ORD 2234 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ordinance No. 2234 Page 4 of 8 create the predominantly flat pad lots, bio -retention areas, and streets. As the eastern boundary of the development area lies at the foot of the hills, contour grading would be used to create a 3:1 slope bank in the rear yards of Lots 8-12, and between proposed lots to create pads within the development area. A discussion with the applicant and project civil engineer indicated additional contour grading may be needed to reduce the difference in building pad height. Staff has added a condition requiring additional contour grading be shown on the grading plan subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. Retaining walls up to 2 feet in height would be constructed along the north property line in the rear of the proposed Lots 1-7 to prevent stormwater runoff onto adjoining properties. An equal amount of cut and fill is estimated; thus no soil import or off -haul is proposed. The project site is located within a California Earthquake Fault Hazard Zone for the Verona Fault, which crosses the site adjacent to the eastern boundary of the proposed development area by the proposed Lots 8-12. A Geotechnical Feasibility Report was prepared by Engeo in 2015 for development on Spotorno Flat Area. The 2015 Engeo report indicates four landslides along the eastern boundary of the proposed development. It does not appear that structures will be located on slide areas, however, structures could be located near the toe of the landslides risking damage to the structure. Engeo recommends repair the identified landslides. Engeo's recommendations also include review of the final construction plans. Staff has included conditions of approval to address these items. The City Council finds that grading follows a similar pattern as the existing neighborhood where contour grading to minimize the construction of retaining walls. The repairs of landslides will follow the recommendations by the geotechnical report. Erosion control and dust suppression measures will be documented in the improvement plans and will be administered by the City's Building and Safety Division and Engineering Department. In addition, the flood hazard maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that the subject property is not located in a flood hazard zone. As such, the City Council concludes that this finding can be made. 5. Whether streets, buildings, and other manmade structures have been designed and located in such manner to complement the natural terrain and landscape: The Project includes the construction of one new public street, Spotorno Ranch Drive. The proposed Spotorno Ranch Drive includes two 14 feet wide lanes with a 5 -foot wide sidewalk on one side and a 12 -foot wide trail and a 4 -foot wide landscape strip on the opposite side. Emergency access would be provided via Spotorno Ranch Drive. All lots except for Lots 13-15 would access from Spotorno Ranch Drive. Lots 12-15 would be accessed off the existing Westbridge Lane. Westbridge Lane would remain open to through traffic. The subject site would be graded in such a manner that the proposed street and building pads for new residences do not contrast unfavorably with the natural terrain, and some lots would be limited to single story homes to preserve views of the surrounding landscape and hillsides. The City Council finds the proposal is sensitive to the existing landscape. The design guidelines would require future homes to be constructed compatible with the existing neighborhood. As such, the City Council concludes that this finding can be made.