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I. LAND USE AND PLANNING: Would the proposal:
a. Conflict with general plan designation or zoning?
No Impact
The proposed project will, by definition, result in changes to existing elements of the City's General Plan.
The General Plan is required by law to be internally consistent, so the updated elements (Land Use, Circulation,
Open Space/Conservation, Noise, Safety, Urban Design, Historical and Recreation) must be consistent with the remaining
elements (e.g., Housing). In the event that proposed changes in the elements under update cause a need for changes
in the remaining elements to retain consistency and adequacy, a program for updating them will be prepared and
implemented at that time. Zoning is also required to be consistent with the General Plan. It is anticipated that,
following adoption of the updated General Plan, zoning changes will be required in some areas to maintain consistency
with the General Plan.
b. Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over
the project?
Potentially Significant Impact
No other agencies have jurisdiction over the City's General Plan. However, it is possible that the General Plan
could result in development that conflicts with plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over certain
resources within the City. Examples include potential impacts to streambeds under the jurisdiction of the California
Department of Fish and Game, other waterways under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and impacts
to air quality that may conflict with adopted plans of the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD).
However, the City considers these resources as integral to the quality of life desired in Grass Valley and will
work toward maintaining consistency with the plans and policies of these agencies. Therefore, in completion of
the update, appropriate mitigation measures will be developed.
c. Be incompatible with existing land use in the vicinity?
Potentially Significant Impact
A primary purpose of the General Plan update is to enhance compatibility of land uses in the City and its Sphere
of Influence. However, some land use changes, while made to enhance long-term land use compatibilities, may result
in isolated non-conforming land uses until such uses are altered through development.
d. Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from
incompatible land uses)?
Potentially Significant Impact
It is anticipated that adoption and implementation of the General Plan may, in some areas, result in changes
from present or planned agricultural uses. Agricultural uses within the urbanizing area may be indirectly affected
due to the proximity of new urban land uses and/or some agricultural uses may be displaced by other uses.
e. Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or
minority community)?
No Impact
A primary purpose of the General Plan update is to enhance land use compatibility and continuity in the City
of Grass Valley.
II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal:
a. Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections?
Potentially Significant Impact
Growth and development in accordance with the General Plan may result in a buildout population that is different
from regional or local population projections. A primary purpose of the General Plan update is to manage this growth
to minimize the impacts of the increased population on transportation systems, air quality, agriculture, and other
resources. Each natural resource and public service system needs to be reviewed in the context of appropriate mitigation
measures that will serve to minimize the impacts of growth.
b. Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped
area or extension of major infrastructure)?
Potentially Significant Impact
Growth is occurring in the City of Grass Valley under the existing General Plan. Growth and development in accordance
with the updated General Plan will result in planned extensions of major infrastructure and development of undeveloped
areas. Provision for such growth is an important part of this project, and the General Plan is intended to manage
this growth, maximizing public services efficiencies and minimizing environmental impacts. However, development
of certain lands in accordance with the General Plan update could result in impacts to public services, sensitive
biological resources, waterways, or other resources that could be significant without appropriate mitigation.
c. Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing?
Potentially Significant Impact
No housing will be displaced as a direct result of the proposed project. It is possible that housing could be
replaced by other uses in accordance with changed General Plan land use designations, public facility/transportation
changes, or zone ordinance changes in response to the General Plan update. Mitigation measures will be necessary
to prevent significant displacement of housing stock, particularly affordable housing.
III. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving:
a. Fault rupture?
Potentially Significant Impact
Part of the General Plan update includes updating the Safety Element, which includes mapping of known seismic
and other geologic hazards. This mapping will be accomplished in consultation with the California Division of Mines
and Geology and the Office of Emergency Services. This will allow avoidance of known fault rupture zones. In addition,
mitigation measures should be incorporated to provide for site-specific geologic studies in areas identified as
potentially containing faults.
b. Seismic ground shaking?
Potentially Significant Impact
As noted above, the Safety Element includes mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards. New development
in accordance with the General Plan will result in exposure of additional people to geologic hazards, although
new structures built in conformance with the Uniform Building Code utilize seismic shaking design criteria and
should offer the highest protection from seismic activity.
c. Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development in accordance with the updated General Plan could result in placement of structures in areas where
potential geologic hazards, such as soils susceptible to liquefaction and/or settlement are found to exist. Mitigation
may include special studies in areas suspected to have geologic hazards and development of appropriate geotechnical
engineering recommendations.
d. Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard?
Less Than Significant
The site is not near any bodies of water subject to tsunami (tidal wave) or seiche. Neither is the site proximate
to any source of volcanic hazard. This impact is considered less than significant.
e. Landslides or mudflows?
Potentially Significant Impact
Areas of landslide or mudflow could potentially exist in the City due to the rolling topography. Areas potentially
affected by landslides or mudflows should be identified in the Safety element, and mitigation measures should be
considered that provide for adequate study in these areas. However, grading ordinance requirements adopted by the
City of Grass Valley serve as effective mitigation measures for dealing with landslide exposure.
f. Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill?
Potentially Significant Impact
New or expanded development in accordance with the General Plan will require grading. In areas with sloping
terrain, relatively permanent alteration to the natural topography may occur. If improper grading or cut-and-fill
occurs, or if development is attempted on extremely steep slopes, it is likely that erosion, siltation, subsidence,
or other unstable soil conditions could occur. Erosion will be most severe where soil cover is removed and soil
particles are disturbed. The City Grading Ordinance is generally expected to provide adequate mitigation for these
impacts. It should reviewed to determine if additional mitigation is required.
g. Subsidence of the land?
Potentially Significant Impact
See item (g) above.
h. Expansive soils?
Potentially Significant Impact
See item (g) above.
i. Unique geologic or physical features?
Potentially Significant Impact
Known unique geologic or physical features (e.g., mine shafts) should be described, and mitigation measures
developed to avoid significant impacts to them.
IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in:
a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff?
Potentially Significant Impact
The General Plan will designated areas for new development, which will create impervious ground surfaces in
the form of pavements and buildings. This may result in cumulatively significant excess storm water runoff.
b. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development in areas subject to flooding may require construction of flood control facilities, such as dams,
levees, drainage swales and storm drain retention and detention basins, to divert or store floodwaters.
c. Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved
oxygen or turbidity)?
Potentially Significant Impact
Under the updated General Plan, new developments could be allowed that discharge waste into surface waters.
Process wastewater discharges will be subject to permits issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which
will require mitigation of significant water quality impacts. The construction of projects in the City of Grass
Valley is subject to City grading ordinance requirements, which will provide mitigation measures to address erosion
and the introduction of construction materials into surface waters. Projects that do not involve process wastewater
discharges result in pollutants from motor vehicles, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, glycol, and dissolved heavy
metals. Developments on watershed lands should be carefully evaluated for potential effects on surface water quality.
Additional mitigation measures should be identified where necessary to ensure that these impacts are mitigated.
d. Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body?
Potentially Significant Impact
See (a) and (b) above.
e. Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements?
Potentially Significant Impact
See (a) above. In addition, the General Plan may allow development in areas where proposals may involve alteration
of surface waters. Where surface waters involved are natural drainages, the California Department of Fish and Game
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting processes will afford mitigation. Where surface waters affected
are engineered, the City of Grass Valley's permitting process will provide mitigation.
f. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through
interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development authorized by the General Plan could result in additional withdrawals of groundwater. Mitigation
measures may be needed to provide for continued availability of groundwater.
g. Altered direction or rate of flow or groundwater?
Potentially Significant Impact
See Item IV(f). It is possible that future groundwater withdrawals resulting from implementation of the General
Plan could change the rate or flow of groundwater. Construction activities could also intercept groundwater-bearing
strata, and surface water pollutants from development projects could enter groundwater.
h. Impacts to groundwater quality?
Potentially Significant Impact
See Item IV(f). It is possible that future groundwater withdrawals resulting from implementation of the General
Plan could change groundwater quality. Additional development in areas not served by community systems may result
in cumulative effects on groundwater.
i. Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies?
No Impact
The General Plan update is intended to guide development of the City of Grass Valley, comprising the sum total
of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational water demand. It is not a specific development project
that could utilize and reduce available water resources at the expense of the public.
V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal:
a. Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development under the General Plan will increase regional air emissions from additional automobile traffic,
lawn mowers, industrial sources, and other sources. Since the air basin is designated as non-attainment, significant
cumulative impacts to air quality could occur.
b. Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants?
Potentially Significant Impact
Some of the increased air emissions discussed above may increase exposure of sensitive receptors (i.e., children,
elderly, infirm) to air pollutants.
c. Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate?
No Impact
The General Plan has no potential to alter air movement, moisture, temperature, or cause a change in climate.
d. Create objectionable odors?
Potentially Significant Impact
If new residential development in accordance with the General Plan is planned in proximity to specific types
of commercial facilities, industrial operations, or facilities such as wastewater treatment plants, residents may
be exposed to unpleasant odors.
VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in:
a. Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development under the General Plan will result in additional population and related additional vehicle trips.
Consequently, it is possible that increased traffic congestion will occur. A Circulation Element based on technical
traffic studies will be prepared in accordance with state law. The Circulation Element will include mitigation
measures aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
b. Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g. farm equipment)?
Potentially Significant Impact
The General Plan may affect traffic loads and distribution, therefore affecting safety. Appropriate mitigation
measures should be evaluated in the Circulation Element.
c. Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses?
Potentially Significant Impact
In some areas of Grass Valley, steep topography, narrow streets, and on-street parking often limit emergency
access and egress. These conditions create considerable peril in terms of access by ambulance, police, and fire-fighting
equipment. A Safety Element to be prepared as part of the General Plan will address this issue.
d. Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site?
Potentially Significant Impact
Increased parking demand is likely to be associated with the increased traffic [cited in VI (a)] and possible
land use changes.
e. Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists?
Potentially Significant Impact
The General Plan may affect traffic loads and distribution, thereby effecting potential hazards or barriers
for pedestrians or bicyclists. Appropriate mitigation measures should be evaluated in the Circulation Element.
f. Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle
racks)?
Potentially Significant Impact
It is possible that the General Plan might conflict with adopted policies or implementation of alternative transportation.
These issues should be considered in the Circulation Element.
g. Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts?
Potentially Significant Impact
It is possible that the General Plan could result in development that might affect air traffic patterns and
inhibit operations at airports, including the County Air Park.
VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to:
a. Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish,
insects, animals, and birds)?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development in accordance with the General Plan may convert wildlife habitat to other uses and restrict
uninterrupted open space with serves as habitat for certain wildlife species. It is anticipated that the General
Plan land use designations and policies will be designed to assure protection of and mitigate impacts upon special
status animal species, species of concern and their habitats. Measures may include conservation or open space easements,
requirements for sit-specific biotic surveys, restrictions on fence construction and enhancement of riparian corridors.
b. Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)?
No Impact
The City of Grass Valley has no locally designated species.
c. Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)?
No Impact
The City of Grass Valley has no locally designated natural communities.
d. Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)?
Potentially Significant Impact
See Items VII(a). Although there are regulatory processes (e.g., CDFG, USACE) designed to identify and mitigate
the loss of wetlands, indirect impacts can occur to wetlands due to development upgradient of such areas. Silt
and other contaminants can be deposited in wetlands via drainage from construction sites and developed areas. The
City of Grass Valley's Grading Ordinance should help mitigate some of these impacts, but should, along with related
objectives and policies, be reviewed to identify potential modifications to increase protection of downstream wetlands.
e. Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors?
Potentially Significant Impact
See Item VII(a).
VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal:
a. Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans?
No Impact
Adoption of the General Plan will not involve the operation of any specific business or project.
b. Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner?
No Impact
Refer to Item VIII(a).
c. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the
region and the residents of the State?
Potentially Significant Impact
There is a potential for the General Plan to affect existing and/or planned mining operations in the Planning
Area. The Open Space and Conservation Element will address mineral resource and extraction protection issues.
IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve:
a. A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to:
oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)?
Potentially Significant Impact
The General Plan is neither a specific development project nor will it specify types of industrial substances
to be stored, used, or transported in the City. The regulation of hazardous materials by state and federal agencies
will not change as a result of the General Plan. However, it is possible that the General Plan that could allow
development in areas of serpentine rock that could contain asbestiform minerals.
b. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Potentially Significant Impact
It is possible that the General Plan could allow development that might interfere with egress routes or other
aspects of emergency response or evacuation.
c. The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard?
Less Than Significant
Refer to Item IX(a) above.
d. Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards?
Potentially Significant Impact
Refer to IX (a).
e. Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees?
Potentially Significant Impact
Additional development in the foothills increases the potential for wildland fires caused by illegal or inappropriate
burning, ignition by lawnmowers, improper disposal of cigarettes, barbeques, etc.
X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in:
a. Increases in existing noise levels?
Potentially Significant Impact
The new General Plan may result in exposure of existing or new land uses to high or higher noise levels associated
with new or expanded roadways, sport facilities, industrial facilities, and other uses. The Noise Element will
contain measures to help mitigate new noise impacts.
b. Exposure of people to severe noise levels?
Potentially Significant Impact
Refer to Item X(a) above.
XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered
government services in any of the following areas:
a. Fire protection?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development allowed under the General Plan will place additional demands on fire protection services.
b. Police protection?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development allowed under the General Plan will place additional demands on police protection services.
c. Schools?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development allowed under the General Plan will place additional demands on schools. The adequacy of current
school impact fees will need to be evaluated in the EIR.
d. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development allowed under the General Plan will result in greater use of existing public facilities, such
as roads and park and recreation facilities, and the necessity of new public facilities that will require maintenance.
e. Other government services?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development allowed under the General Plan will place additional demands on public library services. The
adequacy of library funding mechanisms to keep pace with the additional growth will be evaluated in the EIR.
XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies,
or substantial alterations to the following utilities:
a. Power or natural gas?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development under the General Plan will require extensions of power and natural gas, where available. These
extensions will be evaluated in terms of availability of affected resources and impacts to service areas and the
environment in terms of extension.
b. Communications systems?
Potentially Significant Impact
Although communications systems are very likely readily available to serve any new development, the physical
impacts of trenching or other development could impact the natural environment or present potential aesthetic impacts.
Methodologies for evaluating these impacts on a project-specific basis will need to be evaluated in the EIR.
c. Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities?
Potentially Significant Impact
Under the new General Plan, the demands of additional development may exceed the capabilities of the local water
treatment and distribution system to provide water to the City of Grass Valley or other portions of its service
area. System capacities and infrastructural adequacies should be discussed in the EIR.
d. Sewer or septic tanks?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development under the General Plan will result in increased demand for development of new and expanded wastewater
treatment systems. These systems may result in impacts related to land use conflicts, water quality, biological
and cultural resources and air quality. Additional development in areas not served by community systems may result
in cumulative effects on groundwater.
e. Storm water drainage?
Potentially Significant Impact
See IV (a) and (b).
f. Solid waste disposal?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development under the General Plan will increase solid waste flows to existing disposal facilities. The
capacities of solid waste facilities to accommodate these increases in waste should be evaluated in the EIR.
g. Local or regional water supplies?
Potentially Significant Impact
Refer to Item XII(c) above.
XIII. AESTHETICS. Would the proposal:
a. Affect a scenic vista or scenic highway?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development in accordance with the General Plan, if not carefully designed, can result in adverse impacts
on existing vistas and creation of aesthetically offensive sites open to public view. Timber harvesting and mining
may result in localized aesthetic impacts. It is anticipated that the General Plan will include policies in the
Community Design Element designed to preserve the desirable physical and design features in Grass Valley and carry
them over into new development so that old and new development appear compatible. It is also anticipated that the
Open Space/Conservation Element will provide for preservation of natural open space whenever feasible to preserve
the aesthetic benefits of vegetation and wildlife, including buffer strips where logging and mining impacts will
occur.
b. Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect?
Potentially Significant Impact
See XIII (a).
c. Create light or glare?
Potentially Significant Impact
New development in accordance with the General Plan may result in new sources of light and glare (e.g. certain
types of commercial and industrial development and public facilities), and new residential development may be exposed
to existing sources of light and glare. Strong sources of light and glare can create a significant nuisance effect
on sensitive receptors, particularly residences and stationary populations such as rest homes. The EIR should identify
mitigation measures that would allow analysis of light and glare impacts associated with specific developments.
XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal:
a. Disturb paleontological resources?
Potentially Significant Impact
Geologic units in the Grass Valley Planning Area known to contain paleontological resources will be identified
and the EIR should require project-specific evaluations when development proposals are made in these areas.
b. Disturb archaeological resources?
Potentially Significant Impact
The foothill regions were among the most heavily utilized by Native Americans. Development under the General
Plan could result in impacts to archaeological resources, many of which are unknown and unrecorded. The EIR should
set standards for evaluating the sensitivity of project sites with regard to the potential for archaeological resources
to be present.
c. Affect historical resources?
Potentially Significant Impact
Grass Valley is an historic area, dating from the Gold Rush. The City will be updating its Historical Element
as a part of the General Plan project, which will contain policies and guidelines for protection of historic resources.
The EIR should evaluate the adequacy of these policies and guidelines.
d. Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values?
Potentially Significant Impact
The potential for unique ethnic cultural values to be impacted by development under the General Plan should
be evaluated in the EIR.
e. Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area?
Potentially Significant Impact
The potential for unique ethnic cultural values to be impacted by development under the General Plan should
be evaluated in the EIR.
XV. RECREATION. Would the proposal:
a. Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities?
Potentially Significant Impact
Development under the General Plan will increase demand for neighborhood, and possibly, regional parks and other
recreational facilities. The City's present Recreation Element will be updated and guidelines for protection of
parks and recreational facilities developed. These guidelines should be evaluated in the EIR and appropriate mitigations
identified.
b. Affect existing recreational opportunities?
Potentially Significant Impact
Refer to Item XV(a).
XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE.
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce
the habitat of fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare
or threatened species, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
Potentially Significant Impact
The following significant impacts or potentially significant impacts have been identified in this Initial Study
that have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory:
Items I(b), III(f), IV(c), IV(h), V(a), V(b), V(d), VI(a), VI(d), VI(e), and IX(e).
b. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental
goals?
Less Than Significant
Preparation and adoption of the General Plan represents long-term land use and environmental planning for Grass
Valley.
c. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable ("cumulatively
considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with
the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?
Less Than Significant
Preparation and adoption of the General Plan involves comprehensive study and planning and by definition does
not involve individual projects that would have individual impacts.
d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
Potentially Significant Impact
The following significant or potentially significant impacts have been identified in this Initial Study that
have the potential to cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly:
Items I(c), I(d), II(c), III(a), III(b), III(c), III(e), IV(b), IV(c), IV(f), IV(h), V(a), V(b), VI(a), VI(b),
VI(c), VI(e), IX(d), X(a), XI(a), and XI(b).
XVII. EARLIER ANALYSES
Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more
effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this
case a discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier analyses used. Preparation of the General Plan involves development and updating
of numerous studies. Thus, this Initial Study is not based on older analyses.
b) Impacts adequately addressed. Where insufficient data exists, as identified above, additional
studies will be conducted as part of the General Plan and EIR.
c) Mitigation measures. Mitigation measures incorporated from earlier documents that will result
in "less than significant impacts." No such mitigation measures apply to the proposed project.
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