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commercial and residential parts of Downtown. Furthermore, the incorporation of commercial space within Residence 1 would further bring the project in compliance with the General Plan and Specific Plan Programs and Policies. In addition, the project would also be consistent with the General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan in that it would result in the development of new housing in infill and peripheral areas which are adjacent to existing residential development, near transportation hubs, and local-serving commercial areas. The project also provides a variety of housing sizes, types, densities, designs, and prices which meet the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community. The proposed project is located near public transportation, within proximity to the services and amenities of the Downtown area, and is located in an area already developed with adequately- sized infrastructure. Staff concludes that the proposed development plan is consistent with the City's General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan, and staff believes that 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 surrounded by a variety of uses: single-family homes, apartments, offices, and the civic center. As conditioned, staff believes that the mixed-use proposal would be compatible with the surrounding uses. The buildings have been sited to minimize impacts on surrounding neighbors to the extent feasible and have been designed to reduce their perceived mass and not overpower the site. New landscaping would be installed throughout the site and perimeter to soften the buildings from off-site views. The subject site has relatively flat terrain and grading conducted on the site will be subject to engineering and building standards prior to any development. Staff believes that the PUD development plans are compatible with the previously developed properties and the natural, topographic features of the site, and therefore, staff believes that this finding could be made. 4. Whether grading takes into account environmental characteristics and is designed and keeping with the best engineering practices to avoid erosion, slides, or flooding to have as minimal an effect upon the environment as possible: Grading of the site would be limited due to the existing flat terrain of the site. City building code requirements would ensure that building foundations, on-site driveways, and parking areas are constructed on properly prepared surfaces. The proposed development would provide adequate drainage to prevent flooding. Erosion control and dust suppression measures will be documented in the building permit plans and will be administered by the City's Building and Safety Division and Engineering Department. The site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The flood hazard maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that the subject property is not located in a flood hazard zone. Therefore, staff believes that this finding can be made. 5. Whether streets and buildings have been designed and located to complement the natural terrain and landscape: PUD-118, 4791 Augustine Street Planning Commission Page 23 of 25