ORD 2306 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ordinance No. 2306 Page 3 of 5 the Project is in the best interests of the public health, safety, and general welfare, and this finding can be made. 2. Whether the plan is consistent with the City's General Plan and any applicable specific plan: The Project is consistent with the General Plan, as amended, including land use designations of Low Density Residential and Open Space. The proposed density is consistent with the allowable range for the site, and the Project has been designed to cluster development in less constrained areas while preserving substantial open space. The Project site is identified in the City's Housing Element as an opportunity site, and the proposed development would contribute toward meeting the City's regional housing needs allocation (RHNA). The Project also supports General Plan policies related to open space preservation, hillside development, and provision of recreational amenities through dedication of land to the EBRPD and construction of a public staging area and trail connections. Therefore, the Project is consistent with the General Plan, and this finding can be made. 3. Whether the plan is compatible with previously developed properties in the vicinity and the natural, topographic features of the site: The Project site is located in a semi -rural hillside area characterized by low-density residential development and open space. The proposed development is designed to be compatible with this setting by clustering homes, maintaining large areas of open space, and limiting grading in sensitive areas. The site design avoids development of residences and structures on slopes exceeding 25 percent and preserves a significant amount of natural landforms. Architectural design and landscaping further ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment. The dedication of open space enhances compatibility with adjacent regional parklands and preserves the natural character of the area. Therefore, the Project is compatible with surrounding development and site characteristics, and this finding can be made. 4. Whether grading takes into account environmental characteristics and is designed in keeping with the best engineering practices to avoid erosion, slides, or flooding to have as minimal an effect upon the environment as possible. Grading has been minimized and designed to respond to existing topography, with development concentrated in less constrained areas of the site. The Project avoids grading on slopes greater than 25 percent to accommodate structures and incorporates geotechnical recommendations to ensure slope stability and structural integrity. Drainage improvements, including on-site detention and stormwater treatment facilities, would be implemented to ensure that post -development runoff does not exceed pre -development conditions and to prevent flooding or erosion. Erosion control and dust suppression measures would be implemented during construction. Mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Impact Report address geology, soils, and hydrology to ensure impacts are reduced to less than significant levels. Therefore, grading is appropriately designed, and this finding can be made. 5. Whether streets, buildings, and other manmade structures have been designed and located in such a manner to complement the natural terrain and landscape: Page 3 of 5