HomeMy Public PortalAbout4m-VisualResourcesNOVEMBER 2008 TRUCKEE RAILYARD DRAFT MASTER PLAN EIR
IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
M. VISUAL RESOURCES
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M. VISUAL RESOURCES
This section evaluates the effects of the implementation and buildout of the Draft Master
Plan on views of the development within Master Plan Area from specific viewpoints in the
vicinity of the site as well as project consistency with visual resource policies of the Town of
Truckee General Plan. The analysis considers the existing visual quality of the Plan Area and
vicinity and relevant policies. Photographs of the Plan Area and vicinity, shown in Figures
IV.M-1a through IV.M-1d, accompany the text to provide a clear example of existing
conditions.
1. Setting
The following section includes a description of the existing aesthetic resources and visual
character of the Master Plan Area and its surroundings, as well as views in the vicinity of the
site. Views to and through the site are provided in Photos V.M-1 through IV.M-4 and in
photos included within the text of this section.
a. Local Context. The Town of Truckee is a mountain community with a rich history of
railroad usage and related industry dating back to the mid-1800’s. This past provides a
distinct “sense of place” to this small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Travelers passing through the town are typically en-route to the mountains on Highway 80
and may stop in Truckee to enjoy its retail amenities and historic Downtown. The buildings
in Truckee are generally one- to two- stories in height, with a few structures massing
upwards to three or four stories in height. Many architectural elements are reminiscent of
the Town’s evolution, such as Late 19th Century/Late Victorian, Frontier Commercial and
craftsman style workmanship. These styles are evident in taller buildings, such as the
Truckee Hotel and the Sierra Tavern, both four stories in height.
The Master Plan Area is located at the
eastern edge of Downtown, and provides an
opportunity to increase and extend the
Downtown, as well as the accompanying
pedestrian environment created by the
century-old pattern of smaller, narrow,
interconnected streets.
b. Visual Character of the Project Site.
Existing land uses primarily include the
Railyard (a railroad operations building,
balloon track and storage tracks), homes
along Trout Creek Road, Tahoe Tree
Company, Tahoe-Truckee Lumber
View of Master Plan Area looking west from
Glenshire Drive.
Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR
Existing Views of Master Plan Area and Surrounding Land Uses
SOURCE: LSA ASSOCIATES, INC., 2007
\\Sau1-sr\On-Site\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\Documents\Admin EIR\Figures
FIGURE IV.M-1a
View of Master Plan Area from the North
View of lumberyard within Master Plan Area
Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR
Existing Views of Master Plan Area and Surrounding Land Uses
SOURCE: LSA ASSOCIATES, INC., 2007
\\Sau1-sr\On-Site\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\Documents\Admin EIR\Figures
FIGURE IV.M-1b
View of landscaping business, Tahoe Tree Company, within Master Plan Area
View of Trout Creek and houses along Trout Creek Road within Master Plan Area
Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR
Existing Views of Master Plan Area and Surrounding Land Uses
SOURCE: LSA ASSOCIATES, INC., 2007
\\Sau1-sr\On-Site\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\Documents\Admin EIR\Figures
FIGURE IV.M-1c
View of Sierra Pacific Utility Yard, adjacent to Master Plan Area
View of homes across railroad tracks and East River Street, adjacent to Master Plan Area
Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR
Existing Views of Master Plan Area and Surrounding Land Uses
SOURCE: LSA ASSOCIATES, INC., 2007
\\Sau1-sr\On-Site\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\Documents\Admin EIR\Figures
FIGURE IV.M-1d
View of homes along Church Street, adjacent to Master Plan Area
View looking west down Donner Pass Road, adjacent to Master Plan Area
TRUCKEE RAILYARD DRAFT MASTER PLAN EIR NOVEMBER 2008
IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
M. VISUAL RESOURCES
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Company, a glazier, a card-lock fueling
facility, and Trout Creek. The site’s visual
character is currently defined by its vast
openness, with existing operations
consisting primarily of vacant land and
grade-level improvements (such as tracks).
The openness of the railyard operations
combined with the termination of Donner
Pass Road and Church Street at the site’s
edge give the Master Plan Area the “end of
Downtown” character.
Land uses surrounding the site include an
electrical substation, civic, residential and
commercial uses to the west and northwest
(Church Street and Commercial Row); U.S.
Forest Service land to the north; residences
and industrial uses and a general contract-
ing operation (Pombo’s) to the south (East
River Street); and State Highway 267 to the
east.
Natural elements surrounding the Master
Plan Area include numerous mature ever-
green trees, the Truckee River, and Trout
Creek. These natural elements provide
view corridors across the parcels and in
the surrounding open space. Public utility
lines are on and adjacent to the Plan Area,
suspended overhead and weave in and out
of the mature tree canopy.
c. Views from the Project Site. Views
from the Master Plan Area echo the variety
and eclectic development that is Down-
town Truckee.
(1) Views to the South. To the
south of the Plan Area, views of the
railroad tracks, undulating topography,
and smaller scale residential fill the
landscape along East River Street.
View of existing railyard operations.
View of looking southeast across Master Plan Area.
View of looking south from Master Plan Area.
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IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
M. VISUAL RESOURCES
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Mature trees are located along the Truckee
River and on private property. View corri-
dors provide a vista of the distant Sierras.
(2) Views to the East. Vast and
dramatic views of the distant Sierra
mountains dominate the background views
to the east. Foreground views include open
space, railroad tracks, the 267 bypass, and
a portion of Trout Creek as it bends in a
southeasterly direction.
(3) Views to the West. The western
portion of the Plan Area gives way to the
views of Truckee’s Downtown Core. The
view slightly northwest of the Master Plan
Area includes commercial shops and
residences (some of which have been
converted to offices and commercial uses)
along Church Street and E Street. The
northwest view also offers a view of the
Sierra Pacific electrical substation.
(4) Views to the North. Views
north of the Master Plan Area include a
landscaped slope between Trout Creek and
Glenshire Drive, Donner Pass Road right-of-
way and Forest Service property on the
north side of Donner Pass Road.
d. Streetscapes
The historic character of Truckee is evident
along the old Downtown streets. Visually,
the character of streets adjacent to the
Master Plan Area (i.e., Donner Pass Road
and Church Street) evokes the area’s
railroad-based past with masonry and
wood constructed buildings set alongside
the property line.
View looking east from Master Plan Area.
View looking north from Master Plan Area.
View looking west from the western-most portion of
the Master Plan Area.
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Standard urban improvements such as
sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and utility lines
located in underground conduits are not
provided in all portions of Downtown.
Instead, overhead utility lines parallel the
streets and several streets are without
sidewalks.
e. Scenic Vistas and Highways. The
Town of Truckee General Plan identifies
vistas of mountains, open space areas,
the Truckee River, the historic Town
Center, and Donner Lake as scenic
resources. There are no State-designated
Scenic Highways in Truckee. Both I-80
and SR-89 are eligible to be State Scenic Highways, but are not officially designated.1 The
Town of Truckee General Plan designates two scenic corridors including the entire length
I-80 within Town limits, except the south side of the interstate in the Downtown, and the
SR-89 North, between Prosser Dam Road and the Town limits. The Town General Plan
includes goals and policies to protect prominent views of scenic vistas and enhance the
scenic quality of development (new and existing) within the Town’s landscape.
f. Relevant General Plan Policies
The Town of Truckee General Plan provides aesthetic resource and visual character policies
applicable to the Master Plan Area. Applicable policies from the Town of Truckee General
Plan are provided below.
Land Use Element
Policies
P2.1: Protect views of hillsides, prominent slope exposures, and ridge and bluff lines through a
clustering requirement for residential development that concentrates development on the most
level and least visible portions of hillside sites.
P2.4: Ensure that new development in Truckee’s lowland areas, including its forested areas and
meadowlands, and the Truckee River Valley, contributes to and enhances the scenic quality and
visual harmony of the built environment that comprises the Truckee townscape.
P2.5: Preserve the scenic qualities of the Truckee River and other natural waterways through
setback standards, as identified in the Conservation and Open Space Element, and by ensuring
that new development respects and enhances the aesthetic qualities and natural environment of
these river corridors and waterways.
1 California Scenic Highway Mapping System website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/s
cenic/cahisys3.htm.
View of streetscape along Truckee’s Commercial
Row.
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IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
M. VISUAL RESOURCES
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P2.7: Require electric, telecommunications and cable television facilities serving new
development to be installed underground wherever possible. Where undergrounding is
impractical, above ground antennae and telephone and high voltage transmission lines shall be
located out of significant scenic vistas.
P4.1: Recognize and preserve views of the night sky as an important natural and scenic
resource in Truckee.
P4.2: Require light fixtures to be designed and sited so as to minimize light pollution, glare,
and light trespass into adjoining properties.
P4.3: Encourage the removal, replacement or retrofit of light fixtures that contribute to light
pollution.
P5.5: Enhance physical connections between adjacent uses and between different parts of
Truckee.
P5.1: Ensure that planning and development decisions are oriented towards the maintenance of
Truckee’s unique character, reflecting the following considerations:
Identification of specific types of centers, residential neighborhoods, employment districts,
corridors and gateways.
Respect for the quality, character and context of existing development within these
different areas of the town.
Ensuring that new development enhances the desired character of each of these areas.
Discouraging new architecture that directly mimics or is derivative of the buildings of the
historic Downtown.
Encouraging the retrofit or rehabilitation of existing buildings to more closely comply with
Town policies, standards and guidelines for high quality architecture and design.
Consideration of the relationship of the built environment to the qualities and context of
the landscape and natural environment in which it is situated.
P5.2: Require all new development to incorporate high quality site design, architecture, and
planning so as to enhance the overall quality of the built environment in Truckee and create a
visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing town environment.
P6.2: Preserve Downtown’s rich legacy of historic buildings and sites, and ensure that new
development respects the character and context of those resources.
P6.4: Require buildings to be located closer to the street, where appropriate, and for off-street
parking areas to be located to the rear of commercial buildings, where feasible. Ultimate
building locations must accommodate snow removal and snow storage, and should maximize
solar orientation.
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Community Character Element
Policies
P1.1: Utilize the mechanisms and strategies identified in the Conservation and Open Space
Element of the General Plan as a tool to actively protect open space in Truckee, including that
containing or contributing to the town’s scenic mountain qualities.
P1.2: Ensure that all new development, occurring at all scales and densities, maximizes the
provision of all types of open space, including scenic open space that contributes to and
enhances the town’s community character.
P3.1: Regulate the visual appearance and location of development within identified buffer areas
along Interstate 80 and Highway 89 North in order to protect the visual quality of these
corridors and the views that are available from them.
P3.4: Require preservation of existing vegetation on sites along I-80 to screen existing and new
development visible from Interstate 80. Where necessary, require additional landscaping to
screen buildings and other facilities. Accommodation shall be made to permit visibility of
signage for approved Highway Commercial uses in areas where such uses are specifically
permitted.
Conservation and Open Space Element
Policies
P1.5: Adhere to the following criteria for open space preserved through direct actions of the
Town, through open space and clustered development requirements and incentives, and
through the development review process:
Provide the maximum possible degree of community benefit, as expressed through the
Vision for Truckee and the guiding principles, goals and policies of the General Plan.
Preserve open space that, to the greatest possible extent, occurs in large blocks and is
contiguous and connected.
Provide the greatest possible level of public access while respecting private property rights,
sensitive habitat values, and safety concerns.
Provide maximum benefit in terms of habitat preservation.
Enhance the overall character of Truckee as a scenic, mountain community.
Economic Development Element
Policies
P7.1: Land use, urban design, open space and community facilities in Truckee shall reinforce
the preservation and enhancement of the Town’s natural capital.
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2. Relevant Railyard Draft Master Plan Policies
The Draft Master Plan includes specific polices related to aesthetics and visual character.
New development within the Master Plan Area would be subject to the following aesthetic
and visual character policies within the Draft Master Plan:
Policies
1.d: Require a mix of building forms and uses to increase the diversity of uses in Downtown Truckee.
1.h: Develop the Railyard Master Plan Area in phases from the existing Downtown toward the east to
support the economic feasibility of redeveloping the Railyard.
1.j: Design and allow for building uses to evolve over time to accommodate shifting market demand and
community context.
1.l: Support redevelopment in transitional areas adjacent to the Railyard Master Plan Area that is
consistent with the Master Plan Goals and Policies.
2.a: Create a street and sidewalk that is physically connected to the existing Downtown, surrounding
neighborhoods, and Trout Creek and visually connected to the natural features including the Truckee
River and surrounding mountains.
3.a: Enhance Truckee’s Downtown as a destination by incorporating the unique mountain town character
into the design of the Railyard Master Plan Area and creating visual and physical connections to the
natural amenities within the area.
3.b: Facilitate a seamless interface between the Railyard Master Plan Area and the existing Downtown
through well-designed street and sidewalk improvements, building forms and uses.
3.c: Preserve and enhance public views of the mountains, Trout Creek, and Truckee River through the
Railyard development.
3.d: Require visually appealing architecture, streetscapes and human scale building design including
porches, awnings, cornices, and large ground floor windows to enhance the public realm, encourage
pedestrian travel, facilitate community interaction, and promote public safety.
3.g: Create unique neighborhoods through diversity of building types with numerous building variations
along a single block and recognize that the organic and somewhat random nature of development in the
existing Downtown has created the unique character of Truckee.
3.h: Create a sense of arrival to the existing downtown and the Railyard Master Plan Area.
3.i: Require development in the Industrial Heritage (IH) District to reflect the heritage of the old lumber
mill, the railyards, and the industrial history of the area.
3.j: Require the construction of unique and quality projects that express individual character while
complementing surrounding buildings and require a similar level of architectural detailing on all building
elevations visible from the public realm, where appropriate.
3.k: Create a pleasant pedestrian environment by buffering pedestrians from vehicular traffic with street
trees landscaping, where appropriate and consistent with Truckee’s character.
3.l: Design for the winter climate with attention to microclimate conditions and create enjoyable year-
round public places.
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4.c: Take advantage of the east-west aspect of the Railyard Master Plan Area to provide solar access
(southern exposure) for streets, buildings, and public places.
3. Impacts and Mitigation Measures
This section analyzes impacts related to aesthetic resources and visual character that could
result from implementation of the proposed project. The subsection begins with the criteria
of significance, which establish the thresholds for determining whether an impact is
significant. The latter part of this section presents the impacts associated with the proposed
project. Mitigation measures are recommended, as appropriate.
a. Criteria of Significance. Development of the proposed project would have a signifi-
cant effect on aesthetic resources and visual character if it would:2
Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.
Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway.
Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings.
Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area.
The significance criteria identified above are based on Section 15065 and Appendix G of the
CEQA Guidelines.
b. Less-Than-Significant Visual Quality Impacts. The discussion below describes the
less-than-significant impacts to visual quality resulting from implementation of the Draft
Master Plan.
(1) Scenic Vistas and Scenic Resources. The Town of Truckee General Plan
identifies several scenic resources that are visible from the Master Plan Area including vistas
of mountains, open space areas, Trout Creek and the historic Town Center. As shown in
photos within this section, the views of mountains to the east and Downtown to the west
are uninterrupted by buildings or structures. Buildout of the Master Plan Area would alter
views of these vistas from and through the Master Plan Area. The vistas of mountains to the
east would not be lost; however, the foreground view from the Master Plan Area toward the
mountains would be modified as new structures are built within the Master Plan Area. The
existing views of Trout Creek would be altered as the balloon track is relocated and new
structures are developed in the Master Plan. Views to and through the Master Plan Area
from Downtown would change with the realignment of Donner Pass Road (to continue
2 2007 CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G.
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through the Master Plan Area), the balloon track relocation further east and new
construction within the Master Plan Area. However, these changes would not significantly
alter the background views of the mountains and Downtown. The Draft Master Plan
recognizes the sensitivity of development within the Master Plan Area as it relates to
protecting and preserving the Town’s scenic vistas and resources. Development within the
Master Plan Area would be subject to the several goals and policies within the Railyard Draft
Master Plan and the Town’s General Plan (included within this section). Though the current
views would change, the goals and polices of the General Plan and the Draft Master Plan
would ensure that new development within the Draft Master Plan would not significantly
degrade views of scenic vistas. Compliance with these goals and polices would ensure that
no significant impacts on scenic vistas and scenic resources would result.
(2) Scenic Highways. As mentioned previously, there are no State-designated
highways in Truckee. However, the Town of Truckee General Plan designates two scenic
corridors including the entire length I-80 within Town limits, except the south side of the
interstate in the Downtown, and SR-89 North between Prosser Dam Road and the Town
limits. Development within the Master Plan Area would be visible from I-80. Development
projects within the Master Plan Area must comply with the Town’s General Plan policies for
development along these corridors (see Community Character Element policies P3.1 and
P3.4 above). Compliance with these policies would result in less-than-significant impacts on
the Town’s designated scenic corridors.
(3) Visual Character. Development within the Master Plan Area would change the
character of the Master Plan Area by allowing a mixture of commercial, residential, parks
and extending streets at the juncture where Commercial Row meets the relatively
undeveloped railyard property. The Railyard Draft Master Plan recognizes the importance of
transitioning development from historic Downtown to new development with the Master
Plan Area.
The Draft Master Plan includes several policies, development standards and design
guidelines for new development within the Master Plan Area, which explicitly call for
building design and streetscape improvements that are respectful of historical architecture
in the vicinity. The Master Plan Area had historically been occupied by the railyard and
sawmill, but has been virtually vacant for nearly two decades following the removal of the
majority of buildings and features associated with those uses. The development standards
and guidelines for the Downtown Extension area, the Industrial Heritage area, and the Trout
Creek area contain specifications for the form, massing, block design, and streetscape of
the new development, which will be reminiscent of the diversity of uses and historical
appearance of the Downtown Character Area without reproducing existing architectural
styles. Additionally, the westernmost portion of the Master Plan Area is within the Town’s
Historic Preservation Overlay District, and the Draft Master Plan’s guidelines and standards
for the Downtown Extension District were inspired by the Commercial District Character
Area of the Downtown Specific Plan to ensure that new development is consistent with the
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established character. Specific standards and guidelines include buildings built to the
sidewalk, shop-front windows, awnings, and arcades, as appropriate. Architecturally, the
Downtown Extension area would conform to the development standards and guidelines
specifically designed to create visually compatible and pedestrian-friendly transitions from
Commercial Row and Church Street into the new development.
Implementation of the standards and guidelines within the Draft Master Plan, together with
goals and polices of the Truckee General Plan and the Draft Master Plan, would ensure that
future development within the Master Plan Area would be of high quality architectural
design, site design, and building orientation that is appropriate for the historic Downtown
interface. Therefore, implementation and buildout of the Master Plan Area would not
substantially degrade the character or quality of the Master Plan Area and its surroundings.
Visual simulations will be provided as part of the town’s review of future projects within the
Master Plan Area.
c. Significant Visual Resources Impacts. No significant visual resource or visual
character impacts would result from the implementation of the Draft Master Plan.
(1) Light and Glare. Long-term light and glare impacts resulting from the
development of the Master Plan Area would include new sources of light from street lamps,
residences, commercial uses and additional use of vehicles. Street lighting would be
installed along all collector and local streets, and lighting may also be installed in parks and
trails as required for safety and security.
Impact VIS-1: Implementation and buildout of the Master Plan Area would result in
sources of light and glare. (S)
Development within the Master Plan Area must comply with the Town’s General Plan policies
for protecting the night sky and reducing light and glare in new developments (Community
Character Element policies P4.1 and P4.2 above) and compliance with these policies would
result in less-than-significant impacts related to light and glare. Additionally, the Develop-
ment Code includes standards for exterior lighting3; however, the Draft Master Plan does not
incorporate these standards.
The following mitigation measure would reduce potential impacts resulting from new
sources of light and glare to a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure VIS-1: Prior to adoption of the Draft Master Plan, the Town
Development Code standards for exterior lighting (Section 18.30.060) shall be
incorporated in the Draft Master Plan. (LTS)
3 Town of Truckee, 2000. Development Code, Section 18.30.060. November 6.