features and vegetation, and <br />(2) Avoid conversion of natural resource areas designated in the <br />Metropolitan Area General Plan to urban uses when alternative <br />locations on the property are suitable for development as otherwise <br />permitted. <br />b. Proposed buildings, road, and other uses are designed and sited to assure <br />preservation of significant on-site vegetation, topographic features, and other <br />unique and worthwhile natural features, and to prevent soil erosion or flood <br />hazard. <br />The project area is not included on the City's Goal 5 inventory, so subsection 1. applies. There is no <br />evidence of any significant on-site vegetation, rare plants, wetlands, riparian habitats, or designated <br />natural resources. The previously developed site is flat and consists mainly of grasses and areas of <br />degraded concrete or asphalt. Based on available evidence there is no documented habitat for rare <br />animal species or species proposed for listing under state or federal law. There are no prominent <br />topographic features, intermittent and perennial stream corridors, or riparian areas. The area is not <br />designated as a natural resource in the Metro Plan or identified in the City's natural resource inventory. <br />(b) Tree Preservation. The proposed project shall be designed and sited to preserve <br />significant trees to the greatest degree attainable or feasible, with trees having the <br />following characteristics given the highest priority for preservation: <br />1. Healthy trees that have a reasonable chance of survival considering the base zone <br />or special area zone designation and other applicable approval criteria; <br />2. Trees located within vegetated corridors and stands rather than individual <br />isolated trees subject to windthrow; <br />3. Trees that fulfill a screening function, provide relief from glare, or shade <br />expansive areas of pavement; <br />4. Trees that provide a buffer between potentially incompatible land uses; <br />5. Trees located along the perimeter of the lot(s) and within building setback areas; <br />6. Trees and stands of trees located along ridgelines and within view corridors; <br />7. Trees with significant habitat value; <br />8. Trees adjacent to public parks, open space and streets; <br />9. Trees located along a water feature; <br />10. Heritage trees. <br />There are no significant trees on the development site. However, the applicant has submitted a tree <br />preservation plan (sheet L-000) which shows three trees located across Green Lane, two trees in the <br />right-of-way and one tree on adjacent property, to be protected during the construction process. There <br />are three street trees along River Road that will need to be removed due to road improvements. Street <br />tree removal and replacement will be further evaluated under a street tree removal permit during the <br />Privately Engineered Public Improvement (PEPI) process. <br />(c) Restoration or Replacement. <br />As noted previously, the area is not included on the City's Goal 5 inventory. The site is not within a <br />wetland area or near a stream corridor with riparian vegetation and, therefore, does not require <br />restoration of habitat. There is no indication of any substantial wildlife habitats or rare animals found on <br />site. The applicant also proposes to plant a significant number of trees and other vegetation to ensure <br />the development will be screened from neighboring properties and blend with its surroundings. <br />June 2019 Staff Report: Santa Clara Transit Station - PDT 19-1/ARA 19-1 Page 7 of 23 <br />