1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016,2017, and 2024 1997 Rio Vista Village
Specific Plan
Amended 2016 and 2017
Amended:
April 26, 2024 Draft
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016,2017, and 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION______________________________________________________________________ 1 SECTION 1.0
1.1 AUTHORITY _____________________________________________________________ 6
1.2 PURPOSE ________________________________________________________________ 6
1.3 APPLICATION ____________________________________________________________ 6
1.4 EXTENT _________________________________________________________________ 7 SECTION 2.0 ________________________________________________________________________ 8 SECTION 3.0 _______________________________________________________________________ 15 2024 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT _____________________________________________________ 16 SECTION 4.0
4.1 SPECIFIC PLAN POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES_____________________________________ 31
4.2 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING STANDARDS ____________________________________ 32
4.3 LAND USE PLAN _________________________________________________________ 32
4.4 PHASING PLAN __________________________________________________________ 34
4.5 CIRCULATION PLAN. ______________________________________________________ 34
4.6 OPEN SPACE PLAN _______________________________________________________ 36
4.7 LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN ________________________________________________ 37
4.8 DRAINAGE AND GRADING PLAN ____________________________________________ 38 SECTION 5.0
5.1 USES PERMITTED ________________________________________________________ 55
5.2 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. _______________________ 61
5.3 SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS._________________________ 63
5.4 GENERAL COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS _________ 71
5.5 SPECIAL COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS __________ 71
5.6 GENERAL RECREATION SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ________________________ 72
5.7 SPECIAL RECREATION SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS _________________________ 72
5.8 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR
R-2-CLUSTER SFD DEVELOPMENT ___________________________________________ 73 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.9 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE 2024SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AREA ______ 77 SECTION 6.0
6.1 PHASING _______________________________________________________________ 95
6.2 OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS _________________________________________________ 96
6.3 HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATION AND COVENANTS, CONDITIONS
& RESTRICTIONS _________________________________________________________97
6.4 ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS ___________________________________________________ 98
6.5 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS AND DESIGN REVIEW______________________________ 99
6.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATIONS ___________________________________________ 99
6.7 ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS ________________________________________________ 115
6.8 FLOOD CONTROL _______________________________________________________ 117
6.9 ADMINISTRATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN ___________________ 117 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016,2017, and 2024
LIST OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT SYM
NCP VERANO LLC PARCELS OWNERSHIP 1-1
SPECIFIC PLAN PLANNING AREAS AND LAND USE CATEGORIES
WITH THE 2024 AMENDMENT AREA OUTLINED IN RED. 3-1
EXHIBIT 3.2: ORIGINAL PLANNING AREA BOUNDARIES AND 2024 LOTTING PLAN 3.2
REGIONAL MAP 4-A
VICINITY MAP 4-B
PLANNING AREAS 4-D
STATISTICAL SUMMARY (as amended 2024) 4-E
PHASING PLAN (as amended 2024) 4-F
CIRCULATION PLAN (as amended 2024) 4-G
OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-H (as amended 2024) 4-H
LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN (as amended 2024) 4-I
Exhibit 4-I-1: Community Recreation Park (amended 2024) 4-I.1 VILLAGE COMMONS 4-I.2
BOULEVARD PARKWAY 4-I.3
BLVD MEDIAN DRY WASH 4-I.4
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 4-I.5
DRAINAGE & GRADING PLAN 4-J
SFD CONCEPTUAL LAYOUTS AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 5.1
ATTACHED CONCEPTUAL LAYOUTS AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS 5.2
LOT CONCEPTS USE OF TERMS 5-A
LOT CONCEPTS USE OF TERMS 5-A.1
FRONT SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS 5-B
FRONT SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS 5-B.1
SIDE DRIVE SETBACK 5-B.2
SIDE DRIVE SETBACK 5-B.3
GARAGE SETBACK SERVICE LANES 5-C
GARAGE SETBACK CORNER/STREET 5-C.1
PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 5-D
SOLAR WALLS & SHADING DEVICES 5-E
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
ATTACHED CONCEPTUAL LAYOUTS AND DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS 5.2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 – Comparison of Approved and Proposed Unit Counts (As Amended by 2024 Specific Plan Amendment)
Table 5.1 –Development Standards (Minimums) PA3.1, 5.1 – 5.4, 6.1 – 6.5 Table 5.2 –Development Standards (Minimums) PA 1.1 and 1.2 Table 6.1 – Blow Sand Mitigation Program
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Intent of the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment (SPA 97-55-D) The proposed action involving SPA 97-55-D is to amend the approved Rio Vista Village Specific Plan (RVVSP) (SP 97-55 as amended in 2016 (SPA 97-55-B) and 2017 (SPA 97-55-C)) for the following purposes:
Establish single-family lots and multifamily parcels with associated tentative tract maps covering the undeveloped areas of the approved Specific Plan. Update development standards to address contemporary home and lot configurations. Update the Landscape Master Plan (Section 4.7) to allow climate appropriate trees in addition to mesquite trees for better longevity and appearance since mesquite trees have not weathered well the impacts of strong winds.
Provide additional egress to Verona Road, aligned with Ventura Drive to the south. Modify the size of neighborhood parks within the Specific Plan Amendment Area and a a number of smaller open spaces from the originally approved Exhibits 4-H, 4-I, 4-I.5. Omit the requirement for alley loaded units along Rio Vista Drive. Modify the design and programming of the recreation center by eliminating the “Beach Club and Water Park” and adding sports courts and gathering spaces. Provide updated technical studies to assess future development within the RVVSP. Where appropriate, mitigation developed under the 1997 SPA will be updated accordingly based on the updated technical studies and implemented for proposed future development under the SPA.
Update the RVVSP second dwelling unit provisions to be consistent with current State law governing second dwelling units (Government Code section 65852.2 or as subsequently amended).
Modify the circulation plan to be consistent with Tentative Maps 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, 38713, and 38902.
The Amendment maintains the approved density, maximum unit count and the General Plan Land Use designation RL for the single-family detached residential areas (Planning Areas 3.1 (portion),
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5) and RMH and RH for the multi-family areas (Planning Areas 1.1 and 1.2) within the Specific Plan Amendment Area. The 2024 SPA presents home types to support the goals of the Specific Plan and the ongoing build-out of the Rio Vista Village Specific Plan.
The Amendment will enable contemporized residential building types. This modification from the approved Specific Plan will address City housing needs and develop the vacant 2 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 residential areas of the partially developed Specific Plan property in a manner that fits well within the existing neighborhood fabric and offers additional housing options. Site development standards set forth in this Section and in the currently approved Specific Plan are tailored toward smaller lot single-family development and multi-family home configurations while being compatible with the adjacent uses. The continuing vision of the RVVSP is to encourage creative design solutions to accommodate a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood with ample recreation amenities and open space, consistent with the approved Specific Plan goals. Minor modifications to street configuration to provide larger parks and address neighborhood needs for circulation while remaining consistent with the Specific Plan’s circulation pattern.
The 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Area is limited to 128 acres within APNs: 677-050-017, - 018, -027, -031, -032, -033 and -034. Refer to Exhibit 1-1: Specific Plan Amendment Area. 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The Rio Vista Village Specific Plan (RVVSP or Verano) was originally adopted by the City of Cathedral City in 1998. In accordance with CEQA requirements, the RVVSP was evaluated pursuant to a mitigated negative declaration (Adopted MND) adopted by the City of Cathedral City (City) on January 14, 1998. The RVVSP allows for development of 1,362 residential units within the entire 303-acre RVVSP area. Development of 1,362-units over the 303-acre RVVSP area is referred to as the Approved Project.
The Adopted MND evaluated buildout of the RVVSP area pursuant to RVVSP design criteria and residential and non-residential allowances which included the development of 1,362 residential units within the entire 303-acre RVVSP area. In 2017, a second MND was adopted for Tentative Tract Map 37124, focusing on General Residential Site Development Standards for R- 2 Cluster Single-Family Development and to add reference to other sections of the RVVSP referring to said development standards for cluster lots. Since 1998, a total of 528 residential units have been approved (470 constructed and 58 approved but not constructed).
The 2040 General Plan was adopted by the City of Cathedral City in 2021 and serves as a guide to the City's development and conservation through 2040. The CCGP EIR evaluated buildout of the Project site pursuant to proposed City of Cathedral City land use and zoning designations 3 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 (Low Density Residential (RL), Medium High Density Residential (RMH) and High-Density Residential (RH)).
The current amendment (SPA 97-55-D) does not propose changes to the approved RVVSP unit count and the approved maximum unit count, and the General plan Land Use designations and density for the single-family and multiple-family areas of the undeveloped portion of the specific plan. More specifically the current SPA proposed the following changes to the 1997 RVVSP (as amended 2016 and 2017):
(i) Revision and modification of development standards for the undeveloped portions of the specific plan area for development of single-family and multiple-family within the undeveloped areas of the approved RVVSP and incidental changes to the landscape plan, circulation plan, parks plans, and to provide for alley-loaded units on Rio Vista Drive;
(ii) Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, 38713 (consisting of 459 single-family residences), and Tract Map No. 38902 (consisting of up to 375 multi- family residential, attached and detached condominium units); and (iii) Construction of the remaining 834 residential units (of the originally approved 1,362 units) over the undeveloped portion of the RVVSP area (128 acres), with associated onsite and offsite improvements (collectively, the Project).
The Project implements the Approved Project and facilitates the development of the undeveloped portion of the RVVSP consistent with the maximum unit count, General Plan Land Use designations and densities and the approved uses in the RVVSP and is within the assumptions that were evaluated in the CCGP EIR and Adopted MND. A consistency analysis was prepared for the Project that evaluated construction and operation of the remaining 834 residential units, including onsite and offsite improvements.
The consistency analysis was prepared in January 2024 for the Project pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166 and State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15162, 15163, 15164 and 15183. The consistency analysis determined that the Project is within the scope of the RVVSP/the Adopted MND and that no supplemental or subsequent negative declaration, environmental impact report or addendum is required to the Adopted MND. The consistency analysis evaluated the Project’s consistency with the General Plan and Adopted MND. The consistency analysis determined that:
(1) the Project qualifies for streamlined CEQA review and exemption per CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan or Zoning); 4 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 (2) the Project is consistent with the conclusions in the Adopted MND; and (3) none of the conditions requiring a supplemental or subsequent EIR, as specified in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 (Subsequent EIRs) and 15163 (Supplement to an EIR), are present.
The Cathedral City 2040 General Plan Final EIR (CCGP EIR) and RVVSP Adopted MND, in conjunction with the consistency analysis, serves as the environmental review for the proposed Project.
Note: Area outlined in red is within the 2024 SPA area. Those parcels shown with APNs outside of the red outlined area are also owned by NCP Verano LLC but are not within the 2024 SPA area.
Exhibit 1-1: Specific Plan Amendment Area 2024
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 This Specific Plan was prepared to implement the intent of the Ahwahnee Principles in a predominantly residential village setting. The 303- area acre site that is Rio Vista Village Specific Plan is located on the northwest corner of Verona and Landau and is approximately 1 mile by 1/2 mile in dimension. Its location at the edge of existing development permits the use of innovative planning concepts without impacting in a negative way any of the existing developments (Sunix) or those approved, but not yet completed projects such as La Pasada. Yet for all its sense of partial isolation, Rio Vista is an inseparable portion of the whole of Cathedral City and as such is servant to the planning decisions made over the years that establish controls and precedents Rio Vista cannot and should not attempt to alter.
Within the boundaries of the project, we have attempted to include every suitable "new urbanism" principle that is appropriate for the size and nature of the project. We have proposed narrow streets to "calm" traffic and are using contemporary roundabouts and traffic circles. We have proposed smaller lots, service lanes, reduced front yards, porches, patios and verandahs, walkable streets, increased street trees and landscaping, open space distributed throughout the community, a hierarchy of common open space elements from passive parks to active water features and a concentration of community activity in a small village center.
What we cannot control is the fact that the site is removed from Vista Chino, the nearest through arterial and as such, local commercial and institutional uses will be small, phased and dependent on the immediate market area for economic support. We have proposed a roundabout at the intersection of Verona and Landau that requires the cooperation of the City and a minimum of four landowners. It is at this intersection that a village center ought to be developed but only Rio Vista has located uses and proposed improvements to support this notion.
The result is a valid attempt to integrate the planning principles of the new urbanists into an existing infrastructure of both land uses and existing community sensibilities. The result can be a truly innovative and vibrant community provided the City, the community, the developer and the merchant builders all adhere not to the strict letter of the zoning regulations but to the spirit of the underlying intent as embodied in the "Community Character Criteria. -6-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 1.0
AUTHORITY, PURPOSE AND APPLICATION OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN
1.1AUTHORITY
Specific plans are required to implement and be consistent with the General Plan. Rio Vista Village adheres to the underlying General Plan land use classification of Residential L-SP and proposes to construct no more than the permitted 4.5 dwelling units per acre which applied to the 302.62 acres of the site yields 1,362 units. The specific plan allows flexibility in design and planning standards, permits the drafting of a unique set of zoning regulations applicable only to the areas within the specific plan boundaries and in conjunction with applicable portions of the Planned Development Ordinance ensures adequate open space and recreational opportunities for the residents and guests of Rio Vista Village.
1.2PURPOSE
The purpose behind this specific plan is simply to take maximum advantage of the flexibility offered by the ability to draft a unique and suitable set of development policies, regulations and guidelines based on the Ahwahnee Principles. Its authority is found in Division B, Specific Plans of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cathedral City which enables landowners to implement California Government Code 65450 authorizing the use of specific plans.
1.3APPLICATION
This specific plan addresses a variety of development and zoning issues for which regulations and standards are proposed. When specifically addressed, the provisions of this specific plan shall prevail over other city standards and existing zoning regulations.
When the specific plan is silent on an issue, the currently enforced and applicable city regulations shall prevail.
In matters of interpretation the Ahwahnee Principles shall be looked to for guidance.
Where specifically identified, the Director of Community Development shall render interpretations and make findings according to applicable law and the dictates of the policies and ordinances of the City of Cathedral City.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
1.4EXTENT
This specific plan deals directly with the permitted uses of the land, development regulations, densities, and site development criteria. Since this project is developed as a master planned community, the design themes and guidelines are provided in the Community Character Criteria booklet to be submitted separately and administered by the Master Developer or their representative or assignee.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 2.0
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The following section contains specific General Plan policies, and objectives that are pertinent to Rio Vista Village. In general, however, the planning and design of Rio Vista Village is very sensitive to General Plan policies and especially to those that reflect the adoption of the Ahwahnee Principles. In the discussion of the General Plan that follows, the page number on which the applicable section is found precedes the section in italics. That is followed by the RIO VISTA RESPONSE section wherein those portions of the Specific Plan that apply are discussed.
SECTION/PAGE POLICY DISCUSSION.
A.COMMUNITY STRUCTURE
1. COMMUNITY SECTORS COMPONENT
11-6 (c. Needs) "…Vista are in many ways the most challenging. The overwhelming need in this area is to find ways of living with the pattern of existing lots without creating a chaotic mess. Very creative development standards and incentives will be needed.
Considerable refurbishing of existing public improvements and protection from blowsand will be required."
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: The planning and design concepts that guide the development of Rio Vista Village are founded in the Ahwahnee Principles, the planning principles adopted by the city. Far from creating a "chaotic mess," these principles and their application in Rio Vista Village create clear organization within a framework of safe streets, walkable neighborhoods, local open space network and innovative design guidelines.
11-7 (e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
1.1.2 Program:Develop landscape programs which allow some localized variation where local identity can be reinforced.
1.1.3 Program:Wherever possible, reinforce sector identity through design of public improvements.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: The master landscape program for Rio Vista Village is a creative response to the desert environment and is based on the notion of developing a community within a grove of mesquite trees or other climate appropriate trees. Additionally, the signature street, Rio Vista Drive, is a median divided street. The 100’ wide median serves as both detention basin and landmark landscape feature unique in the city.
2.1.1 Program: Write zoning districts to recognize sector variations. -9-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 RIO VISTA RESPONSE: The zoning regulations and development standards written for this specific plan create unique, specific and locally sensitive criteria aimed at implementing the Ahwahnee Principles at the local level.
2. ACTIVITY CENTERS COMPONENT
11-10 (e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
2.1.1Program:Write zone code and subdivision regulations which provide for neighborhood activity centers.
2.1.3Program:Coordinate future school locations with the Palm Springs Unified School District so sites, to the extent needed, will function as neighborhood centers.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: Rio Vista Village provides a village center that contains an elementary school (located and sized per PSUSD criteria), a small commercial/institutional facility and a community recreation center inclusive of swimming pool, sports court and clubhouse a city level recreation facility, proposed as a water park.
3. OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION AND RECREATION COMPONENT
II-17(e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
1.1.6Program:Develop standards, criteria, regulations and incentives to achieve strengthened community features and image by use of open space features. 1 .2.1 Program:Develop landscape standards and lists of approved desert landscaping materials for open space and landscaped areas.
1.4.3Program:Establish assessment districts for each community sector for the purpose of funding park acquisition or improvement budgets.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: Rio Vista Village utilizes a well-connected network of open space elements and features, each of which contributes to the sense of unique identity established for the village. The single largest open space feature, the detention basins encompass over 11 acres of xeriscape treatment linking the designed environment back to its environmental context in an appropriate and water conserving manner. As a part of the development, a 4 acre city park is planned for a water feature, swimming lagoon with sandy beaches and tree groves a the major entry to the villagefour-acre community recreation facility will be included with swimming pool, sports court and a clubhouse. Thus, both the city and the village enjoy the park’s design and location as a place-making feature of the urban scape.
4. URBAN DESIGN COMPONENT
11-2 (e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
1.1.3 Program: Regulate the setbacks, height and bulk of buildings through the provisions of an updated zone code.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: This specific plan proposes a complete zoning code to regulate the development with the project boundaries. These provisions are both updated and based on the neo-traditional planning concepts and principles embodied in the Ahwahnee Principles and the Charter of the New Urbanism.
BLIVING ENVIRONMENTS
1 LAND USE COMPONENT
Note: On February 19, 1992, the City Council approved a General Plan Amendment and Re-zoning application that placed Rio Vista Village within Land Use Category “L-SP”, Low Density Residential requiring a Specific Plan. The property was rezoned to R1-7.2-S 11-33 1) Residential
Low Density Residential: This category permits residential development from a base density of 2 du/ac to a maximum of 4.5 du/ac. It is intended to accommodate single- family detached dwelling units.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: Rio Vista Village proposes to develop the entire residential portion of the village within the density limits of Low Density Residential. A maximum of 1,362 units are permitted. Within individual planning areas of the project, however, higher densities are both permitted and encouraged to achieve the mix of residential types, prices and life-styleslifestyles that are at the heart of the Ahwahnee Principle’s attempt to develop real, integrated communities. Within the planning constraints of the plan, in excess of 1,000 of the 1,392 units are proposed as detached single-family units. An additional 150 units The remainder are expected to be developed as attached single-family within a condominium ownership program. The result is that approximately 1,150 of the 1,362most of the dwellings within the plan are intended for home ownership opportunities.
II-39(e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
2.1.1Program:
Identify vacant or underutilized areas of the City where support systems are capable of serving intensification of development.
3.1.2 Program:
Establish and adopt Specific Plans for developing or guiding development of major land holdings.
3.2.1Program:
Establish planning areas as building blocks of community planning efforts. -11-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
3.2.2Program:
Identify development control needs to support individual planning area character.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: Rio Vista Village was a large (303-acre) vacant parcel immediately adjacent to existing development. Substantial infrastructure improvements were made prior to 2024 by the City in terms of water and sewer services to the adjacent tracts. The underlying General Plan category required a Specific Plan for the 1997 project on the site. The Specific Plan utilized the planning area concept to develop both sensible units of development and neighborhood-sized components that relate to infrastructure and land use patterns. A companion document to the 1997 Specific Plan is the Community Character Guidelines in which reside the design and image controls for the entire village. 2 ENERGY COMPONENT
11-109 (e. Objectives, Policies and Programs)
1.1.1Program:
Explore conservation measures then apply them to building design, to include, but not be limited to:
Minimal glazing exposure to reduce heat transfer.
Light colored reflective walls and roofs.
South oriented roofs for greatest heat gain in winter and ease of retrofit for solar energy installation.
Weather strip on all doors and windows.
Entry airlocks (vestibules) to reduce exterior air infiltration. Insulated air conditioning air ducts and hot water pipes. Active and passive solar heating.
1.1.2Program:
Apply the following conservation measures to site design:
Locate buildings as much as possible to benefit from natural ventilation and cooling; perpendicular to the direction of the wind in summer. Reduce extent of paved areas.
Shade paved areas by using trees along streets and parking areas. Utilize landscaping to maximize shading of structures in summer months.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE: The design of individual dwellings within the project will be in the hands of the planners, engineers, architects and landscape architects retained by the -12-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 merchant builders working within the overall sales and management plan for the village.
Certain portions of the master plan, however, will be built by the master developer who will exert both control over the design and by example set a high level of sensitivity to the environmental forces acting upon the site. The accompanying Community Character Criteria booklet contains specific design recommendations dealing with the placement of structures, their design, the use of the lot, and provides for specific measures and features to be employed to deal with solar heat gain, wind and blowsand intrusion and the creation of sizable shaded outdoor living areas.
Ahwahnee Principles and the New Urbanism:
The Ahwahnee Principles have been adopted by Cathedral City as the guiding framework for community development. The principles are derived from the best of our older and most pleasant communities. They stress walkable communities, integrated uses, a fine grain mix of housing types and densities, a focus on the community center, a return to pedestrian orientation and a relegation of the automobile to a subservient, rather than a dominant role. Since that time the Congress of the New Urbanism has refined the principles and re-directed them to the most discrete issues faced by architects and planners designing neighborhoods and their components: the blocks, streets lots and homes of the community.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE
Rio Vista Village will include such practical applications as reduced local street widths, tighter intersection curb radii, service lanes (alleys), reduced front yards and grid street layouts. We have re-introduced the “roundabout” to facilitate local traffic flow and are employing a grand boulevard as the central organizing element of the plan. The boulevard serves a variety of purposes, e.g., traffic separation and control, storm water retention in the median, xeriscape landscape development, passive recreational enjoyment and a PAR course and in the central traffic circle, a 3-acre community park.
Specific Plan Ordinance:
The Specific Plan Ordinance, (Division B of the Zoning Ordinance) details the requirements for the preparation of specific plans. This document responds to these requirements and addresses every mandatory element. In particular, a specific plan may amend the General Plan and create a set of zoning regulations applicable to the parcels within the project boundaries. These regulations may vary from the underlying zone classification so long as the density and basic criteria for consistency with the General Plan are observed.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE
Within this document, a unique set of zoning regulations are provided that implement the Ahwahnee Principles in specific terms as applied to both neighborhood planning and individual lot design. Rio Vista Village has adopted the most flexible and the most -13-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 innovative sections of all applicable ordinances and combined them with the precepts of the new urbanist principles.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Planned Unit Development Ordinance:
The Planned Unit Development Ordinance (Ord. 262, DIVISION S, ARTICLE V of the Zoning OrdinanceCodified as Chapter 9.98 in the Cathedral City Zoning Ordinance) provides for the use of innovative planning and design treatments that vary in some manner from the strict requirements of the standard zoning regulations.
RIO VISTA RESPONSE
In particular, the Planned Development Ordinance requires additional common open space as a trade-off for using lots smaller than the standard lot of 7200 square feet. Rio Vista Village provides more than the required aggregate area.
THE AHWAHNEE PRINCIPLES AND CHARTER OF THE NEW URBANISM These sections have been moved to an appendix at the end of the Specific Plan. -15-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 3.0
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
In 1997, the City of Cathedral City approved the Rio Vista Village Specific Plan (RVVSP). The RVVSP was composed of 302.62 acres of which 275 were developable. The Specific Plan permitted up to 1,362 homes to be constructed in addition to open spaces, recreational amenities, and other community features. The vision of Rio Vista Village was, and continues to be, a pedestrian-oriented community inspired by the Ahwahnee Principles and cornerstones of the Congress for New Urbanism, inclusive of walkable streets, homes that front the public realm (sidewalks and streets), compact development, and a mix of uses.
The Rio Vista Specific Plan was amended in 2016 and 2017 to accommodate additional development standards for cluster development. The 2016 amendment included a change to the text of the MF-4 land use category and a density transfer between Planning Areas 2.2 and 2.2. The 2017 amendment included a text amendment to add Section 5.8: General Residential Site Development Standards for R-2 cluster development and subdivision of 7.06 acres into 58 single- family cluster lots. Neither the 2016 nor the 2017 amendment increased the maximum number of dwelling units permitted under the RVVSP. The maximum number of dwellings remained the same at 1,362 units.
Rio Vista Village contains 302.62 acres of which 275 are developable, and will accommodate 1362 homes and perhaps 4000 people at full build-out. While not a town, four thousand people do comprise a village by most any definition. Within the village will be found a school, day care center, neighborhood commercial uses, a major community water park, community information/project sales center, a variety of residential types and prices and both village and neighborhood parks.
In the planning and design of Rio Vista Village we are addressing the creation of a new community.
As important as the homes are to those who live in them, as important as the local commercial establishments are to those who operate them and as important as the local recreation facilities are to those who frequent them, it is in the overall sense of community and the creation of a real identity and sense of place that we find our fundamental objective.
Rio Vista Village is, as most new urbanism based developments are, a pragmatic blend of real world market demands mixed with a sense of idealism and the notion that good community design can contribute something of lasting value to our culture. Rio Vista adds another ingredient to the mix in the name of ecological sensitivity and response to environmentally generated criteria.
The recession brought to a halt the southern California practice of home purchasing as a speculative commodity investment, certain to appreciate annually in double digits. Southern Californians are remaining in their homes longer. They are rekindling their interest in the -16-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 surrounding community. The historic preservation movement is growing rapidly and wielding an ever growing political clout in local decision-making chambers. Neighborhood Watches abound.
School boards are proactively dealing with day care and latch key issues. The search for community is real.
The Coachella Valley has few if any truly environmentally based master planned communities.
Most of the valley has developed as an extension of the Planned Unit Development or tract type land development patterns originated in the less severely constrained environments of coastal and inland Southern California. The other dominant development pattern has been the country club resort plans that really define the desert response to demands for creative planning and these are fundamentally PUD based plans. The resort plans are primarily known by their lush landscaping, provided at a tremendous water cost and creating an artificial, but welcome, oasis in the desert valley. Further, the plant material is both exotic and non-adaptive, i.e., without water, most species would wither and die quickly.
Country clubs and resorts have yet another profoundly important aspect that Rio Vista cannot duplicate. Resorts are by definition high end in the market place. Rio Vista, on the other hand, will provide affordable housing without the benefit of redevelopment funds or the largess of wealthy guests and tourists.
Out of this simple set of parameters emerge four central drivers of the design:
1 An honest desire to utilize the Ahwahnee Principles and the practical applications of "new urbanism" in the design of the community.
2 The need to market each design decision to the merchant builder community with its understanding of the market.
3 The need to provide affordable housing independent of agency assistance while keeping supplemental tax burdens and association dues to a minimum. 4 An awareness of the need to respect the environment and its severe demands and impacts.
These influences include the railroad/freeway as noise and vibration sources; the powerful impact of the wind and blowsand, exacerbated by the sites immediate proximity to the Whitewater River/Morongo Wash; on-site storm water retention; and the heat and solar exposure of the summer sun.
2024 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
The Specific Plan Amendment area is comprised of a total of approximately 128 acres located within the RVVSP. More specifically, the applicable Planning Areas (PAs) are PA-1.1, 1.2, 3.1 (portion), 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5. The Planning Areas are currently vacant within the partially developed Specific Plan. The Specific Plan Amendment area is generally bounded by the following existing features: Landau Boulevard to the east, the Union Pacific Railroad and Interstate 10 to the northeast, vacant land to the north, Rio Rosalia Drive, Rio Pecos Drive and Verona Road to the south, and Whitewater River and Morongo Wash flood control channel to the west.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 The 2024 Specific Plan Amendment (the Amendment) does not increase density but presents new development standards to address new housing typologies. Refer to Exhibit 3-1 and Table
3.1. Exhibit 3-1: Specific Plan Planning Areas and Land Use Categories with the 2024 SPA Area Outlined in Red.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Table 3.1: Comparison of Approved and Proposed Unit Counts (As Amended by 2024 Specific Plan Amendment)
PA
Land Use
Category Acres
Max
Allowable
Residential
Density
(As
Amended
2017)
Max
Allowable
Units (As
Amended
2017)
Actual
Density
Actual
Units
Proposed
Density
(2024
SPA &
TM37124)
Proposed
Units (2024
SPA &
TM37124) Transfer
1 1.1 Residential
(MF-4) 18.1 24 434 TBD TBD 11.60 210
1.2 Residential
(MF-2) 14.61 20 292 TBD TBD 11.29 165
1.3 Residential
(R-6) 4.95 5.5 27 4.85 24 N/A N/A N/A
1.4 Residential
(R-6) 5.73 5.5 32 5.58 32 N/A N/A N/A
1.5 Residential
(R-6) 1.96 5.5 11 7.65 15 N/A N/A N/A
1.6 Recreation 0.44 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1.7 Roadway
Dedication 3.92 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1.8 Commercial 4.69 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
54.4 796 71 375 *
2 2.1 Residential
(R-5) 13.23 6.5 86 5.29 70 N/A N/A N/A
2.2 Residential
(R-2) 4.49 15 58 12.92 N/A N/A 58 N/A
2.3 Elem. School 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
2.4 Recreation 4.07 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
2.5 Commercial 3.03 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
34.82 144 70 58 **
3 3.1 Residential
(R-5) 16.86 8 135 N/A 21 6.58 90 N/A
3.2 Residential
(R-5) 8.8 8 70 7.39 65 N/A N/A N/A
3.3 Residential
(R-5) 8.84 8 71 8.03 71 N/A N/A N/A
34.5 276 157 90 *
4 4.1 Residential
(R-6) 8.88 5.5 49 5.18 46 N/A N/A -1
4.2 Residential
(R-6) 8.65 5.5 48 6.24 54 N/A N/A +6
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.3 Residential
(R-6) 14 6.5 91 5.14 72 N/A N/A -5
31.53 187 172 0
5 5.1 Residential
(R-4) 17.15 8 137 N/A N/A 5.25 90 -11
5.2 Residential
(R-4) 8.8 8 70 N/A N/A 5.91 52
5.3 Residential
(R-6) 1.56 5.5 7 N/A N/A 5.77 9 +2
5.4 Residential
(R-5) 5.73 6.5 26 N/A N/A 6.11 35 +9
33.24 240 0 186 *
6 6.1 Residential
(R-5) 1.91 6.5 9 N/A N/A 5.76 11 +2
6.2 Residential
(R-5) 5.73 6.5 26 N/A N/A 6.28 36 +10
6.3 Residential
(R-5) 8.8 6.5 57 N/A N/A 5.80 51
6.4 Residential
(R-5) 3.21 6.5 21 N/A N/A 5.61 18
6.5 Residential
(R-5) 16.17 6.5 105 N/A N/A 4.14 67 -12
35.82 218 0 183 *
Total 224.31 470 892
Notes:
*: Unit count proposed in 2024 SPA.
**: Unit count Approved in TM37124.
Second dwelling units for rent may be included above the 1,362-unit limit subject to the requirements of Government Code section 65852.2.
Planning Areas have slightly adjusted from the original Specific Plan to adhere to the 2024 proposal; however, no Planning Area exceeds its allowable unit count or density. Refer to Exhibit 3.2.
Within Planning Area 4, Planning Area 4.2 receives 6 units transferred under Section 4.3.2 from Planning Area 4.1 (1 unit) and Planning Area 4.3 (5 units). Planning Area 4.1 is now permitted to have 47 units, Planning Area 4.2 is now permitted to have 54 units, and Planning Area 4.3 is now permitted to have 72 units.
Within Planning Area 5, Planning Area 5.3 receives 2 units transferred under Section 4.3.2 from Planning Area 5.1; and Planning Area 5.4 receives 9 units transferred under Section 4.3.2 from Planning Area 5.1. Planning Area 5.1 is now permitted to have 126 units, Planning Area 5.3 is now permitted to have 9 units, and Planning Area 5.4 is now permitted to have 35 units.
Within Planning Area 6, Planning Area 6.1 receives 2 units transferred under Section 4.3.2 from Planning Area 6.5; and Planning Area 6.2 receives 10 units transferred under Section 4.3.2 from Planning Area 6.5. Planning Area 6.1 is now permitted to have 11 units, Planning Area 6.2 is now permitted to have 36 units, and Planning Area 6.5 is now permitted to have 93 units.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 2024 Amendment Area
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 3-2: Original Planning Area Boundaries and 2024 Lotting Plan
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD: For our purposes we definethe purposes of the Specific Plan, neighborhoods and villages are defined as serving essentially the same role in the hierarchy of human habitation. The primary distinction between villages and neighborhoods is one of size and intensity of commercial development.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Rio Vista is a village in that it contains six distinct neighborhoods and a small district/village center. By no means, however, could Rio Vista Village be defined as being self-contained. It is and will always be a component part of the larger community of Cathedral City and of the valley in general. As a component part, Rio Vista faces the challenge of integrating its neo-traditional environment into the suburban patterns that define its surrounding context. Rio Vista Village will have a distinct village center containing open space, civic uses, recreation and goods and services required for daily life.
COMPACT COMMUNITIES: That Rio Vista Village has definitive edge conditions there can be little doubt. The Verona Road (southern) and Landau Blvd. (eastern) edges are developed as local collector streets. Verona has the additional distinction of a linear, 40- foot-wide storm water retention basin landscaped as a desert dry wash that will further separate and define the community's boundary. To the west lies the Whitewater River and Morongo Wash, permanent flood control channels that define not only the village of Rio Vista, but is the municipal boundary as well. To the north lies undeveloped land and the blowsand corridor, railroad and freeway.
MIXED USE COMMUNITIES: Rio Vista Village is currently programmed for seven housing types, densities and price ranges. We also propose to develop a community water park offering a swimming lagoon, picnic areas, parking and modest restroom and administrative facilities. The village center also contains a neighborhood commercial complex including sales office and information center. Immediately adjacent is a 10 acre elementary school site.
PEDESTRIAN COMMUNITIES: Perhaps in its handling of the car has Rio Vista paid its greatest allegiance to the new-traditional planning principles. Every single Single-family homes fronting the boulevard will either contain service lanes (alleys) or be conventionally loaded with architecture “forward.” Architecture forward is a term used to describe homes where garages are set back farther from the street than living space, thus highlighting the living space part of the house elevation rather than the garage becoming the dominant visual feature. fronting the boulevard is served by a service lane (alley) which provides both vehicular access to the garages and serves as the utility spine and service corridor.
The proposed design guidelines encourage the use of service lanes but also permit garages located toward the rear of the lot.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Local streets are narrow, parking is permitted on both sides which will contribute to slowing through traffic to a safe rate of speed. Sidewalks are separated from the street by a parkway and the parking lane. At local street intersections the parkway is extended another five feet thus narrowing the drive aisle to 20 feet. Curb radii are 15 feet and create an opportunity for more extensive landscaping which will define intersections. -24-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER
At the neighborhood scale, the relationships between homes, homes and street and homes across the street become the defining characteristics of neighborhoods. The character of neighborhoods is not so much architectural styles as forms, mass, landscape, materials and the handling of the car.
Neighborhood character is relatively immediate. Neighborhood character is tactile, fragrant and acoustic. Neighborhood character is not a thing, it's a feeling, a perception of the small and large relationships that exist without conscious thought.
A setback is felt not as so many feet, but as close or far, as comfortable or uncomfortable. Within the setback lies a piece of Americana known as the front yard. The American front yard is unique in the world. Nowhere else is so much precious land given away for so little utilitarian value.
Nowhere else is private land devoted to an essentially public purpose or do so many weekend gardeners devote such love and caring on space never used. American front yards are primarily street decoration, bought, improved and maintained by private funds for purely aesthetic purpose.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Our The neighborhoods within the RVVSP are intended to will be pedestrian and resident friendly. Pedestrian friendly means streets designed for slow moving traffic, enjoyable walking,s and setbacks that bring building frontage closer to the sidewalk, and compact development. allow casual conversation between pedestrian and porch dweller. Resident friendly means smaller front yards, porches and front patios that return the front yard to family and social use, and a return to service lams for handling automobiles, utilities and various urban services.
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ISSUES
Neighborhoods are the conceptual organizing element around which the community is developed.
However many designs and projects comprise a neighborhood, they are intended to create a single socio/geographic framework for common community experience. VILLAGE IDENTITY: Among the issues demanding attention is the need to create a sense of place, a separate and perceivable identity for the village. STREET FRIENDLY DESIGN: Streets will be designed to be friendly both for pedestrians, residents and drivers.
MATURE LANDSCAPE: A critical component will be the introduction of mature landscape within an overall master plan for planting.
LANDMARKS IN THE LANDSCAPE: While homes and civic/commercial buildings will certainly create the vast majority of architectural experiences in the community, unique landmarks will be introduced to assist in locating oneself in the spatial environment.
VILLAGE CENTER: There will be a village center containing civic/recreational uses, a school and neighborhood level commercial retail and service facilities. -25-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 VILLAGE IDENTITY: Each village and each neighborhood within it should exhibit some central focus around which the identity and activity of the community can coalesce. This central area will serve as an activity node tying together pedestrian circulation, offering small scale recreational uses, and an open space element. This is the area within each neighborhood where thematic design treatments are carried over from the village center and given some unique twist to set each neighborhood apart.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Rio Vista will have six identifiable residential neighborhoods plus the village center.
Each neighborhood will have a clear set of boundaries: the boulevard, a property edge condition, a local collector and/or a change in use. Village identification efforts (signage, specimen landscape planting, architectural enrichments and monuments) are most intense at the village center and become more dilute the further one moves into the surrounding neighborhoods. Within the village center all buildings will receive special treatment to establish the architectural theme at the front door of the community, so to speak.
STREET FRIENDLY DESIGN: The concept of "street friendly" design suggests the notion that there can be a friendly relationship between home and street and vice versa. Porches, patios and reduced front yards all address the street and sidewalk as co-equal elements in the neighborhood spatial organization. Making the street friendly means narrow paved sections to slow traffic, convenient and attractive sidewalks, ample trees and on-street parking to provide a barrier between pedestrians and moving vehicles.
Streets are viewed from three different perspectives, each of which has its own merits and requirements. First, perceived from the window of a passing car, the neighborhood street scene is one of briefly glimpsed vignette. From a passenger's point of view, the neighborhood quickly becomes a collage of impressions and images, none dominant unless something emerged so visually grabbing that it stands out among the collective impressions. Remember, vehicles moving at 25 MPH takes slightly less than 3 seconds to pass a typical 100' lot frontage. From the standpoint of a pedestrian, the impressions are considerably more acute and readily separated one from another. The 2.5 MPH strolling pace is sufficiently slow that very specific observations can be made including quite deliberate study as progress is halted and extended viewing is conducted.
This could also occur concurrently with conversation either with other pedestrians or with porch/yard dwellers.
The third point of view is ultimately the most critical and belongs to the person living in the home, facing the street and wanting to feel comfortable, safe and pleased with the view all at the same time. From a stationary point of view, the overall ambiance of the street becomes the perception -26-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 of significance until something occurs to draw attention to a specific feature or activity somewhere in the overall tableau.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
The neighborhood streets of Rio Vista Village are designed to calm traffic by being narrow and by utilizing expanded sidewalks at intersections. Porches, patios and front courts may be within 105 feet of from the sidewalk, thus encouraging casual conversation between residents and passersby. Low walls at the back of sidewalk or raised porches with low handrails serve to define front yards as semi-private spaces, accessible only for those with legitimate business, whether commercial or social in nature.
The Front Porch: Typically raised to permit natural light and ventilation to basements, the handrails and steps, columns and beams and the roof form have all been combined in the public eye as an icon of civility and neighborliness, thus epitomizing the notion of "street friendly" design.
Particularly in older, urban neighborhoods, setbacks are smaller, street trees plentiful and the distance between sidewalk and porch very comfortable for casual, unforced conversation. The raised floor, handrails and steps all declare the porch a private space, accessible, but only for those with legitimate purpose, either business or social.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Front porches are encouragedencouraged, and an incentive is provided to further stimulate their use. A functioning front porch, however, must be at least 8' by 8' in dimension 6’ deep to qualify as a standard porch. When so designed, the front setback is reduced to 10'. This expands the private rear yard area, reduces front yard maintenance costs and reduces water usage where xeriscapes are developed.
Service Lanes (Alleys): Second only to the lack of a porch in terms of creating unfriendly and antisocial spaces is the architecturally dominant garage and driveway. For rRear- loaded garages and accessed from an alley or service lane, no driveway is required. Properly designed, the service lane is surveillable by police, offers increased firefighting access to homes, provides the perfect location for utilities and such odious but necessary urban services as trash collection and above all, offers a safe haven for the automobile that simultaneously clears our streets of their presence and returns front yards to a human and social purpose. The resulting improvement in the quality of the street scene and the opportunity for neighborly social contact is absolutely dramatic.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Service lanes are incorporated into the housing facing the boulevard. Within this regime, every type and density of single family dwelling is proposed to be built. Outside of the boulevard residences, however, service Service lanes are both permitted and encouraged, but not required. When garages are accessed directly from the public street, the street setback forces the garage towards the rear of the lot. Only a single car width of driveway may be used and within the front setback areas, this driveway must be a "Hollywood" type -27-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 drive with landscaping between the two concrete tire ribbons.
THE MATURE LANDSCAPE: The mature landscape is the dominant feature in visual preference surveys and may be the single most important element of beautiful neighborhoods and communities. A mature landscape supports the identity of the project by providing a gracious framework for streets, neighborhoods and special facilities.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
A grove of mesquite and/or other climate appropriate trees: In Rio Vista Village we are proposing to develop the community as a collection of homes and streets carved from a grove of climate appropriate trees. Mesquite, a native of the desert and completely adaptable to the Coachella Valley environment matures into a lacy, gracefully branching 30 foot tall30-foot-tall canopy tree that becomes more veil-like as it matures. As a veil does not completely hide the features behind, so the mesquite filters the view but does not obscure it. With maturity the foliage becomes ever more gauze like so that the backdrop features, whether architecture, monument or other landscape, become more apparent as the tree grows taller and widens its canopy. Because mature mesquite trees have not weathered well in the strong winds, the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment allows for climate appropriate trees other than the existing mesquite such Prosopis X Phoenix which is a hybrid mesquite and other wind hardy trees.
Xeriscape design: On the ground plane, the xeriscape approach conserves water, reduces maintenance and lowers HOA dues. In an affordable community, landscape maintenance portions of the dues structure can frequently be the single largest line item of the annual budget. In the boulevard median, the treatment assumes the qualities of a dry stream bed and since its functional purpose is to store 100- year storm water, the landscape concept reinforces its functional role.
The Boulevard: The median of the boulevard is the visual spine of the project, flanked by the boulevard's one-way travel lanes. It serves as the primary visual and pedestrian element linking the entire project together. The median is conceived as a desert wash, dry virtually every day except when the infrequent but violent rains that define the desert climate hit with the force of monsoon storms. This wash, which also serves as a retention basin, is 100 feet wide, 8 feet deep and rises at a 4:1 slope to the boulevard elevation.
Within the wash is a meandering path, with intermittent trees of Mesquite, Palo Verde, and Willow planted in clusters to create "rest spots" for the pedestrian and jogger. Surface treatments will consist of low, spreading native and indigenous plant species, with abundant seasonal color, grouped in masses with the remaining area consisting of neutral color crushed stone and stabilized decomposed granite for trails. After studying the climate conditions and how residents currently use such outdoor spaces, the meandering path will remain along with landscape treatments. However, exercise installations as initially -28-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 proposed in the infant stages of this master planned community will no longer be implemented in the wash, as climatic conditions make these installations unusable at many times of the year. Recreation and fitness opportunities will be focused on the Recreation Center.
In the village center, more green is required to create the look and feel of an oasis, so a new palette of material is introduced. Turf appears, lush ground covers and shrubs are used and trees are more densely foliated and clustered into glens and groves.
Neighborhood character: In the neighborhoods, however, the xeriscape approach becomes less dominant. Front yards are treated as man-made and designed extensions of the natural desert environment and the home is designed to rise naturally and comfortably from the desert floor. Porches and entry courts are treated as semi-private retreats from the sun and heat of the yard and cast deep, dark shadows in high contrast to the walls that define them. Because the front yards are reduced in size to 10 feet, active recreation is inappropriate and is redirected to the neighborhood parks or back yards. It is here, in the rear yards behind secure walls and enclosed by the structures themselves, that turf, shrubs, flowers and water-dependent trees will be found. The rear yard is each family's personal oasis, a retreat from the public realm of intense climatological influences. High fence/walls (8 feet high) and sun walls (southern exposure walls permitted two stories high) enclose a very private and secure personal zone, free from the exposure and noise of the street and designed to keep adjacent eyes from prying.
LANDMARKS IN THE LANDSCAPE: Landmarks are specific elements of the environment (not necessarily man-made) that retain an individual and unique identity over time, and thus provide a locational fix for residents and guests. Landmarks can be public art, statues, buildings or parts of buildings or special landscape features.
Keep the number and nature of landmarks unique and well-spaced within the community. Their impact is far more important than simply to serve as locating devices. Landmarks become community symbols and serve as visual links to historical, local and/or regional culture.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Entry Monument: Rio Vista Village proposes to develop an entry feature of substantial size and quality. The parklike setting occurs directly in the sight line of entering vehicles. A tightly clustered grove of date palms will serve to identify and mark Rio Vista in the urban landscape.
Commercial Architecture: The commercial site is quite small yet uniquely situated to provide a dramatic architectural statement at the entry to the village. -29-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Bridges: Bridges are proposed at the crossings of Rio Vista Drive and local collector streets. These bridges are raised crossings with separated pedestrian walkways and special architectural and landscape treatments. Each bridge is intended to become a singular landmark in the communityVillage Commons: The Commons is the central core of the community and will serve as the primary landmark for both locational and identification purposes. This three- acre community park breaks the linearity of the boulevard into two smaller segments and is positioned to be seen from a multitude of vantage points. The commons contains both active and passive recreation spaces, highlighted by a tightly grouped, mature date palm grove with stabilized decomposed granite surfaces and a water element with table games and seating. The date palm grove alludes to the regional history of date farming, the water element to the vital role water plays in the Coachella Valley.
Mesquite and/or other climate appropriate trees, used to provide shade in parking areas ties the park to its desert environment and continues the theme begun in the boulevard median. Access is provided through a four-quadrant sidewalk system, connecting to each adjacent neighborhood, by safe crosswalks through the roundabout. Open lawn for active play is provided of approximately 3/4 acre and includes an interactive water feature.
THE VILLAGE CENTER: Village centers are intended to be the focus of communal life in the community. The village center is made up of the elementary school, the water park recreation facility and the commercial/institutional center. While too small for standalone civic and institutional facilities, the village center does offer the best opportunity for creating a community meeting place and for tying the most intense uses together in a setting for community activities.
RIO VISTA VILLAGE
The architectural forms and massing of the commercial structures will be simple, strong and accented with architectural features such as clock towers and vaulted roofs that create in themselves, landmarks in the civic landscape. Commercial structures in our village center have two faces. One fronts the street and must be both welcoming and formal.
Welcoming because commerce must open its arms to its clients and consumers, formal because the street facade is its public face. The other face is its plaza or parking face and here it can be casual, open, pedestrian oriented and still accommodate service and utility requirements.
All community serving structures, particularly commercial buildings, will display a special concern for creating social spaces, using striking and colorful architectural features, employing tactile and human scale detail treatments and sporting embellishments (treillage, arbors, plazas, awnings, lighting standards and fixtures, special graphics, colonnades, pergolas, cloisters, porticos, etc.) that create a distinct presence on the street and within the overall community.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 The beach clubRecreation Facility: The beach clubrecreation facility is the third element of the village center and provides multiple recreation opportunities. It is also a component of the primary entry to the entire village being located across from the project identification monument and date palm grove. The beach clubrecreation facility consists of several swimming ponds with sandy beachesa swimming pool, proposed sports court, support structures and picnic areas within the Mesquite groves of mesquite and/or other climate appropriate trees.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 4.0
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
The following policies and regulations apply to the large-scale development of neighborhoods and projects within Rio Vista Village.
4.1 SPECIFIC PLAN POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES
4.1.1 The primary objective is the creation of a walkable, pedestrian oriented village with a mix of housing types set on narrow, tree lined streets. A village center containing the community serving commercial, recreation and institutional uses will serve as the focus of activity. Within the overall context of the village, a consistent and uniformly applied set of thematic design principles and guidelines will create a coherent sense of place and unique identity.
4.1.2 Rio Vista Village is a compact village, utilizing small lots, narrow streets, reduced front yards and service lanes. Each separate project within the village boundaries shall utilize these basic design and planning concepts to achieve a consistent sense of place. Service lanes are not mandatory but are highly encouraged for the benefit they provide in terms of increasing on-street parking capacity and removing garage doors and driveways from street view.
4.1.3 There is an accompanying document titled "Community Character Guidelines" that must be followed by planners, engineers, architects and landscape architects in the design of in-tract streets, blocks and houses.
4.1.4 Underlying all design and planning in Rio Vista Village are the Ahwahnee Principles, the principles of the Congress of New Urbanism and the tenets of sound environmental analysis and planning.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.2 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING STANDARDS
The Land Use Plan creates six neighborhood areas plus the Village Center. Each of these neighborhoods is defined by external boundary conditions as well as internal edge conditions such as Rio Vista Drive or local collector streets. The Land Use Plan at the end of this section illustrates the variety of uses and their physical location within the village.
4.2.1 It is at the neighborhood level that specific environmental design criteria are first applied. Site (lot) and building orientations must be thought through with concern for the impact of heat gain via solar exposure, for the impacts of blowsand during major storms and for the effects of the naturally windy environment. Building mass, height and orientation to the sun should be an important consideration of on-site design thought. Using adjacent structures for both solar and wind protection is highly encouraged and will be given special consideration in the design review process.
4.3 LAND USE PLAN
The maximum number of units permitted within the development is 1,362 dwellings.
Maximum densities are applied to specific portions of the project as illustrated in the Planning Areas plan. Densities may be transferred between Planning Areas as market conditions and buyer preferences dictate. The aggregate number of units, however, within the Specific Plan boundary may not exceed 1,362 units. The maximum unit count of 1,362 units is not a guarantee. Every development proposal must receive the approvals required by this Specific Plan and by all other applicable ordinances and regulations of the City. -33-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.3.1 The use of second dwelling units shall be as provided allowed in accordance with (as defined by the City of Cathedral City zoning ordinance) for rent may be included above the 1362 unit limit in an amount not to exceed 25% of the total count. The application of this program is limited, however, to those areas having an "R" (single family detached) land use designation. The maximum potential number of such units will be further constrained as only lots served by a service lane may develop a second dwelling unit.by California Government Code section 65852.2.
4.3.2 Unit/density transfers within the specific plan area: It is the intent of this Specific Plan to permit flexibility in adjusting the number of residential units allocated to any Planning Area in response to market demand and subdivision design considerations.
To further this intent, units/density may be transferred between Residential Planning Areas, provided any increase or decrease in the number of units allocated to any residential Planning Area does not result in an absolute overall dwelling unit count that exceeds 1,362 units, notwithstandingunits notwithstanding the permitted use of second dwelling units meeting affordable housing criteria. second/accessory dwelling units permitted in accordance with Government Code section 65852.2, which may be included above the 1,362-unit limit.) Such transfer must be approved by the Planning Commission and the following findings must be made:
A The transfer and receiving Planning Areas are properly designated residential Planning Areas within Rio Vista Village Specific Plan.
B The transfer and receiving Planning Areas will comply with all development standards and requirements of this specific plan and other applicable regulations.
C The transfer and receiving Planning Areas will accommodate such density adjustments in terms of the serving infrastructure and no adverse environmental impacts will result from such transfer.
D Information, as determined necessary by the Planning Director, to determine zoning, Specific Plan and General Plan consistency shall be submitted identifying the impacts and ability to accommodate any increase or decrease in density on both the transfer and receiving Planning Areas.
E Subdivision maps proposing a unit/ density transfer shall be accompanied by revised Specific Plan maps and land use tables to account for the resulting density adjustments. Such adjustments are within the intent of the Specific Plan and, if consistent with the above provisions and findings, shall not require amendment to the Plan.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.3.3 Lower densities are permitted within any planning area than those listed in the Planning Area plan (Exhibit 4-D).
4.4 PHASING PLAN
4.4.1 Rio Vista Village is intended to progress with a three five- phased program. The entire development is scheduled for completion within seven to ten years.
4.4.2 Phase I is the largest phase in terms of both land area and number of units.
Development of every type of residential use except for the largest single single-family lots is proposed for this phase. Phase I is all ofall the property between Landau and Quintana plus some additional lots along Rio Vista Blvd. to the west. This phase is complete.
4.4.3 Phase II contains the balance of the middle third of the site. This phase is also complete.
4.4.4 Phase III contains the small undeveloped land south of Rio Largo Road and north of Verona Road. The parcel is located at the south-east corner of the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment area.
4.4.44.4.5 Phase IV contains the multi-family development, Tentative Tract Map 38902.
4.4.54.4.6 Phase
V contains the single-family development in the westerly portion of the Specific Plan, Tentative Tract Maps 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, and 38713.
4.4.64.4.7 Within each major phase, smaller sub-phases may be developed to ensure proper coordination of infrastructure construction, to match development financial commitments with market conditions and to facilitate the sale and marketing of parcels to builders.
4.5 CIRCULATION PLAN
Rio Vista Village is intended to be pedestrian friendly while providing safe streets for automobiles and service traffic. The hierarchy of streets is simple and limited. The use of service lanes (alleys/common drive) is encouraged, but not required. However, to reduce the impact of curb cuts and driveways accessing local streets, any lot with less than 50 feet of frontage must utilize a service lane for vehicular access to on-site parking. The exception to these rules is small lots plotted in a cluster concept.
4.5.1 The design and layout of streets shall be on an interconnected grid system in which residents have a number of alternative routes from their dwelling to the other areas within the village boundaries. The street sizes and uses shall conform to the Circulation Plan and related street sections. All in-tract streets shall be 30-foot (minimum) Local Streets. When implementing a Service Alley/Common Drive, minimum dimension shall be 30-feet from garage door to garage door. Refer to Section 6, Implementation -35-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Plan of this document for additional detail on the financing, construction, and phasing of circulation system improvements.
4.5.2 Rio Vista Drive. is a median divided community collector that runs the length of the project from east to west. Designed as a one-way tandem street, the boulevard is divided by a 100-foot-wide storm water retention basin landscaped and used as an open space and recreation area. Each one-way portion of the street is a 45-foot-wide ROW made up of a five-foot wide parkway adjacent to the median, a 14- foot- wide travel lane, an 8-foot wide parking lane and an 18-foot wide parkway. At major crossings (designed as "bridges") the parking lane is omitted, and an additional traffic lane is used to facilitate turning movements.
4.5.3 Local collectors are 36-foot-wide streets linking neighborhoods together. while creating vistas by positioning neighborhood parks at the intersections of local collectors. Direct access to Local Collector Streets shall be prohibited except in the case of corner lots where a garage located to the rear of the lot directly accesses the local collector. In such cases, such access to a local collector shall be permitted only when direct access to a local street is difficult or constrained due to imposed street geometries. Lots served by service lanes may not utilize direct access to either a local or local collector street. Parking is permitted on both sides of the street.
4.5.4 Local streets are 30 32 feet wide (at minimum), permit parking on both sides and are the immediate means of access to individual dwellings when service lanes are not utilized. and are permitted only when service lanes are also utilized.
4.5.5 Service lanes are alleys serving the rear of residential lots.
A Service lanes are designed to accommodate car and service vehicle traffic, are 20 wide and permit no parking of vehicles.
B Garages fronting on service lanes are required to be setback a minimum of 5 feet from the edge of the lane.
C Internal curves within an alley shall have a minimum 100-foot radius thus permitting access by utility vehicles and trucks.
D Service lanes shall be signed as "Emergency Access and Fire Lanes-No Parking".
E A man gate/door for emergency access must be provided in the fence/wall of every lot served by a service lane.
4.5.6 Pedestrian circulation is by means of 5-foot-wide sidewalks located adjacent to every street within the village. In particular, the double and triple rows of sStreet trees along Rio Vista Boulevard Drive will provide shade throughout the year making strolling a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.5.7 Bicycle routes are on sidewalks and in the streets. The streets are deliberately narrow to slow traffic, the sidewalks sufficiently wide to permit bicycle traffic. Such an informal system does not require separated lanes, dedications or special signage.
4.5.8 Parking of oversized vehicles and/or trailers is prohibited on any street on which such parking would result in a clear travel lane of less than 20 feet in width. Such vehicles are defined but not limited to recreational vehicles (RV), commercial tractor/trailer rigs, trailers for cars, boats and small recreational vehicles and commercial trucks in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
4.5.9 Landau Boulevard is offered for dedication to provide primary access to the properties to the north of Rio Vista Village. At the time of adoption of this specific plan, the City's General Plan Update has yet to be approved. If at the time of development application for Planning Areas within which northerly extensions of local collector streets are shown, the General Plan Update has failed to re-designate the property to the north of Rio Vista Village to Residential and appropriate zoning has not been adopted, the connections shown on the Circulation Plan may be terminated and through access denied to the properties to the north.Landau Boulevard is designated as a Major Highway (2040 General Plan Circulation Element). At the time of the original approval, the General Plan had not yet assigned this designation to Landau Boulevard.
4.5.10 Ventura Drive shall extend to Verona Road providing additional access into and out of the neighborhoods.
4.6 OPEN SPACE PLAN
Open space within the village is intended to be distributed about the community thereby providing convenient pedestrian access. The open space system is comprised of community parks, village parks, neighborhood parks and the median of Rio Vista Drive. Refer to applicable sub-sections of Section 6, Implementation Plan for additional information on phasing, financing and construction of the open space elements of the specific plan.
4.6.1 Community Recreation Center: This recreation facility will be maintained by the Homeowners Association and for use by residents of the HOA. This facility will include a swimming pool, sports court, and indoor gathering space.Community Water Park: This park is intended to serve the community and is located near the intersection of Verona and Landau in the village center. Planned as a swimming lagoon facility, shared parking with the adjacent commercial site will be utilized. The water park concept is expected to take an extended period of time to be completed. In the interim, the master developer or the City, providing the City has assumed ownership and development responsibility for the site, may develop a passive park that is either converted to the water park or remains as a passive recreation facility in perpetuity. -37-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
4.6.1 4.6.2 Village Commons: A 3 3-acre park in the central traffic circle, this facility is designed to serve multiple purposes. The concept is an active play area surrounded by groves and sculptural elements. On-site parking is provided as is convenient access from the surrounding neighborhoods. The park's location is axially aligned so that major views along Rio Vista Boulevard and Avenida Quintana toward the park are created. The park thus becomes a landmark element in the urban scape of the village.
4.6.3 Neighborhood Parks: These smaller and locally accessible parks are intended to provide close-by pedestrian access to recreation areas for residents of all ages and interests. These smaller parks will be located towards the north (at Rio Hondo Road) and south (east side of Rio Hondo Road and Rio Veracruz Road) boundaries. sLocated on the four corners of intersecting local collector streets, each park of 14,400 S.F. is intended to serve those homes within a quarter mile walk of the park. Situated on the four corners, each park may be reached from the neighborhood it serves without crossing a local collector. The developer of the adjacent neighborhood is responsible for the design, development and construction of these neighborhood parks.
4.6.4 The final major element of the Open Space Plan is the boulevard median, designated for multi-purposes and designed as a desert dry wash. In many ways it is the landscape treatment of this median that sets the tone and theme for the entire village. The landscape is native trees, shrubs and ground covers mixed with abundant local color.
The ground surface is crushed stone into which is woven a meandering trail of stabilized decomposed granite. There will be paved sidewalks along the Rio Vista Road edge of the median and accents of crushed rock and landscape plantings for visual interest. Depressed an average of 8 feet to accommodate its role as retention basin, its 100-foot width and mile-long consistent landscape treatment will establish a powerful and definitive theme of Mesquite grove,trees and/or grove groupings of other climate appropriate trees, amid a natural desert environment.
4.6.5 Common Open Space: Every lot less than 7,200 SF in area is required to provide an additional 500 SF of common open space area available for use by all the community's residents. Rio Vista Village provides an amount of common open space that exceeds the requirement and approval of this specific plan will constitute approval of the common open space requirement. Individual projects will not be required to provide additional calculations validating open space provisions. This requirement is not applicable to the PAs the 2024 Amendment Area.
4.7 LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Rio Vista Village is a unique "new" community for Coachella Valley and Cathedral City. The vision borrows from the desert landscape and distinctive images of the Southwest. -38-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 A The dominant visual character of the project is best described as a vast grove of Mesquite, and/or other climate appropriate trees, punctuated at several locations by Desert Date Palm clusters that become the regional icon and identifiable feature for Rio Vista Village. The Mesquite grove's character will be that of an "oasis", of cool shade and filtered sunlight; a fine-textured canopy of delicate foliage, creating a transparent "lid" to the community.
B The grove occurs in its strongest form along the boulevard, flanking each side of the Linear Park "Wash". Double and triple rows of Mesquite, and/or other climate appropriate, trees will be planted on either side of the sidewalk, and within front yards of homes by the Merchant Builder. With a less dense canopy, the Mesquite grove will transition to each neighborhood, through the grid of trees.
C To provide for unique neighborhood character, similar varieties of trees, such as Palo Verde, Jacaranda and Mimosa will be used to identify special neighborhoods, or communities, within Rio Vista Village. These will be located at corners and in clusters, to provide a strong neighborhood identity.
D Precise landscape plans will be prepared for each development and/or tract within the village. At that time a specific tree schedule will be prepared and approved that provides for a mix of sizes, including larger and more mature trees that will impart the sense of a mature grove that is the essence of the landscape concept.
E Precise landscape plans for each phase will be prepared that illustrate in detail the proposed landscape treatment and how the concept is being executed in specific areas.
4.8 DRAINAGE AND GRADING PLAN
The site generally drains from northwest to southeast. It is proposed that Boulevard Retention Areas as well as the Verona Retention Areas be used to retain 100% of the stormwater runoff from a 100 year 243-hour storm. Based on the Land Use Plan for Rio Vista Village approximately 60 acre-feet of totalTotal storage capacity shall account for is required to retain the 100 year 243-hour storm. The Boulevard Retention Areas are 7.5 acres in size and have a capacity of 54 acre-feet.
The Verona Retention Areas are 4 acres in size and have a total capacity of 15 acre-feet. If additional stormwater storage volume is required, underground storage chambers will be installed to provide additional capacity. In addition, Tthe Morongo Creek Stormwater Channel, the neighborhood park, the roundabouts, and portions of the school site and the swimming lagoon will not contribute contribute to the stormwater runoff that must be retained and would be passed through downstream.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 *MF-4 Multi-family dwelling at a density not to exceed 24 DU/AC *Amended 2016
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Refer to Table 3-1 for the statistical summary related to the 2024 Amendment.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-F: Phasing Plan (As Amended 2024)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
Exhibit 4-G: Circulation Plan (As Amended 2024)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 *Changes from 1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan include the Neighborhood Park locations and Open Space locations within 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Aarea.
SYMBOL OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
A Rio Vista Drive detention basin: These elements are designed to accommodate the 100-year stormwater run-off on-site. Each link in the corridor is 100’ wide, approximately 8 feet deep with sloping sidewalks not exceeding 4:1. Within the basins will be located a PAR course, and frequent opportunities for strolling and resting. The entire length of the corridor is landscape in xeriscape to reinforce the concept of a village set within a grove of mesquite groveand/or other climate appropriate trees in the desert environment.
B Verona Street detention basin: A 40’ wide landscape detention basin running parallel to Verona along the entire southern boundary of the site except for the commercial site.
C Village Commons: The Village Commons is a 2.88- acre park intended to serve the residents of Rio Vista Village and their guests.
D Neighborhood Parks: Each park is located to serve the residents of a local neighborhood without having to cross a local collector street. Parks vary in size with the minimum size being 0.15 acres.
The parks will be designed by the developer of the neighborhoods served.
E Entry Feature Park: This .44- acre passive park is the location of the entry monument, a landscape and architectural feature announcing the village to those approaching from Landau.
F City Park Community Recreation Park: This 4- acre park is conceptually designed as a water park utilizing a swimming lagoon, picnic areas and sandy beaches. Parking is shared with the commercial center. with a recreation building, a pool, and a sport court.
G Open Space
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-H: Open Space Plan (As Amended 2024)
4-I.1: Community Recreation and Entry Monument
4-I.2: Village Commons
4-I.3: Boulevard Parkway
4-I.4: Boulevard Median – Desert Dry Wash
4-I.5: Neighborhood Parks
4-I.6: Open Space
Exhibit 4-I: Landscape Master Plan (As Amended 2024)
Rio Vista Village is a unique “new” community for Coachella Valley and Cathedral City. The vision borrows from the desert landscape and distinctive images of the Southwest. The dominant visual character of the project is best described as Mesquite and/or other climate appropriate trees, punctuated at several locations by Desert Date Palm clusters that become the regional icon and identifiable feature for Rio Vista Village. The grove’s character will be that of a fan “oasis,” of cool shade and filtered sunlight; a fine-textured canopy of delicate foliage, creating a transparent “lid” to the community. The grove occurs in its strongest from along the boulevard, flanking each side of the Linear Park “Wash.” Double and triple rows of Installation of Mesquite and/or other climate appropriate trees will be planted on either side of the sidewalk, and within front yards of homes. With a less dense canopy, the Mesquite grove will transition to each neighborhood, through the grid of trees. To provide for a unique neighborhood character, similar varieties of trees, such as Palo Verde, Jacaranda and Mimosa will be used to identify special neighborhoods, or
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 communities, within Rio Vista. These will be located at corners and in clusters to provide a strong neighborhood identity.
Community Recreation Park (As of March 2024- Prior to SPA Approval)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-I-1: Community Recreation Park Conceptual Design (as Amended 2024) Final design of the Community Recreation Park Facility Expansion will require an administrative design review application along with the site plan, landscape plans, and conceptual grading.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-I.3 Conceptual Boulevard Parkway Park (As Amended 2024) (Conceptual Only. New Park designs will be reviewed through the Planning Department).
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-I.4 Conceptual Boulevard Median Dry Wash (As Amended 2024) (Conceptual Only. New Park designs will be reviewed through the Planning Department).
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Exhibit 4-I.5 Conceptual Neighborhood Park (As Amended 2024) (Conceptual Only. New Park designs will be reviewed through the Planning Department.)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 5.0
DEVELOPMENT PLAN REGULATIONS
5.1 USES PERMITTED
The following uses are permitted in accordance with the provisions of this section. All development is subject to approval of the appropriate development application and is subject to all provisions of this specific plan as well as all other applicable ordinances and regulations of the City.
5.1.1 PERMITTED RESIDENTIAL USES: The following residential uses are permitted:
A Within all residential planning areas:
(1) Single-family dwellings on individual lots, including detached guest suites, studios, etc.
(2) Attached or detached garages and carports.
(3) Adult age-restricted dwellings in compliance with CCMC Section 9.98. and/or projects.-
B Single-family detached dwellings within condominium regimes C Within use classification "MF" in Planning Area 1.0:
(1) Attached dwellings are permitted. These dwelling may be in condominium ownership or may be developed as rental properties. Related recreational and support service uses such as recreation facilities, swimming pools, restrooms, enclosed storage areas, meeting rooms, management office and manager's unit are also permitted.
(2) Cluster single family dwellings on lots no smaller than 2000 SF.
D Assisted care facilities in Planning Area 2.2
E Second Accessory Dwelling Units meeting City Zoning criteria with one of the units having the owner in residencein accordance with Government Code Section 65852.2.
F Recreation uses reserved for village residents and guests such as parks and play fields.
G Home occupations.
H Market/Grocer: An alternative to the development of the Neighborhood Commercial site shall allow the development of a ground floor grocery market of less than 2000 square feet where the use is located adjacent to the Village Commons, the owner/operator is a resident of the property residing in an attached residential unit, alcohol and tobacco sales are prohibited and a Conditional Use Permit is approved by the City.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.1.2 PERMITTED COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES: The following uses are permitted within the Commercial-Institutional use classification:
A Neighborhood serving retail uses such as but not limited to: Grocery store, pharmacy, dry goods, jewelry store, clothes, bookstore, florist shop, and pet supplies.
B Neighborhood commercial services such as bakery, dry cleaning, laundry, tailor, barber shop, bank, medical/dental/chiropractic clinics, beauty salon and cafe.
C Professional and office use such as accountants, insurance firms, engineers and attorneys.
D Institutional uses such as churches, day-care facilities, private schools E Commercial (Reserve), Planning Area 1.8: Uses proposed in this area shall require approval of the Planning Commission with a finding that the use accommodates the needs of the residents of the area or is a compatible ancillary use. Mini-storage units and self-storage uses restricted for the use of residents of Rio Vista Village are examples of uses that would meet the intent of this regulation.
F All uses in Section 5.1. 3
G A Conditional Use Permit is required to permit the development of a mixed-use commercial/residential project combining a single proprietor's or employee's unit attached to a commercial use exclusively serving neighborhood needs whose commercial component may not exceeding 5000 square feet in gross area.
5.1.3 PERMITTED RECREATION USES: The following recreational uses are permitted:
A Community recreation facilities such as, but not limited to water parks, play fields and courts, open turf areas, picnic areas, tot lots, passive groves and landscaping, courts and sculptural elements, monuments, and other similar uses B Management offices, restrooms, storerooms for the exclusive use of the management of the facility for storage of equipment and material required for the operation of the recreation facility.
5.1.4 USES PERMITTED BUT NOT SPECIFICALLY LISTED: Any use not listed as permitted may follow the Similar Use Determination per the Zoning Code. -57-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.1.5 DEFINITIONS AND USE OF TERMS: The use of new urbanism and neo-traditional planning concepts requires some new descriptive language. The application of the specific plan regulations in this section uses the following terms.
TERM APPLICATION
Bays: Bays are projections from exterior
walls in which windows or other interior
features are located and are supported as
extensions (cantilevers) of the walls.
Applies to required setbacks and
permitted encroachments
Buildable Area/Building Envelope: This
is the area within which the structure
may be constructed. Typically, this
includes all areas within the setback
lines.
Applies to all construction within the
village.
Common Open Space: Open space
provided for use by any resident or guest
of Rio Vista Village.
Required in the amount of 500 square
feet for every lot with less than 7200
square feet in area.
Exterior Property Line: That portion of
an individual lot’s property lines that is
co-terminus with a public street, private
park or dedicated Right of Way.
Applies to standard residential lotting
approaches.
Front Yard Setback: The required
setback along the narrowest street
frontage of an individual lot except for
lots specifically designed to be wider
than they are deep. In the case of lots
fronting parks, the Front Yard is
typically the narrowest property line of
the lot facing a publicly accessible area
Applies to all residential lotting
approaches. In multi-family and
condominium projects, front yard
setbacks are applied to any structure
adjacent to a street or public right-of-
way or are measured from an imaginary
lot line set midpoint between two
adjacent buildings.
Garden Walls: Low walls located anywhere
within required setbacks and not exceeding
30 inches in height
Applies to lotting approaches in which
owners may landscape front and side yard
setback areas. Garden walls in the front
setback may not intrude into the projection
of the side setback line within the front yard
Hollywood Drive: A single lane private
residential driveway consisting of two 30
inch wide concrete wheel ribbons separated
by a 36 inch landscaped strip
Applies to all lotting approaches in which
private garages access the public street via
such drives. Where external structural
supports are used to build over the drive, a
gated opening of 8 feet is permitted, beyond
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
TERM APPLICATION
that a minimum of 10 feet clear space is
required.
Interior Property Line: The property line
between two adjacent lots lying effectively
perpendicular to the front property line.
Applies to all lotting approaches.
Lot Line Corner Cut-Off: That portion of the
lot line set 9 feet behind the property line at
corner conditions and intersections.
Applies to all residential lotting patterns.
Lot Line: The line from which setback
regulations are measured.
Applies to all lotting approaches.
Paseo: A pedestrian only walkway that
can connect from sidewalks to front
entries or in between structures.
Applies to all lotting approaches.
Patio/Court: A patio or court is an enclosed
private or semi-private area within a
required setback area reserved for the use of
the resident and open to the sky except for
permitted projections.
Applies to any residential type as well as
commercial and institutional developments.
Porch Rails or Walls: Porch rails may be
solid to 30" above the porch finish floor.
Openable enclosures are permitted to screen
the sun and block the impacts of wind.
The wall above 30 inches may be enclosed
by openable shutters, grilles or other similar
assemblies that when open, admit a clear
view into the porch.
Porch: A covered ground floor space
adjacent to the dwelling with open sides
(exclusive of permitted guardrails) and
accessible from the interior spaces to which
it is attached.
Applies to any residential project using
porches.
Private Open Space: Open space reserved
exclusively for the use of the residents of a
dwelling unit.
Applies to all dwelling units.
Property line: The legal line defining the
limits of ownership of a lot or residential
parcel
Applies to any legal parcel within the village
boundaries.
Public Use Easement: (PUE) An easement
over private property reserving the area for
public uses.
Applies to all residential projects and is the
area within which sidewalks and parkways
occur.
Rear Yard Setback: The setback required
from the rear property line of the lot.
Applies to all residential structures in any
use classification or housing type.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
TERM APPLICATION
Second dwelling units: Units developed on a
single family lot in addition to the primary
dwelling. Such units must meet affordable
housing criteria and may not exceed 25% of
the total number of permitted
units.Accessory dwelling Units. units in
accordance with Governent Code Section
65852.2.
Applies to single family detached dwellings
with service lanes. As defined in
Government Code Section 65852.2.
Service Lane: A minimum 20-foot-wide
lane suitable for vehicular traffic including
service, utility and emergency vehicles set to
the rear of a residential lot and providing
access to private garages.
Applies to any residential project utilizing
the service lane concept.
Setback Line: The line to which construction
of the dwelling or garage must conform.
Applies to all residential structures in any
use classification or housing type.
Shading Devices: Any appropriate
architectural feature designed to provide
shading. Examples range from awnings, sun
screens, overhangs, and fin walls to shutters,
grilles, treillage, and lattice work.
May project into required setbacks 30 inches
and up to 48 inches with Director approval.
Shared Side Yard: A side yard reserved for
the adjacent unit's use through the
application of an exclusive use easement.
Used in projects that design one side of the
structure devoid of access and limiting
openings to the upper floor only.
Side Yard Setback The setback required
from the lot line in side- yard situations.
Applies to all residential structures in any
use classification or housing type.
Solar Wall/ Brise Soleil: A wall constructed
to limit the intrusion of the sun and located
anywhere within the buildable area of the
lot. In no case may solar walls be higher
than the highest adjoining parapet or peaked
roof.
Applies to residential design solutions to
control solar heat gain.
Standard Porch: A porch with a minimum
dimension of 8 6 feet.
Applies when the 10 foot front yard setback
is desired. The porch area behind the 15 foot
front setback must be equal to the enclosed
area encroaching beyond the 15 foot
standard front yard setback-
Applies to all residential home types.
Standard Sidewalk Pattern: The standard
sidewalk pattern in Rio Vista Village is a
four-foot-wide parkway and a five-foot-wide
sidewalk. In the typical condition the back
of sidewalk is coincident with the lot line.
Applies to all residential projects in the
village.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
TERM APPLICATION
The street side of the PUE occurs 1 foot
from the face of curb.
Zero Side Yard: The condition in which a
dwelling is built to one side property line
and no openings in that wall of the structure
are permitted. The open side yard (the yard
opposite the zero side) is double the normal
width.
Applies to those projects electing to use the
zero side yard approach
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.2 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Apply only to development completed prior to 2024). The following standards establish the permitted densities, setbacks, heights and massing requirements for the design of individual homes and multi-family attached dwellings on parcels within the project. [Refer to Section 5.9 for Development Standards pertaining to projects within the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Area.]
5.1.65.2.1 ALLOWABLE DENSITIES BY LOT SIZE.
TYPE USE SYMBOL MAX DENSITY
DU/AC
MIN AREA
(SF)
SFD R-4 8 4000
SFD R-5 6.5 5000
SFD R-6 5.5 6000
SFD R-8 4.5 8000
TYPE USE SYMBOL MAX DENSITY
DU/AC
MIN AREA
(SF)
CLUSTER SFD R-2 15 2000
RENTALS MF 2 20
ATTACHED OR SFD
(CONDO)
ASF MF 4 1524
NOTES:
A SFD: Individual lots suitable for single-family dwellings in a variety of sizes at a variety of densities. These lots and houses may be owned in any manner consistent with City of Cathedral City ordinances.
B CLUSTER SFD: Small lots with detached dwellings arranged in non-traditional clusters, frequently using private auto courts or common drives and arranged without requiring frontage along public streets. For Cluster SFD Residential Site Plan Development Standards, refer to Section 5.8.
C RENTALS: Multi-family units in a common structure.
D ATTACHED SFD: Attached dwellings of any ownership type which may be owner occupied or rented.
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5.1.75.2.2 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL SITES
A STANDARD FRONT SETBACK: 15 feet.
B REDUCED FRONT SETBACK: 10 feet with the use of a standard porch.
C STANDARD SIDE SETBACK: 5 feet
D SIDE SETBACK WITH DRIVEWAY: 12 feet minimum. Above 8 feet in height, second story enclosed space may project to the standard side setback by 2 feet (maximum).
E SHARED SIDE SETBACK: 5 feet.
F ZERO SIDE SETBACK: Zero feet: no projections, encroachments or openings permitted.
G CORNER SIDE SETBACK: 10 feet.
H REDUCED SIDE SETBACK: 5 feet with the use of a standard porch.
I REAR SETBACK WITH SERVICE LANE: Dwellings: 5 feet. Garages: 5 feet.
J REAR SETBACK: 15 feet.
K ENCROACHMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(1) Fireplaces, bays, cornices, eaves and other similar architectural features may project a maximum of 30 inches into required front setbacks, a maximum of 24 inches elsewhere.
(2) Shading devices may project a maximum of 30 inches into required front setbacks, a maximum of 24 inches elsewhere unless waived by the Director of Community Development with validating documentation. (3) Garden walls no higher than 30 inches may be constructed immediately behind the front and side lot lines.
(4) Patio/court walls may be constructed up to 6 feet in height behind the front and side lot lines.
(5) Within the building envelope walls up to 8 feet in height may be constructed.
(6) Pools and spas must provide a minimum of 5 feet of lateral clearance to any adjacent lot line.
(7) Solar walls may be constructed to a two-story height anywhere within the building envelope.
(8) A 3-inch thick, 30 inch by 48 inch concrete slab must be provided along the rear fence/wall directly accessible from the service lane for the placement of trash receptacles.
(9) Fences/walls adjacent to garages on service lanes must provide a 5-foot corner cutoff between the garage corner and the service lane ROW to provide additional visibility for vehicles backing out of garages.
L MULTI-FAMILY PROJECTS: In all circumstances where this specific plan is silent on an issue of development standards for multi-family projects, refer to the -63-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 applicable section of the R-3 or R-4 regulations of the Zoning Code. [Refer to Section 5.9 for Development Standards pertaining to multi-family projects within the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Area.]
5.1.85.2.3 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR DETACHED GARAGES
A Access to Service Lanes: Minimum 5 foot setback to service lane ROW. A total of 25 feet of backup space is required including the width of the service lane.
B Side Setback: 5 feet standard or 3 feet with Director approval. Zero feet when zero side yard is used.
C Access to Local Street: 25' behind lot line for side entry condition. 25 feet behind the front setback line for garages facing the street.
D Corner Lot Condition to Service Lane: 5'. A total of 25 feet of backup space is required including the width of the service lane.
E Corner Lot Side Access to Local Street/Local Collector Street: Either 5 feet or a minimum of 18 feet.
5.1.95.2.4 SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS: For purposes of developing multi-family projects that do not follow the standard block pattern, adjacent buildings shall be presumed to have a property line/lot line between them.
A The standards for setbacks shall define the required building separations.
Buildings with entries facing each other across an open space, courtyard or plaza shall be deemed to be facing front to front and each shall meet front setback criteria.
B If only one of two facing structures has an entry, it shall respond to front setback criteria, the other building shall meet side setback criteria.
C Any portion of a multi-unit building containing a porch or enclosed private yard shall be deemed the front of the building unless the Director makes findings to the contrary.
5.25.3 SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. [Refer to Section 5.9 for specific development standards pertaining to the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Area].
The following standards deal with areas of concern regarding the implementation of new urbanism concepts and for complying with applicable local ordinances.
5.2.15.3.1 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE: Each single-family dwelling site must contain a minimum of 400 SF of contiguous private open space with a minimum dimension of 15'. Each multi-family dwelling must contain a minimum of 120 SF of private open space. This required area may be achieved in multiple areas so long as the minimum dimension is 10' for ground floor patios and 6' for balconies or decks and the minimum area is 60 SF. Up to 50% of the required area may be covered. -64-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.2.25.3.2 SERVICE LANES: Service lanes when used, must be used for every lot within a contiguous Planning Area. All garages serving interior lots must be accessed directly from the service lane. Service lanes if provided, shall be signed as “Emergency Access and Fire Lanes” in which parking is prohibited.
A When utilized, service lanes must be a minimum of 20 feet in clear width with a minimum paved section of 17 feet distributed evenly about the center line of the lane. When the entire width is not paved, the balance must be landscaped or other treatment that provides visual relief from the privacy walls and garage doors that dominate the service lane.
B A 10-foot corner cutoff is required at the junction of the lot line and the service lane ROW.
5.2.35.3.3 (INTENTIONALLY BLANK)
5.3.4 PARKING REQUIREMENTS (This section applies to homes built prior to the 2024 Amendment. Refer to Tables 5.1 and 5.2 for parking requirements related to the 2024 Amendment Area)
A Each single-family dwelling must be provided with a two-car garage. On lots with sufficient area, an additional covered parking space(s) may be provided by a carport.
B Attached dwellings shall provide a single covered and/or enclosed and secured parking space for each unit.
C If a standard block pattern permitting street parking is used, no additional guest parking is required. When the block pattern is abandoned, an additional parking space for every two units is required to be provided on-site. This number may be normalized at 15 per acre.
D Aggregate parking areas for more than 10 cars must be landscaped so that a minimum of 50% of the paved area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Carports provided for parking where covered parking is not required may be used to meet this requirement.
5.2.45.3.5 GARAGE ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY:
A When used, a carport must access a service lane (direct access from a carport to a local street is prohibited) and there must be a positive security device, a minimum of 8' high, to separate cars from publicly accessible areas.
B No direct access to Rio Vista Boulevard is permitted.
CB In all cases, from the garage door to the opposite side of the service lane a minimum of 25 feet of clear backup space must be provided.
D Designs taking access from the local street must utilize a one lane drive of 8' width to access the garage or carport. "Hollywood drives" are encouraged (two -65-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 30" ribbons of concrete separated by 36" of turf or acceptable loose paving material.
EC Garages on interior lots directly accessing a local street must provide 25' of clear back-up space immediately in front of the garage door and occurring behind the front setback line the full width of the garage. The last 24" of the required 25' as well as the sides of the backup area may be in landscape material.Conventionally loaded homes (front door and garage on same side of house) shall have a driveway of 18’ from back of sidewalk if taking direct access from local street.
F In the special condition of corner lots, garages may access a local street or local collector street within the rear 30 feet of the lot and may utilize a full width driveway and apron.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.2.55.3.6 HEIGHT: No dwelling shall exceed 35' or two stories in height measured to the peak of a sloping roof or the parapet of a flat roof.
5.2.65.3.7 SOLAR WALLS: Solar walls (brise soleil) may be constructed anywhere within the buildable area of the lot to a height of two stories. The portion of such walls above 8 feet in height or where a lower roof intersects the plane of the wall must be 50% open to permit the breezes to flow through. Such opening may be gridded, shuttered, louvered or of any other functional and attractive method.
5.2.7 SECOND DWELLING UNITS: An additional dwelling is permitted on any lot served by a service lane on which the following standards shall apply. [Note: All All newly proposed second dwelling units within the Rio Vista Specific Plan area are provisions for second dwelling units are superseded governed by Government Code section 65852.2]
Second dwelling units may only be developed on lots with single family detached homes in land use designations "R".
5.2.8B Only
lots served by a service lane may develop second dwelling units.
5.2.9C The
second dwelling unit may be used for rental purposes or for the exclusive use of the residents of the primary dwelling. When used as a rental unit, the second dwelling unit is required to be maintained and managed in accordance with the CC&Rs of the Rio Vista Village Community Association.
5.2.10D The
second dwelling unit may be attached or detached from the primary dwelling unit.
When detached, the separations between structures shall be a minimum of 10 feet.
All other setbacks and site development standards shall apply as though the second dwelling unit were attached to the primary structure.
5.2.11E A one
car carport or garage is required for the resident of the second dwelling unit. This carport or garage must have a secure separation from the service lane a minimum of 8 feet high and lockable.
5.2.12F
Secon
d dwelling units must have a separate entry from the primary dwelling, whether attached or detached, and directly accessible to the designated on-site parking space.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.2.13G
Secon
d dwelling units constructed above the garage must have at least one window from a living area overlooking the service lane.
5.2.14H
Secon
d dwelling units must be provided with a private outdoor open space of 90 square feet with a minimum dimension of 6 feet.
5.3.8I Second dwelling units require a Conditional Use Permit.
5.2.155.3.9 RESID
ENTIAL LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS: The following regulations apply to all residential units, whether on individual lots or within common ownership projects. In common ownership projects, these regulations apply to those areas within private ownership or held for exclusive use through the granting of an easement.
A. Boulevard Landscape Treatment
(1) Trees shall be a minimum 1524-gallon size, spaced at 15 feet o.c. in a 90 degree grid pattern, to the curb/sidewalk line.
(2) At intersections, trees shall be in 3 rows from the corner, extending to the curb return at parallel street parking.
(3) Parkway trees shall be planted on both sides of the sidewalk one tree in public right-of-way and one tree in public utility easement. (4) Parkway groundcover shall consist of low, spreading native/indigenous species (minimum 1-gallon size) and spaced at not more than 8 foot on center. Maximum plant height at maturity shall not exceed 12 inches. (5) The surface area directly adjacent to the rolled (2 ft. Wide) curb, shall contain open structural pavement stone, with decomposed granite filling each void.
(6)(5) The public utility easement shall be planted with similar material as (4) and shall include the addition of a minimum 5-gallon shrub, one per each 5 lineal feet of area, and shall be a maximum height at maturity of 3 feet. (7)(6) Irrigation: All plant material shall be irrigated with a low-precipitation head, operated by an automated, climatic monitored controller.
B Local Street Treatments
(8)(7) Similar to the Boulevard, but with less intensity, local streets shall include the grove of Mesquitesclimate appropriate trees, minimum 1524-gallon size, spaced at 15 foot o.c., with double rows.
(9)(8) Punctuated by alternative varieties of trees, minimum 1524-gallon size (Jacaranda, Mimosa, etc.), various local streets will become gateways -68-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 into distinct neighborhoods. These trees shall be placed on a similar grid pattern, to those identified for the Mesquite climate appropriate tree grove.
(10)(9) Parkway trees shall be planted in the parkway portion of the public use easement.
(11)(10) An additional row of trees shall be planted within the front setback at the ratio of one tree per every 15 feet of lot frontage.
Such trees may be clustered in any manner appropriate to the design of the site. This requirement is waived for corner side setback conditions in which there is insufficient area to support the growth of the trees. (12)(11) Parkway groundcover shall consist of low,
spreading native/indigenous species (minimum 1-gallon size) and spaced at not more than 8 foot on center. Maximum plant height at maturity shall not exceed 12 inches.
(13)(12) The public utility easement shall be planted with similar material as (4) and shall include the addition of a minimum 5- gallon shrub, one per each 5 lineal feet of area, and shall be a maximum height at maturity of 3 feet.
(14)(13) Irrigation: All plant material shall be irrigated with a low-precipitation head, operated by an automated, climatic monitored controller.
(15)(14) In neighborhoods that do not include garden walls in front yards, section 5.3.9(E) shall apply.
C Parkway Landscaping and Maintenance
(1) Landscape and irrigation systems shall be maintained through a "common area" association (Master Community Association or Homeowners Association) and shall include all grounds care, necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain standard growth patterns of all plant varieties, as outlined in section 5.3.9(A).
D Service Lane Landscaping
(1) Trees
(a) Trees shall be planted in fence wells (either recessed in fences/walls or set between the fence/wall and the paved section on alternate sides of service lane, at two lot intervals, the entire service lane length.
(b) Openings shall be recessed 3 foot deep and 5 foot wide. (c) Tree varieties shall consist of a minimum 1524-gallon size evergreen standard, with a maximum spread of 25 feet and shall be -69-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 pruned to provide a minimum of 14 feet of clearance within the service land for emergency apparatus access.
(2) Vine Pockets
(a)Vine pockets shall be located on one-lot diagonals (across service lane) from each tree location.
(b)Vines shall be minimum 15-gallon size, supported by wood trellis and planted in surface opening, 2 feet by 4 feet.
(c)Irrigation: All plant material shall be irrigated with a low precipitation head, operated by an automated, climatic monitored controller.
E On-site Private Landscaping
(1) Front Yard
(a)Garden Wall: A 30-inch-high garden wall will may be included at each lot. Material will be of unclad unit masonry, with returns of 4 ft. and offsets of 2 ft. at each property line.
(b)Front yard landscape, inside low wall, shall consist of 70 percent lawn and 30 percent ground covers/shrub beds.
(c)(b)Shrub beds shall consist of spreading ground cover, planted by material to reach maturity within a 6-month period.
(d)(c)Foundation shrubs shall be planted at not less than one 5-gallon shrub per two lineal foot of building footage.
(2) Rear Yard "The Oasis"
(a)Rear yard surface planting shall be chosen by each homeowner and may include turfs and other water intensive plants. (b)Trees: A minimum of one shade tree per each rear yard shall be provided. Trees shall be evergreen and positioned to take full advantage of solar/shared/orientation of rear and side yards, windows and blank walls.
(c)(b)Where rear yard orientations face north, trees should be located adjacent to rear yard fencing, so as to maximize sun/light on windows.Areas not planted with turf shall be treated with a combination of shrubs, ground covers and/or crushed stone. (d)(c)Irrigation: All plant material shall be irrigated with a low- precipitation head, operated by an automated, climatic monitored controller.
F Reference Documents for Selection of Plant Materials
(1) Sunset Western Garden Book
(2) Lush & Efficient, Coachella Valley Water District
(3) Landscape Plants for Western Regions, Perry
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 (4) Section 8.57 Water Efficient Landscape and the Coachella Valley model water efficient landscape ordinance No. 1302.1.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.35.4 GENERAL COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The following standards establish the permitted setbacks, heights, and massing requirements for the design of commercial and institutional sites and buildings on appropriately designated parcels within the project.
5.3.15.4.1 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AND SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS:
Conform to the regulations for Zone Classification PLC - Planned Limited Commercial.
5.45.5 SPECIAL COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
5.4.15.5.1 PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
A The parking requirements of the Zoning Code shall apply with regard to the number of parking stalls required, sizes and parking area layout standards. A 40% maximum reduction in parking requirements may be granted by the Planning Commission for uses determined to serve primarily neighborhood residents and which is designed to promote pedestrian use.
B Aggregate parking areas for more than 10 cars must be landscaped so that a minimum of 50% of the paved area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. A shade analysis must be prepared and submitted by the architect or landscape architect for the project.
C Carports provided for parking where covered parking is not required may be used to meet this requirement.
5.4.25.5.2 OPEN SPACE: Each project shall devote a minimum of 2.5% of the gross site area for use as publicly accessible open space. The intent of this requirement is to create a shaded space central to the project that may be used by the facility's patrons and employees. This open space area may be used to meet the landscape area requirement.
A No space may be less than 200 square feet in area with a minimum dimension of 15 feet and at least one space must be a minimum of 500 square feet with a minimum dimension of 40 feet.
B Such space must be landscaped, including paving, plant material, arbors, treillage, water features and seating areas.
C These areas must be designed so that a minimum of 50% of the ground areas is shaded. When plant material is used to provide this shading, the requirement must be met within 5 years of the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. A shade analysis must be prepared and submitted by the architect or landscape architect for the project. Parkways and sidewalks in front of buildings and serving as access to the facilities, businesses, or services within may be used to meet this -72-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 requirement, however, the space under covered porticos, arcades and colonnades designed as part of the building's structure may not be used.
5.4.35.5.3 HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES: Buildings are limited to 2 stories or 40 feet in height. Theme structures or architectural features may not exceed 60 feet in height and no portion above the basic height limit may be habitable.
5.4.45.5.4 TRASH ENCLOSURES, LOADING BAYS AND SERVICE AREAS: All portions of the site devoted to service bays, trash collection and loading zones must be screened from the view of all adjacent properties. Uses requiring no greater level of delivery service than vans or small trucks (no longer than 30' or having no more than 10 wheels) are not required to provide separate delivery or loading zones.
5.4.55.5.5 SITE LIGHTING: Site lighting shall conform to the applicable regulations of the City.
5.4.65.5.6 SIGNAGE: On-site signage shall conform to the requirements of the sign regulations of the City and according to the recommendations of the Community Character Criteria.
5.4.75.5.7 LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS: A minimum of 15% of any commercially or institutionally developed parcel shall be landscaped according to the recommendations of the Community Character Criteria.
5.55.6 GENERAL RECREATION SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following standards establish the permitted setbacks, heights and massing requirements for the design of recreational sites and buildings on appropriately designated parcels within the project.
5.5.15.6.1 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AND SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS: Conform to the regulations of Zone Classification PLC - Planned Limited Commercial.
5.65.7 SPECIAL RECREATION SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
5.6.15.7.1 PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
A The parking requirements of the Zoning Code shall apply with regard to the number of parking stalls required, sizes and parking area layout standards.
B Aggregate parking areas for more than 10 cars must be landscaped so that a minimum of 50% of the paved area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
C Carports provided for parking where covered parking is not required may be used to meet this requirement.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.6.25.7.2 OPEN SPACE: Open space must be landscaped, including paving, plant material, arbors, treillage, water features and seating areas. Since open space is a critical ingredient of community level recreation facilities, no mandatory area is required.
A Open space, when normally habitable (which excludes swimming areas, for example) must be designed so that a minimum of 50% of the open space area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
B A shade analysis must be prepared and submitted by the architect or landscape architect for the project. Parkways and sidewalks in front of buildings and serving as access to the facilities, businesses or services within may be used to meet this requirement, however, the space under covered porticos, arcades and colonnades designed as part of the building's structure may not be used.
5.6.35.7.3 HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES: Buildings are limited to 2 stories or 40 feet in height. Theme structures or architectural features may not exceed 60 feet in height and no portion above the basic height limit may be habitable.
5.6.45.7.4 TRASH ENCLOSURES, LOADING BAYS AND SERVICE AREAS: All portions of the site devoted to service bays, trash collection and loading zones must be screened from the view of all adjacent properties. Uses requiring no greater level of delivery service than vans and small trucks (no longer than 30' or having no more than 10 wheels) are not required to provide separate delivery or loading zones.
5.6.55.7.5 SITE LIGHTING: Site lighting shall conform to the applicable regulations of the City.
5.6.65.7.6 SIGNAGE: On-site signage shall conform to the requirements of the sign regulations of the City and according to the recommendations of the Community Character Criteria.
5.75.8 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR R-2-
CLUSTER SFD DEVELOPMENT
CLUSTER SFD: Small lots with detached dwellings arranged in nontraditional clusters, frequently using private auto courts or common drives, and arranged without having frontage on public streets. The following standards establish the permitted densities, setbacks, heights, and massing requirements for the design of individual homes and multi-family attached dwellings on parcels within the project.
5.7.15.8.1 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL SITES
A. STANDARD FRONT SETBACK: 8 feet if fronting on Private Local Street and 2 feet if fronting on a Common Dive.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 B. REDUCED FRONT SETBACK: Not Applicable
C. STANDARD SIDE SETBACK: 5 feet.
D. SIDE SETBACK WITH DRIVEWAY: Not Applicable
E. SHARED SIDE SETBACK: 5 feet.
F. ZERO SIDE SETBACK: Zero feet: no projections, encroachments or openings permitted.
G. CORNER SIDE SETBACK: 10 feet.
H. REDUCED SIDE SETBACK: Not Applicable
I. REAR SETBACK WITH SERVICE LANE: Not Applicable
J. REAR SETBACK: 10 feet.
K. ENCROACHMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(1) Fireplaces, bays, cornices, eaves, and other similar architectural features may project a maximum of 24 inches into required setbacks. (2) Shading devices may project a maximum of 24 inches into required front setbacks, a maximum of 24 inches elsewhere unless waived by the Director of Community Development with validating documentation. (3) Garden walls in front setbacks are not permitted.
(4) Pools and spas must provide a minimum of 5 feet of lateral clearance to any adjacent lot line.
(5) Solar walls may be constructed to a two-story height anywhere within the building envelope.
(6) A 3-inch thick, 30-inch by 48-inch concrete slab must be provided along the rear fence/wall directly accessible from the private local street or from the common drive for the placement of trash receptacles. In addition, a 24 inch by 36-inch concrete pad shall be provided in front of the unit next to the Garage for placing the trash receptacles during the trash pickup day. -75-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.7.25.8.2 SPACE BETWEEN BUILDINGS: For purposes of developing Cluster SFD Residential Development projects that do not follow the standard block pattern, adjacent buildings shall be presumed to have a lot line between them for the purpose of measuring setbacks. The minimum building separations shall be 10 feet.
5.8.3 Special residential site development standards for cluster SFD residential development projects.
The following standards deal with areas of concern regarding the implementation of new urbanism concepts and for complying with applicable local ordinances.
5.7.2.15.8.2.1 COMMON OPEN SPACE: Common open space requirements are deemed met under the Rio Vista Village Specific Plan. Additional common open space shall be provided to establish pedestrian circulation links to areas within and beyond the project boundary.
5.7.2.25.8.2.2 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE: Each single-family dwelling site in a Cluster SFD project must contain a minimum of 300 SF of contiguous private open space with a minimum dimension of 10 feet.
5.7.2.35.8.2.3 COMMON DRIVES: Use Private Street
A. Common drives serving Cluster SFD Residential Development shall be in the form of a private drive having a minimum width of 24 feet curb to curb where no street parking is allowed. Garages shall be setback a minimum of 25 feet.
B. Private Street shall have a minimum width of 26 feet and shall be signed as ‘Emergency Access and Fire Lane-No Parking’. Emergency gated access shall be required that will enable access onto a public street other than the primary access road.
5.7.2.45.8.2.4 PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
A. Each single-family dwelling must be provided with a two-car garage.
B. If a standard single-family lot pattern is used that accommodates on-street parking, no additional guest parking is required. When a non-traditional lot pattern is used, one additional off- street parking space for every two units is required, to be allocated in proximity to dwelling units, and provided onsite.
C. Aggregate parking areas for more than 10 cars must be landscaped so that a minimum of 50% of the paved area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Carports provided for parking where covered parking is not required may be used to meet this requirement.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
5.7.2.55.8.2.5 GARAGE ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY:
A. Garage may be accessed from either a common drive or directly from the private or public local street.
B. No direct access to Rio Vista Boulevard is permitted.
C. In all cases, from the garage door to the opposite side of the common drive minimum of 25 feet of clear backup space must be provided.
D. Garages on interior lots directly accessing a local street must provide 25 feet of clear back-up space immediately in front of the garage door and occurring behind the front setback line the full width of the garage. The last 24 inches of the required 25 feet as well as the sides of the backup area may be in landscape material.
E. Garages must be equipped with automatic roll up doors and flanked by at least one wall- mounted carriage light.
5.7.2.65.8.2.6 HEIGHT: No dwelling shall exceed 35 feet or two stories in height measured to the peak of a sloping roof or the parapet of a flat roof.
5.7.2.75.8.2.7 RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS: The following regulations apply to common residential areas. All proposed landscape species must be identified in the Lush and Efficient Gardening in the Coachella Valley produced by CVWD.
A. Local Private Street Treatments
(1) Local streets aligned along a project boundary shall include minimum 1524- gallon trees spaced at- 50 feet on center.
(2) Where dwelling units are oriented to the local street, minimum 1524-gallon trees shall be planted at a ratio of 1:1.5 per dwelling unit along the street block.
(3) Alternative varieties of trees, minimum 1524-gallon size, shall be planted at gateways into distinct neighborhoods.
(4) Street trees, minimum 1524-gallon size, shall be planted in any island of the public use easement.
(5) A three (3) foot landscape setback shall be provided between the sidewalk and the dwelling unit to be planted in groundcover, 4 feet on center and having a maximum plant height at maturity not exceeding 12 inches, with a two-inch thick layer of decomposed granite having a common accent color. (6) Guest parking areas shall have a landscape island for every seven spaces and planted with one minimum 1524-gallon tree. Guest parking nodes -77-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 having more than 10 spaces shall have minimum 15 24-gallon trees planted 25 feet on center within the five-foot landscape setback.
5.7.35.8.3 SPECIAL RECREATION SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
5.7.3.15.8.3.1 PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
A. The parking requirements of the Zoning Code shall apply with regard to the number of parking stalls required, sizes and parking area layout standards.
B. Aggregate parking areas for more than 10 cars must be landscaped so that a minimum of 50% of the paved area is shaded at noon, June 21, within 5 years of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
C. Carports provided for parking where covered parking is not required may be used to meet this requirement.
5.7.3.25.8.3.2 OPEN SPACE: Open space must be landscaped, including paving, plant material, arbors, treillage, water features and seating areas. Since open space is a critical ingredient of community level recreation facilities, no mandatory area is required.
5.7.3.35.8.3.3 TRASH ENCLOSURES AREAS: All portions of the site devoted to trash collection must be screened from the view of all adjacent properties.
5.7.3.45.8.3.4 SITE LIGHTING: Site lighting shall conform to the applicable regulations of the City.
5.7.3.55.8.3.5 SIGNAGE: On-site signage shall conform to the requirements of the sign regulations of the City and according to the recommendations of the Community Character Criteria.
5.9DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE 2024 SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT AREA
The primary objective for the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment is to provide a variety of home sizes and plans to serve the needs of different life stages and market segments. In addition, the Rio Vista Specific Plan allows for individual homeownership and rental opportunities in a higher density setting than typical single-family development Homes may be located on fee simple lots, in condominium arrangements, or in rental accommodations. All homes will have minimum fire separation distances as required by the California Residential and Building Codes.
Exhibits 5.1 through 5.4 provide conceptual plotting examples for a variety of residential housing types and arrangements. The plotting concepts are provided to illustrate development standards and are not intended to be mandated layouts. Where these standards are silent, Section 5.3 standards apply. (See also exhibits A-9.5 through A-9.7 of the Community -78-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Character Guidelines for additional concept plan for conventionally loaded lots.) Tables 5.1 and 5.2 provide development standards for Single-Family Detached configurations as well as attached residential development within the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment area.
Table 5.1: Development Standards (Minimums)
Applicable to PAs 3.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5 except where specifically noted.
Lot Size Minimum 4,000 S.F.
Planning Area Boundary Line to Living Space (Front or
Side) 15'
Public Street to Living Space (Front or Side) - Rio Pecos Drive, Avenida Quintana, and Landau Boulevard 10’
Internal Street ROW or Back of Sidewalk if no ROW to
Living Space (Front or Side) 10'
Interior Street ROW to Garage Door (Conventionally
Loaded Homes) 20’
Internal Street ROW to Low Wall/ Patio/Porch (Porch
dimension shall be minimum 6' in depth if being counted toward private open space) 5'
Rear Yard (Conventionally Loaded Homes) 10'
Interior Side Yard 4' (5’ is preferred)
Zero Side Yard
0' (no projections, encroachments or
opening permitted on 0' lot line side)
(Adjacent side yard must be a
minimum of 8’ to maintain minimum
building separation.)
Building Separation 8'
Garage to Garage Separation 30'
Rear Setback with Service Lane 5' (Living Space) / 3' (Garage Door) Private Open Space
Continuous 300 S.F. per unit/15'
minimum width required as private
open space in PAs 3.1, 5.1-5.4, 6.1-
6.5)
300 S.F. per unit for all other PAs
within the Amendment area may be
combined with common open space.
but not more than 200 square feet of
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 common open space may be counted
toward this calculation. Private space
may be a combination of patio and/or
balcony.
Encroachments into Yard Setbacks (Maximum)
Encroachments include fireplaces, bays, furr outs,
potshelves, brackets, eaves, awnings, eyebrows, canopies, cantilever decks, and second floor cantilever over garage. 3' (CRC/CBC code requirements shall
be adhered to. Therefore, permitted
encroachments may be less).
Building Coverage (Maximum) 60% of Net Lot Area
Height
35' or two stories in height measured
to the peak of a sloping roof or the
parapet of a flat roof
Parking
2.0 Spaces (at least 1 space per unit
shall be covered)
.25 Space per Unit for Guest
(driveways may be counted if meets
18’ minimum depth)
Location of parking: No vehicles shall
be parked in any area except within
approved garages, carports, or
improved open parking spaces.
Landscape (Private Front Yards)
Garden Wall: A 30-inch-high garden
wall may be included at each lot.
Material will be of unclad unit
masonry, with returns of 4 ft. and
offsets of 2 ft. at each property line.
Shrub beds shall consist of spreading
ground cover, planted by material to
reach maturity within a 6-month
period.
Foundation shrubs shall be planted at
not less than one 5-gallon shrub per
two lineal foot of building footage.
Landscape (Private Rear Yards)
No standards required.
Fencing/Wall: A 72-inch (maximum)
high wall or fence may be included if
private rear or side yard proposed.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 EXHIBITExhibit: 5.-1: SFD CONCEPTUAL LAYOUTS AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Applicable to PA 3.1)
Exhibit: 5-2: SFD CONCEPTUAL LAYOUTS AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Applicable to PAs 3.1,5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5)
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Table 5.2: Development Standards (Minimums)
Applicable to PAs 1.1 and 1.2
Planning Area Boundary Line to Living Space (Front or Side) 15' (for front) / 13’ (for side) Public Street to Living Space (Front or Side) - Rio Pecos Drive, Avenida Quintana, and Landau Boulevard 15'
Internal Street ROW or Face of Curb (if private street) to Living Space (Front or Side) 10'
Interior Street ROW to Low Wall/Patio/Porch (Porch
dimension shall be minimum 6' in depth if being counted toward private open space)
5'
Rear Yard 10'
Interior Side Yard 5'
Zero Side Yard
0' (no projections, encroachments or
opening permitted on 0' lot line side)
Building Separation (front to front when triplex or larger) 20' Building Separation (side to side) 10'
Building Separation (side to front) 10'
Garage to Garage Separation 30'
Rear Setback with Service Lane 5' (Living Space) / 3' (Garage Door) Open Space
300 S.F per unit (may be a
combination of private and common
open space).
At least 100 S.F. shall be in private
open space and may be a combination
of patio and balcony space.
Encroachments into Yard Setbacks (Maximum)
Encroachments include: fireplaces, bays, furr outs,
potshelves, brackets, eaves, awnings, eyebrows, canopies, cantilever decks, Second floor cantilever over garage.
3' (CRC/CBC code requirements shall
be adhered to. Thus, encroachment
may be less.)
Building Coverage (Maximum). 60% of Net Lot Area
Height
35' or two stories in height measured
to the peak of a sloping roof or the
parapet of a flat roof.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Parking
1.5 Spaces (at least 1 space per unit
shall be covered)
Plus .25 Space per Unit for Guest (min).
No vehicles shall be parked in any
area except within approved garages,
carports, or improved open parking
spaces.
Landscape (Private Front Yards)
Garden Wall: A 42 to 48-inch high
garden wall may be included if patio or
private front yard proposed.
Landscape (Private Rear Yards)
Walls: A 72-inch (maximum) high
wall shall be constructed along rear
and side property lines.
Lot Line
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 SECTION 6.0
IMPLEMENTATION
This section discusses phasing, infrastructure construction and finance, environmental mitigation programs and the development of CC&Rs administered by a Community Association (HOA).
6.1 PHASING
The project is intended to be developed in three five master phases. Each of these master phases may have one or more sub-phases to facilitate the development and financing of infrastructure and other public and private improvements.
Refer to Section 4.4 for an updated Phasing discussion pertaining to the 2024 Amendment. Exhibit 4-F Phasing Plan illustrates the locations of the five phases.
6.1.1 Phase 1: Phase I begins at the corner of Landau and Verona and extends north and west to the northerly extension of Avenida Quintana. Phase I includes the Village Center and both residential land use areas permitting multi-family housing. Infrastructure required to serve this phase is will primarily focus around the boulevard which is the central organizing element of the village. Backbone utility systems will be installed and designed with the ultimate density and size of the village in mind. Sizing of utilities will include provisions for density/unit transfers in future phases.
A The extension of Landau Boulevard is accommodated by the offer of dedication of the required right-of-way along the easterly and northerly property lines.
B A 10 acre school site has been located along Verona Avenue according to the size and locational requirements of the Palm Springs Unified School District.
C A special land use designation C(R) Commercial (Reserve) has been created to permit useful development of lands adjacent to and parallel with the railroad right-of-way which are initially being kept undeveloped to assist in the blowsand mitigation program.
D The easement used for blowsand mitigation along Verona that was granted by the land owner to the City will revert to public right-of-way to improve the north half of Verona as each phase is developed.
E A four acre site has been reserved for development as a community wide water park. Design and construction of the park are subjects in discussion with the City.
Final determination of the financing, construction and ownership/operation of the facility are yet to be determined.Since the approval of the Specific Plan in 1997, the community wide water park has been eliminated as part of the project. In place of a water park, the 2024 Amendment proposedwill to expand the existing Recreational Facility to include additional seating areas and sports courts. The beach club is also no longer applicable.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
6.1.2Phase II: Phase II completes the middle third of the site.
6.1.3Phase III: This last phase completes the project and builds out the available land to the westerly boundary, adjacent to the pipeline easement and blowsand berm.
6.1.4It is the intent of the master developer to construct the backbone utility systems, improve certain roads and streets, parks, storm water retention basins and provide public area landscaping in the interest of establishing the theme and tone for the entire village. It is also the intent of the master developer to secure such public assistance in the financing of such improvements as is available or may be obtained with City assistance and cooperation.
6.2 OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS
Certain improvements to adjacent properties are contemplated in the overall development of Rio Vista Village. These include Verona Avenue, Landau Boulevard and blowsand mitigations in Morongo Wash.
6.2.1: Verona Ave.: The north half of Verona will be improved as each phase of Rio Vista Village is developed. In the 1997 Specific Plan, a roundabout was proposed asfor the intersection of Verona and Landau. The 2024 Amendment acknowledges the constructed four-way intersection. A roundabout is no longer being offered. At the intersection of Verona and Landau is a proposed roundabout whose construction will require the assistance and cooperation of the City and adjacent landowners.
6.2.2: Landau Boulevard: A portion of Landau Boulevard outside of Rio Vista Village and extending north from Verona has been dedicated. The on-site portion will be improved by the master developer of Rio Vista Village. That portion serving the property to the north is adjacent to the Commercial (Reserve) portion of Rio Vista Village. -97-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
6.2.3: Blowsand Mitigations: [Refer to 2024 updated blow sand mitigation program for information specific to 2024 Specific Plan Amendment.] Rio Vista Village has prepared a blowsand mitigation program that calls for community cooperation and involves both on-site and off-site improvements. The master developer of Rio Vista Village contemplates completing at least a first phase of such improvements, both on- and off-site involving additional landscaping to the berm and the building of one or more fences in the Morongo Wash, subject to City Engineer approval. The sand berm (APN 677-050-001) is planned to be placed within the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area (WFCA) associated with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The CVMSHCP includes Land Use Adjacency Guidelines in order to avoid or minimize indirect effects from development adjacent to or within designated conservation areas. Therefore, consistent with the Land Use Adjacency Guidelines as described in Section 4.5 of the CVMSCHP, once the berm is placed into the WFCA, landscape treatments on the sand berm shall incorporate recommended native plant materials to the maximum extent feasible as listed in CVMSHCP Table 4-112, Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping. Additionally, the plants listed in CVMSHCP Table 4-113, Prohibited Invasive Ornamental Plants, shall not be used on the sand berm. (Refer to Section 6.6.1 BLOWSAND).The 2024 Amendment is inclusive of an updated blow sand mitigation program that could be undertaken dependent on consent of property owners to the north of the Project, issuance of necessary permits and area-wide financing; or alternatively, project-specific interim on-site fencing until such time as the 6-foot-high perimeter masonry wall is constructed. Consistent with the 1997 MND, in the absence of implementation of a regional blow sand mitigation program, the previously developed portions of the RVVSP installed interim blow sand fencing pending installation of masonry perimeter walls. The updated blow sand improvement report prepared by RWDI on November 2, 2023 (Appendix C to the 2023 CEQA Analysis) analyzes Project-specific blow sand mitigation and supersedes the Approved Project's Blow Sand Mitigation Program dated December 10, 1997.
6.3 HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATION AND COVENANTS, CONDITIONS &
RESTRICTIONS
The developer shall create aA Master Community Association (MCA) to administer the affairs of the owners of common property and the various interests of the association was created at the time of initial home development. The MCA will manages such affairs as come before the owners in common and will, at the minimum, manage the parks, common area landscaping and infrastructure, drainage retention and nuisance water management facilities and blowsand protection improvements.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
6.3.1 The master developer will established Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions applicable to every property under the jurisdiction of the MCA. They may be amended depending on applicability to the 2024 Amendment.
6.3.2 Each residential project may create a local Home Owners Association (HOA) to which purchasers of homes will be members in addition to having membership in the Master Community Association.
6.3.3 Membership in the MCA will include every parcel in the specific plan area including commercial, institutional and recreational interests.
6.3.4 The master developer will retain an interest in local Home Owners Associations and in the MCA according to law and will continue to retain such interest until such time as all ownership in real property has been transferred to subsequent purchasers.
6.3.5 The master developer will include homeowners on the Design Review Board in a minority position until such time as the master developer no longer has a majority ownership interest in the residential areas of the project.
6.4 ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
It is the intent of the master developer to propose special improvement districts, composed entirely of the Specific Plan area, for the purpose of contracting with the city or other public or private entity to develop, manage and maintain certain facilities, either on- or off-site, that provide a general publica public benefit.
6.4.1 The master developer may seek to annex to existing districts should the opportunity be available and in the project's interests.
6.4.2 Currently assessment districts or special facilities/service districts apply to Rio Vista Village as follows:
A CITY-WIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE AREA: There is an existing city-wide community service area which provides police service, parks and landscaping, street lighting, emergency and paramedic services. The charge is based on equivalent dwelling units (EDU). A single-family house is one (1.0) EDU.
Vacant land is 1/2 EDU per acre. The charge for one EDU is $136 per year.
B COMMUNITY SERVICE AREA (CSA) NO. 152: There is another community service area which addresses the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The charge is $8.20 per unit per year.
C ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR SEWER AND WATER SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENTS: An assessment district was formed to install sewer and water system improvements in the Rio Vista (formerly Sun-X) Area. Burnett -99-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Development Corporation paid $72,000 for the oversizing of the mains and stubs to serve Rio Vista Village.
D A fee is currently collected for the acquisition and development of a community park to be constructed within Rio Vista Village
6.5 ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS AND DESIGN REVIEW
A design guideline document entitled "Community Character Criteria" will be submitted for review and approval under separate cover after both Specific Plan and Master Tentative Tract Map approvals have been secured. It is the intent of the master developer, Burnett Development Corporation to enforce the design standards and guidelines contained therein.
6.5.1 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: Burnett Development Corporation The Master Developer will establish a Design Review Board to administer the Community Character Criteria and deal with such issues as may come before the Board. The Board will consist of at least three voting members, one of who must be a licensed architect in the state of California, one of whom must be a representative of the master developer and one of whom is to be appointed by the Master HOA. At such time as the master developer no longer has a majority ownership interest in the residentially zoned property, two additional HOA members may be appointed. The number of voting members must be odd and until such time as the master developer's interests are completely sold out, at least one member must represent his the master developer interests. The licensed architect may come from the HOA or be appointed at large.
6.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATIONS [Refer to 2024 CEQA Consistency Analysis for the Rio Vista Village (Verano) Specific Plan Amendment and Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, 38713 and 38902 for environmental mitigation information specific to 2024 Specific Plan Amendment area.]
BLOWSAND MITIGATION PROGRAM
6.6.1 BLOWSAND: Per report "Blowsand Considerations for the Rose Trust Property", November 8, 1991, amended to address the conditions of the Rio Vista Village Specific Plan, October 16, 1997. Prepared by: Donald C Weaver, P.E., Corp., P.O. Box 5414, Riverside, CA 92517, (909) 883.3796. The Weaver report prepared in 1991 was reviewed by Mr. Weaver in 1997 and found to be factually correct for application at this time. Basic blowsand conditions, both causative phenomenon and the resulting set of environmental impacts remain unchanged. The currently recommended program of mitigations is tailored to the specific circumstances of Rio Vista Village and meets or exceeds the mitigations recommended in the 1991 report. -100-
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6.6.2A
BLO
WSAND IMPACTS: Approximately 52,000 cubic yards can be expected to be intercepted by the upwind property boundaries on a mean annual basis. This is comprised of 15,000 cubic yards per year along the westerly boundary, where mean annual rates of sand transport range from 5 cubic yards per foot-wide path of sand movement at the southerly end to 10 cubic yards per foot-wide path at the northwest corner; and 33,000 cubic yards per year along approximately 3,100 feet of the northerly boundary between the CVWD levee and a point approximately 200 feet measured at a right angle to the railroad, and some 4,000 cubic yards per year across the remaining distance to the railroad. Mean annual rates along this line vary from the 10 cubic yards per foot-wide path of sand movement at the northwest corner to 15 cubic yards per foot-wide path at the point 200 feet flow the railroad, and approaching 20 cubic yards per foot-wide path the remaining distance to the railroad.
6.6.3B
BLO
WSAND MITIGATIONS: Development of the site will constitute an obstruction to the natural passage of sand, effectively resulting in the stoppage and retention of some 52,000 cubic yards of sand annually as noted above. Therefore implementation of appropriate protection at the upwind borders of the property will be necessary. Due to the existence of the CVWD channel directly upwind the subject property, unlike developments that can anticipate protection as other developments occur upwind and thus shield them from blowsand, properly designed and maintained blowsand control facilities will be necessary for this site indefinitely. This property is also unique in that it may be possible to locate some of the necessary blowsand control facilities off-site, in the CVWD channel.
6.6.4MORONGO WASH FENCING: It is proposed that three sand fence lines be located adjacent to or within the Morongo Wash/Storm Water Channel which, with proper long-term maintenance, will adequately serve to control the transport of sand that would otherwise impact the subject property. The extent of the fencing clearly lies outside the boundaries of the property, indicating the need for a mitigation program requiring community-level cooperation. The master developer will apply for an encroachment permit to construct such fences in accordance with letters of concurrence issued previously by CVWD.
6.6.5MAINTENANCE ACCESS WAY: Adjacent to the westerly property blowsand maintenance access way, with a width of 20 feet has been provided to permit equipment to access the berm areas and remove sand as necessary. -101-
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6.6.6BLOWSAND TRANSPORT CORRIDOR: Along the northeast boundary, adjacent to the railroad right of way, is a 200-foot wide corridor left essentially undeveloped. This is the area of most severe sand transport and by remaining undeveloped will permit convenient and unobtrusive access for maintenance and sand removal. Further, in light of the nature of the currently recommended area wide program as extending northerly to the Railroad ROW, the 200 foot wide blowsand corridor recommended along the north east corner of Rio Vista Village is suitable for use as the future Landau ROW as well as for limited commercial uses such as storage provided blowsand conditions within the corridor at the time of such proposed development are verified as having been mitigated by the proposed fence and berm program.
6.6.7BERM IMPROVEMENTS: An existing berm is currently in place between the western edge of Rio Vista Village and the Morongo Wash. This berm is used for both flood control and blowsand control purposes. The top of the berm is planted with tamarisk trees that have become sparse due to the lack of irrigation. The existing tamarisk trees will be inspected by the project landscape architect and a report prepared documenting the status of the exiting trees. The following components are proposed for the berm:
6.6.8(a)
Additi
onal tamarisk trees will be planted to fill in the double row. Dead or dying trees will be replaced.
6.6.9(b) The
installation of an above ground irrigation line to provide water for the tree rows.
6.6.10OFF-SITE MITIGATIONS ON THE PROPERTY TO THE NORTH: •
6.6.11It is expected that the mitigation measures in the Morongo Wash will effectively control the transport of sand from off-site. With these measures in place the loose surficial sand on properties to the north will quickly stabilize as the native vegetation continues to grow. Should these measures require additional mitigations on a temporary basis, the following programs are proposed:
6.6.12(a) With
appropriate permission from the property owners to the north, the master developer will undertake either sand fencing or surface stabilization or both on the northerly properties.
6.6.13(b)
Tempo
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 rary security fencing (chain link) at the boundary of said properties will be installed to protect surface stabilization efforts at the master developer's expense upon receipt of such permissions.
6.6.14(c)
Lacki
ng such permission, interim on-site fencing will be installed along the northerly property line until such time as the 6 foot high perimeter masonry wall is constructed.
6.6.15(6)
COUR
SE OF CONSTRUCTION MITIGATIONS: During the course of construction and to mitigate blowsand impacts prior to complete build-out of the project the following measures are proposed.
6.6.16(a)
Constr
uction vehicle and equipment routing will be directed to the northerly portions of the site.
6.6.17(b)
Wateri
ng and dust controls will be enforced per local ordinance.
6.6.18(c)
Blows
and fencing will be installed within the un-built portions of the project area in locations specifically selected to protect adjacent residential development. The number, extent and location of such fences will be determined as a function of phased building permits so that the mitigation measures may be tailored to construction and development schedules.
6.6.19(d)
Additi
onal measures such as surface stabilization, the planting of ground cover and access control to prohibit vehicular use will all be reviewed as to their efficacy at the time the measures are required.
6.6.20(7)
SCHE
DULE OF OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS: The actual construction of off-site blowsand mitigation improvements has two components: First, those to be -103-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 provided by the developer during the developer's involvement in the overall development of the village; and second, those improvements and maintenance operations to be conducted after the master developer has terminated involvement in the project. Since blowsand transport is a function of natural events not entirely predictable, the monitoring program becomes the key ingredient in matching the buildup of blowsand to the construction of new and/or expanded mitigation measures and the schedule of maintenance.
6.6.21(a) The
master developer will install blowsand fencing according to the program described in the plans and diagrams attached to the blowsand report. In summary, the master developer will install incremental improvements sized to handle the annual blowsand transport as determined by the report.
6.6.22(i) The
proposed improvements to the existing berm will be undertaken as a part of Phase I construction and will be completed prior to the first occupancy in that phase.
These improvements are limited to the extent of the berm within the developer's control. Should the appropriate owners of property to the north agree to such and the required permits be issued for portions of the berm to the north extending from the northern boundary of Rio Vista Village to the Railroad ROW, the master developer will also install and maintain such improvements in Phase I. Should these required permits not be available until sometime after the commencement of Phase I, the master developer will undertake these improvements off-site whenever such permits are available during the course of the developer's involvement.
6.6.23(ii) The
initial sand fence construction will be undertaken as a Phase I improvement. This requires an encroachment permit issued by CVWD, the agency with Association at such time as the developer relinquishes appropriate and designated control to the MCA.
6.6.24(iii)
Subse
quent sand fence construction will be undertaken as a function of the monitoring program. Analysis of the average annual sand transport buildup indicates that within the first seven years of operation, only one segment of the three fences will grow to the ultimate 15 feet in height. Most segments will be 10 feet high, permitting the relative free flow of water through Morongo Wash at such time as the Railroad replaces the culvert with an open structure bridge. -104-
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6.6.25(iv) On-
site blowsand mitigations will be undertaken as the specific improvement plans for each phase and tract are undertaken.
6.6.26(b)
Blows
and monitoring program: The monitoring program shall be established by the master developer and transferred to the MCA at the appropriate time.
6.6.27(i) The
program shall establish benchmark levels of sand build-up and semi-annually measure additional build-up at designated locations along the extent of the Morongo Wash adjacent to the project.
6.6.28(ii)
Perma
nent monitoring will be conducted on a semi-annual basis and adjustments to the scheduled improvements will be made according to the results of the measurements taken during the scheduled monitoring events.
6.6.29(iii)
Durin
g years one through three, monitoring shall occur quarterly and after every significant sand storm event.
6.6.30(iv)
Measu
rements shall be taken and when the sand build-up exceeds threshold values, additional and/or expanded fencing or sand removal shall be commenced.
6.6.31(8)
TRAN
SFER OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE MASTER COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION (MCA): It is the intent of the master developer to transfer responsibility for construction and maintenance of the blowsand mitigation improvements to the Master Community Association at such time as the developer relinquishes appropriate and designated control to the MCA.
6.6.32(a) At
such time as the transfer of responsibility occurs, the MCA will assume responsibility for construction of subsequent blowsand control measures according to the provisions of the mitigation program.
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6.6.33(b) The
MCA shall provide within its annual budget a provision for both maintenance and construction of blowsand mitigation measures.
6.6.34(9)
MAST
ER DEVELOPER'S FINANCING OF IMPROVEMENTS: Until such time as the MCA assumes responsibility the master developer will fund such improvements and maintenance operations as are required to permit the mitigation measures to function in the manner for which they were designed.
6.6.35(10)
REIM
BURSEMENT FOR OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENTS: The master developer will install and maintain blowsand mitigation measures off-site in areas serving as primary barriers for properties not within the master developer's control until such time as the owners of such properties assume responsibility.
6.6.36(a) North
of Rio Vista Village: This area has no currently proposed development plans. The master developer will install and maintain the off-site blowsand mitigations and maintenance efforts until the MCA assumes control and continues to provide mitigation measures and maintenance At such time as the property to the north develops, the City will impose a fee and/or require the property to participate in an on-going maintenance program.
6.6.37(b) South
of Rio Vista Village: Blowsand mitigations in this area directly benefit the residents of the Sunix tract. Any and all mitigations financed by the master developer as a part of the area-wide mitigation program shall be limited to initial construction only. All maintenance and subsequent construction shall be borne by the residents or by the City using funds collected for such purposes.
6.6.38(c) The
City agrees to assist the master developer in the establishment of a reimbursement program to repay the costs of providing area-wide improvements of clear benefit to properties outside the boundaries of Rio Vista Village. This program could include any or all of the following and is not limited to these specific provisions:
6.6.39(i) the
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6.6.40(ii) an
agreement affected property owners to repay their fair share portion of the capital costs and/or
(iii) an
agreement to assume on-going mitigation measures and maintenance costs.
6.6.1 BLOW SAND. The 1997 Adopted MND included regional blow sand mitigation measures that could be undertaken dependent on consent of property owners to the north of the project, issuance of necessary permits and area-wide financing; or alternatively, project- specific interim on-site fencing until such time as the 6-foot-high perimeter masonry wall is constructed.
Consistent with the 1997 MND, in the absence of implementation of a regional blow sand mitigation program, the previously developed portions of the RVVSP installed interim blow sand fencing pending installation of masonry perimeter walls. The updated blow sand mitigation improvements report prepared by RWDI on November 2, 2023 (Appendix C of the 2024 CEQA Consistency) analyzes Project-specific blow sand mitigation and supersedes the Approved Project's Blow Sand Mitigation Program dated December 10, 1997. Below is a table describes the 1997 Blow Sand Mitigation Program and the current Project’s Blow Sand Mitigation Program.
Table 6.1: Blow Sand Mitigation Program
1997 Blow Sand Mitigation (Superseded) 2024 Blow Sand Mitigation Development of the site will constitute an obstruction to the natural passage of sand, effectively resulting in the stoppage and retention of some 52,000 cubic yards of
sand annually as noted above. Therefore,
implementation of appropriate protection at the upwind
borders of the property will be necessary. Due to the
existence of the CVWD channel directly upwind the
subject property, unlike developments that can
anticipate protection as other developments occur
upwind and thus shield them from blow sand, properly
designed and maintained blow sand control facilities
will be necessary for this site indefinitely.
1. Morongo Wash Fencing: It is proposed that
three sand fence lines be located adjacent to or
within the Morongo Wash/Storm Water
Channel which, with proper long-term
maintenance, will adequately serve to control
the transport of sand that would otherwise
impact the subject property. The extent of the
fencing clearly lies outside the boundaries of
the property, indicating the need for a
mitigation program requiring community level
RWDI understands that NCP Verano LLC will have an
encroachment permit only to access the portion of the
east side and top of the existing berm adjacent to the
west side of the Specific Plan (SP). Therefore, the only off-site blow sand improvements are to be along the east side and top of the existing berm, and within the City- controlled access road easement along the north side of the SP. Therefore, feasible sand mitigation program
includes: 1) reshaping the east slope of the existing
CVWD storm berm, 2) installing irrigation lines on the
east and top of the existing CVWD storm berm together
with planting at the top and eastern slope of the berm, 3) construction of a 20’ maintenance road on the east
side of the existing berm, construction of a blow sand
wall along the east side of the maintenance road on the west side of the west boundary of the specific plan area, and 4) construction of a blow sand wall along the north boundary of the SP and maintenance road within the
City-controlled road easement along most of the north
boundary.
In RWDI’s opinion these are feasible options from a
sand mitigation perspective. RWDI recommends the
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 cooperation. The master developer will apply
for an encroachment permit to construct such
fences in accordance with letters of
concurrence issued previously by CVWD.
2. Maintenance Accessway: Adjacent to the
westerly property line a blow sand maintenance
access way, with a width of 20 feet has been
provided to permit equipment to access the
berm areas and remove sand as necessary.
3. Blow sand Transport Corridor: Along the
northeast boundary, adjacent to the railroad
right of way, is a 200-foot wide corridor left
essentially undeveloped. This is the area of
most severe sand transport and by remaining
undeveloped will permit convenient and
unobtrusive access for maintenance and sand
removal. Further, in light of the nature of the
currently recommended areawide program as
extending northerly to the Railroad ROW, the
200 foot wide blow sand corridor
recommended along the north east corner of
Rio Vista Village is suitable for use as the
future Landau ROW as well as for limited
commercial uses such as storage provided blow
sand conditions within the corridor at the time
of such proposed development are verified as
having been mitigated by the proposed fence
and berm program.
4. Berm Improvements: An existing berm is
currently in place between the western edge of
Rio Vista Village and the Morongo Wash. This
berm is used for both flood control and blow
sand control purposes. The top of the berm is
planted with tamarisk trees that have become
sparse due to the lack of irrigation. The
following components are proposed for the
berm:
(a) Additional tamarisk trees to fill in the
double row. (2024 Amendment
suggests not using Tamarisk as they
are invasive species.)
(b) The installation of an above ground
irrigation line to provide water for the
tree rows.
(c) The planting of a layer of ground
cover and low shrubs along the top of
the berm to aid in capturing blow sand
transported beyond the upwind
fences.
5. Offsite Mitigations on the Property to the
North: It is expected that the mitigation
measures in the Morongo Wash will effectively
control the transport of sand from offsite. With
these measures in place the loose surficial sand
on properties to the north will quickly stabilize
as the native vegetation continues to grow.
following requirements to ensure that the mitigation is effective,
•Ensure that the wall is at least 6’ tall.
•Make sure that sand is cleared out from the
downwind side of the wall at least every 6
months or as necessary based on HOA
monitoring.
•Ensure that the vegetation remains established.
Sand will accumulate on the downwind side of the
perimeter walls over time. Based on the sand transport
flux analysis from Image 8, it is recommended that sand be removed at least every 6 months or as deemed
necessary by the HOA from behind the wall. It is
possible that sand will need to be cleared in some areas more frequently, depending on the specific geometry
and topography that surround the wall.
Similarly, it is recommended that the vegetation atop the east berm be regularly inspected and repaired, as
necessary. A 6-month schedule is advised, as some
areas of the vegetation may fill with sand like behind the mitigation walls.
Common equipment for removing sand from behind
mitigation walls include a typical excavator and dump
truck. Other equipment that is commonly used is a
sweeping device, to minimize any potential damage to
the wall and service road.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Should these measures require additional
mitigations on a temporary basis, the following
programs are proposed:
(a) With appropriate permission from the
property owners to the north, the
master developer will undertake either
sand fencing or surface stabilization
or both on the northerly properties.
(b) Temporary security fencing (chain
link) at the boundary of said properties
will be installed to protect surface
stabilization efforts at the master
developer’s expense upon receipt of
such permissions.
(c) Lacking such permission, interim
onsite fencing will be installed along
the northerly property line until such
time as the 6-foot high perimeter
masonry wall is constructed.
6. Course of Construction Mitigations: During the
course of construction and to mitigate blow
sand impacts prior to complete build-out of the
Project the following measures are proposed.
(a) Construction vehicle and equipment
routing will be directed to the
northerly portions of the site.
(b)Watering and dust controls will be
enforced per local ordinance.
(c)Blow sand fencing will be installed
within the un-built portions of the
project area in locations specifically
selected to protect adjacent residential
development. The number, extent and
location of such fences will be
determined as a function of phased
building permits so that the mitigation
measures may be tailored to
construction and development
schedules.
(d)Additional measures such as surface
stabilization, the planting of ground
cover and access control to prohibit
vehicular use will all be reviewed as to
their efficacy at the time the measures
are required.
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6.6.2 NOISE/VIBRATION: An updated Noise Report dated January 2024 was prepared by LSA Associates, Inc., for the 2024 SPA and is included as Appendix M of the 2024 SPA CEQA Consistency Analysis. The updated Noise Report determined, consistent with the Adopted 1997 MND, with implementation of mitigation measures shown below, no new noise impacts would occur as a result of implementation of the 2024 SPA. An updated vibration study will be prepared for the 2024 Specific Plan Amendment area in accordance with the City’s current General Plan mitigation measure NOI-3 requiring a draft and/or final vibration study prior to approval of development plans or issuance of a building permit for new development projects within 150 feet of UPRR railroad tracks. The original "Rio Vista Village Preliminary Noise Analysis", City of Cathedral City, California, prepared by Robert Kahn John Kain & Associates, Inc., 1601 Dove Street, Suite 290, Newport Beach, CA 92660, October 15, 1997 was updated by the LSA Noise Report. The noise impacts and mitigation measures contained in the 1997 noise analysis by Kain and Associates and revised by the 2024 LSA noise report are as follows:
A PROJECT IMPACTS: An acoustical analysis has been completed to determine the exterior and interior noise exposure and the necessary noise mitigation measures for the Rio Vista Village project. The project site is located north of Verona Road and west of Landau Boulevard in the City of Cathedral City. (1) The results of this analysis indicate that future vehicle noise from the I- 10 Freeway and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks are the principal source of community noise that will impact the site. However, noise levels on the project site will meet the City's outdoor 65 CNEL exterior standard for outdoor areas and 45 CNEL interior noise standards, if the recommended mitigation measures include the construction of an 15 8 foot-high noise barrier, a "windows closed" condition requiring a mechanical ventilation system and upgraded windows for those residential units exposed to the I-10 Freeway and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Noise control measure details are presented in the "Summary of Recommendations" of this report.
(2) The noise control analysis and recommendations in this report area intended to demonstrate that the noise criteria of the General Plan of Cathedral City for the project will be met, if the mitigation measures as recommended in this report are implemented.
B RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES: The following mitigation measures are recommended to mitigate the project's potential noise impacts:
(1) TRAFFIC NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES: Prior to approval of any subsequent maps for the Rio Vista Village project, the developer shall -110-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 coordinate with the City in providing mitigation of traffic noise impacts on existing residences. Specific mitigation shall include:
(a) Preparation of a detailed acoustical analysis determining precise needs for roadway attenuation,
(b) Construction of any improvements identified in the study as necessary to mitigate adverse impacts, and
(c) A fair-share assessment of fee responsibilities among the major developers for construction of improvements, based on each major development's contribution to traffic volumes along the impacted roadways.
(d) The 15 8 foot high wall will be fully constructed prior to occupancy of any dwellings within areas requiring the wall for noise mitigation. (2) For all areas within the General Plan buildout (Post-2020) 65 CNEL roadway contours, residential lots and dwellings shall be sound attenuated against present and projected noise, which shall be the sum of all noise impacting the project, so as not to exceed an exterior standard of 65 CNEL in outdoor living areas and an interior standard of 45 dB CNEL in all habitable rooms. An acoustical study shall be prepared under the supervision of a person experienced in the field of acoustical engineering.
Evidence that above standards will be satisfied in a manner consistent with applicable zoning regulations shall be submitted as follows:
(a) Prior to the recordation of a final tract/parcel map or prior to the issuance of Grading Permits, at the sole discretion of the City, an Acoustical Analysis Report shall be submitted to the City for approval. The report shall describe in detail the exterior noise environment and preliminary mitigation measures. Acoustical design features to achieve interior noise standards may be included in the report in which case it may also satisfy "B" below. (b) Prior to the issuance of any building permits, an acoustical analysis report describing the acoustical design features of the structures required to satisfy the exterior and interior noise standards shall be submitted to the City for approval along with satisfactory evidence which indicates that the sound attenuation measures specified in the approved acoustical report(s) have been incorporated into the design of the project.
(c) Prior to the issuance of any Certificates of Use and Occupancy, field testing in accordance with California Administration Code Title 25 regulations may be required by the County, to verify compliance -111-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 with Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (HC) design standards.
C CONSTRUCTION NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES: All construction activity shall comply with the provisions of the Cathedral City Municipal Code including but not limited to restrictions concerning the hours and days of operation.
Consistent with Cathedral City Municipal Code Section 11.96.070, construction would be permitted to occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays between October 1 and April 30 and between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between May 1 through September 30. (1) All construction vehicles or equipment fixed or mobile-operated shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers. (2) Stockpiling and/or vehicle staging areas shall be located as far as practical from noise sensitive areas.
D UNIT VENTILATION: When the operable doors and windows are open, it is expected that the interior 45 CNEL limit for the Rio Vista Village may be exceeded.
Therefore, a windows "Closed" condition is required for this use to meet the interior noise standard. For this windows-closed condition, a means of mechanical ventilation may be provided using one of the following alternative methods:
(1) A "summer switch" on the forced air heating/cooling unit for the building.
The summer switch permits fan operations for ventilation at reference points 1 and 2, independent of the heating and cooling function. The UBC requires that the system shall be capable of supplying a minimum of 5 cubic feet per minute of outside air per occupant, with a total circulated of not less than 15 cubic feet per minute per occupant in all portions of the building, during such time as the building is occupied. If the velocity of the air at the register exceeds 10 feet per second, the register shall be placed more than 8 feet above the floor directly beneath. The fresh air intake duct should be a flexible fiberglass sound attenuating construction. The duct may be at least ten (10) feet long or at least six (6) feet long with one sharp 90° bend. The intake duct should have an in-line mechanical quad damper before the fan. (2) A through wall air conditioner or heat pump. Such a unit must supply a minimum of 5 cubic feet per minute outside air per occupant for the total circulated air of not less than 15 cubic feet per minute per occupant in all portions of the building, during such time as the building is occupied. The unit should have an approximate overall dimension of 18" x 24" or less with a vent opening no greater than 6" in diameter. Or, the unit may be an approved alternative with acceptable acoustical transmission performance. -112-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 (3) An attic fan system. Such a system would bring outside air to the building interior and exhaust the interior area air past a ceiling fan into the attic space and out the attic vent. The air may be ducted into the building through 10 feet of flexible fiberglass ducting, with one sharp 90° bend. The intake opening for the ducting should be in the side of the building which faces away from the I-10 Freeway. As required by the UBC, the system must provide 5 cubic feet per minute of outside air per occupant, with a total circulated of not less than 15 cubic feet per minute per occupant within all portions of the building, during such time as the building is occupied. (4) Any other method of ventilation which meets the UBC requirements for 5 cubic feet per minute of outside air per occupant, with the total circulated of not less than 15 cubic feet per minute preoccupant in all portions of the building, during such time as the building is occupied.
E NOISE CONTROL BARRIER CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: The necessary noise barrier mitigation will be accomplished if the noise barrier construction materials have a weight of at least 4 pounds per square foot of face area. The recommended barrier must present a solid face from top to bottom, and no openings or decorative cutouts should be made. All gaps (except for weep holes) should be filled with grout or caulking. The required noise control barriers may be constructed using one of the following alternative materials:
(1) Masonry block;
(2) Stucco veneer over wood framing (or foam core), or 1-inch-thick tongue and groove wood of sufficient weight per square foot;
(3) 1/4-inch-thick glass, acrylic plastic, or other transparent materials with sufficient weight per square foot may be used to provide views; (4) Earthen berm;
(5) Any combination of these materials or other construction materials with a minimum weight of 3.5 pounds per square foot of face area.
6.6.3 TRAFFIC IMPACT: Per report "Rio Vista Village Traffic Impact Analysis", City of Cathedral City, California, prepared by: Robert Kahn John Kain & Associates, Inc., 1601 Dove Street, Suite 290, Newport Beach, CA 92660, October 8, 1997.
A DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION: Rio Vista Village has been designed to incorporate Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) circulation features. In addition, the proposed development minimizes "through traffic" impacts to the surrounding area by terminating Landau Boulevard within the boundary of Cathedral City.
(1) For Opening Year traffic conditions, the project site is proposed to be developed with 260 single-family detached residential dwelling units, 156 apartment dwelling units, 179 condominium dwelling units, and 7 acres of -113-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 park use. For buildout traffic conditions, the project site will be developed with a total of 1,030 single-family detached residential dwelling units, 156 apartment dwelling units, 179 condominium dwelling units, 7 acres of park, 700 student elementary school and 15,000 square feet of commercial retail. (2) For existing traffic conditions, the study area intersections operate at Level of Service "C" or better during the peak hours. The proposed Opening Year development is projected to generate approximately 5,290 trip-ends per day with 400 vehicles per hour during the AM peak hour and 530 vehicles per hour during the PM peak hour.
(3) The proposed buildout development is projected to generate a total of approximately 15,570 trip-ends per day with 1,230 vehicles per hour during the AM peak hour and 1,520 vehicles per hour during the PM peak hour.
The proposed project will have access to the extensions of Landau Boulevard and Avenida Quintana.
(4) For Opening Year without project traffic conditions, study area intersections are projected to operate at Level of Service "C" or better during the peak hours without improvements.
(5) For Opening Year with project traffic conditions, study area intersections are projected to operate at Level of Service "C" or better during the peak hours without improvements.
(6) For study area buildout without project traffic conditions, the following study area intersections are projected to operate at unacceptable levels of service during the peak hours, without improvements: Gene Autry Trail (NS) at Vista Chino (EW); Date Palm Drive (NS) at Vista Chino (EW). (7) For study area buildout without project traffic conditions, study area intersections are projected to operate at Level of Service "D" or better during the peak hours with the improvements listed in Table 5-4 of the traffic report.
(8) For study area buildout with project traffic conditions, the following study area intersections are projected to operate at unacceptable levels of service during the peak hours, without improvements: Gene Autry Trail (NS) at Vista Chino (EW); Date Palm Drive (NS) at Vista Chino (EW). (9) For study area buildout with project traffic conditions, study area intersections are projected to operate at Level of Service "D" or better during the peak hours with the improvements listed in Table 5-64 of the traffic report.
(10) For study area building traffic conditions with the project, a traffic signal is projected to be warranted at the following study area intersections: Landau Boulevard (NS) at Rio Vista Boulevard Drive (EW). This measure was -114-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 satisfied through the completion of a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis prepared by EPD Solutions on December 22, 2023, which determined a traffic signal is not warranted at the intersection.
B PHASE I MITIGATIONS: For Phase 1 of the project site, the following network features should be constructed.
(1) Construct the extension of Landau Boulevard as a Secondary Major Highway to the Rio Vista Boulevard one-way couplet. This measure is complete.
(2) Construct the Rio Vista Boulevard couplet from Landau Boulevard to west of the central project traffic circle. This measure is complete. (3) Construct a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Verona Road and Landau Boulevard. Existing intersection constructed without a roundabout.
This measure is complete.
(4) Construct The Completion of construction of the northerly extension of Avenida Quintana as a Local Collector will be completed as a project design feature as part of the project for the 2024 SPA area.
(5) Improve the north side of Verona Road from Avenida Quintana to Landau Boulevard at its ultimate half-section width as a Local Collector. This measure is complete.
C PHASE 2 MITIGATIONS: For Phase 2 of the project site, the following additional network features should be constructed.
(1) Construct a Collector connection to Verona Road from Rio Vista Boulevard between the proposed elementary school and the project commercial retail site.
This measure is complete.
(2) The Completion ofthe westerly extension of Rio Vista Boulevard will be completed as a project design feature as part of the 2024 SPA. (3) A traffic signal is projected to be warranted at the intersection of Landau Boulevard/Rio Vista Boulevard in conjunction with development of the site north of the project which will take access to the northerly extension of Landau Boulevard. This measure was satisfied through the completion of a Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis prepared by EPD Solutions on December 22, 2023, which determined a traffic signal is not warranted at the intersection.
(4) The project should contribute to the installation of off-site traffic signals when warranted through the payment of traffic signal mitigation fees. . This measure is satisfied through the Applicant’s payment of the Development Impact Fees.
(5) The project should participate in an area wide funding program to provide phased implementation of the study area buildout approach lane geometrics -115-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 at study area intersections as shown on Exhibits 5-1 through 5-Q 4 of the traffic report. This measure will be satisfied through the Applicant’s payment of the latest areawide impact fees.
6.6.4 HYDROLOGY: [Please refer to CEQA Consistency Analysis Rio Vista Village (Verano) Specific Plan Amendment and Tentative Tract Map Nos. 38709, 38710, 38711, 38712, 38713 and 38902 for 2024 Specific Plan Amendment Area hydrology information.] Per report "Rio Vista Village Hydrology/Drainage" prepared by Mainiero Smith and Associates, 777 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 301, Palm Springs, CA, October 7, 1997.
A IMPACTS: The site generally drains from northwest to southeast. It is proposed that Boulevard Retention Areas as well as the Verona Retention Areas be used to retain 100% of the stormwater runoff from a 100 year 243-hour storm. Based on the Land Use Plan for Rio Vista Village approximately 60 acre-feet of total storage capacity is required to retain the 100 year 243-hour storm.Instorm. In addition, the Morongo Creek Stormwater Channel, the neighborhood park, the roundabouts, portions of the school site and the swimming lagoon pool will not contribute to the stormwater runoff that must be retained and would be passed through downstream.
B MITIGATIONS: In general, it is proposed that storm water retention be accommodated by a series of linear retention basins located either within the 100 foot wide median of the main boulevard or in a 40 foot wide easement along the south side of the project adjacent to the Verona Road ROW. (1) The Boulevard Retention Areas are 7.5 acres in size and have a capacity of 54 acre-feet. Each basin is intended to receive storm water from a designated section of the project and are not intended to permit flow from one basin to another. These basins are a maximum of 8 feet deep and have side slopes of 4:1 to generate the required volume of retention. (2) The Verona Retention Areas are 4 acres in size and have a total capacity of 15 acre-feet. Each basins isbasin is a maximum of 5 feet deep with side slopes of 4:1.
Status: Satisfied. Existing stormwater retention basins are in place between Rio Vista Drive and to the north of Verona Road which will be utilized by the proposed project, consistent with the above mitigation. The stormwater retention basins for the Project site have been designed with the capacity to retain the 100-year, 3-hour storm event.
6.7 ON-SITE IMPROVEMENTS
The master developer is in discussion with the City and other agencies to establish a financially feasible method of infrastructure financing. Existing Assessment Districts, Community Service Districts and Community Facility Districts may be used when such existing districts meet the requirements of Rio Vista Village. In the event that a nhew district could serve as a means of -116-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 securing the needed financing, the master developer will determine the feasibility of creating such new district(s) and assist the City in their creation.
6.7.1 BACKBONE CIRCULATION SYSTEM: The master developer shall on a phased basis construct the backbone circulation system of streets, sidewalks, parkways, curb and gutters and service lanes. The precise phasing shall be determined by the sequence of Tract Maps submitted within each major phase.
A It is the intention of the master developer to develop the streets and service lanes as public Rights-of-Way and turn such public facilities over to the City for maintenance.
B In the event a particular project selects to utilize a private street system, maintenance costs shall be determined and included in the local Home Owners Association dues structure.
6.7.2 UTILITIES: All required backbone utilities for each major phase shall be installed by the master developer in accordance with currently accepted practices.
6.7.3 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES: The master developer shall be responsible for the design, construction and interim maintenance of the Entry Feature Park, the Village Commons and the Water Park/Beach Club recreation facility.
A ENTRY FEATURE PARK: This passive park at the entry to the village will serve as the site for the entry monument. This monument is intended to provide a distant visual clue to the location of Rio Vista Village. The master developer shall design, construct and provide interim maintenance of this park/monument until such time as the Master HOA assumes responsibility. Discussions are on-going as to the manner in which the design will take place, competitions, selected commissions and the developer's choice being the currently discussed alternatives.
B VILLAGE COMMONS: The Village Commons is the local village park and will be constructed in Phase I. The design, construction and interim maintenance will be the responsibility of the master developer until the Master HOA assumes control.
C WATER PARK/BEACH CLUB: This facility is intended to meet the water oriented recreation needs of a service area much larger than Rio Vista Village. As such, the design, construction, operation and maintenance are not the sole responsibility of Rio Vista Village. The master developer has indicated a desire to assist in the design and construction of the facility as a component part of Phase I and is in discussion with the city regarding ownership, operations and maintenance responsibilities. It is clear, however, that the issues of ownership, operational control, legal liability and facility maintenance have not been resolved to the level necessary to execute the agreements between Burnett Development and the City.
D: RECREATION FACILITY: This facility is intended to complete and expand upon the existing amenity located at the southeast corner of Rio Vista Drive and Rio Arbolitos Road. This facility will include the existing pool, and new pool to -117-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 replace the incomplete pool shells, and sports courts. The design, construction and maintenance will be the responsibility of the master developer and the Master HOA will assume control as they do with the currently operating recreation facility.
6.7.4 COMMON AREA LANDSCAPE TREATMENTS: The master developer will improve all common landscape areas on a phased basis and provide interim maintenance until the Master HOA assumes responsibility. These improvements will be in accordance with the Master Landscape Plan.
6.8 FLOOD CONTROL
The Whitewater River and Morongo Wash are regional waterways serving to channel local flood waters. In the developed areas, stormwater runoff is collected within streets and pipes before discharging into on-site basins. A portion of these basins, the basins east of Avenida Quintana, will be utilized by the multifamily development to mitigate the runoff. The runoff from the remainder of the SPA, the single-family lots, will be mitigated with the extension of Rio Vista Drive to the west and the proposed basins matching the basins in the developed area. Additionally, the existing basin immediately north of Verona Road will be extended westerly to help with the stormwater management of the project.
While outside the purview of the developers of Rio Vista Village, the master developer is working with CVWD to coordinate the flood control and blowsand mitigation programs. Currently the Morongo Wash is blocked upstream of Rio Vista Village by the elimination of the bridge at the railroad more than 10 years ago. Discussions with CVWD indicate that a proposed trestle crossing of the Wash is in the design stage and within the near future the restoration of Morongo Wash as an active component of the regional flood control system is probable. At that time, CVWD is expected realign the channel and complete the concrete lined levee from Verona Road to the UP/SP railroad ROW.
6.9 ADMINISTRATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN
The Director of Community Development shall determine if any proposal submitted for development review requires Planning Commission review and approval, including public hearings pursuant to City zoning procedures and policies. The underlying principles of the specific plan, however, endorse flexibility, adaptability and options as opposed to fixed and pre-determined solutions. As the Director reviews proposed development proposals, including alternative development approaches, findings shall be made in light of these underlying principles as well as the specific letter of the regulations.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
6.9.1 When a development proposal is determined to be consistent with the purpose and intent of this specific plan, approval may be granted including minor and incidental changes to the development standards within this specific plan.
6.9.2 APPEALS: Appeals of the decisions of the Director of Community Development or of the Planning Commission shall be administered per the policies and ordinances of the City Zoning Ordinance and according to prevailing law.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 APPENDIX A: Ahwahnee Principles (removed from body text of Specific Plan)
AHWAHNEE PRINCIPLES
PREAMBLE
Existing patterns of urban and suburban development seriously impair our quality of life. The symptoms are: more congestion and air pollution resulting from our increased dependence on automobiles, the loss of precious open space, the need for costly improvements to roads and public services, the inequitable distribution of economic resources and the loss of a sense of community.
By drawing upon the best from the past and the present, we can plan communities that will more successfully serve the needs of those who live and work within them. Such planning should adhere to certain fundamental principles.
COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES
1 All planning should be in the form of complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, work places, schools, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents.
2 Community size should be designed so that housing, jobs, daily needs and other activities are within easy walking distance of each other.
3 As many activities as possible should be located within easy walking distance of transit stops.
4 A community should contain a diversity of housing types to enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups to live within its boundaries. 5 Businesses within the community should provide a range of job types for the community’s residents.
6 The location and character of the community should be consistent with a larger transit network.
7 The community should have a center focus that combines commercial, civic, cultural and recreational uses.
8 The community should contain an ample supply of specialized open space in the form of squares, greens and parks, whose frequent use is encouraged through placement and design. 9 Public spaces should be designed to encourage the attention and presence of people at all hours of the day and night.
10 Each community or cluster of communities should have a well-defined edge, such as agricultural greenbelts or wildlife corridors, permanently protected from development. 11 Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths should contribute to a system of fully connected and interesting routes to all destinations. Their design should encourage pedestrian and bicycle use by being small and spatially defined by buildings, trees and lighting, and by discouraging high speed traffic.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 12 Wherever possible, the natural terrain, drainage and vegetation of the community should be preserved with superior examples contained within parks or greenbelts. 13 The community design should help conserve resources and minimize waste. 14 Communities should provide for the efficient use of water through the use of natural drainage, drought tolerant landscaping and recycling.
15 The street orientation, the placement of buildings and the use of shading should contribute to the energy efficiency of the community.
REGIONAL PRINCIPLES
1 The regional land use planning structure should be integrated within a larger transportation network built around transit rather than freeways.
2 Regions should be bounded by and provide a continuous system of greenbelt/ wildlife corridors to be determined by natural conditions.
3 Regional institutions and services (government, stadiums, museums, etc.) should be located in the urban core.
4 Materials and methods of construction should be specific to the region, exhibiting continuity of history and culture and compatibility with the climate to encourage the development of local character and community identity.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
1 The General Plan should be updated to incorporate the above principles. 2 Rather than allowing developer-initiated, piecemeal development, local governments should take charge of the planning process. General Plans should designate where new growth, infill or redevelopment will be allowed to occur. 3 Prior to any development, a specific plan should be prepared based on the planning principles. With the adoption of specific plans, complying projects could proceed with minimal delay.
4 Plans should be developed through an open process and participants in the process should be provided visual models of all planning proposals.
Authored by: Peter Calthorpe
Michael Corbett
Andres Duany
Elizabeth Platter-Zybeck
Stefanos Polyzoides
Elizabeth Moule
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
CHARTER OF THE NEW URBANISM
The Congress of the New Urbanism .views disinvestment in central cities, the spread of placeless sprawl, increasing separation by race and income, environmental deterioration, loss of agricultural lands and wilderness, and the erosion of society’s built heritage as one interrelated community- building challenge.
We stand for the restoration of existing urban centers and towns within coherent metropolitan regions, the reconfiguration of sprawling suburbs into communities of real neighborhoods and diverse districts, the conservation of natural environments, and the preservation of our built legacy.
We recognize that physical solutions by themselves will not solve social and economic problems, but neither can economic vitality, community stability, and environmental health be sustained without a coherent and supportive physical framework.
We advocate the restructuring of public policy and development practices to support the following principles: neighborhoods should be diverse in use and population; communities should be designed for the pedestrian and transit as well as the car; cities and towns should be shaped by physically defined and universally accessible public spaces and community institutions; urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrate local history, climate, ecology, and building practice.
We represent a broad-based citizenry, composed of public and private sector leaders, community activists, and multi-disciplinary professionals. We are committed to reestablishing the relationship between the art of building and the making of community, through citizen-based participatory planning and design.
We dedicate ourselves to reclaiming our homes, blocks, streets, parks, neighborhoods, districts, towns, cities, regions and environment.
We assert the following principles to guide public policy, development practice, urban planning, and design:
The region: Metropolis, city, and town
1. Metropolitan regions are finite places with geographic boundaries derived from topography, watersheds, coastlines, farmlands, regional parks, and river basins. The -122-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 Metropolis is made of multiple centers that are cities, towns, and villages, each within its own identifiable center and edges.
2. The metropolitan region is a fundamental economic unit of the contemporary world.
Governmental cooperation, public policy, physical planning, and economic strategies must reflect this new reality.
3. The metropolis has a necessary and fragile relationship to its agrarian hinterland and natural landscapes. The relationship is environmental, economic, and cultural. Farmland and nature are as important to the metropolis as the garden is to the house.
4. Development patterns should not blur or eradicate the edges of the metropolis. Infill development within existing urban areas conserves environmental resources, economic investment, and social fabric, while reclaiming marginal and abandoned areas.
Metropolitan regions should develop strategies to encourage such infill development over peripheral expansion.
5. Where appropriate, new development contiguous to urban boundaries should be organized as neighborhoods and districts, and be integrated with the existing urban pattern.
Noncontiguous development should be organized as towns and villages with their own urban edges, and planned for a jobs/housing balance, not as bedroom suburbs.
6. The development and redevelopment of towns and cities should respect historical patterns, precedents, and boundaries.
7. Cities and towns should bring into proximity a broad spectrum of public and private uses to support a regional economy that benefits people of all incomes. Affordable housing should be distributed throughout the region to match job opportunities and to avoid concentrations of poverty.
8. The physical organization of the region should be supported by a framework of transportation alternatives. Transit, pedestrian, and bicycle systems should maximize access and mobility throughout the region while reducing dependence upon the automobile.
9. Revenues and resources can be shared more cooperatively among the municipalities and centers within regions to avoid destructive competition for tax base and to promote rational coordination of transportation, recreation, public services, housing, and community institutions.
The Neighborhood, the district, and the corridor
1.The neighborhood, the district, and the corridor are the essential elements of development and redevelopment in the metropolis. They form identifiable areas that encourage citizens to take responsibility for their maintenance and evolution.
2. Neighborhoods should be compact, pedestrian friendly, and mixed-use. Districts generally emphasize a special single use, and should follow the principles of neighborhood design -123-
1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 when possible. Corridors are regional connectors of neighborhoods and districts; they range from boulevards and rail lines to rivers and parkways.
3. Many activities of daily living should occur within walking distance, allowing independence to those who do not drive, especially the elderly and the young.
Interconnected networks of streets should be designed to encourage walking, reduce the number and length of automobile trips, and conserve energy.
4. Within neighborhoods, a broad range of housing types and price levels can bring people of diverse ages, races, and incomes into daily interaction, strengthening the personal and civic bonds essential to an authentic community.
5. Transit corridors, when properly planned and coordinated, can help organize metropolitan structure and revitalize urban centers. In contrast, highway corridors should not displace investment from existing centers.
6. Appropriate building densities and land uses should be within walking distance of transit stops, permitting public transit to become a viable alternative to the automobile. 7 Concentrations of civic, institutional, and commercial activity should be embedded in neighborhoods and districts, not isolated in remote, single-use complexes. Schools should be sized and located to enable children to walk or bicycle to them.
8. The economic health and harmonious evolution of neighborhoods, districts, and corridors can be improved through graphic urban design codes that serve as predictable guides for change.
9. A range of parks, from tot-lots and village greens to ballfields and community gardens, should be distributed within neighborhoods. Conservation areas and open lands should be used to define and connect different neighborhoods and districts.
The block, the street, and the building
1. A primary task of all urban architecture and landscape design is the physical definition of streets and public spaces as places of shared use.
2. Individual architectural projects should be seamlessly linked to their surroundings. This issue transcends style.
3. The revitalization of urban places depends on safety and security. The design of streets and buildings should reinforce safe environments, but not at the expense of accessibility and openness.
4. In the contemporary metropolis, development must adequately accommodate automobiles.
It should do so in ways that respect the pedestrian and the form of public space.
5. Streets and squares should be safe, comfortable, and interesting to the pedestrian. Properly configured, they encourage walking and enable neighbors to know each other and protect their communities.
6. Architecture and landscape design should grow from local climate, topography, history, and building practice.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024
7. Civic buildings and public gathering places require important sites to reinforce community identity and the culture of democracy. They deserve distinctive form, because their role is different from that of other buildings and places that constitute the fabric of the city.
8. All buildings should provide their inhabitants with a clear sense of location, weather and time. Natural methods of heating and cooling can be more resource-efficient that mechanical systems.
9. Preservation and renewal of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes affirm the continuity and evolution of urban society.
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1997 Rio Vista Village Specific Plan Amended 2016, 2017 and 2024 APPENDIX B: Plant Palette (Updated as of 2024)
PR OPOS E D PLANT PALE T T E
T R E E AND PALMS
BOT ANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME S IZ E
DALBE R GIA S IS S OOINDIAN R OS E WOOD24" BOXT IPUANA T IPUT IPU T R E E 24" BOXOLE A E UR OPAE AS WAN HILL - OLIVE T R E E24" BOXACACIA S T E NOPHY LLAS HOE S T R ING ACACIA24" BOXACACIA S ALICINAWILLOW ACACIA 24" BOXCE R CIDIUM X 'DE S E R T MUS E UM'PALO VE R DE 24" BOXACACIA ANE UR AMULGA 24" BOXPINUS HALE PE NIS SALE PPO PINE 24" BOX ACACIA FR ANE S IANAS WE E T S IE R R A24" BOXCHILOPS IS LINE AR ISDE S E R T WILLOW24" BOXPHOE NIX DACT Y LIFE R A'Z AHIDI DAT E PALM'18' BT HWAS HINGT ONIA R OBUS T A ME X ICAN FAN PAM18' BT H DE S E R T ACCE NT SAGAVE S IS ALANAS IS AL 5 GAL.AGAVE ANGUS T IFOLIACAR IBBE AN AGAVE5 GAL.AGAVE GE MINIFLOR AT WIN-FLOWE R ING AGAVE5 GAL.HE S PE R ALOE PAR VIFLOR ADE S E R T FLAME NCO5 GAL.E CHINOCACT US GR US ONIIGOLDE N BAR R E L CACT US5 GAL.
S HR UBSCAE S ALPINIA PULCHE R R IMAR E D BIR D OF PAR ADIS E5 GAL.LE UCOPHY LLUM PR UINOS UMS IE R R A BOUQUE T5 GAL.S E NNA AR T E MIS IOIDE SFE AT HE R Y CAS S IA5 GAL.T E COMA S T ANSY E LLOW BE LLS5 GAL.LE UCOPHY LLUM LANGMANIAELY NS LE GACY5 GAL.OLE A E UR OPAE ALIT T LE OLLIE 5 GAL.R US S E LIA E QUIS E T IFOR MIS COR AL BE LLS 5 GAL.LE UCOPHY LLUM Z Y GOPHY LLUMCIMAR R ON 5 GAL.CAR IS S A MACR OCAR PABOX WOOD BE AUT Y5 GAL.CALLIS T E MON VIMINALISLIT T LE J OHN5 GAL.
GR AS S E SMUHLE NBE R GIA CAPILLAR ISR E GAL MIS T 5 GAL.LOMANDR A LONGIFOLIAPLAT INUM BE AUT Y5 GAL.DIANE LLA T AS MANICAVAR IE GAT A 5 GAL.
GR OUNDCOVE R AND VINE SDALE A GR E GGIIT R AILING INDIGO BUS H5 GAL.CAR IS S A M. GR E E N CAR PE T5 GAL.E VOLVULUS GLOME R AT USHAWAIIAN BLUE E Y E S5 GAL.BOUGANVILLE A'LA J OLLA' 5 GAL.DUR ANT A R E PE NSS K Y FLOWE R5 GAL.MACFADY E NA UNGUISCAT S CLAW 5 GAL.