Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.4 ITEM 3.4 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS May 7, 2015 Staff Report to the Planning Commission SUBJECT: UPDATE OF LOS ALTOS HILLS GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION & SCENIC ROADWAYS ELEMENT: FILE #79-12-MISC (CONTINUED FROM MARCH 19, 2015) FROM: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner/Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner`! APPROVED BY: Suzanne Avila, AICP, Planning Director RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: 1. Review, make comments, and forward a recommendation that, based on the Initial Study in Attachment 2, the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration in Attachment 3; and 2. Forward a recommendation that the City Council adopt the revised General Plan Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element. DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS The following discretionary actions by the City Council are required for approval of the project: 1. Adoption of the Negative Declaration; and 2. Adoption of the General Plan Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element The Planning Commission's actions are recommendations to the City Council. BACKGROUND On March 19, 2015, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Circulation Element which included substantial staff revisions to the document to address comments received at the previous Planning Commission meeting on August 7, 2014. Following substantial discussion of the issues by the Commission, Pathways Committee members, and several residents, the Commission generally supported the document. Additional clarifications and corrections were provided to staff and the Commission voted unanimously to continue the project to May 7, 2015 for a final review before making a recommendation to the City Council. Additional information is included in Attachment 2 from the August 7, 2014 and March 19, 2015 Planning Commission meetings. DISCUSSION Based on the comments received at the meeting, staff amended Section 104 on Page C-1 to accurately reflect state law, modified two policies that has previous text deleted, clarified the use and designation of local bikeways, and corrected the information on dual pathways in order to Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update May 7,2015 Page 2 of 2 bring the language into compliance with the Pathways Element. All new and deleted language in the draft is formatted in red text with the Planning Commission comments highlighted. Commissioner Comments The text amendments proposed by Commissioner Partridge (Attachment 3) have been included into the revised document (Attachment 1). Where requested, additional clarification has been provided in the text of the draft document. Public Comments On March 20, 2015, staff received comments from Samuel Broydo regarding the draft document (Attachment 4). Mr. Broydo questioned the need for the Circulation Element update and the need to attract grant funding but also stated support for unpaved bike pathways. Committee member, Eileen Gibbons, also commented on the document and her comments have been incorporated where appropriate. Committee Comments On March 25, 2015 the Pathway Committee submitted comments to the Town for review and staff included their recommendations (Attachment 5) where appropriate into the draft document. Conclusion Staff recommends that the Commission review the revised draft Circulation Element, provide feedback, consider any revisions, and forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the document. CEQA STATUS In conformance with CEQA requirements, staff has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration. A Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration was published in the Town Crier on July 30, 2014. The notice was also submitted to the Santa Clara County Clerk's Office for a 30 day public review period which began on July 30, 2014 and ended on August 30, 2014. No public comments on the Initial Study were received during the review period. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element 2. Staff report and minutes dated August 7, 2014 and March 19, 2015 3. Comments from Commissioner Partridge dated March 20, 2015 4. Comments from Mr. Broydo dated March 20, 2015 5. Pathway Committee Comments Dated March 25, 2015 ATTACHMENT 1 `. is i4. « _ K R rt* i"r4 S • � ! '"{ •. 4 s •r ,a N _. . - 1.., 4.7,... *co. 4:1,4. - *V *-..c.,--.41,`-'f.44.---,,,,,,__ -.. $1,.1 t, Atit,,,,,74p7.,.;, _ ,°^ .. _ -} j fir', m ,.-' . "7 'Y -tie. ik. , . .....,. ,,i ..,,,‘ - • E � • ate- • • t,. y A•� ham? d �$. 31 y M v r,h i '- • - :.< s_X , t r r ii •---' ~;• Town of Los Altos Hills DRAFT CIRCULATION & SCENIC ROADWAYS ELEMENT 2015 LOS ALTOS HILLS P".^i'", ` mi- •• .. r CALIFORNIA Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction C-1 Circulation in Los Altos Hills C-4 Roadway Classifications C-5 Complete Streets, Roadways and Pathways C-10 Private Roadways C-13 Driveways C-14 Bikeways C-15 Pedestrian Facilities C-20 Traffic Safety C-21 Scenic Roadway Design C-23 Emergency Vehicle Access C-25 Drainage and Utilities C-27 Public Transportation and Ridesharing C-28 Regional Coordination C-30 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure C-1 Non-Residential Destination C-2 Figure C-2 Roadway Classifications C-7 Figure C-3 Bikeways C-18 Figure C-4 Emergency Road Connections C-26 Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Draft 11:1 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text INTRODUCTION Purpose 101. The purpose of the Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element is to provide the policy framework for regulation and development of the circulation system in Los Altos Hills. The goal of this element is to encourage designs that enhance safety for all users in balance with the preservation of the semi-rural residential character of the community. 102. The roadways of Los Altos Hills were initially intended only to filter automobiles down out of the hills and into the valley where people work and shop. The construction of Interstate 280 through Town in the 1960s resulted in added pressure on the local roadway system. In addition,commercial and industrial development in Palo Alto and on Stanford University lands has resulted in increased through traffic on Town streets.Being that the roadway system and land in the Town is substantially built out, such traffic increases are likely to impact the Town's existing residents. State Requirements 103. California Government Code Section 65300 requires every city and county to draw up and adopt "a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development" of the community. The Town's Circulation Element is one of seven mandatory General Plan Elements. California Government Code Section 65302(b)specifies that all General Plans shall include a circulation plan intended to designate the "location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes,terminals,and other local public utilities and facilities." 104. The California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (Assembly Bill 1358, Leno) states that upon any substantive revisions of the Circulation Element, the legislative body shall modify the Circulation Element to plan for a balanced,multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets,roads and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable to the rural suburban or urban context of the General Plan. Based on this requirement, the Town seeks to incorporate locally appropriate Complete Streets guidelines into the Circulation Element.The term "complete streets"refers to a transportation network designed and operated to encourage enhanced safety together with attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users in a well-balanced manner suitable to the Town's semi-rural character. Existing Conditions 105. Los Altos Hills, a semi-rural, very low-density residential community, takes pride in its narrow, winding roadways which maintain and enhance the scenic qualities and rural ambiance of the Town while providing access to and from residential neighborhoods. The broad right-of-ways allow residents to walk, ride or run along the roads or along road-side paths, which often are connected to off-road paths between neighborhoods. 106. Los Altos Hills is predominantly residential,with virtually no commercial development.It is almost fully developed, with few areas available for new homes or subdivisions. The Town contains Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 1 �. O LOS ALTOS HILLS eI ••� A� ue„t� CD P • 7m 1.11.1111° ' ._� / "11.1111114 s< N cp / s7 •J \ls is ilii .. ...II , • graSFr `�� d'°4 �` CALIFORNIA le 1tcp a 3 O Fremont NON-RESIDENTIAL '.4', ,ii ` DESTINATIONSro M. �� ,tsca`no r 1_' © ... • —..City Limit rD • _ �r.S., Q Congregation Beth-Am Fig 0 y' © Gardner Bullis School ) �' % �d e� a!` • 1 of /5 0 St.Lukes Chapel in the Hills R.. o d d \oF Chaps 0 Duveneck Windmill Pasture a ro m Q`° F) 0 Foothill College to v / ro Fremont Hills CountryClub A CD 1:_," CSD / �� Black Mtna cn ..&._ \ :} \ oce, 0 Hidden Villa Open Space f� o t. .. 0 •Pinewood School(upper campus) MD N ky r �� .. �_ 5� .,--` —`,��., Q Town Hall&Punssima Hills Water District m a �J -,, .�' c ` ` op Town Riding Ring.Little Leagure Fields .- "b `.,_/ \ :S��n laD St Nicholas Catholic School x ga p m �., `:' le Westwind Community Barn = Qtll r C: ✓` l�Q j} �,;, Alta rlortt Moody, �f o \� ` ® Arastradero Preserve �. ��� ! ` __� �'.\ Palo Alto Hills Golf&Country Club Ai ® Foothills Parket •� �, �s% •Prospect )' Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve a g (r ,'' y co •have ffj Page Mill Road Park-and-Ride 'Sy O S�ooe� ra /aQ Stanford Research Park ti _ c � m Byrne Preserve n =' •• oa9dalena % ED Juan Prado Mesa Preserve o A 1....._....._.1 0 L- �. •� ® Shoup Park I �' t 2 v / G2 N/• `• tD Stanford Lands E 9 9 Foothills Open Space Preserve r'Q? `'''' • _ I ® I p Q •`••` ` � J SOI.n Feel PO B' M rte. I `— Figure C-1 ° E.1 »ate 7/1/2013 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Interstate Highway 280 (I-280)at El Monte Moody Road, religious facilities elmrehes and public facilities : :-_ ' - -- ' - such as Town Hall,the Town corporation yard,parks, and a fire station facilities. Figure C-1 depicts seme-e€the few non-residential destinations within and adjacent to Los Altos Hills. 107. The Town is generally dependent on other parts of the San Francisco Bay Region for a variety of commercial, cultural and recreational facilities. Employment opportunities are similarly scattered throughout the region within commute distance of the working residents of the community. The primary mode of transportation between Los Altos Hills and other parts of the Peninsula and Bay Area is the automobile.Feeder systems to the Bay Area's overall mass transit network provide only limited service to Los Altos Hills. 108. Town roads are typically narrow and winding, reflecting the many constraints imposed by moderately steep terrain, significant natural vegetation, and several creeks and their tributary drainage channels. I-280 carries the highest levels of traffic in the community and is primarily an inter-city freeway that is also used for intra-community trips. Traffic flows well on this facility during most periods, with some congestion experienced during morning and evening commute hours.The bulk of the Town's traffic is generated at the local residential road level(half of which . ' . - . . . . • . • : •-: and then flows to the arterials that connect to the freeway and the adjacent expressways. Expressways that serve the community are the Page Mill and Foothill Expressways. Most of the transportation facilities within the Town operate at relatively good service levels, except for some congestion experienced during the morning and evening commute periods in the vicinity of the primary connections from I-280 to the Town's road system. These include Page Mill Expressway, Arastradero Road, El Monte Road and Magdalena Avenue. The Town engages in ongoing collaboration with both Caltrans and neighboring jurisdictions to address traffic problems and work toward ways to relieve congestion and to facilitate enhanced levels of safety for all users. In 2014, the Town began discussions with Caltrans and the County of Santa Clara regarding future improvements to the existing I-280/Page Mill Road/Arastradero Road Interchange. In addition,the Town will continue to actively review and provide input to the Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 to ensure that future improvements to Page Mill Expressway and Foothill Expressway are compatible with the rural character of the community. . Bar Wei p„..4 ‘ii:*.....0... , 4 - 0• ...Q11•04 __1 *NV --t• .0" _ -"''t, Directional sign at Moody Road and Elena Road Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-3 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text CIRCULATION IN LOS ALTOS HILLS GOAL 1 The Town's goal is to maintain its quiet residential roads: • In good condition; • In a visually pleasing state; • In a safe condition; • As a part of a transportation network that meets the needs of all users; • In a condition that discourages through-traffic; and • As a public road system that accepts private roads into the public road system only when they have met Town standards. Policy 1.1 The circulation system should be compatible with the semi-rural nature of the community, a system that makes the community relatively impermeable to vehicular through traffic and open and safe to those on foot,bicycle and horseback. Policy 1.2 The Town should develop and maintain corridors for travel for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians through Town in which the user can enjoy and view the natural environment and open spaces that provide a buffer from adjacent land uses.These corridors should include pathways proposed or existing in the Pathways Element. Program 1.1 The Town should maintain roadway classifications appropriate to the semi-rural and winding nature of Town roads. These classifications should be developed with an understanding of the origin, destination and mode of transportation of the user, reflecting the residential character of streets in Los Altos Hills. Program 1.2 The Town should work with surrounding communities and agencies to improve access to the regional transportation system with minimal impacts on the Town's local roadways. Program 1.3 The Town should develop a concept of"Complete Streets"that is compatible with its semi- rural residential character. Program 1.4 The Town should consider alternative designs for the proposed improvements to the Interstate 280/Page Mill Road/Arastradero Road Interchange including a non-signalized option. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-4 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS 109. Four basic types (classifications) of roadways are defined within the Town: Local (Residential) Roads, Neighborhood Connector Roads, Collector Roads, and Arterial or "Main" Roads. In addition, there are emergency roads that provide secondary emergency access to and from residential areas. The following text discusses these roadway types. Roadway classifications are shown on Figure C-2. While most roadways are small and semi-rural, the Town will continue to require wide rights-of-way in order to avoid large cuts and fill, maintain vegetation and accommodate paths, drainage,and utilities. 110. Local Roads. Local Roads serve as access to a limited number of residential uses. These roads include the many cul-de-sacs throughout the Town. Local roads would be expected to carry volumes on the order of less than 1,000 ADT(average daily trips). 111. Neighborhood Connector Roads. Akin to collector roads, Neighborhood Connector Roads connect adjacent land uses and generally connect one neighborhood area with another,and in some cases connect to arterials.Neighborhood Connector Roads would be expected to carry volumes on the order of 1,000 ADT to 5,000 ADT. Taaffe Road is an example of a Neighborhood Connector Road. It connects the Taaffe Road/Altamont Road neighborhood with the Taaffe Road/Elena Road neighborhood. Other examples include Natoma Road,Altamont Road,Prospect Avenue and Stonebrook Drive.Some of these roads,such as the north end of Elena and the south end of Robleda,take on added significance however,where they cross under I-280 to connect the two sides of Town. 112. Collector Roads. The function of collector roadways is to collect traffic from local and neighborhood connector roads serving neighborhoods to roadways of higher classifications.Within the Town,collector roads are intended to connect adjacent land uses to the limited arterial roadway system. Collector Roads are also designed with limited driveway access to provide principal connections from residential areas to arterials or expressways. These roadways would be expected to carry volumes on the order of 5,000 ADT to 10,000 ADT. The main collector roads in the Town are: • Arastradero Road • Page Mill Road • Moody Road • Fremont Road 113. Arterials. This classification is defined as a traffic way for inter-community and local traffic, providing connections to freeways and expressways. Current design guidelines for arterials stipulate that access to abutting properties be limited to the greatest extent feasible,with signals at Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-5 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text major intersections, stop signs on side streets and parking generally prohibited.Volumes on these roadways would be expected in the 10,000 ADT to 15,000 ADT range for two-lane roads and 15,000 ADT to 35,000 ADT for four-lane roads. Very few true arterials exist in Los Altos Hills,as most of the Town's roadways provide access to abutting residential land uses.The following roadways are included in the Arterial designation: • Portions of El Monte Road • Magdalena Avenue(east of I-280) 114. Freeways&Expressways.Regional transportation facilities that provide inter-community access to Los Altos Hills include the I-280 freeway and the Page Mill&Foothill Expressways.The latter two are generally located along the periphery of the Town and are primarily external to the Town's roadway system. 115. Emergency Roads.Emergency roads connect local roads to provide secondary emergency access to residential areas. These roadways are typically closed to through traffic and are designed to be used by vehicular traffic only in the case of an emergency.These roadways may also serve as off- road path connections for non-motorized travel (bikes, pedestrians, equestrians, etc.) where appropriate easements are provided. Figure C-4 in the Emergency Vehicle Access section shows the location of the Town's existing network of emergency roads. TABLE 1 Town Road Mileage by Classification Classification Length(miles) Local 69.8 Neighborhood Connector 21.4 Collector 10.3 Arterial 1.4 Expressway 1.2 Total 104.1 Source:M-Group(2013)and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority GIS Data(2009) t t, r Page Mill Road near A:astt' • o Road co tor road) Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-6 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text •' ....c: Z Q >, �- icoca E1 N 0 iii C N C 4) I;j Q � C m CLX a) ? R U �� i. O ''� U J ZU° U U- U s 0 E"''4O P. " 4 = -.. E WC j CID -irS C-k.. il- c....D aU , I @ ..„.... ...., ...).,") ., A4 / : .......„. Q `0 S ' N •/ ,c. f. 3 e/ 6A�•/. Cyb e 3 yJF II �Zsl no Het e° n 3 f o ir le#Nal 1.•• t +, Imo, / �op`�J 11iiir i 1 cn J J''� nuen " �l 91b r� dao • 7� •-T::v tr Ce -•• Fi c7i 'i LaC 1101i. I ponss,m. e 5 S r - 2 , a6P m d 0a\ mil e /fI((jjj 0 Qa ! ._� Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-7 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text GOAL 2 Los Altos Hills enjoys its quiet semi-rural roadways and wishes to preserve its current character. Policy 2.1 Provide adequate space in public right-of-ways to accommodate semi-rural roadways, pathways,utilities, drainage, and vegetative buffers. Policy 2.2 Through traffic should remain on non-residential thoroughfares (i.e freeways, expressways, and arterials)to the maximum extent possible. Policy 2.3 Collectors,neighborhood connectors and local roads shall not be designed or improved to an extent that would encourage through traffic. Policy 2.4 Cul-de-sacs and loop-type roads shall be encouraged as a means of reducing traffic. Policy 2.5 Levels of service (LOS) for all roadways in Los Altos Hills shall be consistent with the - - • - Policy 2.5 The intensity of existing or proposed land uses shall not provide justification for widening roadway pavement widths. Policy 2.6 New or expanding development that will impact a road, whether private or public, should be required to improve the roadway surface and width to provide for adequate emergency access, and shall repair damage caused by construction. Policy 2.7 The Town shall pursue cost-effective maintenance of the roadway network. Roadways shall be maintained in a priority order based on traffic levels and cost effectiveness while preventing long-term deterioration. Policy 2.8 Roadway maintenance should not interfere with pathways or drainage. envifenfftental-review7 Program 2.2 Develop right of way standards to generally accommodate roadway pavement, drainage, vegetative screening,utilities, slopes,and pathways,and to avoid excessive cuts or fills.A general guide for width would be 60 feet,although this will vary depending on conditions. Additional easements for slope or line of sight may be required. Program 2.1 Identify existing and desirable emergency access connections. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 8 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Program 2.2 Continue a roadway maintenance program, based on an ongoing Pavement Management Program (for example the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Pavement Management Program). Implement this program through the Town's annual Capital Improvement Program budget. 440 - ~i TL; ri;'+ • *17' 5"a5il�P - 3' t "t '?!! ,;R'".c 4'$�'-: r�T • ' r Pk H 3 ..- Narrow paved roadway and road side pathway along Concepcion Road Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-9 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text COMPLETE STREETS, ROADWAYS AND PATHWAYS 116. The term "Complete Streets" refers to a transportation network designed and operated to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for motorists, users of public transportation, bicyclists, equestrians and pedestrians, including children, the elderly and the disabled in a well- balanced manner suitable to the Town's semi-rural character. 117. The Complete Streets concept recognizes that a transportation network should account for multiple users with different abilities. In Los Altos Hills,the extensive pathway system in conjunction with the streets and roadways have accommodated the full range of users since the Town's inception. 118. Los Altos Hills has a very low density,rural residential setting, so the implementation of Complete Streets policies will differ from that in other more urban communities. Some of the factors unique to Los Altos Hills with regards to Complete Streets include: • Relatively narrow, winding roadways which make implementation of complete street elements such as separate designated bike lanes very difficult and cost prohibitive on most roadways within the community; • A rural development pattern established over the past 60 years that includes roads with no paved sidewalks,natural vegetated shoulders along many roads,and an extensive road side pathway system utilizing natural materials that serves multiple users (pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians); • A primarily rural residential community with no commercial or industrial zoned land and a very limited number of non-residential uses with only one substantial employment center (Foothill College); • A completely built-out roadway network with no future expansions planned or anticipated other than new local residential streets for new housing subdivisions; • The location of all primary and secondary schools on collector and arterial streets near the edge of the Town's limits; • No streetlights or signalized intersections within Town limits except on El Monte Road at the Foothill College entrance, at Stonebrook Drive and at Voorhees Drive; • Recreational bicyclists utilizing the roadway network. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 10 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text GOAL 3 Provide "Complete Streets" that meet the needs of all users, consistent with the other goals, objectives, and policies of this plan. Policy 3.1 In all roadway projects, consider how the project will fit within the overall network of accommodations that improve transportation options for all users: motorists, users of public transportation, bicyclists, equestrians and pedestrians, including children, the elderly and the disabled. Policy 3.2 Recognize the semi-rural setting of Los Altos Hills in applying the complete streets concept. Pedestrian facilities may include roadway shoulders and unpaved paths and bicycle facilities may include unpaved paths,roadway shoulders,shared roadways and bike lanes where appropriate(Figure C-3). Policy 3.3 Provide routes for walking or bicycling to school that are designed to encourage safety and are in keeping with the Town's semi-rural character. Program 3.1 Consider Complete Streets guidelines in the ?NonsioNg planning, design, and approval of street, roadway and pathway projects. Program 3.2 Consider Complete Streets guidelines in the } operation, construction, reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, alteration, and repair of streets and bridges. ° Program 3.3 Explore partnering with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority(VTA)to enhance r y and expand public transportation services to -' <_ - %ids. the surrounding region. Program 3.4 Work with VTA to ensure that public transportation is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Equestrians along roadside path Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 11 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Program 3.5 Construct Phase II of the multi-use pathway along Fremont Road from Town Hall to Arastradero Road to serve Pinewood School students as outlined in the Valley Transportation Plan 2040. a. t `Zx'r r'" t,f br, WI 3 f ti , � w . i, e.. ..., „- - _. Multi-use road side pathways recently constructed along Fremont Road. Bike pathway is on the left side of the road—Pedestrian/equestrian pathway is on the right side troy i ` ,,, , ..aid w r•...+ 1-"T,i n ' 1. zn.. 41;,...•144,44w,..24::,,,,,,_.:5,4.4.,!,-„;."4.?4&L.. .- -y_.t.;:.. yy s a. Pathway adjacent to Town Hall Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 12 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text PRIVATE ROADWAYS 119. Private roads account for approximately one third of the length and number of all roads in the Town's road system. According to the California Street and Highways Code§1806: "No city shall be held liable for failure to maintain any road until it has been accepted into the city street system... [The] city may, by ordinance, designate a city officer to accept, on behalf of the governing body, streets or roads or portions thereof, into the city street system and to record conveyances to the city of real property interests for street and road uses and purposes.The designee shall, prior to recording any conveyance under this section, affix a certificate to the instrument stating the acceptance into the city street system and designating the name or number, or both, of the street or road." 120. The Town adopted a policy in 2008 that details a process for acceptance of private roadways which identifies the role of the Town and responsibility of private road owners. Inherent in the policy is the potential public cost of accepting and maintaining streets as public.Roads may be accepted as public if they are improved to public road standards. Private roadways should have maintenance agreements among the respective property owners. GOAL 4 Many of the Town's roadways are privately owned and vary in their level of maintenance. The Town encourages consistent roadway maintenance and quality throughout the Town. Policy 4.1 Private-roadways should be accepted as public when requested by affected property owners,provided enly-Nvhen they have been upgraded to current Town standards and where all necessary dedications have been offered by adjacent property owners. Policy 4.2 For every private road not intended to be dedicated to public ownership,the formation of maintenance agreements among property owners responsible for monitoring and maintaining their respective private roadways should be required. Policy 4.3 Dedication will be considered only when the road is maintained and,if necessary,improved to a level acceptable to the Town. Policy 4.4 Private,gated roadways shall be prohibited. Policy 4.5 Private road status may be appropriate for new cul-de-sacs serving six or fewer residences. Roads serving seven or more residences may be considered by the Town for dedication as Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 13 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text public roads. Program 4.1 Create and maintain a list of all public and private roads in Town and update as changes occur. Program 4.2 A sample road maintenance agreement shall be prepared and provided to interested residents on private roads. Program 4.3 Prepare an Ordinance that establishes standards for conversion of private roads to public roads. DRIVEWAYS 121. A driveway is defined as"a way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not by other members of the public".The design of driveways is important for safety and aesthetic reasons.Because most development in Los Altos Hills is on steep terrain, driveways tend to be long and driveway intersections with roadways are more critical than in more urban settings. GOAL 5 Driveways should be compatible with the natural terrain, should have minimal impact on grades and vegetation, and should be designed to provide safe access to and from the individual parcels. Policy 5.1 Driveways shall be of a minimum width, as required by the Fire Department in order to accommodate emergency vehicles. Policy 5.2 New driveways should generally not exceed a maximum grade of fifteen percent in order to allow for safe travel,including access for emergency vehicles. Policy 5.3 Driveway design shall allow for adequate and safe development of pathways near roads. This will include a roughened surface at pathway crossings to allow safe equestrian use. Policy 5.4 Driveways shall provide safe and adequate ingress and egress to private parcels. Driveways shall have adequate sight distance to allow for safe entry onto the roadway. Policy 5.5 Driveway design shall be required to minimize cut and fill and impacts on vegetation, consistent with providing for safe access. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 14 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Policy 5.6 Driveways should be designed with adequate drainage. Policy 5.7 Driveways for adjoining properties should be located to provide for landscaping space,to protect privacy,and to maintain a safe distance between adjacent driveways. Policy 5.8 Street addresses should be based on the street where the driveway access is located. Program 5.1 Driveway standards shall be incorporated into the Town's Site Development and Subdivision codes. Program 5.2 The Town may consider exceptions to standards for allowed minimum widths and maximum grades in order to limit impact on the natural terrain and vegetation. BIKEWAYS 122. The bikeways in Los Altos Hills provide for both inter and intra-town travel.Within limits imposed by safety, the bikeways vary considerably according to their use and the nature of the terrain. The Town has designated two types of bikeways within the Town limits:Regional and Local(see Figure C-3). 123. Regional Bikeways. Regional bikeways are designed to provide bicycle routes for commuting from residential areas to employment centers and to provide bicycle links between communities. These bikeways are generally designated as either Class I(road side paved dedicated bike path)or Class II bicycle facilities (marked and signed bike lane on paved road shoulder). Typical users of regional bikeways are bicycle commuters and experienced recreational cyclists. Arastradero Road, - ' :.:, '. - . ' :.: El Monte Road,Old Page Mill Road and Page Mill Road east of Baleri Ranch Road are designated as regional bikeways. These regional bikeways correspond to the County of Santa Clara regional bikeways map which also includes Foothill Expressway and Magdalena Avenue as bicycle routes through or(roadways at the perimeter of the Town but not within Los Altos Hills jurisdiction). With the exception of small sections of Page Mill Road and El Monte Road,the designated regional bikeways within the Town limits are either Class I or Class II bikeways. •A•' '_ _- . - . •_ . ':. -. - street width The following provides a summary of the existing bicycle facilities on the designated regional bikeways within Los Altos Hills: Arastradero Road-Class II bikeway in both directions from the Page Mill Road to Purissima Road. Class I bikeway from Purissima Road to the Palo Alto City limits. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 15 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text El Monte Road—Class I bikeway from Moody/Elena Road to Foothill College entrance. Shared bicycle and pedestrian path down the middle of the roadway between Foothill College and Voorhees Drive (includes the 1-280 freeway interchange) with unmarked paved shoulders with "Share the Road" signage located at the beginning of the freeway interchange. Unsigned and unmarked paved shoulders from Voorhees Drive to the Los Altos City Limits. Old Page Mill Road - Very low-volume residential roadway that provides a two-way bypass for the Page Mill Expressway. No bicycle facility signage or road markings. Page Mill Road-Narrow roadway with no shoulders from Baleri Ranch Road to Berry Hill Court (approximately 0.1 miles) with "Share the Road" signage in westbound direction. Erosion from Matadero Creek has resulted in the placement of concrete barriers which further restrict the roadway. Class II bike lane from Berry Hill Court to Arastradero Road in both directions. Class II bike lane on the westbound direction from Old Page Mill Road to Arastradero Road. Paved unmarked shoulder in the eastbound direction from Arastradero Road to the Palo Alto City limits. i� tfti ^'I :-- C a"1 f` �� � af�l eJ ,,, f 74 YC A tisv, ' • 7'''1 'e. am r ,,. E .1. 14 41;1 C, R Shared Pathway on El Monte Road at Stonebrook Class TT Bike Lane on Arastradero Road '4" '' .,F ' iiVe4$1.' .1..: ' ,, s'I.K., C' �` >: _ ' .(T 3J{'fig. £ _ x ca, S�y/F '' * , ,- `tea _ Class II Bike Lane on Page Mill Road Old Page Mill Road at Berry Hill Court Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 16 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text 124. Local Bikeways. Local bikeways are designated as unpaved road side paths along neighborhood connector and collector roadways that provide local residents with a means of travel from one neighborhood to another,to local schools and parks,or to a regional bikeway.Typical users of local bikeways are Town residents and schoolchildren. Widening and/or striping of the paved roadway section on these neighborhood connector and collector roads for bike lanes is not contemplated because the cost to widen these roadways is prohibitive,the roadways wind through hillside terrain, and the established pathway system consists of multi-use,road side pathways. In order to accommodate bicyclists, road side pathways along both sides of the paved roadway would be constructed with one side designated for bicycles to separate those users from pedestrians and equestrians. Dual road side pathways along Fremont Road from Conception Road to Miranda Road were recently completed using Town funds and a grant from the Safe Routes to School program in order to improve access to the public elementary school on Fremont Road. A second phase (included in the Valley Transportation Plan 2040), is planned for Fremont Road from Conception Road to Arastradero Road, which will provide improved access to a private school located on Fremont Road(see Figure C-3). The Pathways Element in the General Plan currently designates pathways on both sides of the road on the following designated local bikeways: • Fremont Road from Edith Avenue to Arastradero Road; • La Paloma Road from Purissima Road to Fremont Road; • Purissima Road from Robleda Road to Arastradero Road. On Elena Road, where a pathway on both sides is not feasible, a wider, multi-use path should be provided on one side of the road or as an alternative, provide a dedicated local bikeway route through Foothill College. it ,r, l . r ' ' 44 .4 fr . '',' fl {1 --_ _ M i ilk I :1111111111111r4.0- • 1 ' ,., ,1,:Ak. ''._ '--- _ N. - .,_, .., Ilk II% 4110 `, tic _ * :. Road side Bike Path on Fremont Road Widened Multi-use road side Paved Path on Fremont Road Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 17 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text r '' :..- } II U O I ( 0 o� V 0 111 III !ci - m I0 LL S I C—) @ ., .„ ...),".4-1 c iiti\,, ,,Pc,.., ,., i r, r ® / c /• 16 /• r % LL U O • 4 PA .,I, • • b��a/Urp, A's ;.� a •.J; euai3 C p ,rl , ot#4a. No.""'ek 4:3> ••.1.•••••Ii: a ..\',. . 9. 4 e , da A ,:!, i m /'•. q • va-t, B . .1 7........... Zi r "i 06 Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 18 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text GOAL 6 Provide for well-maintained, safe bikeways that recognize and encourage safety for bicyclists throughout the Town. Policy 6.1 Support the provision of safe bicycle routes that will encourage safety for bicyclists in balance with "4 encouraging safety and reducing conflicts for all f r.- ff..>•.f PaUaxf ri: S Ifihr P: ta others users of the road. Pr41.0.4 bora Policy 6.2 The Town shall encourage bikeway connections to i regional bikeways in adjacent jurisdictions. �1 Policy 6.3 The Town shall support connections to schools with local bikeways and paths that are designed in a manner to encourage safety Policy 6.4 The pathway system should provide for off-road bicycle connections between roads where feasible on school access routes to enhance safe school access. Program 6.1 Designated regional bikeways within the road right-of-ways may consist of either Class II bike lanes or Class I dedicated paved path separated from the roadway with clearly signed bike designations. Program 6.2 Provide bicycle support facilities, such as lockers or racks, at Town buildings and open spaces, where and when a need is demonstrated. Program 6.3 Implement roadway design which provides safe transitions for bicyclists at the edge of the paved surface, including minimal use of curbs and obstructions. Program 6.4 Seek funding to stabilize and repair Page Mill Road near the bridge over Matadero Creek and upgrade the roadway to complete the bike lanes on Page Mill Road. Program 6.5 Develop a community awareness program to encourage local use of safer bicycle routes, including referring residents to the Santa Clara County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee's bicycle route map. The Town will include bicycle and pedestrian safety and enforcement when developing community awareness programs. Program 6.6 The Town shall coordinate with Caltrans on future bicycle facility improvements to the I- 280/Page Mill Road and I-280/El Monte Road interchanges. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C- 19 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES 125. The Town's semi-rural setting create an environment where walking on the sides of some roadways or road-side paths is enjoyable for many residents. The Town's pathway system is extensive and provides for safe and convenient non-vehicular travel within Town. School children, walkers, joggers,and equestrians use this system extensively. Pedestrian and equestrian paths are generally located along neighborhood connector and collector roads. In addition, off-road paths not only provide connections via easements, in critical areas where roads are not feasible, but also have intrinsic recreational value. The Town's General Plan includes a separate Pathways Element, which thoroughly describes the types of pathways in town and identifies separate goals and policies related to the development and maintenance of the pathway system. GOAL 7 Provide for safe pedestrian routes in appropriate locations. Policy 7.1 Work with the public and private schools to promote safe driving and pedestrian circulation around or near the schools. Policy 7.2 Ensure that the design of pedestrian improvements is consistent with the semi-rural character of the Town. Program 7.1 Continue to require implementation of the Pathway Element in new development and in capital improvements. Program 7.2 Coordinate with the school district and other entities to develop "Suggested Routes to School Plans" for all schools in the Town. Plans shall identify all pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and traffic control devices for residents to determine the most appropriate travel routes. The plans shall also identify existing easements for potential use for off-street pedestrian pathways. Program 7.3 Consider improvements to pedestrian facilities through Safe Routes to Schools or comparable programs to improve pedestrian facilities oriented to school children. Program 7.4 Evaluate safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access in all roadway improvement projects, and avoid road improvements that will negatively impact the safety and convenience of walking or biking. Program 7.5 Encourage pedestrian facilities to reflect the semi-rural character of the Town, with an emphasis on pathways separated from the roadways rather than integrated curbs and sidewalks. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-20 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text TRAFFIC SAFETY 126. Neighborhood traffic management includes coordinated enforcement and land use planning efforts as well as what is often referred to as"traffic calming."It is noted that most of the Town's roadway miles are narrow,hilly and winding,all of which tend to keep speeds low.Traffic calming strategies are often implemented in residential areas to solve one of two problems: excessive traffic speeds or excessive traffic volumes. Residential streets should accommodate local traffic in a safe and efficient manner with due regard to surrounding land uses. Excessive traffic speed and volume on residential streets leads to local increases in noise and air pollution, perceived and real hazards to children and other pedestrians,and difficulties in exiting driveways.These issues can frequently be addressed by neighborhood traffic management techniques. 127. Jurisdictions throughout the state are currently using a variety of measures to address excessive traffic speeds or excessive traffic volumes on residential streets. State law limits the Town's ability to increase or decrease speed limits within its boundaries.Therefore, other means must be used to slow traffic. 128. Roadway safety may require certain improvements to specific segments of roadways and intersections, particularly those that are prone to accidents. These locations tend to occur in Los Altos Hills mostly at or near access ramps to and from I-280. GOAL 8 To provide safe roadways for all travelers. Policy 8.1 The roadway network shall emphasize only minimal through traffic using local streets. Policy 8.2 The Town shall explore the need to upgrade or enhance intersection controls at existing controlled intersections,to allow residents improved access to through roads. Policy 8.3 Development of new homes,religious facilities, schools and other land uses shall include adequate provision for on-site parking to reduce the number of vehicles parked on Town roadways. Policy 8.5 Town roadway design standards shall emphasize rolled curbs or no curbs to provide a safer roadway edge for bicycling. Policy 8.4 Pedestrian and equestrian travel shall be separated from roadways by at least five feet where practical. Policy 8.6 Towns site development standards shall emphasize roughening of driveways surfaces where crossing pathways. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-21 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Policy 8.7 The number of vehicles parked on or along roadways shall be minimal. Policy 8.8 The Town shall inventory all publicly maintained bridges for the purpose of evaluating their safety. Policy 8.9 Town roadway design standards shall emphasize rolled curbs or no curbs to provide a safer roadway edge for bicycling, where practical. Program 8.1 The Town should use the following process to address excessive traffic speeds or traffic volumes or other safety hazards on the Town's residential streets: • Verify whether perceived problems are real (quantify speeds and/or volumes); • Establish design criteria(right-of-way needs, sight distance and signing requirements, etc.) for the subject roadway; • Monitor safety and performance(to determine in field safety of traffic devices); and • Identify funding sources(private versus public). Program 8.2 Where a traffic safety problem is identified, the Town should investigate the appropriate use of traffic-calming mechanisms consistent with the Town's Traffic Calming Guide. Program 8.3 Assure pathway separation in site development and subdivision review. Program 8.4 The Town shall discourage excessive numbers of vehicles parked on roadways through design measures that prevent parking such as bollards or natural barriers. Design measures shall reflect the semi-rural character of the Town. Program 8.5 Maintain a list of all bridges and evaluate their structural integrity. Program 8.6 When repaving or resurfacing operations occur on collector or arterial streets, consider restriping the roadway to provide a wider shoulder on the uphill portion of the road to provide added room for slower moving bicyclists, provided that motorist and pedestrian safety is not compromised. Program 8.7 Identify sections of collector and arterial roads that are narrow and could be improved to provide safer pedestrian,bicycling and equestrian passage. A _ <):If, i < f ot; — Equestrian Crossing on Page Mill at Arastradero Road Page Mill Road near Matadero Creek Crosse Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-22 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text SCENIC ROADWAY DESIGN 129. The Town's roads are an important part of its semi-rural and scenic environment. They contribute to the character of the community,providing scenic corridors for travel through Town for residents and visitors. With the rugged and often steep natural terrain of the Los Altos Hills landscape, all roads within the community have scenic qualities. The following objectives and policies apply to every roadway in Town. 130. Signage and markings are important components of effective roadway operations. Signage and markings can designate how different users should share limited roadway space, designate which facilities are most appropriate for which users, and communicate speed and safety information. However, given the semi-rural character of the Town, the types of signage and markings found in other communities may not always be appropriate for Los Altos Hills. The narrow scale of the Town's roadways and the semi-rural character also suggests a unique set of design options for signage and markings. GOAL 9 The roadways of Los Altos Hills are scenic and semi-rural. The design and maintenance of the roadways should preserve these qualities. Policy 9.1 Roadway design shall preserve the Town's scenic beauty as seen by motorists,equestrians, pedestrians,bicyclists and the resident whose home is near the road. Policy 9.2 The Town shall discourage the widening of any surface roads except where critical for safety purposes. Policy 9.3 The construction of sound walls is generally prohibited along the Interstate 280 corridor, but may be considered in conjunction with future noise mitigation studies and where located within the state right-of-way. Policy 9.4 Particular care should be given to retaining trees and other vegetative cover, especially native vegetation and heritage trees. Vegetation should not impair roadway safety. Policy 9.5 Spacious right-of-ways wide enough so that trees and shrubs can provide a substantial buffer between the roadway and paths and between the paths and adjacent properties. The resulting corridor should be pleasing and safe for both vehicular and non-vehicular travel. New streetlights shall be generally prohibited to avoid light spillover and nuisance to residents. Policy 9.6 The Town shall request open space easements where necessary to ensure the preservation of steep slopes,heritage oak trees, creek areas. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-23 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Policy 9.7 All roadway cuts and fills shall be reduced to a minimum for any road improvement. Policy 9.8 Landscape screening may be required for all new development. Policy 9.9 Off-site directional signs shall be prohibited in the right-of-way, except for single, short- term events. Policy 9.10 The Town should orient and locate roadway signs and markings in a manner that does not create a cluttered look.This should not be at the expense of safety. Program 9.1 Institute a program to maintain and enhance native vegetation along roadsides, consistent with the need to maintain road edges and pathway clearances. Program 9.2 Impose design standards that restrict the width of the paved portion to a minimum consistent with safety for all users in order to maintain the semi-rural quality of the roadway. Program 9.3 Preserve mature street trees, where feasible, when pathways or other improvements are added to streets. Program 9.4 Prepare a program of design standards and implementation measures for signage and markings that address the Town's unique conditions (shall comply with MUTCD). Program 9.5 Signage on designated regional bikeways related to the sharing of the roadway should be limited to locations on the edge of Town Limits or at major intersections. t. {- mrM • 4 vat, :uyf' a ts'" .!l. y kms'" 4 'MOIrEti .. . 1 i yr mg, -1 f r•./ : - i " " 2 . • -- Pathway Pathway on Moody Road Pathway on Fremont Road Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-24 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS 131. The need to provide rapid response to emergencies often competes with the desire to maintain narrow semi-rural roadways. Fire and lifesaving vehicles are large and must move quickly to be effective. The roads in Los Altos Hills make this particularly challenging. The winding nature of the through roads and the numerous cul-de-sacs make emergency response difficult. The Town must balance its aesthetic qualities with emergency access requirements. The objectives and policies set forth below attempt to provide that balance. 132. Emergency roads are designed to provide secondary emergency access to residential areas.These roadways, which are usually one lane in width and improved only to fire standards, are closed to all except emergency traffic, and may allow for foot, equestrian, and bicycle traffic when appropriate easements are provided.They are connections between other roads and are used when the primary access is cut off during an emergency.The connection between Oak Knoll Circle and Dawson Drive is an example of an emergency road. Figure C-4 illustrates the Town's existing network of Emergency Roads, as currently designated by the Town's Safety Committee and Fire Department. f f , 7 111707111 -4444. 11�I II A f i 'x ! .L. Fire District Engine on Emergency Vehicle Access Road Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-25 -. e° LOS ALTOS HIIAS Palo Atu es6 3 I •/. /"� "tetoh �� N '• •1L..� JSI �4. �• ass r illiiII _ N gCALIFORNIA I' ' ?` ° Fremont EMERGENCY ROAD tJ (`` ® } t ‘I; ---- CONNECTIONS g gi ` _ 1 3 ` Emergency Road Connections z t 'l\ v to 1.(-N. � City Limit $ b A / 11 0• DeersprirgsWytoJuliettaLn ea CA � • o i. ' t\ � � x A7 v J .. �. Go° a 0 0 Julietta Ln to Chaparral Wy O / F chap, Q° p �l 0 Altamont Rd to Byrne Park Ln A ''Cl r�' + l \ L Downtown Los Altos O >v \\`wJJ7 Bassett Ln to Summit Wood Rdere 0 0 Black Mtn iee y `•• = -;� ,`• �\ \edam 0 Matadero Creek Ln to Page Mill Rd O"' g. O N Altartroot e Q°� ��`� . ••�.� Q Edgerton Rd to Country Wy TO n ON "`s� �a�` �� \ •�•• 0 Central Dr from Red Rock to Moody Ct a• `-1•• m O © " ro , ,�% ro S 0 26030 Altamont Rd to Chaparral Wy •fp * y � •• y�5 q J -,, ��e.1„ Q Adobe Ln to EI Monte Rd Z A •` r Daughters of Chari Altamont Moody u9 t Property to Old Snakey Rd �. (p ••`til 'C' PM giro�4 oO ). �\ �. �_�. "' ••\ Clausen Ct to Barley Hill Rd co ••��•• Lip f �. prospec G, �.. ® Saddle Mountain Dr to Moon Ln S " •'`y ______�' //- �O t �`�, �\�a• ® Dead-end of Saddle Mountain Dr to Lupine Rd C. StOoe\ OO •�7A Dead-end of Saddle Mountain Dr to Elena Rd " Dead-end of Dawson Dr to Oak Knoll Cir = /�� _ • I"� 0a9patena -I Ad trhMagdalena Rd to Quarry Hills Subdivision via n =' \• ___ s '"\ Stonebrook Dr ro CM •• „(N 9 "�"_ L• 6Gi, 'v t ff/ ShedockRdtoSherlockRd ro C „, •�•S Cd 3 •, ^� ) Red Rock to Buena Vista �. f F�a. y — ZO o — = •• -• • • ? !SORT 0 ,NO IWOl.in Not �uou •-•(. A n \. >v Figure C-4 = = a 7,t, t3 a 7,1;2013 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text GOAL 10 Provide for the most efficient use of roadways for emergency vehicles and for emergency access for residents. Policy 10.1 Roadways and driveways shall conform to minimum standards for emergency vehicles, generally as recommended by the Fire Department and approved by the Town. Policy 10.2 All roads shall be easily accessible from intersecting roadways and shall have clearly labeled street signs. Policy 10.3 All addresses shall be clearly visible at the street. Street addresses should be based on the street where the driveway access is located. Policy 10.4 In the event of a major disaster, emergency access roads shall be made available to neighborhood residents for evacuation purposes or to provide for alternative access upon direction of the Incident Commander. Policy 10.5 Emergency access roads shall,to the greatest extent feasible,be made readily accessible to emergency vehicles during major disasters. Program 10.1 Emergency roadway connections shall be developed where the distance to through streets is excessive, and/or where a second means of emergency ingress or egress is critical. Program 10.2 The Fire Department shall review new development proposals to assure adequate emergency access is provided. Program 10.3 The Town, in conjunction with the Fire District, shall develop a schedule for maintaining emergency access roads in functional condition. DRAINAGE AND UTILITIES 133. The existing drainage system in Los Altos Hills is consistent with the Town's semi-rural character. The Town's approach to drainage has been to utilize natural channels rather than to install pipe drainage systems or to increase creek channel capacities through straightening or widening.Though some drainage channels consist of concrete lining and other manmade materials designed to prevent downstream or downhill flooding, most drainage features follow topographical contours that are either kept in their natural state, or are engineered but inconspicuous in nature. This serves to effectively drain water away from adjacent properties while preserving the semi-rural residential character of the Town. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-27 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text GOAL 11 Accommodate drainage and utilities in a manner that maintains the semi-rural character of its roadways. Policy 11.1 Drainage design should be generally compatible with semi-rural roadways, developed to complement existing drainage patterns,and consistent with"Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams"adopted by the Town in 2007. Policy 11.2 Concrete channels and other drainage facilities that accelerate runoff shall be discouraged. Policy 11.3 The drainage system shall not burden the natural waterways with road pollutants and silt. Policy 11.4 Drainage shall not create safety hazards for pedestrians, equestrians, or bicyclists, or damage to adjacent properties. Policy 11.5 Drainage shall minimize flooding and erosion impacts on adjacent private properties. Policy 11.6 Open Space easements should be used to preserve natural waterways and avoid excessive drainage structures. Policy 11.7 Utilities shall be placed underground for new development. Policy 11.8 Utilities, including utility poles, fire hydrants, and utility meters, shall not impede the use of pathways. Program 11.1 Prepare and adopt a set of drainage and pavement design requirements for all roadways. Drainage standards shall generally include roads with gravel shoulders, earthen ditches, rocky rivulets,and rolled curbs. Program 11.2 Identify problem areas and earmark such areas for storm drain improvements in the Town's annual Capital Improvement Project Budget. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND RIDESHARING Local Bus Service 134. The VTA provides local bus service to Foothill College via lines along El Monte Road and provides Town residents access to connect to the larger system via its stop at the San Antonio Road Transit Center in Los Altos. The Foothill College-Mountain View bus route also provides a connection to Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-28 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Caltrain at the Mountain View Caltrain station and to the Tasman Light Rail Line. The California Avenue Caltrain-Palo Alto Veterans Hospital bus route extends to the Hillview/Arastradero intersection, providing service to Town residents located near Arastradero Road. The Palo Alto School District provides bus services for elementary and junior high school students who reside in Los Altos Hills within the district boundaries. Express Bus Service 135. The VTA provides express service to Foothill College via Interstate 280 and provides access for Town residents to the Stanford Research Business Park,Palo Alto and points north. Service is also provided to the main transit hubs in Santa Clara Valley to the south. Paratransit Service 136. The VTA also provides paratransit service to disabled and senior residents on a door-to-door basis. Many Town residents over age 65 may be eligible to use this transportation mode. Park-and-Ride Facilities 137. A park-and-ride lot is located on the southeast corner of the Arastradero Road/I-280 SB Off- Ramp/Page Mill Road intersection.This convenient parking lot allows commuters to share rides to and from work. Observations found that the lot is well used—on a typical weekday all spaces are full, and a number of overflow vehicles are parked on the shoulder of Page Mill Road. Improvements to the park and ride facility are being reviewed in conjunction with the Santa Clara County Expressway 2040 Plan. GOAL 12 The Town promotes the use of transit and ridesharing to the extent feasible. Policy 12.1 The Town shall support efforts to provide transit opportunities to residents,particularly for seniors and disabled persons. Policy 12.2 Residents shall be educated regarding availability of alternative transportation including transit(both local and express), ridesharing, and bicycling. Program 12.1 Encourage the VTA to improve bus service to Town residents and to Foothill College without bringing routes into the interior of Town. :- .. .• . . . .-. --. Program 12.2 Promote shuttles for special events (e.g., at Hidden Villa, private parties, Fremont Hills Country Club). Program 12.3 Promote the availability of ParaTransit Services (VTA) in Town for the physically handicapped and seniors. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-29 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text Program 12.4 Evaluate the feasibility of providing a park-and-ride lot at Foothill College. Program 12.5 Encourage the school districts to reinstate the use of school buses. REGIONAL COORDINATION 138. Los Altos Hills is connected to surrounding communities primarily via I-280, Page Mill and Foothill Expressways, Arastradero Road, El Monte Road, and Magdalena Avenue. Additional connections to Los Altos are provided across Foothill Expressway from Edith Avenue and Burke Road.Page Mill Road also connects the Town to Route 35 (Skyline Boulevard)on the west. I-280 and Route 101 carry the bulk of north-south peak hour traffic volume in the northern Santa Clara-San Mateo County region.I-280 carries the highest level of traffic in the Los Altos Hills area. Page Mill Expressway provides access between I-280 and the business park uses in Palo Alto just north of Los Altos. Interstate 280, the I-280/Page Mill Expressway Interchange and Page Mill Expressway operate at Level of Service (LOS) E to F during peak commute periods, resulting in some traffic diverting to Arastradero Road.Foothill Expressway operates at relatively good service levels,except for some congestion at intersections during the peak hour commute periods. DEFINITION "Level of Service (LOS)" A standard used to measure the performance of transportation facilities.LOS provides a measure of the operational performance of a roadway or intersection based on a ratio of volume to capacity(V/C)and delay of the facility,and is given a rating from the letter grade A(excellent)to F(failing). City of Palo Alto/Stanford University The City of Palo Alto and Stanford University are served regionally by I-280,Routes 101 and 84, and County G5 and G6 (Foothill Expressway and Alma Street). The Palo Alto and Stanford roadway systems remain essentially unchanged since the 1960s, yet overall traffic volumes have been steadily increasing. Intersections are the most constricted part of the network and many are congested during the peak morning and evening travel periods. Some intersection improvements have been made over the years,but and a few others are planned. Outside of major new roadway :•-: . ... _ -•. . :.. .. _. . .. . . _ ,no major expansions of the road network are planned. Many of the plans and policies of the City of Palo Alto and Stanford University are directed to alternative travel modes to reduce future travel and parking demands. In 2014, the Town began discussions with Caltrans and the County of Santa Clara regarding future improvements to the existing I-280/Page Mill Road/Arastradero Road Interchange to address traffic delays and vehicle,bicycle and pedestrian safety. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-30 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text City of Los Altos 139. The City of Los Altos is served regionally by I-280; Routes 101, 85 and 82; and County G5 (Foothill Expressway).The City is relatively flat with a roadway network laid out in a grid system. Much of the travel is north-south oriented and carried by arterials within the City, including San Antonio Road, El Monte Avenue, Springer Road, Miramonte Avenue and Grant Road. The downtown area adjacent to Foothill Expressway/Main Street provides commercial uses for the residents of both Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. A recently completed multi-use trail with ADA accessible ramps connects Town Hall with downtown Los Altos and is extensively used by bicyclists, equestrians and pedestrians. County of Santa Clara 140. The backbone of the County's circulation system is made up of freeways,state routes,expressways and arterials,many of which serve the surrounding communities as described above. The freeway and state route system connect the County to the neighboring counties of San Mateo,Alameda,and Santa Cruz. The County's Congestion Management Program (CMP), administered by the VTA, provides transportation planning guidance on a countywide basis.The CMP has been developed in accordance with California statute. Although the statute is imprecise the intent is clear - it is intended to reduce congestion through a combination of roadway and transit capital improvements, improved land-use planning,and trip reduction and transportation demand management programs. The Town is also actively reviewing the Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 to ensure that future improvements to Page Mill Expressway and Foothill Expressway are compatible with the rural character of the community. In addition, the Town's bikeways align with the County's bikeways map. Regional Transportation Issues 141. Although the Town discourages extraneous through traffic,traffic originating from outside of Los Altos Hills has created increasing pressure on the local system.Impacts include cut-through traffic, isolation of Town residents,and noise issues related to Interstate 280. Cut-Through Traffic 142. The Page Mill Expressway operates at LOS E to F during the morning and evening peak commute periods due to the high volume of traffic traveling between I-280 and Palo Alto. This traffic also causes congestion at the Arastradero Road/Deer Creek Road intersection during the A.M. peak hour period. During the evening peak hour period the reverse is true. Although Arastradero Road is a through route from I-280 to Palo Alto for commuters,it is classified as a collector street within Town (serving abutting residential lots, and carrying traffic between neighborhoods and the freeway and Foothill Expressway). Some cut through traffic is also apparent on some north-south collector or neighborhood connector roads, such as Fremont, Purissima and Elena due to congestion on Interstate 280. Fremont Road in particular offers the potential to avoid congested sections of Arastradero Road and Foothill Expressway at commute hours. No other significant cut-through traffic has been observed. El Monte Road and Magdalena Avenue extend through Town as necessary arterials between I-280 Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-31 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text and Los Altos. Isolation of Town Residents 143. The Page Mill Expressway carries high volumes of traffic, particularly during the morning and evening peak commute periods. Access to residential properties using Christopher's Lane and Old Page Mill Road is difficult during these periods. Traffic outbound from Old Page Mill Road is limited to right turns and, although allowed, it is difficult to turn left into or out of Christopher's Lane. Wait times exceed 45 seconds (defined as LOS F). The intersection does not meet traffic signal warrants due to the low volumes to/from the neighborhood and the installation of a traffic signal would back up traffic onto I-280. I-280 Widening and Noise 144. Although there are no current plans to widen I-280,the ever-growing traffic demands in the County and the region may ultimately reach a point that widening the freeway is considered. In the meantime, the Town occasionally receives complaints regarding noise from I-280, particularly from residents of properties abutting the freeway. In response, the Town is encouraging Caltrans to prioritize the repaving of Interstate 280 with rubberized asphalt which can provide some reduction in road noise. GOAL 13 The Town wishes to minimize traffic impacts from present and future activities beyond the control of Los Alto Hills. Policy 13.1 The Town shall work with regional transportation agencies to coordinate roadway planning, and promote the safe use, improvement and maintenance of regional highways. Policy 13.2 The Town shall discourage regional and sub-regional traffic from passing through the Town. Policy 13.3 Los Altos Hills will work with neighboring cities and other agencies to review the environmental impacts of proposed projects, especially in terms of circulation, on the Town. The Town will actively negotiate to reduce those impacts to a level of insignificance. Program 13.1 Monitor the efforts of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission(MTC)to coordinate transit planning and transit services for the Mid-Peninsula and the Bay Area. Program 13.2 Monitor efforts by Caltrans and the VTA Congestion Management Program to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on freeways. This program should also be used to Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-32 Draft May 2015 Red—New text&deleted original text(Highlighted—Planning Commission comments) Green—Original text moved Black—Original text monitor effects on Town roads from actions by Palo Alto or Los Altos. Program 13.3 Establish CEQA thresholds for"significant impacts"of proposed development. This will provide neighboring cities and other agencies with a measure for impacts of projects to Los Altos Hills. In particular, monitor development plans for Stanford lands in Palo Alto and unincorporated County areas. Program 13.4 Emphasize the classification of Arastradero Road and Fremont Road as collector streets to provide additional leverage for negotiations as neighboring jurisdictions build out. Program 13.5 Work with State (Caltrans) and County officials on future improvements to Page Mill Expressway and the I-280/Page Mill Expressway/Arastradero Road interchange to ensure that the improvements are compatible with the rural character of the community and improve safety for motorists,pedestrians,bicycles, and equestrians. Program 13.6 Explore additional design solutions for the Christopher's Lane and Old Page Mill Road area. Program 13.7 Work with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to locate parking facilities on District lands and to minimize the impact on residents of parking for and access to District open space preserves. Program 13.8 Work with Foothill College to locate parking facilities on school 4: property and to minimize the , impact on residents of student ' ' , ' 1. parking on residential streets. • Program 13.9 Continue to review, on an as needed basis, the establishment of preferential parking districts to —; alleviate impacts to residents from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Foothill College. Program 13.10 Develop and maintain a traffic calming guide for the implementation of traffic calming measures to discourage traffic from using local streets to bypass congested intersections. Draft Circulation&Scenic Roadways Element Los Altos Hills General Plan Page C-33 ATTACHMENT 2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS March 19, 2015 Staff Report to the Planning Commission SUBJECT: UPDATE OF LOS ALTOS HILLS GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION & SCENIC ROADWAYS ELEMENT: FILE #79-12-MISC (CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 7, 2014) FROM: Nicole Horvitz,Assistant Planner/Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner�jrr APPROVED BY: Suzanne Avila,AICP,Planning Director 4 RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: 1. Review, make comments, and forward a recommendation that, based on the Initial Study in Attachment 2,the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration in Attachment 3; and 2. Forward a recommendation that the City Council adopt the revised General Plan Circulation& Scenic Roadways Element. DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS The following discretionary actions by the City Council are required for approval of the project: 1. Adoption of the Negative Declaration; and 2. Adoption of the General Plan Circulation& Scenic Roadways Element The Planning Commission's actions are recommendations to the City Council. BACKGROUND Pursuant to the California Complete Streets Act of 2008,the proposed project is an update to the Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element of the Los Altos Hills General Plan. The California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill 1358) requires cities and counties to integrate multi-use transportation goals and polices into the Circulation Elements of their General Plans. Goals and policies are intended to make the streets safe and convenient for all users including bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrians, and vehicles. On August 7, 2014, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Circulation Element and based on concerns raised by the Commissioners,voted unanimously to continue the project off calendar. The Commissioners were asked to provide comments to staff individually in order to provide greater clarity on the proposed changes to the text of the document. Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update March 19,2015 Page 2 of 4 Over the next month, comments were received from Commissioners Mandle, Couperus, Tankha, and Abraham. In general,the comments included the following: • Remove sharrows from the document • Amend the language to be consistent with AB 1358 • Modify the bikeways section • Keep the current document as it is with minimal changes The text amendments proposed by the individual Commissioners have been included into the revised document using red text and highlight format(Attachment 1). Based on the direction provided by the Commission and the Department of Public Works, staff has substantially modified the document to highlight current infrastructure improvements and ongoing discussions with surrounding jurisdictions. In addition,the Complete Streets section has been changed to include the characteristics that make Los Altos Hills unique and recognize the need to accommodate multiple users (vehicles, bicyclists, equestrians, pedestrians) within the existing semi-rural environment. Furthermore, the Bikeways section has been reorganized into regional and local bikeways,highlighting the existing improvements that the Town has constructed and emphasizing improvements to local bikeways to provide safe routes for schoolchildren. Changes and additions to the original document are shown in red text with green text indicating original text that has been moved from the document. The most prominent changes to the document are in the Complete Streets section and Bikeways. Complete Streets Goal 3 in the revised Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element provides programs for the Town to implement that will be appropriate for the rural character. The Complete Streets concept recognizes that a transportation network should account for multiple users with different abilities. Los Altos Hills has a very low density,rural residential setting,so the implementation of Complete Streets policies will differ from that in other more urban communities. Some of the factors unique to Los Altos Hills with regards to Complete Streets include: • Relatively narrow, winding roadways which make implementation of complete street elements such as separate designated bike lanes very difficult and cost prohibitive on most roadways within the community; • A rural development pattern established over the past 60 years that includes roads with no paved sidewalks, natural vegetated shoulders along many roads, and an extensive off-road pathway system utilizing natural materials that serves multiple users (pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians); • A primarily rural residential community with no commercial or industrial zoned land and a very limited number of non-residential uses with only one substantial employment center(Foothill College); Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update March 19,2015 Page 3 of 4 • A completely built-out roadway network with no future expansions planned or anticipated other than new local residential streets for new housing subdivisions; • The location of all primary and secondary schools on collector and arterial streets near the edge of the Town's limits; • No streetlights or signalized intersections within Town limits except at El Monte Road/Stonebrook Drive and El Monte Road/Voorhees Drive, and the Foothill College entrance at El Monte; • A large proportion of recreational bicyclists utilizing the roadway network. Bikeways(Goal 4) In 1996 Resolution #38-96 (Attachment 3) was adopted in accordance with Policy A2 of the Pathway Element in the General Plan, which the flowing streets are planned to have pathways on both sides: • Elena Road from Robleda Road to El Monte Road; • Fremont Road from Edith Avenue to Arastradero Road; • La Paloma Road from Purissima Road to Fremont Road; • Purissima Road from Robleda Road to Arastradero Road; • Robleda Road from Elena Road to Purissima Road Staff is proposing that the aforementioned roads be designated as regional and local bikeways (as shown in figure C-3)because they have the ability to have pathways on both sides of the road right of way and have a wide right of way width. Public Comments No public comments have been received since the August 7,2014 Commission meeting. Committee Comments On March 1, 2015 the Pathway Committee submitted comments to the Town for review, staff included some of their recommendations (Attachment 4) but others recommendations were not relevant. Conclusion Staff recommends that the Commission review the draft update, provide feedback, consider any revisions and forward a recommendation to the City Council to review and adopt the document. Additional information is included in Attachment 2 from the August 7,2014 Planning Commission meeting. Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update March 19,2015 Page 4 of 4 CEQA STATUS In conformance with CEQA requirements, staff has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration. A Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration was published in the Town Crier on July 30, 2014. The notice was also submitted to the Santa Clara County Clerk's Office for a 30 day public review period which began on July 30, 2014 and ended on August 30, 2014, no comments were received. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element 2. Staff report and minutes dated August 7, 2014 3. Appendix A from the Towns Pathways Element 4. Correspondence between the Pathway Committee and Staff 5. Letter from the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition REVISED (8-4-14) ITEM 3.3 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS August 7, 2014 Staff Report to the Planning Commission SUBJECT: LOS ALTOS HILLS GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION & SCENIC ROADWAYS UPDATE: FILE# 79-12-MISC FROM: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner��� APPROVED BY: Suzanne Avila, AICP, Interim Planning Director c RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: 1. Review, make comments, and forward a recommendation that, based on the Initial Study in Attachment 2,the City Council adopt the Negative Declaration in Attachment 3; and 2. Forward a recommendation that the City Council approve the requested General Plan Circulation & Scenic Roadways update, based on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration. DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS The following discretionary actions by the City Council are required for approval of the project: 1. Adoption of the Negative Declaration; and 2. Approval of the General Plan Circulation& Scenic Roadways update. The Planning Commission's actions are recommendations to the City Council. BACKGROUND Pursuant to the California Complete Streets Act of 2008, the proposed project is an update to the Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element of the Los Altos Hills General Plan. The California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill 1358) requires cities and counties integrate multi-use transportation goals and polices into the Circulation Elements of their General Plans goals and policies are intended to make the streets safe and convenient for all users including bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrians, and vehicles. On July 31,2012 the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Metropolitan Planning Group (M-Group) for consultant services for the Town's General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element Update project. Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update August 7,2014 Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION The Town commenced with an update of the General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element. The purpose of the update is to bring the Circulation Element into compliance with State mandates and to evaluate issues that may not be fully addressed in the current element. The Complete Streets Act was adopted by the State to fulfill the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make the most efficient use of urban land and transportation infrastructure, and improve public health by encouraging.physical activity. Complete streets are streets that users will find safe, comfortable and convenient to use whether walking,biking or driving,regardless of age or physical ability. Achieving complete streets takes a gradual and incremental process. Many complete street solutions use less pavement which results in less impact on water quality and the environment than auto oriented streets. The intent of complete streets is to insure the safety of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrian, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities as they travel on and across federally funded streets, In California's Department of Transportation Complete Streets Implementation Action Plan 2010 and the Complete Streets legislation specifically states that the complete streets concept be implemented in a manner that is appropriate to the function and context of the facility and that is suitable to the rural, suburban or urban context. Goal 3 in the draft document outlines the complete streets concept and recognizes that Los Altos Hills has a very low density, rural residential setting, so the implementation of complete streets will differ from other, more urban communities. Some of the factors unique to Los Altos Hills with regards to complete streets include: • Relatively narrow roadway widths, which can limit implementation of complete street elements such as separated bike lanes and sidewalks. • The extensive pathways system, serving pedestrians and equestrians. In addition to incorporating complete streets, other items addressed or modified in the draft document include: • The I-280/Page Mill Road interchange • The multi-use path along Fremont Road, from Conception to Arastradero Road • Bikeways section-focusing on regional bikeways • An update of the Town maps Committee and Local Agency Comments The draft document was provided to the Pathways, Environmental Incentives, Environmental Design and Protection, Traffic Safety, and the Open Space committees. Comments on the draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update were received from the Pathways Committee, Traffic Safety Committee and Environmental Incentives Committee. The document was also forwarded to the Santa Clara County Fire Department and the Town's Emergency Preparedness Staff Report to the Planning Commission General Plan Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element update August 7,2014 Page 3 of 3 Coordinator for review and comments, incorporated into the document. The committee's comments are included in Attachments 6 and 7. Public Comments On June 13, 2013 the Town held a community meeting for the residents where it was explained why the Town is updating the element and what complete streets are. Seventeen (17) residents attended the meeting and commented on the document and voiced their concerns ranging from the location of major bikeways, pathways, sharrows, signage, etc... (Attachment 9). Conclusion In order to be eligible for the next One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) cycle of funding and funding from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority(VTA),jurisdictions must be in compliance with the Complete Streets Act of 2008 in the General Plan by October 31, 2014. Staff is requesting that the Commission review the draft update, provide feedback, consider any revisions and forward a recommendation to the City Council to review and adopt the document. CEQA STATUS In conformance with CEQA requirements, staff has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration. A Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration was published in the Town Crier on July 30, 2014. The notice was also submitted to the Santa Clara County Clerk's Office for a 30 day public review period which began on July 30, 2014 and ends on August 30, 2014. ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element 2. Initial Study 3. Negative Declaration 4. Complete Streets Act(Assembly Bill Number 1358) 5. Santa Clara Valley Bikeways Map 6. Pathways Committee comments 7. Environmental Initiatives Committee comments 8. June 13, 2013 Community meeting notes 9. Public comments MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council to accept items D2, D3 and E9 of the May 22, 2014 Subcommittee Voting Summary and Results for the 2013 California Building Code amendments as stated in Attachments 3 and 4. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. Chair Mandle suggested forwarding the remainder of the building code updates to the next meeting, given the current staff report and discussion amongst the Planning Commission. The rest of the Commission agreed. "ftlia* 33 LOS ALTOS HILLS GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION & SCENIC ROADWAYS UPDATE: FILE #79-12-MISC; CEOA Review: Negative Declaration (Staff-N. Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Samuel Broydo, Los Altos Hills, stated no changes needed to be made to the Town other than the behavior of the cyclists. He said there were no "musts" in this document, and that it was only an item for discussion. Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, stated that the Town had already incorporated most of the suggestions in the Complete Streets proposal, and while well-intentioned, he was concerned it may affect the Town's rural atmosphere. • Sue Welch, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the usage of sharrows, as they were designed for streets that are wider than those in Los Altos Hills, and would not have an impact on bicycle traffic or safety. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. 6 Planning Commission Meeting Regular Minutes August 7,2014 Commissioner Couperus expressed his disdain for the document, but that it was an improvement on what had been presented in the past. He stated that the proposal required further revisions. Commissioner Abraham suggested the planning staff revise the document and return with a proposal that is more appropriate for Town residents. Commissioner Partridge suggested the Commission communicate to staff any ideas that they may have to improve the document, and have staff incorporate them in a revised proposal to bring back to the Commission. Commissioner Tankha reiterated that the purpose of the document was to make the streets in Town safer, and she felt that the Town had already made the necessary steps towards safety. Chair Mandle clarified that the document was not stating the Town had to have every street be complete, but there needed to be a network of safe roadways. She said she felt the Town already had that in place, and supported moving this to a future meeting after some revisions. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to return the document to staff for revisions, and that the Commission would send suggestions to staff via email. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 LANDS OF TOPRANI; 26630 Ascension Drive, File # 118-14-ZP; Status Update (Staff- S. Padovan). MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to continue this item to the next meeting so the applicant could be present. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. 7 Planning Commission Meeting Regular Minutes August 7,2014 ATTACHMENT 3 Nicole Horvitz From: Suzanne Avila Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 8:03 AM To: Nicole Horvitz; Steve Padovan Subject: FW: Comments on the circulation element Original Message From: Partridge, Richard [mailto:richp@slac.stanford.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 10:48 PM To: Suzanne Avila Subject: Comments on the circulation element Suzanne et al, I found the proposed recommendation very confusing, especially the reference to attachment 3 OF attachment 2 (and not attachment 3 of the staff report). One simple fix would be to write "adopt the Negative Declaration in Attachment 3 therein" c-4, policy 1.2: keep "develop and maintain" c-5, 112: I wasn't sure what"designed with limited driveway access" meant. c-6, 113: Only part of El Monte is an arterial c-8, original program 2.2: keep this section that was deleted for some reason C10, 118: next to last bullet leaves out the signal at foothill college; last bullet "A large proportion of recreational bicyclists utilizing the roadway network." - large proportion of what? Perhaps either drop entirely or remove "A large proportion of" C11, policy 3.3: reword to "Provide routes for walking or bicycling to school that are designed to encourage safety and are in keeping..." C13, 119: I doubt that LAH is truly unique in this feature -there must be quite a few cities in the US that have lots of private roads. Perhaps better to say our road system includes private roads accounting for ... " C13, Policy 4.1: "affected property owners, provided they have been..." C17, 124: "because the cost to widen these roadways is prohibitive" C20, 125: add comma after Element "...includes a separate Pathways Element, which..." C22, Program 8.6: I didn't see the logic in this program. As a driver, I usually prefer to be further from a drop off than a cliff(e.g, it is much more comfortable driving north on highway 1 than south) C29, Program 12.1: Drop the 2nd sentence about bus stops at the Park and Ride lot- my understanding is that there is ongoing study of how to deal with the buses that we should let determine whether bus stops here are advisable. 1 C30, Palo Alto/Stanford: I am not aware of any projects planned in the Sand Hill road area - I think Menlo Park would have a fit if something further was proposed beyond what they already have done. Is this text from way back when Sand Hill didn't connect to El Camino?? Richard 2 ATTACHMENT 4 Nicole Horvitz From: Broydo <samuel.broydo@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 6:15 PM To: jsmandle@hotmail.com;Jitze@couperus.org; Kavita Tankha;jima.pc@gmail.com; richard.partridge@comcast.net Cc: Nicole Horvitz; Suzanne Avila; Steve Padovan Subject: Comments on a Draft Ciculation &Scenic Roadwy Element 2015 discussion on 03/19/2015 Date: March 20, 2015 To: Ms. Susan Mandle, Mr. Jitze Couperus, Ms. Kavita Tankha, Mr. James Abraham, Mr. Richard Partridge From: Dr. Samuel Broydo Dear Planning Commission Members, Thank you for a lively and thorough discussion of the Draft. In addition, thank you for listening to my comments with patience I didn't fully deserved. There are a couple of general points I would like to make. 1. It is true that there are some good parts of the Draft. However, it is my personal opinion that there could be many more good proposals that could be made, but the question that has to be asked, first of all, "is there a need?". I live on Purissima for more than 35 years, and I am very familiar with traffic of all kinds throughout the town. I have never noticed any traffic problems,to speak off, except the occasional questionable behavior by the experienced recreational out-of-town bicyclists. It is my opinion that, perhaps, we need a few more reflectors and signs, here and there, warning about dangerous curves. And that is all we need. Now, semi-dirt pathways along some streets, where they can be accommodated, are a good thing. However, there is no need for hard surface pathways, which would be bad for pedestrians, and definitely very bad for the equestrians, so, the question boils down to kids on bicycles. But kids do not ride on delicate professional bikes that need hard surface; they ride on dirt bikes, for which the semi-dirt pathways we have are perfect, especially when they fall. My conclusion is: no need for hard surface bikeways; what we already have is great; and we just need to maintain our pathways and add new,where possible,without encroaching on the citizens. 2. I agree 100%with Mr. James Abraham's statement,towards the end of the discussion, that, perhaps, the best we can do is not to change anything, and that the mythical grant money do not justify the disturbance caused by the proposed Draft, the only purpose of which, seems to be. to qualify for the grant. I may add that, in process, some nonexistent needs are elevated and our Town's legal exposure takes place of individual responsibilities. Thank you. Respectfully, Samuel Broydo 26496 Purissima Rd. i From: Broydo <samuel.broydo@sbcglobal.net> To: "jsmandle@hotmail.com" <jsmandle@hotmail.com>; "Jitze@couperus.org" <Jitze@couperus.org>; Kavita Tankha <kavitat@comcast.net>; "jima.pc@gmail.com" <jima.pc@gmail.com>; "richard.partridge@comcast.net" <richard.partridge@comcast.net> Cc: Deborah Padovan <dpadovan@losaltoshills.ca.gov>; Nicole Horvitz <nhorvitz@losaltoshills.ca.gov> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 9:30 AM Subject: Comments on a Draft Ciculation & Scenic Roadwy Element 2015 Date: March 19, 2015 To: Ms. Susan Mandle, Mr. Jitze Couperus, Ms. Kavita Tankha, Mr. James Abraham, Mr. Richard Partridge From: Dr. Samuel Broydo Dear Planning Commission Members, I have some concerns regarding the Draft Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element 2015. First of all: I find section 124 (page C-17) entitled "Local Bikeways" confusing. It starts as: "Local Bikeways are designated as off-road path..." Purissima Rd. from Robleda to Arastradero is designated as a Local Bikeway. Does that mean that the plan is to have off-road bikeway along Purissima Rd.? There is no space for that in front of my property, and nobody spoke to me about it. If not, than there is a contradiction and confusion within this section. The above section of Purissima Rd. is mentioned as one among the five segments at the bottom of section 124, where the Pathway Element brought up all-of-a-sudden. Why is Pathway element mixed up with the Local Bikeways section? There are pathways on both sides of Purissima Rd., but not bikeways. Please help me to understand this convoluted, lately added section. In general: I am totally against spending any of the resources on making the transit of our town more attractive and comfortable for the recreational out-of-town bicycle traffic,while inconveniencing the town people. Second of all: The town should be more careful and not use words "adequate", "meets' and "safe", which are not defined, open to interpretation, open the town to claims of things being inadequate, unsafe and not meeting individual needs. Policy 2.1 (page C-8) starts by "Provide adequate space.....", with no definition of"adequate". This is open to claims that something is not adequate. Propose: eliminate word "adequate". Just "Provide space" is enough." Goal 1 (page C-4) contains: "As pat of transportation network that meets the needs....", with no definition of"meets". There are always some that will claim that their needs are not met. Propose: replace "meets" with "is designed to include". Goal 3 (page C-11) contains: "...that meets the needs of all users...". Same as above. Propose: replace "meet" with "include". 2 Policy 6.1 (page C-19) contains: "...provision of safe bicycle routs...", with no definition of"safe". It opens the town to spurious claims of things not being safe as promised. Propose: replace "safe"with"safety conscious". Thank you for considering the above in your preparation for the meeting tonight. Respectfully, Samuel Broydo 26496 Purissima Rd 3 ATTACHMENT 5 Nicole Horvitz From: Eileen Gibbons <e.gibbons@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2015 3:48 PM To: Nicole Horvitz; Suzanne Avila Cc: jsmandel@hotmail.com;Jitze Couperus; kavitat@comcast.net;jima.pc@gmail.com; richard.partridge@comcast.net Subject: Circulation Element Pathway remarks Attachments: MemoPWC_ChangestoCircElementl5-0323.pdf Hi Nicole In addition to the mostly nits I mentions at the Planning Commission, the pathway committee took a close review of this version of the Circulation and Scenic Roads element and voted to forward the attached recommendations for change. One important point is that ALL the elements in town should work together and be consistent. The language for off-road does mean something very specific to the pathway system, so we strongly urge that this be reflected in the Circulation element as well. Over-all, we were pleased with the direction of the changes and I am sorry that I didn't have the time at the Planning Commission meeting to say what a great job you have done. 1 To: Suzanne Avila Date: March 24,2015 Subject: Pathway Committee Recommendations for Changes to Mar 2015 Draft Circulation Element From: Eileen Gibbons,Pathway Committee Vice Chair At the regular meeting of Mar 23,2015,the Pathway Committee(PWC)reviewed the most recent draft (March 2015)of the Circulation Element and made recommendations for the changes shown below. EG moved that the PWC request the changes described below to the text of the March 2015 Draft Circulation Element.BK seconded and the vote was unanimous(ND,EG,VH,BK,RM,SW,DW). Suggested changes: 1)Text of Policy 1.2 2)Text of PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES 3)Change incorrect use of the term`off-road"pathway(multiple occurrences) 4)Elena Road is not on list of streets designated for to have roadside pathways on both sides Thank you for your consideration, Eileen Gibbons Acting Chair,LAH Pathways Committee 1)Text of Policy 1.2 (pg C-4) MARCH 4,2015 VERSION The Town should develep-and maintain corridors for travel for motorists, bicyclists,pedestrians and equestrians through Town in which the user can enjoy and view the natural environment and open spaces that provide a buffer from adjacent land uses. These corridors should include pathways proposed or existing in the Pathways Element. PWC SUGGESTED WORDING(changes shown in red) The Town should develop and maintain corridors for travel for motorists,pedestrians and equestrians through Town in which the user can enjoy and view the natural environment and open spaces that provide a buffer from adjacent land uses. These corridors should include pathways proposed or existing in the Pathways Element. Rationale:PWC asks that the words"develop and"be restored to be consistent with Goal 1 of the Pathways Element: "Develop and maintain a safe,convenient pathways system that allows non-vehicular travel throughout the Town,meets recreational needs of residents,and provides regional connections." Town roads are also expected to be developed over time(e.g.,as new subdivisions are created and substandard roads are brought up to town standards)and a number of new bikeways have been proposed for development. 2)Text of PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES(pg C-20) MARCH 4,2015 VERSION 125. The Town's semi-rural setting creates an environment where walking on the sides of some roadways or road-side paths is enjoyable for many residents.The Town's pathway system is extensive and provides for safe and convenient non-vehicular travel within Town. School children,walkers,joggers,and equestrians use this system extensively. The major pedestrian and equestrian paths are generally located along neighborhood connector 1 MemoPWC_ChangestoCircElement 15-0323 .docx and collector roads. In addition, off-road paths not only provide connections via easements;in critical areas where roads are not feasible,but also have intrinsic recreational value. The Town's General Plan includes a separate Pathways Element which thoroughly describes the types of pathways in town and identifies separate goals and policies related to the development and maintenance of the pathway system. PWC SUGGESTED WORDING(changes shown in red) 125. The Town's extensive pathway system, composed of 92 miles of roadside and off-road paths, was formalized at the time of incorporation in 1956 and continues to develop incrementally. School children,walkers,joggers, and equestrians use this system extensively. - .•. ._- -• • , , _. . _ •- ., .. • . _ _ _ . - _. _. . . .. . .. .. .. .. . ..• . .. .. . . Roadside pathways,the majority of which are constructed within road rights-of-way, are intended to serve in lieu of sidewalks and provide for safe and convenient non-vehicular travel throughout the Town. In some areas with low traffic volumes(e.g., on private roads and small cul-de-sacs),pedestrians walk on the sides of roads rather than in constructed pathways. Off-road pathways are designed to connect neighborhoods,provide recreational opportunities, and allow safe escape routes in the event of emergency. The Town's General Plan includes a separate Pathways Element which that thoroughly describes the types of pathways in town and identifies separate goals and policies related to the development and maintenance of the pathway system. Rationale:The PWC requests the wording of the PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES section(paragraph 125 on page C-20)be changed to be consistent with the Pathway Element and with the goal of the pathway system to provide safe walking routes on roadside pathways throughout the Town. The current wording does not adequately describe the extent and goals of the pathways system that the Town has been developing since 1956. The PWC suggested changes provide factual information about the pathways system, should not be controversial,and add only a few sentences. Pages and pages of text describe the existing conditions of the road system,but description of the pathways system is allocated only 122 words.Adding a few sentences emphasizes the Town's long-standing commitment to providing travel routes for non-vehicular users such as pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists—a planning objective that is now required by the Complete Streets Act. 3)Change incorrect use of the term"off-road"pathway(multiple uses) The term"off-road pathway"is used incorrectly in the document.Pathways that run alongside roads(e.g., the newly constructed SRTS paths along part of Fremont Road)are correctly referred to as"roadside pathways separated from the pavement",not as"off-road paths".This distinction is important because policies for roadside pathways differ somewhat from those for off-road pathways. Off-road pathways are paths that run along easements that are not adjacent to roadways(usually on easements along property lines of private property).Off-road paths provide connections between cul-de- sacs and/or neighborhoods and community facilities.Examples are the Taaffe pathway connecting Vogue Court to Taaffe Road,the Stegner pathway connecting Edgerton Road to Three Forks Lane,and the 2 Mem oP WC_ChangestoCircElement 15-0323 .docx pathway behind Town Hall connecting Fremont Road to Ascension Road.A map showing proposed off- road pathways was approved by the City Council in 2005 as part of the Master Path Plan.Any additional off-road paths proposed in the future must be approved by the City Council. The term"off-road path(s)"is incorrectly used on the following pages: Page C-9 Photo shows a roadside path(separated from the pavement)along Concepcion Road Page C-12 Photo shows a roadside path(separated from the pavement)along Fremont Road Page C-15 These bikeways are generally designated as either Class I(off-road paved dedicated bike path)... Please strike the"off-road"to avoid confusion with the pathway definition. CalTrans defines a Class I bikeway as one that"provides a separated ROW for exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflow by motorists minimized". Page C-17 124.Local Bikeways.Local bikeways are designated as off-road paths along neighborhood connector and collector roadways. Please strike the"off-road"to avoid confusion with the pathway definition. Consider use of"designated paths separated from the pavement along neighborhood...". Page C-17 In order to accommodate bicyclists,off-road pathways along both sides of the paved roadway would be constructed with one side designated for bicycles to separate those users from pedestrians and equestrians. Please strike the"off-road"to avoid confusion with the pathway definition. Consider use of"paths separated from the pavement along both sides...". Page C-17 Dual off-road pathways along Fremont Road from Conception Road to Edith Avenue were recently completed using Town funds Please strike the"off-road"to avoid confusion with the pathway definition. Consider use of"Dual roadside paths separated from the pavement along Fremont Road..." Page C-17 Photos at bottom of page both show"Roadside multiuse path on Fremont Road" Page C-19 Policy 6.4.The pathway system should provide for off-road bicycle connections between roads where feasible on school access routes to enhance school access safety. Please consider instead: The pathway system should provide for roadside bikeways separated from the pavement and off-road bicycle connections between roads where feasible on school access routes to enhance school access safety. 4)Streets designated to have roadside paths on both sides Page C-17 The Pathways Element in the General Plan currently designates pathways on both sides of the road 3 MemoPWC_ChangestoCircElement 15-0323 .docx on the following designated local bikeways: The list of pathways designated to have roadside paths on both sides(Council Resolution#38-96)does not include Elena Road. 4 MemoPWC_ChangestoCircElement15-0323 .docx