TOWNSHIP 9 LEED ND RECOMMENDATIONS STUDY
RUSHYAN YEN LAND USE PLANNING SEMINAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION City of Sacramento Development and Urban Planning
4. EXISTING MASTERPLAN LEED-ND ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESULTS
Urban Infill projects in Sacramento
The LEED-ND Rating System overview
Township Nine LEED-ND Recommendation Study Organization
Smart Location and Linkage Neighborhood Pattern and Design
2. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND STUDY AREA Township 9 LEED-ND Study Area Overview Township 9 Project Objectives Township 9 in the River District Area River District Past and Present
3. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSETS AND CHALLENGES Land Use Urban Design Sustainability Goals Connectivity Green Infrastructure Hydrology and Water Quality American River Parkway as a Resource Ecology / Nature Viewsheds and Allowable Heights Housing Community Services Cultural Resources Utility Infrastructure Noise and Vibration
Green Infrastructure and Building Innovation and Design Regional Priority Existing Neighborhood Assessment Conclusions
1. INTRODUCTION
Downtown Sacramento Revitalization Sacramento is the capital city of California and the seat of government of Sacramento County. It is at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California’s expansive Central Valley. Its estimated 2014 population of 475,122 made it the sixth-largest city in California. While downtown Sacramento is the heart of the city’s attractions, resturants and nightlife; recent news sources such as the Sacramento Press have described downtown as a “gost town” on weekends. (Where did the downtown population go? Sacramento Press, 2013)
By regaining its lost population, downtown Sacramento could once again become a vibrant, lively central city. There is room downtown for a mixture of entertainment, employment, commercial activity, public transportation, and tens of thousands more downtown residents, who can then join commuters, visitors and friends from the greater Sacramento region in the intricate dance of modern city life. Recent infill projects in downtown Sacramento aim to revitalize the city.
This absence of people can be attributed to the dramatic drop in Sacramento’s downtown population after 1950, when a series of federal laws were created to address the problems of downtwon slum districts, a method commonly called “redevelopment.” “Redevelopment zones became the site of business districs and retail areas which soon displaced almost all of the neighborhood’s original residents. Urban planners, business leaders and real estate developers lament downtown Sacramento’s loss of urban vitality. A number of factors have been blamed as the cause but in the end, the missing factor can be attributed to the insufficient housing for people which would bring residents to downtown (Sacramento Press, 2013). Until there is sufficient housing for thousands more central city residents, downtown Sacramento has little hope of revival, and even the encouraging signs of recent successes are vulnerable to the next economic downturn or political shift. Residents bring economic stability and political representation to a neighborhood; if Sacramento’s central city still contained 58,000 people, it would have sufficient population to comprise its own City Council district.
SACRAMENTO BASICS Established:
1839 by James Sutter
Rivers:
Confluence of Sacramento and American Rivers
Size:
100.105 sq mi
Population:
475,000
Density:
4.700/sq mi
Urban:
1.44 million
Metro:
2.6 million
Accessibility:
Interstate 80 and 5, Amtrak train, International airport
Urban Infill projects in Sacramento Over the last decade, developers have been saying strong demand for new housing close to Sacramento’s urban core would drive construction in some of the city’s most challenging infill sites. They planned developments aimed at young professionals and empty-nesters, who they predicted would seek single family homes closer to work and within easy reach of the central city’s trendy restaurants and shopping. Despite much talk about “infill” development, and several proposals for high-rises downtown, the actual growth of housing units in existing city neighborhoods was incremental and came in small batches. The highrises fizzled in the housing crash, and plans for such major sites as the downtown rail yard went dormant. Today, however, Sacramento’s central core and its surrounding established neighborhoods are poised to add hundreds of housing units on sizable pieces of land in the next few years. Northwest Land Park is the latest to get underway. Its developers aim to attract young professionals and downsizing baby boomers with smaller, energy efficient homes, which will be built on land long occupied by a wood products plant. In east Sacramento, the Sacramento City Council recently approved the McKinley Village development, envisioned with more than 300 homes, on a crescent of land along the Capital City Freeway that has frustrated developers for decades. And after $30 million in toxic cleanup and a decade of wrangling with neighbors, developer Paul Petrovich is selling home lots to builders in his Curtis Park Village project, which will include nearly 500 housing units. Builders and developers say they think they can tap
into pent up demand for urban living at sales prices high enough to make their investments wort while, despite infill’s greater costs and challenges. Most of the projects started before last decade’s housing crash, then went dark in the downturn. But the have come out of hibernation at a time builders say couldn’t be better. “I do believe the timing’s right. It’s the maturing of the Sacramento real estate market,” said Kevin Carson, Northern California president of the New Home Company, which is building McKinley Village and The Cannery project in Davison the site of a former tomato processing plant. “In other core areas, in Denver and elsewhere, you saw this happening a decade ago.” Sacramento’s central city, the area between the rivers and the freeways, saw 1,780 housing units created between 1990 and 2006, most of them rental apartments, according to the city. That compares to 15,332 units built in downtown Denver during the same period. In Sacramento’s last housing boom, a decade ago, builders covered suburban fields in “nondescript beige
colored tract homes without character,” Carson said. In contrast, infill developments tie into established neighborhoods, which can provide instant character and amenities. “That’s what’s so exciting about infill,” Carson said. “You have neighborhood character, with restaurants and shops that are part of the fabric. I think that’s what people are looking for. Neighborhood creation and neighborhood planning are becoming as important as home construction as far as what’s going to make people move.” At this week’s groundbreaking in Land Park, Councilman Hansen told those gathered that it’s time for the city to reclaim its residents, after a suburban exodus that lasted more than 50 years. In 1950 there were 60,000 residents downtown; today there are 32,000, and not enough housing to meet demand from those who wish to live near the roughly 100,000 jobs that downtown employers provide, he said. “We have a jobs and housing imbalance.” (Hudson Sangree,The Sacramento Bee, May 2014)
Township 9, located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers, is perhaps the most exciting location for Sacramento’s infill projects. The development will bring up to 2,350 housing units, 150,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and more than 800,000 square feet of office. Its first development, a 180unit apartment complex, is now under construction. The project is located in the River District of Sacramento, a 1,050 acre area undergoing tremendous revitalization from its industrial origins as a distribution and wholesale hub into an eclectic, mixed use community with a wide range of employment, entertainment and housing options for families and individuals.
Township 9 Leed-ND Recommendation Study Organization The Township Nine LEED-ND Recommendations Study is intended as an input into the neighborhood planning process. It is based on the LEED-ND Rating System (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development), a new national rating system for creating sustainable neighborhoods, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Congress for New Urbanism. This Recommendations Study begins with an overview of the project and the study area, including additional information about the LEED-ND Rating System. This is followed by a LEED-ND assessment of Township 9, including a summary of its key assets, challenges and steps to improve.
Source: EIP Associates, A division of PBS&J, 2006.
10235 | JCS | 06
FIGURE 2-1
Project Location A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
2. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND STUDY AREA
The Township 9 LEED-ND Study Area Overview The Township 9 project is a 65 acre mixed-use development in the River District of the City of Sacramento. Providing up to 2,500 housing units, 840,000 square feet of office space, and 145,000 square feet of urban retail, Township 9 is Sacramento’s environmentally sound urban infill model. The area is planned primarily for multifamily residential use and will be developed at a pedestrian scale with building story heights limited to low rise construction. Two to four story attached residences are expected. The area will have a network of local driveways and pedestrian passages connecting the Transit Area to the Riverfront Area. All Township 9 developments will seek LEED certification, upholding the highest environmental and sustainability standards. The project will also take advantage of technological advancements in solar power, fiber optic networking, and water treatment. RT’s Light Rail Green Line Station will anchor the development, connecting it to Sacramento’s existing downtown resources. Thomas Law Group attorneys Tina Thomas, Ashle Crocker and Amy Higuera were integral in securing land use entitlements, the development agreement, and EIR certification for the project. The Township 9 project was approved by a unanimous vote at the Sacramento City Council and no litigation was filed to challenge project approval.
ABOUT THE PROJECT The Nehemial Cos.
Completion Date:
Complete build-out, 2018
Size:
65 acres
Cost:
$38 million (infrastructure), $1.5 billion (total project build-out)
Location:
Richards Boulevard and North 7th St., Sacramento, CA
General Contractor: Otto Construction Architect:
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Engineer:
Nolte Associates Inc.
NORTH
NOT TO SCALE
Source: Carter::Burgess, 2006.
FIGURE 2-2 01089 | JCS | 07
Developer:
Illustrative Site Plan A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Project Objectives The overarching goal of the proposed Township 9 project is the orderly and systematic development of an integrated, transit oriented, mixed-use community that is generally consistent with the goals and policies of the City’s General Plan, the Central City Community Plan (CCCP), the RBAP, and the American River Parkway Plan, and is compatible with site characteristics. In support of this overarching goal, the project applicants have developed the following objectives for the proposed project: •
•
• • •
•
• • • • •
Create a transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use, live-work development that is a logical extension of the downtown area north to the American River; Incorporate a riverfront park and river trail into the project to enhance both the project’s and City’s goals of increasing public use and enhancing the appearance of the riverfront; Integrate employment opportunities with residential neighborhoods of varying unit densities throughout the project area; Create a residential development near the major employment centers of downtown Sacramento; Provide for construction of a transit line and Richards Boulevard Light Rail Station along the planned Downtown-Natomas-Airport (DNA) light rail transit line with densities that would support the feasibility of a light rail line; Design a project that promotes using various modes of transportation by locating highdensity residential development within a quarter-mile of the proposed light rail station; Develop the project site in a manner consistent with and supportive of Sacramento Area Council of Government’s (SACOG’s) Blueprint plan; Provide neighborhood and community retail near residential development to shorten or reduce the number of vehicle trips; Incorporate urban parks, plazas and open space into the project design in a manner that provides community connectivity; Make efficient and economically viable use of an infill development opportunity;
The City has developed the following objectives for the proposed project: • • • •
Stimulate planned development along the waterfront, in turn creating a more inviting and safer waterfront environment for its residents; Increase office and retail job opportunities in the City and the residential component that accompanies such jobs; Provide and encourage public access to the American River waterfront; Enhance the City’s supply of housing that provides a range of housing opportunities available to residents from a wide range of economic levels.
(Township 9 Resolution, Sacrameto City Council, August 2007)
Township 9 in the River District Area The Township 9 project is located in the center of the River District Area of the City of Sacramento. The River District comprises approximately 1,050 acres bounded by the Sacramento River on the west, the American River on the north, the Union Pacific rail line on the south, and Sutter’s Landing Park on the east. The River District Design Guidelines establishes policies and standards which guide the distribution, location, and intensity of new development in the area; standards and design guidelines which are intended to enhance the character of new development and compatibility between the different uses planned for the area; policies and guidelines that provide direction on expanding existing uses; policies and actions for establishing new housing in the area; and policies and standards related to the provision of community facilities, including schools, parks and open space, police and fire facilities, child care and social service facilities. The project site is located in the central portion of the River District in an area designated RB-3: Riverfront Central planning sub-area. The approximately 65-acre Township 9 site is generally bounded by Richards Boulevard to the south, the American River to the north, North 5th Street to the west, and North 7th Street to the east. There are 13 parcels on the project site.
Ideal Commercial, Industrial, Public Agency and Residential Center • • • • •
Its location at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers promises opportunities for residential development and supporting retail, restaurant and recreational uses. Its location in Sacramento’s central city, adjacent to downtown, makes it an ideal business, transportation and residential center. It supports diverse land use opportunities for commercial, industrial, public agency, retail and residential Its transportation network provides easy access to Interstates 5 and 80, as well as Sacramento International Airport Its accessibility to transit and the intermodal transit station make it one of the region’s most accessible sites with light rail or bus service available within a 10minute walk from any point in the District
River District Design Guidelines In February, 2008, two workshops were held to gather public input on Urban Design and Land Use, Circulation and Infrastructure within the District. This formed the basis of the River District Design Guideline which provide urban design and architectural guidelines for the District. These guidelines will be used throughout this assessment to better understand the neighborhood assests and challenges of the site.
Guiding Principles The River District Specific Plan guiding principles and goals will guide the development of the District. They establish a framework for the future of the River District. • • • •
• • •
The River District’s unique character and design will provide a sense of place. The River District will be comprised of distinct neighborhoods with unique personalities. The River District’s desirable location will support its diverse and robust economy. The River District will maximize connectivity – north/ south and east/west – and support all transportation modes. The River District will be a model for Sustainable Development. The River District Specific Plan will support strategies to improve safety and social conditions. The scenic environment and livability of the River District will be enhanced through the development of public parks, open space, trails and outstanding community facilities and amenities.
Source: River District Design Guidelines, City of Sacramento Urban Design Group, 2011
River District Past and Present
Proximity to Rail, Road & Water made the River District a Distribution Center Through the early 1900’s, the River District was subject to flooding and drainage problems. As new levees were constructed, the area became a focus for warehousing and distribution due to its proximity to major water, rail and road arteries that could distribute the agricultural products of the fertile Sacramento Valley throughout the nation. In the early 1920’s, the City of Sacramento constructed the water filtration plant that is located in the western portion of the area, adjacent to the Sacramento River. In 1928, the California Cooperative Producers Company built a tomato cannery in the area. That plant was later bought by Thomas S. Richards, Sr. who, together with landowners Henri and Peter Bercut, formed the BercutRichards Packing Company. It became the largest independently owned cannery in California. During World War II, the Federal government constructed the Dos Rios (now Twin Rivers) housing complex and in 1952, a printing plant was developed at North 7th and North B streets to serve the State government. The area was annexed to the City of Sacramento in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
Restore Connection to the Water The City Plan of 1873 (Figure) illustrated a desire of the City to extend the Sutter Grid north through today’s River District. The recent Railyards street grid carries that vision forward to the southern boundary of the District with streets which closely approximate the historic Sutter grid (Figure). The River District street network has sought to maintain the scale of the downtown grid while responding to recently approved plans and built conditions and embodying a pedestrian scaled network. Prior land consolidations in the district may prevent through streets in some areas, however, future opportunities should be sought to subdivide large parcels and facilitate connectivity of pedestrian and vehicular movement throughout the district and move closer to the realization of the urban grid plan.
3. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSETS AND CHALLENGES
Land Use Existing Uses on the Project Site Surrounding land uses consist of the American River to the north, industrial uses to the south, industrial and office uses to the east and west. The site is predominantly covered with commercial structures and impervious surfaces. Vegetation is sparse and consists of shrubs and trees located sporadically across the site. A portion of the site, approximately 12 acres, is located on the water side of the American River levee, within the American River Parkway. A dirt trail runs along the top of the levee providing a pedestrian and bicycle trail and providing levee and river access for maintenance activities. Existing uses on the project site include industrial, warehouse, commercial, and office uses. Current active businesses on the property include offices of the project applicant, cold storage, concrete storage and delivery, a livestock feed supplier, hay-bail compression and delivery, and a warehouse occupied by the Sacramento Habitat for Humanity. To the west across North 5th Street are Sump Pump 111, a Sacramento County Sheriff facility, state and county offices, and a FedEx distribution center. To the south across Richard Boulevard are various manufacturing uses, warehouses, and the Office of State Publishing. To the east across North 7th Street are several office buildings, including the Continental Plaza office park. Several buildings house State of California offices. In addition, there are warehousing uses near the northeastern corner of the project site along the levee. Most structures surrounding the project site are 2 to 3 stories in height. A number of the existing buildings on the project site are considered historic structures.
Land Use Goals of River District • • • • •
Encourage a compatible mix of uses that provide goods and services meeting the regular needs of residents and employees. Create a River District that is safe and inviting. Encourage subareas to grow as distinct neighborhoods with unique characteristics and atmosphere. Eliminate obstacles to development. Allow development in the River District to take place over time, respecting its eclectic nature.
Existing Land Use Designations and Zoning The City of Sacramento’s General Plan existing land use designation for the project site are described below: ARP-F American River Parkway Applies to areas designated as a floodway likely to be inundated by a flood having a one per cent per annum chance of occurrence or greater. This overlay is intended to prevent the loss of life and property by prohibiting the erection of improvements or structures. Also to protect the natural features of property within the flood plain of the American River to prevent erosion and situation and to preserve valuable open space in accordance with the provisions of the General Plan. SPD Special Planning District An area designated as a Special Planning District has been determined to be in need of general physical and economic improvement or has special environmental features that land use, zoning and other regulations cannot adequately address. Parkway Corridor Overlay Zone Since the American River and its adjacent flood plain are situated within an intensively developed urban area, it is necessary to mitigate the potential adverse environmental impacts associated with contiguous urban development. The Parkway Corridor Overlay Zone designation applies to all property within the city of Sacramento zoned ARP-F and includes special development regulations intended to reduce those impacts which are incompatible with the maintenance of the American River as a natural resource. In addition, the regulations are intended to implement the general plan and the American River parkway plan.
NORTH
Source: NOLTE, February, 2007.
NOT TO SCALE
FIGURE 2-3 01089 | JCS | 07
M-2 Heavy Industrial Zone This zone permits the manufacture or treatment of goods from raw materials. Maximum height is 75 feet. There is no maximum lot coverage. The parking ratio for warehousing uses is no less than 1 space per 1000 square feet gross floor area and no more than 1 space per 500 square feet of gross floor area.
Existing Zoning A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Proposed rezoning The project would require approval of a rezone to change the zoning designations (as identified in Title 17 of the Sacramento Municipal Code) on the proposed project site. The project would require approval of a rezone to the following designations: RMX Residential Mixed Use Zone This is a mixed-use zone. The zone permits multiple family residential, office and limited commercial uses in a mixture established for the area through a special planning district or adopted location standards. Minimum land area per unit is 1,200 square feet, 36 units per acre. Maximum height is 35 feet. A-OS Agriculture-Open Space Zone This is an exclusive agricultural zone designed for the longterm preservation of agricultural and open space land. This zone is designated to prevent the premature development of land in this category to urban uses. The maximum height is 50 feet. PUD Planned Unit Development The purpose of the Planned Unit Development designation is to provide for greater flexibility in the design of integrated developments than is otherwise possible through the strict application of the City’s zoning regulations. PUD allows for a variety of land uses in one area to exist through creative and imaginative planning. Properties with a PUD designation are subject to the specific development guidelines of the PUD in which it is located and the Zoning Ordinance section relating to PUDs. There would be no rezoning of the portion of the project site zoned ARP-FSPD.
NORTH
NOT TO SCALE
Source: NOLTE, January, 2007.
01089 | JCS | 07
FIGURE 2-12
Proposed Zoning A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
River District Design Guidlines
River District Design Objectives
The RBAP designates the project site) as defined below.
The RBAP also sets forth objectives and policies that guide development in the area.
Industrial/Residential This designation serves the dual objective of identifying land for future residential development while allowing existing commercial and industrial uses to continue and expand, and is applied to areas that have the best potential for future housing. Existing commercial and industrial uses are allowed to continue within this district, and certain heavy industrial and service commercial uses may locate within the area. New residential development is conditionally allowable, subject to site planning standards for land use compatibility and overall livability. Transit-Oriented Office This designation allows the development of a mixed-use office district adjacent to the Intermodal Terminal. Open Space The open space designation is applied to the American and Sacramento River corridors, and provides for the protection of the visual, environmental and recreational values fo the river corridors. The Industrial/Residential designation also has a building density requirement of a minimum of 15 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) and a maximum of 65 du/ac. New residential development is limited to a height of 75 feet. Ten-foot setbacks from street frontages, and 15-foot setbacks from all property lines that abut a dissimilar use are required. A 25-foot setback is required along north 7th Street.
Land Use Objectives and Policies • Provide for the development of a diverse mixture of uses within the Richards area which will complement Sacramento’s downtown district • Provide a variety of housing opportunities, and facilitate the enhancement and revitalization of the Richards Boulevard area. • Strengthen Sacramento’s Central City as the region’s principal employment center, through the creation of a significant transitoriented support office district in close proximity to the downtown and State Capitol. • Maintain and improve retail services in the area. • Encourage retail businesses which serve the shopping and entertainment needs of residents and office workers. • Provide opportunities for new housing within the Richards Boulevard planning area, in order to reinforce the Central City as a place to live as well as work. • Identify areas for future housing development. • Maintain the current M-2 zoning within the area designated Industrial/Residential. Allow residential rezonings if requested by an applicant. • Configure land uses and development intensity in a way that reinforces transit ridership and supports public investment in transit facilities, particularly the planned Intermodal Terminal and the extension of light rail service through the area. • Strengthen the character and livability of the Richards Boulevard area by developing a strong system of public open space, and by preserving historic architectural resources. • Configure new development and land uses to enhance public access and recreational use of the American and Sacramento River Parkways.
Proposed Land Use The proposed project includes the development of approximately 839,628 gross square feet of office use, 2,350 dwelling units and approximately 146,194 gross square feet of neighborhood-serving retail and restaurant uses. The project would include residential/retail structures, a network of public streets, aboveground and subgrade parking facilities, public and private open space areas, a river trail, and a riverfront pavilion with a tower structure, an overlook, and an outdoor performance facility. The project would also include space for a transit station and tracks for future construction by Sacramento RT. Residential Uses Proposed residential uses include apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and live/ work units. Buildings would range from 2 to 15 stories with a maximum height of 180 feet. Approximately 2,350 residential units will be developed. Office Space 839,628 square feet of office uses would be developed in place of residential units on lots 13, 14, and 17. The tallest structure will be a 15-story, 235-foot-tall office building (with ground-floor retail) on lot 13. Retail and Restaurant Uses Retail uses would be located in the ground floor of residential buildings and would include a mix of restaurant uses such as coffee and sandwich shops, fast-food establishments, and bars. Other neighborhood-serving uses such as hair salons, dry cleaning, small grocery stores, flower shops, and office-type services would also be provided. Retail/restaurant uses proposed total approximately 146,194 square feet. Parking Facilities The project will include approximately 5,389 parking spaces. NORTH
NOT TO SCALE
Source: Carter::Burgess, 2007.
FIGURE 2-5 01089 | JCS | 07
Parks and Open Space The project would include approximately 27 acres of public open spaces and approximately 3,920 square feet of private open spaces. (See Green Infrastructure Section).
Land Use Plan (Scenario B) A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Compatibility with Existing and Planned Adjacent Land Uses The existing adjacent land uses along Richards Boulevard consist primarily of office buildings, industrial uses, and warehousing and manufacturing businesses. The area has a heavy industrial presence, although the Richards Boulevard area is changing and becoming more diverse. The proposed project would change the use of the site from industrial uses to residential uses with ground-floor retail and parks and open space. Office uses on lots fronting Richards Boulevard would be included. Although there are no other existing or proposed residential developments adjacent to the project site, the proposed project would be compatible with the surrounding uses. Residential uses coupled with retail and office uses complement existing surrounding offices and provide for living and shopping opportunities near existing employment areas. In addition, placing residential uses adjacent to a potential light rail line and transit station along Richards Boulevard creates an opportunity for non-vehicular transportation in the city. It is not anticipated that operation of the proposed project would generate excessive noise, light, dust, odors, or hazardous emissions that could be considered incompatible with existing or planned adjacent land uses. The proposed project would also be adjacent to the American River. Development currently exists adjacent to the river, including on the project site. Development of the proposed project would introduce a new population adjacent to the river. However, access to the river itself would remain restricted in that area while increased access to the American River Parkway system would enhance the overall recreational usage of the area. The proposed project would create a pedestrian-friendly environment adjacent to the Parkway and would complement the existing trail network.
Figure: Diagram showing anticipated retail areas in the district and their relationship to amenities such as transit stations and parks. Source: River District Design Guidelines, City of Sacramento Urban Design Group, 2011
Urban Design River District Urban Design Policies The River District Design Guidelines provide policy guidance to the Design Commission, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Commission, Planning Commission, Preservation Commission, and the City Council. Used in concert with the City of Sacramento Zoning and Preservation Ordinances and applicable building codes, this document will provide City staff and private interests a common basis for the evaluation of design and development issues during the design review and approval process. The guidelines that form the criteria for urban design in the River District are based on the following policies: A. Context: Allow for creative architectural solutions that acknowledge contextual design through emulation, interpretation, or contrast in character. B. Character: Complement the architectural character of existing historic building enclaves and promote harmony in the visual relationships and transitions between new and older buildings. C. Scale: Relate the bulk of new buildings to the prevailing scale of development to avoid an overwhelming or dominating appearance in new construction. D. Pedestrian: Enhance the pedestrian experience. E. Materials: Promote efforts to utilize high quality building materials, detailing & landscaping. F. Integrated Services: Promote functional & aesthetic
integration of building services, vehicular access and parking facilities. G. Sustainable Design: Promote sustainability in building design, construction and operation
River District Sustainability Goals As the center of the city and the region, and the State’s Capitol, Sacramento should be the main stage for demonstrating how to create a sustainable city. The amount of development projected for the River District provides a unique opportunity to promote more energy and resource efficient buildings, support greater recycling and waste reduction, and create greater biodiversity within the urban setting. A Sustainable River District should achieve measurable goals in terms of the performance of its buildings. New development should take a comprehensive and measurable approach to sustainability. All development should meet the criteria required for LEED certification (or another appropriate rating system) at a minimum. The Sustainable Design of buildings requires an evolving palette of design tools. Some tools require the application of common sense and best practices for the region. Others require designers to incorporate the latest technologies for mechanical systems and material use.
Sacramento Smart Growth Implementation
CENTRAL CITY COMMUNITY PLAN
Smart Growth is about changing traditional development patterns to revitalize central cities and existing communities, support public transportation and preserve open space. The following Smart Growth Principles were adopted in 2001: 1. Mix land uses and support vibrant city centers 2. Take advantage of existing community assets emphasizing joint use of facilities 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Foster walkable, close-knit neighborhoods 5. Promote distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place, including the rehabilitation and use of historic buildings 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Concentrate new development and target infrastructure investments within the urban core of the region 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective 10. Encourage citizen & stakeholder participation in development decisions 11. Promote resource conservation and energy efficiency 12. Create a Smart Growth Regional Vision and Plan 13. Support high quality education and quality schools 14. Support land use, transportation management, infrastructure and environmental planning programs that reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality 15. Policies adopted by regional decision-making bodies should discourage urban sprawl, promote infill development and the concentration of development
Figure CC-3 Central City Opportunity Areas Adopted March 3, 2009
Page 3-CC-19
Connectivity Regional access to the project site is provided by Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route 160 (SR 160). Local access is provided by Richards Boulevard (See Figure 2-1). Existing transit facilities in the project vicinity include the Sacramento Amtrak Station at 4th and I Streets, approximately 1.8 miles from the project site; the Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) Blue Line light rail route along 12th Street, with the La Valentina light rail station approximately 1.2 miles from the project site on 12th Street between D and E Streets; and RT bus service on Richards Boulevard, North B Street, 7th Street, and 12th Street.
Source: River District Design Guidelines, City of Sacramento Urban Design Group, 2011
Goals of River District Connectivity 5
• • •
Seq uo
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Dos Rios Stre et
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Richards Boulevard
Bannon Street
Sequoia Pacific
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•
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Pacific Boulevard Area Area
Jib
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•
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Berc
•
Maximize vehicle and pedestrian/bicycle connections within and between the River District and surrounding North 14th Street. Prioritize public infrastructure investment to stimulate further economic investment. Implement innovative approaches to solving traffic control problems. Support freeway improvements that will reinforce the Specific Plan circulation network. Support adding new and improving existing river crossings for all modes of travel. Maximize public transit connections within the River District. Provide pedestrian and bicycle paths, lanes and routes suitable for recreational and commuting purposes.
eet
Ban
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Dos Rios Area
Stree
t
Jibboom Street
•
Richa
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Bou
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et
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East Industrial Area
5
River District Areas River District Specific Plan Area
Area Identifying Streets
Interstate 5
LRT Lines and Station Stops Future LRT Connector
Main Circulation Route
Seven Areas of the River District that have distinctive urban design character.
Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Walkability Township 9 is bordered on two sides by intensive circulation arteries, Interstate 5 to the west, and Richards Boulevard on the south. Building heights have been set high along these two edges to shield the inner, lower-scaled neighborhood from noise. The heart of the Sequoia Area is the pedestrian spine terminating at the transit station plaza and the park leading to the Two Rivers Trail, where building heights are set at four to five stories, creating a pleasant pedestrian scale streetwall and allowing higher transition set back from the edge. The Township 9 project area was subdivided into seventeen (17) zones for the purposes of developing trip generation estimates and assigning project trips to the roadways Zone 2 and 9 were identified as open space and was assumed not to generate automobile traffic in the a.m. and p.m. peak hour periods. The estimate show that Township 9 has the potential to generate about 26,140 new external trips on an average day of which 2,327 would occur during the morning peak hour and 2,746 during the evening peak hour.
Figure: Township 9 Traffic Study: Project zones and access points. Source: Dowling Associates, Inc.
Walkable Neighborhood The urban design vision for this area has largely been set in the approved plans for Township 9. These plans follow the River District Specific Plan Principles and Goals for a walkable neighborhood with strong access to the American River Parkway. Township 9 seeks active uses and transparency at the street level which will characterize the streetscape for the 7th Street area, including frontages along Richards Boulevard and at the intersection of 7th and Richards Boulevard. Figure: Rendering of North 7th Street along Township 9 street fronts. (CarterBurgess)
Figure: Street view showing residential buildings surrounding a park (Carter-Burgess).
Future Transit The project would include an allowance for a transit station and tracks to be constructed by Sacramento Regional Transit. The project applicant proposes to create a 60-foot-wide easement over the south edge of lots 13, 14, and 17 subject to an agreement between the applicant and Regional Transit. It is anticipated that the air rights above the transit area would be maintained by the project applicant with the possibility of future structures being constructed. The planning, approval, environmental clearance, and construction of the station and tracks are not part of the proposed project. Roadways and Circulation The project would construct a network of public streets to provide vehicle and bicycle access throughout the project site. In addition, the project would provide sidewalks along all public streets to encourage pedestrian activity.
Township 9 Light Rail Station Source: Sacramento Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, 2007
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Township 9 Traffic Study EXISTING CONDITIONS
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Dowling Associates, Inc.
Township 9 Traffic Study FUTURE CONDITIONS Township 9 Traffic Study
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Figure 6.11-10 ROADWAY NETWORK LONG-TERM (2030) PLUS PROJECT
Source: Dowling Associates, Inc.
A variety of links to parks within the street grid and links from the street grid to the
Primary linkages within the District and from Downtown which pass through the Railyards and
surrounding river edge parks with anticipated program uses.
along 16th Street that coincide with activity nodes along the river edge.
Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Bike Access and Connections A Sacramento City / County Bicycle Task Force developed a 2010 Bikeway Master Plan for the region to coordinate and develop a bikeway system that will benefit and serve the recreational and transportation needs of the public. Officially designated bicycle facilities are classified as follows: Class I Off-street bike trails or paths which are physically separated from streets or roads used by motorized vehicles. Class II On-street bike lanes with signs, striped lane markings, and pavement legends. Class III On-street bike routes marked by signs and shared with motor vehicles and pedestrians. Optional four-inch edge lines painted on the pavement. The River District has specified the area as a easement for Class 1 bicycle trails and pedestrian facilities which would link the Railyards Park Blocks, through the River District and the Blue Diamond properties to the bike trail from C Street and onto Township 9 to the east. Figure: Bikeway Plan illustrating Class I bike facilities in the River District Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Providing Public Access to the River Public access to the river is a high priority of the River District Plan and all development is supposed to strive to incorporate attractive and secure passage from pubic streets to the Two Rivers Trail. Public access easements, or “Riverways”, for pedestrian and cycling access to the river provide other opportunities to activate the riverfront. All site design and architectural design will maximize the visibility of the public river trails with consideration for pedestrian safety, way-finding and high quality material treatment of walkways and landscape elements.
Creating a Unique Linear Pathway With limited recreational use of the riverfront, the extent of river frontage in Sacramento is little understood. The 2.7 miles of river frontage in the River District alone is nearly double the length of San Francisco’s Embarcadero from the Ferry Building to Pier 39. Such a significant opportunity to connect the community to two vast riverfronts, the River District has been identified as a central concept the development of active and passive points of interest along the American and Sacramento Rivers. These uses would be spaced an approximate walking interval of five to ten minutes. New riverfront developments, such as the Powerhouse Science Center, were encouraged to incorporate programming that will establish relationships with the river and the natural environment.
Figure: Waterfront opportunity comparison between San Francisco’s waterfront (left) with the riverfront length of Sacramento’s two bounding rivers. Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Hydrology and Water Quality Flood Hazards Scientists consider Sacramento — which sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers and near the delta — the most flood-prone city in the nation. A megaflood would not arrive as gradual seepage; it would be a rapid submerging of hundreds of square miles. Salt water would be sucked from the bay (in what is known as the big gulp) and impelled into the delta, contaminating drinking supplies for 25 million people, destroying some of the nation’s most productive farmland, washing away buildings, highways, gas lines and railroads and causing landslides. A flood in the delta could sink downtown Sacramento under as much as 20 feet of water, as well as cripple California (the eighthlargest economy in the world), hobble the nation and disrupt global trade. Township 9 therefore sits on a very precarious site with the potential of experiencing extreme flooding. Because it is an infill site that has been previously developed however, it still fulfills the LEED-ND prerequisite for Floodplain avoidance. Design for flood prevention and resiliency have been enforced in the plans for Township 9.
Figure: American River Parkway Flood Depth Zones. Source: Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency
Storm Drainage The proposed project site currently is served by Drainage Basin 111 and the Sump Pump 111 station located immediately west of the project site. The proposed project would be developed on land that currently contains approximately 51.5 acres of impervious surfaces. Development of the proposed project is expected to increase the amount of impervious surfaces by approximately 5.3 acres, leaving approximately 8.2 acres of pervious surfaces. Therefore, the project would result in an increase in stormwater runoff when compared to current conditions. However, project design includes adequate on-site detention facilities as required by City development standards. Therefore, surface and/or stormwater runoff from the project site would be properly contained on-site, making the proposed project’s contribution to the cumulative flooding impacts in the area less-thancumulatively considerable.
NORTH
Source: NOLTE, February, 2007.
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FIGURE 2-9 01089 | JCS | 07
In addition, the proposed project includes the construction of storm drainage collection infrastructure. Stormwater pipelines would be constructed in road rightof-ways to accommodate stormwater flows generated from the proposed project. The stormwater from the project flows south through North 7th Street, then travels west through Richards Boulevard, and connects to a large existing storm drainage line in North 5th Street. These flows are directed to Sump Pump 111 and are pumped into the Sacramento River.
Figure: Proposed Storm Drainage System Source: Township 9 Environmental Impact Report, 2007
Proposed Storm Drainage System A division of
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Township 9
Figure: Water feature along bike path Source: Township 9 Parks Master Plan, Jacobs
Green Infrastructure Parks and Open Space Township 9 is planned to include approximately 27 acres of public open spaces and approximately 3,920 square feet of private open spaces. Public open spaces would include urban parks and plazas, parkways, and natural open space along the American River. Private open spaces would consist of central courtyards that would serve as common open space for residential buildings. Although these courtyards would probably not be open to the public, they would serve residents as relief from the higher density nature of the project. Proposed on-site landscaping would include trees, shrubs, groundcover and/or turf and irrigation within street planter areas, medians, paseos and parks. Landscaped areas may include water features such as fountains.
There are mature trees lining North 7th Street and established landscaping along the east side of the street. Likewise, there are mature trees and landscaping along the west side of North 5th Street. Heavily degraded riparian habitat covers the water side of the American River levee. Because the project site is no more than 0.5 mile across, all parks within the proposed project would be within the 0.5 mile radius required to meet the neighborhood and community serving park standards. Community Parks are generally 10 to 60 acres in size and have a service area of approximately two to three miles, which encompasses several neighborhoods and meets the requirements of a large portion of the City.
Figure: Riverfront Park and the Two River Bike Trail. The grade of Township 9 is raised to be even with the top of the levee to provide views to the American River.
In addition to neighborhood park elements, a community park will also have restrooms, on-site parking, a community center, a swimming pool, lighted sports fields or courts, and other specialized facilities not found in a neighborhood park. A riverfront Pavilion is proposed at the terminus of North 7th Street as it approaches the waterfront. Pavilion uses could include an outdoor performance venue, an observation tower or monument, an overlook onto the American River, and other public urban park uses. The Pavilion would offer specialized facilities that are not found in a smaller, neighborhood park. These facilities would draw residents from the larger community and would serve more than just the project residents.
Figure: A Riverfront Pavilion is proposed at the terminus of North 7th Street as it approaches the waterfront.
River District Green Infrastructure Goals
Natural Open Space
Waterfront •
Overlook
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Riverfront Pavillion with Tower Feature
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Parkways
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Urban Park
Provide a community park of ten acres or larger to serve the River District. Provide neighborhood parks within one half mile of all residences in the River District. Provide parks, open spaces and gathering areas easily accessible to the employees working in the District. Seek opportunities to maximize public spaces through partnerships for joint use facilities. Activate the River District’s connection to the rivers. Create active and passive points of interest along the American and Sacramento Rivers. Respect riparian habitat, critical environmental areas, and views of the River. Create an open space transition zone between the river and private development. Create safe parks and riverfront environments.
Paseos
Signature Street & Roundabout Urban Plazas Figure: Proposed Parks and Open Spaces Source: Township 9 Environmental Impact Report, 2007 Source: Carter::Burgess, 2006.
FIGURE 2-6
Proposed Parks and Open Spaces
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American River Parkway as a Resource
The American River Parkway is an open space greenbelt which extends approximately 29 miles from Folsom Dam at the northeast to the American River’s confluence with the Sacramento River at the southwest. The river is the central focus of the Parkway which provides enjoyment to residents and visitors of the Sacramento region. In fact, the American River Parkway is often referred to as “the jewel” of the Sacramento Region.
Recreational activity is important in the maintenance of healthy lives. Residents in the Sacramento region are particularly fortunate in having easy access to the recreational opportunities that the Parkway provides. In addition, visitors to the Sacramento area can also take advantage of the natural, aesthetic and historical resources of the Parkway. While the importance of recreational opportunities is recognized, preserving the natural qualities of the Parkway resource is essential.
The environmental impact of development along the American River could be detrimental to wildlife and humans could be detrimental. To ensure environmental standards, two American River management plans are referenced in the design and planning of Township 9. These two management plans therefore provide a valuable reference for this LEED-ND assessment of Township 9. LEED-ND credits that refer to these documents include: Smart Location and Linkage: • Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities • Wetland and Water Body Conservation • Agricultural Land Conservation • Floodplain Avoidance • Site Design for Habitat or Water Body Conservation • Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands/Water Bodies • Long-Term Conservation Management of Habitat or Wetlands/Water Bodies Neighborhood Pattern & Design • Visitability and Universal Design Green Infrastructure & Buildings • Minimize Site Disturbance in Design and Construction • Water Efficient Landscaping • Light Pollution Reduction
2002 River Corridor Management Plan
The purpose of the RIver Corridor Management Plan (RCMP) is to institute a coopoerative approach to managing and enhancing the lower American River (LAR) corridor’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, flood-control systems and recreation values.
2008 American RIver Parkway Plan
The American River Parkway Plan is a policy document which provides guidelines for preservation, recreational use, development and administration of the American River Parkway. The riparian habitat along the American River is designated as a Protected Area in the American River Parkway Plan. Construction of the proposed overlook could impact the riparian area.
Two Rivers Trail and Levee Improvements The existing American River levee would be adapted to accommodate the Two Rivers Trail, a bicycle trail that runs between I-5 and SR 160. The existing trail and proposed park facilities would provide public access to the river. The Township 9 project proposes no change to the grade of the trail, which currently runs along the top of the levee. The levee improvements would be accomplished through grading operations that would place earthen fill against the existing levee that gently slopes away from the levee toward Richards Boulevard. The goal of this improvement is to minimize the visual and physical barrier of the levee and make the waterfront accessible to the public. The slope would meet existing ground at an average of 450 feet south of the existing levee. Since the adjacent properties do not incorporate this concept into their design, this improvement would need to conform to the existing topography on the east and west sides of the site. In most cases this would be accomplished by placing a slope of earthen fill down to existing ground level. The improvements would meet or exceed the City standards for the trail through this site and could include a wider pavement width that accommodates more users and a meandering alignment that works with the park uses planned within the project site. The final alignment and design elements would be planned with City input.
Figure: Street section example that bring open space of the river into the street grid in the Twin Rivers Community which creates a public promenade for jogging and walking and bicycling which links the inner street grid to the American River.
Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Levee Embankment The existing levee embankment in this area provides flood protection from high water events and supports a riparian habitat area along the southern bank of the lower portion of the American River. A paved bike trail on the levee crest, known as the Two Rivers Trail, begins at the entry to Tiscornia Park just west of Interstate 5 at the mouth of the American River, and extends eastward to eventually reach the proposed Sutter’s Landing Park, and later, onto the H Street Bridge at the California State University Campus upriver. The Two Rivers Trail intersects with the Sacramento River Parkway Trail at the Jibboom Street Bridge. The levee embankment on both the American and Sacramento Rivers is a critical piece of flood prevention infrastructure that shields the city but has also limited the ability for people to acces the rivers. A large portion of this riverfront was constructed in Existing development along the levee embankment turns away from the river. No designated pathways to the water exist and access to the bike trail is limited to specific trailheads from various streets in the district (Robert T. Matsui Park, Tscornia Park, termini of North 5th and North 10th Streets). Pedestrian safety and connectivity are in need of improvement. The Interstate 5 bridge passing over the trail creates a perceptual barrier. Connectivity of the Two Rivers Trail to the east is also lacking, ending at the intersection with the Highway 160 bridge and resuming east of this span.
Figure: Diagram showing anticipated activity nodes along the Two River Trail and the major city linkages to the rivers
Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Ecology / Nature There are two habitat types present at the proposed project site; urban/rural and riparian habitat. Urban/ rural habitat occupies most of the project site, except for an approximately six acres of riparian vegetation along the American River. Urban/Rural Habitat Urban/Rural habitat exists within developed areas where pre-development vegetation has been removed and new species of plants introduced, intentionally (ornamental species) or inadvertently (weeds). Urban vegetation accounts for most of the habitat acreage present on the project site. At present, the dominant plant species include wild oats (Avena fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), vetch (Vicia sp.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and tarweed (Holocarpa sp.) Other plants observed during field surveys included cutleaf geranium (Geranium dissectum), wild mustard (Brassica spp.), and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). One valley oak tree (Quercus lobata) was found within this habitat type (Figure 6.3-1). The valley oak tree would qualify as a heritage tree pursuant to the City of Sacramento Tree Preservation Ordinance. Heritage trees are valued for their ability to promote scenic beauty, enhance property values, reduce soil erosion, improve air quality, abate noise, and provide shade to reduce energy consumption.
Riparian Woodland Habitat Riparian woodland is the predominant vegetation community found within the south bank of the American River, which is the northern boundary of the site. Most of the existing habitat has been heavily degraded by human activity. The overstory is dominated by Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), with some valley oak (Quercus lobata) and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis). Shrub cover is heavy throughout the area and is comprised primarily of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobium), and
California wild grape (Vitis californica). The herbaceous understory consists of creeping wild rye (Leymus triticoides), wild oats, wild pea (Lathyrus jepsonii ssp. californicus), field bindweed, and white sweetclover (Melilotus alba). The riparian area in the project site could provide nesting habitat for a number of protected avian species including white-tailed kite, tree swallow, western blue bird, purple martins, and American robin.
Wildlife Resources The proposed project site is predominated by non-native vegetation and vacant areas that primarily support common birds and mammals. In addition to terrestrial species, both resident and migratory fish species use the American River. The open water zones of the American River provide foraging habitat for bird species. Many species of waterfowl, such as American coot (Fulica americana), use the open water for resting and escape. The project site would have minimal wildlife movement through it due to its highly disturbed nature and urban activities. However, there are two areas where greater amounts of movement could occur: the American River and the riparian habitat adjacent to the river. Special Status The proposed project area does support open space that can be used by special status species. While by no means pristine or undisturbed, this open space habitat can still be used by specialstatus species that include but are not limited to VELB, Swainson’s hawk and other specialstatus avian species.
American RIver Parkway Plan Policies Protected Areas contain tracts of naturally occurring vegetation and wildlife which although capable of sustaining light to moderate use, would be easily disturbed by heavy use. Protected Areas differ from Nature Study Areas in that general access in Protected Areas is encouraged, and convenience-type facilities are permitted to accommodate the anticipated increase in users. However, facilities and other improvements are limited to those which are needed for the public enjoyment of the natural environment. Emphasis is on protection and restoration of large portions of relatively natural areas which stand a better chance of preservation than smaller pieces.
Township 9 impacts
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The following American River Parkway Plan policies will guide the conservation and protection of biological resources in regards to the proposed project: • •
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Any development within the Parkway, including buildings, roads, parking lots and turfed areas, shall be designed and located such that any impact upon native vegetation is minimized, and appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into the project. Phased plans with short and long-term measures for the enhancement of native vegetation and the elimination of undesirable nonnative vegetation shall be developed and implemented. A list of trees and shrubs, and herbaceous plants native to the Parkway that are suitable for planting in the Parkway shall be approved by the Recreational and Parks Commission upon recommendation by the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, working in cooperation with the California Native Plant Society . This list shall include a designation of the appropriate plant community, habitat and
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exposure for each species along with a description of known pest problems and wildlife impacts. Only plans on this approved list shall be planted within the Parkway, the exception being grass in permitted locations. Native plants shall be reintroduced in areas of their natural occurrence that have been disturbed by construction, past gravel mining and agricultural activity, except in sites of human historical value. Nonnative trees and shrubs shall be removed in accordance with a long-range phasing plan to be approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission except as noted in the area plans, and with the exception of existing golf courses. Priority shall be given to removal of those exotics that compete with natives, such as, but not limited to, pampas grass, eucalyptus, and pyracantha. New irrigation and planting within the dripline of existing native oaks shall be prohibited. Irrigated turfed areas shall be placed only in areas where there are no mature native trees that could be damaged by changes in the environment, such as water summering. Protection of the environmental quality of the Parkway shall be the first priority management responsibility. Structures shall be located so that neither they, nor activities associates with them, cause damage to native plants or wildlife. Facilities and other improvements in Protected Areas shall be limited to those which are needed for the public enjoyment of the natural environment. Extensive development is not appropriate.
The project site does not serve as a regional wildlife corridor, an important linkage, travel route or wildlife crossing. However, there is riparian habitat on the water side of the levee adjacent to the American River along the north boundary of the project site. The adjacent riparian habitat provides food, cover and breeding sites for wildlife like bats, river otters, western pond turtle, Pacific chorus frog, migratory and resident avian species like wood duck, black phoebe, blue bird, American kestrels, and mammals such as raccoons, coyotes, and deer. New sources of light associated with River Front Drive, the Two Rivers Trail, and the riverfront pavilion (that could include an outdoor performance venue, a tower structure, an overlook, and other public urban park uses) could spill over into this riparian habitat. New lighting sources disorient and sometimes “entrap” wildlife.
Viewsheds and Allowable Heights The project site and immediate project vicinity are characterized by developed uses and the American River. Along the northern site boundary is the American River levee with a public trail and the American River and associated riparian habitat, including mature trees along the river’s edge. Areas immediately west, south, and east of the project site are characterized by roadways, light industrial and office buildings, and ornamental landscaping. The proposed project would replace existing buildings with new residential and commercial buildings ranging from a maximum height of 50 to 235 feet (Lot 13). The proposed project would also include a new circulation system and landscaping and public uses. The maximum height of 180 to 235 feet would be approximately 150 to 205 feet taller than the tallest existing buildings. The proposed project would cover approximately 56.8 acres of the project site with developed uses, compared to 51.5 acres of developed uses under existing conditions. The size and scale of the proposed development, if constructed to its maximum height and density, would be a noticeable change when compared to the existing site visual character. Although the proposed development would be taller and denser than current site development, it would support the overall goals and policies set forth in the RBAP. Specifically, the project supports Land Use Policy 7.2, which calls to “create an attractive pattern of streets and blocks which is more in scale with the downtown, that accommodate a mixture of uses and activities, and that can add to the diversity and interest of the Richards Boulevard area.”
Figure: Visual orientation in the River District Specific Plan area. Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Township 9 impact on views The proposed project would redevelop a currently predominantly developed site. While the scale and density of site development would be greater than current conditions, it would not substantially change the visual character or the views to and from the site. Proposed project development would comply with standards set forth in the proposed Design Guidelines, which would define the character of the project, and would be subject to review by the City, which includes review by the Design Commission, Planning Commission, and the City Council. The reviewing bodies would use the criteria listed in the City’s adopted planning documents in analyzing the proposed project design. In addition, as discussed in Chapter 4.0, Land Use, the proposed project under both Scenarios A and B would be generally consistent with General Plan and American River Parkway Plan policies. Appendix C includes a more detailed overview of the project’s consistency with specific adopted and draft goals and policies. Therefore, the proposed project would not have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect on adjacent existing uses, views from the American River Parkway, and would not substantially degrade the visual character or quality of the site. This would be a less-than-significant impact.
Figure: Map of allowable building height within the River District Design Guidelines Area and Specific Plan Area Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Figure: Allowable height diagram of River Distric blocks illustrates 250 ft height envelope (orange) at confluence of Sacramento
Figure: River District Specific Plan block height envelopes
and American Rivers, and lower height envelopes along American River Parkway.
deliniate overall form and scale of district blocks. Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Allowable Heights Heights in this area have, in large part, been determined by the approval of Township 9, and are set in relationship to the American River Parkway. Township 9 height parameters allow building heights above four stories up to twelve stories when more than 400 from the water line of the river. This has been determined to be the mid-point of building heights along the American River. Township 9 allows heights along Richards Boulevard to 150 feet to accommodate office development
Figure: Three-dimensional view of the allowable heights in the Central City. The lowest allowable height, 35 feet (purple) to unlimited (red). The River District area (left side) exhibits a midheight range between 90 feet to 150 feet that is unique in the Central City. Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Viewpoint 8 - Existing
Viewpoint 9 - Existing
Viewpoint 8 - Proposed
Viewpoint 9 - Proposed
Housing Population Between 1990 and 2000 the City of Sacramento grew from 366,500 residents to 411,200 residents, an increase of 12 percent.(Sacramento Area Council of Governments , Demographics, Sept. 2006). According to the U.S. Census, the City’s population was 445,287 in 2005 and is projected to grow to 518,000 in 2020. Housing Supply The housing supply in the Sacramento region continues to grow. As the Sacramento region continues to build near record numbers of new homes, there are indications that the region may be close to filling the backlog of housing demand and entering a period of more balanced supply and demand (Sphere Institute, 2006). The City of Sacramento had a total of 180,840 housing units in 2004, of which 169,582 were occupied units, and 11,258 were vacant(U.S. Census 2006). Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) projects that Sacramento will reach 538,303 housing units in 2025.12 Since 1999, approximately 87 percent of the constructed units were single-family units, 12.5 percent were multi-family units, and less than one percent were mobile homes. The River District Plan identifies a minimum of 150 acres of land that could be used for the development of approximately 3,900 residential units, assuming an average density of 26 dwelling units (du) per acre.
Sacramento General Plan The following are applicable goals and policies relating to employment and housing issues from the adopted City of Sacramento General Plan Housing Element (2003). • • • • •
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Provide adequate housing sites and opportunities for all households. The City shall continue to promote appropriate and compatible infill housing. The City shall continue to develop and support transit oriented residential development along transit corridors. Housing Mix, Balance, and Neighborhood Compatibility: Promote a variety of housing types within neighborhoods to encourage economic diversity and housing choice. The City shall continue to work with neighborhood residents in ensuring that all our neighborhoods are safe, decent, and pleasant places to live and work. This includes working with schools, community oriented policing, addressing problem properties, and ensuring new development is compatible with existing neighborhoods. Wherever possible, develop, incorporate, and support energy conserving programs in the production and rehabilitation of housing to improve the environment and reduce household energy costs.
Township 9 Housing Estimates Township 9 will accommodate approximately 146,194 square feet of retail uses and 839,628 square feet of office uses. Using a factor of 1 employee per 400 square feet of retail space and 1 employee per 300 square feet of office space,22 the proposed project would generate approximately 365 retail jobs and 2,799 office jobs, a total of 3,164 jobs. Based on these numbers, the proposed project would have a jobs/housing balance of 1.35:1. This number represents the concept that there is more than one job available per housing unit on the project site. This would represent a jobs/housing relationship closer to balance than the county as a whole, which tends to be an importer of employees living in other counties.
TOWNSHIP 9 POPULAION AND HOUSING ESTIMATES Housing Units:
2,350
Residential population:
6,040
Employment:
3,164
Jobs/Housing Ratio:
1.35:1 Source: EIP Associates, a Division of PBS&J, 2006
Community Services Schools The project site is within the North Sacramento School District (NSSD), an elementary school district. Preschool classes are offered at eight sites. The district’s staff of approximately 700 teachers and support personnel works to meet the needs of students from all academic, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. The District currently has 11 elementary schools. The project site is also within the Grant Joint Union High School District (GJUHS). The GJUHSD currently has six comprehensive junior high schools, five comprehensive high schools, five alternative school programs, two charter schools, one special education school, and one adult education school. The GJUHSD serves over 12,000 junior high and high school students. Students generated from the Township 9 project would attend Rio Tierra Junior High School and Grant Union High School. Rio Tierra Junior High serves grades 7-8. Rio Tierra Junior High has a maximum site capacity of 1,438 students, and 704 students were enrolled in 2003-2004 (GJUHSD, Facility Master Plan, 2004). Grant Union High School serves grades 9-12. Grant Union High School has a maximum site capacity of 2,834 students, and 2,185 students were enrolled there in 2003-2004. Therefore, both the high school and junior high school has significant capacity to accommodate the students generated by Township 9. While the elementary school would not have the capacity, the developer would have to contribute fees toward new elementary school facilities so the impact would be mitigated.
Figure: Diagram showing anticipated retail areas in the district and their relationship to amenities such as transit stations and parks. Source: River District Design Guidelines, 2011
Police Protection 6,040 new residents from Township 9 will require 12-15 additional law enforcement officers. The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is developing a Master Plan designed to accommodate City-wide department needs until 2022. Because the River Disctrict area is experiencing growth the City is planning a new police sub-station that would serve the River District area including the proposed project site. The new substation would be funded by tax payers (including future proposed project residents) through the City’s General Fund. The SPD would add personnel on an ass needed basis as the project builds out to meet proposed project service goals and would use existing facilities until such time the new sub-station is operational. LEGEND
Fire Protection Scenario B would include residential (including approximately 6,040 new residents), neighborhoodserving retail, restaurant, office uses, and open space which would require fire protection services. Population density within the proposed project would be higher than most of the communities within the SFD’s service area. Areas of high density generally experience high levels of traffic congestion, which, in turn, lead to worsening response times. (Angie Shook, Prevention and Plan Review, 2006). The population and density of the proposed project could likely increase response times for both emergency medical services and fire suppression services. However, the proposed project would include fire protection features as required in the City Code including fire alarm systems, fire extinguisher systems and exit illumination. Due to the requirements of the City Code, the proposed project would not create an inordinate demand for fire protection.
Fire Stations Railyards Specific Plan Area Boundary Richards Redevelopment Area Boundary Project Site
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Source: City of Sacramento GIS Unit, April 2006.
SCALE IN MILES
FIGURE 6.9-1
Sacramento City Fire Department Stations A division of
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Libraries The closest library to the project site is the Central Library, which is located at 828 I Street. The Central Library is 160,000 sf and has approximately 300,000 volumes. The Central Library is divided into a neighborhood serving space and a centralized service space. The neighborhood serving space is 15,000 sf and is designed to serve the immediate population in the Downtown Sacramento area. The centralized service space is approximately 140,000 sf which serves the needs of the entire Sacramento Public Library system. The Central Library uses a historic building for its operations and is unable to expand in order to add more square footage. However, the Central Library plans to renovate its space to a new service model. By 2015, the Central Library will have 20,000 sf for the neighborhood serving space and 135,000 sf for the centralized service space. In addition to the Central Library, Township 9 residents would be able to utilize the E.K. McClatchy Library and McKinley Library both of which are located in close proximity to the project site in the Downtown/Midtown Sacramento area. Because these libraries are also located in historic buildings, they will be undergoing renovations rather than expansions by the year 2025. Additional libraries that may be utilized and are north of the project site are the North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library, which would be relocated to a larger facility within the same service area, and the South Natomas Library, which is slated for a 6,000 sf expansion by 2015. As indicated above, the Central Library is planning on renovating the existing facility to accommodate an increase in population and demand for library services. Funding for the renovation would come from both the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County general and reserve funds, County Fund 11, Redevelopment Agency funding, statewide library bond funds, the City’s general obligation bonds, parcel tax through Measure X, Mello-Roos Special Tax Bonds, and certificates of participation. The population generated by the project would contribute tax dollars into the City’s general fund along with payment of other city fees and taxes.
Cultural Resources
North 16th Street Historic District
Based upon previous cultural resource surveys and research, the area that comprises the City of Sacramento has been inhabited by prehistoric and historic peoples for thousands of years. Township 9, in combination with other development in the City of Sacramento could contribute to the loss of significant archaeological resources. Because all significant archaeological resources are unique and non-renewable members of finite classes, all adverse effects or negative impacts erode a dwindling resource base. Contributing Resources in orange
As a result, planners propose a meaningful approach to preserving and managing cultural resources that focuses on the distribution of cultural resources, rather than on project or parcel boundaries.
Boundary of Historic Distric Area in blue.
The cultural system is represented archaeologically by the total inventory of all sites and other cultural remains in the region. Proper planning and appropriate mitigation can help to capture and preserve knowledge of such resources and can provide opportunities for increasing our understanding of the past environmental conditions and cultures by recording data about sites discovered and preserving artifacts found.
The masonry brick building containing Pipeworks is an iconic building at the entry of North 16th Street.
Figure: Map of Historic Resources recommended in the River Distric Specific Plan for inclusion in the North 16th Street Historic District.
Utility Infrastructure Soild Waste Collection Township 9 would result in the disposal of approximately 2,327 tons per year of solid waste. There is currently capacity to accommodate the proposed project’s solid waste generation based on the capacity at the Lockwood Landfill. The City only has exclusive rights for solid waste disposal for single family residential land uses with up to four attached units. If the residential land use has greater than four attached units, the contract for solid waste disposal is commercial and available in the competitive market (Marty Strauss, IWPS, City of Sacramento Solid Waste Services, 2006). Private waste haulers operate in the City of Sacramento, so the destination of the solid waste is uncertain. The destination for waste from the competitive market is also uncertain. Nonetheless, there are several landfills in northern California and northwestern Nevada with adequate capacity that could serve the proposed project (California Integrated Waste Management Board, 2006). In addition, the proposed project includes the operation of a temporary portable recycling facility. The recycling facility would be an interim use in operation for approximately six weeks during initial project demolition. The facility would be used to recycle material from the demolition of buildings and paved areas on-site. These materials could include brick, tile, concrete, and asphalt as well as other materials. Some material would be re-used on the project site for new buildings and some would be hauled off-site. The recycling facility would also be used to recycle demolition material from off-site for use in new construction, subject to appropriate conditions and restrictions. This would reduce the amount of waste generated associated with demolition activities.
Electric, Gas, Telephone, and Cable Utilities The project applicant anticipates that the following service providers would serve the proposed project: Electric – Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Natural Gas – Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Telephone – AT&T Cable Television – Comcast Cable Infrastructure presently exists for these utilities on and in the vicinity of the project site. Development of the project would necessitate the construction of an on-site distribution system to convey these services to uses on the project site. It is anticipated that upgrading/upsizing of existing utilities would occur on streets immediately adjacent to the project site (i.e., Richards Boulevard, North 5th Street, and North 7th Street) in order to serve the project. Energy Conservation Features Proposed office uses would include lighting conservation efforts and other energy conservation measures. Lighting conservation efforts would include occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lights when not in use, lighting reflectors, electronic ballasts, and energy-efficient lamps. Conservation efforts are expected to include improved HVAC systems with microprocessor-controlled energy management systems.
Wastewater Collection The City provides wastewater collection to the site by a separated sewer system. However, all wastewater flows from the project site within the separated sewer system are directed into the combined sewer system (CSS) in the Central City and are ultimately directed to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (SRWTP) for treatment. The SRWTP, which is located just south of the City Limits, is owned and operated by Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) and provides sewage treatment for the entire City. Township 9 would generate an average flow of approximately 0.806 mgd and approximately 2.90 mgd of wastewater during peak flow periods, which would increase dry weather flows to the SRWTP by less than two percent. The proposed project would construct separate stormwater and wastewater conveyance systems onsite to connect to the existing separated system. All backbone infrastructure within the project site would be engineered and constructed according to the City’s design criteria for wastewater flows to maintain the maximum peak flows. Wastewater from the project site would be conveyed to the existing pipelines in North 5th Street and North 7th Street, eventually flowing to the 33-inch main in Richards Boulevard. The wastewater flows from the proposed project would not exceed the capacity of existing larger pipes from separated sewer infrastructure and would not require the construction of new wastewater collection infrastructure than already anticipated as part of the project. Infrastructure on site would also be constructed as part of the proposed project.
Figure: Proposed Sanitary Sewer System Source: NOLTE, February 2007 NORTH
Source: NOLTE, February, 2007.
NOT TO SCALE
01089 | JCS | 07
FIGURE 2-8
Proposed Sanitary Sewer System A division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Storm Drain Collection The storm drainage system would be a gravity-fed system of pipelines connecting to the existing system at multiple locations on North 5th Street, North 7th Street, and Richards Boulevard. The pipe system internal to the project would consist of 12-inch to 24-inch pipes with drop inlets to collect drainage from roadways. Additional drop inlets would also be constructed in North 5th and North 7th Streets to accompany the new street intersections. Installation of the drainage system would occur in phases, corresponding to the construction phasing of the project. The proposed storm drainage system is presented on figure. Prior to discharge to the existing storm drain system, runoff from the 65 acre project site would be treated per the City’s NPDES permit requirements issued by the state.
Figure: Proposed Storm Drainage System Source: NOLTE, FebruaryNORTH 2007 Source: NOLTE, February, 2007.
NOT TO SCALE
01089 | JCS | 07
FIGURE 2-9
Proposed Storm Drainage System A division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Water Supply Distribution Installation of the water distribution system would occur in phases, corresponding to the construction phasing of the project. The water system for the project would consist of 12-inch water distribution lines within the street rights-of-way with connections to existing City transmission mains in North 5th Street, North 7th Street, and Richards Boulevard.
Figure: Proposed Water Distribution System Source: NOLTE, February 2007
NORTH
Source: NOLTE, February, 2007.
NOT TO SCALE
01089 | JCS | 07
FIGURE 2-7
Proposed Water Distribution System A division of
D51214.01
Township 9
Noise and Vibration Temporary Noise from Construction Construction of Township 9 would temporarily expose existing sensitive receptors to increased noise levels. To mitigate construction noise, developers have stipulated that contractors take measures such as constructing temporary barriers to shield the ground floor and lower stories of the residential and noise-sensitive users from noise and vibration.
rive
nt D
rfro
Rive
Permanent Noise from traffic and End Users Operation of the proposed project would permanently expose sensitive receptors to increased traffic future light rail noise levels. To reduce noise impacts, all developers must have a certified acoustical professional prepare a site-specific acoustical analysis for residential uses that details how the outdoor common areas would achieve an exterior noise level of less than 60 dB Ldn and an interior noise level of less than 45 dB Ldn consistent with City of Sacramento General Plan noise standards in order to receive a building permit.
10
9
5th Street
7th Street
8
7
5 6
Noise reduction measures to ensure acceptable interior noise levels could include, but might not be limited to: use of dual-pane, sound-rated windows; mechanical air systems; and exterior wall insulation. Noise reduction design features to ensure acceptable exterior noise levels could include, but might not be limited to: orienting buildings between Richards Boulevard and exterior common areas.
2
4
1
3
Future Light Rail Line
Richards Boulevard
Receptor Location 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Projected Noise Levels (dBA Ldn) Baseline w/o Project Baseline + Project Cumulative w/o Project 55.8 58.7 56.2 37.2 40.0 37.3 75.1 76.0 74.6 66.6 68.3 67.0 57.4 64.1 60.2 54.9 55.9 53.8 45.9 47.5 46.8 31.0 34.4 31.6 49.0 51.5 50.1 66.6 67.9 67.2
Source: EIP Associates, a Divison of PBS&J, 2006.
FIGURE 6.8-4
Cumulative + Project 57.1 38.1 75.4 68.6 65.3 54.9 48.5 35.0 52.7 68.9
Figure: Projected Sound Levels at Receptors Source: EIP Associates, 2006
Projected Sound Levels at Receptors A Division of
D51214.01
Township 9
4. EXISTING MASTERPLAN LEED-ND ASSESSMENT
The LEED-ND Rating System overview This Recommendations Study is based on the 2009 version of the LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Neighborhood Development) Rating System. The goal of LEED-ND is to promote and provide standardized third-party verification of environmental and social best practices in neighborhood development. LEED-ND was developed as a three-way collaboration between the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Congress for the New Urbanism. These three organizations reflect the interests of the green building, smart growth, and new urbanist communities, respectively, and created LEED-ND to certify, recognize, and promote sustainable neighborhood development. LEED-ND is within USGBC’s LEED family of Rating Systems – which includes LEED for Homes, Existing Buildings, Healthcare, Commercial Interiors, and several others, but is the first to be developed by three distinct organizations. It is also the first LEED Rating System to focus beyond the building level and evaluate whole neighborhoods – or projects that contribute to neighborhoods – on criteria related to site location, urban design, transportation, affordability, walkability, green buildings, socio-economics, and green community infrastructure and technology. LEED-ND’s basic structure is similar to other LEED Rating Systems. There are prerequisites – actions or performance measures required for a project – and credits that have different point values. Projects must meet all prerequisite requirements and obtain at least 40 points to be certified. Beyond basic certification, projects may achieve Silver (50 points), Gold (60 points), or Platinum (80+ points) for increasingly high performance. The LEED-ND Rating System includes three stages of
certification – Stage 1 when the project is in its initial planning phase, Stage 2 when the project is approved and entitled, and Stage 3 when the project is completed. Under the new LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development, these stages have been streamlined into certifying as either a “Plan” or “Built Project.” Under this system, Township 9 would fall under “Plan” as it is less than 75% constructed.
and priorities for the neighborhood plan, with the goal of creating a more sustainable neighborhood.
The LEED-ND Rating System is organized into three broad categories: Smart Location and Linkage, Neighborhood Pattern and Design, and Green Construction and Technology. Each has a different focus and number of points, with a maximum of 100 points available between all the categories. In addition, the LEED-ND Rating System gives up to 10 bonus points under the categories Innovation and Design Process and Regional Priority Credit. The Smart Location and Linkage category deals with issues like site location, brownfield redevelopment, transportation connectivity, and impacts on on-site natural resources. Neighborhood Pattern and Design credits focus on urban design, including walkable streets, transit amenities, compact development, and diversity of land use. Finally, the Green Construction and Technology category addresses issues like energy and water efficiency, stormwater, neighborhood-wide infrastructure, and construction best practices. Many of the Green Construction and Technology credits are similar to credits in previous LEED Rating Systems, while most credits in the other categories are not. This Township 9 LEED-ND assessment is intended to serve two main purposes. First, to use LEED-ND’s criteria to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed project. Secondly, to use LEED-ND to recommend actions
The LEED-ND Rating System Certification Levels Certified: Silver: Gold: Platinum:
40-49 Points 50-59 Points 60-79 Points 80-106 Points
Smart Location and Linkage
Minimize adverse environmental effects of new development and avoid contributing to sprawl and its consequences.
Smart Location and Linkage LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Smart Location
(prerequisite)
Yes
Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities
(prerequisite)
Yes
Wetland and Water Body Conservation
(prerequisite)
Yes
Agricultural Land Conservation
(prerequisite)
Yes
Floodplain Avoidance
(prerequisite)
Yes
Preferred Locations
10
9
Brownfield Redevelopment
2
1
Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence
7
4
Bicycle Network and Storage
1
0
Housing and Jobs Proximity
3
2
Steep Slope Proximity
1
1
Site Design for Habitat or Water Body Conservation
1
1
Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands/Water Bodies Conservation Management of Habitat or Water Bodies
1
1
1
1
27
20
Total
Overview of Score One of Township 9’s key existing assets in terms of sustainability is its location and linkages to surrounding areas and uses. It achieved 70% of the points available in “Smart Location and Linkage.” Township 9 scores points for its infill and previously developed location, good access to jobs and moderate transit service from bus lines. The extension of a light rail station into the project site is of great benefit to the community. The project also benefits from the fact that existing and future development in the Township 9 study area will be within the service area of existing water, wastewater and water infrastructure. The adherence to environmental standards as set by the American River Parkway Plan and River Corridor Management Plans ensures that habitat restoration and wildlife protection is a priority.
Additional actions needed Where Township 9 needs more work is in promoting reduced automobile dependence. While public transportation in Township 9 is more than adequate for the needs of residents and businesses, the number of trips recorded per week using automobiles shows that public transportation is not being utilized to its full potential. This could be the result of ingrained habit by residents who are not accustomed to using public transportation. A behavioral change could be fostered by promoting public transportation through incentives such as fee vouchers or discounts on certain days. Furthermore, while bike routes within the neighborhood are abundant, the available space allocated for storage in residential or business locations reduces the feasibility of biking.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Smart Location (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities
Intent
FOR ALL: Project located within a legally adopted, publicly owned, planned water and wastewater service area. Option 1. Infill Site Option 2. Adjacent Site with Connectivity Option 3. Transit Corridor with Adaquate Transit Service Option 4. Sites with nearby Neighborhood Assets
To conserve imperiled species and ecological communities.
FOR ALL: Site analysis to determine wildlife presence Option 1. Sites without affected species or ecological community Option 2. Sites with Affected Species or Ecological Community: Abide by Habitat Conservation Plan Option 3. Sites with Affected Species or Ecological Community: With with Qualified professional to create conservation plan
To preserve water quality, natural hydrology, habitat, and biodiversity through conservation of wetlands and water bodies.
Option 1. Sites with No Wetlands, Water Bodies, Land within 50 Feet of Wetlands, or Land within 100 Feet of Water Bodies Option 2. Locate the project such that preproject wetlands, water bodies, land within 50 feet of wetlands, and land within 100 feet of water bodies is not affected by new development, unless the development is minor improvements or is on previously developed land.
To preserve irreplaceable agricultural resources by protecting prime and unique soils on farmland and forestland from development.
FOR ALL: Not on designated agricultural presercation district Option 1. Site does not disturb prime soil Option 2. Infill Sites Option 3. Sites Served by Transit Option 4. Locate within development rights recieving area Option 5. Mitigate soil loss through purchase of easements
ACHIEVED
(prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Agricultural Land Conservation (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Requirements
To encourage development within and near existing communities and public transit infrastructure. To encourage improvement and redevelopment of existing cities, suburbs, and towns while limiting the expansion of the development footprint in the region to appropriate circumstances. To reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled.
(prerequisite)
Wetland and Water Body Conservation
NOT FULFILLED
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Floodplain Avoidance (prerequisite)
Intent
10 pts possible
9 pts
Requirements
To protect life and property, promote open space and habitat conservation, and enhance water quality and natural hydrological systems.
Option 1. Locate out of Floodplain Option 2. Infill Sites or Previously Developed Floodplain Option 3. If on Floodplain, develop in accordance with a FEMA approved mitigation plan
To encourage development within existing cities, suburbs, and towns to reduce adverse environmental and public health effects associated with sprawl. To reduce development pressure beyond the limits of existing development. To conserve natural and financial resources required for construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
Option 1. LOCATION TYPE: a. Previously developed site. (1 pt) b. An adjacent site also previously developed (2 pts) c. infill site (3 pts) d. infill site also previously developed (5 pts)
ACHIEVED
Preferred Locations
NOT FULFILLED
Option 2. CONNECTIVITY a. 200 - 250 intersections/mile (1 pts) b. 250 - 300 intersections/mile (2 pts) c. 300 - 350 intersections/mile (3 pts) d. 350 - 400 intersections/mile (4 pts) e. > 400 intersections/mile (5 pts) Option 3. Site is a designated high priority location (3 pts)
Brownfield Redevelopment 2 pts possible
1 pts
To encourage the reuse of land by developing sites that are complicated by environmental contamination, thereby reducing pressure on undeveloped land.
Option 1. Locate on Brownfield Site Option 2. Locate on Brownfield Site AND on High-Priority Redevelopment Area
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence 7 pts possible
4 pts
Bicycle Network and Storage 1 pts possible
0 pts
Housing and Jobs Proximity 3 pts possible
2 pts
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To encourage development in locations shown to have multi-modal transportation choices or otherwise reduced motor vehicle use, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and other adverse environmental and public health effects associated with motor vehicle use.
Option 1. Transit Served Location (up to 7 pts) Weekday trips: 60 (1 pt), 76 (2 pts), 100 (3 pts), 132 (4 pts), 180 (5 pts), 246 (6 pts), 320 (7 pts).
To promote bicycling and transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To support public health by encouraging utilitarian and recreational physical activity.
1. BICYCLE NETWORK: Option 1. an existing bike network of 5 continuous miles Option 2. School or Employment center within 3 miles Option 3. Bike Network connects to at least 10 diverse uses AND 2. BICYCLE STORAGE Residential - bike storage for 30% of occupancy Retail - one bike space per 5,000 of retail space
To encourage balanced communities with a diversity of uses and employment opportunities.
Option 1. Project with Affordable Residential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (3 pts) Option 2. Project With Residential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (2 points) Option 2. Infill Project with Nonresidential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (1 point)
Option 2. Metropolitan Planning Organization Location with Low Vehical Miles Traveled (VMT) < 90% (1 pts), < 80% (2 pts), < 70% (3 pts), < 60% (4 pts), <50% (5 pts), < 40% (6 pts), < 30% (7 pts)
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Steep Slope Proximity 1 pts possible
Intent
1 pts possible
1 pts
Requirements
To minimize erosion to protect habitat and reduce stress on natural water systems by preserving steep slopes in a natural, vegetated state.
FOR ALL. Options apply to existing slopes. Option 1. Locate on site with no slopes over 15% Option 2. On previously developed sites tieh slopes greater than 15%, restore area with native plants. Option 3. On sites that are not previously develped, protect slopes over 15% by limiting develpment
To conserve native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies.
Option 1. Locate on site without significant habitat Option 2. On sites with significant habitat, identify and commit to ongoing management activities, along with parties responsible for management and funding available, so that habitat is maintained in preproject condition or better for a minimum of three years after the project is built out. Option 3. On sites with wetland and water bodies, dentify and commit to ongoing management activities, along with parties responsible for management and funding available, so that habitat is maintained in preproject condition or better for a minimum of three years after the project is built out.
1 pts
Site Design for Habitat or Water Body Conservation
NOT FULFILLED
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands/ Water Bodies
Intent To conserve native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies.
Requirements •
1 pts possible •
1 pts
•
•
Conservation Management of Habitat or Water Bodies
To conserve native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies.
•
1 pts possible
1 pts
NOT FULFILLED
•
Using only native plants, restore predevelopment native ecological communities, water bodies, or wetlands on the project site in an area equal to or greater than 10% of the development footprint. Work with a qualified biologist to ensure that restored areas will have the native species assemblages, hydrology, and other habitat characteristics that likely occurred in predevelopment conditions. Protect such areas from development in perpetuity by donating or selling the land, or a conservation easement on the land, to an accredited land trust or relevant public agency (a deed covenant is not sufficient to meet this requirement). Identify and commit to ongoing management activities, along with parties responsible for management and funding available, so that restored areas are maintained for a minimum of three years after the project is built out or the restoration is completed, whichever is later.
Create and commit to implementing a long-term (at least tenyear) management plan for new or existing onsite native habitats, water bodies, and/or wetlands and their buffers and create a guaranteed funding source for management. Involve a qualified biologist or a professional from a natural resources agency or natural resources consulting firm in writing the management plan and conducting or evaluating the ongoing management. The plan must include biological objectives consistent with habitat and/or water resource conservation, and it must identify (1) procedures, (2) estimated implementation costs and funding sources; and (3) threats that the project poses for habitat and/or water resources
Neighborhood Pattern and Design
Emphasize the creation of compact, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with good connections to nearby communities.
Neighborhood Pattern and Design LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Walkable Streets
(prerequisite)
Yes
Compact Development
(prerequisite)
Yes
Connected and Open Community
(prerequisite)
Yes
Walkable Streets
12
7
Compact Development
6
4
Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers
4
2
Mixed-Income Diverse Communities
7
1
Reduced Parking Footprint
1
0
Street Network
2
2
Transit Facilities
1
1
Transportation Demand Management
2
0
Access to Civic and Public Spaces
1
1
Access to Recreation Facilities Visitability and Universal Design
1
1
1
0
Community Outreach and Involvement
2
2
Local Food Production Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets
1
0
2
1
Neighborhood Schools
1
1
44
23
Total
Overview of Score Township 9 receives medium marks for its walkable streets, scoring just over half of available points. The street scape of the neighborhood is vibrant, with clear glass on most of the retail buildings and building facades no more than 25ft of the property line. There are no stipulations however for night-time visibility, ground floor retail or functional entries. Similarly, the project has mediocre marks for compact development for density that is between 25 - 38 DU/acre. The project scores high on community outreach and resources such as schools, recreation facilites and civic and public spaces.
Additional actions needed While Township 9 scores extremely low for mixed-income diverse communities, transportation demand management and visit-ability and universal design. It seems like Township 9 is catered for wealthy/ middle income individuals who are in good health. To improve their LEED-ND rating, the developers should consider introducing more income diverse housing within their development by including a proportion of new dwelling units for households earning below the area median income. Furthermore, the project should better enable people of all ages and abilities to participate in community life by increasing wheelchair accessibility, non-slip flood and handles whenever possible. Local food production should also be promoted through community-supported agriculture programs and inclusion of farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Walkable Streets (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Compact Development (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To promote transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To promote walking by providing safe, appealing, and comfortable street environments that support public health by reducing pedestrian injuries and encouraging daily physical activity.
Must achieve all of the following: • A functional entry facing a public space on 90 of building frontage • 15% of street frontage has minimum building-height ratio of 1:3 • Continuous sidewalks or equivalent provisions for walking on both sides of 90% of streets • No more than 20% of street frontages faced by garage and service bay openings
To conserve land. To promote livability, walkability, and transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To leverage and support transit investments. To reduce public health risks by encouraging daily physical activity associated with walking and bicycling.
Option 1. PROJECTS IN TRANSIT CORRIDORS: a. 12 or more dwelling units per acre of building land available for residential uses b. 0.80 floor-area ratio (FAR) or greater of buildable land available for nonresidential uses Option 2. ALL OTHER PROJECTS a. 7 or more dwelling units per acre of building land available for residential uses b. 0.50 floor-area ratio (FAR) or greater of buildable land available for nonresidential uses
Connected and Open Community (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
To promote projects that have high levels of internal connectivity and are well connected to the community at large. To encourage development within existing communities that promote transportation efficiency through multimodal transportation. To improve public health by encouraging daily physical activity.
Option 1. Design and build the project such that its internal connectivity is at least 140 intersections per square mile. AND with at least one through-street and/or nonmotorized right-of-way intersecting or terminating at the project boundary at least every 800 feet Option 2. For projects without internal streets, Locate the project such that the connectivity of the existing streets within 1/4 mile of the project boundary is at least 90 intersections per square mile.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Walkable Streets 12 pts possible
7 pts
Intent To promote transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To promote walking by providing safe, appealing, and comfortable street environments that support public health by reducing pedestrian injuries and encouraging daily physical activity.
Points for walkable street features: Items achieved / points 2-3 (1 pt) 4-6 (2 pts) 6-7 (3 pts) 8-9 (4 pts) 10 (7 pts) 11 (8 pts) 12 (9 pts) 13 (10 pts) 14 (11 pts) 15-16 (12 pts)
Compact Development 6 pts possible
4 pts
To encourage development in existing areas to conserve land and protect farmland and wildlife habitat. To promote livability, walkability, and transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To improve public health encouraging daily physical activity associated with alternative modes of transportation and compact development.
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements Items: • at least 80% of of building facades no more than 25 ft from property line • at least 50% of building facades no more than 18ft from property line • at least 50% of mixed-use and nonresidential building facades within 1 st of sidewalks • functional entries to the building occur at an average of 75 ft or less along nonresidential or mixed use buildings • clear glass on at least 60% of facades on retail and service buildings • no more than 40% of length of facade is blank • ground level retail must be visible at night • on-street parking provided on a minimum of 70% of both sides of street • continuous sidewalks along both sides of street • principle floor of 50% of dwelling units must not be above 24 inches above sidewalk grade. • at least 50% of office buildings have ground fl retail • 75% of residential streets designed for no more than 20 mph • 70% of nonresidential streets designed for no more than 25 mph
Points for density per acre of buildable land: Residential Density (DU/acre) / Points > 10 and ≤ 13 (1 pts) > 13 and ≤ 18 (2 pts) > 18 and ≤ 25 (3 pts) > 25 and ≤ 38 (4 pts) > 38 and ≤ 63 (5 pts) > 63 (6 pts)
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers 4 pts possible
2 pts
Mixed-Income Diverse Communities 7 pts possible
1 pts
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To cluster diverse land uses in accessible neighborhood and regional centers to encourage daily walking, biking, and transit use, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and automobile dependence, and support car-free living.
Locate and/or design the project such that 50% of its dwelling units are within a 1/4-mile walk distance of the number of diverse uses. Number of Diverse Uses / Points 4-6 (1 pts) 7-10 (2 pts) 11-18 (3 pts) > 19 (4 pts)
To promote socially equitable and engaging communities by enabling residents from a wide range of economic levels, household sizes, and age groups to live in a community.
Option 1. Include a diversity of Housing types (1-3 pts based on the Simpson Diversity Index) Option 2. Include a proportion of new rental and/or for-sale dwelling units priced for households earning below the area median income (AMI). (1-3 pts) Option 3. A project may earn 1 additional point by earning at least 2 points in Option 1 and at least 2 points in Option 2
Reduced Parking Footprint 1 pt possible
0 pts
To design parking to increase the pedestrian orientation of projects and minimize the adverse environmental effects of parking facilities. To reduce public health risks by encouraging daily physical activity associated with walking and bicycling.
Must meet all of the following: • leave building frontages free of surface parking lots • provide bicycle parking and storage • provide carpool and/or shared-use vehicle parking spaces equivalent to 10% of the total automobile parking.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Street Network 2 pts possible
2 pts
Transit Facilities 1 pts possible
1 pts
Transportation Demand Management 2 pts possible
0 pts
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To promote projects that have high levels of internal connectivity and are well connected to the community at large. To encourage development within existing communities, thereby conserving land and promoting multimodal transportation. To improve public health by encouraging daily physical activity and reducing the negative effects of motor vehicle emissions.
Must meet all of the following: • Project site with right-of-way intersects on project boundary at least every 400 feet. • Include a pedestrian or bicycle through-connection in at least 90% of any new culs-de-sac. • Street Intersections per sq mile: 300 - 400 (1 pt) > 400 (2 pts)
To encourage transit use and reduce driving by providing safe, convenient, and comfortable transit waiting areas and safe and secure bicycle storagefacilities for transit users.
Must meet all of the following: • Install transit shelters on project boundary that are covered and at least partially enclosed. • Determine future transit stops to be complete within 2 years of project completion. • Provide kiosks, bulletin boards, and/or signs that display transit schedules and route information at each public transit stop
To reduce energy consumption, pollution from motor vehicles, and adverse public health effects by encouraging multimodal travel.
Earn 1 pt for every two options achieved: Option 1. Create and implement a comprehensive transportation demand management (TDM) program that reduces weekday peakperiod motor vehicle trips by at least 20% compared with a baseline case. Option 2. Provide transit passes valid for at least one year, subsidized to be half of regular price or cheaper, to each occupant located within the project during the first three years of project occupancy . Option 3. Provide year-round, developer-sponsored private transit service. Option 4. Create a vehicle sharing program for residents Option 5. Rent parking spaces separately from residential units.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Access to Civic and Public Spaces 1 pts possible
1 pts
Access to Recreation Facilities 1 pts possible
1 pts
Visitability and Universal Design 1 pts possible
0 pts
Community Outreach and Involvement 2 pts possible
2 pts
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of open spaces close to work and home to facilitate social networking, civic engagement, physical activity, and time spent outdoors.
Must meet all of the following: â&#x20AC;˘ A square, park, paseo, or plaza, at least 1/6 acre in area must lie within a 1/4-mile walk distance of 90% of planned and existing dwelling units.
To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of recreational facilities close to work and home to facilitate physical activity and social networking.
A publicly accessible outdoor recreation facility at least 1 acre in area must lie within a 1/2-mile walk distance of 90% of new and existing dwelling units and nonresidential building entrances.
To enable the widest spectrum of people, regardless of age or ability, to more easily participate in community life by increasing the proportion of areas usable by people of diverse abilities.
Option 1. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units to incorporate universal design requirements such as easy-to-grip handles, wheelchair accessibility, non-slip flooring. Option 2. Provide kitchens with features to facilitate universal function, access and user-ability. Option 3. Provide the following on the main floor of the building: 1) a room with a twin bed and clothes closet, 2)a full bathroom.
To encourage responsiveness to community needs by involving the people who live or work in the community in project design and planning and in decisions about how it should be improved or how it should change over time.
Option 1. Solicit community feedback on the project. Option 2.Conduct a design charrette or interactive workshop of at least two days that is open to the public. Option 3. Obtain an endorsement from an ongoing local or regional nongovernmental program.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Local Food Production 1 pt possible
0 pts
Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets 2 pts possible
1 pts
Neighborhood Schools 1 pts possible
1 pts
Intent To promote community-based food production, improve nutrition through increased access to fresh produce, support preservation of small farms producing a wide variety of crops, reduce the negative environmental effects of large-scale industrialized agriculture, and support local economic development that increases the economic value and production of farmlands and community gardens.
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements For All: Do not prohibit the growing of produce in project areas. Option 1. Dedicate permanent viable growing space within the project according to specified project density. Option 2. Purchase shares in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program for at least 80% of dwelling units for two years. Option 3. Locate the project within a 1/2-mile walk distance of an existing or planned farmers’ market.
To encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use and discourage excessive motoring speeds. To reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, increase evapotranspiration, and reduce cooling loads in buildings.
Option 1. Provide street trees on both sides of at least 60% of new and existing streets Option 2. Trees or other structures provide shade over at least 40% of the length of sidewalks on streets. Option 3. Obtain a registered landscape architect’s determination that planting details are appropriate to growing healthy trees.
To promote community interaction and engagement by integrating schools into the neighborhood. To support students’ health by encouraging walking and bicycling to school.
Must meet the following: • At least 50% of the dwelling units are within a 1/2-mile of an existing or new elementary or middle school or within 1-mile of an existing or new high school building entrance. • New school campuses must not exceed the following: High schools, 15 acres. Middle schools, 10 acres. Elementary schools, 5 acres.
Green Infrastructure and Building
Reduce the environmental consequences of the construction and operation of buildings and neighborhood infrastructure.
Green Infrastructure and Building LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Certified Green Building
(prerequisite)
Yes
Minimum Building Energy Efficiency
(prerequisite)
Yes
Minimum Building Water Efficiency
(prerequisite) (prerequisite)
Yes Yes
Certified Green Buildings
5
2
Building Energy Efficiency
2
1
Building Water Efficiency
1
0
Water Efficient Landscaping
1
1
Existing Building Use
1
0
Historic Resource Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
1
1
Minimize Site Disturbance in Design and Construction
1
1
Stormwater Management
4
4
Heat Island Reduction Solar Orientation
1
0
1
1
On-Site Renewable Energy Sources
3
0
District Heating and Cooling Infrastructure Energy Efficiency
2
0
1
0
Wastewater Management
2
2
Recycled Content in Infrastructure
1
0
Solid Waste Management Infrastructure Light Pollution Reduction
1
0
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
Total
1
0
29
12
Overview of Score Green infrastructure and buildings on Township 9 scored less than half of the available points possible. While there are certainly intentions to construct buildings using LEED standards, there are no requirements in place that more than half of the buildings need to be LEED certified. Energy efficiency related to buildings, infrastructure, district heating and cooling as well as renewable energy sources recieved almost no points in the LEED-ND system. Pollution considerations associated with sold waste, recycled building content and light pollution were furthermore nearly non-existant.
Additional actions needed Implimenting standards to include more certified green buildings is one way to improve Township 9thâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LEED-ND score and reduce negative environmental impacts. Energy efficiency is essential for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating energy efficiency through buildings and infrastruture should be a major consideration for Township 9. On-site power generation is a key energy reduction strategy. Township 9 is oriented east-west and is a good site for renewable energy through solar power. Reducing heat islands on the project site is another strategy for energy efficiency that would increase human comfort and wildlife health. This could be accomplished through nonreflective materials for parking, roofs and walkways.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Certified Green Building (prerequisite)
Intent
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements
To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings that utilize green building practices.
Design, construct, or retrofit one whole building within the project to be certified through one of the LEED certification programs or a green building rating as defined by ISO/IEC 17021.
To encourage the design and construction of energyefficient buildings that reduce air, water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and consumption.
Projects must document energy efficiency using one or more of the following: • Produce a LEED-compliant energy model • Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide • For new single-family residential buildings and new multiunit residential buildings three stories or fewer, 90% of the buildings must meet ENERGY STAR or equivalent criteria
To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water supply and wastewater systems.
•
ACHIEVED
Minimum Building Energy Efficiency (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
Minimum Building Water Efficiency (prerequisite)
•
ACHIEVED
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention (prerequisite) ACHIEVED
To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust generation.
Indoor water usage in new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations as part of the project must be an average 20% less than in baseline buildings. 90% of buildings must use a combination of fixtures that would earn 3 points under LEED for Homes 2008 Credit 3, Indoor Water Use.
Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all new construction activities associated with the project. The plan must incorporate practices such as phasing, seeding, grading, mulching, filter socks, stabilized site entrances, preservation of existing vegetation, and other best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion and sedimentation in runoff from the entire project site during construction.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Certified Green Building 5 pts possible
Intent
2 pts possible
Design, construct, or retrofit a percentage of the total project building square footage, beyond the prerequisite requirement, to be certified under one of the LEED green building rating systems. 10% - 20% (1 pt), 20% - 30% (2 pts), 30% - 40% (3 pts), 40% - 50% (4 pts), > 50% (5 pts)
To encourage the design and construction of energyefficient buildings that reduce air, water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and consumption.
Must meet one or more of the following: • Produce a LEED-compliant energy model • Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide • For new single-family residential buildings and new multi-unit residential buildings three stories or fewer, 90% of the buildings must meet ENERGY STAR or equivalent criteria
To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water supply and wastewater systems.
Must meet one or more of the following: • Indoor water usage in new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations must be 40% less than in baseline buildings. • For new single-family residential buildings and new multiunit residential buildings three stories or fewer, 90% of buildings must use a combination of fixtures that would earn 5 points under LEED for Homes 2008 Credit 3, Indoor Water Use.
1 pts
Building Water Efficiency 1 pt possible
0 pts
Requirements
To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings that utilize green building practices.
2 pts
Building Energy Efficiency
NOT FULFILLED
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Water Efficient Landscaping 1 pts possible
Intent
1 pts possible
0 pts
Historic Resource Preservation and Adaptive Reuse 1 pts possible
1 pts
Requirements
To limit or eliminate the use of potable water and other natural surface or subsurface water resources on project sites, for landscape irrigation.
Must meet the following: • Reduce water consumption for outdoor landscape irrigation by 50% from a calculated midsummer baseline case. • Projects with no new or existing landscape irrigation requirements automatically meet the credit requirements. • Groundwater seepage that is pumped away from the immediate vicinity of buildings slabs and foundations can be used for landscape irrigation and meet the intent of this credit.
To extend the life cycle of existing building stock to conserve resources, reduce waste, and reduce adverse environmental effects of new buildings related to materials manufacturing and transport.
Must meet the following: • Reuse the existing habitable building stock, achieving the greater of the following two benchmarks 1) 50% of one existing building structure 2) 20% of the total existing building stock • Do not demolish any historic buildings or alter any cultural landscapes as part of the project
To encourage the preservation and adaptive use of historic buildings and cultural landscapes that represent significant embodied energy and cultural value, in a manner that preserves historic materials and character-defining features.
Must meet the following: • At least one historic building or cultural landscape must be present on the project site. • Do not demolish any historic buildings or alter any cultural landscapes as part of the project • If any historic building in the project site is to be rehabilitated, rehabilitate in accordance with local review or federal standards
1 pts
Existing Building Use
NOT FULFILLED
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Minimize Site Disturbance in Design and Construction
Intent
For All: Survey the site to identify trees on site. Develop a plan for the health of the trees Option 1. Locate 100% of the development footprint on areas that are previously developed and for which 100% of the construction impact zone is previously developed. Option 2. Minimum undeveloped area, by project density: Residential density / Minimum area left undisturbed < 15 / 20% 15 - 21 / 15% > 21 / 10%
To reduce pollution and hydrologic instability from stormwater, reduce flooding, promote aquifer recharge, and improve water quality by emulating natural hydrologic conditions.
â&#x20AC;˘
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that retains on-site the following rainfall volumes. Percentile rainfall event / Points 80% / 1 85% / 2 90% / 3 95% / 4
â&#x20AC;˘
Projects that earn at least 2 points under this credit may earn 1 additional point by meeting the following: 1) The project is located on a previously developed site (1 point). 2) The project is located on a brownfield site (1 point). 3) The project is designed to be transit ready (1 point):
1 pts
4 pts possible
4 pts
Requirements
To preserve existing noninvasive trees, native plants, and pervious surfaces.
1 pts possible
Stormwater Management
NOT FULFILLED
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Heat Island Reduction 1 pts possible
Intent To reduce heat islands to minimize effects on the microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.
0 pts
NOT FULFILLED
Requirements Option 1. Nonroof Measures: • Provide shade from open structures • Use paving materials with an SRI of at least 29. • Install an open-grid pavement system that is at least 50% pervious. • Provide shade from tree canopy Option 2. High-Reflectance and Vegetated Roofs: • Minimum solar reflectance index value, by roof slope: Low Slope ( 78 SRI), Steep Slope (29 SRI).
Solar Orientation 1 pts possible
To encourage energy efficiency by creating optimum conditions for the use of passive and active solar strategies.
Option 1. Locate the project on existing blocks and orient so that 75% or more of the blocks have one axis within plus or minus 15 degrees of geographical east-west, and the east-west lengths of those blocks are at least as long as the north-south lengths of the blocks. Option 2. Design and orient 75% or more of the project’s total building square footage such that the longer axis is within 15 degrees of geographical east-west.
To encourage on-site renewable energy production to reduce the adverse environmental and economic effects associated with fossil fuel energy production and use.
•
1 pts
On-Site Renewable Energy Sources 3 pts possible
0 pts
Incorporate on-site nonpolluting renewable energy generation with production capacity of at least 5% of the project’s annual electrical and thermal energy cost Percentage of annual energy cost / Points 5% / 1 12.5% / 2 20% / 3
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite District Heating and Cooling 2 pts possible
0 pts
Infrastructure Energy Efficiency 1 pts possible
Intent
2 pts possible
2 pts
Requirements
To encourage the development of energy-efficient neighborhoods by employing district heating and cooling strategies that reduce energy use and adverse energy-related environmental effects.
•
To reduce adverse environmental effects from energy used for operating public infrastructure.
Install all new infrastructure, including but not limited to traffic lights, street lights, and water and wastewater pumps, to achieve a 15% annual energy reduction below an estimated baseline energy use for this infrastructure.
To reduce pollution from wastewater and encourage water reuse.
•
0 pts
Wastewater Management
NOT FULFILLED
Incorporate a district heating and/or cooling system for space conditioning and/or water heating of new buildings so that at least 80% of the project’s annual heating and/or cooling consumption is provided by the district plant
Retain on-site at least 25% of the average annual wastewater generated by the project and reuse that wastewater to replace potable water. Percentage of wastewater reused / Points 25% / 1 50% / 2
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Recycled Content in Infrastructure 1 pts possible
Intent
1 pts possible
Use materials for new infrastructure such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content, in-place reclaimed materials, and one-half of the preconsumer recycled content constitutes at least 50% of the total mass of infrastructure materials.
To reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills. To promote the proper disposal of hazardous wastes.
Meet at least four of the following five requirements • Include at least one recycling or reuse station on site. • Include at least one drop-off point for potentially hazardous office or household wastes • Include at least one compost station • On every block include recycling containers adjacent to other receptacles. • Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of nonhazardous construction and demolition debris.
To minimize light trespass from project sites, reduce sky-glow to increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce adverse effects on wildlife environments.
Meet at least four of the following five requirements • In residential areas, at least 50% of the external luminaires must have fixture-integrated lighting controls that use motion sensors to reduce light levels by at least 50% when no activity has been detected for 15 minutes. • In all shared areas, install automatic controls that turn off exterior lighting when sufficient daylight is available and when the lighting is not required during nighttime hours. • Follow lighting zone requirements as outlined in LEED-ND
0 pts
Light Pollution Reduction 1 pts possible
0 pts
Requirements
To use recycled and reclaimed materials to reduce the adverse environmental effects of extracting and processing virgin materials.
0 pts
Solid Waste Management Infrastructure
NOT FULFILLED
Innovation and Design Innovation and Design LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Habitat Restoration for Rare Species
1
1
Preserve Viewsheds to the Am. River
1
1
Reduced Glare
1
1
Improved Air Quality
1
1
Noise and Vibration Reduction
1
1
LEED Accredited Professional
1
0
Total
6
5
Overview of Score Township 9’s master plan includes many innovatice design features and sustainability strategies that are not currently listed in the LEED-ND standards. Habitat restoration fo rare species is a strategy in place to ensure the protection and restoration of habitat for rare butterfly species, bats, birds snakes and lizards within and around the Township 9 area. The project site includes a variety of rare species such as the white-tailed kite, tree swallow, western blue bird, purple martins, and American robin. This innovation credit would require that any development including buildings, roads, parking lots and turfed areas be designed and located such that any impact upon native vegetation is minimized. Another innovative design of Township 9 is it’s commitment to preserving the existing views to the natural scenery of the American River Parkway (ARP) and increase visual connection to ARP’s natural resources. This is made evident by the height restrictions and systems of open space and viewsheds that exist in the project.
Intent To encourage exemplary performance above the requirements set by the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System and/or innovative performance in green building, smart growth, or new urbanist categories not specifically addressed by the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.
Requirements Identify in writing: • the intent of the proposed innovation credit • the proposed requirement for compliance • the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance • the design approach and strategies that might be used to meet the requirements. • One point is awarded for each IDP Credit 1 earned, up to a total of 5. No more than 3 exemplary performance credits will be awarded in the Innovation and Design Process category.
While light pollution is an existing LEED-ND credit, reduced glare is not. This innovation credit reduces reflective glass and polished surfaces that would be harmul to birds and motorists. Reducing air quality hazards is an important aspect of human and environmental health that does not yet exist on the LEED-ND standards. Township 9’s moves to install air monitors and outlaw the burning of hazardous waste should be commended. Finally, Township 9’s commitment to noise reduction should earn an additional LEED-ND innovation credit. Noise and vibration can be detrimental to wildlife as well as existing buildings on the site. Township 9 has already throughly assessed exiting noise and vibration levels and has made a commitment to mitigate any increase in noise and vibration do to construction or future infrustructure.
Proposed Innovation Credit Habitat Restoration for Rare Species 1 pts possible
1 pts
Intent To ensure the protection, and restoration of habitat for rare butterfly species, bats, birds, snakes and lizards within the project boundary.
Requirements •
•
•
•
Preserve Viewsheds to the Am. River 1 pts possible
1 pts
To preserve existing views to the natural scenery of the American River Parkway (ARP) and increase visual connection to ARP’s natural resources.
•
•
•
Submittals
Any development within the Parkway, including buildings, roads, parking lots and turfed areas, shall be designed and located such that any impact upon native vegetation is minimized. Structures shall be located so that neither they, nor activities associates with them, cause damage to native plants or wildlife. Nonnative trees and shrubs shall be removed in accordance with a longrange phasing plan to be approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission Native plants shall be reintroduced in areas of their natural occurrence that have been disturbed by construction
•
Structures that are in the Parkway or visible from the Parkway shall be of a design, color, texture and scale that minimizes adverse visual intrusion into the Parkway. Establish a system of open space, buffers and view sheds that act as neighborhood gateways, and as visual and physical community separators and greenbelts to define the limits of urban growth. Comply with the building height regulations as set by the River District Design Guidelines.
•
•
•
•
• •
A site plan showing areas of restoration Narrative describing the restoration activities, including a written commitment to protect the created/ restored habitat in perpetuity. Prior to any demolition/construction activities a qualified biologist will conduct surveys for nesting Swainson’s hawk within a half mile of demolition/ construction activities. Retain a qualified biologist to monitor the nesting sites to determine if construction activities are disturbing the adult or young birds. If abandonment occurs the biologist will take appropriate salvage measures.
Written confirmation from the City of Sacramento that building height regulations are being followed. Renderings of proposed viewshed impact on the Parkway. Analysis of existing viewsheds on the site.
Proposed Innovation Credit Reduced Glare 1 pts possible
1 pts
Improved Air Quality 1 pts possible
1 pts
Intent
Requirements
Reduce the impact of glare caused by light reflections from pavement, vehicles, street lights and building materials such as reflective glass and polished surfaces in order to reduce hazards to motorists, birds and other wildlife.
•
Reduce potential air quality hazards caused by stationary, mobile, and area sources related to construction and operation of the project. Air quality hazards include undesirable odors, air pollutants or air borne particulates.
•
•
•
• •
•
•
Submittals
Include a configuration of exterior light fixtures that emphasize close spacing and lower intensity light that is directed downward in order to minimize glare on adjacent uses and minimize impacts to night sky views. The project contractor shall not use highly reflective mirrored glass walls as a primary building material for façades to reduce glare on adjacent uses. Instead, Low E glass shall be used in order to reduce the reflective qualities of the building, while maintaining energy efficiency.
•
Demonstrate neighborhood requirement to minimize glare.
Install air monitors that collect air quality data throughout the site. Reduce barriers to airflow by creating air passageways through buildings and infrastructure. Outlaw burning of hazardous materials. Assess progress toward attaining the air quality standards set by the California Clean Water Act every 3 years. Demolition contractors shall ensure that all exterior surfaces of buildings are wetted during building demolition activities. Water all exposed soil with sufficient frequency as to maintain soil moistness.
•
Provide a plan, demonstrating that vehicles to be used in the construction project, will achieve 20% NOx reduction and 45% particulate reduction compared to CA averages. Pay construction mitigation funds to offset construction-generated emissions of NOx that exceed daily emission threshold of 85 lbs/day.
•
Proposed Innovation Credit Noise and Vibration Reduction 1 pts possible
1 pts
Intent Reduce potential of the project to significantly increase noise levels due to project construction and operation.
Requirements • •
• • •
•
•
Throughly assess site for existing noise and vibration levels. Aim to condense noise in one location as opposed to spreading it across the entire site. Limit noise and vibration north of the site, near the American River Parkway. Reduce vibrations around historic buildings and archeological sites. Phase the project so that noise creation is condensed to a reduced time frame. Whenever construction during later project stages occurs near residential and other noise-sensitive uses built on site during earlier project stages, temporary barriers shall be constructed around the construction sites to shield the ground floor and lower stories of the noise-sensitive uses. Construction equipment staging areas shall be located away from residential uses; pre-drill pile holes and use quieter “sonic” pile-drivers, where feasible; and restrict high noise activities, such as pile driving, the use of jackhammers, drills, and other generators of sporadic high noise peaks, to the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday,
Submittals • •
• •
Submit site plan of existing as well as anticipated noise measurements. Provide calculations for the amount of noise and vibration increase incured by the project. Include a noise element in the general plan of the project. Provide strategies in place to reduce noise exposure to the “Normally Acceptable Levels.”
Regional Priority Regional Priority Credits LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Water Efficient Landscaping
1
1
Stormwater Management
1
1
Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers
1
0
Street Network
1
0
Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence
1
0
Housing and Jobs Proximity
1
0
Total (Select only 4)
4
2
Intent To encourage strategies that address geographically specific environmental, social equity, and public health priorities.
Requirements • •
•
Earn up to four of the six Regional Priority credits. These credits have been identified as having additional regional importance for the project’s location. The Regional Credits listed here are for Sacramento, CA 95815
Overview of Score Because some environmental issues are particular to a locale, LEED-ND identifies distinct environmental priorities within regionals that address those issues to encourage project teams to focus on their local environmental priorities. USGBC established a process that identified six RP credits for every location and every rating system within chapter or country boundaries.
and the number of diverse uses were below half of what would could for full credits on the Mixed-Use credit. Therefore Township 9 does not earn regional points for those credits.
The six regional priority credits associated with Township 9 are 1) water efficient landscaping, 2) stormwater management, 3) mixed-use neighborhood centers, 4) street network, 5) locations with reduced automobile dependence and 6) housing and jobs proximity.
Township 9 does however receive a regional credit for Water Efficient Landscaping as well as for its Storm-water management because it received the maximum number of points in those credits in previous categories and demonstrates exemplary consideration toward those goals. Green infrastructure measures such as a water feature along the bike network and a large Riverfront plaza demonstrate Township 9’s commitment to water efficiency and storm-water management. The fact that the project is located on a previously developed site and designed to be transit ready makes it exceed the baseline requirements for stormwater management and therefore qualifies it to receive points for this credit.
While Township 9 does receive high points in previous sections for mixed-use neighborhood centers,housing and jobs proximity, and reduced automobile dependence, the project does not show that it has taken exemplary considerations that are above and beyond the requirements to earning these credits. For example, it does not fulfill the affordable residential component of the Housing and Jobs credit
The regional credit for Street Network does not apply to Township 9 as the project does not fulfill the requirements to earn any points in that category.
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence 1 pt possible
0 pts
Housing and Jobs Proximity 1 pt possible
Intent
1 pt possible
0 pts
Requirements
To encourage development in locations shown to have multimodal transportation choices or otherwise reduced motor vehicle use, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and other adverse environmental and public health effects associated with motor vehicle use.
Option 1. Transit Served Location (up to 7 pts) Weekday trips: 60 (1 pt), 76 (2 pts), 100 (3 pts), 132 (4 pts), 180 (5 pts), 246 (6 pts), 320 (7 pts).
To encourage balanced communities with a diversity of uses and employment opportunities.
Option 1. Project with Affordable Residential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (3 pts) Option 2. Project With Residential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (2 points) Option 2. Infill Project with Nonresidential Component equaling at least 30% of projects total building Sq Ft (1 point)
0 pts
Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers
NOT FULFILLED
To cluster diverse land uses in accessible neighborhood and regional centers to encourage daily walking, biking, and transit use, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and automobile dependence, and support car-free living.
Option 2. Metropolitan Planning Organization Location with Low Vehical Miles Traveled (VMT) < 90% (1 pts), < 80% (2 pts), < 70% (3 pts), < 60% (4 pts), <50% (5 pts), < 40% (6 pts), < 30% (7 pts)
Locate and/or design the project such that 50% of its dwelling units are within a 1/4-mile walk distance of the number of diverse uses. Number of Diverse Uses / Points 4-6 (1 pts) 7-10 (2 pts) 11-18 (3 pts) > 19 (4 pts)
FULFILLED
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite Street Network 1 pt possible
0 pts
Water Efficient Landscaping 1 pts possible
Intent To promote projects that have high levels of internal connectivity and are well connected to the community at large. To encourage development within existing communities, thereby conserving land and promoting multimodal transportation. To improve public health by encouraging daily physical activity and reducing the negative effects of motor vehicle emissions.
1 pts possible
1 pts
Requirements Must meet all of the following: • Project site with right-of-way intersects on project boundary at least every 400 feet. • Include a pedestrian or bicycle through-connection in at least 90% of any new culs-de-sac. • Street Intersections per sq mile: 300 - 400 (1 pt) > 400 (2 pts)
To limit or eliminate the use of potable water and other natural surface or subsurface water resources on project sites, for landscape irrigation.
Must meet the following: • Reduce water consumption for outdoor landscape irrigation by 50% from a calculated midsummer baseline case. • Projects with no new or existing landscape irrigation requirements automatically meet the credit requirements. • Groundwater seepage that is pumped away from the immediate vicinity of buildings slabs and foundations can be used for landscape irrigation and meet the intent of this credit.
To reduce pollution and hydrologic instability from stormwater, reduce flooding, promote aquifer recharge, and improve water quality by emulating natural hydrologic conditions.
•
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that retains on-site the following rainfall volumes. Percentile rainfall event / Points 80% / 1 85% / 2 90% / 3 95% / 4
•
Projects that earn at least 2 points under this credit may earn 1 additional point by meeting the following: 1) The project is located on a previously developed site (1 point). 2) The project is located on a brownfield site (1 point). 3) The project is designed to be transit ready (1 point):
1 pts
Stormwater Management
NOT FULFILLED
LEED-ND Score
Smart Location and Linkage LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Smart Location
(prerequisite)
Yes
Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities
(prerequisite)
Yes
Wetland and Water Body Conservation
(prerequisite)
Yes
Agricultural Land Conservation
(prerequisite)
Yes
Floodplain Avoidance
(prerequisite)
Yes
Preferred Locations
10
9
Brownfield Redevelopment
2
1
Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence
7
4
Bicycle Network and Storage
1
0
Housing and Jobs Proximity
3
2
Steep Slope Proximity
1
1
Site Design for Habitat or Water Body Conservation
1
1
Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands/Water Bodies Conservation Management of Habitat or Water Bodies
1
1
1
1
27
20
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Walkable Streets
(prerequisite)
Yes
Compact Development
(prerequisite)
Yes
Connected and Open Community
(prerequisite)
Yes
Walkable Streets
12
7
Compact Development
6
4
Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers
4
2
Mixed-Income Diverse Communities
7
1
Reduced Parking Footprint
1
0
Street Network
2
2
Transit Facilities
1
1
Transportation Demand Management
2
0
Access to Civic and Public Spaces
1
1
Access to Recreation Facilities Visitability and Universal Design
1
1
1
0
Community Outreach and Involvement
2
2
Local Food Production Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets
1
0
2
1
Neighborhood Schools
1
1
44
23
Total
Neighborhood Pattern and Design LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Total
Green Infrastructure and Building LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Innovation and Design Maximum Points
Points Achieved
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
Certified Green Building
(prerequisite)
Yes
Habitat Restoration for Rare Species
1
1
Minimum Building Energy Efficiency
(prerequisite)
Yes
Preserve Viewsheds to the Am. River
1
1
Minimum Building Water Efficiency
(prerequisite) (prerequisite)
Yes Yes
Reduced Glare
1
1
Improved Air Quality
1
1
Certified Green Buildings
5
2
Noise and Vibration Reduction
1
1
Building Energy Efficiency
2
1
LEED Accredited Professional
1
0
Building Water Efficiency
1
0
Water Efficient Landscaping
1
1
Total
6
5
Existing Building Use
1
0
Historic Resource Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
1
1
Minimize Site Disturbance in Design and Construction
1
1
Stormwater Management
4
3
Heat Island Reduction Solar Orientation
1
0
LEED-ND Credit or Prerequisite
Maximum Points
Points Achieved
1
1
Water Efficient Landscaping
1
1
On-Site Renewable Energy Sources
3
0
Stormwater Management
1
1
District Heating and Cooling Infrastructure Energy Efficiency
2
0
Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers
1
0
1
0
Street Network
1
0
Wastewater Management
2
2
Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence
1
0
Recycled Content in Infrastructure
1
0
Housing and Jobs Proximity
1
0
Solid Waste Management Infrastructure Light Pollution Reduction
1
0
1
0
Total (Select only 4)
4
2
29
12
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
Total
Regional Priority Credits
Existing Neighborhood Assessment Conclusions This evaluation of the Township 9 development project was based on LEED-ND credit criteria. Overall, this analysis found that the study area has many qualities and attributes that are rewarded in the LEED-ND Rating System, such as an infill location and a diversity of uses. Based on these qualities, it appears that Township 9 would be able to earn 60 points - allowing the development to narrowly achieve LEED Gold certification with no points to spare. While this result is laudable, it is apparent that Township 9 has a lot of room for improvement. While a Gold standing may seem ideal - it means that the project only received 54% of possible points. A score like that would typically mean failure for most exams. Furthermore, 5 of those points were awarded for innovation and design - credits that must first be approved by an application process. It is more than likely that the innovation credits would not be approved in which case the project calls to a silver certification. Regardless of which certification level Township 9 was able to achieve, the assessment revealed many important LEED-ND characteristics that the project is missing. Issues such as energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy generation, mixed income diversity and transportation management are incredibly important characteristics all sustainable cities should have. Township 9 can and should use this assessment not to congratulate themselves in what then have achieved but rather as a tool to see how they can do better.
Neighborhood LEED for Development
TOWNSHIP 9
Maximum Points
LEED-ND Category
Points Achieved
Smart Location and Linkage
27
20
Neighborhood Pattern and Design
44
23
Green Infrastructure and Buildings
29
12
total
100
54
Innovation and Design
6
5
Regional Priority
4
0
Project total
110
60
LEED GOLD The LEED-ND Rating System Certification Levels Certified: Silver: Gold: Platinum:
40-49 Points 50-59 Points 60-79 Points 80-110 Points
Sources American River Corridor Management Plan, 2002 American River Parkway Plan, 2008
McCoy, Dennis. “Community Impact.” Sacramento Business Journal, 2013
Burg, William. “Where did the downtown polulation go?” Sacramento Press, 2007
River District Design Guidelines. City of Sacramento Urban Design Group. 2009
Central City Community Plan. 2009
Sangree, Hudson. “Urban infill projects see strong demand in Sacramento area” The Sacramento Bee, May 2014
City of Sacramento. City of Sacramento Bikeway Master Plan. 2004 City of Sacramento Department of Utilities. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan. 2010 City of Sacramento. River Distric Specific Plan. December 2010. Congress for the New Urbanism. Natural Resources Defense Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED 2009 for Neighborhood Development. 2009 Congress for the New Urbanism, Natural Resources Defense Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. A Local Government Guide to LEED for Neighborhood Development. 2012 EIP Associates. Township 9 Environmental Impact Report. 2007 “Guiding Principles.” Date of access: Feb. 2015 riverdistrict.net “History of Sacramento River District.” Date of access: Feb. 2015 riverdistrict.net “Ideal business, Transportation, and Residential Center River District .” Date of access: Feb. 2015 riverdistrict.net
Sangree, Hudson. “Urban infill projects move ahead in Sacramento and West The Sacramento” Sacramento Bee, May 2014 “Township 9 at the River District.” Date of access: Feb. 2015 t9ontheriver.com “Transforming to a vibrant, mixed-use community River District” Date of access: Feb. 2015 t9ontheriver.com