of Sacramento County, to the east of the City of Sacramento and to the west of the City of Folsom, along Highway 50. Mather Field Air Base is located along the southwest boundary of the City, and the Aerojet Rocket Testing Facility is located to the east. The northern boundary of the City is defined by the American River. The Plan Area for the proposed CAAP encompasses the approximately 35 square miles within the City limits, as shown in Figure 2-2.

2.3 PROJECT BACKGROUND
California law includes targets to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (Senate Bill [SB] 32) and to net zero levels as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, with statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions reduced to at least 85% below 1990 levels by 2045 (Assembly Bill [AB] 1279). In December 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted an update to its Climate Change Scoping Plan, the 2022 Scoping Plan, which presents modeling showing how California can surpass its 2030 target and reduce anthropogenic GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045 . California’s statewide targets and plans the objectives and contents of the CAAP, which are described in the following sections.

2.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The fundamental purposes of the proposed CAAP are set forth a plan for reducing the City’s communitywide GHG emissions to levels in alignment with statewide targets and increasing the city’s resilience to existing and anticipated climate change hazards. The City has developed the following objectives for the proposed CAAP:
 Prepare a baseline GHG emissions inventory of community-wide sources of emissions in the City, and project the potential growth of these emissions over time;
 Establish a local target for 2030 and a local goal for 2045 aligned with the statewide targets of SB 32 and AB 1279;  Develop and quantify actions the City can take to reduce communitywide emissions to levels that meet or exceed its 2030 target and make substantial progress toward its 2045 goal;  Meet the requirements of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(2) regarding “Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” to provide streamlining of GHG emissions analysis for future projects that are consistent with the proposed CAAP; and
 Identify the city’s vulnerabilities to existing and anticipated climate change hazards, and set forth actions the City can take to protect people and property by adapting to these hazards and improving resilience.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

Source: adapted by Ascent in 2019
Figure 2-1 Regional Location Map
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Project Description
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-3

Source: adapted by Ascent in 2023
Figure 2-2 Project Location
ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-4 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

2.5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The CAAP is divided into five main chapters. Chapter 1, introduces the City’s CAAP, outlines the goal of the CAAP , and the development process in detail, including community engagement. Chapter 2 describes the community’s baseline GHG emissions inventory, presents 2030 and 2045 emissions forecasts, and identifies community emissions reduction targets. GHG emissions reduction strategies and measures are included in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 presents an overview of the climate adaptation planning process, a summary of the city’s climate change vulnerability assessment, and adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions that can be implemented to strengthen community resilience to climate change. Lastly, Chapter 5 provides a framework for implementing and monitoring the CAAP and includes a timeline for future updates. These chapters are summarized below.

In developing the CAAP, the City evaluated the volume of emissions generated in a baseline year (2019) and identified City-specific targets and goals that determine the amount of community-wide emissions that need to be reduced in Rancho Cordova to align with statewide GHG reduction targets for 2030 and 2045. 1 The City then
developed GHG reduction measures to achieve the City’s 2030 target and make substantial progress towards the City’s 2045 goal. Additionally, in preparation of the CAAP, the City conducted a climate change vulnerability assessment to better understand its vulnerability to climate hazards. This was then used to inform and develop a set of adaptation strategies, objectives, and actions to improve community resilience in the context of climate change.

The successful implementation and administration of the CAAP would reduce emissions and reduce climate related risks in the city, as well as provide other co-benefits like strengthening the city’s economy, improving risk management, cleaning the environment, and improving the health and wellness of residents.

2.5.1 CAAP Development
Following initiation of the CAAP in 2021, the City prepared GHG emissions inventories and forecasts, set GHG reduction targets, and conducted a climate change vulnerability assessment. The City then developed GHG emissions reduction and adaptation strategies, measures, and actions to be included in the CAAP. Engagement with members of the public, government officials, and other stakeholders was conducted throughout the entirety of the project.

2.5.2 Community Engagement
The City hosted four public workshops and performed outreach efforts to engage residents, stakeholders, and other interested organizations and individuals. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for the community to participate in the plan development process and ensure that the CAAP equitably captured the ideas and concerns of residents and businesses.

The first workshop held on October 21, 2021, provided an overview of the purpose and objectives of the CAAP and discussed the CAAP process and project timeline. The second workshop held on January 13, 2022, summarized the city’s primary vulnerabilities to climate change and when these climate change impacts are likely to occur. On April 14, 2022, the City held the third workshop and discussed updates in the plan development process. The topics included the primary emissions sources and activities in Rancho Cordova, the role that legislative reductions play in reducing emissions in the city, and how much lower the future emissions need to be to align with California's climate goals. On November 16, 2022, the City hosted the fourth and final workshop which was the first in-person event. The purpose of the workshop was to gain feedback on actions the City can take to reduce GHG emissions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first three public workshops were held virtually, while the fourth workshop was an in-person event. An online survey was conducted after the fourth workshop to include feedback from residents who could not attend the final workshop.

The multiple sets of public events and additional methods for providing input on the CAAP provided residents and stakeholder groups the opportunity to contribute to CAAP development. Additionally, the City conducted a public opinion poll, the results of which are discussed in the sections below.

1 The baseline year for the CAAP’s GHG emissions is inventory is 2019 because 2019 was the most recent year for which reliable data were available at the time preparation of the GHG emissions inventory commenced in 2021.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Project Description
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-5

2.5.3 Emissions Inventory and Reduction Targets
The 2019 communitywide emissions level is 679,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (“MTCO2e”) and includes the following emissions sectors:
 On-Road Transportation
 Building Energy
 Solid Waste
 Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment
 Water Supply
 Wastewater Treatment
If communitywide emissions in the city were to continue to grow unimpeded, the city is anticipated to generate 816,800 MTCO2e in 2030 and 987,800 MTCO2e in 2045. While legislative reductions from State, federal, and regional actions would further reduce 301,400 MTCO2e per year, the City would still need to reduce annual emissions by 77,100 MTCO2e by 2030 and 400,500 MTCO2e by 2045 to achieve the proposed emissions reduction targets.

To reduce communitywide emissions in alignment with statewide targets, the CAAP has established the following:
 2030 target: 36 percent below 2019 levels (438,300 MTCO2e annually); and  2045 goal: 81 percent below 2019 levels (129,300 MTCO2e annually) CAAP Appendix A presents the inventory technical memorandum, CAAP Appendix B details the methodology for preparing the communitywide emissions inventory and projections, CAAP Appendix C presents the forecast and target technical memorandum, and CAAP Appendix D details the methodology for preparing the emissions reduction targets and goals.

2.5.4 CAAP Measures to Reduce GHG Emissions
To achieve the 2030 target and to make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal, the CAAP proposes a Strategy Framework consisting of 14 GHG reduction strategies, 34 GHG emission reduction measures, and supporting actions.

Table 2-1 presents the summary of communitywide emissions growth with and without emissions reduction strategies and measures identi fied in the CAAP.

Table 2-1 Summary of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Emissions Sectors 2030 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2045 Emissions
(MTCO2e)
Future Emissions without Legislative Reductions 816,700 987,800 Legislative Reductions 301,400 458,000
Future Emissions with Legislative Reductions 515,400 529,800 Target Emissions 438,300 129,300
Total Reductions from Strategies and Measures 79,700 307,800 Reductions from On-Road Transportation Measures 54,800 218,200 Reductions from Building Energy Measures 13,600 45,600 Reductions from Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Measures 1,800 9,500 Reductions from Solid Waste Measures 8,800 32,600
Reductions from Carbon Sequestration Sector Measures 440 1,000 Communitywide Emissions with Strategies and Measures 435,700 222,200 Notes: Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand; values and totals may not equal the values summed in other tables or figures; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: Ascent Environmental 2023.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-6 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
The measures are summarized in Table 2-2 below. The CAAP includes strategies, measures, and supporting actions that address the following major climate change-related activities that can be influenced by the City’s actions:
 Getting To, From, and Around the City (On-road Transportation Sector)  Using Energy in Homes and Businesses (Building Energy Sector)  Using Equipment for Landscaping and Construction (Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Sector)  Using Water and Disposing of Waste at Homes and Businesses (Water Supply, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Sectors)
 Planting and Managing Trees (Carbon Sequestration Sector) The strategy framework contains additional information like annual emissions reduced, percent of the City’s total reductions, performance targets, and supporting actions identified by the City to assist in achieving each strategy’s performance target. The additional details are presented in CAAP Chapter 3, and GHG reduction calculation details are included in CAAP Appendix E.

Table 2-2 Summary of CAAP Measures to Reduce GHG Emissions Getting To, From, and Around the City
(On-road Transportation Sector)
Strategy Transportation-1
Support development of walkable, interconnected neighborhoods, villages, and districts
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
6,700 17,100
Transportation-1.1: Enforce the City’s Transportation Impact Guidelines, which require developers to include features in their projects that decrease the amount of driving alone and encourage people to make trips by walking, biking, or using public transit Transportation-1.2: Reduce or eliminate requirements to provide a minimum number of off -street parking spaces in new development projects
Transportation-1.3: Improve street connectivity, for example by providing walkways at the ends of existing cul -de-sacs, or requiring walkable street systems in new developments
Transportation-1.4: Limit the number of drive-through businesses Strategy Transportation-2
Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
11,500 12,800
Transportation-2.1: Implement the City’s Bicycle Master Plan to increase the number and quality of walkways and bikeways Transportation-2.2: Install roundabouts to control traffic at intersections, instead of stop signs or traffic signals Transportation-2.3: Provide temporary or permanent car-free zones or “slow streets” in specified areas, for example, individual blocks or residential streets
Transportation-2.4: Install measures to reduce vehicle speeds and calm traffic on city streets Strategy Transportation-3
Provide transit options that are accessible, reliable, and convenient Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
5,800 10,200
Transportation-3.1: Increase the frequency of SacRT bus, CordoVan service, and/or light rail service, or extend service to cover new areas or times of day
Transportation-3.2: Implement Transit-Supportive Roadway Treatments (for example, transit signal priority, bus -only signal phases, queue jumps, curb extensions to speed passenger loading, and dedicated bus lanes) Transportation-3.3: Provide discounted or fare-free transit service (could be universal or targeted to specific areas and/or populations, for example, youth under 18)
Transportation-3.4: Provide a microtransit electric shuttle program (capacity for 7 -15 passengers) that provides on-demand pick up and drop off within defined, small -scale areas ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Project Description
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-7
Getting To, From, and Around the City
(On-road Transportation Sector)
Strategy Transportation-4
Provide transit options that are accessible, reliable, and convenient Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
3,800 6,800
Transportation-4.1: Implement a Commuter Trip Reduction Program (CTR) in which companies provide employees with services, infrastructure, and incentives for not driving alone to work and instead ridesharing, taking transit, biking, walking, or tel eworking Transportation-4.2: Implement an Electric Vehicle Carshare Program in which vehicles are available for users on-demand for short-term rentals Transportation-4.3: Implement a bikeshare/scooter share program in which conventional or electric powered bikes or scooters are available to users on-demand for short-term rentals
Transportation-4.4: Provide Community-Based Travel Planning (CBTP) to households in the city in which trained travel advisors visit households to provide them with customized information, incentives, and support to encourage use of transportation options other than driving alone Strategy Transportation-5
Transition to electric and zero emission vehicles
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
27,000 171,300
Transportation-5.1: Install EV chargers in new residential, commercial, and industrial projects Transportation-5.2: Install publicly accessible EV chargers on existing private property Transportation-5.3: Install EV chargers on public property Transportation-5.4: Electrify loading docks and/or require idling -reduction systems Transportation-5.5: Limit new gasoline/diesel fueling stations Using Energy in Homes and Businesses
(Building Energy Sector)
Strategy Energy-1a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing residential buildings Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
9,700 29,000
Energy-1.1: Retrofit existing residential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like spa ce and water heating, clothes drying, cooking
Strategy Energy-1b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in existing nonresidential buildings
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
2,100 10,000
Energy-1.2: Retrofit existing nonresidential buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce natural gas consumption for end uses like space and water heating, clothes drying, cooking.

Strategy Energy-2a
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new residential buildings Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
1,400 5,100
Energy-2.1: Require new residential development to be all -electric, zero net energy (ZNE) buildings (where the amount of energy used in a year equals the amount of energy generated on the site) Strategy Energy-2b
Increase energy efficiency and electrification in new nonresidential buildings Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
430 1500
Energy-2.2: Require new nonresidential development to achieve energy efficiency above minimum State building code requirements (CAL Green Tier 2)
Using Equipment for Landscaping and Construction
(Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Sector)
Strategy Offroad-1
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for landscaping equipment
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
130 260
Offroad-1.1: Replace existing gasoline and diesel-powered landscaping equipment with electric or zero emission alternatives Offroad-1.2: Convert new landscaping equipment to electric or zero -emission alternatives ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-8 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Getting To, From, and Around the City
(On-road Transportation Sector)
Strategy Offroad-2
Transition to electric and zero emissions technologies for construction equipment
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
1,700 9,200
Offroad-2.1: Increase electrification and use of alternative fuels in construction projects Offroad-2.2: Reduce construction vehicle idling
Using Water and Disposing of Waste at Homes and Businesses (Water and Solid Waste Sectors)
Strategy Water-1
Conserve water
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
0* 0*
Water-1.1: Reduce indoor water use in existing and new buildings Water-1.2: Reduce outdoor water use for landscaping and irrigation in existing and new developments *Emissions reduced from water measures estimated to be zero in 2030 because water-related energy needs assumed to be met by 100% renewable or zero emission electricity by 2030.

Strategy Solid Waste-1
Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
8,800 32,600
Solid Waste-1.1: Increase recovery of edible food waste Solid Waste-1.2: Eliminate disposal of organic waste in landfills (food waste, yard waste) Planting and Managing Trees
(Carbon Sequestration Sector)
Strategy Carbon Storage-1
Make walking and biking safe and attractive for people of all ages and abilities
Annual GHG Reduction
Potential (MTCO2e)
2030 2045
440 1,100
Carbon Storage-1.1: Increase the number of trees in the city, through new plantings and management of existing trees

2.5.5 Climate Adaptation and Vulnerability
The effects of climate change are already occurring at global, regional, and local scales and will continue to worsen existing hazards in and around the city, including extreme heat, extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfires. While these hazards have existed historically in the city and surrounding regions, the frequency, intensity, and duration of these hazards are projected to increase or change because of climate change. The level of impact from these climate hazards will vary across the city and the region due to variations in physical, social, and economic characteristics. Of the four climate hazards assessed, the city, inclusive of its populations and assets, is most vulnerable to the potential impacts of increased temperatures and extreme heat. However, the city is still vulnerable to the other three climate hazards that were assessed – extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, and wildfires – though to a lesser degree than increased temperatures and extreme heat.

2.5.6 CAAP Actions to Adapt to Climate Change
The CAAP also includes a set of five adaptation strategies to help the City prepare for and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Each adaptation strategy includes two to three tailored objectives, which are accompanied by an array of actions that can be implemented to help achieve those objectives. The adaptation strategies and objectives are summarized in Table 2-3 below. Further details, such as the associated actions for each strategy and set of objectives, are presented in Chapter 4. The city’s Vulnerability Assessment Technical Memo, which was used to inform the adaptation strategies, is included in CAAP Appendix F.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Project Description
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-9
Table 2-3 Summary of CAAP Actions to Adapt to Climate Change Strategy Adaptation-1.

Improve resilience to increased temperatures and extreme heat.

Objectives:
 Reduce the urban heat island effect.
 Protect populations from extreme heat.

Actions:
1a. Promote the use of “cool” roofs on both new and existing residential and nonresidential buildings. 1b. Pilot and monitor benefits of “cool” pavement in residential neighborhoods. 1c. Conduct a mapping exercise to determine locations around the city that experience the greatest impact from the urban heat isl and effect and utilize this information to prioritize locations for increased tree planting and sustained tree management. 1d. Continue hosting community tree-planting events and offering free trees for residents, businesses, and community -based organizations through the City’s Urban Forest program.
1e. Explore opportunities to further increase shading of buildings and parking lots using trees and/or solar canopies. 1f. Preserve, enhance, increase, and establish community green areas, such as parks, recreational facilities, and open space. 1g. Expand cooling center access during extreme heat events through extended hours, more locations, and less stringent criteria for opening.
1h. Partner with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other public agencies to develop a “Com munity Cool Zone Network” comprised of air-conditioned spaces that are made available to vulnerable populations during extreme heat events to prevent heat-related illnesses.
1i. Support employers to protect worker health from extreme heat, especially those wor king in vulnerable occupations, through targeted outreach and information-sharing about extreme heat risks, applicable regulations, and strategies to reduce risk. 1j. Develop a “Cool Buddy” program where local volunteers are trained to build neighborhood networks, identify heat- vulnerable neighbors, and set up systems to check in on each other during extreme heat events. 1k. Develop public awareness campaigns that bolster extreme heat event preparedness actions and adaptation strategies. 1l. Support a comprehensive outreach campaign to prevent heat- related illnesses among vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, children, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities in the care of licensed facilities, and wor kers in vulnerable occupations.

Strategy Adaptation-2.

Improve resilience to extreme precipitation and flooding.

Objectives:
 Promote climate-smart flood management.
 Add redundancy to the City’s flood management system.

Actions:
2a. Prioritize the implementation and use of green infrastructure to manage future flood risk. 2b. Coordinate with landowners to manage stormwater runoff through sustainable land conservation practices. 2c. Utilize vacant lots to build flood control detention basins and replace undersized culverts to better address flooding from future extreme precipitation events.
2d. Encourage the use of porous pavement and vegetative buffers in large parking areas. 2e. Seek funding to purchase and install battery -powered generators for each of the City's six pump stations, which serve to convey stormwater during precipitation events.
2f. Implement flood control projects identified in the Stormwater Capital Improvement Program Master Plan to help resolve existin g flooding issues and prevent future impacts from extreme precipitation even ts. 2g. Encourage residents located within the 100 - and 500-year floodplain to obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-10 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Strategy Adaptation-3.

Improve resilience to drought.

Objectives:
 Reduce water consumption.
 Ensure long-term sustainability and reliability of the City’s water supplies.

Actions:
3a. Continue promoting water conservation tips and measures across the City's websites and social media platforms. 3b. Continue offering assistance to residents for drought-tolerant landscapes through the City's beautification program, and seek to expand assistance through other actions, such as developing a "Cash for Grass" lawn replacement program. 3c. Update MWELO to go beyond State requirement to plan drought -tolerant and water-conserving landscaping in new development projects.
3d. Coordinate with local water suppliers to establish and monitor progress on a citywide per capita water use reduction target. 3e. Educate the public about the benefits and water conservation potenti al of rainwater catchment and greywater systems. 3f. Promote the installation of water-efficient fixtures, appliances, and equipment in new development and as part of retrofits for existing development.
3g. Support the development of extended drought scenario anal yses as part of future updates to Urban Water Management Plans and Water Shortage Contingency Plans of local water suppliers. 3h. Coordinate with local water suppliers to support the development of recycled water systems.

Strategy Adaptation-4.

Improve resilience to wildfires.

Objectives:
 Protect populations from wildfire smoke and poor air quality.  Mitigate the impacts from potential Public Safety Power Shutoff events during high wildfire risk conditions.

Actions:
4a. Develop and implement a wildfire smoke protection outreach strategy. 4b. Monitor employers to ensure compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5141.1, which requires employers to protect workers who may be exposed to wildfire smoke.
4c. Take steps to ensure that the City’s building stock is outfitted with indoor air purification systems capable of enhancing and protecting public health from wildfire smoke and poor air quality. 4d. Support the installation of battery storage systems in existing residential and nonresidential deve lopment. 4e. Coordinate with and promote SMUD's battery storage incentives for residents and businesses.

Strategy Adaptation-5.

Promote holistic community resilience in the context of climate change.

Objectives:
 Coordinate equitable education, outreach, and engagement.  Promote robust emergency services and other planning activities.  Protect the built environment from climate hazards.

Actions:
5a. Through a multi-pronged approach, enhance public education and awareness of climate hazards and public understanding of disaster preparedness, prioritizing engagement with vulnerable populations (e.g., workshops, displays, websites, public -private partnerships). 5b. Provide tailored, preparedness-oriented outreach to vulnerable populations across the city rega rding climate hazards that are most applicable and specific to them (e.g., flood preparedness outreach for residents residing within the city’s 100 - and 500-year floodplains). 5c. Embed climate resiliency and adaptation across City plans, programs, and activi ties to account for changing hazard profiles and their associated impacts.
5d. Prioritize making emergency services more accessible, especially for vulnerable populations. 5e. Encourage residents to enroll in the Sacramento Region Emergency Notification System.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Ascent Project Description
City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 2-11
5f. Maintain up-to-date emergency preparedness and evacuation plans and procedures in coordination with appropriate State, regional, county, and local agencies and departments.
5g. Encourage roundabouts in place of traffic signals where appropriate for increased abi lity to evacuate and traffic flow. 5h. Ensure interconnectivity and road standards are maintained for evacuation routes and disaster preparedness purposes. 5i. Develop a clean energy microgrid for essential City facilities to support resilient emergency operations . 5j. Integrate climate-smart natural resource management into City operations, incorporating climate projection data, risk modeling, and adaptive management, as appropriate, to account for future changes in climate hazards in natural resource projects. 5k. Evaluate and update the City's building and engineering standards to account for climate hazards that are likely to affect cr itical infrastructure, such as extreme heat and extreme precipitation and flooding. 5l. Identify and upgrade vulnerable critical infrastructure (e.g., utility, transportation, etc.) through the City's Capital Improvement Projects planning process.
5m. Promote building retrofits to include climate resilience features (e.g., home hardening improvements, weatherization improvem ents, adequate climate control equipment with air filtration systems).

2.5.7 CAAP Implementation Strategy
After the adoption of the CAAP, the City will develop an implementation strategy for the CAAP measures. It will be based on several factors such as budget capacity and availability of funding opportunities and will involve collaboration with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (“SMUD”), other public and private agencies, and neighboring cities. The success of CAAP implementation will also depend on the participation of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the city and region.

The City will implement the measures of the CAAP through several types of programs and activities that may include changes in municipal operations; new ordinances or code updates; development conditions of approval; advanced planning efforts; provision of incentives or financing; public agency or private partnerships; and education and outreach.

The CAAP’s effective implementation will require a process to prioritize its strategies and measures periodically.

2.5.8 CAAP Monitoring Strategy
The CAAP would be monitored over time to assess the progress by tracking key indicators for each measure. Changing circumstances, such as State and federal laws and programs, updates to climate science, changes in technology, or evolving local, State, federal, or even global economic and social conditions, may necessitate changes to the CAAP. If the CAAP is not achieving the desired outcomes, the measures or actions will need to be altered or amended.

City staff will evaluate the performance of each GHG reduction action that has been implemented. Evaluating the performance requires monitoring the level of community participation, costs, and potential barriers to implementation, as well as activities that result in GHG emissions reductions like actual reductions in fuel consumption, vehicle miles traveled, energy usage, water usage, landfilled waste, etc. In addition to considering these factors, assessing the performance of CAAP adaptation actions will be informed by resilience-related improvements in the community. The City staff will regularly monitor and report on adaptation and climate hazards and will update the strategies and actions when needed. By evaluating whether the implementation of an action is on track to achieve its objective, the City can identify successful actions and reevaluate or replace underperforming measures.

To provide updates on CAAP implementation progress, City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years.

Finally, the City will prepare a GHG emissions inventory and an update to the plan every five years, with the first update due in 2028. Updates would reflect the findings of the monitoring reports and inventory updates. Table 2-4 shows the City’s implementation and monitoring timeframe.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Project Description Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
2-12 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Table 2-4 CAAP Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe
Implementation and Monitoring Timeframe
2023 CAAP adopted City Council adopts the CAAP (anticipated). 2023 Development of CAAP Implementation Strategy City staff begins to develop the implementation strategy. 2023 CAAP Implementation City staff begins to implement CAAP measures. 2025 Monitoring Report
City staff will prepare a monitoring report every two years and present the report to City Council and Planning Commission. The first monitoring report will be completed two years from adoption of the CAAP. Each monitoring report will evaluate implementation status of the CAAP’s GHG reduction measures. The monitoring report will identify whether any of the measures require amendment to maintain progress toward achieving the emissions reductions identified in the CAAP.
2028 GHG Emissions Inventory Update
An updated GHG inventory will be prepared to track the CAAP implementation progress by assessing the City’s progress towards achieving the emissions reductions identified in the CAAP.
2028 CAAP Update
Based on the results of the monitoring report and updated GHG emissions inventory, the City will update the CAAP to include new or amended measures, remove, or update any ineffective measures, and incorporate new technologies and methodologies as necessary to ensure the CAAP is on track to achieve the City’s target and goal.

2.5.9 California Environmental Quality Act and the CAAP The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a statute that requires local agencies to identify significant environmental impacts of their actions and avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. The 2022 Scoping Plan emphasizes the use of CEQA as a tool by local jurisdictions for supporting the State’s climate priorities. When a local plan complies with CEQA requirements, individual projects that comply with the plan are allowed to streamline the project-specific GHG analysis. The City plans to utilize this tool for ensuring that new development is constructed with more sustainable and low- carbon features than existing development. By following this approach, the CAAP has been prepared consistent with the provisions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 (“Qualified Plan”). As a result, it provides new development project applicants in the city the opportunity to use CEQA streamlining tools for projects that are consistent with the CAAP.

Demonstrating consistency with the CAAP establishes that a project will not result in an “additional environmental effect” related to GHG emissions. A project’s consistency with the CAAP will be determined through the Consistency Checklist (“Checklist”) presented in Appendix G. The Checklist contains GHG reduction measures applicable to development projects that are required to be implemented on a project-by-project basis to achieve the City’s 2030 reduction target and make substantial progress toward the 2045 goal. Projects that do not demonstrate consistency may, at the City’s discretion, prepare a more comprehensive project-specific analysis of GHG emissions consistent with CEQA requirements.

2.6 POTENTIAL PERMITS AND APPROVALS REQUIRED
The City is the CEQA lead agency responsible for considering adoption and implementation of the proposed CA AP.

As the lead agency, the City is responsible for considering adoption of the Initial Study/ Negative Declaration before determining if the proposed CAAP should be adopted.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

City of Rancho Cordova
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND 3-1
3 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

PROJECT INFORMATION

1. Project Title: Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan

2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Rancho Cordova Planning Division
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Stefan Heisler, Housing Manager (916) 851-8757

4. Project Location: The Plan Area for the City of Rancho Cordova Climate Action and Adaptation Plan encompasses approximately 35 square miles within the City limits. See Chapter 2, “Project Description,” for more detailed information.

5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of Rancho Cordova Planning Division
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

6. General Plan Designation: Various, see Chapter 2, “Project Description,” for more detailed information.

7. Zoning: Various, see Chapter 2, “Project Description,” for more detailed information.

8. Description of Project:

The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) has been prepared as a comprehensive roadmap to community sustainability and resilience. The purposes of the CAAP are to identify strategies and measures the City of Rancho Cordova (City) can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to levels that align with the State of California’s goals and set forth strategies to adapt and promote resilience to the impacts of climate change. S ee Chapter 2, “Project Description,” for more detailed information.

9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:

The City is located within the eastern portion of Sacramento County, to the east of the City of Sacramento and to the west of the City of Folsom, along Highway 50. Mather Field Air Base is located along the southwest boundary of the City, and the Aerojet Rocket Testing Facility is located to the east. The northern boundary of the City is defined by the American River.

10. Other public agencies whose approval is required: (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement) None.

11. Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.?
In compliance with PRC section 21080.3.1, the City provided formal written notification of the CAAP to following four Native American tribes on January 27, 2023: Ione Band of Miwok Indians; United Auburn Indian Community; Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; and Wilton Rancheria. The notification letters were received by the tribes on January 30, 2023.

In response to the City’s notification, the United Auburn Indian Community contacted the City via e-mail on February 28, 2023 to request additional information on how tribal cultural resources could potentially be affected by the CAAP.

The City responded in writing on March 10, 2023, and received no further correspondence from United Auburn Indian ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-2 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Community. In a letter dated March 10, 2023, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians requested that formal consultation be initiated. The City responded in writing on March 20, 2023, and received no further correspondence from the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. AB 52 consultation related to the CAAP is closed.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:

Any environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as demonstrated by the analysis presented in the checklist on the following pages. If checked below, the topic with a potentially significant impact will be addressed in an environmental impact report.

Aesthetics Agriculture and Forest Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology / Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards / Hazardous Materials Hydrology / Water Quality Land Use / Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population / Housing Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities / Service Systems Wildfire Mandatory Findings of Significance

None None with Mitigation
Incorporated

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-3 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
DETERMINATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environme nt, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature Date

Printed Name Title

Agency

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-4 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).

2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.

4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less Than Significant Impact.” The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from “Earlier Analyses,” as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced).

5. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.

6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.

8. This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project ’s environmental effects in whatever format is selected.

9. The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-5 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

3.1 AESTHETICS

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
I. Aesthetics.

Except as provided in Public Resources Code section 21099 (where aesthetic impacts shall not be considered significant for qualifying residential, mixed-use residential, and employment centers), would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) 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
points.) 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?

3.1.1 Environmental Setting
The City is relatively flat and does not include any significant geologic features such as hills or ridges. However, the city is geographically situated between the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and the California Coastal Mountain Range along the American River, and includes views of major peaks and natural landmarks within the region, including Mount Diablo. Additional qualified scenic vistas, as concluded in the City’s General Plan, include Pine Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Pyramid Peak, Carson Spur, Jackson Butte, Mount Vaca, and Goat Mountain/Snow Mountain ( City of Rancho Cordova 2006a). Other scenic resources within the Plan Area include, but are not limited to, oak trees, streams, creeks, and the American and Cosumnes Rivers (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

There are no State designated or eligible scenic highways or corridors within the Plan Area (Caltrans 2023). However, Highway 50 is a corridor that provides distant views of natural landmarks to passing motorists.

Light and glare conditions within developed portions of the Plan Area are typical of those associated with urban and suburban uses. The main sources of daytime glare in the Plan Area are from sunlight reflecting from structures with reflective surfaces such as windows, and from vehicles on major roadways. Nighttime lighting is prevalent throughout the Plan Area along roadways, parking lots, building perimeters and within residential areas. Areas with substantially less night-lighting include the sparsely developed and largely cultivated southeastern portion of the Plan Area.

Sources of daytime glare include direct beam sunlight and reflections from windows, architectural coatings, as well as glass and other shiny reflective surfaces. Nighttime light illumination primarily consists of structured illumination, streetlights, and headlights of motor vehicles (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-6 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

3.1.2 Discussion
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Less than significant. Important scenic vistas include the American River as well as distant views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Numerous scenic vistas of the American River are provided within the City at various public accesses within the American River Parkway and at river crossings at Watt Avenue, Sunrise Boulevard, and Folsom Boulevard (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b). Development within the American River Parkway is regulated via the provisions of the American River Parkway Plan (Sacramento County 2008).

The implementation of the CAAP would result in short-term and long-term changes to the physical environment.

Long-term changes could include improvements at or near grade level of existing roadways, as well as minor changes to traffic intersections and walkways (through implementation of Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2), planting of trees and shade-inducing vegetation (through implementation of Carbon Storage-1.1; Adaptation-2d, -1e), and would not otherwise involve new features of substantial height, bulk, or massing that could substantially damage scenic vistas. For example, implementation of Transportation-1.3, -2.1, and -2.2 could result in the installation of new walkways at the ends of existing cul-de-sacs, new and upgraded bikeways and walkways along existing developed roadways and rights-of-way in the city, and the installation of roundabouts to control traffic within the intersections of existing developed roadways.

During the short-term, temporary construction activities associated with the implementation of the CAAP, such as equipment use and staging of materials, would not result in permanent impacts to scenic vistas. Construction activities would vary depending on the type of CAAP measure. For example, Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g may involve removing existing pavement; repaving roadway surfaces; painting or restriping pavement; modifying curbs; laying concrete, and installing traffic signals, lighting, landscaping, street furniture, and other amenities. Some of these improvements may require limited ground disturbance. Construction activities would be short-term and temporary, and would typically not involve equipment of substantial height, bulk, or massing that would alter existing scenic vistas.

Because duration of these activities would be limited to relatively short periods of the overall construction phase, their temporary effect on scenic vistas would not be substantial. Additionally, the increase in planted trees and the development of new landscaping (Carbon Storage-1.1; Adaptation-2d, -1e) would offer a permanent visual improvement to the local surrounding area and would not result in a substantial effect on a scenic vista.

In addition, enforcement of the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) and the provisions of the American River Parkway Plan would avoid substantial damage to scenic vistas and degradation of public views. For example, RCMC Chapter 23.513 aims to strengthen the City’s adopted street standards by making them architecturally compatible with development occurring within the city’s centers and include new typologies that further facilitate the creation of a pedestrian-oriented street networks. Pursuant to RCMC Chapter 23.716, any new or existing projects that provide landscaping on public property are required to file an application for a permit with the City’s Planning Director. Prior to the issuance of the permit, a final landscape plan shall be prepared by a registered licensed landscape architect and reviewed by the City to ensure consistency with City design standards and aesthetic conditions. Additionally, pursuant to the City’s provisions to administer land use policy and development review within its jurisdiction of the American River Parkway Plan (e.g., Parkway Corridor Combining Zones, General Plan, and Parkway Plan policies), the implementation of softscaping such as trees along streets and sidewalks would assist in softening the built environment and reduce visual impacts to pedestrians. For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista and the impact would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? No Impact. The Plan Area does not include and is not located proximate to a State or locally designated or eligible scenic highway and thus will not damage scenic resources such as trees, rock outcroppings, or historic buildings within the viewshed of such a highway. No impact would occur, and no mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-7 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
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 points.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
Less than significant. The implementation of the CAAP would result in short-term and long-term changes to the visual environment of the Plan Area. For example, installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), development of roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), as well as new tree planting and increased landscaping (Carbon Storage-1.1; Adaptation-1e) could result in short-term and long-term changes to the visual character within the Plan Area. Long-term changes would include improvements at or near grade level of existing roadways and would involve minor changes to traffic intersections and parking lots, increase in trees and shade-inducing vegetation, and would not otherwise involve features with substantial height, bulk, or massing that could substantially damage the existing character or quality of public views. During the short-term, temporary construction activities associated with the implementation of the CAAP such as equipment use and staging of materials would not result in permanent impacts to scenic resources.

Because duration of these activities would be limited to relatively short periods of the overall construction phase, their temporary effect on the visual character and quality of the city would not be substantial.

Additionally, implementation of Measure Adaptation-5i would develop a clean energy microgrid to serve essential City facilities to support resilient emergency operations. Project-specific details for a clean energy microgrid are not included in the CAAP, but a microgrid would typically include distributed energy sources such solar arrays and diesel generators to produce electricity, batteries to storage electricity, hardware and software to monitor and distribute electricity to the facilities in the event of a power outage on the electrical grid. Microgrid infrastructure is typically installed at or near the end users, which under implementation of the CAAP would result in the installation of improvements like solar arrays, generators, and battery systems on City properties that are home to essential facilities. Implementation of these improvements to provide essential City facilities with electricity during a power outage would be required to comply with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality.

In addition, enforcement of the RCMC and the City’s implementing provisions of the American River Parkway Plan would avoid substantial damage to the visual character and quality of public views. For example, RCMC Chapter

23.513 aims to strengthen the City’s adopted street standards by making them architecturally compatible with development occurring within the city’s centers and include new typologies that further facilitate the creation of a pedestrian-oriented street networks. Pursuant to RCMC Chapter 23.716, any new or existing projects that provide landscaping on public property is required to file an application for a permit with the City’s Planning Director. Prior to the issuance of the permit, a final landscape plan shall be prepared by a registered licensed landscape architect and reviewed by the City to ensure consistency with City design standards and aesthetic conditions. Additionally, pursuant to the provisions of the American River Parkway Plan and General Plan Policy NR.4.3, the implementation of softscaping along streets and sidewalks and the promotion of tree planting would soften the built environment and reduce visual impacts to motorists and pedestrians. For all the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP would not substantially degrade the visual character or quality of public views of the city and its surroundings. This impact would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Less than significant. The implementation of the CAAP may result in the use of temporary lighting sources during construction of roadway improvement projects (Transportation-1.3; Transportation-2.1 through Transportation-2.3; Adaptation-5g) and installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4) in the event that nighttime construction is necessary. EV charging facilities facilitated by CAAP implementation could add minimal nighttime lighting, however it would not create new sources of substantial light or glare.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-8 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND
Implementation of the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could result in new substantial sources of light and glare. Furthermore, lighting associated with CAAP implementation would be generally low profile and angled down and away from nearby receptors.

Enforcement of the RCMC and the City’s adopted Design Guidelines would regulate new sources of light and glare to avoid affecting day or nighttime views in the Plan Area during construction. For example, temporary lighting fixtures installed during roadwork and associated construction activities are regulated under the City’s outdoor lighting provisions established by RCMC Chapter 23.725, and require the utilization of downcast and shielded lighting fixtures to minimize light pollution. Additionally, the City’s Design Guidelines emphasizes the importance of planting trees and providing tactful landscaping to filter sunlight and reduce glare (City of Rancho Cordova 2005). The impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-9 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

3.2 AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
II. Agriculture and Forest Resources.

In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997, as updated) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.

In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology prov ided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board.

Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract?

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use?

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment,
which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

3.2.1 Environmental Setting
The majority of the Plan Area is urbanized, specifically areas adjacent to and nearby Highway 50. The southeastern portion of the Plan Area supports predominantly unused grazing land, with approximately 46 percent designated for grazing and livestock uses. The Plan Area contains Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Unique Farmlands (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-10 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

3.2.2 Discussion
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Less than significant. The implementation of the CAAP would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). However, implementation of the CAAP would not involve changes to policies or regulations related to land use or zoning for agricultural uses. Given the nature of the CAAP, construction activities associated with the implementation would occur in already disturbed, developed areas such as roadways and parking lots that are not designated for Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy LU.1.10 which directs the City to protect existing agricultural areas.

Implementation of the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use.

For all the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use and the impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. Potential impacts related to conversion of forest lands are discussed in Section 3.2.2 e) below. b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? Less than significant. The implementation of the CAAP would not involve changes to policies or regulations related to land use or zoning for land under Williamson Act contract. Given the nature of the CAAP, construction activities associated with their implementation would occur in already disturbed, developed areas that are not in agricultural use nor under Williamson Act contract. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy LU.1.10 which directs the City to protect existing agricultural areas and conservation easement. Therefore, implementation of the CAAP would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract and the impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No impact. There are no lands currently used for timber production or management in the Plan Area, and no lands that have a zoning designation for timberland or forest land. Therefore, implementation of the CAAP would not conflict with existing zoning or cause rezoning any forest land, timberland, or timber land zoned for timberland production. Additionally, CAAP implementation would not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

Environmental Checklist Ascent
City of Rancho Cordova
3-11 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan IS/ND

3.3 AIR QUALITY

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
III. Air Quality.

Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied on to make the following determinations.

Are significance criteria established by the applicable air district available to rely on for significance
determinations?
Yes No
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?

b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non-attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard?

c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?

d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of
people?

3.3.1 Environmental Setting
The City is in the Sacramento Valley Air Basin (SVAB), which includes all of Sacramento County and is under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD). Regional and local air quality in the SVAB is affected by topography, dominant airflows, location, and season. The SVAB is bounded by the coastal ranges to the west and the Sierra Nevada to the east. Additionally, SVAB lies to the east of San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin and to the north of the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin. Considerable transport of pollutants occurs between these air basins, so that air quality in the city is partially determined by the release of pollutants elsewhere.

The region is characterized by warm dry summers and mild winters. The prevailing wind direction is southwesterly, which is the wind direction when marine breezes flow through the Carquinez Strait. Marine breezes dominate during the spring and summer months and vary in strength. During fall and winter, when the sea breeze diminishes, northerly winds occur more frequently, but southwesterly winds still predominate. Pollutants generated in the city affect air quality in areas to the north and east. (City of Rancho Cordova 2006a).

CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS
Concentrations of criteria air pollutants (the most prevalent air pollutants known to be harmful to human health) are used to indicate the quality of the ambient air. Criteria air pollutants include ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO
2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), respirable and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and lead. The sources of criteria air pollutants and their respective acute and chronic health impacts are described in Table 3.3 -1.

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Table 3.3-1 Sources and Health Effects of Criteria Air Pollutants Pollutant Sources Acute1 Health Effects Chronic2 Health Effects Ozone secondary pollutant resulting from reaction of
ROG and NOX in presence of sunlight. ROG
emissions result from incomplete combustion
and evaporation of chemical solvents and fuels;
NOX results from the combustion of fuels
increased respiration and pulmonary
resistance; cough, pain, shortness of
breath, lung inflammation
permeability of respiratory
epithelia, possibility of
permanent lung impairment
Carbon monoxide
(CO)
incomplete combustion of fuels; motor vehicle
exhaust
headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, death
permanent heart and brain
damage
Nitrogen dioxide
(NO2)
combustion devices; e.g., boilers, gas turbines,
and mobile and stationary reciprocating internal
combustion engines
coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting,
headache, eye irritation, chemical
pneumonitis or pulmonary edema;
breathing abnormalities, cough,
cyanosis, chest pain, rapid heartbeat,
death
chronic bronchitis, decreased
lung function
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) coal and oil combustion, steel mills, refineries, and pulp and paper mills
irritation of upper respiratory tract,
increased asthma symptoms
insufficient evidence linking
SO2 exposure to chronic
health impacts
Respirable
particulate matter
(PM
10), Fine
particulate matter
(PM2.5)
fugitive dust, soot, smoke, mobile and stationary
sources, construction, fires and natural
windblown dust, and formation in the
atmosphere by condensation and/or
transformation of SO2 and ROG
breathing and respiratory symptoms,
aggravation of existing respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, premature
death
alterations to the immune
system, carcinogenesis
Lead metal processing reproductive/ developmental effects (fetuses and children)
numerous effects including
neurological, endocrine, and
cardiovascular effects

1. “Acute” refers to effects of short-term exposures to criteria air pollutants, usually at fairly high concentrations. 2 “Chronic” refers to effects of long-term exposures to criteria air pollutants, usually at lower, ambient concentrations.

Notes: NOX = oxides of nitrogen; ROG = reactive organic gases.

Source: EPA 2022a.

TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, diesel particulate matter (PM) contains complex mixture of microscopic solids and liquids comprised of various substances that can pose a risk to human health when inhaled (EPA 2022b). Although diesel PM is emitted by diesel-fueled internal combustion engines, the composition of the emissions varies depending on engine type, operating conditions, fuel composition, lubricating oil, and whether an emissions control system is being used. In addition to diesel PM, the TACs for which data are available that pose the greatest existing ambient risk in California are benzene, 1,3-butadiene, acetaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride, hexavalent chromium, para-dichlorobenzene, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, and perchloroethylene.

ODORS
Odors are generally regarded as an annoyance rather than a health hazard. However, manifestations of a person’s reaction to foul odors can range from psychological (e.g., irritation, anger, or anxiety) to physiological (e.g., circulatory and respiratory effects, nausea, vomiting, and headache). Odor sources of concern include wastewater treatment plants, landfill and composting facilities, petroleum refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, painting/coating operations, marijuana cultivation, coffee roasters, and food processing facilities.

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SENSITIVE RECEPTORS
Sensitive receptors are generally considered to include those land uses where exposure to pollutants could result in health-related risks to sensitive individuals, such as children or the elderly. Residential dwellings, schools, hospitals, playgrounds, and similar facilities are of primary concern because of the presence of individuals particularly sensitive to pollutants and/or the potential for increased and prolonged exposure of individuals to pollutants . Individuals who are especially sensitive to pollutants are dispersed throughout the city.

FEDERAL AND STATE AIR QUALITY PLANNING
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been charged with implementing national air quality programs.

EPA’s air quality mandates are drawn primarily from the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), which was enacted in 1970 and most recently amended by Congress in 1990. The CAA required EPA to establish the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the following criteria air pollutants: ozone, CO, NO 2, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, and lead. CAA also
requires each State to prepare a State implementation plan (SIP) for attaining and maintaining the NAAQS. The federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) added requirements for State s with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate additional control measures to reduce air pollution. Individual SIPs are modified periodically to reflect the latest emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins as reported by their jurisdictional agencies.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of State and local air pollution control programs in California and for implementing the California Clean Air Act (CCAA). The CCAA, which was adopted in 1988, required CARB to establish its own California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). CARB has established CAAQS for sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, visibility-reducing particulate matter, and the above- mentioned criteria air pollutants. In most cases the CAAQS are more stringent than the NAAQS.

Sacramento County is currently designated as nonattainment for ozone and PM 2.5 with respect to the NAAQS and for ozone and PM
10 with respect to the CAAQS (EPA 2023, CARB 2022).

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) regulates solid waste disposal and composting facilities. All compostable material handling facilities and operations are required to comply with the State minimum standards set forth in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Division 7, Chapter 3.1, Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. An odor impact minimization plan (OIMP) is required for facilities and operations as specified in 14 CCR section 17863.4. The CalRecycle minimum standard (14 CCR section 17867(a)(2)) for odor requires that “All handling activities shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes vectors, odor impacts, litter, hazards, nuisances, and noise impacts; and minimizes human contact with, inhalation, ingestion, and transportation of dust, particulates, and pathogenic organisms.”

SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) is the local agency responsible for air quality planning in Sacramento County. SMAQMD develops and implements an air quality plan for attaining the NAAQS and CAAQS. The most recent air quality plan is the 2017 Sacramento Regional 2008 NAAQS 8-Hour Ozone Attainment and Reasonable Further Progress Plan (Sacramento Ozone Plan) that was last updated and approved by CARB in 2018. There are currently no plans established for achieving the NAAQS for PM 2.5 or the CAAQS for PM10.

SMAQMD develops regulations and emission reduction programs to control emissions of criteria air pollutants, ozone precursors (oxides of nitrogen [NO
X] and reactive organic gases [ROG]), TACs, and odors within its jurisdiction.

SMAQMD’s Guide to Air Quality Assessment in Sacramento County (CEQA Guide), provides guidance to lead agencies preparing air quality impact analyses in CEQA documents (SMAQMD 2020). The CEQA Guide includes SMAQMD- recommended thresholds of significance for evaluation of air quality impacts of projects in Sacramento County, including significance criteria that are tied to achieving or maintaining the attainment of the NAAQS and CAAQS. For the purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds of significance, which are based on SMAQMD-recommended ITEM 11.2.

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thresholds, are used to determine whether project-generated emissions would result in impacts to air quality that result in adverse effects to human health. These significance thresholds are also consistent with the checklist questions about air quality in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

Air quality impacts would be significant if the project would:
 result in construction-generated emissions of NOX exceeding 85 pounds per day (lb/day), PM10 exceeding 80 lb/day or 14.6 tons/year, or PM2.5 exceeding 82 lb/day or 15 tons/year;  result in operational emissions of ROG exceeding 65 lb/day, NO X exceeding 65 lb/day, PM10 exceeding 80 lb/day or 14.6 tons/year, or PM2.5 exceeding 82 lb/day or 15 tons/year;  emit levels of CO that would violate or contribute substantially to concentrations that exceed the 1-hour CAAQS of 20 parts per million (ppm) or the 8-hour CAAQS of 9 ppm during construction and operations;  expose any off-site sensitive receptor to a substantial incremental increase in TAC emissions greater than 10 in one million for carcinogenic risk (i.e., the risk of contracting cancer) and/or a noncarcinogenic hazard index of 1.0 or greater; or
 create objectional odors affecting a substantial number of people.

In addition to these thresholds, all SMAQMD-recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs) and use of Best Available Control Technology (BACT) will be implemented to minimize emissions of PM 10 and PM2.5. Without the application of BMPs and BACT, the threshold for allowable PM10 and PM2.5 emissions during construction and operations is zero pounds per day.

3.3.2 Discussion
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
Less than significant. The applicable air quality plan for the City is the Sacramento Ozone Plan. The Sacramento Ozone Plan addresses attainment of the 8-hour NAAQS for ozone (CARB 2017). A project in the SVAB has the potential to conflict with the Sacramento Ozone Plan if the level of ozone precursor emissions associated with the project would be greater than that which was accounted for in the Sacramento Ozone Plan. Regional emission inventories in the Sacramento Ozone Plan are developed based on anticipated growth in population, housing, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and other parameters, which are based on the zoning designations of local general plans. The analysis below focuses on whether implementation of the CAAP would increase population, employment, or VMT, above planned levels, as well as potentially result in exceedances of applicable thresholds for construction and operational emissions (see above).

Construction
Measures included as part of the CAAP that would result in the construction of new EV charging stations, public transportation-based access routes, building efficiency retrofits, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, and new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, (Transportation-1.1, -1.3, -2.1, -2.2, -3.4, -5.1, and Energy -1.1,-1.2) could require a temporary increase in the number of construction workers. These types of projects are small construction projects, which would not require a large construction crew. Furthermore, construction workers would likely be from the greater Sacramento region and permanent, substantial relocation of workers would not be required. Therefore, implementation of these measures would not result in substantial population growth, employment growth, or increase in VMT.

Implementation of the above measures, as well as other measures which would require construction activities for their implementation, would generate emissions of ROG, NO X, PM10, and PM2.5 associated with off-road equipment
use (i.e. excavators, front loaders, pavers, dump trucks, cranes, and backhoes), material and equipment delivery trips, ITEM 11.2.

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worker commute trips, and other miscellaneous activities. Fugitive dust emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 would be associated primarily with site preparation and would vary as a function of soil silt content, soil moisture, wind speed, and acreage of disturbance. PM10 and PM2.5 are also contained in exhaust from off-road equipment and on-road vehicles. Emissions of ozone precursors, ROG and NOX, would be associated primarily with construction equipment, such as those listed above, and on-road mobile exhaust from worker commutes and hauling and delivery trips. The application of architectural coatings would result in off-gas emissions of ROG. Construction activities would likely be relatively small in scale, occur intermittently and last for only short periods of time, as the CAAP does not propose the construction of large-scale land use development projects. Therefore, emissions from construction activities would not be concentrated in one area for an extended period of time, but rather occur intermittently across a large area.

Additionally, Measure Off Road-1.2 would increase the electrification and use of alternative fuels, while Measure Off Road-2.2 would reduce construction vehicle idling time, further reducing construction related emissions . Due to the non-intensive, sporadic, and widespread nature of these construction activities, emissions of criteria air pollutants would likely not occur in concentrations which would exceed SMAQMD thresholds and would therefore be consistent with the goals of the Sacramento Ozone Plan.

Operations
Implementation of the CAAP would not induce population growth directly or indirectly, because the CAAP does not propose new housing, nor do they propose changes to policies or regulations related to land use or residential zoning.

Rather, the CAAP is intended to reduce GHG emissions generated within the City by implementing numerous transportation-, water-, waste-, and energy-related measures. For example, the implementation of the CAAP would encourage the use of alternatively fueled vehicles through measures such as Transportation-5.2 which would involve the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers on private property. This would reduce overall gasoline and fuel consumption, therefore reducing emissions related to fossil fuel combustion. Other transportation-related measures such as Transportation-1.3 would reduce VMT in the City by improving street connectivity. Reducing VMT would reduce the emission of air pollutants be decreasing the consumption of fossil fuel in vehicles. Energy-related measures such as Energy-2.2 would reduce GHG emissions by requiring all new nonresidential development to achieve energy efficiency above minimum State building code requirements. While these reduction measures were formulated to reduce GHGs, they would also improve overall air quality by reducing the emission of criteria air pollutants. A higher proportion of buildings powered by all-electric systems (i.e., no natural gas plumbing) due to implementation of measure Energy-2.2 would reduce natural gas combustion at residential and commercial land uses within the Plan Area, which would also reduce local criteria air pollution. The effects associated with the reduction of air pollutant emissions in the Plan Area and SVAB would be largely beneficial and would, by nature, reduce the concentration of air pollutants. Therefore, operational activities under implementation of the CAAP would not result in the exceedance of SMAQMD thresholds and would be considered consistent with the goals of the Sacramento Ozone Plan.

Impact Summary
Air pollutant emissions resulting from construction activities associated with the implementation of the CAAP would likely be relatively small in scale, occur intermittently and last for only short periods of time and would therefore not exceed SMAQMD thresholds. Similarly, operational air pollutant emissions from CAAP implementation would likely result in a net decrease in criteria air pollutants and would therefore not result in emissions of criteria air pollutants which would exceed SMAQMD thresholds. Overall, the operational air quality benefits resulting from implementation of the CAAP, including reductions in gasoline fuel consumption due to increased use of zero emission vehicles and measures to reduce the rate of VMT and reduce consumption of natural gas within residential and commercial buildings would likely outweigh the contribution of pollutants from construction activities. For these reasons, construction and operation of the CAAP would not result in exceedances of the applicable local emissions thresholds and would therefore be consistent with the Sacramento Ozone Plan. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less than significant. Provided below are analysis CO emissions, criteria air pollutant emissions, and TAC emissions.

ITEM 11.2.

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Carbon Monoxide
The single largest source of CO within the City is motor vehicle engines. CO concentrations near roadways are a direct function of vehicle idling time and, thus, traffic flow conditions. The CAAP does not include new or modified land use designations that would increase traffic or have the potential to result in CO hotspots. The CAAP does not induce or otherwise result in any residential development that would result in regional population increases. The goal of the CAAP is to reduce GHG emissions in the Plan Area, including from passenger vehicles by measures that would increase the use of zero emission vehicles and decrease the rate of VMT, that would also have the co -benefit of reducing air pollutant emissions. Although there would be a temporary increase in vehicle trips related to construction worker commute and equipment delivery, implementation of the CAAP would not result in substantial long- or short-term vehicle trip generation at levels that would exceed the CAAQS for CO. Rather, the CAAP would include the implementation of measures (Transportation-1.1, -3.1, -3.4, -4.2, and -4.3) which would collectively reduce CO emissions resulting from vehicle trips by encouraging the use of alternatively fueled vehicles, increasing access to public transportation, and encouraging the use of alternative transportation such as biking. Measure Transportation-

2.2 would reduce pollutant concentrations associated with vehicle idling by implementing roundabouts to control traffic at intersections, rather than the use of stop signs or traffic lights. Therefore, the CAAP would not create or contribute to a CO hotspot.

Criteria Air Pollutants
For the purposes of this analysis, the CAAP would not result in a significant localized and/or regional air quality impact such that human health would be adversely affected if it would cause construction- generated or operational criteria air pollutant or precursor emissions to exceed SMAQMD thresholds (see above under Criterion [a]).

The CAAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals or grant any entitlements for development; however, construction and operation of GHG reduction measures identified in the CAAP have the potential to directly or indirectly emit air pollutants. Emissions of PM 10, PM2.5, NOx, SOX, CO, and VOCs would
result from the use of construction equipment, construction worker vehicle trips, and truck hauling trips. Emissions of fugitive dust (PM
10 and PM2.5) are largely associated with ground-disturbing activities, such as site preparation.

GHG reduction measures that would result in the construction of new EV charging stations, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, and tree planting (Transportation-1.1, -1.3, -2.1, -2.2, -3.4, -

5.1, Energy-1.1, -1.2, and Carbon Storage-1.1), would not involve substantial numbers of workers, ground disturbance, or extensive use of construction equipment. Occasional maintenance activities for these facilities and operational vehicle trips would be minimal; thus, associated operational criteria air pollutant emissions would also be minimal.

Measure Carbon Storage-1.1, mentioned above, would involve planting additional trees throughout the city. Tree planting is known to act as a filter for air pollution. While this would not prevent emissions from occurring, it would aid in removing them from the air.

Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2, which increase the recovery of edible food waste and eliminate the disposal of organic waste in landfills, respectively, could lead to increased haul truck trips to and from composting and recycling facilities; however, it is anticipated that these trips would displace the haul truck trips that would be diverted from the landfill. A substantial net increase in the number of haul truck trips and associated criteria air pollutant emissions within the Plan Area would not be anticipated.

Implementation of the other GHG reduction measures in the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could result in criteria air pollutant emissions. Additionally, the CAAP includes several GHG reduction measures that would also reduce the emission of air pollutants by reducing VMT such as implementing an intra-city shuttle system (Transportation-3.4), increasing transit ridership (Transportation-3.3), and limiting the number of drive- through businesses (Transportation-1.4). Therefore, implementation of the CAAP would not be expected to result in construction-phase or operational air pollutant emissions in exceedance of SMAQMD thresholds and would minimize the potential for exposing receptors to unhealthy concentrations of criteria air pollutants .

ITEM 11.2.

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Toxic Air Contaminants
The CAAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals or grant any entitlements for development; however, construction and operation of GHG reduction measures that would be implemented with CAAP adoption have the potential to directly or indirectly emit TACs. The CAAP does not propose any stationary sources of TAC pollution and therefore diesel PM is the primary TAC of concern. CAAP measures would result in short-term diesel exhaust emissions from construction equipment and heavy- duty trips during construction. Diesel PM dissipates rapidly from the source, and exposure concentrations would decline with distance from construction activities (Zhu et al. 2002). The dose to which receptors are exposed is the primary factor used to determine health risk (i.e., potential exposure to TAC emission levels that exceed applicable standards). Dose is a function of the concentration of a substance or substances in the environment and the duration of exposure to the substance. Dose is positively correlated with time, meaning that a longer exposure period would result in a higher exposure level for the maximally exposed individual. According to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, health risk assessments, which determine the exposure of sensitive receptors to TAC emissions, should be based on a 70- or 30-year exposure period. However, such assessments should be limited to the period/duration of activities that generate TAC emissions (OEHHA 2015).

CAAP GHG reduction measures that would result in the construction of new EV charging stations, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, and tree planting (Transportation-1.1, -1.3, -2.1, -

2.2, -3.4, -5.1, Energy-1.1, -1.2, and Carbon Storage-1.1) could result in diesel PM emissions from the use of construction equipment and from the use of haul trucks to deliver materials. These types of construction activities would occur in residential and commercial areas, which include sensitive receptors such as residences, schools, playgrounds and hospitals. However, these activities would involve minimal use of heavy-duty diesel equipment and thus, diesel PM emissions would be minimal and temporary as well. Furthermore, the planting of trees (Carbon Storage-1.1) is known to filter pollutants in the air and would thus aid in removing emissions from construction activities as well as operational activities. It is unlikely that construction of such projects involving use of heavy-duty diesel equipment or vehicles would last for longer than one year, which is a short exposure period relative to the 30 - or 70-year exposure timeframe recommended for health risk assessments.

Impact Summary
The CAAP would not create or change land use designations that would increase the number of vehicle trips or have the potential to result in CO hotspots. Additionally, the CAAP includes several GHG reduction measures (Transportation-1.1, -3.1, -1.4, -3.4, -4.2, and -4.3) that would reduce VMT such as implementing an intra-city shuttle system, increasing transit ridership, and limiting the number of drive-through businesses. Although there would be a temporary increase in vehicle trips related to construction worker commute and equipment delivery, the CAAP would not result in substantial long- or short-term vehicle trip generation at levels that could cause unhealthy concentrations of CO on nearby roadways. This impact regarding CO emissions would be less than significant.

GHG reduction measures that would result in new EV charging stations, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, and tree planting, would result in minor criteria air pollutant and TAC emissions during construction and beneficial long-term air quality impacts. It is unlikely that these types of activities would be of the size, intensity, or duration to exceed SMAQMD thresholds of significance or to emit substantial TAC concentrations. SMAQMD recommends these thresholds in consideration of achieving attainment for the NAAQS and CAAQS, which represent concentration limits of criteria air pollutants needed to adequately protect human health. Therefore, these measures would not contribute to the exceedance of the NAAQS or CAAQS in the SVAB nor result in greater acute or chronic health impacts compared to existing conditions.

Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2, described above, could result in new haul truck routes or additional haul truck traffic in some areas, which may subject sensitive receptors to new or increased diesel PM emissions. However, these trips would likely be infrequent and would not involve the trucks idling for extended periods of time near sensitive receptors. Thus, increases in mobile-related TAC emissions would not result in substantial TAC exposure to any single receptor. Therefore, the CAAP would not expose receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Less than significant. The CAAP is a policy-level document that does not include any site-specific designs or proposals or grant any entitlements for development. However, implementation of some GHG reduction measures would result in temporary emissions of odors from construction activities such as asphalt paving and use of diesel- powered construction vehicles and equipment.

GHG reduction measures that would result in the construction of new EV charging stations, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, and tree planting (Transportation-1.1, -1.3, -2.1, -2.2, -3.4, -

5.1, Energy-1.1, -1.2, and Carbon Storage-1.1), would result in odorous emissions from construction equipment. For example, Measure Transportation-2.2, which involves the implementation of roundabouts, would result in asphalt paving. Measure Transportation-2.1 would result in the implementation of the City’s Bicycle Master Plan to increase the number and quality of walkways and bikeways. which could involve asphalt paving. Although locations for some of these improvements have not been identified, these types of activities would generally occur in populated residential and commercial areas. However, these activities would occur sporadically and independent of one another across a large area and would involve minimal use of heavy-duty diesel equipment and thus, diesel PM emissions would be minimal, temporary, and each individual occurrence of construction activity would be highly localized.

Furthermore, these emissions would be temporary, short-term, and intermittent in nature and would cease upon completion of construction. Because odors would be temporary and would disperse rapidly with distance from source, construction-generated odors would not adversely affect a substantial number of people.

Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2, which increase the recovery of edible food waste and eliminate the disposal of organic waste in landfills, respectively, would generate odors through the anaerobic decomposition of composted waste that the City would divert from landfills and through increased haul truck trips to composting facilities.

Compostable materials handling operations and facilities that would receive increased volumes of compostable waste from the Plan Area under implementation of Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2 are regulated by CalRecycle (e.g. landfill, composting, etc.) and required by State regulation (Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 17863.4) to have OIMPs in place to prevent odors from occurring and to identify the measures tha t should be taken if odors do occur. The hauling of increase volumes of compostable waste to facilities via truck would result in some odors associated with diesel exhaust but would not adversely affect substantial numbers of people.

Construction activities associated with implementation of the CAAP would result in temporary generation of odorous emissions. The specific locations and emissions of possible future projects implemented under the CAAP are not known at this time. Therefore, the precise odor impacts cannot be identified at this time. Factors necessary to identify specific impacts include location, operational characteristics, frequency and duration, and the location of sensitive receptors. However, given the temporary and intermittent nature of the impacts, and dissipation of odor, construction odor impacts would be less than significant. Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2, described above, would result in increased odors from the anaerobic decomposition of composted waste and haul truck trips to composting facilities. These impacts would be avoided through implementation of an OIMP, as required by State regulation.

Therefore, the CAAP would not result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people. This impact would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
IV. Biological Resources.

Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state
habitat conservation plan?

3.4.1 Environmental Setting
Land cover within the Plan Area is comprised of developed land, vegetation communities, and riparian and wetland communities. Developed land makes up the urban core of the Plan Area and is comprised of nonnative and ornamental vegetation. Vegetation communities occur in the eastern and southern portions of the Plan Area and primarily consist of pasture grassland and mixed riparian woodland. Riparian and wetland vegetation communities occur along water bodies within the Plan Area. Wetlands include areas where emergent vegetation is present within the drainage, as well as active springs and seeps where surface water is sufficient to support hydrophytic vegetation.

Vernal pools, a wetland associated habitat type, are spread throughout much of the Plan Area and are known to support several federally listed plant and wildlife species. Approximately 20,728 acres of vernal pool grasslands exist within the Plan Area (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

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Undeveloped areas within the Plan Area support an array of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. The Plan Area supports eight special-status plant species and 29 special-status wildlife species, including the federally threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp, the elderberry longhorn beetle, and the threatened State listed Swainson’s hawk and Bank swallow (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

Wildlife movement primarily occurs within undeveloped northeastern and southern portions of the Plan Area.

However, wildlife movement also occurs within the developed core of the Plan Area along the American River.

Wildlife movements also occur along riparian creeks and drainage corridors including Morrison Creek, Laguna Creek, Deer Creek, Buffalo Creek, Carson Creek, and some tributaries (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

The South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (SSHCP), adopted by the County of Sacramento in 2018, is a comprehensive, multiple jurisdictional sub-regional habitat planning program designed for southern Sacramento County. The Planning Area encompasses approximately 317,655 acres within south Sacramento County, including t he portion of the Rancho Cordova, south of U.S. Highway 50. The SSHCP ensures preservation of species, natural communities, and aquatic resources in the Plan Area; while providing an improved environmental permitting process for projects that impact listed species, listed species habitats, or aquatic resources. The South Sacramento Conservation Agency (SSCA) implements the SSHCP. The SSCA is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms of the SSHCP (SSHCP 2018).

3.4.2 Discussion
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Less than significant. The implementation of CAAP would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For ex ample, minor gr ading, e xcavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (T ransportation- 5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1).

However, given the nature of the measures included in the CAAP, construction activities ass ociated w ith its implementation would occur in alre ady d isturbed developed areas such as roadways and parking lots that lack natural habitat and where candidate, sensi tive, or special-status species or their habitats are not present. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-d e-sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights-of-way and new development projects. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy NR.1.1 which directs the City to support the p
rotection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and their habitats, and Policy NR.1.9 which directs the city to ensure that future development maintains the biotic habitat value of riparian areas. Further, the City will implement policies included in the County’s SSHCP which identifies conservation areas and protected species.

All future projects with the potential to result in en
vironmental impacts w ould generally require discretionary review and would be required to evaluate project-specific impacts under CEQA at the time of application. Project-specific mitigation would be required to minimize or avoid impacts to special-status species and their habitat to the extent feasible in compliance with CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4. In general, facilities associated with CAAP implementation would occur in more urbanized areas that could involve the removal of largely landscape trees and other vegetation and would not generally require the removal of native vegetation. Impacts would be minimized through implementation of th e C ity’s General Plan policies and the SSHCP described above. In addition, federal and State requirements would be adhered to, an d project-specific measures that take int o consideration s ite specific habitat conditions would be implemented to conserve, protect, and preserve special-status species and their habitat.

For all of the foregoing reasons implementation of the CAAP measures wou ld not ca use a substantial adverse dir ect and indirect effects to special-status species. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Less than significant. The implementation of CAAP measures would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1).

However, given the nature of the measures included in the CAAP, construction activities associated with its implementation would occur in already disturbed developed areas such as roadways and parking lots that lack natural habitat and where riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities are not present. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-d e -sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights-of-way and new development projects. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy NR.1.1 which directs the City to support the p
rotection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and their habitats, and Policy NR.1.9 which directs the city to ensure that future development maintains the biotic habitat value of riparian areas.

All future projects with the potential to result in en vironmental impacts w ould generally require discretionary review and would be required to evaluate project-specific impacts under CEQA at the time of application. Project-specific mitigation would be required to minimize or avoid impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community to the extent feasible in compliance with CEQA Gu idelines section 15126.4. In general, facil ities as sociated with CAAP implementation would occur in more urbanized are as t hat could involve the removal of largely landscape trees and other vegetation and would not generally require the removal of native vegetation. Impacts would be minimized through implementation of th e C ity’s General Plan policies described above. In addition, federal and State requirements would be adhered to, and project-specific measures implemented to conserve, protect, and preserve riparian hab itat an d se nsitive n atural communities. For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP measures would not cause a substantial adverse direct and indirect effects to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Less than significant. The implementation of CAAP measures would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1).

However, given the nature of the measures included in the CAAP, construction activities associated with its implementation would occur in alre ady d isturbed developed areas such as roadways and parking lots where protected wetlands are not present. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway
improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-de-sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within Ci ty green spaces, public rights- of-way and new development projects. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy NR.1.1 which directs the City to support the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and their habitats, and Policy NR.1.9 which directs the city to ensure that future development maintains the biotic habitat value of riparian areas. Further, RCMC Section 16.44.150(D) states that a grading permit shall not be issued for areas where proposed activity will adversely affect the water quality of watercourses and existing drainage unless the City’s Planning
Commission has found such grading is necessary.

All future projects with the potential to result in en vironmental impacts w ould generally require discretionary review and would be required to evaluate project-specific impacts under CEQA at the time of application. Project-specific mitigation would be required to minimize or avoid impacts to protected wetlands to the extent feasible in com pliance ITEM 11.2.

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with CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4. Impacts would be minimized through implementation of the City’s General Plan policies and RCMC described above. In addition, federal and State requirements would be adhered to, and project-specific measures implemented to conserve, protect, and preserve wetlands. For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP measures would not cause a substantial adverse direct and indirect effects to wetlands.

This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Less than significant. The implementation of CAAP measures would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For example, minor grading, ex cavation, an d other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of ne w roundabouts and b icycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1).

However, given the nature of the m easures included in the CAAP, construction activities as sociated with its implementation would occur in already disturbed developed areas such as road ways a nd parking lots where wildlife corridors are not present. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways
and cul-de-sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights-of-way and new development projects. Further, future projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy NR.1.1 which directs the City to support the protection of ra re, threatened, a nd endangered species and their habitats, and Policy NR.1.9 which directs the city to ensur e that f uture development maintains the biotic habitat valu e of r iparian are as . Further, the City will implement policies included in the County’s SSHCP which identifies conservation areas and protected species.

All future projects with the potential to result in environmental impacts would generally re quire discretionary r eview and would be required to evaluate pr oject -specific impacts under CEQA at the time of application. Project-specific mitigation would be required to minimize or avoid impacts to wildlife corridors to the extent feasible in compliance with CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4. Impacts would be minimized through implementation of the City’s General Plan policies and the SSHCP described above. In addition, federal and State requirements would be adhered to, and project-specific measures implemented to conserve, protect, and preserve wildlife corridors. For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP measures wou ld n ot cause a substantial adverse direct and indirect effects to wildlife corridors. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Less than significant. The implementation of CAAP measures would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). However, given the nature of the measures included in the CAAP, construction activities associated with its implementation would occur in already disturbed developed areas such as roadways and parking lots where protected biological resources are not present. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-de -sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights-of-way and new development projects.

Further, future
projects would be required to comply with General Plan Policy NR.1.1 which directs the City to support the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species and their habitats, and Policy NR.1.9 which directs the city to e
nsure that future development maintains the biotic habitat value of riparian areas. Pursuant to RCMC 19.12.050, any person desiring to remove a tree is required to file an application with the City’s Planning Director.

A
ll future projects with the potential to result in environmental impacts would generally require discretionary review and would be required to evaluate project-specific impacts under CEQA at the time of application. Project-specific mitigation would be required to m inimize or a void impacts to protected biological resources to the extent feasible in compliance ITEM 11.2.

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with CEQA Guidelines section 15126.4. In general, facilities associated with CAAP implementation would occur in more urbanized areas that could involve the removal of largely landscape trees and other vegetation and would not generally require the removal of native vegetation. Impacts would be minimized through implementation of the City’s General Plan policies and SMMC described above. In addition, federal and State requirements would be adhered to, and project- specific measures implemented to conserve, protect, and preserve riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities. For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP measures would not conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
Less than significant. The SSHCP was adopted in 2018, and the City is an active participant in the program including the conservation planning efforts involved. The City complies with the conservation policies identified in the SSHCP and will use the SSHCP as an implementation tool for future projects. Further, implementation of CAAP measures that would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation, would occur in already disturbed, developed areas such as roadways and parking lots. Therefore, CAAP measures would not conflict with provisions of the SSHCP. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

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3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
V. Cultural Resources.

Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to
Section 15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to Section 15064.5?

c) Substantially disturb human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

3.5.1 Environmental Setting
CEQA defines historic resources as those that are listed on, or determined to be eligible for listing on, the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) or a local register, or are otherwise determined to be historical pursuant to CEQA (PRC Section 21084.1) or CEQA Guidelines (CCR Title 14, Section 15064.5). The CRHR also includes properties formally determined eligible or listed in the National Register of Historic Places (PRC Section 5024.1). A historic resource may be an object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript that is historically significant or significant in terms of California’s architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural records (PRC Section 5020.1(j)). Typically, historic resources are more than 50 years old.

There are 23 identified historic architectural resources within the Plan Area. These sites are generally related to the development of transportation networks and agriculture, and also include historic buildings such as the Pfingst Realty building and the American River Grange Hall (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

Archaeological resources may be considered historic resources or, if not, they may be determined to be “unique” as defined by CEQA (PRC Section 21083.2(g)). A “unique archaeological resource” is an archaeological artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria: (1) contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions and that there is a demonstrable public interest in that information; (2) has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type; or (3) is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or historic event or person. There are eight prehistoric sites and one prehistoric/historic site within the Plan Area, located primarily along the American River and creeks.

Several of these sites are known to contain human remains (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

3.5.2 Discussion
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
Less than significant. Implementation of the CAAP would involve improvements to or near properties that contain listed or eligible historical resources. For example, installation of EV charging infrastructure ( Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), development of a building retrofit program, (Adaptation-5m), and installation of alternatively-fueled water heaters (Energy-1.1, -1.2). The implementation of measures that involve ground disturbance, including grading ITEM 11.2.

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and excavation, would not involve the demolition, destruction, alteration, or structural relocation of a historical resource. Energy efficiency improvements and building retrofits would involve minor changes to the exterior (e.g., rooftop solar panels) or interior (e.g., water heating and space heating and cooling systems) of existing buildings, and would not otherwise involve features with substantial height, bulk, or massing that could substantially cause an adverse change to a historic resource.

The implementation of any measures that involves listed or eligible historical resources would be required to comply with existing federal, State, and local regulations that protect historical resources and undergo the City’s discretionary review process, where applicable, including completion of subsequent project-level planning and environmental review under CEQA that would ensure that identified resources are appropriately protected. For example, following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings would ensure that implementation of any measures involving historical resources, such as promoting building retrofits to include climate resilience (Adaptation-5m) would not adversely change the historical resource. Compliance with the 2022 California State Historical Building Code (RCMC Chapter 16.05) would protect from substantial adverse change to historic structures included on the national or State registers of historic places. Additionally, these projects would be required to comply with applicable requirements in the City’s Design Guidelines, including standards for construction and maintenance of curbs, sidewalks, and roads while preserving the historical nature of the city (City of Rancho Cordova 2005). Implementation of the other measures included in the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

For all of the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significant of a historical resource. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5?
Less than significant. Implementation of the CAAP would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation, in which archaeological resources could be encountered. For example, minor grading, ex cavation, an d other ground disturbance would occu r d uring the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). Because ground disturbance wo uld b e limited to shallow depths, comprised of artificial fill or previously dis turbed soils, archaeological resources are unlikely to be encountered. In addition, construction activities associated with CAAP implementation would occur in already disturbed developed areas such as roadways and parking lots. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways
and cul-de-sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights- of-way and new development projects.

Implementation of the other measures included in the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource. In general, facilities associated wit h C AAP implementation would occur in more urbanized areas that would involve development within previously disturbed areas. However, depending on the depth of excavation with certain facilities, disturbance of native soils may be necessary.

The exact locations of physical activities implementing the CAAP are unknown at this time; however, they would be required to comply with General Plan Policy CHR.1.3 ensuring that cult ural resources ( including prehistoric, historic, paleontological, and Senate Bill 18 Tr ibal r esources) are analyzed and conserved in compliance with CEQA requirements, and Policy CHR.1.2 which directs the City to identify and protect historic and cultural resources including individual properties, districts, and sites (e.g., archaeological sites) in compliance with CEQA. In addition, enforcement of General Plan EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2005022137) mitigation measures would reduce impacts to archaeological resources. Specifically, General Plan EIR Mitigation Measure 4.11.2 which directs the City to require the preparation of a literature study and records search prior to any ground disturbing activity to determine whether the project area has been previously surveyed and whether cultural resources were identified. Further, General Plan Policy ITEM 11.2.

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CHR.1.3 directs the City to require a qualified archaeologist to evaluate any cultural resources discovered during site construction activities, and a Tribal monitor will accompany a qualified archeologist to identify, and determine the significance of, cultural resources and/or sacred lands. For all the foregoing reasons, the implementation of CAAP measures would not result in substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource. Therefore, the impact would be
less than significant. No mitigation is required.
c) Substantially disturb human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Less than significant. Implementation of the CAAP would involve ground disturbing activities, including grading and excavation, could, depending on their location, encounter human remains interred outside formal cemeteries. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). Because ground disturbance would generally be limited to previously disturbed soils and would occur at shallow depths, human remains are unlikely to be encountered. Implementation of the other measures included in the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could disturb human remains.

Location of grave sites and Native American remains can occur outside identified cemeteries or burial sites.

Therefore, there is a possibility that unmarked, previously unknown Native American or other graves could be present within future project sites and could be encountered during construction activities.

California recognizes the need to protect Native American human burials, skeletal remains, and items associat ed with Native American burials from vandalism and inadvertent destruction. The procedures for the treatment of Native American human remains are contained in California Health and Safety Codes Sections 7050.5 and 7052 and Public Resource Code (PRC) Section 5097.

These statutes require that, if human remains are discovered during construction activities, potentially damaging ground-disturbing activities in the area of the remains shall be halted immediately, and the County coroner and Native American Commission (NAHC) shall be notified immediately, in accordance with PRC Section 5097.98 and California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5. If the remains are determined by NAHC to be Native American, the guidelines of the NAHC shall be adhered to in the treatment and disposition of the remains. The responsibilities for acting upon notification of a discovery of Native American human remains are identified in PRC Section 5097.94.

Compliance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 7050.5 and 7052, and PRC Section 5097 would avoid or minimize the disturbance of human remains, and to appropriately treat any remains that are discovered. In addition, future activities implementing the CAAP would be required to comply with General Plan Policy CHR.1.3 which directs the City to ensure that cultural resources (including prehistoric, historic, paleontological, and Senate Bill 18 Tribal resources) are analyzed and conserved in compliance with CEQA requirements. Therefore, implementation of the CAAP would not disturb humans remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

ATTACHMENT 3

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3.6 ENERGY

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
VI. Energy.

Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?

b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency?

3.6.1 Environmental Setting
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is a community-owned electric utility that provides energy service to approximately 645,000 people within a 900-square-mile service area that encompasses most of Sacramento County, as well as portions of Placer and Yolo Counties, including the City (SMUD 2023). SMUD obtains electricity from a variety of sources, including SMUD-owned facilities and other private and publicly owned facilities that provide electricity through contracts and agreements. In 2021, SMUD sourced approximately 30 percent of its electricity from eligible renewables (i.e. biomass/biowaste, geothermal, eligible hydroelectric, solar, and wind), 18 percent from large hydroelectric, 51 percent from natural gas, 0.8 percent from nuclear, and 0.6 percent from other and unspecified sources. SMUD has also committed to eliminating 100 percent of GHG emissions from the electricity it generates by 2030 through the 2030 Zero Carbon Plan (SMUD 2021).

FEDERAL REGULATIONS
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 established nationwide fuel economy standards to conserve oil.

Under this act, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, is responsible for revising existing fuel economy standards and establishing new vehicle economy standards. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy program was established to determine vehicle manufacturer compliance with the government’s fuel economy standards. Three Energy Policy Acts have been passed, in 1992, 2005, and 2007, to reduce dependence on foreign petroleum, provide tax incentives for alternative fuels, and support energy conservation.

STATE REGULATIONS
Warren-Alquist Act
The 1975 Warren-Alquist Act established the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, now known as the California Energy Commission (CEC). The Act established State policy to reduce wasteful, uneconomical, and unnecessary uses of energy by employing a range of measures. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates privately-owned utilities in the energy, rail, telecommunications, and water fields.

State of California Energy Action Plan
The CEC, CPUC, and now defunct Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority prepared the first State of California Energy Action Plan (EAP) in 2003 to establish shared goals and specific actions to ensure that adequate, reliable, and reasonably-priced electrical power and natural gas supplies are achieved and provided through policies, strategies, and actions that are cost-effective and environmentally sound for California’s consumers and taxpayers.

ITEM 11.2.

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The plan was updated in 2005 and 2008 to address policy the emerging importance of climate change, transportation-related energy issues, and research and development activities.

Executive Order B-18-12
Executive Order (EO) B-18-12, which was signed by Governor Brown in 2012, proclaims that State agencies take actions to reduce entity-wide GHG emissions by at least 10 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020, as measured against a 2010 baseline. This order also directed State agencies to use clean onsite power generation to the extent feasible and to obtain LEED “Silver” certification or higher for any new or substantially renovated structure larger than 10,000 square feet.

Title 24 California Building Code
California Energy Code
Title 24 CCR Part 6, is California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non-Residential Buildings (California Energy Code). The California Energy Code consists of energy and water efficiency requirements for the construction of new buildings as well additions and alterations to existing buildings (CEC 2022). The CEC adopted the most recent California Energy Code (2022) on August 11, 2021.

California Green Building Standards
Part 11 of Title 24 is the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) which consists of mandatory regulations pertaining to both residential and non-residential building efficiency standards for energy efficiency, water efficiency, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality. (DGS 2022). The most recent version of the CALGreen code (2022) became effective January 1, 2023.

Transportation-Related Regulations
Various regulatory and planning efforts are aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels, increasing the use of alternative fuels, and improving California’s vehicle fleet. Senate Bill (SB) 375 aligns regional transportation planning efforts, regional GHG emission reduction targets, and land use and housing allocation. CARB, in consultation with the metropolitan planning organizations, provides each affected region with reduction targets for GHGs emitted by passenger cars and light trucks in their respective regions for 2020 and 2035. The current plan for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is the 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 MTP/SCS) which was adopted on November 18, 2019. Through the implementation of this plan SACOG aims to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles by 19 percent in 2035 (CARB 2018).

Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2076 (Chapter 936, Statutes of 2000), CEC and the CARB prepared and adopted a joint agency report in 2003, Reducing California’s Petroleum Dependence. Included in this report are recommendations to increase the use of alternative fuels to 20 percent of on-road transportation fuel use by 2020 and 30 percent by 2030, significantly increase the efficiency of motor vehicles, and reduce per capita VMT (CEC and CARB 2003).

AB 1007 (Chapter 371, Statues of 2005) required CEC to prepare the State Alternative Fuels Plan to increase the use of alternative fuels in California.

In January 2012, C
ARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars program, which combines the control of GHG emissions and criteria air pollutants, as well as requirements for greater numbers of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), into a single package of regulatory standards for vehicle model years 2017– 2025. The new regulations strengthened the GHG standards for 2017 models and beyond. In addition, the program’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation requires battery, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) to account for up to 15 percent of California’s new vehicle sales by 2025. In August 2022, CARB adopted the ACC II program, which sets sales requirements for ZEVs to ultimately reach the goal of 100 percent ZEV sales in the State by 2035.

GHG Reduction Regulations
Several regulatory measures such as AB 32, EO B-30-15, SB 32, AB 197, and most recently, AB 1279, were enacted to reduce GHGs and have the co-benefit of reducing California’s dependency on fossil fuels and making land use ITEM 11.2.

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development and transportation systems more energy efficient. CARB adopted the Final 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (2022 Scoping Plan) in December 2022, which provides the framework for meeting the state’s ambitious GHG reduction targets of reducing GHG emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 (CARB 2022).

Renewable Energy Regulations
SB X1-2 of 2011 requires all California utilities to generate 33 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2020. SB X1-2 also requires the renewable electricity standard to be met increasingly with renewable energy that is supplied to the California grid from sources within, or directly proximate to, California. SB X1 -2 mandates that renewables from these sources make up at least 50 percent of the total renewable energy for the 2011-2013 compliance period, at least 65 percent for the 2014-2016 compliance period, and at least 75 percent for 2016 and beyond.

SB 100, signed in September 2018, requires that all California utilities, including independently -owned utilities, energy service providers, and community choice aggregators, supply 44 percent of retail sales from renewable resources by December 31, 2024, 50 percent of all electricity sold by December 31, 2026, 52 percent by December 31, 2027, and 60 percent by December 31, 2030. The law also requires that eligible renewable energy resources and zero -carbon resources supply 100 percent of retail sales of electricity to California end-use customers and 100 percent of electricity procured to serve all State agencies by December 31, 2045.

3.6.2 Discussion
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
Less than significant. Provided below are analyses of energy consumption related to construction and operational activities.

Construction
Implementation of the CAAP would result in the consumption of energy resources during construction. GHG reduction measures that would result in new EV charging stations, roundabouts, bicycle infrastructure, new rooftop and canopy-cover solar panels, and tree planting (Transportation-1.1, -1.3, -2.1, -2.2, -3.4, -5.1, Energy-1.1, -1.2), would consume energy resources such as electricity, fuels, and non-renewable resources during construction. These types of projects would not involve large amounts of labor or extensive use of construction equipment. Some worker trips may be required during installation of these facilities and features, resulting in the short-term consumption of diesel fuel and gasoline. However, workers would likely be located within the Sacramento region and would not require extended commutes to reach construction sites. Construction equipment may also be used during installation of these facilities and features, construction equipment (e.g., backhoes, front loaders, bulldozers and skid steers), but it is likely that this equipment would be used intermittently and for relatively short periods of time. Additionally, Measures Off Road-2.1 and -2.2 would promote the use of alternative fuel in construction equipment and limit construction vehicle idling time, respectively. Demand for energy resources during construction would vary throughout the construction period and would generally cease upon completion of construction.

Measure Carbon Storage-1.1 would increase tree planting in areas such as parks, public gathering places and along sidewalks and bike paths. This would likely not require heavy equipment but could result in a small amount of fuel consumption when delivering trees.

Operations
Occasional operational maintenance activities for facilities and features above may be required with implementation of the CAAP. However, these trips would be infrequent and therefore operational vehicle trips would be minimal; thus, associated operational fuel consumption would also be minimal.

ITEM 11.2.

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Implementation of the CAAP would improve operational energy efficiency and reduce the use of fossil fuels through measures which reduce VMT and encourage EV use, as well as measures which facilitate the increased generation and utilization of renewable energy. For example, measures such as Transportation-5.2 and -5.3 would involve the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers on private property as well as public property, respectively, while other transportation-related measures such as Transportation-1.3 would reduce VMT in the City by improving street connectivity. Measures pertaining to EV charging, such as Transportation-5.2 and -5.3 described above, would increase the use of electricity. However, these measures would reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. Energy-related measures such as Energy-2.2 would reduce GHG emissions and decrease operational energy consumption by requiring all new nonresidential development to achieve energy efficiency above minimum State building code requirements.

Measures Solid Waste-1.1 and -1.2, which increase the recovery of edible food waste and eliminate the disposal of organic waste in landfills, respectively, could lead to increased haul truck trips to and from composting and recycling facilities; however, it is anticipated that these trips would displace the haul truck trips that would be diverted from the landfill. Therefore, no net change in energy consumption is anticipated.

Measure Carbon Storage-1.1 would increase tree planting in areas such as parks, public gathering places and along sidewalks and bike paths, and would therefore indirectly involve minor electricity consumption associated with conveyance and treatment of water used for irrigation.

Collectively, these measures are intended to reduce the urban heat island effect, reduce consumption of gasoline and diesel fuels, and reduce the amount of energy consumed for cooling in the summer. Therefore, these projects would be considered necessary and beneficial uses of energy resources. Implementation of the other GHG reduction measures and adaptation strategies in the CAAP would not involve short- or long-term physical changes that could result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary energy consumption.

Impact Summary
The goal of the CAAP is to reduce GHG emissions generated within the Plan Area by using alternatively fueled vehicles, reducing VMT, generating and utilizing renewable energy, reducing waste generation, and increasing carbon sequestration. The CAAP also sets forth actions to adapt to climate change hazards including extreme heat, drought, flooding, and wildfires. Although implementation of the CAAP would result in temporary construction activities that would consume energy resources, standard best management practices would discourage unnecessary idling and the operation of poorly maintained equipment during construction. Moreover, while GHG reduction measures were formulated to reduce GHGs, many would improve energy efficiency and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Thus, implementation of the CAAP would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy, during project construction or operation. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency
Less than significant. The goals and measures included in the CAAP are being developed in consideration of the long-term GHG reduction goals of the 2022 Scoping Plan, especially those pertaining to energy utilization and generation. Additionally, the CAAP includes the Priority GHG Reduction Strategies outlined in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

These measures, which focus on transportation electrification and VMT reduction, are intended to provide local jurisdictions with impactful GHG reduction strategies that can be implemented by local governments (CARB 2022 ).

Measures included in the CAAP such as Energy-1.1, -1.2, -2.1, and -2.2 collectively reduce the demand and usage of fossil fuels in both residential and nonresidential applications by retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, requiring that new residential development be all-electric and zero-net-energy (ZNE), and that new nonresidential development exceed State building code requirements for energy consumption. Additionally, the CAAP would encourage the use of alternatively fueled vehicles through the implementation of measures such as Transportation-5.2 which would involve the installation of publicly accessible EV chargers on private property. Other transportation-related measures such as Transportation-1.3 would reduce VMT in the City by improving street connectivity. While the construction required to implement these measures may require some energy consumption, ultimately the measures would improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption. Measures Off Road-2.1 ITEM 11.2.

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and -2.2 would promote the use of alternative fuel in construction equipment and limit construction vehicle idling time, respectively, reducing the consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel. Therefore, construction associated with implementation of the CAAP would not obstruct achievement of the energy efficiency and GHG reduction goals outlined in the 2022 Scoping Plan.

The EAP, which focuses on energy efficiency; demand response; renewable energy; the supply and reliability of electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels; and achieving GHG reduction targets would also be relevant to the implementation of the CAAP (CEC and CPUC 2008). As discussed above in Criterion (a) although implementation of the CAAP would consume energy resources during construction and operation, GHG reduction measures such as Energy-

1.1, -1.2, -2.1, and -2.2, Transportation-1.3, and -5.2 (described above) would increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy while also acting to conserve energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Measures to increase energy efficiency, support the conversion from gasoline or diesel to electricity or alternative fuels, and increase the supply of renewable energy would directly support EAP goals and strategies. Lastly, all GHG-related measures within the CAAP would support the EAP’s goal of achieving GHG reduction targets because the CAAP is intended to reduce GHG emissions generated within the Plan Area. Therefore, the CAAP would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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3.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
VII. Geology and Soils.

Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated
on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the
area or based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault? (Refer to California Geological Survey
Special Publication 42.)

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?

iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?

d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1- B of the Uniform Building Code (1994, as updated),
creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?

f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?

3.7.1 Environmental Setting
The City is located within the Great Valley geomorphic province, which is characterized by thick, Jurassic through Holocene aged sedimentary deposits. Elevations range from several feet below mean sea level to more than 1,000 feet above sea level. Underlying geologic formations consist of alluvial gravel, sand, and silt derived from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Range. The youngest geomorphic features in the Plan Area are low floodplains, which are found primarily along the American River and Cosumnes River (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

ITEM 11.2.

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There are no known active fault lines within the Plan Area and the potential for surface fault displacements is considered low. The Plan Area is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone, liquefaction zone, or landslide zone (DOC 2023).

Expansive soils are deposited in a loose, highly porous State, then harden and remain dry after deposition. Upon contact with moisture, the weak cementation between the loose soil par ticles softens and can result in settlement or collapse. Expansive soils, with high shrink-well characteristics, are known to occur within the Plan Area (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

The Great Valley province is bounded by the Klamath and Cascade mountain ranges to the north, the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east, and the California Coast Mountain Range to the west. The geologic units that underlie the area consist mostly of Cenozoic Quaternary gravelly alluvial and glacial deposits from the American River, which date back to the mid Pleistocene age or approximately 600,000 years. Paleontological resources are not known to occur within these geologic units; however fossil localities have been identified in the Riverbank Formation (City of Rancho Cordova 2006b).

3.7.2 Discussion
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? (Refer to California Geological Survey Special Publication 42.)
No impact. There are no delineated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones within the Plan Area. Therefore, measures that would be implemented as part of the CAAP would not cause substantial adverse effects related to the rupture of a known earthquake fault. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
No impact. There are no delineated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones or other potentially active faults that have been mapped within the Plan Area. Furthermore, CAAP implementation would not include the construction of habitable structures and development of CAAP-related structures would occur within already developed areas where the necessary ground compaction and other seismic considerations have already been taken into account. T hus, implementation of the CAAP would not exacerbate hazards to people or property from strong seismic ground shaking. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required. iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? No impact. There are no liquefaction zones identified within the Plan Area. Furthermore, liquefaction and other seismic- related ground failure events primarily affect structures. Because CAAP implementation would not result in construction of habitable structures and development of CAAP-related structures would occur within already developed areas where the necessary ground compaction and other seismic considerations, including liquefaction, have already been taken into account. Thus, implementation of the CAAP would not exacerbate hazards to people or property from seismic- related ground failure, including liquefaction, no impact would occur. No mitigation is required. iv) Landslides?
No impact. There are no landside zones identified within the Plan Area or steep slopes. In addition, CAAP implementation would not occur on steep slopes or require substantial ground disturbing activities that could cause a landslide. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less than significant. Implementation of the CAAP would involve minor ground dis turbing act ivities, including grading and excavation, could, depending on their location, cause soil erosion and loss of topsoil. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts, upgraded walkways, and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5 .1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). However, given the nature of the CAAP, construction activities associated with the implementation would occur in alre ady disturbed, developed areas such as roadways and parking lots. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existing developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-d e -sacs. In addition, tree planting would occur within City green spaces, public rights-of-way and new development projects. Additionally, CAAP measures involving disturbance of one or more acres would be required to comply with a project-specific st orm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that complies with the National Pollutant D ischarge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (O rder 2009-0009-DWQ). The SWPPP would identify erosion and sediment controls to substantially reduce the amount of soil disturbance,
erosion, and sediment transport into receiving waters during construction. Through compliance with applicable
requirements, measures that would be implemented as part of the CAAP would not result in substantial s
oil erosion or the loss of topsoil. For all the foregoing reasons, implementation of the CAAP would not result in substantial so
il erosion or the loss of topsoil. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
No impact. There are no delineated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones, landslide zones, or liquefaction zones identified within the Plan Area. Furthermore, CAAP implementation does not include construction of habitable structures and development of CAAP-related structures would occur within already developed areas where the necessary ground compaction and other seismic considerations, including geologic unit or soil type, have already been taken into account. Thus, implementation of the CAAP would exacerbate the risk of lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required. d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994, as updated), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? No impact. Expansive soils are known to occur within the Plan Area; however, CAAP implementation does not include construction of habitable structures that could be affected by soil expansion and development of CAAP-related structures would occur within already developed areas where the necessary ground compaction and other seismic considerations have already been taken into account. Therefore, CAAP implementation would not create substantial risks to life or property from expansive soils. No impact would occur. No mitigation is required. e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?
No impact. CAAP implementation does not include installation of any septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. As a result, no impact would occur. No mitigation is required. f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Less than significant. The Plan Area is located within the Great Valley geomorphic province. The geologic units that underlie the area consist of aged sedimentary deposits that date back roughly 160 million years. Paleontological resources include continental and marine sediments, which consist of moderate paleontological sensitivity (CGS 2002). Thus, measures that involve ground disturbing activities could be implemented in areas underlain by ITEM 11.2.

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potentially unique paleontological resources. Measures that would be implemented as part of the CAAP would involve minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance during construction. For example, minor grading, excavation, and other ground disturbance would occur during the construction of new roundabouts, upgraded walkways, and bicycle infrastructure (Transportation-1.3, -2.1, -2.2, and Adaptation-5g), installation of EV charging infrastructure (Transportation-5.1 through 5.4), and tree planting (Carbon Storage-1.1). However, given the nature of the CAAP, construction activities associated with the implementation would occur in already disturbed, developed areas such as roadways and parking lots. EV charging stations would be installed in new and existin g developments, and roadway improvements such as roundabouts, walkways, and bicycle infrastructure would occur along existing developed roadways and cul-de-sacs. Ground disturbance would generally be limited to shallow depths, comprised of artificial fill or previously disturbed soils, within developed roadways and urbanized areas; paleontological resources are unlikely to be encountered during the types of ground-disturbing activities that would occur during CAAP implementation. Furthermore, CAAP measures would be consistent with General Plan Policy CHR.1.3, which call for the preservation of important cultural and paleontological resources that contribute to the unique identity and character of the City. General Plan Policy CHR.1.2 encourages the preservation of significant cultural and paleontological resources listed on the national, state, or local registers through maintenance or development of appropriate ordinances that protect, enhance, and perpetuate resources; incentive programs; and/or t he development review process (City of Rancho Cordova 2006a). For all the foregoing reasons, the CAAP would not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. This impact would be
less than significant. No mitigation is required.

ITEM 11.2.

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3.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
VIII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?

b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?

3.8.1 Environmental Setting
Certain gases in the earth’s atmosphere, classified as GHGs, play a critical role in determining the earth’s surface temperature. GHGs are responsible for “trapping” solar radiation in the earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Prominent GHGs contributing to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane,
nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Human -caused emissions of these GHGs in excess of natural ambient concentrations are believed responsible for intensifyin g the greenhouse effect and leading to a trend of unnatural warming of the earth’s climate, known as global climate change or global warming.

Emissions of GHGs contributing to global climate change are attributable, in large part, to human activities assoc iated with on-road and off-road transportation, industrial/manufacturing, electricity generation by utilities and consumption by end users, residential and commercial on-site fuel usage, and agriculture and forestry. Emissions of CO
2 are, largely, byproducts of fossil fuel combustion.

The quantity of GHGs in the atmosphere that ultimately result in climate change is not precisely known, but is enormous; no single project alone would measurably contribute to an incremental change in the global average temperature, or to global, local, or micro climates. From the standpoint of the CEQA, GHG impacts relative to global climate change are inherently cumulative.

Although there is strong scientific consensus that global climate change is occurring and is influenced by human activity, there is less certainty as to the timing, severity, and potential consequences of the climate phenomena.

Scientists have identified several ways in which global climate change is anticipated to alter the physical environment in California (CNRA 2012, DWR 2006, IPCC 2007). These include:
 increased average temperatures;
 modifications to the timing, amount, and form (rain vs. snow) of precipitation;  changes in the timing and amount of runoff;
 reduced water supply;
 deterioration of water quality; and
 elevated sea level.

FEDERAL REGULATORY SETTING
The EPA is the federal agency responsible for implementing the federal CAA and its amendments. EPA has taken steps to regulate GHG emissions and lent support for State and local agencies’ efforts to reduce GHG emissions. In October ITEM 11.2.

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2012, EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, issued rules to reduce GHG emissions and improve corporate average fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles for model years 2017 and beyond (77 FR 62624).

STATE REGULATORY SETTING
Statewide GHG Emission Targets and Climate Change Scoping Plan Reducing GHG emissions in California has been the focus of the State government for approximately two decades.

GHG emission targets established by the State legislature include reducing statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (Assembly Bill [AB] 32 of 2006) and reducing them to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (Senate Bill [SB] 32 of 2016). AB 1279 requires California to achieve “net zero greenhouse gas emissions” as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and to achieve and maintain net negative GHG emissions thereafter. It also requires that statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions be reduced to at least 85% below 1990 levels by 2045. These targets are in line with the scientifically established levels needed in the U.S. to limit the rise in global temperature to no more than 2 degrees Celsius, the warming threshold at which major climate disruptions, such as super droughts and rising sea levels, are projected; these targets also pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius (United Nations 2015).

CARB adopted the 2022 Scoping Plan on December 16, 2022 (CARB 2022). It identifies the reductions needed by each GHG emission sector (e.g., transportation [including off-road mobile source emissions], industry, electricity generation, agriculture, commercial and residential, pollutants with high global warming potential, and recycling and waste). The 2022 Scoping Plan traces the pathway for the state to achieve its carbon neutrality and an 85 percent reduction in 1990 emissions goal by 2045 using a combined top-down, bottom-up approach under various scenarios.

CARB and other state agencies also released the January 2019 Draft California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan consistent with the carbon neutrality goal of Executive Order B-55-18 (California Environmental Protection Agency et al. 2019).

The state has also passed more detailed legislation addressing GHG emissions associated with transportation, electricity generation, and energy consumption, as summarized below.

Transportation-Related Standards and Regulations
As part of its Advanced Clean Cars program, CARB established more stringent GHG emission standards and fuel efficiency standards for fossil fuel–powered on-road vehicles than EPA. In addition, the program’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation requires battery, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) to account for up to 15 percent of California’s new vehicle sales by 2025. In August 2022, CARB adopted the ACC II program, which sets sales requirements for ZEVs to ultimately reach the goal of 100 percent ZEV sales in the state by 2035.

Executive Order B-48-18, signed into law in January 2018, requires all State entities to work with the private sector to have at least 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030, as well as 200 hydrogen -fueling stations and 250,000 EV-charging stations installed by 2025. It specifies that 10,000 of these charging stations must be direct -current fast chargers.

CARB adopted the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in 2007 to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of California’s transportation fuels. Low-CI fuels emit less CO
2 than other fossil fuel–based fuels such as gasoline and fossil diesel.

The LCFS applies to fuels used by on-road motor vehicles and off-road vehicles, including construction equipment (Wade, pers. comm., 2017).

In addition to regulations that address tailpipe emissions and transportation fuels, the state legislature has passed regulations to address the amount of driving by on-road vehicles. Since passage of SB 375 in 2008, CARB requires metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop and adopt sustainable communities strategies (SCSs) as a component of the federally-prepared regional transportation plans (RTPs) to show reductions in GHG emissions from passenger cars and light-duty trucks in their respective regions for 2020 and 2035 (CARB 2018b). These plans link land use and housing allocation to transportation planning and related mobile-source emissions. The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) serves as the MPO for the Sacramento region. The current plan for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is the 2020 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable ITEM 11.2.

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