PC Reso 69561
RESOLUTION NO. 6956
A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO PLANNING COMMISSION
ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, MITIGATION
MEASURES, AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM FOR HILLSIDE EXCEPTION TO ALLOW A MAINTENANCE
ROAD WITHIN AN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ON SLOPES
GREATER THAN 30%. LOCATED 21750 RAINBOW DRIVE
(APN: 366‐03‐064)
SECTION I: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Application No.: EA‐2022‐001
Applicant: Bruce and Joyce Steakley
Location: 21750 Rainbow Drive (APN: 366‐03‐064)
SECTION II: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
WHEREAS, the City of Cupertino received an application for a Hillside Exception to
allow a maintenance road within an existing residential property on slopes greater than
30%(“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.) (ʺCEQA
Guidelinesʺ), the City prepared an Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project is described in the September 2021 “Public Draft Initial Study for
21750 Rainbow Drive Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“Draft
IS/MND”); and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2022, 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 IS/MND, and voted 5‐0‐0 to
recommend that the City Council adopt the Draft IS/MND (EA‐2022‐001) and mitigation
measures; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2021 the City issued a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated
Negative Declaration; and
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
2
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2022 the IS/MND for the project was distributed to responsible
agencies and the public for review and comment for a 30‐day period that ended July 3,
2022; and
WHEREAS, the IS/MND concluded that significant environmental effects on Biological
Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, and Tribal Cultural Resources would
be avoided or reduced to less‐than‐significant levels by mitigation measures (“MM”)
identified in the IS/MND; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held at least one public hearing and
independently reviewed and considered the IS/MND together with the comments and
the responses to those comments prior to taking action on the Project; and
WHEREAS, the comments received by the Planning Commission do not require major
revisions to the IS/MND due to new or substantially more severe significant effects on
the environment; and
WHEREAS, on July 12, 2022 prior to taking action on the Project, the Planning
Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to receive staff’s presentation and public
testimony, and to further consider the information contained in the IS/MND, 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 IS/MND, comments on the IS/MND, maps, facts,
exhibits, testimony, staff reports, public comments, and other evidence submitted in this
matter, the Planning Commission:
1. Finds that the IS/MND for the Project has been completed in compliance with CEQA
and reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City.
2. Finds that, on the basis of the whole record before it, there is no substantial evidence
that the Project as proposed and mitigated will have a significant effect on the
environment.
3. Finds that the text revisions to the IS/MND merely clarify, amplify or make
insignificant modifications to the IS/MND; therefore, recirculation of the IS/MND is
not required.
4. Adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Project.
5. Adopts and incorporates into the Project all of the mitigation measures identified in
the IS/MND. The Planning Commission further makes the mitigation measures,
which are listed below, required conditions of approval of the Project to the extent
they are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of the City:
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
3
a. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BIO‐1: The project applicant shall retain a qualified biologist,
subject to City approval, to conduct pre‐construction surveys for foothill yellow‐
legged frog and California red‐legged frog within 48 hours prior to any vegetation
removal or ground disturbing activities within the project footprint, and within 50
feet of the project footprint, for presence of the species. Survey results shall be
submitted to the Community Development Department. If foothill yellow‐legged
frog and California red‐legged frog are not observed during pre‐construction
surveys, construction may commence.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐2: If foothill yellow‐legged frog and/or California red‐
legged frog are observed during pre‐construction surveys, the project contractor
shall stop work until such time the frog(s) either move clear of the construction
zone on their own or, if authorized by USFWS or CDFW, a USFWS/CDFW‐
approved biologist shall relocate frog(s) to suitable habitat outside of the work
area within the same riparian area or watershed. Any frog(s) that are captured
shall be held for the minimum amount of time necessary to release them into the
relocation site and out of the work zone. The project biologist shall conduct on‐site
biological training for all workers on the project site regarding foothill yellow‐
legged frog and California red‐legged frog and what to do if located on the project
site during construction activities, including allowing the animal(s) to move off‐
site.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐3: The project applicant shall retain a qualified biologist,
subject to City approval, to conduct pre‐construction surveys for Santa Cruz black
salamander within 48 hours prior to any vegetation removal or ground disturbing
activities within the project footprint and within 50 feet of the project footprint for
presence of the species. Survey results shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department. If Santa Cruz black salamander are not observed
during pre‐construction surveys, construction may continue.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐4: If Santa Cruz black salamander are observed during
pre‐construction surveys, the project contractor shall stop work until such time the
salamander(s) either move clear of the construction zone on their own or, if
authorized by USFWS or CDFW, a CDFW‐approved biologist shall capture and
move individuals to suitable habitat outside of the work area within the same
riparian area or watershed. Any salamanders that are captured shall be held for
the minimum amount of time necessary to release them into the relocation site and
out of the work zone. The project biologist shall conduct on‐site biological training
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
4
for all workers on the project site regarding Santa Cruz black salamander and what
to do if located on the project site during construction activities, including
allowing the animal(s) to move off‐site.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐5: A pre‐construction survey for San Francisco dusky‐
footed woodrat shall be conducted by a qualified biologist, subject to City
approval, within the project site boundaries, and surrounding lands within 50 feet,
not more than 30 days prior to construction activities. Survey results shall be
submitted to the Community Development Department. If San Francisco dusky‐
footed woodrat are not detected within approximately 50 feet of the project site,
further mitigation is not required.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐6: If San Francisco dusky‐footed woodrat are detected
on or adjacent to the site during the survey, the nests shall be avoided. If avoidance
is not possible, the nest shall be manually deconstructed when helpless young are
not present, which is typically during the non‐breeding season (October through
January). If it is determined by the qualified biologist that young may be present,
a suitable construction‐free buffer, ranging from 15‐50 feet, shall be established
around all active nests. Actual size of buffer would be determined by the project
biologist, and would depend on species, topography, and type of activity that
would occur in the vicinity of the nest. The buffer shall be established around the
nest until the young are independent enough to successfully move from the
deconstructed nest.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐7: Prior to initiation of ground disturbance activities, the
project applicant shall submit a Wetland Delineation Report to the United States
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for verification. If the USACE‐verified
Delineation Report determines that the on‐site drainage is subject to USACE
jurisdiction, the project applicant shall apply for a Section 404 permit from the
USACE. Any waters of the U.S. that would be lost or disturbed shall be replaced
or rehabilitated on a “no net loss” basis in accordance with the USACE mitigation
guidelines. On‐site replacement/restoration of wetland habitat is preferred to off‐
site mitigation. Written verification of whether the 404 permit has been obtained,
shall be submitted to the Community Development Department; or if a 404 permit
is not required, written correspondence from the USACE to this effect shall be
provided to the Community Development Department, prior to issuance of a
building permit.
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
5
Mitigation Measure BIO‐8: Prior to initiation of any ground disturbance
activities, the project applicant shall submit to the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) an application for Clean Water Act
Section 401 Water Quality Certification and/or Waste Discharge Requirements for
Projects Involving Discharge of Dredged and/or Fill Material to Waters of the
State. The project proponent shall be responsible for conducting all project
activities in accordance with the permit provisions outlined in the applicable
SFRWQCB permit. Written verification of the 401 Water Quality Certification; or
if a 401 Water Quality Certification is not required, written correspondence from
SFRWQCB to this effect, shall be provided to the Community Development
Department, prior to issuance of a building permit.
Mitigation Measure BIO‐9: The CDFW maintains jurisdiction over the bed and
bank of the bed, channel, and banks of any river, stream, or lake (Fish and Game
Code Section 1602) and impacts to these areas may require a Lake or Streambed
Alteration Agreement. Prior to initiating construction activities, the project shall
notify CDFW of the intentions of the project to determine if a Lake or Streambed
Alteration Agreement (LSAA) is required. If required, mitigation may include
restoration or enhancement of resources on‐site. Written verification of the Section
1600 LSAA; or if a LSAA is not required, written correspondence from CDFW to
this effect, shall be provided to the Community Development Department, prior
to issuance of a building permit.
b. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CULT‐1: Prior to grading permit issuance, the developer
shall submit plans to the Community Development Department for review and
approval which indicate (via notation on the improvement plans) that if historic
and/or cultural resources are encountered during site grading or other site work,
all such work shall be halted immediately within 100 feet and the developer shall
immediately notify the Community Development Department of the discovery. In
such case, the developer shall be required, at their own expense, to retain the
services of a qualified archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s
Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeologist for
the purpose of recording, protecting, or curating the discovery as appropriate. The
archaeologist shall be required to submit to the Community Development
Department for review and approval a report of the findings and method of
curation or protection of the resources. Further grading or site work within the
area of discovery shall not be allowed until the preceding work has occurred.
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
6
Mitigation Measure CULT‐2: If human remains, or remains that are potentially
human, are found during construction, a professional archeologist shall ensure
reasonable protection measures are taken to protect the discovery from
disturbance. The archaeologist shall notify the Santa Clara County Coroner (per
§7050.5 of the State Health and Safety Code). The provisions of §7050.5 of the
California Health and Safety Code, §5097.98 of the California Public Resources
Code, and Assembly Bill 2641 will be implemented. If the Coroner determines the
remains are Native American and not the result of a crime scene, then the Coroner
will notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), which then will
designate a Native American Most Likely Descendant (MLD) for the project
(§5097.98 of the Public Resources Code). The designated MLD will have 48 hours
from the time access to the property is granted to make recommendations
concerning treatment of the remains. If the applicant does not agree with the
recommendations of the MLD, the NAHC can mediate (§5097.94 of the Public
Resources Code). If an agreement is not reached, the qualified archaeologist or
most likely descendent must rebury the remains where they will not be further
disturbed (§5097.98 of the Public Resources Code). This will also include either
recording the site with the NAHC or the appropriate Information Center, using an
open space or conservation zoning designation or easement, or recording a
reinternment document with the county in which the property is located (AB
2641). Work cannot resume within the no‐work radius until the lead agencies,
through consultation as appropriate, determine that the treatment measures have
been completed to their satisfaction.
c. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO‐1: All grading and foundation plans for the proposed
project shall be designed by a Civil and Structural Engineer and reviewed and
approved by the City Engineer, Chief Building Official, and a qualified
Geotechnical Engineer prior to issuance of building permit or grading permit,
whichever comes first, to ensure that all geotechnical recommendations specified
in the geotechnical report prepared for the proposed project by GeoForensics, Inc.
are properly incorporated and utilized in the project design.
d. TRIBAL CULUTRAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure TCR‐1: Implement Mitigation Measure CULT‐1 and CULT‐
2.
6. Adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project, as
amended, attached hereto as Exhibit EA‐1, and incorporated herein by reference,
Resolution No. 6956 EA‐2022‐001 July 12, 2022
7
which incorporates all the mitigation measures identified in the Final IS/MND.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of
the City of Cupertino the 12th day of July 2022, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Scharf, Madhdhipatla, Kapil, Wang
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMISSIONERS: Saxena
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Piu Ghosh Steven Scharf
Planning Manager Chair, Planning Commission
1 Exhibit EA‐1 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 21750 Rainbow Drive APN: 366‐03‐064 JULY 2022
2 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation Mitigation Measure BIO‐1: The project applicant shall retain a qualified Project proponent to add If grading and/or Community biologist, subject to City approval, to conduct pre‐construction surveys for this to all construction vegetation removal Development foothill yellow‐legged frog and California red‐legged frog within 48 hours plans and contracts to begins during the stated Department prior to any vegetation removal or ground disturbing activities within the ensure biologist conducts dates in the mitigation project footprint, and within 50 feet of the project footprint, for presence of pre‐construction surveys as measure, A final report, the species. Survey results shall be submitted to the Community required. including any protection Development Department. If foothill yellow‐legged frog and California measures, shall be red‐legged frog are not observed during pre‐construction surveys, submitted tothe Director construction may commence. zones shall be a minimum of 300 feet for of Community raptors and 75 feet for passerines and other birds. Development prior to the start of demolition. Mitigation Measure BIO‐2: If foothill yellow‐legged frog and/or California red‐legged frog are observed during pre‐construction surveys, the project contractor shall stop work until such time the frog(s) either move clear of the construction zone on their own or, if authorized by USFWS or CDFW, a USFWS/CDFW‐approved biologist shall relocate frog(s) to suitable habitat outside of the work area within the same riparian area or watershed. Any frog(s) that are captured shall be held for the minimum amount of time necessary to release them into the relocation site and out of the work zone. The project biologist shall conduct on‐site biological training for all workers on the project site regarding foothill yellow‐legged frog and California red‐ legged frog and what to do if located on the project site during construction activities, including allowing the animal(s) to move off‐site. Mitigation Measure BIO‐3: The project applicant shall retain a qualified biologist, subject to City approval, to conduct pre‐construction surveys for Santa Cruz black salamander within 48 hours prior to any vegetation removal or ground disturbing activities within the project footprint and within 50 feet of the project footprint for presence of the species. Survey results shall be submitted to the Community Development Department. If Santa Cruz black salamander are not observed during pre‐construction surveys, construction may continue.
3 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation Mitigation Measure BIO‐4: If Santa Cruz black salamander are observed during pre‐construction surveys, the project contractor shall stop work until such time the salamander(s) either move clear of the construction zone on their own or, if authorized by USFWS or CDFW, a CDFW‐approved biologist shall capture and move individuals to suitable habitat outside of the work area within the same riparian area or watershed. Any salamanders that are captured shall be held for the minimum amount of time necessary to release them into the relocation site and out of the work zone. The project biologist shall conduct on‐site biological training for all workers on the project site regarding Santa Cruz black salamander and what to do if located on the project site during construction activities, including allowing the animal(s) to move off‐site. Mitigation Measure BIO‐5: A pre‐construction survey for San Francisco dusky‐footed woodrat shall be conducted by a qualified biologist, subject to City approval, within the project site boundaries, and surrounding lands within 50 feet, not more than 30 days prior to construction activities. Survey results shall be submitted to the Community Development Department. If San Francisco dusky‐footed woodrat are not detected within approximately 50 feet of the project site, further mitigation is not required. Mitigation Measure BIO‐6: If San Francisco dusky‐footed woodrat are detected on or adjacent to the site during the survey, the nests shall be avoided. If avoidance is not possible, the nest shall be manually deconstructed when helpless young are not present, which is typically during the non‐breeding season (October through January). If it is determined by the qualified biologist that young may be present, a suitable construction‐free buffer, ranging from 15‐50 feet, shall be established around all active nests. Actual size of buffer would be determined by the project biologist, and would depend on species, topography, and type of activity that would occur in the vicinity of the nest. The buffer shall be established around the nest until the young are independent enough to successfully move from the deconstructed nest.
4 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation Mitigation Measure BIO‐7: Prior to initiation of ground disturbance activities, the project applicant shall submit a Wetland Delineation Report to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for verification. If the USACE‐verified Delineation Report determines that the on‐site drainage is subject to USACE jurisdiction, the project applicant shall apply for a Section 404 permit from the USACE. Any waters of the U.S. that would be lost or disturbed shall be replaced or rehabilitated on a “no net loss” basis in accordance with the USACE mitigation guidelines. On‐site replacement/restoration of wetland habitat is preferred to off‐site mitigation. Written verification of whether the 404 permit has been obtained, shall be submitted to the Community Development Department; or if a 404 permit is not required, written correspondence from the USACE to this effect shall be provided to the Community Development Department, prior to issuance of a building permit. Project proponent shall provide evidence that a permit is either required or not prior to issuance of grading/building permit Verification from the applicable State and Federal Agency Community Development Department Mitigation Measure BIO‐8: Prior to initiation of any ground disturbance activities, the project applicant shall submit to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) an application for Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and/or Waste Discharge Requirements for Projects Involving Discharge of Dredged and/or Fill Material to Waters of the State. The project proponent shall be responsible for conducting all project activities in accordance with the permit provisions outlined in the applicable SFRWQCB permit. Written verification of the 401 Water Quality Certification; or if a 401 Water Quality Certification is not required, written correspondence from SFRWQCB to this effect, shall be provided to the Community Development Department, prior to issuance of a building permit. Mitigation Measure BIO‐9: The CDFW maintains jurisdiction over the bed and bank of the bed, channel, and banks of any river, stream, or lake (Fish and Game Code Section 1602) and impacts to these areas may require a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement. Prior to initiating construction activities, the project shall notify CDFW of the intentions of the project to
5 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation determine if a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA) is required. If required, mitigation may include restoration or enhancement of resources on‐site. Written verification of the Section 1600 LSAA; or if a LSAA is not required, written correspondence from CDFW to this effect, shall be provided to the Community Development Department, prior to issuance of a building permit. Mitigation Measure CULT‐1: Prior to grading permit issuance, the developer shall submit plans to the Community Development Department for review and approval which indicate (via notation on the improvement plans) that if historic and/or cultural resources are encountered during site grading or other site work, all such work shall be halted immediately within 100 feet and the developer shall immediately notify the Community Development Department of the discovery. In such case, the developer shall be required, at their own expense, to retain the services of a qualified archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeologist for the purpose of recording, protecting, or curating the discovery as appropriate. The archaeologist shall be required to submit to the Community Development Department for review and approval a report of the findings and method of curation or protection of the resources. Further grading or site work within the area of discovery shall not be allowed until the preceding work has occurred. During site excavation, the project proponent shall be responsible for implementation ofArchaeological monitoring. Monitoring shall be conducted during earthmoving activities by a qualified archaeologist. During construction, the project proponent and contractor shall beresponsible for notification of anydiscoveries. All archaeological monitoring andreporting measures shall be included inall construction documents, and construction management plans, contracts, and project plans and shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department Community Development Public Works & Building Department Mitigation Measure CULT‐2: If human remains, or remains that are potentially human, are found during construction, a professional archeologist shall ensure reasonable protection measures are taken to protect the discovery from disturbance. The archaeologist shall notify the Santa Clara County Coroner (per §7050.5 of the State Health and Safety Code). The provisions of §7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, §5097.98 of the California Public Resources Code, and Assembly Bill 2641 will be implemented. If the Coroner determines the remains are Native American and not the result of a crime scene, then the Coroner will notify
6 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), which then will designate a Native American Most Likely Descendant (MLD) for the project (§5097.98 of the Public Resources Code). The designated MLD will have 48 hours from the time access to the property is granted to make recommendations concerning treatment of the remains. If the applicant does not agree with the recommendations of the MLD, the NAHC can mediate (§5097.94 of the Public Resources Code). If an agreement is not reached, the qualified archaeologist or most likely descendent must rebury the remains where they will not be further disturbed (§5097.98 of the Public Resources Code). This will also include either recording the site with the NAHC or the appropriate Information Center, using an open space or conservation zoning designation or easement, or recording a reinternment document with the county in which the property is located (AB 2641). Work cannot resume within the no‐work radius until the lead agencies, through consultation as appropriate, determine that the treatment measures have been completed to their satisfaction. Mitigation Measure TCR‐1: Implement Mitigation Measure CULT‐1 and CULT‐2 During site excavation, the project proponent shall be responsible for implementation of Archaeological monitoring. Monitoring shall be conducted during earthmoving activities by a qualified archaeologist. During construction, the project proponent and contractor shall be responsible for notification of any discoveries. All archaeologicalmonitorin g andreporting measures shallbe printed onall construction documents, contracts, andproject plans and shall be reviewed by the Director ofCommunityDevelopm ent Director of CommunityDevelopm ent, Public Works & Building Department
7 Mitigation Measure Timeframe and Responsibility for Implementation Method of Compliance Oversight of Implementation Mitigation Measure GEO‐1: All grading and foundation plans for the proposed project shall be designed by a Civil and Structural Engineer and reviewed and approved by the City Engineer, Chief Building Official, and a qualified Geotechnical Engineer prior to issuance of building permit or grading permit, whichever comes first, to ensure that all geotechnical recommendations specified in the geotechnical report prepared for the proposed project by GeoForensics, Inc. are properly incorporated and utilized in the project design. At the construction phase, the project proponent and contractor shall be responsible for completing all improvements. All attenuation measures shall be printed on construction documents, contracts, construction management plan, and project plans and reviewed by the Director of Public Works prior to issuance of grading and/or building permits. City of Cupertino Public Works & Building Department