CC Resolution No. 20-105 Final EIRRESOLUTION NO.20-105
A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
CERTIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ADOPTING
MITIGATION MEASURES AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MIXED -USE
DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 267 HOUSING UNITS, 27 MEMORY CARE
LICENSED ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES ("MEMORY CARE RESIDENCES"),
20,000 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE, AND ~44,900 SQUARE FEET OF
COMMON OPEN SPACE ON AN 8-ACRE PARCEL LOCATED AT 21267 STEVENS
CREEK BOULEVARD (APN: 326-27-042, -043)
SECTION I: PROTECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.: EA-2018-04
Applicant: KT Urban (Mark Tersini)
Property Owner: 190 West St. James, LLC
Location: 21267 Stevens Creek Blvd. (APN #326-27-042, -043)
SECTION II: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino received an application on May 17, 2018 for a
Development Permit (including findings regarding density bonus and waivers),
Architectural and Site Approval Permit, Tentative Map, and Tree Removal Permit, to
allow the construction of a mixed -use development consisting of 242 housing units,
20,000 square feet of retail space, and-35,000 square feet of common open space on an 8-
acre parcel and associated environmental review ("Westport Mixed -Use Project" or
"Project"); and
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino received an application on April 29, 2019 from the
Project applicant for a Use Permit, and Heart of the City Exception for the Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970 (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") and the State CEQA
Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.) ("CEQA
Guidelines"), the City prepared an Initial Study and Environmental Impact Report (State
Clearinghouse No. 2019070377) ("EIR") for the Project, which consists of the November
2019 Public Review Draft Project Environmental Impact Report (the "Draft EIR"), the
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April 2020 Response to Comments Document, and the May 2020 Response to Comments
on the Final EIR memorandum (together, the "Final EIR"); and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2019 the City issued a Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR for the
Westport Mixed -Use Project; and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2019 the Draft Initial Study for the project was distributed to
responsible agencies and the public for review and comment for a 30-day period that
ended August 9, 2019; and
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2019 a public EIR Scoping Meeting was held to receive comments
regarding the scope and content of the EIR; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2019 the City issued a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the
Draft EIR for the Westport Mixed -Use Project; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2019 the Draft EIR for the project was distributed to
responsible agencies and the public for review and comment for a 45-day period that
ended August 9, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Draft EIR concluded that significant environmental effects on Air
Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, Noise, Tribal Cultural Resources, and Utilities and Service Systems would be
avoided or reduced to less -than -significant levels by mitigation measures ("MM")
identified in the EIR; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020 the applicant requested that an Increased Senior Housing
Alternative be considered and analyzed in the EIR; and
WHEREAS, the Increased Senior Housing Alternative was analyzed in the Final EIR as
a feasible alternative, and the analysis concluded that the Increased Senior Housing
Alternative would not result in any new or substantially more severe significant impacts
than were analyzed in the Draft EIR; therefore, recirculation of the Draft EIR was not
required; and
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2020, the City of Cupertino's Environmental Review Committee
held a duly noticed public hearing to receive public testimony and reviewed and
considered the information contained in the Draft EIR and Response to Comments, and
voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council certify the EIR for Project; and
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2020, the applicant formally requested that the City consider the
Increased Senior Housing Alternative analyzed in the Final EIR, which is a proposed
mixed -use development consisting of 267 housing units, 27 memory care licensed
assisted living residences, 20,000 square feet of retail space, and approximately 44,900
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square feet of common open space on an 8.1-acre parcel with 7.9 net developable acres,
to be the proposed Project; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Project (Increased Senior Enhanced Alternative) was referred
to in the May 12, 2020 Planning Commission staff report as the "Senior Enhanced
Alternative;" and
WHEREAS, text revisions made after publication of the Draft EIR, which are found in the
May, 2020 Westport Mixed -Use Project Final EIR, merely clarify, amplify or make
insignificant modifications to the EIR, and recirculation of the EIR is not required.
WHEREAS, on May 12, 2020, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to receive staffs presentation and public testimony, and to consider the
information contained in the EIR along with all staff reports, other pertinent documents,
and all written and oral statements received prior to and at the public hearing, and
recommended on a 5-0 vote, based on substantial evidence in the record, that the City
Council certify the EIR, adopt and incorporate into the Project and implement as
conditions of approval all of the mitigation measures for the project that are identified in
the EIR, and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on May 12, 2020 the Planning Commission recommended on a 5-0 vote that
the City Council approve the Vesting Tentative Map (TM-2018-03), in substantially
similar form to the Resolution presented (Resolution No. 6904), approve the
Development Permit (DP-2018-05) in substantially similar form to the Resolution
presented (Resolution No. 6901), approve the Architectural and Site Approval Permit
(ASA-2018-05) in substantially similar form to the Resolution presented (Resolution No.
6902), approve the Use Permit (U-2019-03) in substantially similar form to the Resolution
presented (Resolution No. 6903), approve the Tree Removal Permit (TR-2018-22) in
substantially similar form to the Resolution presented (Resolution No. 6906), approve the
Heart of the City Exception (EXC-2019-03) in substantially similar form to the Resolution
presented (Resolution No. 6905) for the Senior Enhanced Alternative; and
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2020, as updated on June 25 and 26, 2020, the applicant submitted
and requested the City to consider revisions to the Project ("Revised Senior Enhanced
Project") recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on May 12, 2020 ,
which include relocating nine Below Market Rate ("BMR") units from Building 1 to an
additional top story on Building 2, altering the unit mix in Buildings 1 and 2 to provide
additional space for terraces on the tops of those buildings, and changing the unit mix in
Buildings 2 to include two -bedroom units in addition to studios and one -bedroom units;
and
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WHEREAS, because these proposed revisions to the Project affect building height and
dispersion of BMR units, the Revised Senior Enhanced Project was reviewed by the
Planning Commission on July 14, 2020 for recommendation to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission independently reviewed and considered the EIR
together with the comments and the responses to those comments prior to taking action
on the Revised Senior Enhanced Project; and
WHEREAS, the comments received by the Planning Commission do not require major
revisions to the EIR due to new or substantially more severe significant effects on the
environment; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2020, the Planning Commission recommended on a 3-2 vote that
the City Council deny the project in accordance with Resolution No. 6908; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has independently reviewed and considered the EIR
together with the comments and the responses to those comments prior to taking action
on the Project; and
WHEREAS, the comments received by the City Council do not require major revisions to
the EIR due to new or substantially more severe significant effects on the environment;
and
WHEREAS, the revisions to the Project after the May 12, 2020 Planning Commission
meeting do not require major revisions to the EIR due to new or substantially more severe
significant effects on the environment because the number of residential units and square
footage of retail use have not changed, and the amount of ground level open space has
increased; and
WHEREAS, on August 18, 2020 prior to taking action on the Project, the City Council
held a duly noticed public hearing to receive staffs presentation and public testimony,
and to further consider the information contained in the EIR, along with all staff reports,
other pertinent documents, and all written and oral statements received prior to and at
the public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That after careful consideration of the EIR, comments on the EIR, maps, facts, exhibits,
testimony, staff reports, public comments, and other evidence submitted in this matter,
the City Council does:
1. Certify that the EIR for the Project has been completed in compliance with CEQA and
reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City.
2. Find that the text revisions to the EIR merely clarify, amplify or make insignificant
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modifications to the EIR, and the revisions to the Project do not require major
revisions to the EIR due to new or substantially more severe significant effects on the
environment; therefore, recirculation of the EIR is not required.
3. Adopt the Findings for the Project, attached hereto as "Exhibit EA-1," and
incorporated herein by reference
4. Adopt and make required conditions of approval of the Project all of the mitigation
measures identified in the EIR that are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of the
City.
a. AIR QUALITY
Mitigation Measure AQ-2: Prior to any grading activities, the applicant shall
prepare a Construction Management Plan to be reviewed and approved by the
Director of Public Works/City Engineer. The Construction Management Plan shall
include the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Basic
Construction Mitigation Measures listed below to minimize construction -related
emissions. The project applicant shall require the construction contractor to
implement the approved Construction Management Plan. The BAAQMD Basic
Construction Mitigation Measures are:
• All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded
areas, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered two times per day.
• All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off -site shall
be covered.
• All visible mud or dirt track -out onto adjacent public roads shall be
removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day.
The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
• All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.
• All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as
soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after
grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.
• Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not
in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by
the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of
California Code of Regulations [CCR]). Clear signage shall be provided for
construction workers at all access points.
• All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in
accordance with manufacturer's specifications. All equipment shall be
checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper
condition prior to operation.
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• Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to
contact at the lead agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall
respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The BAAQMD phone
number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable
regulations.
• Vegetative ground cover shall be planted in disturbed areas as soon as
possible and watered appropriately until vegetation is established.
• All exposed surfaces shall be watered at a frequency adequate to maintain
minimum soil moisture of 12 percent. Moisture content can be verified by
lab samples or moisture probe.
Mitigation Measure AQ-4: Implement Mitigation Measure AQ-2.
b. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BI0-1: Nests of raptors and other birds shall be protected
when in active use, as required by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the
California Fish and Game Code. The construction contractor shall indicate the
following on all construction plans, if construction activities and any required tree
removal occur during the breeding season (February 1 and August 31).
Preconstruction surveys shall:
• Be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to tree removal or grading,
demolition, or construction activities. Note that preconstruction surveys are
not required for tree removal or construction, grading, or demolition
activities outside the nesting period.
• Be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the start of tree removal or
construction.
• Be repeated at 14-day intervals until construction has been initiated in the
area after which surveys can be stopped.
• Document locations of active nests containing viable eggs or young birds.
• Protective measures for active nests containing viable eggs or young birds
shall be implemented under the direction of the qualified biologist until the
nests no longer contain eggs or young birds. Protective measures shall
include:
• Establishment of clearly delineated exclusion zones (i.e., demarcated by
identifiable fencing, such as orange construction fencing or equivalent)
around each nest location as determined by the qualified biologist, taking
into account the species of birds nesting, their tolerance for disturbance and
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proximity to existing development. In general, exclusion zones shall be a
minimum of 300 feet for raptors and 75 feet for passerines and other birds.
• Monitoring active nests within an exclusion zone on a weekly basis
throughout the nesting season to identify signs of disturbance and confirm
nesting status.
• An increase in the radius of an exclusion zone by the qualified biologist if
project activities are determined to be adversely affecting the nesting birds.
Exclusion zones may be reduced by the qualified biologist only in
consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• The protection measures shall remain in effect until the young have left the
nest and are foraging independently or the nest is no longer active.
Mitigation Measure BIO-2: The proposed project shall comply with the City of
Cupertino's Protected Trees Ordinance (Cupertino Municipal Code Section 14.18).
A tree removal permit shall be obtained for the removal of any "protected tree,"
and replacement plantings shall be provided as approved by the City. If permitted,
an appropriate in -lieu tree replacement fee may be paid to the City of Cupertino's
Tree Fund as compensation for "protected trees" removed by the proposed
project, where sufficient land area is not available on -site for adequate replacement
and when approved by the City.
In addition, a Tree Protection and Replacement Program (Program) shall be
developed by a Certified Arborist prior to project approval and implemented
during project construction to provide for adequate protection and replacement of
"protected trees," as defined by the City's Municipal Code. The Program shall
include the following provisions:
• Adequate measures shall be defined to protect all trees to be preserved.
These measures should include the establishment of a tree protection zone
(TPZ) around each tree to be preserved, in which no disturbance is
permitted. For design purposes, the TPZ shall be located at the dripline of
the tree or 10 feet, whichever is greater. If necessary, the TPZ for
construction -tolerant species (i.e., coast live oaks) may be reduced to 7 feet.
• Temporary construction fencing shall be installed at the perimeter of TPZs
prior to demolition, grubbing, or grading. Fences shall be 6-foot chain link
or equivalent, as approved by the City of Cupertino. Fences shall remain
until all construction is completed. Fences shall not be relocated or removed
without permission from the consulting arborist.
• No grading, excavation, or storage of materials shall be permitted within
TPZs. Construction trailers, traffic, and storage areas shall remain outside
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fenced areas at all times. No excess soil, chemicals, debris, equipment, or
other materials shall be dumped or stored within he TPZ.
• Underground services including utilities, sub -drains, water or sewer shall
be routed around the TPZ. Where encroachment cannot be avoided, special
construction techniques such as hand digging or tunneling under roots
shall be employed where necessary to minimize root injury. Irrigation
systems must be designed so that no trenching will occur within the TPZ.
• Construction activities associated with structures and underground
features to be removed within the TPZ shall use the smallest equipment and
operate from outside the TPZ. The consulting arborist shall be on -site
during all operations within the TPZ to monitor demolition activity.
• All grading, improvement plans, and construction plans shall clearly
indicate trees proposed to be removed, altered, or otherwise affected by
development construction. The tree information on grading and
development plans should indicate the number, size, species, assigned tree
number, and location of the dripline of all trees that are to be
retained/preserved. All plans shall also include tree preservation guidelines
prepared by the consulting arborist.
• The demolition contractor shall meet with the consulting arborist before
beginning work to discuss work procedures and tree protection. Prior to
beginning work, the contractor(s) working in the vicinity of trees to be
preserved shall be required to meet with the consulting arborist at the site
to review all work procedures, access routes, storage areas, and tree
protection measures.
• All contractors shall conduct operations in a manner that will prevent
damage to trees to be preserved. Any grading, construction, demolition or
other work that is expected to encounter tree roots shall be monitored by
the consulting arborist. If injury should occur to any tree during
construction, it should be evaluated as soon as possible by the consulting
arborist so that appropriate treatments can be applied.
• Any plan changes affecting trees shall be reviewed by the consulting
arborist with regard to tree impacts. These include, but are not limited to,
site improvement plans, utility and drainage plans, grading plans,
landscape and irrigation plans, and demolition plans.
• Trees to be preserved may require pruning to provide construction
clearance. All pruning shall be completed by a State of California Licensed
Tree Contractor (C61/D49). All pruning shall be done by Certified Arborist
or Certified Tree Worker in accordance with the 2002 Best Management
Practices for Pruning published by the International Society of
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Arboriculture, and adhere to the most recent editions of the American
National Standard for Tree Care Operations (Section Z133.1) and Pruning
(Section A300).
• Any root pruning required for construction purposes shall receive the prior
approval of and be supervised by the consulting arborist.
• Any demolition or excavation, such as grading, pad preparation,
excavation, and trenching, within the dripline or other work that is
expected to encounter tree roots should be approved and monitored by the
consulting arborist. Any root pruning required for construction purposes
shall receive prior approval of, and by supervised by, the consulting
arborist. Roots shall be cut by manually digging a trench and cutting
exposed roots with a sharp saw.
• Tree(s) to be removed that have branches extending into the canopy of
tree(s) to remain must be removed by a qualified arborist and not by
construction contractors. The qualified arborist shall remove the tree in a
manner that causes no damage to the tree(s) and understory to remain. Tree
stumps shall be ground 12 inches below ground surface.
• All tree work shall comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as
California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503 through 3513 to not disturb
nesting birds. To the extent feasible, tree pruning, and removal shall be
scheduled outside of the breeding season. Breeding bird surveys shall be
conducted prior to tree work. Qualified biologists shall be involved in
establishing work buffers for active nests. (see Mitigation Measure BIO-1)
• The vertical and horizontal locations of all the trees identified for
preservation shall be established and plotted on all plans. These plans shall
be forwards to the consulting arborist for review and comment.
• Foundations, footings, and pavements on expansive soils near trees shall be
designed to withstand differential displacement to protect the soil
surrounding the tree roots.
• Any liming within 50 feet of any tree shall be prohibited, as lime is toxic to
tree roots. Any herbicides placed under paving materials shall be safe for
use under trees and labeled for that use.
• Brush from pruning and trees removal operations shall be chipped and
spread beneath the trees within the TPZ. Mulch shall be between 2 inches
and 4 inches in depth and kept at a minimum of 3 feet from the base of the
trees.
• All recommendations for tree preservation made by the applicant's
consulting arborist shall be followed.
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Mitigation Measure BIO-3: Implement Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and 13I0-2.
c. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CULT-1: If any prehistoric or historic subsurface cultural
resources are discovered during ground -disturbing (including grading,
demolition and/or construction) activities:
• All work within 50 feet of the resources shall be halted, the City shall be notified
and a qualified archaeologist shall be consulted. The contractor shall cooperate
in the recovery of the materials. Work may proceed on other parts of the project
site while mitigation for tribal cultural resources, historical resources or unique
archaeological resources is being carried out.
• The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a report for the evaluation of the
resource to the California Register of Historical Places and the City Building
Department. The report shall also include appropriate recommendations
regarding the significance of the find and appropriate mitigations as follows:
o If the resource is a non -tribal resource, the archaeologist shall assess the
significance of the find according to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
o If the resource is a tribal resource — whether historic or prehistoric — the
consulting archaeologist shall consult with the appropriate tribe(s) to
evaluate the significance of the resource and to recommend appropriate
and feasible avoidance, testing, preservation or mitigation measures, in
light of factors such as the significance of the find, proposed project design,
costs, and other considerations. If avoidance is infeasible, other appropriate
measures (e.g., data recovery) may be implemented.
• All significant non -tribal cultural materials recovered shall be, as necessary,
and at the discretion of the consulting archaeologist, subject to scientific
analysis, professional museum curation, and documentation according to
current professional standards.
Mitigation Measure CULT-3: Implement Mitigation Measure CULT-1.
d. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: The construction contractor shall incorporate the
following in all grading, demolition, and construction plans:
• In the event that fossils or fossil -bearing deposits are discovered during
grading, demolition, or building, excavations within 50 feet of the find shall be
temporarily halted or diverted.
• The contractor shall notify the City of Cupertino Building Department and a
City -approved qualified paleontologist to examine the discovery.
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• The paleontologist shall document the discovery as needed, in accordance with
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards (Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology 1995), evaluate the potential resource, and assess the significance
of the finding under the criteria set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
• The paleontologist shall notify the appropriate agencies to determine
procedures that would be followed before construction is allowed to resume at
the location of the find.
• If the project applicant determines that avoidance is not feasible, the
paleontologist shall prepare an excavation plan for mitigating the effect of the
project based on the qualities that make the resource important. The excavation
plan shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to
implementation.
e. NOISE
Mitigation Measure NOISE-1: Prior to Grading Permit issuance or the start of
demolition activities, the project applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of
the City of Cupertino Public Works Director and/or Community Development
Director, that the proposed project complies with the following:
• Pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) Section 10.48.053 the
construction activities shall be limited to daytime hours as defined in CMC
Section 10.48.010 (i.e., davtime hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on
weekdays).
• At least 90 days prior to the start of construction activities, all offsite businesses
and residents within 300 feet of the project site shall be notified of the planned
construction activities. The notification shall include a brief description of the
proposed project, the activities that would occur, the hours when construction
would occur, and the construction period's overall duration. The notification
should include the telephone numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized
representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration
complaint.
• At least 10 days prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be
posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, which
includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the telephone
numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are
assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the
authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint, he/she shall
investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City.
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• During the entire active construction period, equipment and trucks used for
project construction will utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g.,
improved mufflers, equipment re -design, use of intake silencers, ducts, engine
enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
• During the entire active construction period, stationary noise sources shall be
located as far from sensitive receptors as possible, and they shall be muffled
and enclosed within temporary sheds, or insulation barriers or other measures
shall be incorporated to the extent feasible.
• Haul routes shall be selected to avoid the greatest amount of sensitive use
areas.
• Signs will be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on -site construction
zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of
unnecessary engine idling. All other equipment will be turned off if not in use
for more than 5 minutes.
• During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use
of noise producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells will be
for safety warning purposes only. The construction manager will use smart
back-up alarms, which automatically adjust the alarm level based on the
background noise level or switch off back-up alarms and replace with human
spotters in compliance with all safety requirements and laws.
f. UTILITIES AND SERVICES MITIGATION MEASURE
Mitigation Measure UTIL-1: No building permits shall be issued by the City for
the proposed Westport Mixed -Use Project that would result in exceeding the
permitted peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8 mgd through the Santa Clara
sanitary sewer system. The project applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction
of the City of Cupertino and Cupertino Sanitary District (CSD), that the proposed
project would not exceed the peak wet weather flow capacity of the Santa Clara
sanitary sewer system by implementing one or more of the following methods:
1. Reduce inflow and infiltration in the CSD system to reduce peak wet weather
flows; or
2. Increase on -site water reuse, such as increased grey water use, or reduce water
consumption of the fixtures used within the proposed project, or other
methods that are measurable and reduce sewer generation rates to acceptable
levels, to the satisfaction of the CSD.
The proposed project's estimated wastewater generation shall be calculated using
the generation rates used by the CSD in the Flow Modeling Analysis for the Homestead
Flume Outfall to the City of Santa Clara, prepared by Mark Thomas & Co. Inc., dated
December 6, 2019, unless alternative (i.e., lower) generation rates achieved by the
Resolution No. 20-105
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proposed project are substantiated by the project applicant based on evidence to
the satisfaction of the CSD.
If the prior agreement between CSD and the City of Santa Clara that currently
limits the permitted peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8 mgd through the Santa
Clara sanitary sewer system were to be updated to increase the permitted peak
wet weather flow sufficiently to accommodate, this would also change the impacts
of the project to less than significant. If this were to occur prior to the City's
approval of building permits, then Mitigation Measure UTIL-1 would no longer
be required to be implemented.
6. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project, as
amended, attached hereto as "Exhibit EA-2," and incorporated herein by reference, which
includes all of the mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino this 18th day of August, 2020, by the following vote:
Vote Members of the City Council
AYES:
Scharf, Paul, Chao, Sinks, Willey
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
SIGNED:
�-- fi/ lLa
Steven Scharf, Mayor
8/28/2020
Date
City of Cupertino
ATTEST:
8/28/2020
Kirsten Squarcia, City Clerk Date
EXHIBIT EA-1
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS FOR
THE WESTPORT MIXED -USE PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
The City of Cupertino (City), as lead agency under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., has prepared the Final
Environmental Impact Report for The Westport Mixed -Use Project (the "Project") (State
Clearinghouse No. 2019070377) (the "Final EIR" or "EIR"). The Final EIR is a project -level
EIR pursuant to Section 15168 of the State CEQA Guidelines.' The Final EIR consists of
the November 2019 Public Review Draft Project Environmental Impact Report (the "Draft
EIR"); the April 2020 Response to Comments Document; and the May 2020 Response to
Comments on the Final EIR memorandum,z which provides responses to comments
made at the April 15, 2020 Environmental Review Committee meeting and contains a
typographical correction to the Response to Comments Document.
In determining to approve the Project, which is described in more detail in Section II,
below, the City makes and adopts the following findings of fact and adopts and makes
conditions of project approval the all of the mitigation measures identified in the Final
EIR, all based on substantial evidence in the whole record of this proceeding
(administrative record). Pursuant to Section 15090(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the
Final EIR was presented to the City Council, the City Council reviewed and considered
the information contained in the Final EIR prior to making the findings in Sections II
through XII, below, and the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflects the
independent judgment of the City. The conclusions presented in these findings are based
on the Final EIR and other evidence in the administrative record.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ("Revised Senior Enhanced Project")
Project Described in EIR. As described in Draft EIR, the project as originally proposed
involved the construction and operation of a mixed -use project on an 8.1-acre project site
assigned Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APNs) 326-27-042 and 326-27-043. The site is
1 The State CEQA Guidelines are found at California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section
15000 et seq.
2 P1aceWorks, Response to Comments on the Westport Mixed -Use Project Final Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) (May 5, 2020).
identified as Priority Housing Element Site A3 (The Oaks Shopping Center) in the City of
Cupertino General Plan (Community Vision 2015-2040). The project as originally
proposed included 242 housing units consisting of 88 rowhouse and townhouse units
(attached homes) in 16 buildings, and two mixed -use (residential and retail buildings).
One of the mixed -use buildings (Building 1) would have contained 115 market -rate
condominiums, and the other (Building 2) would have contained 39 BMR senior units.
The project as originally proposed also included 20,000 square feet of ground floor retail
uses, below and at -grade parking, and associated landscape and hardscape areas.
As explained below, the Final EIR analyzed an additional alternative, the Increased
Senior Housing Alternative,3 which the applicant requested the City to consider to be the
proposed project. Like the project as originally proposed, the Increased Senior Housing
Alternative would demolish the existing buildings on the site and construct 18 new
buildings; however, the mix of units would change. While the proposed number and
configuration of the 88 rowhouse and townhouse units would not change, in the Senior
Housing Alternative Building 1 would have 131 senior licensed assisted living units, 27
memory care licensed assisted living residences, and Building 2 would have 48 BMR
senior independent living units. The following aspects of the project as originally
proposed would remain the same: 20,000 square feet of retail space, below and at -grade
parking, and associated landscape and hardscape areas. Like the project as originally
proposed, the proposed retail component would be located on the ground level of the
two mixed -use residential buildings; Residential -Retail Building 1 would have 17,600
square feet of retail space located at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Mary
Avenue; Residential -Retail Building 2 would have 2,400 square feet of retail space on the
ground level fronting Stevens Creek Boulevard. The proposed project would include one
access point off of Stevens Creek Boulevard and three access points off of Mary Avenue.
The below -grade parking would be located under Retail -Residential Building 1, and
would be accessed from the central access point on Mary Avenue. Off -site improvements
include the installation of a Class IV separated bikeway and a signal control to be
activated by bicyclists and pedestrians for the westbound right -turn movement from the
northbound SR-85 on -ramp, as well as a bus stop on the section of Stevens Creek
Boulevard west of Mary Avenue and east of the SR-85 northbound ramp.
Senior Enhanced Alternative. The EIR analyzed five alternatives, including, the original
project described in Chapter 3 of the Draft EIR as the proposed project ("Original
Project"), the No Project Alternative, No Retail Development Alternative, and Reduced
Retail Development Alternative, which are described in Chapter 5 of the Draft EIR. and
s Also referred to in the May 12, 2020 Planning Commission agenda documents as the
Senior Enhanced Alternative.
the Increased Senior Housing Project, which is the proposed Project, and is described in
Chapter 3 of the Response to Comments Document, which the applicant submitted for
consideration by the City in February 2020 as a Senior Enhanced Alternative. This
alternative was evaluated as a feasible alternative in the Responses to Comments volume
of the Final EIR as the Increased Senior Housing Alternative. On April 22, 2020, the
applicant requested that Increased Senior Housing Alternative be considered the
proposed Project.
On May 12, 2020, the Planning Commission recommended certification of the Final EIR
and approval of the Increased Senior Housing Alternative, which is referred to in the May
12, 2020 staff report as the Senior Enhanced Alternative.
Revised Senior Enhanced Project. On June 4, 2020, the applicant submitted and requested
the City to consider revisions to the Increased Senior Housing Alternative (the "Revised
Senior Enhanced Project"), as updated on June 25 and 26, 2020, which include relocating
nine BMR units from Building 1 to an additional top story on Building 2, decreasing the
height of Building 1 by 12.25 feet, moving the nine BMR units from Building 1 to a new
top story on Building 2 and increasing the height of Building 2 by 0.75 feet, altering the
unit mix in Buildings 1 and 2 to provide additional space for terraces on the tops of those
buildings, and changing the unit mix in Buildings 2 to include two -bedroom units in
addition to studios and one -bedroom units, increasing the amount of ground level
common open space by 294 square feet, and adding eight parking spaces.
The Revised Senior Enhanced Project is the proposed Project for purposes of these
Findings.
The project objectives for the proposed Project, listed below, remain the same.
Project Objectives
The project objectives are as follows:
Redevelop an existing retail center on Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek
Boulevard with desirable amenities and housing.
Meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for 2014-2022.
Enhance the vibrancy of Cupertino's Heart of the City as a key mixed -use,
commercial corridor by providing a pedestrian -friendly community that includes
housing, open space and greenery, and neighborhood retail.
• Provide senior housing in close proximity to the Cupertino Senior Citizen
Center.
• Create a prominent gateway development that incorporates quality architectural
design and materials, open space, and artwork to announce entry into
Cupertino's Heart of the City.
• Create a mixed -use development that places residential and commercial uses in
close proximity to each other, and close to transit options.
• Help the City to achieve its affordable housing goals through the inclusion of
senior housing units within a residential and mixed -use development project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
Environmental Impact Report
On July 11, 2019, the City circulated a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the Draft EIR to the
Office of Planning and Research (OPR) State Clearinghouse and interested agencies and
the public. The NOP was circulated for comment by responsible and trustee agencies and
the public for a total of 30 days, from July 11, 2019 through August 12, 2019, during which
time the City held a public scoping meeting on July 18, 2019. Comments on the NOP were
received by the City and considered during preparation of the Draft EIR.
The Draft EIR was made available for review by the public and interested parties,
agencies, and organizations for a 46-day comment period starting on November 6, 2019
and ending December 20, 2019. The Draft EIR was distributed to local, regional and State
agencies, and the public. Copies of the Draft EIR in paper or electronic format were
available to the public for purchase or review at Cupertino City Hall. The Draft EIR was
also available for review at the Cupertino Library at 10800 Torre Avenue in the City and
an electronic version of the Draft EIR and all appendices were posted on a website the
City created for the project at www.cul2ertino.or /g westport. The City continues to make
these documents available on this website. The public was also invited to submit written
comments on the Draft EIR to the City of Cupertino Community Development
Department by mail or e-mail to Gian Martire, Senior Planner at GianM@cupertino.org.
Notice of availability of the Draft EIR was made in several ways. The City sent a letter
announcing the availability of the Draft EIR and inviting attendance at the Draft EIR
comment meeting to all postal addresses within a 3,000-foot radius of the project site. In
addition, in accordance with CEQA, the City posted the Notice of Availability (NOA) in
the newspaper. The City also sent emails providing notice of the Draft EIR's availability
to all persons who had indicated an interest in the Project.
The City held an EIR Comment Meeting during the comment period on December 11,
2019. At that meeting, the City solicited comments on the adequacy of the Draft EIR.
The 46-day comment period on the Draft EIR ended on December 20, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Agencies, organizations, and members of the public submitted written comments on the
Draft EIR. The Responses to Comments Document, was issued for public review and sent
to public agencies who had commented on the Draft EIR on April 7, 2020. Chapter 5 of
the Response to Comments Document provides responses to the comments received
during the comment period on the Draft EIR. Additional comments received after the
close of the public comment period that were provided at the Environmental Review
Committee meeting have been addressed in memoranda to the City.
On April 15, 2020, the Environmental Review Committee determined that the EIR was
the appropriate document.
On May 12, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Final EIR and
Senior Enhanced Alternative and took public comments. At this hearing, The Planning
Commission recommended that the City Council certify the Final EIR.
On July 14, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Revised Senior
Enhanced Project and recommended on a 3-2 vote that the City Council deny the project
in accordance with Resolution No. 6908.
FINDINGS
The findings set forth below (the "Findings") are made and adopted by the Cupertino
City Council as the City's findings under CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines relating
to the Project. The Findings provide the written analysis and conclusions of this City
Council regarding the Project's environmental impacts, mitigation measures, alternatives
to the Project.
These findings summarize the environmental determinations of the Final EIR with regard
to project impacts before and after mitigation, and do not attempt to repeat the full
analysis of each environmental impact contained in the Final EIR. Instead, these findings
provide a summary description of and basis for each impact conclusion identified in the
Final EIR, describe the applicable mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR, and
state the City's findings and rationale about the significance of each impact following the
adoption of mitigation measures. A full explanation of these environmental findings and
conclusions can be found in the Final EIR, and these findings hereby incorporate by
reference the discussion and analysis in the Final EIR supporting the Final EIR's
determinations regarding mitigation measures and the Project's impacts.
When evaluating cumulative impacts, CEQA allows the use of either a list of past,
present, and probable future projects, including projects outside the control of the lead
agency, or a summary of projections in an adopted planning document. The cumulative
impacts analysis in the Final EIR uses the projections approach and takes into account
growth from the Project within the Cupertino city boundary and Sphere of Influence
(SOI), in combination with impacts from the list of projects reasonably foreseeable
projects in the city, when considered with the effects of the proposed project, may result
in cumulative effects.
In adopting mitigation measures, below, the City intends to adopt each of the mitigation
measures identified in the Final EIR. Accordingly, in the event a mitigation measure
identified in the Final EIR has been inadvertently omitted from these findings, such
mitigation measure is hereby adopted and made a condition of approval of the Project in
the findings below by reference. In addition, in the event the language of a mitigation
measure set forth below fails to accurately reflect the mitigation measure in the Final EIR
due to a clerical error, the language of the mitigation measure as set forth in the Final EIR
shall control unless the language of the mitigation measure has been specifically and
expressly modified by these findings.
Section V. below, provide brief descriptions of the impacts that the Final EIR identified
as less than significant with adopted mitigation. These descriptions also reproduce the
full text of the mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR for each significant
impact.
SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS IDENTIFIED IN THE FINAL EIR THAT ARE
REDUCED TO A LESS -THAN -SIGNIFICANT LEVEL BY MITIGATION
MEASURES ADOPTED AND MADE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF
THE PROJECT
The Final EIR identifies the following significant impacts associated with the Project. It is
hereby determined that the impacts addressed by these mitigation measures will be
mitigated to a less than significant level or avoided by adopting and incorporating these
mitigation measures as conditions into the Project. Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(1).
As explained in Section VIII, below, the findings in this Section V are based on the Final
EIR, the discussion and analysis in which is hereby incorporated in full by this reference.
The Final EIR identifies the following significant impacts associated with the Project. It is
hereby determined that the impacts addressed by these mitigation measures will be
mitigated to a less than significant level or avoided by adopting and incorporating these
mitigation measures conditions into the Project. Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(1). As
explained in Section VIII, below, the findings in this Section V are based on the Final EIR,
the discussion and analysis in which is hereby incorporated in full by this reference.
Impact AQ-2: Uncontrolled fugitive dust WMio and PM2.5) could expose the
areas that are downwind of construction sites to air pollution from
construction activities without the implementation of BAAQMD's best
management practices.
The Final EIR finds that the Project could result in air pollutants traveling downwind
from the Project to off -site sensitive receptors site due to construction activities. Such
particulate matter without the implementation of fugitive dust control best management
practices would be considered a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
made a condition of approval of the Project, would reduce this impact to a less -than -
significant level.
Mitigation Measure AQ-2:
Prior to any grading activities, the applicant shall prepare a Construction Management Plan to
be reviewed and approved by the Director of Public Works/City Engineer. The Construction
Management Plan shall include the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
Basic Construction Mitigation Measures listed below to minimize construction -related emissions.
The project applicant shall require the construction contractor to implement the approved
Construction Management Plan. The BAAQMD Basic Construction Mitigation Measures are:
• All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved
access roads) shall be watered two times per day.
• All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off -site shall be covered.
• All visible mud or dirt track -out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power
vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
• All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.
• All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible.
Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are
used.
• Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing
the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control
measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations (CCRD. Clear signage shall
be provided for construction workers at all access points.
• All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with
manufacturer's specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and
determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation.
• Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the lead agency
regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48
hours. The BAAQMD phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable
regulations.
• Vegetative ground cover shall be planted in disturbed areas as soon as possible and watered
appropriately until vegetation is established.
• All exposed surfaces shall be watered at a frequency adequate to maintain minimum soil
moisture of 12 percent. Moisture content can be verified by lab samples or moisture probe.
Impact AQ-4: Implementation of the Project would cumulatively contribute to
air quality impacts in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin.
The Final EIR finds that the project would contribute to air quality impacts in the San
Francisco Bay Area Air Basin when considered in combination with cumulative
development in the region. Without the implementation of construction and operation
best management practices, the Project would be considered to have a potentially
significant impact.
Implementation of the Mitigation Measure AQ-2 set forth above, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would reduce this impact to a less -than -
significant level.
Mitigation Measure AQ-4:
Implement Mitigation Measure AQ-2.
Impact BIO-1: Tree removal and demolition activities during site clearance
could destroy active nests, and/or otherwise interfere with nesting of
birds protected under federal and State law.
The Final EIR finds that some special -status bird could utilize on -site trees for nesting.
More common birds protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) may nest in
trees and other landscaping on the Project site. Given the remote potential for occurrence
of nesting birds at the Project site and possibility that nests could be inadvertently
destroyed, or nests abandoned as a result of construction activities, this would be
considered a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure BIO-1:
Nests of raptors and other birds shall be protected when in active use, as required by the federal
Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code. The construction contractor
shall indicate the following on all construction plans, if construction activities and any required
tree removal occur during the breeding season (February 1 and August 31). Preconstruction
surveys shall:
• Be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to tree removal or grading, demolition, or
construction activities. Note that preconstruction surveys are not required for tree removal
or construction, grading, or demolition activities outside the nesting period.
• Be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the start of tree removal or construction.
• Be repeated at 14-day intervals until construction has been initiated in the area after which
surveys can be stopped.
• Document locations of active nests containing viable eggs or young birds.
Protective measures for active nests containing viable eggs or young birds shall be implemented
under the direction of the qualified biologist until the nests no longer contain eggs or young birds.
Protective measures shall include:
• Establishment of clearly delineated exclusion zones (i.e., demarcated by identifiable fencing,
such as orange construction fencing or equivalent) around each nest location as determined
by the qualified biologist, taking into account the species of birds nesting, their tolerance for
disturbance and proximity to existing development. In general, exclusion zones shall be a
minimum of 300 feet for raptors and 75 feet for passerines and other birds.
• Monitoring active nests within an exclusion zone on a weekly basis throughout the nesting
season to identify signs of disturbance and confirm nesting status.
• An increase in the radius of an exclusion zone by the qualified biologist if project activities
are determined to be adversely affecting the nesting birds. Exclusion zones may be reduced
by the qualified biologist only in consultation with California Department of Fish and
Wildlife.
• The protection measures shall remain in effect until the young have left the nest and are
foraging independently or the nest is no longer active.
Impact BIO-2: Proposed development would result in removal of trees
protected under City ordinance.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would result in the removal of trees and could
therefore be out of compliance with the City's Protected Trees Ordinance if those trees
happen to be protected. Given the potential for removal of a protected tree, the Project
would be considered to have a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-2 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure BIO-2:
The proposed project shall comply with the City of Cupertino's Protected Trees Ordinance
(Cupertino Municipal Code Section 14.18). A tree removal permit shall be obtained for the removal
Of any "protected tree," and replacement plantings shall be provided as approved by the City. If
permitted, an appropriate in -lieu tree replacement fee may be paid to the City of Cupertino's Tree
Fund as compensation for "protected trees" removed by the proposed project, where sufficient land
area is not available on -site for adequate replacement and when approved by the City.
In addition, a Tree Protection and Replacement Program (Program) shall be developed by a
Certified Arborist prior to project approval and implemented during project construction to
provide for adequate protection and replacement of "protected trees," as defined by the City's
Municipal Code. The Program shall include the following provisions:
• Adequate measures shall be defined to protect all trees to be preserved. These measures should
include the establishment of a tree protection zone (TPZ) around each tree to be preserved,
in which no disturbance is permitted. For design purposes, the TPZ shall be located at the
dripline of the tree or 10 feet, whichever is greater. If necessary, the TPZ for construction -
tolerant species (i.e., coast live oaks) may be reduced to 7 feet.
• Temporary construction fencing shall be installed at the perimeter of TPZs prior to
demolition, grubbing, or grading. Fences shall be 6-foot chain link or equivalent, as approved
by the City of Cupertino. Fences shall remain until all construction is completed. Fences
shall not be relocated or removed without permission from the consulting arborist.
No grading, excavation, or storage of materials shall be permitted within TPZs.
Construction trailers, traffic, and storage areas shall remain outside fenced areas at all times.
No excess soil, chemicals, debris, equipment, or other materials shall be dumped or stored
within he TPZ.
• Underground services including utilities, sub -drains, water or sewer shall be routed around
the TPZ. Where encroachment cannot be avoided, special construction techniques such as
hand digging or tunneling under roots shall be employed where necessary to minimize root
injury. Irrigation systems must be designed so that no trenching will occur within the TPZ.
• Construction activities associated with structures and underground features to be removed
within the TPZ shall use the smallest equipment and operate from outside the TPZ. The
consulting arborist shall be on -site during all operations within the TPZ to monitor
demolition activity.
• All grading, improvement plans, and construction plans shall clearly indicate trees proposed
to be removed, altered, or otherwise affected by development construction. The tree
information on grading and development plans should indicate the number, size, species,
assigned tree number, and location of the dripline of all trees that are to be retained/preserved.
All plans shall also include tree preservation guidelines prepared by the consulting arborist.
• The demolition contractor shall meet with the consulting arborist before beginning work to
discuss work procedures and tree protection. Prior to beginning work, the contractor(s)
working in the vicinity of trees to be preserved shall be required to meet with the consulting
arborist at the site to review all work procedures, access routes, storage areas, and tree
protection measures.
• All contractors shall conduct operations in a manner that will prevent damage to trees to be
preserved. Any grading, construction, demolition or other work that is expected to encounter
tree roots shall be monitored by the consulting arborist. If injury should occur to any tree
during construction, it should be evaluated as soon as possible by the consulting arborist so
that appropriate treatments can be applied.
• Any plan changes affecting trees shall be reviewed by the consulting arborist with regard to
tree impacts. These include, but are not limited to, site improvement plans, utility and
drainage plans, grading plans, landscape and irrigation plans, and demolition plans.
• Trees to be preserved may require pruning to provide construction clearance. All pruning
shall be completed by a State of California Licensed Tree Contractor (C61/D49). All pruning
shall be done by Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker in accordance with the 2002 Best
Management Practices for Pruning published by the International Society of Arboriculture,
and adhere to the most recent editions of the American National Standard for Tree Care
Operations (Section Z133.1) and Pruning (Section A300).
• Any root pruning required for construction purposes shall receive the prior approval of and
be supervised by the consulting arborist.
• Any demolition or excavation, such as grading, pad preparation, excavation, and trenching,
within the dripline or other work that is expected to encounter tree roots should be approved
and monitored by the consulting arborist. Any root pruning required for construction
• purposes shall receive prior approval of, and by supervised by, the consulting arborist. Roots
shall be cut by manually digging a trench and cutting exposed roots with a sharp saw.
• Tree(s) to be removed that have branches extending into the canopy of tree(s) to remain must
be removed by a qualified arborist and not by construction contractors. The qualified arborist
shall remove the tree in a manner that causes no damage to the tree(s) and understory to
remain. Tree stumps shall be ground 12 inches below ground surface.
• All tree work shall comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as California Fish and
Game Code Sections 3503 through 3513 to not disturb nesting birds. To the extent feasible,
tree pruning, and removal shall be scheduled outside of the breeding season. Breeding bird
surveys shall be conducted prior to tree work. Qualified biologists shall be involved in
establishing work buffers for active nests. (see Mitigation Measure BIO-1)
• The vertical and horizontal locations of all the trees identified for preservation shall be
established and plotted on all plans. These plans shall be forwards to the consulting arborist
for review and comment.
• Foundations, footings, and pavements on expansive soils near trees shall be designed to
withstand differential displacement to protect the soil surrounding the tree roots.
• Any liming within 50 feet of any tree shall be prohibited, as lime is toxic to tree roots. Any
herbicides placed under paving materials shall be safe for use under trees and labeled for that
use.
• Brush from pruning and trees removal operations shall be chipped and spread beneath the
trees within the TPZ. Mulch shall be between 2 inches and 4 inches in depth and kept at a
minimum of 3 feet from the base of the trees.
• All recommendations for tree preservation made by the applicant's consulting arborist shall
be followed.
Impact 13I0-3: The proposed Project, in combination with past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable projects, would result in significant cumulative
impacts with respect to biological resources.
The Final EIR finds that the Project could contribute to biological impacts when
considered in combination with cumulative development in the region. Without the
implementation of preservation best management practices, the Project would be
considered to have a potentially significant impact.
With implementation of Mitigation Measures BI0-1 and BIO-2, set forth and
incorporated above, the Project would not make a cumulatively considerable
contribution to this cumulative impact, and the impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure BIO-3:
Implement Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and BIO-2.
Impact CULT-1: Construction of the proposed project would have the potential
to cause a significant impact to an unknown archaeological resource
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would have the potential to unearth a previously
unrecorded archaeological resource. In the event that an unknown archaeological
resource is unearthed, the handling of the archaeological resource could result in a loss
of cultural significance, which would be considered a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CULT-1 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure CULT-1:
If any prehistoric or historic subsurface cultural resources are discovered during ground -
disturbing (including grading, demolition and/or construction) activities:
• All work within 50 feet of the resources shall be halted, the City shall be notified, and a
qualified archaeologist shall be consulted. The contractor shall cooperate in the recovery of
the materials. Work may proceed on other parts of the project site while mitigation for tribal
cultural resources, historical resources or unique archaeological resources is being carried
out.
• The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a report for the evaluation of the resource to the
California Register of Historical Places and the City Building Department. The report shall
also include appropriate recommendations regarding the significance of the find and
appropriate mitigations as follows:
• If the resource is a non -tribal resource, the archaeologist shall assess the significance of the
find according to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
• If the resource is a tribal resource — whether historic or prehistoric — the consulting
archaeologist shall consult with the appropriate tribe(s) to evaluate the significance of the
resource and to recommend appropriate and feasible avoidance, testing, preservation or
mitigation measures, in light of factors such as the significance of the find, proposed project
design, costs, and other considerations. If avoidance is infeasible, other appropriate measures
(e.g., data recovery) may be implemented.
• All significant non -tribal cultural materials recovered shall be, as necessary, and at the
discretion of the consulting archaeologist, subject to scientific analysis, professional museum
curation, and documentation according to current professional standards.
Impact CULT-3: Construction of the proposed project would have the potential
to cause a significant impact to an unknown tribal cultural resource as
defined in Public Resources Code 21074.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would have the potential to unearth a previously
unrecorded tribal cultural resource. In the event that an unknown tribal cultural resource
is unearthed, the handling of the resource could result in a loss of cultural significance,
which would be considered a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CULT-1 set forth above, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure CULT-2:
Implement Mitigation Measure CULT-1.
Impact CULT-1: The proposed Project, in combination with past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable projects, would result in cumulative impacts
with respect to cultural resources.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would contribute to cultural resource impacts when
considered in combination with cumulative development in the region. Without the
implementation of construction best management practices, the Project would be
considered to have a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CULT-1 set forth above, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure CULT-4:
Implement Mitigation Measure CULT-1.
Impact GEO-1: Construction of the proposed project would have the potential
to directly or indirectly affect an unknown unique paleontological
resource.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would have the potential to unearth a previously
unrecorded paleontological resource. In the event that an unknown paleontological
resource is unearthed, the handling of the paleontological resource could result in a loss
of the resource's significance, which would be considered a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure GEO-1:
The construction contractor shall incorporate the following in all grading, demolition, and
construction plans:
• In the event that fossils or fossil -bearing deposits are discovered during grading, demolition,
or building, excavations within 50 feet of the find shall be temporarily halted or diverted.
• The contractor shall notify the City of Cupertino Building Department and a City -approved
qualified paleontologist to examine the discovery.
• The paleontologist shall document the discovery as needed, in accordance with Society of
Vertebrate Paleontology standards (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 1995), evaluate the
potential resource, and assess the significance of the finding under the criteria set forth in
CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
• The paleontologist shall notify the appropriate agencies to determine procedures that would
be followed before construction is allowed to resume at the location of the find.
• If the project applicant determines that avoidance is not feasible, the paleontologist shall
prepare an excavation plan for mitigating the effect of the proposed project based on the
qualities that make the resource important. The excavation plan shall be submitted to the
City for review and approval prior to implementation.
Impact GEO-2: The proposed Project, in combination with past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable projects, would result in less than significant
cumulative impacts with respect to geology and soils.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would contribute to impacts to paleontological
resources when considered in combination with cumulative development in the region.
Without the implementation of construction best management practices, the Project
would be considered to have a potentially significant impact.
Implementation Measure GEO-1, set forth above, which is hereby adopted and made a
condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a less -than -
significant level.
Mitigation Measure GEO-2:
Implement Mitigation Measure GEO-1.
Impact NOISE-1: The proposed Project could generate a substantial temporary
increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the proposed project
during the construction phase that could exceed the standards
established in the local noise ordinance.
The Final EIR finds that the Project could result in ambient noise levels to off -site sensitive
receptors due to construction activities. Such an increase in ambient noise levels without
the implementation of best management practices would be considered a potentially
significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOISE-1 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure NOISE-1:
Prior to Grading Permit issuance or the start of demolition activities, the project applicant shall
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City of Cupertino Public Works Director and/or Community
Development Director, that the proposed project complies with the following:
• Pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) Section 10.48.053 the construction activities
shall be limited to daytime hours as defined in CMC Section 10.48.010 (i.e., daytime hours
are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays).
• At least 90 days prior to the start of construction activities, all offsite businesses and
residents within 300 feet of the project site shall be notified of the planned construction
activities. The notification shall include a brief description of the proposed project, the
activities that would occur, the hours when construction would occur, and the construction
period's overall duration. The notification should include the telephone numbers of the City's
and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a
noise or vibration complaint.
At least 10 days prior to the start of construction activities, a sign shall be posted at the
entrance(s) to the job site, clearly visible to the public, which includes permitted construction
days and hours, as well as the telephone numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized
representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If
the authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint, he/she shall investigate, take
appropriate corrective action, and report the action to the City.
During the entire active construction period, equipment and trucks used for project
construction will utilize the best available noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers,
• equipment re -design, use of intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically
attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
• During the entire active construction period, stationary noise sources shall be located as far
from sensitive receptors as possible, and they shall be muffled and enclosed within temporary
sheds, or insulation barriers or other measures shall be incorporated to the extent feasible.
• Haul routes shall be selected to avoid the greatest amount of sensitive use areas.
• Signs will be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on -site construction zones, and
along queueing lanes (if any) to reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All
other equipment will be turned off if not in use for more than 5 minutes.
• During the entire active construction period and to the extent feasible, the use of noise
producing signals, including horns, whistles, alarms, and bells will be for safety warning
purposes only. The construction manager will use smart back-up alarms, which
automatically adjust the alarm level based on the background noise level or switch off back-
up alarms and replace with human spotters in compliance with all safety requirements and
laws.
Impact NOISE-3: The proposed project, in combination with past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in significant
cumulative impacts with respect to noise.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would contribute to noise impacts when considered
in combination with cumulative development in the region. Without the implementation
of construction noise level best management practices, the Project would be considered
to have a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOISE-1 set forth above, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure NOISE-3:
Implement Mitigation Measure NOISE-1.
Impact UTIL-1: Implementation of the proposed project may result in a
determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or
may serve the proposed project, that it does not have adequate capacity
to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's
existing commitments.
Buildout of the Project would have a significant impact if future projected demand
exceeds wastewater service capacity of the Santa Clara sanitary sewer system. Without
the implementation of best management practices, the Project would be considered to
have a potentially significant impact.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure UTIL-1 set forth below, which is hereby adopted
and made a condition of approval of the Project, would avoid or reduce this impact to a
less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure UTIL-1:
No building permits shall be issued by the City for the proposed Westport Mixed -Use Project that
would result in exceeding the permitted peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8 mgd through the
Santa Clara sanitary sewer system. The project applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of
the City of Cupertino and Cupertino Sanitary District (CSD), that the proposed project would not
exceed the peak wet weather flow capacity of the Santa Clara sanitary sewer system by
implementing one or more of the following methods:
1) Reduce inflow and infiltration in the CSD system to reduce peak wet weather flows; or
2) Increase on -site water reuse, such as increased grey water use, or reduce water consumption
of the fixtures used within the proposed project, or other methods that are measurable and
reduce sewer generation rates to acceptable levels, to the satisfaction of the CSD.
The proposed project's estimated wastewater generation shall be calculated using the generation
rates used by the CSD in the Flow Modeling Analysis for the Homestead Flume Outfall to the City
of Santa Clara, prepared by Mark Thomas & Co. Inc., dated December 6, 2019, unless alternative
(i.e., lower) generation rates achieved by the proposed project are substantiated by the project
applicant based on evidence to the satisfaction of the CSD. To calculate the peak wet weather flow
for a 10 year storm event, the average daily flow rate shall be multiplied by a factor of 2.95 as
required by CSD pursuant to their December 2019 flow modeling analysis.
If the prior agreement between CSD and the City of Santa Clara that currently limits the permitted
peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8 mgd through the Santa Clara sanitary sewer system were
to be updated to increase the permitted peak wet weather flow sufficiently to accommodate, this
would also change the impacts of the project to less than significant. If this were to occur prior to
the City s approval of building permits, then Mitigation Measure UTIL-1 would no longer be
required to be implemented.
Impact UTIL-7: The proposed project, in combination with past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in significant
cumulative impacts with respect to wastewater treatment.
The Final EIR finds that the Project would contribute to impacts to wastewater treatment
facilities when considered in combination with cumulative development in the region.
Without the implementation of sanitary wastewater best management practices, the
Project would be considered to have a potentially significant impact.
With implementation of Mitigation Measure UTIL-1, set forth and incorporated above,
cumulative development combined with the Project would not exceed wastewater
treatment requirements. Therefore, the Project would not make a cumulatively
considerable contribution to this cumulative impact, and the impact would be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measure UTIL-7:
Implement Mitigation Measure UTIL-1.
GROWTH INDUCING IMPACTS
An EIR is required to discuss growth inducing impacts, which consist of the ways in
which the project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of
additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. State
CEQA Guidelines § 15126.2(d); Public Resources Code § 21100(b)(5). Direct growth
inducement would result, for example, if a project involves the construction of substantial
new housing that would support increased population in a community or establishes
substantial new permanent employment opportunities. This additional population
could, in turn, increase demands for public utilities, public services, roads, and other
infrastructure. Indirect growth inducement would result if a project stimulates economic
activity that requires physical development or removes an obstacle to growth and
development (e.g., increasing infrastructure capacity that would enable new or
additional development). It must not be assumed that growth in any area is necessarily
beneficial, detrimental, or of little significance to the environment. State CEQA
Guidelines § 15126.2(d). Section 6.3 of the Draft EIR analyzes the growth inducing
impacts of the Project. As explained in Section VIII, below, the findings in this Section VI
are based on the Final EIR, the discussion and analysis in which is hereby incorporated
in full by this reference.
Implementation of the Project would directly induce population, employment and
economic growth by redeveloping the Oaks Shopping Center site. The project would
demolish the existing buildings on the site and construct 18 new buildings, that would
have 294 residential units and 20,000 square feet of retail space, as well as below and at -
grade parking, and associated landscape and hardscape areas..
Development on the site would consist of infill, mixed -use redevelopment on an
underutilized site that currently contains a one-story shopping center and surface
parking. However, because the infrastructure needed to serve the proposed project is in
place, and new growth would be required to comply with the City's General Plan, zoning
regulations, and standards for public services and utilities; secondary or indirect effects
associated with this growth do not represent a new significant environmental impact
which has not already been addressed in the individual resource chapters of this EIR.
ALTERNATIVES
The Final EIR analyzed five alternatives, examining the environmental impacts and
feasibility of each alternative, as well as the ability of the alternatives to meet project
objectives. The project objectives as presented in Chapter 3 (Project Description) and
Chapter 5 (Alternatives to the Proposed Project) of the Draft EIR are listed above in
Section II.A of these Findings; the potentially significant environmental effects of the
Project, including feasible mitigation measures identified to avoid these impacts, are
analyzed in Chapter 4 (Environmental Evaluation) of the Draft EIR; and the alternatives
are described in detail in Chapter 5 (Alternatives to the Proposed Project) of the Draft EIR
and Chapter 3 (Revisions to the Draft EIR) of the Response to Comments Document).
All of the alternative projects except for the No Project Alternative would provide a Bike
Path on the project site, public access easements on the northwest and southwest corners
of the project site to accommodate the bridge over SR-85 connecting Mary Avenue to
Alhambra Avenue, and off -site improvements including the installation of a Class IV
separated bikeway and a signal control to be activated by bicyclists and pedestrians for
the westbound right -turn movement northbound SR-85 on- ramp consistent with the
2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan, as well as a bus stop on the section of Stevens Creek
Boulevard west of Mary Avenue and east of the SR-85 northbound ramp. Each alternative
would include one access point off of Stevens Creek Boulevard and three additional
access points off of Mary Avenue. Each alternative would demolish the existing buildings
and would retain some existing trees and plant approximately 400 additional trees. The
maximum heights of six stories tall (70 feet at the roofline) for Residential -Retail Building
1 and five stories tall (55 feet at the roofline) for Residential -Retail Building 2 would be
the same in each alternative.
Brief summaries of the alternatives are provided below. A brief discussion of the
Environmentally Superior Alternative follows the summaries of the alternatives. As
explained in Section VIII, below, the findings in this Section VI are based on the Final EIR,
the discussion and analysis in which is hereby incorporated in full by this reference.
The Original Project Alternative
The Original Project Alternative would construct 18 new buildings, that would have 242
residential units and 20,000 square feet of retail space, as well as below and at -grade
parking, and associated landscape and hardscape areas. This alternative would be
developed with the 242 residential units, consisting of three rowhouse buildings (19
units), 13 townhouse buildings (69 units), Residential -Retail Building 1 (115 units),
Residential -Retail Building 2 (39 BMR senior housing units). This alternative has fewer
market -rate units (203 units compared to 219 units), fewer senior units (39 units
compared to 179 units, plus 27 memory care licensed assisted living residences), and
fewer BMR units (39 compared to 48) than the proposed Project (Revised Senior
Enhanced Project).
This alternative would include 17,600 square feet of retail space in Residential -Retail
Building 1 and 2,400 square feet of retail space on would have. Residential -Retail Building
2. The below -grade parking would be located under Retail -Residential Building 1 and
accessed from the central access point on Mary Avenue.
The Original Project Alternative would meet all of the project objectives, including
redeveloping an existing retail and office complex with desirable amenities and housing;
helping the City meet the RHNA allocation for 2014-2022; enhancing the vibrancy of
Cupertino's Heart of the City as a key mixed -use corridor by providing a pedestrian -
friendly community that includes housing, open space and greenery, and neighborhood
retail; providing senior housing in close proximity to the Cupertino Senior Citizen Center;
creating a prominent gateway development that incorporates quality architectural design
and materials, open space, and artwork to announce entry into Cupertino's Heart of the
City; creating a mixed -use development that places residential and commercial uses in
close proximity to each other, and close to transit options; and helping the City to achieve
its affordable housing goals through the inclusion of senior housing units within a
residential and mixed -use development project.
The Original Project Alternative would include fewer market -rate units (203 units
compared to 219 units), fewer senior units (39 units compared to 179 units, plus 27
memory care licensed assisted living residences), and fewer BMR units (39 units
compared to 48 units) than the proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project).
Therefore, while the Original Project Alternative would meet all of the project objectives,
it would not provide as many senior housing units in close proximity to the Cupertino
Senior Center as the proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project).
For the foregoing reasons, the Original Project Alternative is hereby rejected as infeasible.
The No Project Alternative
CEQA requires evaluation of the "no project" alternative. State CEQA Guidelines §
15126.6(e). Consistent with State CEQA Guidelines section 15126.6(e)(3)(A), the No
Project Alternative assumes the proposed project would not be constructed, and the
project site would remain in its current condition. Thus, the proposed mixed -use project
would not occur.
The No Project Alternative would not achieve any of the project objectives (see Section
II.A above for a list of objectives).
For the foregoing reasons, the No Project Alternative is hereby rejected as infeasible.
No Retail Development Alternative
The No Retail Development Alternative would not include any neighborhood -serving
retail in Residential -Retail Building 1 and Residential -Retail Building 2. The subterranean
parking level would not be constructed. Rather, parking would be located on the ground
floor because there would be no retail component in Residential Building 1. This
alternative would be developed with the 242 residential units, consisting of three
rowhouse buildings (19 units), 13 townhouse buildings (69 units), Residential -Retail
Building 1 (115 units), Residential -Retail Building 2 (39 senior housing units). This
alternative has fewer market -rate units (203 units compared to 219 units), fewer senior
units (39 units compared to 179 units plus 27 memory care licensed assisted living
residences) than the proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project).
The No Retail Development Alternative would meet most of the project objectives,
including redeveloping an existing site with housing, helping the City to meet RHNA
allocations for 2014-2022, providing senior housing in close proximity to the Cupertino
Senior Center, creating a prominent gateway development at the entry to Cupertino's
Heart of the City, and helping the City to achieve its affordable housing goals through
the inclusion of senior housing units.
The No Retail Development Alternative fails to meet project objectives associated with a
mixed -use development. This alternative would not redevelop the project site with
desirable amenities in proximity to housing, enhance the vibrancy of Cupertino's Heart
of the City as a key mixed -use corridor by providing a pedestrian -friendly community
that includes neighborhood retail, create a mixed -use development that places residential
and commercial uses in close proximity to each other and transit options, or place
affordable senior housing in a mixed -use development project. In addition, No Retail
Development Alternative would not provide as many market rate units (39 units
compared to 179 units plus 27 memory care licensed assisted living residences) or senior
units (39 units compared to 179 units) on the project site as the proposed Project (Revised
Senior Enhanced Project).
For the foregoing reasons, No Retail Development Alternative is hereby rejected as
infeasible.
Reduced Retail Development Alternative
The Reduced Retail Development Alternative would provide 50 percent less retail. No
subterranean parking would be constructed, because the reduced parking needs could
be accommodated on the first floor. This alternative would be developed with the 242
residential units, consisting of three rowhouse buildings (19 units), 13 townhouse
buildings (69 units), Residential -Retail Building 1 (115 units), Residential -Retail Building
2 (39 senior housing units). This alternative has fewer market -rate units (203 units
compared to 219 units) and fewer senior units (39 units compared to 179 units plus 27
memory care licensed assisted living residences) than the proposed Project (Revised
Senior Enhanced Project).
Even though this alternative includes a 50 percent reduction in retail space, this
alternative would: redevelop an existing retail and office complex with desirable
amenities and housing; help the City meet the RHNA allocation for 2014-2022; enhance
the vibrancy of Cupertino's Heart of the City as a key mixed -use corridor by providing a
pedestrian -friendly community that includes housing, open space and greenery, and
neighborhood retail; provide senior housing in close proximity to the Cupertino Senior
Citizen Center; create a prominent gateway development that incorporates quality
architectural design and materials, open space, and artwork to announce entry into
Cupertino's Heart of the City; create a mixed -use development that places residential and
commercial uses in close proximity to each other, and close to transit options; and help
the City to achieve its affordable housing goals through the inclusion of senior housing
units within a residential and mixed -use development project.
The Reduced Retail Development Alternative would meet all of the proposed project
objectives; however, it would not provide as many market rate units (203 units compared
to 219 units) or senior units on the project site as the proposed Project (Revised Senior
Enhanced Project) (39 units compared to 179 units plus 27 memory care licensed assisted
living residences).
For the foregoing reasons, Reduced Retail Alternative is hereby rejected as infeasible.
Environmentally Superior Alternative
In addition to the discussion and comparison of impacts of the proposed Project (Revised
Senior Enhanced Project) and the five Alternatives listed above, Section 15126.6(e)(2) of
the State CEQA Guidelines requires that an "environmentally superior" alternative be
selected and the reasons for such a selection be disclosed. The environmentally superior
alternative is the alternative that would be expected to create the least significant
environmental effects. Identification of the environmentally superior alternative is an
informational procedure and the alternative selected may not be the alternative that best
meets the goals or needs of Cupertino.
In the Final EIR, the alternatives to the proposed project are compared to the Original
Project. The impacts of the proposed Project ([NAME OF MRV OF PROJECT] would be
the same as the Increased Senior Housing Alternative because the revisions to the
Increased Housing Alternative, described above in the Project Description, do not involve
changes in the proposed Project's (Revised Senior Enhanced Project) physical effects on
the environment. As shown in Table 5-1, Comparison of Impacts from Project
Alternatives in Chapter 3, Revisions to the Proposed Project, of the Response to Comment
Document, the Reduced Retail Development Alternative would not result in any impacts
that are greater than the Original Project, and would reduce impacts related to cultural
resources, geology and soils, and utilities and services systems compared to the Original
Project because no excavation for the subterranean parking would be required. When
considering the new proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project), , this
conclusion would be the same because the proposed Project, like the Original Project and
the Increased Senior Housing Alternative, would include the subterranean parking
component.
As described in Chapter 3, Revisions to the Draft EIR, when compared to the Original
Project, the proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project), which is substantially
physically similar to the Increased Senior Housing, would have less vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) (2,663,868 total annual VMT compared to 2,352,587 total annual VMT —
or - 7,298 total daily VMT compared to 6,445 total daily VMT) and would subsequently
result in fewer air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), and noise emissions from automobiles,
which are the greatest sources of emissions. Water demand and wastewater generation,
and subsequent GHG emissions from these sources, would be greater under the proposed
Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project) when compared to the Original Project because
senior housing (179 units compared to 39 units) creates a greater demand for water and
generates more wastewater than non -senior housing.
All impacts under any of the alternatives would be less than significant or less than
significant with implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR.
This is because the recommended mitigation measures would apply to all of the
alternatives. None of the alternatives would exceed any thresholds of significance in any
environmental category.
For the foregoing reasons, the Reduced Retail Development Alternative is considered the
environmentally superior alternative when compared to the proposed Project (Revised
Senior Enhanced Project).
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
These findings incorporate the text of the Final EIR for the Project (Revised Senior
Enhanced Project_, the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, City staff reports
relating to the Project and other documents relating to public hearings on the Project, by
reference, in their entirety. Without limitation, this incorporation is intended to elaborate
on the scope and nature of mitigation measures, project and cumulative impacts, the basis
for determining the significance of impacts, the comparison of the alternatives to the
Project, the determination of the environmentally superior alternative, and the reasons
for approving the Project.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Various documents and other materials related to the Project constitute the record of
proceedings upon which the City bases its findings and decisions contained herein. Those
documents and materials are located in the offices of the custodian for the documents
and materials, which is the City of Cupertino Community Development Department,
Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014-3202.
NO RECIRCULATION REQUIRED
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5 requires a lead agency to recirculate an EIR for
further review and comment when "significant new information' is added to the EIR
after public notice is given of the availability of the Draft EIR but before certification. No
significant new information was added to the Draft EIR as a result of the public comment
process. The Final EIR responds to comments, and clarifies, amplifies and makes
insignificant modifications to the Draft EIR. The Final EIR does not identify any new
significant effects on the environment or a substantial increase in the severity of an
environmental impact.
The proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project) consists of the same overall
developed area that was analyzed in the EIR for Original Project and Increased Senior
Housing Alternative, and would have the same number of residential units as the
Increased Senior Housing Alternative. Accordingly, all portions of the proposed Project
(Revised Senior Enhanced Project) were analyzed in the EIR. There are no new significant
effects on the environment or a substantial increase in the severity of an environmental
impact associated with proposed Project (Revised Senior Enhanced Project) that is the
subject of these Findings.
For the foregoing reasons, recirculation of the Final EIR is not required.
SUMMARY
Based on the foregoing Findings and the information contained in the record, the City
determines that all significant effects on the environment due to the approval of the
Project have been eliminated or substantially lessened where feasible.
Exhibit EA-2
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Westport Mixed -
Use Project
21267 Stevens Creek Boulevard
APN: 326-27-042, -043
June 2020
• All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging
areas, soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved access
roads) shall be watered two times per day.
• All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other
loose material off -site shall be covered.
• All visible mud or dirt track -out onto adjacent
public roads shall be removed using wet power
vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The
use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
• All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be
limited to 15 mph.
• All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be
paved shall be completed as soon as possible.
Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after
grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.
• Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting
equipment off when not in use or reducing the
maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by
the California airborne toxics control measure Title
13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations
[CCR]). Clear signage shall be provided for
construction workers at all access points.
• All construction equipment shall be maintained
and properly tuned in accordance with
manufacturer's specifications. All equipment shall
be checked by a certified mechanic and determined
to be running in proper condition prior to
operation.
• Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone
number and person to contact at the lead agency
regarding dust complaints. This person shall
respond and take corrective action within 48 hours.
The BAAQMD phone number shall also be visible
to ensure comvliance with avvlicable reeulations.
Project
Applicant/Construction
Contractor
Prior to Issuance of
Building Permits
Authorizing Grading
or Other Construction
Activities
City of Cupertino
Public Works
Department
Review
Construction
Plans and
Specifications/
Conduct Site
Inspections
During Scheduled
Construction Site
Inspections
• Vegetative ground cover shall be planted in
disturbed areas as soon as possible and watered
appropriately until vegetation is established.
• All exposed surfaces shall be watered at a
frequency adequate to maintain minimum soil
moisture of 12 percent. Moisture content can be
verified by lab samples or moisture probe.
Mitigation Measure AQ-4: Implement Mitigation Measure AQ-2. Project
Applicant/Construction
Contractor
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nests of raptors and other birds shall be Project Applicant
protected when in active use, as required by the federal Migratory Bird
Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code. The construction
contractor shall indicate the following on all construction plans, if
construction activities and any required tree removal occur during the
breeding season (February 1 and August 31). Preconstruction surveys
shall:
• Be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to tree removal or
grading, demolition, or construction activities. Note that
preconstruction surveys are not required for tree removal or
construction, grading, or demolition activities outside the
nesting period.
• Be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the start of tree
removal or construction.
• Be repeated at 14-day intervals until construction has been
initiated in the area after which surveys can be stopped.
• Document locations of active nests containing viable eggs or
young birds.
Protective measures for active nests containing viable eggs or young
birds shall be implemented under the direction of the qualified biologist
Prior to Issuance of City of Cupertino
Building Permits Public Works
Authorizing Grading Department
or Other Construction
Activities
Prior to Issuance of
Building Permits
Authorizing Grading
or Other Construction
Activities
Review
During Scheduled
Construction
Construction Site
Plans and
Inspections
Specifications/
Conduct Site
Qualifying Biologist Preconstruction
Survey
Once for Survey;
Ongoing if nesting
birds identified and
until they have left
the nest
until the nests no longer contain eggs or young birds. Protective
measures shall include:
• Establishment of clearly delineated exclusion zones (i.e.,
demarcated by identifiable fencing, such as orange
construction fencing or equivalent) around each nest location
as determined by the qualified biologist, taking into account
the species of birds nesting, their tolerance for disturbance
and proximity to existing development. In general, exclusion
zones shall be a minimum of 300 feet for raptors and 75 feet
for passerines and other birds.
• Monitoring active nests within an exclusion zone on a weekly
basis throughout the nesting season to identify signs of
disturbance and confirm nesting status.
• An increase in the radius of an exclusion zone by the
qualified biologist if project activities are determined to be
adversely affecting the nesting birds. Exclusion zones may be
reduced by the qualified biologist only in consultation with
California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• The protection measures shall remain in effect until the
young have left the nest and are foraging independently or
the nest is no loner active.
Mitigation Measure BIO-2: The proposed project shall comply with the Project Applicant
City of Cupertino's Protected Trees Ordinance (Cupertino Municipal
Code Section 14.18). A tree removal permit shall be obtained for the
removal of any "protected tree," and replacement plantings shall be
provided as approved by the City. If permitted, an appropriate in -lieu
tree replacement fee may be paid to the City of Cupertino's Tree Fund
as compensation for "protected trees" removed by the proposed project,
where sufficient land area is not available on -site for adequate
replacement and when approved by the City.
In addition, a Tree Protection and Replacement Program (Program)
shall be developed by a Certified Arborist prior to project approval and
implemented during project construction to provide for adequate
protection and replacement of "protected trees," as defined by the City's
Municipal Code. The Program shall include the following provisions:
Prior to Issuance of City of Cupertino
Building Permits Public Works
Authorizing Grading Department
or Other Construction
Activities
Plan Review and Once During the
Approval Preconstruction
Phase and Ongoing
During
Construction
• Adequate measures shall be defined to protect all trees to be
preserved. These measures should include the establishment
of a tree protection zone (TPZ) around each tree to be
preserved, in which no disturbance is permitted. For design
purposes, the TPZ shall be located at the dripline of the tree
or 10 feet, whichever is greater. If necessary, the TPZ for
construction -tolerant species (i.e., coast live oaks) may be
reduced to 7 feet.
• Temporary construction fencing shall be installed at the
perimeter of TPZs prior to demolition, grubbing, or grading.
Fences shall be 6-foot chain link or equivalent, as approved
by the City of Cupertino. Fences shall remain until all
construction is completed. Fences shall not be relocated or
removed without permission from the consulting arborist.
• No grading, excavation, or storage of materials shall be
permitted within TPZs. Construction trailers, traffic, and
storage areas shall remain outside fenced areas at all times.
No excess soil, chemicals, debris, equipment, or other
materials shall be dumped or stored within he TPZ.
• Underground services including utilities, sub -drains, water or
sewer shall be routed around the TPZ. Where encroachment
cannot be avoided, special construction techniques such as
hand digging or tunneling under roots shall be employed
where necessary to minimize root injury. Irrigation systems
must be designed so that no trenching will occur within the
TPZ.
• Construction activities associated with structures and
underground features to be removed within the TPZ shall
use the smallest equipment and operate from outside the
TPZ. The consulting arborist shall be on -site during all
operations within the TPZ to monitor demolition activity.
• All grading, improvement plans, and construction plans shall
clearly indicate trees proposed to be removed, altered, or
otherwise affected by development construction. The tree
information on grading and development plans should
indicate the number, size, species, assigned tree number, and
location of the dripline of all trees that are to be
retained/preserved. All plans shall also include tree
preservation guidelines prepared by the consulting arborist.
• The demolition contractor shall meet with the consulting
arborist before beginning work to discuss work procedures
and tree protection. Prior to beginning work, the contractor(s)
working in the vicinity of trees to be preserved shall be
required to meet with the consulting arborist at the site to
review all work procedures, access routes, storage areas, and
tree protection measures.
• All contractors shall conduct operations in a manner that will
prevent damage to trees to be preserved. Any grading,
construction, demolition or other work that is expected to
encounter tree roots shall be monitored by the consulting
arborist. If injury should occur to any tree during
construction, it should be evaluated as soon as possible by the
consulting arborist so that appropriate treatments can be
applied.
• Any plan changes affecting trees shall be reviewed by the
consulting arborist with regard to tree impacts. These
include, but are not limited to, site improvement plans, utility
and drainage plans, grading plans, landscape and irrigation
plans, and demolition plans.
• Trees to be preserved may require pruning to provide
construction clearance. All pruning shall be completed by a
State of California Licensed Tree Contractor (C61/D49). All
pruning shall be done by Certified Arborist or Certified Tree
Worker in accordance with the 2002 Best Management
Practices for Pruning published by the International Society
of Arboriculture, and adhere to the most recent editions of the
American National Standard for Tree Care Operations
(Section Z133.1) and Pruning (Section A300).
• Any root pruning required for construction purposes shall
receive the prior approval of and be supervised by the
consulting arborist.
• Any demolition or excavation, such as grading, pad
preparation, excavation, and trenching, within the dripline or
other work that is expected to encounter tree roots should be
approved and monitored by the consulting arborist. Any root
pruning required for construction purposes shall receive
prior annroval of. and by supervised bv. the consultina
arborist. Roots shall be cut by manually digging a trench and
cutting exposed roots with a sharp saw.
• Tree(s) to be removed that have branches extending into the
canopy of tree(s) to remain must be removed by a qualified
arborist and not by construction contractors. The qualified
arborist shall remove the tree in a manner that causes no
damage to the tree(s) and understory to remain. Tree stumps
shall be ground 12 inches below ground surface.
• All tree work shall comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act as well as California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503
through 3513 to not disturb nesting birds. To the extent
feasible, tree pruning, and removal shall be scheduled
outside of the breeding season. Breeding bird surveys shall be
conducted prior to tree work. Qualified biologists shall be
involved in establishing work buffers for active nests. (see
Mitigation Measure BIO-1)
• The vertical and horizontal locations of all the trees identified
for preservation shall be established and plotted on all plans.
These plans shall be forwards to the consulting arborist for
review and comment.
• Foundations, footings, and pavements on expansive soils
near trees shall be designed to withstand differential
displacement to protect the soil surrounding the tree roots.
• Any liming within 50 feet of any tree shall be prohibited, as
lime is toxic to tree roots. Any herbicides placed under
paving materials shall be safe for use under trees and labeled
for that use.
• Brush from pruning and trees removal operations shall be
chipped and spread beneath the trees within the TPZ. Mulch
shall be between 2 inches and 4 inches in depth and kept at a
minimum of 3 feet from the base of the trees.
• All recommendations for tree preservation made by the
avnlicant's consulting arborist shall be followed.
Mitigation Measure BIO-3: Implement Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and Project Applicant Prior to Issuance of
BIO-2. Building Permits
Authorizing Grading
Qualifying
Biologist/City of
Cupertino Public
Works Deuartme
Preconstruction
Survey/ Plan
Review and
Once for Survey;
Ongoing if nesting
birds identified and
until thev have left
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CULT-1: If any prehistoric or historic subsurface
cultural resources are discovered during ground -disturbing (including
grading, demolition and/or construction) activities:
• All work within 50 feet of the resources shall be halted, the
City shall be notified, and a qualified archaeologist shall be
consulted. The contractor shall cooperate in the recovery of
the materials. Work may proceed on other parts of the project
site while mitigation for tribal cultural resources, historical
resources or unique archaeological resources is being carried
out.
• The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a report for the
evaluation of the resource to the California Register of
Historical Places and the City Building Department. The
report shall also include appropriate recommendations
regarding the significance of the find and appropriate
mitigations as follows:
o If the resource is a non -tribal resource, the
archaeologist shall assess the significance of the
find according to CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.5.
o If the resource is a tribal resource — whether
historic or prehistoric — the consulting
archaeologist shall consult with the appropriate
tribe(s) to evaluate the significance of the resource
and to recommend appropriate and feasible
avoidance, testing, preservation or mitigation
measures, in light of factors such as the significance
of the find, proposed project design, costs, and
other considerations. If avoidance is infeasible,
Project
Applicant/Construction
Contractor
or Other Construction the nest/ Once
Activities during the
preconstruction
phase and ongoing
during construction
During Construction
Consulting
Archeologist and
City of Cupertino
Public Works
Department
Plan Review and As needed if
Approval resources are
unearthed
other appropriate measures (e.g., data recovery)
may be implemented.
• All significant non -tribal cultural materials recovered shall be,
as necessary, and at the discretion of the consulting
archaeologist, subject to scientific analysis, professional
museum curation, and documentation according to current
professional standards.
Mitigation Measure CULT-3: Implement Mitigation Measure CULT-1
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: The construction contractor shall
incorporate the following in all grading, demolition, and construction
plans:
• In the event that fossils or fossil -bearing deposits are
discovered during grading, demolition, or building,
excavations within 50 feet of the find shall be temporarily
halted or diverted.
• The contractor shall notify the City of Cupertino Building
Department and a City -approved qualified paleontologist to
examine the discovery.
• The paleontologist shall document the discovery as needed,
in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
standards (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 1995), evaluate
the potential resource, and assess the significance of the
finding under the criteria set forth in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15064.5.
• The paleontologist shall notify the appropriate agencies to
determine procedures that would be followed before
construction is allowed to resume at the location of the find.
• If the project applicant determines that avoidance is not
feasible, the paleontologist shall prepare an excavation plan
for mitigating the effect of the proposed project based on the
Project During Construction Consulting Plan Review and As needed if
Applicant/Construction Archeologist and Approval resources are
Contractor City of Cupertino unearthed
Public Works
Project Applicant/ During Construction Consulting
Paleontologist and
Construction Contractor City of Cupertino
Public Works
Department
Plan Review and As needed if
Approval resources are
unearthed
qualities that make the resource important. The excavation
plan shall be submitted to the City for review and approval
prior to implementation.
Noise
Mitigation Measure NOISE-1: Prior to Grading Permit issuance or the Project
start of demolition activities, the project applicant shall demonstrate, to Applicant/Construction
the satisfaction of the City of Cupertino Public Works Director and/or Contractor
Community Development Director, that the proposed project complies
with the following:
• Pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code (CMC) Section 10.48.053
the construction activities shall be limited to daytime hours as
defined in CMC Section 10.48.010 (i.e., daytime hours are from
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays).
At least 90 days prior to the start of construction activities, all
offsite businesses and residents within 300 feet of the project site
shall be notified of the planned construction activities. The
notification shall include a brief description of the proposed
project, the activities that would occur, the hours when
construction would occur, and the construction period's overall
duration. The notification should include the telephone
numbers of the City's and contractor's authorized
representatives that are assigned to respond in the event of a
noise or vibration complaint.
At least 10 days prior to the start of construction activities, a
sign shall be posted at the entrance(s) to the job site, clearly
visible to the public, which includes permitted construction
days and hours, as well as the telephone numbers of the City's
and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to
respond in the event of a noise or vibration complaint. If the
authorized contractor's representative receives a complaint,
he/she shall investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and
report the action to the City.
During the entire active construction period, equipment and
trucks used for project construction will utilize the best available
noise control techniques (e.g., improved mufflers, equipment re-
design, use of intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and
acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds), wherever feasible.
Prior to Issuance of City of Cupertino
Building Permits Public Works
Authorizing Grading Department
or Other Construction
Activities
Plan Review and Once for Plan
Approval/Site Review/ During
Inspections Scheduled
Constructions Site
Inspections
• During the entire active construction period, stationary noise
sources shall be located as far from sensitive receptors as
possible, and they shall be muffled and enclosed within
temporary sheds, or insulation barriers or other measures shall
be incorporated to the extent feasible.
• Haul routes shall be selected to avoid the greatest amount of
sensitive use areas.
Signs will be posted at the job site entrance(s), within the on -site
construction zones, and along queueing lanes (if any) to
reinforce the prohibition of unnecessary engine idling. All other
equipment will be turned off if not in use for more than 5
minutes.
During the entire active construction period and to the extent
feasible, the use of noise producing signals, including horns,
whistles, alarms, and bells will be for safety warning purposes
only. The construction manager will use smart back-up alarms,
which automatically adjust the alarm level based on the
background noise level or switch off back-up alarms and
replace with human spotters in compliance with all safety
requirements and laws.
Utilities and Service Systems
Mitigation Measure UTIL-1: No building permits shall be issued by the Project Applicant
Prior to Issuance of City of Cupertino
Plan Review and Prior to Issuance of
City for the proposed Westport Mixed -Use Project that would result in
Building Permits Sanitary District
Approval Building Permits
exceeding the permitted peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8 mgd
Authorizing Grading
Authorizing
through the Santa Clara sanitary sewer system. The project applicant
or Other Construction
Grading or Other
shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City of Cupertino and
Activities
Construction
Cupertino Sanitary District (CSD), that the proposed project would not
exceed the peak wet weather flow capacity of the Santa Clara sanitary
sewer system by implementing one or more of the following methods:
3. Reduce inflow and infiltration in the CSD system to
reduce peak wet weather flows; or
4. Increase on -site water reuse, such as increased grey
water use, or reduce water consumption of the fixtures
used within the proposed project, or other methods that
are measurable and reduce sewer generation rates to
acceptable levels, to the satisfaction of the CSD.
Activities
The proposed projects estimated wastewater generation shall be
calculated using the generation rates used by the CSD in the Flow
Modeling Analysis for the Homestead Flume Outfall to the City of Santa Clara,
prepared by Mark Thomas & Co. Inc., dated December 6, 2019, unless
alternative (i.e., lower) generation rates achieved by the proposed
project are substantiated by the project applicant based on evidence to
the satisfaction of the CSD.
If the prior agreement between CSD and the City of Santa Clara that
currently limits the permitted peak wet weather flow capacity of 13.8
mgd through the Santa Clara sanitary sewer system were to be updated
to increase the permitted peak wet weather flow sufficiently to
accommodate, this would also change the impacts of the project to less
than significant. If this were to occur prior to the City's approval of
building permits, then Mitigation Measure U1IL-1 would no longer be
required to be implemented.