COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Environmental Services Agency
Planning and Building Division

 

Initial Study Pursuant to CEQA

Project Narrative and Answers to Questions for the Negative Declaration
File Number: PLN 2004-00579
Ismail Townhouse Major Subdivision

 
 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

 

The applicant is proposing to create a 9-unit condominium project on a 15,009 sq. ft. parcel. A condominium consists of an undivided interest in common in a portion of real property together with a separate interest in space called a unit. In order for a condominium project to be considered legal, the boundaries of each unit must be described on a recorded final map. Development will consist of two buildings. Building A will contain three 3-bedroom units (1,420 sq. ft.) and one 4-bedroom unit (1,615 sq. ft.). Building B will contain five 3-bedroom units (1,420 sq. ft.). Each unit will have a 2-car garage.

 

The existing apartment buildings and accessory structures on the site will be demolished to accommodate this proposed development. Public utilities will be provided by underground lines. The California Water Service will supply water. The Fair Oaks Sewer Maintenance District will provide sewer service to the site.

 

SITE DESCRIPTION

 

The project site is a 15,009 sq. ft. parcel. It is relatively flat, with a slope of less than 2% across its length. Currently, there are three two-story apartment buildings on the site. Additionally, there is a multi-vehicle carport along the east property line. There is no landscaping or vegetation on the site. All open areas are paved over. The project site is bordered by residential development on all four sides.

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

 

1.

LAND SUITABILITY AND GEOLOGY

   
 

f.

Will (or could) this project cause erosion or siltation?

     
   

Yes, Significant Unless Mitigated. Improvements necessary for the construction of this project will include construction of the access driveway and demolition of the existing structures. These construction activities will disturb the soil on a majority of the site. If the project site should receive rain before groundcover can re-establish on the exposed surfaces, then the potential for erosion to occur does exist. This is a potentially significant impact if not mitigated. To mitigate this potential impact, the following measure is proposed:

     
   

Mitigation Measure 1: Prior to the beginning of any earth moving, demolition, or construction activities, the applicant shall submit to the Planning Division for review and approval, an erosion and drainage control plan which shows how the transport and discharge of soil and pollutants from the project site will be minimized. The goal is to prevent sediment and other pollutants from leaving the project site and to protect all exposed earth surfaces from erosive forces. Said plan shall adhere to the San Mateo County Wide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program “General Construction and Site Supervision Guidelines,” including:

     
   

a.

Stabilizing all denuded areas and maintaining erosion control measures continuously between October 15 and April 15.

       
   

b.

Removing spoils promptly, and avoiding stockpiling of fill materials when rain is forecast. If rain threatens, stockpiled soils and other materials shall be covered with a tarp or other waterproof material.

       
   

c.

Storing, handling, and disposing of construction materials and wastes so as to avoid their entry to a local storm drain system or water body.

       
   

d.

Avoiding cleaning, fueling or maintaining vehicles on-site, except in an area designated to contain and treat runoff.

       
   

The approved erosion and drainage control plan shall be implemented prior to the commencement of operations.

       

4.

AIR QUALITY, WATER QUALITY, SONIC

       
 

f.

Will (or could) this project generate noise levels in excess of levels determined appropriate according to the County Noise Ordinance standard?

     
   

Yes, Significant Unless Mitigated. Construction of the project will temporarily generate noise levels that are greater than the ambient noise levels in the project area. There are residences on the adjacent parcels, and the residents could be affected by the anticipated noise increase. To mitigate this potential impact, the following mitigation measure is proposed:

     
   

Mitigation Measure 2: Noise levels produced by proposed construction activities shall not exceed the 80 dBA level at any one moment. Construction activities shall be limited to the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Construction operations shall be prohibited on Sunday and any national holiday.

     
 

g.

Will (or could) this project generate polluted or increased surface water runoff or affect groundwater resources?

     
   

Yes, Significant Unless Mitigated. See question 1.f.

     
     

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