Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02062007 - D.3 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: AD HOC COMMITTEE ON SMART GROWTHCosta County SUPERVISOR JOHN GIOIA 4 • s� SUPERVSOR FEDERAL GLOVER `°°N� DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2007 _ SUBJECT: REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ACCEPT the report and recommendations on the Built Environment and Public Health prepared by an interdepartmental staff working group from Community Development, Health Services, and Public Works and submitted to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth. 2. ACKNOWLEDGE the impact of the built environment on public health. 3. AFFIRM the Board's commitment to promoting the public health principles in the land use planning and development process. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT/.) X YES SIGNATURE 'ju&pernvisor John Gioia Su ervisor Federal Glover RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMME DATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON p APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _)<-OTHER The Board amended the Recommendations to the Planning Integration Team for Community Health(PITCH)to include a direction to examine the impacts of existing roadway conditions on the quality of life. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND _UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN Contact: P. Roche, CDD-AP(925)335-1242 ATTESTED OLe A, cc: CDD JOHN CULLEN, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF CCC-Public Works Dept. SUPERVISOR =—,DEPUTY STRATOR CCC-Health Services Dept. CAO County Counsel BY February 6,2007 Board of Supervisors Report on Built Environment and Public Health from Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth Page 2 RECOMMENDATIONS - continued 4. DIRECT that the staff working group from Community Development, Health Services, and Public Works departments formally establish an interdepartmental Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH) to align and integrate various planning, engineering, and public health initiatives throughout the County into a coordinated team approach across departmental lines, and, as necessary, add staff from other County departments to the team. 5. DIRECT the Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH) to pursue implementation of the recommended actions as described in the attached report on the built environment and public health, including: a) Evaluate the County's Roadway Policies and Standards based on the "Complete Streets" approach, which recognizes that our roads serve more than just the automobile and are an integral element in promoting the principles of a healthy community; b) Evaluate methods and measures to implement the General Plan policies that emphasize compact, infill, and mixed use development and consider impacts on public health; c) Identify and develop policies and implementation measures relating to the principles of public health that could be incorporated into pending General Plan Amendment studies, and into potential revisions in the General Plan and the County Ordinance Code; d) Integrate the principles of public health in the master planning of park and recreational facilities for the unincorporated area; and, e) Improve coordination and planning with school districts in the siting of new schools and/or expansion of existing schools in the unincorporated area with the aim of promoting the principles of public health. 6. DIRECT the Planning Integration Team for Community Health(PITCH)to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a County "Healthy Community" Pilot Program to demonstrate the concepts and principles of creating healthier communities, which would be funded through outside grant sources, and to report back to the Board on program feasibility,specifically investigating the opportunities in receiving outside grant fund sources and any potential constraints in applying them toward a pilot program. 7. DIRECT the Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH)to report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth and the Board of Supervisors byJuly31,2007 on progress in implementing the recommendations described above. FISCAL IMPACT None to the General Fund. Implementation of some recommendations in this report can begin with currently available funds. For instance, the staff time and expenses for the respective departments involved in the formation of the Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH) may be funded through departmental budgets or through specific grant funding sources. Other recommendations described above may require securing additional funding from other agencies, such as grant funding,or in certain circumstances where appropriate and legal, recovering County costs through development application fees and park dedication fees. February 6, 2007 Board of Supervisors Report on Built Environment and Public Health from Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth Page 3 BACKGROUND / REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION The Board of Supervisors at the June 26, 2006 meeting received a presentation from Dr. Richard Jackson, former State of California Health Officer, on public health and the built environment. Dr. Jackson's presentation reviewed the growing body of evidence showing how the design and physical layout of a community (the built environment) and certain land use policies can directly or indirectly influence a wide range of public health concerns. Dr.Jackson described how the design and layout of a community can often create barriers to physical activity for various segments of the population and this may be contributing to increased risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. These barriers in community design and physical layout may include the absence of sidewalks, pedestrian/bicycle paths,and the distance or access to a community's public facilities,such as schools, parks, libraries, etc., or the distance and access from a community's residential area to its commercial area. Dr. Jackson also reviewed how certain land use policies, such as those promoting infill, compact, and mixed use development, can actually promote improved public health. For example, there is evidence that policies emphasizing infill, compact, and mixed use development can in the long-term minimize vehicle miles traveled and reduce the length of trips by the automobile,and thereby improve air quality. The improvement to air quality in turn helps reduce incidences of respiratory diseases among the population (e.g. reduction in the asthma rate in children). Recognizing these links between public health and the built environment,the Board at the June 20,2006 meeting received a report from Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier that requested the Board's Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth reconvene to investigate how public health considerations could be incorporated into the County's approach toward planning and development of the built environment(see Attachment #1). At the June 26, 2006 meeting, the Board unanimously approved a request to the Community Development, Health Services, and Public Works departments to work with the Board's Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth to identify approaches that incorporate public health concerns in the County's land use planning process and in the development of the public infrastructure. This report to the Board of Supervisors from the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth is in response to the Board's June 20, 2006 directives concerning the built environment and public health. Attached for the Board's consideration is a report on the built environment and public health submitted to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth that was prepared by an interdepartmental staff working group comprised of Community Development, Health Services, and Public Works departments (see Attachment#2). The report from the interdepartmental working group provides an inventory of current policies and ongoing efforts related to the built environment and public health.The report also recommends actions aimed at more directly incorporating public health concerns in the County's land use planning process and in the development of the public infrastructure. The Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth has reviewed the report from the interdepartmental staff working group and is recommending the Board take the following actions: • Acknowledge the impact of the built environment on public health and affirm the Board's commitment to promoting the public health principles in the County's land use planning process and in the development of the public infrastructure (e.g. roads, parks, schools, etc.). • Direct that the existing staff working group from Community Development, Health Services, and Public Works departments formally establish an interdepartmental Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH) to align and integrate various ongoing planning, engineering, and public health initiatives throughout the County into a coordinated team approach across departmental lines, and, as necessary, add staff from other County departments to the team. February 6, 2007 Board of Supervisors Report on Built Environment and Public Health from Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth Page 4 BACKGROUND / REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION -continued • Direct that the newly formed PITCH (Planning Integration Team for Community Health) also focus on the other actions that are described in the recommendation section to this Board Report,and to report back progress to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth and the Board of Supervisors by July 31, 2007. Attachments(2) Attachment 1: June 20, 2006 Board Order on the Built Environment from Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier Attachment 2: Report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth from Contra Costa County Interdepartmental Working Group on the Built Environment and Public Health,dated November 29, 2006 F.\Buill Environment\adho smartgmwthG206O7bosv 2.do Attachment 1: June 20, 2006 Board Order on the Built Environment from Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra FROM: Mark DeSaulnier Costa DATE: June 20, 2006 County SUBJECT: Built Environment SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (1)RECOMMENDATION: Receive and accept presentation from Dr. Richard Jackson, former Public Health Officer for the State of California and author of"Urban Sprawl and Public Health: Designing, Planning, and Building for Healthy Communities". (2) RECOMMENDATION: Direct the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth to reconvene to consider the County's approach to the"built environment". Ask staff from the Community Development, Public Works, and Health Services Departments to participate to give input into the scope and substance of this effort. (3) RECOMMENDATION: Direct the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth to convene within 30 days from today. Ask the Community Development, Public Works, and Health Services Departments to work together to develop preliminary recommendations and report back to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth within 90 of the initial meeting. FISCAL IMPACT: None to general fund. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDEDOTHER2 VOTE OF SUPERVISORS UNANIMOUS(AB. I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE SENT AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED 4 J �-� 0 CULLEN,CLERK F THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Contact: cc: BOS CAO BY_ DEPUTY BACKGROUND: Aspects of the environment that are human modified —from our homes, schools, communities and workplaces, to our parks, industrial areas, roads and highways— are more frequently being referred to as the "built environment". There is increasing evidence that this built environment affects our health in significant ways. Many modern health problems including obesity,heart disease and stroke, cancer, asthma, stress, and traffic related injuries are impacted by how and where we build our communities. Modifications to the built environment that incorporate a focus on public health could ultimately help decrease these health problems and improve both physical and mental health, learning, quality of life, and the more efficient movement of people, goods and services through our transportation system. Obesity in the United States is a rapidly growing epidemic. Almost 30 percent of children in California are obese, more than the national average of 24 percent. In Contra Costa, 31 percent of all 5`h graders are overweight, or about 11,764 children in this age group throughout the county The CDC estimates that if current trends continue, one out of four African American and Hispanic children will develop diabetes in their lifetime. (See attached Board Order on Child Obesity, presented to the Board of Supervisors on January 24, 2006 for additional information). A new study by UCLA shows that the number of California teens who do not get regular physical activity is on the rise. The Health Policy Research Brief, a publication of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, also reports that one in four California adults does not walk at all for transportation or leisure in an average week—6.8 million adults in all—and half walk less than one hour each week, or about nine minutes each day. Dispersed, lower density development results in greater travel distances to jobs, schools, shopping and entertainment. Increased driving leads to poor air quality and higher rates of vehicle collisions and injuries. The United States has one of the highest per capita automobile- related fatality rates of developed countries. California's pedestrian fatality rate of 17 percent of all traffic fatalities is 6 percentage points higher than the national average. In 2003, the Surface Transportation Policy Project ranked Contra Costa 4`h statewide in dangerous places for pedestrians. Latinos die more frequently than other Contra Costans from unintentional injuries such as these. Physical activity can sharply reduce the incidence and severity of all chronic diseases and is strongly influenced by the built environment. Walking is a moderate-intensity physical activity that can provide significant health benefits, as can bicycling. Both of these forms of activity are inexpensive and could be available to most residents if the environment is built to foster these activities. A rapidly increasing body of literature supports the idea that modifications to the built environment—such as streets that better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists—not only decrease injuries,but increase physical activity. Increased walking and bicycling will not only improve health and safety, but decrease use of vehicles; thereby reducing traffic and improving air quality. Access to parks and other spaces where people can gather increases social cohesion, safety, and influences the level physical activity. More than one out of four California adolescents—over 825,000—have no access to a safe park, playground or open space for physical activity. y 4 A University of Maryland research project looked at the health of 200,000 individuals living in US metropolitan areas. The researchers compared the degree of lower-density development (in which homes are relatively far from shops,restaurants and other destinations)to the health problems of the people living there. They found that as the degree of density decreased,the chances that residents would be obese or have high blood pressure also increased. Changes to our built environment can help reverse such trends. Improving streets for pedestrian and cyclist safety and increasing access to open space and recreation facilities can create more everyday opportunities for physical activity. Adopting local transportation and land use policies that promote the establishment of grocery stores and farmers' markets in more neighborhoods and that promote ease-of-use for bicycling and walking to reach such destinations are others. Financial and staff resources for new initiatives are always an issue. The county's Community Development, Public Works, and Health Services are already working on related issues with small amounts of federal, state, and local funding. Projects that may emerge from this partnership could be eligible for funding through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC's) Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC)program, Cal Trans, or MTC's Housing Incentive Program(HIP). If such grants were made to the County, this could position the County to receive other monies in turn. Contra Costa is a growing, dynamic county of over one million people. We have always placed an emphasis on public health and the quality of life in our communities. To meet the challenges of future growth, our Departments must continue to work together to ensure a comprehensive approach to planning in our communities. JOHN GIOIA CALENDAR FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS JOHN GIOIA Is1DISTRICT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CHAIR GAYLE B.UILKEMA AND FOR 2nd DISTRICT MARY N.PIEPHO SPECIAL DISTRICTS,AGENCIES,AND JOHN CULLEN 3 T DISTRICT AUTHORITIES GOVERNED BY THE BOARD CLERK OF THE BOARD MARK DeSAULNIER BOARD CHAMBERS ROOM 107,ADMINISTRATION BUILDING,651 PINE STREET AND 41h DISTRICT MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA 94553-1229 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR (925)335-1900 FEDERAL D.GLOVER 5"'DISTRICT The Board of Supervisors respects your time,and every attempt is made to accurately estimate when an item may be heard by the Board. All times specified for items on the Board of Supervisors agenda are approximate. Items may be heard later than indicated depending on the business of the day. Your patience is appreciated. TUESDAY June 20, 2006 9:00 A.M. Convene and announce adjournment to Closed Session, Room 101. CLOSED SESS10,N7: In closed session, the Berard of Supervisors approved initiating litigation. X111 Supervisors were present, and the vote ivas unaniino us. Once the litigation is forunally con unencedr? the action, the defendants, and other details will he disclosed to anyone iivho inquires. CLOSED :S`ES,SION: In closed Session, the Board. of Supervisors approved the appointinent erf Mr. Il'illiain (Pull) Weis( as Fire Chief, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District. <411 Supervisors 1i ere present, and the vote I,I'as unanimous 10:00 A.M. Call to order and opening ceremonies. Inspirational Thought- "Success is the peace of mind that comes when you know you have given everything you have to give to the opportunities that life has presented you." —Don Shula CONSIDER CONSENT ITEMS (Items C.I through C.104 on the following agenda) - Items removed from this section will be considered with the Short Discussion Items. <Ipproved as listed except as noted: C.32, C.32, C.34 HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT ITEMS approved as listed. HAI ADOPT Housing Authority Resolution No. 5076 certifying the Housing Authority Section 8 Management Assessment Plan for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, as recommended by the Housing Authority Executive Director. (All Districts) 10:05 A.M. PRESENTATIONS PR.1 PRESENTATION to acknowledge the participation of Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in the nationwide 100,000 Lives Campaign sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and the designation of the Medical Center as a national Mentor Hospital for Medication Reconciliation. (Steven Tremain, M.D., Health Services Department) (All Districts) A 111771.'D presentation to acknmi ledlge the participation (?f' Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in the nationwide 100,000 Lives C"arrrpargn sponsored by the Institute of Ilealthcare Improvement; and!he designation of the Medical Center as a national 11lentor Hospital,for Medication Reconciliation.: and REQUESTED the Ilealth :Services Director to provide to the Board statistical data, including but not limited to, on the number of patients and type drf services provided by the Health Seri-ice,s Department. SHORT DISCUSSION ITEMS - The Board will consider and take action on the following items: SD.I CONSIDER any Consent Items previously removed. SD.2 HEARING on the appeal by Edith Delores Stiles, Owner, of the notice and order to abate the public nuisance on the property located at 532 Palms Drive, Martinez area, and staff recommendation to proceed with abatement at the property owner's expense. (Assessor's Parcel No. 380-080-035) (Tyrone Ridgle, Building Inspection Department) (District II) CLOSED hearing on the appeal o?f the!Notice and Order to Abate a public nuisance on the real property located at 532 Pahn:s Drive, ,Martinez, California in Contact Costa County; AF11161ED the County, ,Abatement Officer's determination., ORDERED the property oii,,ners to abate the.public nuisance n-ithin. 60 days df the mailing of the Berard decision; DIRECTED the Abatement Officer to perfbntn the i,-ork the cost ofthe ivork and all administrative cast to the property owner (s), if the property oivner (v) does not comply tivith the Board's order to rebate the public nuisance; and DIRE('7E.D the County Abatement Officer to send the Board's decision by first class mail to the property oivner (s) and to each party appearing at this hearing, and to•file the Board's decision with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. SD.3 HEARING on the appeal by Gary R. Hamilton, Owner, of the notice and order to abate the public nuisance on the property located at 1030 Delacy Avenue, Martinez area, and staff recommendation to proceed with abatement at the property owner's expense. (Assessor's Parcel No. 375-284-005) (Tyrone Ridgle, Building Inspection Department) (District II) CLOSED the public hearing on the appeal of the A"otice and Order to abate a public nuisance on the real propert); located at 1030 Delacy Avenue, ._Martinez, C:A in Contra Costa County AFPIRillIED the County Abatement Officer's determination; ORDERED the property of,vner (s) to abate the public nuisance from the property�i ithin 60 days of the mailing of the Board decision;w DIREC.'7ED the County Abatement Officer perform the ii-ork and charge the cost of the -ork and all administrative cost to the property owner (s), if the property owner (s) does not comply with the Board's order to abate the public nuisance; and DIRECTED the County_4baternent Officer to send the Boards decision by first class mail to the property owner (s) and to each party appearing at this hearing, and to file the Boar•d',s decision with the Clerk of the Board of'Supervisors. SDA CONTINUED HEARING to consider adoption of Resolution No. 2006/370 accepting tabulation of mail-in ballots, confirming the Final Engineer's Report, Diagram and Assessments for Countywide Landscape District AD 1979-3 (LL-2), and levying annual assessments to be placed on the tax rolls for Fiscal Year 2006/2007, Countywide area. (Eileen Doten, Public Works Department) (All Districts) ('LOSED the public hearing to adopt Final Engineer's Reportfi r LL-2; and to annex Zones 69 and 74 into the LL-2 and.1br an assessment rate increase in Zone 36; DIRECTED Public Tf`orks staff to tabulated the mailed-in ballots submitted on June 13, 2006,; .A_DOPI'ED Resolution ?,"o. 2006/370 accepting tabulation of mail-in ballots, confirming the Final Engineer's Report, Diagram and_flssessnzents for Countylvide Landscape District AD 197.9-3 7.9-3 (LL-2) and leaving annual assessments to be placed on the tax rolls for Fiscal Year 2006'200?, C'ountTlvide. DELIBERATION ITEMS - The Board will consider and take action on the following items: D.I RECEIVE report on how proximity and access to workplaces, parks, industrial areas, roads, schools and businesses (referred to as the "built environment") can affect our health and well-being; and CONSIDER directing the Board's Smart Growth Ad Hoc Committee to meet with staff to discuss and develop preliminary recommendations on the County's approach to the built environment, and report back to the Board within 90 days. (Supervisor DeSaulnier; Dr. Richard Jackson, former State Public Health Officer) (All Districts) RECEIVED and ACCEPTED presentation from Dr. Richard .Jackson, f6rmer Public health Officer for the State of California and author of "Urban Sprawl and Public health: Designing, Planning, and Building for healthy Comnntnities"; DIREC`TEI) the .Ad Hoc Corrunittee on Srrtar•t Growth to reconvene to consider the C'ountv's approach to the "built environment REC)UESTED sIgf f from the Community Developrrtent, Public YI'orks, and Health Services Departrrrents to participate to bine input into the scope and substance of this effort; DRECTED the 21d Hoc Committee on Smart Groivth to convene within 30 days fi•orn today. REOC;'ES'TED the Cornnrunity Development. Public II''c)rlti S, and Health Services Ices D(-,,1.)artlnents to tivork together to develop preliminat.v recommendations and report back to the:4d Iloc Conmrittee on Smart Groti>>th within 90 of the initial meeting. D.2 PUBLIC COMMENT (3 Minutes/Speaker) The,f)llotiring person presented testimony ,Ifike Tf'einberg, Service Employees International Union, Local 535, inf)rniinb the Board of a proposed strike on June 2". 2006 and urging the .Board to direct staff to bargain in good faith totivardv a contract that is more cominensurate with the employers'ability,to provide fair wages and benefits to its einploYees. The folloi ing person submitted a letter via a facsmile for the .Board to read: 11r. G. Lee C;rtrnrrtings., .1'resiclent, I3yrorr Sanitary District. Closed Session CONSENT ITEMS (Items are subject to removal from Consent Calendar by request of any Supervisor or on request for discussion by a member of the public). Road and Transportation C.1 APPROVE plans and specifications; AWARD and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute a contract in the amount of$6,099,497 to Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Parker Avenue Reconstruction, Rodeo area. (50% Contra Costa County Redevelopment Fund, 24% Rodeo Crockett Transportation Improvement Fund, 26% Loan to Public Works from Redevelopment Funds) (District II) C.2 ADOPT Resolution No. 2006/376 approving and authorizing the Public Works Director, or designee, to fully close all of Parker Avenue on June 24, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. through 10:30 a.m., for the purpose of Pony Baseball parade, Rodeo area. (District II) C.3 ADOPT Resolution No. 2006/377 approving and authorizing the Public Works Director, or designee, to partially close a portion of Canyon Lake Drive on July 4, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m., for the purpose of a block party, Port Costa area. (District II) CA APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute a contract amendment with David Gates and Associates effective July 1, 2006, to extend the term from July 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007, for ongoing landscape architectural services for the Parker Avenue Reconstruction Project, Rodeo area. (Redevelopment Agency Funds) (District II) Engineering Services C.5 RA 01-01126 (Cross-reference Subdivisions 00-08362 and 85-06610): ADOPT Resolution No. 2006/378 approving the Third Extension of the Road Improvement Agreement for project being developed by Rock Island Homes, Inc., as recommended by the Public Works Director, Oakley area. (District V) C.6 RA 02-01138 (Cross-reference Subdivision 95-07984): ADOPT Resolution No. 2006/379 accepting completion of warranty period and release of cash deposit for project being developed by Shapell Industries of Attachment 2: Report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth from Contra Costa County Interdepartmental Working Group on the Built Environment and Public Health, dated November 29, 2006 Report to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Contra Costa County Interdepartmental Working Group .Built Environment and Public Health November 29, 2006 Prepared By Community Development Department Health Services Department Public Works Department BACKGROUND Land use planning decisions and the design and physical layout of a community (the built environment) can directly and/or indirectly influence a wide range of public health concerns. The relationship between public health and how the built environment is developed can be illustrated as follows: • Air Quality — Documented incidences of respiratory diseases among segments of the Bay Area's population has been linked to poor air quality. Poor air quality in the Bay Area is directly tied to pollution emitted from automobiles and other motor vehicles. Urban sprawl promotes more vehicle miles traveled thus increasing auto emissions that contribute to poor air quality. Policies promoting infill, compact, and mixed use development can help to minimize vehicle miles traveled by reducing the number and length of trips by the automobile, and thereby improve air quality. • Water Quality — Runoff from development is one of the leading sources for degradation of water quality in Contra Costa County and throughout the Bay Area. Wastewater generated from development also poses a serious threat to water quality. Contra Costa County has been an active partner with Federal, State and Regional agencies in monitoring and improving water quality. Besides adhering to regulations promulgated by State and Federal agencies, the General Plan provides policy direction focused on improving and maintaining water quality not only within the boundaries of Contra Costa County but also within the Bay region. • Traffic Safety — Although walking and bicycling currently account for a small percentage of trips, they can be viable alternatives to driving an automobile if the facilities for the bicyclist and pedestrian are properly planned and integrated into 1 the built environment. Providing for safe accommodation of the pedestrian and bicyclist within the built environment is essential to promoting these as alternatives to the automobile. • Physical Activity — Recent health studies suggest that the design and layout of communities (the built environment) often create barriers to physical activity for various segments of the population, and this may be contributing to increased risks for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. These barriers may include the absence of sidewalks, pedestrian/bicycle paths, and distance or access to recreational facilities. • Hazardous Materials — Due to Contra Costa County's legacy of industrial development, hazardous materials are transported, stored, manufactured, or disposed of in many communities throughout the County. As the awareness and understanding of the health risks associated with the hazardous materials has become better known, land use and environmental regulations have been enacted in the County over the years to separate incompatible uses (e.g. housing away from certain heavy industry) and to reduce the population's potential exposure to hazardous materials. As with concerns about water and air quality, Contra Costa County has been an active partner with Federal, State and Regional agencies in monitoring hazardous materials and reducing the population's potential exposure to hazardous materials. The built environment in Contra Costa County is shaped and influenced by many factors: • Individual decisions about land use and the public infrastructure made by the County and the nineteen municipalities within the County, and the decisions made by single purpose agencies or special districts; 2 • General Plan policies and zoning regulations or standards for the County and each of the nineteen municipalities within the County; • Funding priorities and design standards for the public infrastructure (e.g. streets and highways), which are determined by numerous public agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal level; • The local economy and the market forces (increasingly regional and global market forces) on the local economy. The interdepartmental working group decided early in its review to limit its investigations to those factors with which the County had the most direct role or involvement. Since the General Plan is the highest policy document intended to shape the built environment by defining a community's vision and providing a roadmap for achieving this vision, the interdepartmental working group initially reviewed the Contra Costa County General Plan (2005-2020) to determine what policies or directives are contained in that plan which relate to the concepts or principles for developing a healthy built environment. This review determined that there are policies and implementation measures already provided in the plan addressing many community and environmental health concerns. An inventory of the relevant General Plan policies is attached to this report as Exhibit «A„ The initial review by the interdepartmental working group also covered matters pertaining to roadway design standards as administered by the Public Works Department and typical conditions of approval used by the Community Development Department for residential subdivisions. These are some of the mechanisms typically used to implement General Plan policies. The interdepartmental working group then set about identifying where new or renewed or modified efforts should be directed in promoting and developing a healthier built environment. To guide this exercise the following general of principles were applied: 3 ■ One size does not fit all. Contra Costa is a diverse county both in terms of geography and demographics. This means that while broad principles may apply in common for many communities, the needs, interests, and practical considerations will be different for each community. ■ Health issues also vary widely from community to community. Income level and other factors create significant health disparities between residents of different communities. ■ Incentive approaches vs. regulation and rule-making are likely to be less divisive and more successful in encouraging unique and creative approaches. We want to make it easier to do the right thing. ■ Community input is an important element in any interdisciplinary approach to creating vibrant and healthy communities. Being innovative and thorough in gathering community input will be key to success. ■ A lot is already being done. The recommendations recognize and seek to extend or expand current efforts that promote the concepts or principles for developing a healthy built environment. See Exhibit "B" to this report for a current listing of County initiatives related to developing a health built environment. ■ Sometimes competing policies and interests may be encountered when implementing a program related to the built environment (e.g. mixed use development and higher densities are associated with higher noise levels). RECOMMENDATIONS Contra Costa County has always placed an emphasis on the public health and quality of life for its residents. To meet the challenges of future growth within the County the interdepartmental working group recommends the following set of actions. 1. EVALUATE THE COUNTY'S ROADWAY POLICIES AND STANDARDS BASED ON THE "COMPLETE STREETS" APPROACH "Complete Streets" is a transportation planning concept that balances the needs of all users in designing and constructing streets. This approach recognizes that the County's roadways serve more than just the automobile. The needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, disabled people, motorists, and emergency vehicles, must be considered in the design of roadways. "Complete Streets" must 4 also be developed in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Clean Water standards. The following are some tools that could be applied to finding the desired balance among all users and in adapting it to specific situations: a. Evaluate and update current Roadway Design Standards b. Consider and adopt revised Level of Service Standards c. Evaluate methods to improve neighborhood connectivity such as shift of streets back to grid system, pedestrian cut-through connections d. Prioritize non-motorized travel and access to transit e. Consider and apply a variety of traffic calming measures that are appropriate to the individual setting: i. Wide sidewalks ii. Barriers between vehicles and pedestrians iii. Planting strips for pedestrian protection iv. Bulb-outs to increase pedestrian visibility v. Short crossing distances and long signal timing to provide safer crossing vi. Well-marked cross walks vii. Street trees to safely narrow field of vision and slow traffic viii. Median Islands for pedestrian safety ix. Roundabouts and traffic circles at intersection locations x. Encourage narrower roadways widths under special design standards such as P-1 zoning districts 2. CONTINUE GENERAL PLAN EMPHASIS ON COMPACT, INFILL AND MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT WHILE BALANCING PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS BASED ON CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD ADVISORY ON AIR QUALITY AND LAND USE As noted in Exhibit "A" to this report, General Plan policies already emphasize that urban development in the unincorporated areas should occur within the County's Urban Limit Line to discourage urban sprawl. The General Plan also gives priority to 5 compact, infill, and mixed use development. While urban sprawl will be discouraged under such policies, the interdepartmental working group acknowledges that there must also be consideration of potential health impacts when implementing these policies. For example, when considering the location of new residential projects near industrial facilities or transportation corridors the environmental review should consider the potential exposure to new residents from the health harming emissions generated from the nearby industrial facilities or transportation corridors. The California Air Resources Board has recently published an advisory set of guidelines for local jurisdictions to consider when evaluating the potential air quality impacts related to the siting of new sensitive land uses (e.g. new residential subdivision) near industrial facilities and transportation corridors, such as freeways or railroad yards (source: Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective, April 2005, California Air Resources Board). This document describes new air pollution studies that have shown the association between respiratory disease and proximity to high traffic roadways, it highlights the potential health impacts associated with proximity to air pollution sources, and it recommends that planners explicitly consider this issue in the planning process. The interdepartmental working group believes that through careful evaluation, infill development, mixed use, higher density, transit oriented development, and other concepts that benefit regional air quality can be compatible with protecting the health of individuals at the neighborhood level. The interdepartmental group recommends that the way to achieving this goal is through the measures, as identified in the handbook published by California Air Resources Board, which involve more direct communication and consultation between the planners in the Community Development Department and the air quality experts at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the public health and hazardous materials experts in the County's Health Services Department when reviewing applications to site sensitive land uses near industrial facilities or transportation corridors. Two immediate matters need attention in order to institute the approach recommended by the California Air Resources Board: 1) better definition in the methods or protocols for evaluating air quality impacts on sensitive land uses (e.g. determining air quality impacts from high traffic roadways 6 on . a new residential subdivision); and 2) identification of a feasible range of measures to mitigate air quality impacts on the sensitive land uses, which are not the source of the impact. The Community Development Department will need the assistance and expertise of staff from both the Air District and Health Services Department in improving the methods for impact analysis and defining measures to mitigate impacts. In addition to more explicitly evaluating the air quality impacts related to siting new sensitive land uses, the interdepartmental group also discussed the potential for applying a checklist or worksheet approach in reviewing land use proposals in relation to multiple policy concerns, including: Smart Growth, Public Health, Water Quality, Watershed Protection, etc. Attached for the Ad Hoc Committee's consideration under Exhibit "C" is a sample of a checklist developed by Tri-County Health Department in Colorado used by local health agencies to identify potential health impacts associated with new development. It might be possible to develop such a scoring checklist approach for evaluating the public health concerns (or in addition to other policy concerns) for land use proposals in the unincorporated area. However, no consensus was reached by the interdepartmental group on how and in what circumstances to apply the worksheet approach, not to mention what would be done with the results as the land use application proceeds through the hearing process. It may be possible to further explore the concept of a checklist approach if the Ad Hoc Committee is interested. 3. IMPROVE ACCESS TO COMMUNITY FACILITIES, GOODS, AND SERVICES One of the most significant challenges facing certain communities in Contra Costa County, particularly low-income neighborhoods, is their poor access to vital public facilities, and essential goods and services. This is best illustrated by the greater distances that residents in low-income neighborhoods now must travel to reach a full service grocery store. This problem has recently been exacerbated by the changes in the grocery store business where major chain stores have been consolidated into 7 larger outlets located further from low-income neighborhoods. Poor access for low- income neighborhoods to essential and healthy foods has now become a public health concern. While not so much a land use planning issue, there are steps that the interdepartmental working group have identified that could partially address this problem, namely potential County support for Senate Bill 1329. SB 1329 (Alquist) or the "Healthy Food Retail Innovations Fund" proposed establishing a fund on a statewide competitive basis for loans and grants dedicated to the development of retail markets that would offer healthy, high quality, and affordable food in underserved communities. S.B. 1329 did not make it through this legislative session, but given the level of statewide interest it is seems likely to be re-introduced in the next legislative session. Another matter concerning access to community facilities reviewed by the interdepartmental working was the siting of public schools. It is noted that while the County is consulted by school districts in regards to siting new schools, the consultation often occurs well after the school district has selected a site and is already engaged in the acquisition process when they need a determination of General Plan conformity from the County Planning Agency as directed under California Government Code Section 65402. _ More than a determination about General Plan conformance is needed. Too often the school district's imperatives to acquire a site drive the planning process, and concerns about providing access by all transportation modes (auto, public transit, bicycle, and walking) become a secondary concern. It is understood that a school district most follow a very elaborate school site selection and development process that is overseen by the state (California Department of Education and Office of State Architect). Ultimately, the school district must answer to the State of California to secure approval, and often funding, for a school site, and so the local jurisdiction's concerns are sometimes not foremost. Better coordination and planning for new schools between a school district and a local jurisdiction is needed not only to assure that a proposed school site matches local land use plans, but also to make sure it will be matched with adequate public infrastructure, and that it promotes the concepts and principles 8 of a healthy community. A review of the Guide to School Site Analysis and Development (2000 Edition), prepared by the California Department of Education, indicates that the criteria for site selection does pay attention to location in relation to walking, bicycling, and proximity to supporting public facilities (e.g. public library), but these criteria need greater emphasis. Additionally, the school site design and layout are based on the school facility essentially functioning in a stand-alone manner (sometimes the security and safety features in standard school design create a campus that is too internalized) with little recognition that after regular school hours the school site often becomes either a gathering place for community functions or a recreational facility. The interdepartmental working group suggests that the County should directly engage school districts in the unincorporated area and the County Office of Education to establish a more coordinated process in the siting and development of public schools to recognize their importance in creating a healthy community. 4. OTHER POTENTIAL ACTIONS In addition to the consensus recommendations contained #1 through #3 above, the interdepartmental working group identified other potential and related actions that the Ad Hoc Committee may want to consider, but as of the preparation of this report had not completed its review to reach a consensus. The following are offered for discussion purposes only: a) "Healthy Community" Pilot Proiects — The interdepartmental group discussed the potential of the County undertaking pilot projects to demonstrate the concepts and principles of creating healthier communities. These could be pilot projects in each Supervisorial District where there is a documented public health concern directly tied to the built environment. There is a broad range of possibilities for pilot projects, everything from building capital improvements tied to local public health (e.g. Montalvin Manor bus access 9 improvement project) to working on school siting issues. However, establishing funding source(s) for a County pilot program is necessary before this concept can advance much further. b) "Healthy Community" Worksheet — As mentioned in Recommendation #2, the interdepartmental working group discussed the concept of creating a worksheet or checklist to evaluate how well a land use proposal incorporates the concepts and principles of a healthy community. An example of a worksheet used by the Tri-County Health Department in Colorado is provided in Exhibit "C" to this report. Inherent in this approach is reaching a clear consensus on all the elements that make up a "healthy" community — which necessarily would involve some subjectivity and judgment. Then there is the question of how the worksheet would actually be used in the planning process — what standing would it have in decision-making. This is not an insignificant question given that the land us planning process is already a complex exercise with the added legal requirement to process applications in a timely manner pursuant to the Permit Streamlining Act. There was some discussion that a worksheet approach could be used as an adjunct without prejudice to the environmental review required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It is noted that the purpose of CEQA is to protect the environment from proposed projects, not to protect proposed projects from the existing environment, and to impose a requirement beyond CEQA or its guidelines is prohibited (Baird, et al, v. County of Contra Costa and Bi-Bett Corporation, California Court of Appeals, 1S' District, February 1995). So while a worksheet could be prepared to score a land use application in relation to health concerns in parallel with the required CEQA review, it must by law be distinct and separate from the CEQA review process, in order to avoid any potential claim that it imposes a new requirement beyond CEQA or its guidelines. 10 It is noted that in 2004 the City and County of San Francisco through its Health Department initiated a health impact assessment for eastern neighborhoods in the city. The Eastern Neighborhoods Community Health Impact Assessment (ENCHIA) was an 18-month process where an assessment was conducted of the health benefits and burdens from development within several neighborhoods, including the Mission, South of Market, and Potrero Hill. An important outcome of this effort was the creation of a Healthy Development Measurement Tool (HDMT) to evaluate the extent to which development in these neighborhoods is meeting the needs of health. The HDMT (Tool) arrayed 27 community health objectives organized into seven elements: environmental stewardship, sustainable transportation, public safety, public infrastructure/access to goods and services, adequate and healthy housing, healthy economy, and community participation. This pilot project is the first known attempt at comprehensive health impact assessment of land use planning in the United States. A description of ENHCIA is attached as Exhibit "D" to this report. c) Planning Integration Team for Community Health ("PITCH") - Establish an interdepartmental Planning Integration Team for Community Health (PITCH). This group would consist of representatives from County Administrator, Community Development, Public Works, Health Services, and Employment and Human Services departments. The purpose of PITCH would be to identify and coordinate current and future planning efforts to improve community health. Community Development, Public Works, Health Services, and Employment and Human Services Departments are currently working on related and in some cases overlapping projects in the community of Bay Point. The County could more effectively align and integrate various planning, engineering, and public health initiatives by coordinating them in a team approach across departmental lines (similar in approach to the Service Integration Team established several 11 years ago for the Welfare To Work initiative). In Bay Point, for example, on-going related and overlapping efforts include: • Community Based Transportation Plan • Traffic Safety Education • Safe Routes To Schools • Specific Plan and Redevelopment Plan Implementation The interdepartmental planning group has identified the following potential roles for the PITCH: • Inventory and coordinate current activities in designated pilot communities; • Identify opportunities for collaboration on the other projects identified in Exhibit "B"; that may significantly contribute to community health; • Identify opportunities and funding to replicate these efforts in other Contra Costa communities; • As a result of these collaborative efforts, identify opportunities, as needed, to modify the County General Plan and Zoning Codes to more effectively support community health; and, • Identify benchmarks and proxy measures for evaluating these efforts on the health of county residents. c) Add a Health Element to the General Plan — There was discussion about adding a Health Element to the County General Plan. There are a few jurisdictions in California that have or the equivalent of a Health Element in their General Plan. Examples include: the City of Benicia General Plan that has chapter devoted to "Community Health and Safety", which incorporates the requirements of the mandatory Safety Element and explicitly discusses a vision for creating a healthy community; and, the City of Palm Desert General Plan that has a Health Services Element, which addresses the significance of 12 health case accessibility and affordability, particularly in relation to its sizeable retired and senior population. Staff understands that the City of Richmond may consider a Health Element as part of their comprehensive update to the City'.s General Plan now in progress. It is noted that developing a Health Element could be a potentially staff intensive and a costly undertaking since there is no clear model to follow. The interdepartmental working group discussed as an alternative that it might be more feasible to develop and incorporate and explicitly state public health goals, policies, and measures within the framework of the Land Use, Public Facilities/Services, and Safety elements of the current General Plan rather than creating a whole new element. [Note:At the 10/1212006 meeting of Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Growth, the committee members expressed a preference to recommend that the Board declare its intent to include a Health Element in the next comprehensive update to the General Plan and during the interim consider the addition and/or revision to the existing General Plan relating to community health and safety.] d) Community/Neighborhood Park — Parks, open space, and recreational facilities are an essential element for a vibrant and healthy community. While Contra Costa County is well served by regional parklands and open spaces, there is an ongoing challenge in developing and maintaining local (neighborhood or community) parks and recreational facilities within the unincorporated area. Some unincorporated communities are reasonably well served by neighborhood parks but many unincorporated communities are lacking in basic local-serving parks or recreational facilities. It is the view of interdepartmental working group members that the problem is not rooted in standards established for providing parks through the General Plan, but rather it is the level of funding and the organizational structure in which parks are planned and developed. Because the County does not have a Parks and Recreation Department, the responsibilities for the financing, planning, development, and management of local parks in the unincorporated area are 13 dispersed across several departments and service districts or service areas. There is no real focal point for master planning and funding of local parks and recreational facilities in the unincorporated area. Members of the interdepartmental working group expressed concerns with how well the funding level and the organizational structure for providing park and recreational opportunities is serving the interest of establishing healthy communities. To address these concerns, the County is nearing completion of a comprehensive update to the park dedication (Quimby Act) fees for the first time in nearly 20 years. Soon a new park dedication fee proposal will be presented to the Board of Supervisors. If adopted by the Board, the park dedication fee will not only increase funding for new park facility development but also provide funding for capital improvements to existing park facilities and enable the County to prepare its first comprehensive Parks Master Plan. LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit"A": INVENTORY OF GENERAL PLAN POLICIES Exhibit"B": CURRENT INITIATIVES REGARDING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Exhibit"C": CHECKLIST — PUBLIC HEALTH IN LAND USE PLANNING & COMMUNITY DESIGN (TRI-COUNTY HEALTH DEPT., COLORADO) Exhibit"D": SAN FRANCISCO EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT F:Wuill En%ironmenOReport to the Ad Hoc Committee on Smart Groath 112906.doc 14 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES PROMOTING INFILL DEVELOPMENT AND DISCOURAGING URBAN SPRAWL OPEN SPACE ELEMENT, pages 9-3 to 9-4 OVERALL OPEN SPACE POLICIES 9-1. Permanent open space shall be provided within the County for a variety of open space uses. 9-2. Historic and scenic features, watersheds, natural waterways, and areas important for the maintenance of natural vegetation and wildlife populations shall be preserved and enhanced. 9-3. Areas designated for open space shall not be considered as a reserve for urban land uses. In accordance with Measure C - 1990, at least 65 percent of all land in the County shall be preserved for agriculture, open space, wetlands, parks and non-urban uses. 9-4. Where feasible and desirable, major open space components shall be combined and linked to form a visual and physical system in the- County. 9-5. The visual identities of urban communities shall be preserved through the maintenance of existing open space areas between cities and/or communities. 9-6. Open space acquisition shall be planned and funded, in concert with the region's staged transportation, landfill, and water and sewage plant programs. 9-7. Open space shall be utilized for public safety, resource conservation and appropriate recreation activities for all segments of the community. 9-8. Development project environmental review will consider the effect of the project on the County's open space resources, whenever the project proposes to convert substantial amounts of land from an open space designation to an urban development designation. 9-9. The County shall preserve open space lands located outside the Urban Limit Line by declining to authorize requests for general plan amendment studies which would result in redesignation of such lands to urban land use designations. The County shall not designate any open space land located outside the ULL for an urban use. A substantial portion of land developed within the ULL shall be retained for open space, parks and recreational uses. Exhibit A - Page 3 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY PUBLIC FACILITIES/SERVICES ELEMENT, pages 7-5 to 7-16 WATER SERVICE POLICIES 7-1. Water service systems shall be required to meet regulatory standards for water delivery, water storage and emergency water supplies. 7-2. Water service agencies shall be encouraged to establish service boundaries and to develop supplies and facilities to meet future water needs based on the growth policies contained in the County and cities' General Plans. 7-3. Water service agencies should generally be discouraged from constructing new water distribution infrastructure which exceeds future water needs based on the buildout projections of the County General Plan and city general plans. 7-4. Urban development shall be encouraged within the existing water Spheres of Influence adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission; expansion into new areas within the Urban Limit Line beyond the Spheres should be restricted to those areas where urban development can meet all growth management standards included in this General Plan. 7-5. Development of rural residences or other uses that will be served by well water or an underground water supply will be discouraged if a high nitrate concentration is found following Health -Services-Department testing (see Figure 7-2). 7-6. At the project approval stage, the County shall require new development to demonstrate that adequate water quantity and quality can be provided. The County shall determine whether (1) capacity exists within the water system if a development project is built within a set period of time, or (2) capacity will be provided by a funded program or other mechanism. This finding will be based on information furnished or made available to the County from consultations with the appropriate water agency, the applicant, or other sources. 7-7. Water service agencies shall be encouraged to meet all regulatory standards for water quality prior to approval of any new connections to that agency. 7-8. The County shall cooperate with other regulatory agencies to control point and non-point water pollution sources to protect adopted beneficial uses of water. 7-9. Opportunities shall be identified and developed in cooperation with water service agencies for use of non-potable water, including ground water, reclaimed water, and untreated surface water, for other than domestic use. Exhibit A - Page 4 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY 7-10. Land uses and activities that could result in contamination of groundwater supplies shall be identified, monitored and regulated to minimize the risk of such contamination. 7-11. The need for water system improvements shall be reduced by encouraging new development to incorporate water conservation measures to decrease peak water use. 7-12. The reclamation of water shall be encouraged as a supplement to existing water supplies. 7-13. The County shall encourage its water serving agencies to prepare written drought contingency plans and hold public hearings on these plans. These plans should identify the size of needed drought capacity reserves. In requests for capacity verification for new development, the County shall require that the serving agency exclude these reserves from its operating capacities for the purpose of the verification. WATER SERVICE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES Development Review Process The following measures were developed in order to ensure adequate water supply and quality for the current and future goals of the General Plan and to ensure consistency with the land use and growth management elements. 7-a. Conditionally approve-all tentative subdivision maps and other preliminary development plans on verification of adequate water supply for the project. Such condition shall be satisfied by verification, based on substantial evidence in the record, that capacity within the system to serve the specific development project exists or comparable demonstration of adequate wastewater treatment capacity. Where no tentative map or preliminary plan is required prior to development, approve no map or development permit without this standard being satisfied. 7-b. Identify, map, and monitor those areas where high levels of nitrates have been detected in groundwater supplies. 7-c. Discourage subdivisions or other permits which would allow the construction of rural residential units served by well water in areas of high nitrate concentrations, consistent with existing Health Department policy. 7-d. Discourage subdivisions or other permits which would allow the construction of rural residential units served by well water on lots of less than one acre, consistent with existing Health Department policy. Exhibit A - Page 5 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY SEWER SERVICE POLICIES 7-29 Sewer treatment facilities shall be required to operate in compliance with waste discharge requirements established by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Development that would result in the violation of waste discharge requirements shall not be approved. 7-30 Sewer service agencies shall be encouraged to establish service boundaries and develop treatment facilities to meet future service needs based on the growth policies contained in the County and cities' General Plans. 7-31 Urban development shall be encouraged within the sewer Spheres of Influence adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission. Expansion into new areas within the Urban Limit Line but beyond the Spheres of Influence should be restricted to those areas where urban development can meet growth management standards included in this General Plan. 7-32 Development of rural residences, or other uses, that will be served by septic tank and leachfields, shall be discouraged in areas with high groundwater levels or soils with poor percolation characteristics. 7-33 At the project approval stage, the County shall require new development--to-demonstrate that wastewater treatment capacity can be provided. The County shall determine whether (1) capacity exists within the wastewater treatment system if a development project is built within a set period of time, or (2) capacity will be provided by a funded program or other mechanism. This finding will be based on information furnished or made available to the County from consultations with the appropriate water agency, the applicant, or other sources. 7-34 For future sewer facilities that may be required, appropriate land areas in the County shall be designated consistent with other policies in the General Plan. 7-35 Opportunities for using reclaimed wastewater shall be identified and developed in cooperation with sewer service and water service agencies. 7-35 Beneficial uses of treated wastewater including marsh enhancement and agricultural irrigation shall be encouraged. Such wastewater reclamation concepts shall be incorporated into resource management programs and land use planning. 7-36 The need for sewer system improvements shall be reduced by requiring new development to incorporate water conservation measures which reduce flows into the sanitary sewer system. Exhibit A - Page 6 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY SEWER SERVICE IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES In accordance with the land use and growth management elements of the General Plan that limit growth until adequate waste management services can be provided, the following measures were developed in order to provide for the liquid waste disposal needs of the community. Development Review Process 7-e. Conditionally approve all tentative subdivision maps and other preliminary development plans on verification of adequate wastewater treatment capacity for the project.- Such condition shall be satisfied by verification based upon substantial information in the record that capacity within the system to serve the specific development project exists or comparable demonstration of adequate wastewater treatment capacity. Where no tentative map or preliminary plan is required prior to development, approve no map or development permit without this standard being satisfied. 7-f. Identify, map, and monitor those areas where high groundwater levels and soils with poor percolation characteristics have been detected. 7-g. Discourage approval of subdivisions or other permits which would allow the construction of rural residential units served-by septic tanks and leachfields in areas of high groundwater levels or poor percolation characteristics, consistent with existing Health Department policy. 7-h. Continue to enforce Sections 420-6.002 and 4200-6.008 of the County Code, which regulate the placement of septic tanks within the watersheds of reservoirs. 7-i. Include wastewater reduction and other measures recommended by sewer service agencies in the conditions of approval for subdivisions and other new development. SAFETY ELEMENT, pages 10-40 to 10-42 WATER SUPPLY POLICIES 10-1. The County shall support local, regional, State, and Federal government efforts to improve water quality. 10-2. The County shall support water quality standards adequate to protect public health in importing areas as a priority at least equal in status to support of Bay/Delta estuary water standards. 10-3. Point sources of pollution shall be identified and controlled to protect adopted beneficial uses of water. Exhibit A - Page 7 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Pian Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY 10-4. Public ownership of lands bordering reservoirs shall be encouraged to safeguard water quality. 10-5. Prohibit underground discharges of toxic liquid wastes. 10-6. Land use plans and major project proposals that would encourage development served by wells and septic systems shall be approved only after there are assurances of the adequacy of the aquifer and that there is minimum risk of well contamination during the rainy season. 10-7. Annexation of municipal or small service districts into the larger districts shall be supported when such annexations would result in water supply safety benefits to the consumers. 10-8. No new water districts shall be established. 10-9. The use of reclaimed water for industrial operations shall be encouraged. 10-10. Because of the public need for water of a quality suitable for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses, the County shall take an active role in reviewing regional, State and federal programs which could affect water quality and water supply safety in Contra Costa County. 10-11. New water storage reservoirs shall be encouraged in appropriate locations subject to adequate mitigation of environmental impacts. 10-12. Discourage the development of new wells for domestic use in areas with high nitrite concentrations in the ground water. WATER SUPPLY IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES 10-aa. A permit system shall be required for all future wells or other shafts to aquifers. 10-ab. Monitoring of well water quality shall be required. 10-ac. Develop drilling and sealing ordinances designed for protection of aquifers and the public health and welfare. 10-ad. Instruct the County Health Department to do a study of the nitrite groundwater problem for East County including recommendations on continued approval of new wells for residential use. 10-ae. Prohibit underground discharge of toxic liquid wastes through adoption of a hazardous materials ordinance or other means. 10-af. Encourage local, State, and federal agencies to investigate and recommend methods of maintaining agricultural productivity with Exhibit A - Page 8 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies reduced amounts of toxic and nutritive chemicals which can damage water quality. 10-ag. Encourage all water districts in their efforts to provide water supply safety for emergency and disaster uses by the most practicable means. 10-ah. Encourage domestic water services to participate in the State Emergency Services program for county-wide coordination of emergency response planning and to take advantage of low cost purchase of auxiliary power equipment where these programs would result in greater security for domestic water supplies. 10-ai. Encourage domestic water suppliers to undertake programs to inform homeowners, schools, convalescent hospitals, and other institutions of appropriate and efficient emergency use of available water in an immediate post-disaster recovery period. 10-aj. Review and evaluate regional, State, and federal programs which could affect water quality and water supply safety in the County. Exhibit A - Page 9 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR PEDESTRIANS / BICYCLISTS TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION ELEMENT, pages 5-12 to 5-17 Circulation Safety, Convenience and Efficiency 5-1. Through-traffic along arterials shall be improved by minimizing the number of new intersecting streets and driveways; and, when feasible, by consolidating existing street and driveway intersections. 5-2. Direct frontage and access points on arterials and collectors shall be minimized. 5-3. Existing circulation facilities shall be improved and maintained by eliminating structural and geometric design deficiencies. 5-4. Development of a secondary road system of expressways shall be considered as part of the solution to congested freeways. 5-5. The use of freeways for community circulation shall be minimized by providing sufficient arterials and expressways. 5-6. The use of local and collector roadways for neighborhood circulation shall be encouraged. 5-7. Physical conflicts between vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians shall be minimized. 5-8. Adequate lighting shall be provided for vehicular, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, consistent with neighborhood desires. 5-9. Curbs and sidewalks shall be provided in appropriate areas. 5-10. Emergency response vehicles shall be accommodated in development project design. 5-11. The design and the scheduling of improvements to arterials and col- lectors shall give priority to safety over other factors including capacity. 5-12. Efforts shall be made to increase short-term parking for retail uses in areas where it is currently inadequate. 5-13. New development (including redevelopment and rehabilitation projects) shall provide adequate off-street parking, or contribute funds and/or institute programs to reduce parking demand. 5-14. New subdivisions should be designed to permit convenient pedestrian access to bus transit and efficient bus circulation patterns. Exhibit A - Page 10 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR PEDESTRIANS / BICYCLISTS 5-25. Planning and provision for a system of safe and convenient pedestrian ways, bikeways and regional hiking trails shall be continued as a means of connecting community facilities, residential areas, and business districts, as well as points of interest outside the communities utilizing existing public and semi-public right-of-way. ROADWAY AND TRANSIT IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES Circulation Safety, Convenience, and Efficiency 5-a. Design local streets so that the widths and curvatures fit the desired speed of travel. 5-b. Design a system of local and collector streets within a development to connect residences with arterials, activity centers and adjacent neighborhoods. 5-c. Reserve rights-of-way to ensure compatibility with transit service in the design of developments on appropriate freeway, expressway, arterial and collector routes. 5-d. Adopt design standards and right-of-way standards with typical sections showing relationships of pavement, median, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. Typical sections for roadways shall be based on the following minimum design standards: (1) 12 feet per travel lane; (2) 12 feet per turn lane; (3) 8 feet per shoulder; and Add 4 feet per shoulder if bike lanes are to be provided where parking is allowed. Alternative Transportation/Circulation Systems 5-e. Enforce County TDM (Transportation Demand Management) Ordinances consistent with State law, and encourage neighboring jurisdictions to adopt similar ordinances. 5-f. Develop and implement a comprehensive program of park-and- ride lots, in cooperation with the cities, transit agencies, and Caltrans, to serve the demand forecasted by this Plan. 5-g. Coordinate efforts with BART to expand parking facilities at or near stations. Exhibit A - Page 11 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES IMPROVING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR PEDESTRIANS / BICYCLISTS 5-h. Encourage and coordinate efforts with BART to extend train service along State Route 4 to Brentwood and along I-80 to northwestern Contra Costa County. 5-i. In cooperation with interested local jurisdictions, regional agencies, and transit operators, conduct a study investigating the feasibility of implementing commuter rail, urban rail, and other regional transit services within the Transit Corridors identified in the Transit Network Plan. 5-j. Request MTC, in cooperation with affected local jurisdictions and transit operators, develop a comprehensive plan on the use of the three percent discretionary funds from Regional Measure 1, and include in the Plan a determination of the feasibility of additional ferry operations. 5-k. Coordinate efforts with BART, bus operators, and other jurisdictions to reserve rights-of-way, station sites, and other support facilities for rail extensions within the Transit Corridors identified in the Transit Network Plan. 5-I. Coordinate efforts with all transit districts serving the county to provide for improved routing, bus frequencies, facilities, and improved design of land development plans. 5-m. Expand transit service areas to serve all urbanized portions of the EI Sobrante Valley. 5-n. Provide safe pedestrian ways in the vicinity of schools and other public facilities, and in commercial areas, and provide convenient access to bus routes. 5-0. Construct the bikeways shown in the future Bikeway Network Plan and incorporate the needs of bicyclists in major roadway construction projects and normal safety and operational improvements. 5-p. Develop a parking program to maximize traffic flow on new and existing arterials and collectors by reducing or eliminating on-street parking, by providing off-street parking or parking bays to accommodate on-street parking, or enhancing transit or ridesharing services. Exhibit A - Page 12 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PARK/OPEN SPACE OPEN SPACE ELEMENT, pages 9-22 to 9-24 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES POLICIES 9-10. Major park lands shall be reserved to ensure that the present and future needs of the County's residents will be met and to preserve areas of natural beauty or historical interest for future generations. Apply the parks and recreation performance standards in the Growth Management Element. 9-11. A well-balanced distribution of local parks, based on character and intensity of present and planned residential development and future recreation needs, shall be preserved. 9-12. Park design shall be appropriate to the recreational needs and access capabilities of all residents in each locality. 9-13. Regional-scale public access to scenic areas on the waterfront shall be protected and developed, and water-related recreation, such as fishing, boating, and picnicking, shall be provided. 9-14. As a unique resource of State-wide importance, the Delta shall be developed for recreation use in accordance with the State environmental goals and policies. The recreational value of the Delta shall be protected and enhanced. 9-15. Public funds from agencies such as the Department of Fish and Game shall be utilized to purchase levees and acquire easements. 9-16. Public trail facilities shall be integrated into the design of flood control. facilities and other public works whenever possible. 9-17. Recreational development shall be allowed only in a manner which complements the natural features of the area, including the topogra- phy, waterways, vegetation and soil characteristics. 9-18. Recreational activity shall be distributed and managed according to an area's carrying capacity with special emphasis on controlling adverse environmental impacts, such as conflict between uses and trespass. At the same time, the regional importance of each area's recreation resources shall be recognized. Exhibit A - Page 13 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PARK/OPEN SPACE PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES Ordinances and Programs 9-a. Complete a comprehensive study of all open space lands in the County to determine the areas that are most suitable for future park acquisition. Development Review Process 9-b. Require that new development meet the park standards and criteria included in the growth management program and set forth in Table 7- 3. Ensure that credit for the park dedication ordinance requirements be given for private recreation facilities only after a finding has been adopted that the facilities will be open to and serve the public. 9-c. Permit additional marinas to serve the Delta and the Bay in select areas if they meet the following criteria: 1) where projects can be clustered and located adjacent to similar uses; 2) along waterways having an adequate channel width-as-defined by the State Harbors and Navigation Code; 3) in areas having adequate public vehicular access; 4) where off-site improvements, such as required access roads, can be assigned to development; 5) where adequate on-site sewage disposal can be provided; 6) where located in an area served by a public fire protection district; and 7) when such uses will not conflict with adjacent agricultural uses. Intergovernmental Coordination 9-d. Coordinate with the various school districts in the County to provide for the joint use of recreation facilities. 9-e. Coordinate funds and programs administered by County government and other agencies, such as the East Bay Regional Park District, to obtain optimum recreation facilities development. Exhibit A - Page 14 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PARK/OPEN SPACE 9-f. Develop a comprehensive and interconnected series of hiking, biking and riding trails in conjunction with cities, special districts, public utilities and county service areas. Funding 9-g. Form a county-wide committee to explore funding sources for recreation and open space to support regional, community and local park and trails on a county-wide basis. 9-h. Work with local unincorporated communities to determine the means of providing local park services where the need presently exists, as well as when development occurs. 9-i. Increase the park dedication fee to a level which approaches the local park dedication standards called for in this Plan. Exhibit A - Page 15 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies KEY GENERAL PLAN POLICIES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ELEMENT, pages 10-39 to 10-40 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POLICIES 10-13. Hazardous waste releases from both private companies and from public agencies shall be identified and eliminated. 10-14. Storage of hazardous materials and wastes shall be strictly regulated. 10-15. Secondary containment and periodic examination shall be required for all storage of toxic materials. 10-16. Industrial facilities shall be constructed and operated in accordance with up-to-date safety and environmental protection standards. 10-17. Industries which store and process hazardous materials shall provide a buffer zone between the installation and the property boundaries sufficient to protect public safety. The adequacy of the buffer zone shall be determined by the County Planning Agency. 10-18. To the greatest possible extent, new fuel pipelines should not be routed through centers of population nor should they cross major disaster evacuation routes. 10-19. In order to provide for public safety, urban and suburban development should not take place in areas where they would be subject to safety hazards from oil and gas wells. Development near oil and gas wells should meet recognized safety standards. 10-20. When an emergency occurs in the transportation of hazardous mate- rials, the County Office of Emergency Services shall be notified as soon as possible. 10-21. Industry should be encouraged to utilize underground pipelines, rail, and water transportation of hazardous materials to the greatest extent feasible to take advantage of the greater separation from the general public provided by these modes of transportation. 10-22. Applications for private or commercial recreation docks which would encroach into waterways used primarily for recreation boating should be reviewed by the County to evaluate their aggregate impact upon public safety. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES 10-ak. Encourage the State Department of Health Services and the California Highway Patrol to review permits for radioactive materials on a regular basis and to promulgate and enforce public safety Exhibit A - Page 16 EXHIBIT "A": Inventory of General Plan Policies standards for the use of these materials, including the placarding of transport vehicles. 10-al. Request that State and federal agencies with responsibilities for regulating the transportation of hazardous materials review regulations and procedures, in cooperation with the County, to determine means of mitigating the public safety hazard in urbanized areas. Exhibit A - Page 17 Exhibit "B": CURRENT INITIATIVES REGARDING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT U i--s Cd Gf �O N •� C� cid v N N '+ ,�, cid cd .� c�� � Zl O V" roO N i U tti sO ,U= H O O H Vi � �- cid d7 � �, v v v v, v •� �' cvd o v Cw/i Of., :r 0 W bA «3 '' rn RS , ct3 fl tl �. c+-d �' ^' � Off" 'c3 O �"' ct�i �, U � V � '� .� 4� U v cvj r"'^ ..•a ¢+ S., � U cd C!1 .ts :8 CA Cd C4 AHS '"" tZ U ... O ,� U w 14 L+ 0 U s-� O � ',"Mjs � N Tn � � � � �O � y •'c3 O N U 8 cid O 4� Q Q)cd bA 03 CS —14 c3 6 ycd rc3a U � � � � � o ff .• o_10 � U ° � � " U ° �'" � � � p � T U � w cd � cd C3 Cl. C3 C4 v °: o w ot yLZ" cid N N '�'' .� ;�3 N � � cti� O U' "� c�, � ^C j � .� sem,.+ s�.. �d p� U� '� Sym" •C3 �+ ^OO � •� '" � cn U N � „p S1' � y N s.+ � � O � •b[1"O U �, � td p O sU. p VI ( Cd :a °y Ems., c3 ?' N cd •.—'"+ - ?+ .� O N y ° N - cd +1 `x � cUi� U ::� u) .C.+ pCd cd Cd� N V y0 O L3 y N u� U U � + ted C O O +, O s Vol tt cd 4-1 cd +, N N O ?A+ �� P■ cid o o U cd tDo ol U Cd ON � OH U ~� Cd tf) tA . � cd fl Al, tn V1, ul tn th t.4.4 fl) tn U, on tA tp O tn tn trl th IP O 6 !�A, to ir *�, 0 0 -1-1 ";ll 't 0 -, C) 0 'A 0 4.-- tn tp tA tn tn VI t*A ton tn tA 1P in % t;- 0 !;P- Vi tA tl toto (1) th tA rj tn tA.A tA tr ea) ttl Ln tn Ot4- v a� ami a x en � 0 "c3 O 4 ai ot n 00 °U ted bA'= y O 1 v v H 1 cd Osz � U � O v i ,, +� ,> �- CCs N o +.• -I r!1 c�i� bA °+-+ �, O Q v � .may-., � ,��, �, �, � "'�•., d � � �, �'`, � Q � •.-�' 21�' ,�' e) r!1 ��s � � �, � � �� a �� 'a •��' � s s� i 3 � ani �n � o � 1 •(� Ga v `� o Ga cu ..� o 0 0 �n ,µ v v v v PA U ° ..•'' `Y. *�'' ""''„ y, ,, otter, •y, � �Qi ✓ � � � � 'q,.� -� y � � }v-' N � �, Ems"' eA� `� � � �' ,,,; � � •:=,-�-°,,., �' qb GA ��, •�tJl '� ... P•+ .� � � v `1' cd � NU N �.� � � pp � � ° � � ed as v ° +' ¢ .O C o N z O Cd �. + vPA 16Z,sz tip N y� mus by N U a O 6D6 •,��„ '+Z�' 6 O �U QPA 41 tA °_ v ?' '� ° rIl •+"i +„"'' i•• v ° Po'� Uj GCs •� �i U1 tJ1 C3 O o v a c �, tp tn � tp �, � ¢ A rp 0 0 so t4 61 o OZ C5 0 6D CID 0 1A 1P. 0 ob OD a� 0 td c5 C4 .Z: .00 0 ODA -06 td r 6--o t5 51 5r pl. ;a 6 un 0 U � o �s tfl yv 0 CIA oo N N ?C Uti w p N U O Q y +- +' 7' s-+ c�3 O�'-+ � �'a N `✓��/• � � � .U^+ y'�+ °� •chEp � � � Gad" � Qy,,.l � U � `� O .�^C3 � � '•- � � N .-.., . '' � ;� � � � � UA ;�,, to Cdr. •.+ „�^ .*'r+ U N F-a 'U S-� U t i �'- •N sem., wcd N •�+ Y, O `�"i+ '� �` +�.+ r1 a) '0 � N dv., s� o o � U � o � +� •t3 �', � �a � u, � ° ami '3 � `� � � `� .� z. ✓ - v ° Ems" �° cd � N U td U r O N �" � � � ��, ,r+ � .� p •d ° y '., � rte, � Q 'u� 00 45a ,48 � � � � � �41 ED ° U �a O 3 .l oll Cd 6 1175 " cd o o � ° y '° nom, °: � © O aR a`ni O o O ^t3 6 cs -c3 Jo 8 N • m +' bA Q �, U tii �� CIA VI tip-c3 v o 150 0� :. th z N cd t3 �� v o v v o o U v o v d �- aAtun C7 O 0 ° ami ° o •aQ a o o o 3 .5 � Cdsa3 4 O �; � � � sU•, W ca T3h O G v O v v ep a+ 0 v W r�s1 vuvn °t' a o3p � � � �s �, � Gac000 � trOB � oo IZ S h p 0-A U O v Vol tA IP tA Od 41� Exhibit "C": CHECKLIST — PUBLIC HEALTH IN LAND USE PLANNING & COMMUNITY DESIGN (TRI-COUNTY HEALTH DEPT., COLORADO) r 0 ' 4 INACwCHO and theTri-County unty I le..alth Department in Coloradodeveloped this checklist to assist local public health agencies t;. IHAsf in their reviews of applications for new development or redevelopment Mans in their communities.The,checklist provides a rnthod to ensure long term protection of public health and consistency in comments subrtzitted for development ment plans,and broadens the health issues corrrrnented on by LPHAs during the planning process.It call also be:used to identify potential health impacts and provide a screening process for improving the quality of decision-making.The checklist addresses not only those issues t'trat LPHAs have regulatory authority over,but also the rnany public health issues that may arise during;development and require policy Chante or other intervcnticnns. LPHAs can also incorporate issues that are specific to thei€jurisdictions.LPHAs should share the:checklist with their local planning departrnerrts.elected officials,anal the pal;lic, both to increase awareness ofpublic:health issues associated with Land use planning and cornlnunity design,and to encourage appropriate referral of applications to LPHAs for review and com meAnt. l �` Quality>�1c�A�1 groundwater? (e.g., ASTitJ5Ts; chemicals, including ❑ What is the source of water for the project? agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides; A public system or individual well(s)? asbestos) 13 If public, does the agency have any regulatory responsibility for quality assurance? for more information, visit: 0 If private, are wellhead protection procedures v_ usvef>a.:rc� kv rt ra.rcfcler�rS iltE>rlcler1. proposed? Are the well(s) completed in an area of rowtlrwai rpcif the aquifer that is free from identified or potential llfitp. ' ftic[prte..ci u,.edufwvs-fat ?3 ►teB sources of contamination? wtvwv.ire.ubc.cafecoresearchfpublica3.html 0 In rural areas where gas or oil exploration is w"w``^!ft3wa.= crt.oc frenvir nme_ n...x...._....t ;a=trshd96,tatm occurring, are domestic wells planned with ad- www.cdc,€gt yl !yea=thea acc Z4!:rotit,.htrri equate setbacks from gas or oil wells? ❑ Does the project adequately address stormwater? aste@ c ter 13 What is the drainage pattern on the site? ❑ is the proposed wastewater treatment system adequate 0 Are there indications of drainage problems, such and effective? as erosion, steep topography, wetlands, boggy Centralized service areas, etc.? 0 If new central service is proposed, does the proposed ® Are there adjacent or nearby bodies of water facility have an approved utility plan? (lakes, reservoirs, ditches, streams, etc.) that ® If new central service is not proposed, is the proposed receive drainage from the site? project within the sewice area of an existing munici- 0 If an erosion control plan has been provided, are pal utility or wastewater treatment district, based on effective erosion control methods proposed during its approved utility plan? construction? Post-construction? Q Does the existing or proposed service provider have Q Does the plan include effective project-specific or the capacity to serve the development in compliance regional stormwater quality measures? Both with regulatory requirements? engineered and non-engineered? 0 Is the proposed systern fiscally sound? p Does the proposed use warrant specific best Individual sewage disposal systerns (ISDS) management or pollution prevention practices? 0 What type of systems do the soils warrant? (e.g., proper use of pesticides on golf courses) p Are there site features or areas that should be avoided 0 Does the project include unnecessarily large as ISDS locations? What are appropriate setbacks? expanses of paved areas? 1 Should certain site uses be prohibited from discharg- e Is the property in a floodplain or a groundwater ing into the ISDS? Are provisions in place to segregate (aquifer) recharge area? and collect these discharges? ❑ Does the proposed use have the potential to release for more information, visit: hazardous products or wastes into the surface ortlthlk`3Stl.eCiCJ,`t':aCd�[3fGiCt'.E�'C�inoSQ LtLaQYQ�`ltf}olra JAI,rt V` ater Quantity vl pportunities for Physical Fitness D Is there a sustainable water supply for the proposed use? C1 Are open spaces and trails included to provide regular 0 Has the permitting agency (e,g., State Engineer's Office) opportunity for physical activit ies such as walking and provided written confirmation that the applicant owns biking? sufficient iter rights for the proposed development? CJ Are communities built with mixed-use commercial and j Goes the landscaping plan include appropriate water residential purposes, and with sidewalks so Haat people= conservation measures? can walk to movies, restaurants, and so on? Are there opportunities for recycling or reuse of water Are schools wilt within corsaiaaunities so that,young pe# pie and wastewater generated by the project? can walk to school? For more information, visit: 171 Are sidewalks: wide enough for mulitiple uses (e.g., bikes and walkers)? wv3v� o_,cs atG ;� 5t�rrt vx �rf,ir �f is lighting played alone trails and sidewalks to increase the comfort level of those using them? 0 is there park space and equipment for children to play For more information, visit- V1, isit V�e,•'.. itQuality wyjww.sk..raeon '?n'[t7�t�i k£'tt) Itis l 2_'Slt 1s ' From an air duality perspective, is the proposed use compatible with adjacent uses? s�wuv:r# , arglrMc rr#rnca„n ue ri ;i c aeli?rir t; Will the proposed use emit air pollutants? Does it l,._14-.247_300-Li t!V. require an emissions permit? v bv.vt.�i.i:rt .`walk?ab#1'riy.T:c�f 0 Are fugitive dust emissions a potential prdblern? During construction? Post<onstruction? What mitigation measures should be taken? 40ransportation Will the project be served by paved roads? If not, is Prevention paving recommended? 0 if the proposed use involves significant truck traffic, does Goes the proposed use generate odors? the site plan provide adequate room for truck turnarounds If the project will emit air pollutants or odors, what and safe truck aces and egress, relative tryneighboring measures should be employed to eliminate or mitigate developments? the emissions? 0 Goes the proposed project: include safe routes to school El As the project develops, will there be adequate transpor- with a minirnurn of street crossings and high visibility for tation infrastructure in place to absorb the volume of children walking to school? traffic generated by the project without degrading air 0 foes the proposed plan include pedestrian signals and duality? arid-street islands on busy struts, and presence of bicycle L:1 is the project designed to reduce vehicle emissions? E.g. tones and trails:? grid layout or non-circtoitaus street systema, internal and Cl Goes the project include traffic quieting road designs in external connectivity, mixed uses both subdivisions and shopping districts? 0 Is the project designed to offer and encourage the use of 0 Does the project provide adequate neighborhood access travel choices in addition to the autorriobile? Eq., to public transportation? Transit-friendly design, bike/pedestrian trails, etc. 0 Ekes the proposed project include ramps, depressed C3 is the project in close proximity to tell topers, power curios or periodic breaks in curbs that actas ramps for lines or other uses that emit potentially harmful electro- people with disabilities? magnetic radiation? 0 Goes the proposed project include voice/audio or visual clues provided at crosswalks and transit stops? For more Information, visit: Goes the project comply with ADA requirements for design of curb ramps, cross slopes and detectible L^!01'tiJ,{h!>a.i: t:Y(t? ?irC) r'_Cfl c#t r' `' l9l t'_# warnings for new construction Or tetrrsfit prc,jecis? Page 2 For more information, visit: Are plans in place to prevent release of hazardous �°w,_'• ras t, r ,€ a t rrt to materials into the environment in the event of an on- 34s'15'Lt(11h4T_ ET4"1LI >?isf site fire? awf�3u",5. r;t,i.48`" jL2. For more Information, visit. �vete lamleCS°wet-r,c ��t�41_ra��tlsa lwt�rar�� tic.fr__�___�._<I#rt'ml vii {rc3 r) sYsntw 3, _ Itrt i3t ,' 31{} ,' ....._......... 5# '3 y a v of ems_ n .corn al nye resc,Lj tesl1uLldc ti_r,_. f uUst ..)fin r€l redctcir�c�risk or�ri v<:a11 ,f?c irNoise Is the proposed project compatible with neighboring 1.4ast Site Uses rases from a noise perspective? is there historic evidence of solid or hazardous waste Is the proposed project subject to nuisance noises from disposal or releases on or adjacent to the site? If so, is nearby uses such as airports, high volume roadways, there potential for exposure or risk due to contarnina- industriai uses? tion or explosive gases? Is the proposed project like! to generate noises that will What additional information, monitoring, or mitig�abon p p e""1" Y g measures of these sites are necessary? create a nuisance to neighboring uses?. Are there engineered or non-engineered measures Are new industrial facilities planned? Have. the potential that can be employ=ed to mitigate nuisance noises, such impacts can health beer) assessed? as setbacks, sound walls, vegetative Barriers, opera For more information, visit: tionsl practices, and so on? ,r�v a"to i rrs al�:c u czv{l ndaasg ,Egwyn sht€)a[ For more Information; visit: vm+n+.browrifiel r"ign&ara����se esti�P� 32fll�t�ef Yi #v a.c rlt ar c ar ff wcarc s aet�7r eta)<le r°c3ise.ht:m ioSulk Storageci iti s (e.g., chemicals, a iliz r , etc.) ` c t[ f'a"� and [3 What design, operational or pollution prevention practices should be employed to reduce the likelihood El Is the site in a flood or landslide prone area? of releases or to mitigate potential impacts in the event Is the proposed use appropriate for the site, given the of a release? potential hazard(s)? 0 Are adequate secondary containment measures 0 toes the proposed use present the potential for proposed? releases or spills of toxic: materials? (E.g., above ornoes the facility have an adequate proposal for or an underground storage tanks, drums storage, pool cherni- approved spill prevention control and countermeasures cats, etc") ('SPCC) plan? What measures (e,g., engineering controls, design features or buffering} should be employed to eliminate is the facility near vulnerable resources that may require contingency planning for protection in the event cif an or mitigate the hazard(s)? on-site. fir,,-? For more information, visit. 5olid and dt`[ ® SWaste i oi � vvaep > }rtaEcs< t,trt)�)fsct.pit_ � (ea3_fb . Is the geology and hydrology of the site suitable for the proposed waste handling or disposal activity? Ma43 o lit t}si'I 0 Is the proposed waste handling or disposal activity compatible with adjacent existing or zoned uses? [3 is the site on or adjacent to an area that might involve What design, operational or pollution prevention the risk of zoonotic disease transmission such as"test practices should be employed to reduce the likelihood Mite virus? if so, have measures been taken to prevent of releases or to mitigate potential impacts from the spread of zoonotic diseases such as filling in pools of proposed waste handling or disposal activity? water or open ditches that may provide breeding s�c grour�)ds for mosquitos car vermin? ® Have abatement/vector control measures been it onal Resources considered? If lethal control is proposed, is the appli- cant aware of regulatory standards for controlled use of pesticides? wwv,,.bioctiversitvDrojec:Lor_ c,,�;riic;,ssa...aeMt htm Ykealth Equity VCase Studies Are disadvantaged populations at greater risk of expo- sure to environmental hazards? ww.f+lsanrarrs veb.com sir-tells a cr_i(ns re_ rral.ht:rnl ❑ No4v are potential hazards distributed across the wYvw,€€.ga cartz;rcmr€o€tf€sstc_ rifl3ciail_F'rira community among different population groups? 1.1-+34.24 8.OrJ.htmI ❑ Are affected residents involved in the planning process? ❑ Have they been involved in providing data about their neighborhoods? Does the proposed project present unsafe conditions or deter access and free mobility for the physically handicapped? ❑ Are there information barriers preventing people with disabilities from participating in the planning process? ❑ What is the overall picture of environmental hazards among all of the categories listed in the checklist, particularly for low-income communities? ❑ What zoning decisions under consideration would alleviate or exacerbate the potential for creating environmental exposures to containinants? What health data exist for the community that indicate leading causes of mortality and morbidity? How might. they be important for expected redevelopment? For more Information, visit: 4vww.s ravyI vatch.oraihealth df wtuvv..eprc_ Cau..e.dujraatsmart rtvthinit.htm National ;association of County and City Health Officials (NACC 1.10) S"nvironnientai liea.lth Program Staff 1100 17th Street, NW 2nd Floor . Washington, DC 217036 Phone(:202) 783-5550 Fax (202) 783-1583 Eg Exhibit "D": SAN FRANCISCO EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT SAN FRANCISCOt DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH rho o OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH . 3 Our Mission: Ensuring safe and healthy living andworking conditions for all San Franciscans nwW07 A American LungAssoeiatron Asan Neighborho`otl.Design,r % Center for Human Development Charlie's Pface10,1E - Citizen s Housing 4ryLike many metropolitan areas,San Francisco must contend with multiple,and often competing,interests and Jardiniere/Nextcourse�M needs as it makes decisions regarding economic and land use development. Ideally,City decisions will strike Low Income Investment Fund € ." the right balance among social,economic,and environmental interests. However,despite the Mis's+on Community,Gbunc+i complementary goals of urban planning and public health,health considerations are typically left off of the Mission Economic Deuelopme"nt scales. Association OM1 s+on SROCollaborat+ve �, The Eastern Neighborhoods Community Health Impact Assessment(ENCHIA)was an 18-month long Neighborhood Parks`'Gounc+l process to assess the health benefits and burdens of development in several San Francisco neighborhoods, Okamoto Sago Architecture including the Mission,South of Market,and Potrero Hill. Convened and facilitated by the Program on Health, People Orgammngto�[3emand Equity,and Sustainability at the SF Department of Public Health,ENCHIA was guided by a multi-stakeholder Environmental antl Economic Flights Community Council of over 20 diverse organizations whose interests were affected by development. Peopie Organized tolWin Employment Rights `' r ;Using a set of methods broadly referred to as"Health Impact Assessment"(HIA),the ENCHIA process SEIU Local 79D" � 'reflected growing scientific understanding that optimal health could not be achieved by health services and SF Bike Goalbo❑ individual behaviors alone but through healthful neighborhood conditions including adequate housing; access SF Community Land,Trust public transit,schools,parks and public spaces;safe routes for pedestrians and bicyclists;meaningful and SF Food Systems/Foots Alliance productive employment;unpolluted air,soil,and water;and,cooperation,trust,and civic participation. SOMA Famk_Resource Center South of Market Community€Act+on � The ENCHIA process resulted in a number of important outcomes. Among them are: Network Producing a vision of a Healthy San Francisco; South of Market Employment Center Developing community health planning objectives to reflect that Health City Vision; Tenants and�Owners Development ' CorporIdentifying indicators to measure those objectives and vision; atroni ■ � Generating and presenting data on those objectives and indicators to assess how the Transportation for a Livable City City was doing with respect to that Vision; Urban Habitat Developing research and forecasting tools to relate planning to health outcomes; Walk SF e� Developing a menu of urban policy strategies to advance those objectives;and, Integrating all of the above products into the Healthy Development Measurement Tool GovernrnentEB gencres f'rovtrg (HDMT),an evidence-based support tool for healthy planning and policy-making. 7ecdanrcal Sp{orYgo ENCHIA has also resulted in a number of process outcomes. These include achieving an increased SF Department of City Planning P 9 ASF Department of Parking antl-Traffic understanding of the human health impacts of development;the use of public health rhetoric and evidence in S',4Departm6ht of Public Health ; public policy dialogues and debates;new working relationships among Council members with SF Munic+pal'Transportafion`Agency complementary interests;and,a broadening of the horizons of a government agency. SFPolice Department SF Recreation and ParkDepartment The Healthy Development Measurement Tool represents the most significant product of this process. € Participants in ENCHIA envision that the Tool might ultimately be used in a comprehensive way by many City agencies in comprehensive planning,in plan and project review,and in agency specific planning and TeCfttttcal Jdtivrsors budgeting. The SF Department of Public Health is committed to developing and maintaining the Tool, Columbia University supporting pilot applications in San Francisco,and monitoring the progress of community health indicators. Center for Collaborative Poicy This HIA reflects the first attempt at a comprehensive health impact assessment of land use planning in the Fit United States. We feel successful in completing the process,maintaining stakeholder participation,and ponsorn Coorrfrrafor �,`Qk adapting and responding to challenges raised along the way. Today,as we prepare to apply the Healthy ft Development Measurement Tool to other planningcontexts,we see this work as a reflection of the state of the SF De artment of Public Health p EProgram on Health Equity"and field—a clear need for tools and methods to assess health in land use planning. We also believe this experience reflects the call for comprehensive health and social assessment,which has long been unheeded Sustainabd+ty%, by many government agencies. Websife 4 , wwwsfdph org/phes/enchia htm t For:more in ormaf+an;please1contact s sG + " L ili°Fa hang,ENCHIA Prosect Coordinator at IU+farhang@sfdph org u -DRAFT DOCUMENT- 4176M t4 twT Element B. Sustainable Transportation (ST) Objective STA Decrease private motor vehicles trips and miles traveled Health-based Rationale[references forthcoming] • Location-efficient growth can allow for population and job growth without increases in VMT which is directly proportional to gasoline consumption, vehicle emissions, pedestrian injury rate, hearing, environmental noise exposure, physical inactivity, lower social cohesion. ■ Respiratory disease (air pollution), pedestrian injury, sleep disturbance, annoyance, speech impairment, hypertension (noise), exposure to environmental contamination due to fuel and oil spills, air emissions, etc. ■ Link physical activity and health outcomes (ie CVD, stroke, cancer) as well as costs that are saved from the prevention of these diseases. „o� Established Standards ■ HP 2010 Objective 22.14: Increase the proportion of trips made by walkingss ■ HP 2010 Objective 22.15: Increase the proportionRof trips made by bicycling , Key Indicators Development Targets a. Vehicle miles traveled per San Francisco Development results in regional contributions to vehicle resident (SF drivers only) 1§6 ., miles traveled that are: ■ Min: 20% below„standard area trip generation b. Aggregate regional vehicle miles traveledQ k,:,,rate for type -rid size of project Benchmark 30% below area trip generation Y., rate v' ■ Max c. Vehicle trips per resident Development results in vehicle trips that are: ■ :F Min: 20% below standard area trip generation rate for type and size of project ' Benchmark: 30% below area trip generation rate Max: - 'a d. Proportion of commute trips�made by Development results in: walking or biking ' Min: 10% increase in trips made by walking or bilking ■ Benchmark: : 25% increase in trips made by walking or bilking Max: 50% increase in trips made by walking or bilking e. Proportion of commute trips made by Development results in: public transit 0 Min: 10% increase in the trips made by public transportation ■ Benchmark: 25% increase in the trips made by public transportation ■ Max: 50% increase in the trips made by public transportation -18- Healthy Development Measurement Tool -DRAFT DOCUMENT- Ep )(q,mP le. f. Ratio of miles of bicycle lanes and paths to Development includes bicycle lanes linked to the cities miles of roads existing bicycle network g. Total transport expense relative to median Development subsidizes public transit passes for income households earning <200% of the poverty line h. Area score on Pedestrian Environmental Development ensures: Quality Index37 0 Min: PEQI score of a rating of good ■ Benchmark: PEQI score of very good or improves the PEQI by one rating level i. Proportion of households owning a car Development provides structured parking ratios at the following ratios as a maximum: ■ Min: Threefspaces'for every four households ■ Benchmark: One'space for every two households, ■ Max. r ,. ..1:... Policy and Design Strategy Suggestions: ' ■ Location of development close to high capacity transit .` ■ Increased street connectivity38 ■ Construction of quality bike and pedestnanfacilities ■ Transportation impact fees based on vehicle,trps generated by prof is ■ Congestion pricing policies on road facilities and'WiffiiK high traffcrareas ■ Reduced structured parking requirements-,.",.,, ■ Structured parking for car share programs ■ No cost shuttles beiween�worksites, homes and regional public transit ■ Employee subsidy for mass transit Vk ■ Tax incentive for,imass transit W ■ Enhanced bicycle parking and changing facilities ■ Employee parking policypararn'et ers 35 Preferred._carp oolparking r Minimum!parking prices should exceed the unsubsidized cost of transit fares Set paces at par with°rharket price for area all day parking facilities No discount for long-term passes k Not allowing anyiireserved parking spaces for individual employees at existing facilities -19- Healthy Development Measurement Tool REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addres �ing the Board, 5--- Name: 0(-'f 2.ck- Phone: 2- Address: -� (S C ) 1110 " C,� 10/ — city: .1 /�p 05;ta-AI-7-6 AJ (Address and phone number are optional;please note that this card will become a public record kept on me with the Clerk of the Board in association with this meeting) I am speaking for myself or organization: CHECK ONE: ,fQ- I wish to speak on Agenda Item # Date: 2=J ,�/0 :2 My comments will be: El General )For F1 Against 171 1 wish to speak on the subject of: El I do not wish to speak but would like to leave these comments for the Board to consider: Please see reverse for instructions and important information D'Andre Wells/CD/CCC To Patrick Roche/CDiCCC@CCC, Rose Marie 02/13/2007 07:35 AM Pietras/CD./CCC@CCC, David Brockbank/CD/CCC@CCC cc Jim Kennedy/CD/CCC@CCC bcc Subject Fw: Nove Property Public Hearing -----Forwarded by D'Andre Wells/CD/CCC on 02/13/2007 07:34 AM— "mervin mendelsohn' <marvin755@earthlink.net> To "D'Andre Wells"<DWell@cd.cccounty.us> 02/12/2007 08:55 PM cc "ACTION METALS"<ACTION M ETALS@covad.net>,"John Please respond to Troughton"<john_troughton@cushwake.com> marvin755@earthlink.net Subject Nove Property Public Hearing Dear D'Andre, Regarding the public hearing before the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors on the Nove Property development,my concerns are the following: Action Metals has been located at the comer of Richmond Parkway and Pittsburg Avenue for 11 years. We've witnessed numerous automobile accidents and fatalities on that comer. We suggest an alternate truck route due to our safety concerns as well as health concerns from all the diesel fumes that would be emitted from the trucks. The K&B Bellaflora development project brought in hundreds of tons of dirt loaded onto diesel trucks,which we are sure will be duplicated by Signature Homes'project. That earthwork took over a year to be completed. Our customers'and employees'safety is our main concern. Heavy equipment such as semi-trucks and bottom loaders should not have access onto Pittsburg Avenue from the Richmond Parkway,and instead,should be routed down to Parr Boulevard and then onto 3rd. Pittsburg Avenue is too narrow to accommodate that type of equipment traffic. We feel our bus iness will also be impacted by the heavy trucks blocking our customers'ingress and egress from our property entrance which is only 60 feet from the intersection's traffic lights located on the Richmond Parkway. The alternate access during the construction phase of the Nove Property should be in the Conditions of Approval to insure our customers, employees,and overall business is not negatively impacted. Please present this to the Board of Supervisors on my behalf. Sincerely, ---marvin mendelsohn ---marvin755(tbearthlink.net President Action Metal Recycling