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Hacienda Mixed Use Rezoning Initial Study Design and aesthetics are, by definition, subjective and open to interpretation by decision- makers and members of the public. A proposed project would therefore be considered to have a significant adverse effect on visual quality under CEQA only if it would cause a substantial and demonstrable negative change. In an urban area, infill development of additional structures would generally not be considered to cause a substantial and demonstrable negative change. The zoning change itself would not result in such a negative change, and the resulting buildings would not be expected to result in such a change as future development would be subject to design review by the City. Furthermore, the Hacienda PUD includes design guidelines for the Hacienda area, and it is anticipated that any forthcoming mixed -use PUD development plan for Hacienda would include the adoption of design guidelines and development standards for mixed -use development, which would address issues of design and aesthetics. No additional light and glare would be anticipated from buildings developed under the proposed zoning compared to those that could currently be built on the project site. In addition, given the location of surrounding buildings set back from the property lines, any future buildings resulting from the proposed zoning change would not be expected to be located in proximity to other development. The W.P. Carey site (Hacienda site 7G) is located across from the BART station and parking lot. The zone change would allow residential buildings to be located across from potential light sources at the BART Station. During the development process, potential conflicts with BART's nighttime lighting would be considered in order to protect future residents of that site. As there are few trees (and any heritage trees would be protected under the City's ordinance), minim landscaping, and no buildings on any of the three sites, and as the sites are not readily visible from I -680, a scenic highway, development of the three project site due to rezoning of the project sites would result in a less than significant impact on scenic resources. Less Than Potentially Significant with Less Than No Significant Mitigation Significant Impact Impact Incorporation Impact 2. Agriculture Resources In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or X Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a X Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment X which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non agricultural use? Draft, Subject to Revision 7 8/31/2009