Environmental Documentation: Land Use

Project: City of Folsom Sphere of Influence Amendment
Client Type: Regional Agency

For the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), we prepared a program EIR evaluating the conversion of 3,500 acres south of the City of Folsom from grazing to developed urban uses. The EIR, developed closely with legal counsel, set forth a comprehensive mitigation program, subsequently adopted by the voters of the City, to guide the subsequent planning, annexation, and development of the area. Mitigation topics included the acquisition of an adequate water supply, preservation of large areas of open space and sensitive biological resources, provision of adequate transportation and utility facilities, and adherence to smart development principles to reduce vehicle miles travelled and air pollutant emissions. These mitigation provisions have guided development of a subsequent Specific Plan for the area to be considered by the City in 2011.

Project: Copper Mill (now Copper Town Square)
Client Type: Private Developer

Under contract to the project sponsor, and working together with Calaveras County planning staff, we prepared a comprehensive EIR for the development of a new mixed-use town center in the Copperopolis area of Calaveras County. In consideration of the County's development review process and regional mitigation needs in the County, the EIR evaluated site-specific impacts, but also emphasized areawide and cumulative effects, and the development of areawide mitigation programs for environmental topics related to the preservation of oak woodlands, sensitive species and important habitats, wildland fire hazards, and traffic and transportation facilities. Though subject to intense scrutiny and threats of legal action by environmental and community groups within the County, the project was approved and the EIR was unchallenged. The first phases of the project have been constructed and occupied as of 2011.

Project: Rideout Memorial Hospital Expansion
Client Type: City

Planning Partners assisted the City of Marysville and the Fremont Rideout Health Group for the expansion of the Rideout Memorial Hospital facilities in Marysville, including the consolidation of facilities and services being provided in nearby Yuba City. The EIR for the project evaluated urban environmental issues related to air quality, cultural resources, hazards, air safety, and traffic and transportation. It also featured an extensive visual quality analysis, because the proposed New Patient Tower would be the tallest, most massive building in Marysville. An in-depth analysis was provided on the potential for urban decay and public service impacts related to moving key medical facilities in Yuba City to Marysville. Planning Partners also provided guidance to City staff, the Fremont Rideout Health Group, and the contractor team in coordinating with multiple jurisdictional agencies, including the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Caltrans, Caltrans Division of Aeronautics, the local Airport Land Use Commission, and the Federal Aviation Administration. In order to meet deadlines imposed in the State of California's SB 1953 and SB 306 legislation requiring that in-patient facilities meet new seismic standards through either repair or replacement, the CEQA process was completed in less than ten months, and the project was approved in October 2009.

Project: Kanuikapono Learning Center
Client Type: Private Developer

In coordination with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and under contract to a public charter school, we prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment pursuance to HRS, Ch. 343 for the construction and operation of a charter school facility located in the Hawaiian homestead community of Anahola, Kaua'i. The public charter school was operating out of three temporary sites, and required more permanent, expanded facilities. Key issues evaluated in the Environmental Assessment included the potential impacts due to increased traffic, hazardous substances from previous agricultural uses of the property, and need for wastewater treatment services. The project was approved and constructed.