California State University, Monterey Bay Campus Parking Relocation Project Attachment to Notice of Exemption

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Dustin Wade
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1 California State University, Monterey Bay Campus Parking Relocation Project Attachment to Notice of Exemption California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) proposes to improve an existing oncampus parking lot located on 7 th Avenue south of A Street that would serve as replacement parking for other on-campus parking facilities to be closed. As part of the improvement project, two new transit stops and other pedestrian enhancements would be implemented in the vicinity of the 7 th Avenue and A Street intersection (proposed project). As explained below, the proposed improvements are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Pub. Resources Code, section 21000, et seq.) Project Description In August 2016, the CSU Board of Trustees (BOT) approved development of a 225-stall parking lot on the CSUMB campus to be located at 7 th Avenue south of A Street. In approving the project, the BOT determined that the installation of parking stalls at 7 th Avenue, which would relocate parking stalls from other on-campus parking lots, would not result in significant environmental effects. The approved 7 th Avenue parking lot site could accommodate up to approximately 1,000 stalls; however, only 225 stalls were proposed at the time of approval. CSUMB presently proposes to utilize the remaining area of the previously approved project to accommodate an additional 639 parking stalls, which also would be relocated from other campus parking lots. (See Traffic Evaluation, dated May 30, 2017, Figure 1, for proposed project location.) The site of the proposed improvements is an existing paved parking lot within CSUMB campus boundaries. (See Biological Resources Memorandum, dated May 30, 2017, Figure 1.) The proposed improvements would involve minor alterations to the existing parking lot by slightly increasing the existing paved area and improving the site with new asphalt, striping, on-site drainage, signage, bicycle and pedestrian crossings, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant facilities. Minor improvements to the 7 th Avenue parking lot would be made, as compared to existing conditions (see Impervious Area Exhibit). In particular, the utilization of the previously approved project area for minor improvements would result in a 1% increase in impervious area to accommodate the additional stalls. The pedestrian and bicycle crossing at A Street would be improved to accommodate a 10-foot wide raised crosswalk. Importantly, the improvements would not increase the total number of available parking stalls on campus and, instead, would simply relocate existing parking stalls from other on-campus parking lots to the 7 th Avenue location. The improvements would result in the expansion of the 7 th Avenue parking lot to accommodate 864 total general and special stalls (829 general stalls + 35 special stalls); special stalls include accessible, service, short term, service/program, or zip car use. The 864 total general stalls would be comprised of 604 newly relocated general parking stalls, 225 previously approved stalls, and 35 special stalls (5 passenger loading zone spaces + 10 accessible stalls + 20 motorcycle stalls). Approximately 44 general stalls would not be relocated and, therefore, the 1

2 campus parking inventory would be reduced by that amount. In sum, the proposed project would result in the addition of 639 parking stalls to the number of stalls the BOT approved at the 7 th Avenue lot in August As part of the proposed project, the following parking lots would be closed: parking lot 45 (290 parking stalls), parking lot 201 (182 parking stalls), and parking lot 508 (132 parking stalls). In addition, as part of the proposed project, 44 parking stalls located within existing lots would be repurposed to accessible, service, short term, service/program, or zip car uses as follows: Lot 13 3 stalls repurposed to accessible Lot stalls repurposed to accessible Lot 19 2 stalls repurposed to short term Lot 28 4 stalls repurposed service/short term Lot stalls repurposed to service Lot 82 East 4 stalls repurposed to accessible Lot stalls repurposed to short term Consistent with the CSUMB Master Plan goal of a multi-modal, pedestrian friendly campus, the proposed project also would include establishment of two new transit stops and pedestrian crossing improvements at the 7 th Avenue and A Street intersection. Additionally, A Street between 6 th and 7 th Avenues would be closed to through traffic to improve pedestrian safety between the 7 th Avenue parking lot and the CSUMB campus. These pedestrian-related enhancements would improve campus circulation and safety by relocating parking facilities away from the campus core and consolidating parking in the campus periphery. Categorical Exemptions As discussed below, the proposed improvements are exempt from CEQA under Classes 14 and 1 of the CEQA Guidelines and CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). Class 14 (CEQA Guidelines 15314, Minor Additions to Schools) Under CEQA Guidelines section (14 CCR 15314), projects that meet the following conditions are characterized as minor additions to schools, and, therefore, are categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 14: (a) The project involves the minor addition to (appurtenant to) existing university campuses within the existing university campus grounds. (b) The project does not increase original student full-time equivalent (FTE) capacity by more than 25% or ten classrooms, whichever is less. The proposed project meets each of the conditions set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15314, and, therefore, is exempt from CEQA: (a) The proposed project involves the relocation of existing parking facilities from one oncampus location to another and the related minor addition to an existing parking lot 2

3 appurtenant to the existing CSUMB campus within existing university campus grounds. (b) The proposed project would not increase student FTE capacity; no increase in student enrollment is proposed as part of the Project. Class 1 (CEQA Guidelines 15301, Existing Facilities) Under CEQA Guidelines section (14 Cal. Code Regs. (CCR) 15301), projects that involve negligible or no expansion of an existing use and meet the following exemplary conditions are characterized as minor alterations of existing public or private facilities and, therefore, are categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1: (a) The project consists of alterations to existing campus streets, sidewalks, gutters, curbs, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety); The proposed project meets the conditions set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15301, and therefore, is exempt from CEQA: (a) The proposed project would not expand existing parking lot uses on the CSUMB campus and, instead, would merely relocate existing on-campus parking facilities from one location to another. Additionally, the proposed improvements consist of minor alterations to existing campus facilities to enhance pedestrian safety between the CSUMB campus and the 7 th Avenue parking lot. Common Sense Exemption (CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3)) Under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemption (14 CCR 15061(b)(3)), activities are exempt from, and otherwise not subject to, CEQA under the "common sense" exemption where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The technical reports prepared for the proposed project, attached hereto as appendices and summarized below, demonstrate that there is no possibility that construction or operation of the proposed project would result in a significant effect on the environment. Biological Resources: The results of a biological field investigation conducted April 25 and 27, 2017, and May 18 and 30, 2017 demonstrate the proposed project would not result in either significant construction- or operation- related impacts to biological resources, as further discussed in Appendix A, Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc., Planning and Environmental Consulting Biological Study for the CSUMB 7 th Avenue Parking Lot, May 30, 2017 (Biological Study). 3

4 Habitat Management Plan The entire CSUMB campus, including the proposed project site, is within the Habitat Management Plan area. The U.S. Army s decision to close and dispose of the Fort Ord military base was considered a major federal action that could affect listed species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a Final Biological Opinion (BO) on the disposal and reuse of former Fort Ord requiring that a Habitat Management Plan (HMP) be developed and implemented to reduce the incidental take of listed species and loss of habitat that supports these species. The HMP was prepared to assess impacts on vegetation and wildlife resources and provide mitigation for their loss associated with the disposal and reuse of former Fort Ord. The HMP establishes guidelines for the conservation and management of species and habitats on former Fort Ord lands by identifying lands that are available for development, lands that have some restrictions with development, and habitat reserve areas. The intent of the plan is to establish large, contiguous habitat conservation areas and corridors to compensate for future development in other areas of the former base. The HMP identifies what type of activities can occur on each parcel at former Fort Ord and parcels are designated as development with no restrictions, habitat reserves with management requirements, or habitat reserves with development restrictions. The HMP sets standards to assure the long-term viability of former Fort Ord's biological resources in the context of base reuse so that no further mitigation should be necessary for impacts to species and habitats considered in the HMP. The HMP was approved by the USFWS; the HMP, deed restrictions, and Memoranda of Agreement between the Army and various land recipients provide the legal mechanism to assure HMP implementation. It is a legally binding document, and all recipients of former Fort Ord lands are required to abide by its management requirements and procedures. The HMP anticipates some losses to special-status species and sensitive habitats as a result of redevelopment of the former Fort Ord. With the designated reserves and corridors and habitat management requirements in place, the losses of individuals of species and sensitive habitats considered in the HMP are not expected to jeopardize the long-term viability of those species, their populations, or sensitive habitats on former Fort Ord. Recipients of disposed land with restrictions or management guidelines designated by the HMP would be obligated to implement those specific measures through the HMP and through deed covenants. Sensitive or Special-Status Species One special status plant species (Monterey spineflower) and one potential special-status plant species (Yadon s piperia) was observed within the proposed project site. Monterey spineflower is a federally threatened species and Yadon s piperia is a federally endangered species. Both plants are California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare Plant Rank (RPR) 1B species. The site of the proposed project is within development parcels designated by the adopted HMP, which covers the area. The HMP establishes 4

5 habitat reserves and corridors to offset any potential impacts to HMP-listed species within the proposed project site. Monterey spineflower and Yadon s piperia are HMP species. As such, implementation of the HMP mitigates for impacts to Monterey spineflower and Yadon s piperia (if present). The HMP, as well as the BO, require the identification of sensitive biological resources within development parcels that may be salvaged for use in restoration activities in habitat reserve areas. Therefore, salvage of Monterey spineflower seed and Yadon s piperia bulbs (if present) would be conducted in accordance with this requirement. Potential Yadon s piperia identified adjacent to the project site would not be impacted as no construction activities are proposed beyond the existing fence line, and, therefore, no bulb salvage would be required. Salvage requirements would be identified in the project plans. Thus, as discussed in the Biological Study, implementation of the HMP would ensure that any potential impacts to Monterey spineflower and Yadon s piperia (if present) would be less-than-significant. As to wildlife, one special-status wildlife species (the Monterey dusky-footed woodrat) is known to occur within the proposed project site. Two Monterey dusky-footed woodrat nests were observed within the coast live oak woodland habitat and the project has been designed to avoid potential impacts to this species. The project avoids the coast live oak woodland habitat area and the project design requires that Monterey woodrat nests be marked and flagged for avoidance. This project design feature would be identified on the project plans, and would describe the requirements for a qualified biologist to flag the nesting sites to ensure avoidance by construction equipment and personnel. The CSUMB Campus Planning & Development Department would monitor the implementation and compliance with this feature. No other candidate, sensitive, or special-status species identified by local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the USFWS were observed on the proposed project site. Riparian Habitat or Other Sensitive Natural Communities No riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the USFWS were observed on the proposed project site. The proposed project would involve the removal of one coast live oak tree (12 diameter at breast height). While not designated as sensitive habitat, coast live oak woodland is a valuable native habitat within the proposed project area. No coast live oak woodland habitat would be impacted as a result of the proposed project. Coast live oak trees are not designated as special-status species. The one coast live oak tree proposed for removal is not located within the mapped coast live oak woodland habitat. As a result, the removal of one coast live oak tree is not a significant impact because it is not located within coast live oak woodland habitat and is not a special-status species. Further, CSUMB has established a coast live oak tree restoration program for impacts to coast live oak trees resulting from campus projects. This program requires that for every coast live oak tree greater than 6 dbh removed, two (2) coast live oak trees would be replanted in the 5

6 identified restoration area located south of the campus library. The implementation of this program is required for all projects that would result in impacts to coast live oak trees. Therefore, as feature of the project design, two coast live oak trees would be replanted for the one 12 dbh oak tree removed. The replanting would be included in the project plans. Federally Protected Wetlands No impacts to federally protected wetlands, as defined by section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, would result from implementation of the proposed project because the proposed project site is located on a currently developed, paved site. There are no jurisdictional waters of the United States, including wetlands, on or near the proposed project site. Migratory Wildlife or Wildlife Corridors The proposed project site is adjacent to open space area containing non-native ruderal grassland dominated by non-native grass and forb species, and weedy plant species; coast live oak woodland with an understory of poison oak and non-native annual grasses; and, developed/disturbed areas with little vegetation, including weedy plant species and nonnative plant species. The area could provide suitable nesting for nesting raptors and other protected avian species. A red-tail hawk nest was observed outside the project site. Preconstruction surveys for active nests were conducted on May 30, The red-tail hawk nest was no longer active; no active nests were observed. Pre-construction surveys typically require that surveys be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the initiation of these activities during the late part of the breeding season (May through August). Therefore, if construction is initiated prior to June 13, 2017, no additional preconstruction surveys would be required. Pre-construction survey requirements would be noted on the project plans. Conflict with Local Policies or Ordinances The proposed project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. Conflict with an Adopted Habitat Conservation Plan As noted above, the site of the proposed project is located within development parcels designated by an adopted HMP. Through the HMP, potential impacts to HMP-listed species within the proposed project site were anticipated and are mitigated through the establishment of habitat reserves and corridors. As the proposed project would adhere to the provisions of the HMP, the proposed project would not conflict with conservation planning outlined in any formal habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plans. 6

7 Traffic: The proposed project would not result in either significant construction- or operation- related traffic impacts at any of the study area intersections or segments surrounding the proposed project area, as further discussed in Appendix B, Keith Higgins, Traffic Engineer CSUMB Parking Relocation and A Street Pedestrian Conversion Traffic Evaluation, May 30, Construction Impacts Construction of the proposed project would involve 20 to 30 construction personnel associated with a total of about 80 daily vehicle trips. Approximately 7,000 cubic yards (cy) of earth would be exported from the proposed project site to within the CSUMB campus for recycle and re-use. Estimating 16 cy per truckload and 10 working days for earthwork, 88 daily truck trips would be generated. In addition, approximately 1,600 cy of asphalt pavement and base rock would be removed from the proposed project site. Estimating 16 cy per truckload and 5 working days for removal, 40 daily truck trips would be generated. Miscellaneous deliveries would occur during construction activities, resulting in approximately 20 daily trips. Based on these estimates, peak construction daily traffic would involve no more than 200 daily trips for a period of 10 days. Based on prior traffic impact analyses conducted for CSUMB and the amount of operation related daily trips (described below), this amount of daily trips would result in less than significant impacts to area roadways. In addition, construction would be confined to the proposed project site and require no road closures or traffic diversions. The construction of pedestrian improvements across 7 th Avenue would involve minimal short-term traffic diversions and not result in traffic impacts along detour routes. Also, the permanent closure of A Street near 7 th Avenue would not result in significant impacts due to the low volume of existing traffic volumes on A Street. Operation Impacts The proposed project would redistribute approximately 2,280 daily trips (1,140 inbound and 1,140 outbound trips). This estimated number of daily trips includes 206 daily trips for miscellaneous traffic from enforcement, maintenance, and intra-campus traffic, and a parking stall turnover twice a day. Based on the traffic engineer s experience and field observations at other CSUMB parking lots, 20% of the total daily trips are estimated to occur during the AM and PM peak hours. This computes to 456 trips (415 inbound and 41 outbound) during the AM peak hour and 456 (41 inbound and 415 outbound) trips during the PM peak hour. Based on prior traffic impact analyses conducted for CSUMB, traffic volumes at the 7 th Avenue at A Street location are well below the road s carrying capacity. In light of the available capacity, it is not expected that the redistribution of traffic to the 7 th Avenue parking lot due to the relocation of the 639 parking stalls to this location would increase traffic volumes on 7 th Avenue to unacceptable levels. In addition, implementation of the proposed project would add allow to moderate amount of traffic to the eight (8) study area intersections within the proposed project site s 7

8 vicinity. For that reason, the traffic engineer determined that all eight (8) of the project study area intersection would operate at acceptable Levels of Service under both Existing plus Project (see Appendix B, Figure 3) and Cumulative plus Project scenarios. Further, the overall level of CSUMB campus trip generation would not change as a result of the proposed project. The transfer of campus vehicular traffic from parking lots in the campus core to the 7 th Avenue parking lot would result in a redistribution of localized traffic and would not result in additional traffic external to the campus and, as such, would not create any off-campus traffic impacts. Therefore, operation-related traffic impacts would be less than significant. Unusual Circumstances Exception (CEQA Guidelines (c)) Under CEQA Guidelines section (c), Exceptions (14 CCR ), a categorical exemption shall not be used where a reasonable possibility exists that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to "unusual circumstances." Based on the information contained herein and in the attached technical memoranda, and given the nature and location of the proposed project, there are no unusual circumstances surrounding implementation of the proposed project that would suggest a reasonable possibility of a significant effect. Therefore, the proposed project would be exempt under the above-cited classifications. Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc., Biologicial Study for the CSUMB 7 th Avenue Parking Lot, Dated May 30, 2017 Keith Higgins, Traffic Engineer, CSUMB Parking Relocation and A Street Pedestrian Conversion Traffic Evaluation, Seaside, California, May 30,

9 E STOP A STREET W H I T S O N STOP STOP N G I N E E S R MIDDLE BASIN EAST BASIN VAN WEST BASIN A STREET STOP 7TH AVENUE LEGEND IMPERVIOUS AREA EXHIBIT CSUMB - PARKING LOT AT 7TH AVE AND A ST MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Project No.: / 3 0 / 1 7 Sheet 1 of 1 WHITSON ENGINEERS - 6 HARRIS COURT - MONTEREY,CA TEL (831 ) FAX (831) " = 120'

IOWA HIGHWAY 57 / WEST 1 ST STREET STUDY PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING APRIL 22, 2014

IOWA HIGHWAY 57 / WEST 1 ST STREET STUDY PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING APRIL 22, 2014 INTRODUCTION The City of Cedar Falls and the Iowa Department of Transportation are conducting a Public Informational