XV SAFETY
Policy 4
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire, Police, County
Geologist, USGS
2019; Continuous
No Action
Program 4.B
Once available, the City shall take part in the ShakeAlert program developed by the US Geological Service, which will issue public warnings of potentially damaging earthquakes and provide warning parameter data to the City and other government agencies, and private users on a region-by-region basis.
Fire, Police, USGS 2019; Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City has promoted the ShakeAlert program to residents on the Discover Cathedral City website.
Policy 5
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Police, Riverside
County Emergency
Management, SCE,
SCG, DWA, CVWD
2019; Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; In 2025, the Fire Department worked with consultants, Jacob Greene and Associates, to update the Emergency Operations Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. The update process involved stakeholder engagement with local government agencies.
Program 5.B
Coordinate with local schools and appropriate public and quasi-public agencies to ensure that they are adequately prepared for and are a part of a city-wide and regional emergency response when disaster strikes.
Fire, Palm Springs
Unified School District
2019; Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Fire Department provides public education and outreach to schools and community organizations to share emergency preparedness information. For example, the Fire Department provides Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for high school students.
Policy 6
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Engineering,
Public Works, Fire,
Police
Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; As part of the development and environmental review processes, the proposed location for new critical facilities will be reviewed for hazard vulnerability.
Policy 7
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire, gated
communities
2019, Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Fire Department continues to provide CERT classes. The classes are open to the community, including members of private and gated communities. Teen CERT classes are provided to high school students. The Fire Department has also provided disaster preparedness presentations to communities such as the Desert Sands Mobile Home Park, informing senior about how to stay safe and be prepared in the event of disaster.
Program 7.B
Develop and maintain a record-keeping system indicating which private and gated communities have participated in the CERT training, and communicate with those communities on an annual basis to schedule training updates and coordinated response planning.
Fire, private/gated
communities.
2020-22, Annually
No Action
Policy 8 Ongoing
Ongoing; The General Plan Land Use Map is consistent with the land use restrictions established in the Palm Springs ALUCP. Development projects are reviewed for consistency with the ALUCP, and are submittal for ALUC review as required.
Policy 9 Ongoing
Ongoing; In October 2024 the City launched the CodeRED community notification system, beginning with street sweeping alerts. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Alert RivCo for emergency alerts.
The City shall make every effort to minimize the risk of hazards associated with aircraft operations of the Palm Springs International Airport and through the adoption and implementation of land use plans and policies consistent with the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
Continue to encourage residents, business-owners and others in the community to sign up for the automated emergency Cathedral City Notification System to get critical information quickly in the event of severe weather alerts, unexpected road closures, missing person alerts, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
The City shall thoroughly consider and assess vulnerability to natural and manmade disasters or emergencies when reviewing proposals for the siting and development of critical and essential public/quasipublic facilities.
Program 6.A
In order to assure the maximum possible protection from environmental and manmade hazards, including earthquakes and flooding, the City shall consider vulnerability to natural and manmade disasters and emergencies when reviewing proposals for critical and essential facilities, as well as sensitive land uses.
Implementation Status
Where practicable, the City shall encourage the development of critical facilities within private residential communities, including congregate care and similar facilities, in order to ensure preparedness and maximum safety during periods of disaster which may limit accessibility and resources.
Program 7.A
Coordinate with management within local private and gated communities to train and educate residents, and develop, maintain and implement emergency preparedness plans, including stockpile essential supplies, in accordance with the Citizens Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program, to ensure their self- sufficiency for a period of at least 72 hours following an emergency or disaster.
Implementation Status
Formal lines of communication shall be established and maintained between the City, County Geologist, and the US Geological Service and/or the California Institute of Technology to assure the provision of earthquake predictions and alerts that may help minimize impacts to the City and surrounding area.
Program 4.A
The City shall coordinate with the County Geologist and contact Caltech and the appropriate office of the US Geological Survey and establish a liaison and procedures by which these organizations contact and inform the City of updated earthquake predictions that may affect the community.
Implementation Status
The City shall cooperate and coordinate with Riverside County Emergency Management, local utilities purveyors and other agencies and utilities in the preparation and distribution of public information materials to assist residents, visitors and business owners on how to prepare for and respond to local disasters and emergencies.
Program 5.A
Coordinate and cooperate with Riverside County Emergency Management, Desert Water Agency, CVWD, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, and other agencies and utilities in the development and dissemination of information and instructions on appropriate actions in the event of a local disaster or emergency.
Implementation Status
XV SAFETY
Policy 10 Ongoing
Ongoing; The Fire Department is currently updating the local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP) and emergency operations plan (EOP), and may consider the incorporation of programs addressing social and emotional support.
Policy 11 Ongoing
Ongoing; During the summer of 2024, the Cathedral City Library served as the official Riverside County Community Action Partnership (CAP) cooling center. After Tropical Storm Hilary, the library also hosted the Local Assistance Center (LAC) run by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services in partnership with Riverside County.
Policy 12
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire, Planning 2020-22, Annually
Ongoing
Ongoing; Information on drought-resistant landscaping are available in the Community and Economic Development Department, and resources on fire-resistant plants are available on the Fire Department website. Through the forthcoming update to the Zoning Ordinance and Design Guidelines, the City may consider the establishment of landscape guidelines for areas subject to fire hazards or soil erosion.
Policy 13 Ongoing
Ongoing; New development proposals, including subdivision maps in SRAs of VHFHSZs, are subject to review by the Fire Department to ensure compliance with local and state fire safety regulations such as the SRA Fire Safe Regulations, as applicable.
Policy 14 No Action
Policy 15 Ongoing
Ongoing; VHFHSZs are limited to the southern portion of the City, most of which is developed.
The location of essential public facilities will be considered during the development review process, and these facilities will either be located outside fire hazard areas or subject to adequate mitigation measures.
Policy 16 No Action
Policy 17 Ongoing
Ongoing; All new development and major rebuilding is subject to the California Building and Fire Codes, including projects within a SRA or VHFHSZ.
Policy 18 Ongoing
Ongoing; An approved site-specific fire management plan shall be required for new development proposed within a SRA or VHFHSZ.
Policy 19 Ongoing
Ongoing; An approved roadside fuel reduction plan shall be required for the approval of new development proposed within a SRA or VHFHSZ.
Policy 20 No Action
Policy 21 Ongoing
Ongoing; The Cathedral City Fire Department has a current Strategic Plan for 2023-2026. The Plan may be reviewed and updated as needed.
Approval of development proposed within a State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) shall require site-specific fire management plans that address fuel modification or incorporate open space and other defensible space areas, as well as multiple points of ingress and egress.
Approval of development proposed or to be rebuilt in a State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) shall be contingent upon a City-approved roadside fuel reduction plan, and otherwise provide for the long-term maintenance of defensible space clearances around structures, subdivisions and other development, and include fire breaks in the VHFHSZ where appropriate.
The City Fire Department shall periodically survey, monitor and plan to address conditions within the City’s State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) zones to identify and plan for the evacuation of at-risk occupants or residents and meet their special needs.
The City Fire Department Strategic Plan shall be periodically reviewed and updated as appropriate to ensure that its goals, standards and training programs and regimes are current with state requirements and the needs of the department and the community.
Implementation Status
Pursuant to Gov. Code 66474.02, prior to approval of subdivision maps in State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), the City shall condition the map to meet SRA Fire Safe Regulations and other fire hazard reduction regulations, particularly those regulations that ensure adequate and maintainable roadways for ingress, egress, and fire and other emergency equipment access.
The City shall make every effort to direct development away from State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), and minimize the extension of services and facilities that induce development in these areas.
Every effort shall be made to avoid the location of essential public facilities outside State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) without comprehensive mitigation that precludes or minimizes the threat to these facilities.
As resources are available, the Planning Department shall incrementally develop a database that identifies properties that are not in conformance with the City’s building and fire codes in terms of roads standards and vegetative hazard, and make an ongoing effort to bring such properties or structures into conformance.
New development and major rebuilding within a State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) shall be constructed according to current building standards and fire safe design in accordance with the California Building and Fire Codes, including but not limited to Gov. Code Section 51175-51189 and Public Resources Code 4290.
The City shall review its emergency preparedness plans and ensure that it includes programs that address the need for social and emotional support following an emergency or major disaster.
The City shall coordinate with the Palm Springs School District, City Senior Center, Library and the Salvation Army, and other organizations that can serve as emergency shelters for displaced residents in the event of a major disaster.
The City shall require all new development in areas within or adjacent to a very high fire hazard severity zone to use retardant landscaping, non-flammable roofing materials and other construction materials and techniques that reduce their fire hazard.
Program 12.A
The City shall provide information on and encourage residents to plant and maintain drought-resistant, fire-retardant landscape species to reduce the risk of brush fire and soil erosion in areas adjacent to canyons; and to develop stringent site design and maintenance standards for areas with high fire hazard or soil erosion potential.
XV SAFETY
Goal 1
Policy 1
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning; Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; A Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis was prepared as part of the EIR for the General Plan Update, including analysis of transportation, operational, and construction noise resulting from implementation of the Land Use Map. The Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis also established mitigation measures where necessary to noise to acceptable levels.
Program 1.B
Prior to development plan approvals for new noise-sensitive development projects, require submittal of noise impact and mitigation analyses to the Planning Department identifying practicable noise mitigation measures ensuring compliance with City standards.
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Development proposals for noise-sensitive uses that are subject to CEQA analysis shall be required to prepare noise impact analyses when noise might be a significant concern (e.g., when the sensitive use is proposed in proximity to sources of significant transportation or operational noise).
Program 1.C
Prior to development plan approvals for new residential and similar noise sensitive projects, require submittal of noise impact and mitigation analyses to the Planning Department that demonstrates that the interior noise levels in all habitable rooms will satisfy the 45 dBA CNEL interior noise level standard of the General Plan and Title 24, Part 2, of the California Building Code.
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Development proposals for residential and other noise-sensitive uses that are subject to CEQA analysis shall be required to prepare noise impact analyses when noise might be a significant concern (e.g., when the sensitive use is proposed in proximity to sources of significant transportation or operational noise). Demonstration of compliance with the 45 dBA CNEL interior noise level standard may also be required as a condition of approval.
Program 1.D
Prior to development plan approvals for new noise-sensitive development projects within 150 feet of UPRR railroad tracks, require submittal of a final vibration study, which identifies all practicable mitigation measures to satisfy the 72 VdB noise- sensitive and 75 VdB non-noise-sensitive vibration level standards, as defined by the FTA for frequent rail events.
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Development projects proposing noise-sensitive uses within 150 feet of the UPRR railroad tracks shall require submittal of a final noise vibration study.
Program 1.E
Maintain, update and enforce the City’s Noise Ordinance that establishes community-wide noise standards and identifies measures designed to resolve noise complaints.
Planning Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City continues to maintain and enforce the Noise Ordinance as set forth in Chapter 11.96 of the CCMC, both during the development review process and through code enforcement responses to noise complaints.
Program 1.F
Require major stationary noise-generating sources throughout the City to install additional noise buffering or reduction mechanisms on development sites and/or within facilities to reduce noise generation levels to the lowest extent practicable prior to the renewal of conditional use permits or business licenses or prior to the approval and/or issuance of new conditional use permits for said facilities.
Planning Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Noise impacts shall be considered during the issuance or renewal of conditional use permits for major sources of stationary noise, and mitigation measures shall be included in the conditions of approval as needed.
Program 1.G
Parking lots, loading zones, and large trash bins shall be located the greatest distance practicable from adjacent residential properties, and designed is a manner that reduces associated noise impacts to levels allowable by the City’s Noise Ordinance.
Planning Immediate;
Continuous Ongoing
Ongoing; The location of parking lots, loading zones, and large trash bins in relation to sensitive uses shall be considered during the development review process. These noise sources shall be located as the greatest practicable from sensitive uses to ensure compliance with the City's Noise Ordinance.
Policy 2
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning Immediate;
Continuous
Ongoing
Ongoing; The General Plan Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance both account for land use compatibility , including noise generation and sensitivity. The forthcoming Zoning Ordinance update will continue to consider noise compatibility.
Program 2.B
Develop guidelines and minimal criteria requirements for noise analyses for future development projects and in compliance with the General Plan Noise Study.
Studies shall evaluate project impacts and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures.
Planning, Public Works 2020; Every five years
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City continues to implement the requirements for the preparation of noise analyses for new developments as set forth in the mitigation measures in the Cathedral City General Plan update Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis.
Program 2.C Periodically review and amend the Land Use map as appropriate to assure reasonable land use/noise level compatibility.
Planning Annually No Action
Protect noise sensitive land uses, including residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals and assisted living facilities, libraries, churches, resorts and community open space, from high noise levels generated along major transportation corridors.
Program 1.A
Develop and maintain an inventory of existing and future noise sources and areas of incompatibility and establish procedures, methods and standards to reduce the noise levels in these areas to acceptable levels.
Implementation Status
The relationship between land use designations in the Land Use Element and changes in the circulation pattern of the City, as well as individual developments, shall be monitored and mitigated.
Program 2.A
The City Zoning Ordinance and development review standards shall be used to limit land use patterns and project designs to those that are compatible with the existing and long-term noise environment.
Implementation Status
NOISE SUB-ELEMENT
A community noise environment that complements the City’s low density, resort residential character and its various land uses.
XV SAFETY
Policy 3 Ongoing Ongoing; Through the development review and plan check processes, the City ensures that new development proposals comply with the California Noise Insulation Standards.
Policy 4
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public
Works, Engineering
2021
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City's truck routes are designated on the Truck Route Map, updated in August 2020, available in the Engineering section of the City's website. The designated truck routes are also available on the Staff GeoHub GIS map.
Program 4.B
Development projects which result in through-traffic in residential neighborhoods shall be discouraged through the development review process, and most viable alternative routes shall be identified and adhered to.
Planning, Public
Works, Engineering
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The development review process includes consideration for traffic impacts, particularly for residential neighborhoods. To the greatest extent practicable, the City requires traffic to be directed to arterial roads.
Policy 5 Ongoing
Ongoing; The City's representative on the Palm Springs International Airport Commission shall continue to ensure that flight paths and airport improvements and operations are generally consistent with those established in the ALUCP and analyzed in the City's General Plan EIR.
Policy 6 No Action
Policy 7 Ongoing Ongoing; The City continues to enforce the permitted hours for construction work as established in Section 11.96.070 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
Coordinate with adjoining municipalities to ensure noise-compatible land uses across jurisdictional boundaries.
The City shall restrict grading and construction activities that may impact residential neighborhoods to specified days of the week and times of day as set forth in the City Noise Ordinance.
Private sector project proposals shall include measures that assure that noise exposures levels comply with State of California noise insulation standards as defined in Title 25 (California Noise Insulation Standards).
Maintain a circulation map which ensures low levels of traffic within residential neighborhoods, and assigns truck routes to major roadways only.
Program 4.A
Designate primary truck routes and ensure that they are clearly marked throughout the community and properly identified on mobile apps and other web-based platforms. Except for traffic providing location-specific services and deliveries, construction and delivery trucks shall be limited to those truck routes identified in the Circulation and Mobility Element.
Implementation Status
Maintain an ongoing contact with the Palm Springs Airport to ensure that flight paths and airport improvements and operations do not impact or extend noise contours into the City.
XV SAFETY
Policy 8
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Ongoing; As applicable and determined through the development review process, the City requires the submittal of construction noise impact analysis and/or the implementation of construction noise mitigation measures.
The City shall evaluate and condition all development and other construction projects that have the potential to impact sensitive nearby land uses.
Program 8.A
Where applicable, prior to the issuance of building permits for new development or other construction projects, when sensitive receiver locations are within 100 feet of proposed construction activities the City shall require the submittal of construction noise impact analysis and management plans that demonstrate:
• Exterior construction noise levels at the closest sensitive receiver locations will satisfy the FTA 80 dBA Leq residential and 85 dBA Leq commercial 8-hour construction noise level standards and the 0.01 in/sec RMS vibration standard for sensitive uses. The site-specific study shall identify the necessary noise and/or vibration mitigation measures, if any, required to reduce exterior noise and vibration levels to below FTA noise and City vibration thresholds; and • Measures to reduce construction noise and vibration levels, such as those provided below, shall be incorporated in the final noise management plan, if necessary:
▪ Install temporary construction noise barriers at the development site boundary which break the line of sight for occupied sensitive uses for the duration of construction activities. The noise control barrier(s) must provide a solid face from top to bottom and shall:
o Provide a minimum transmission loss of 20 dBA and be constructed with an acoustical blanket (e.g. vinyl acoustic curtains or quilted blankets) attached to the construction site perimeter fence or equivalent temporary fence posts; o Properly maintained with any damage promptly repaired. Gaps, holes, or weaknesses in the barrier or openings between the barrier and the ground shall be promptly repaired.
▪ Install sound dampening mats or blankets to the engine compartments of heavy mobile equipment (e.g. graders, dozers, heavy trucks). The dampening materials must be capable of a 5 dBA minimum noise reduction, must be installed prior to the use of heavy mobile construction equipment, and must remain installed for the duration of the equipment use.
▪ Construction activities requiring loaded trucks, large bulldozers, and jackhammers within 50 feet of nearby sensitive land uses (e.g. residential, school, etc.) shall be minimized, or alternative equipment or methods shall be used, unless the vibration levels are shown to be less than the City threshold of 0.01 in/sec RMS.
Implementation Status
Planning, Public
Works, Engineering
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
XVI PUB SERVICES + FACILITIES
No Action Underway/Ongoing Complete
Goal 1
Goal 2
Policy 1
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire and Police,
Planning, City Manager,
City Council
Strategic Plans- 2020,
Location Hazards
Mitigation Plan - 2022
Ongoing
Ongoing; In 2025, the Fire Department worked with consultants, Jacob Greene and Associates, to update the Emergency Operations Plan and Local hazard Mitigation Plan. The draft of the LHMP has been submitted to the OES for review. The Fire Department's current Strategic Plan covers 2023 to 2026.
Policy 2
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire, Police, Planning,
Public Works
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Police and Fire Departments review new development proposals through the Development Services Committee. The Police and Fire Departments also conduct plan checks for applicable projects.
Policy 3
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Fire, Police, Planning Immediate; Ongoing
No Action
Program 3.B
Evaluate current and potential methods of financing the expansion of fire and police services, including developer impact fees, assessment districts, and fire and police permitting fees for development occurring in high security or fire risk areas.
Planning, Police, Fire,
Finance
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; In November 2024, Measure W (the Cathedral City Services Measure) was passed.
Measure W funded the acuisition and staffing of a fourth ambulance, which was placed in service in July 2025.
Program 3.C
Continue to collaboration between County Health and Human Services staff and law enforcement personnel to provide training and education on methods for addressing mental health patients in the criminal justice system.
Planning, Police, County
Health
Immediate; Ongoing
No Action
Policy 4
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
Building, Fire, Code
Compliance
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing Ongoing; Through the Development Services Committee (including Planning, Building, Public Works, Police, and Fire) and the plan check process, new development projects are reviewed to ensure compliance with the Building Code, Fire Code, and Municipal Code.
Program 4.B
Encourage community involvement in code enforcement efforts, including a volunteer neighborhood-based code enforcement program, with specific attention directed toward property maintenance.
Police, Planning, Code
Compliance
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Code Compliance Division is continuing to work on initiatives to encourage community involvement in code enforcement. For example, the MyCathedralCity Mobile App provides citizens with a convenient way to report concerns in their community. The Code Compliance Division is also continuing to
working on "Up To Code", an owner education
video series addressing common code violations.
Policy 5
The City shall support the highest level of code enforcement practicable in order to protect property and lives, property values, and quality of life.
Program 4.A
Strictly enforce the California Building and Fire Codes, City Municipal Code and other applicable building standards in the course of reviewing development plans and conducting building inspections.
Implementation Status
Review and comment on proposals for the use, manufacture, storage and transportation of potentially hazardous materials and monitor such sites on a regular basis to ensure that potential hazards to the community are minimized.
The City shall provide for the adequate and timely expansion of fire and police protection capabilities, services and facilities to meet future development demands.
Program 3.A
Apply objective criteria, including appropriate minimum response time, the matching of services and facilities to local needs, and the availability of alternative routes to serve target neighborhoods, and assure the optimal siting of future fire and police stations.
Implementation Status
FIRE AND POLICE
Protection of the community from the threat of loss of life and property from fire, natural and human caused disasters, and environmental hazards.
High level of security and police protection that ensures public order and a sense of community well-being and is responsive to emerging policing needs.
The City shall periodically review, assess and update the Police and Fire Department Strategic Plans and the Fire Department Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and their goals and policies.
Program 1.A
The Fire and Police Departments shall coordinate with other City departments and schedule periodic review, access and update the Strategic Plans and Local Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Implementation Status
Chapter XVI
PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ELEMENT
Program No. Program Responsible Parties Schedule Implementation Status Description All new development proposals shall be thoroughly reviewed for potential impacts and the ability to effectively provide public safety and fire and police protection.
Program 2.A
The Fire and Police Departments shall evaluate proposals for new development to assure adequate emergency access, the integration of defensible space principles, clear street name signage and numbering, internal circulation, fire flow and other safety design considerations.
Implementation Status
XVI PUB SERVICES + FACILITIES
No Action Underway/Ongoing Complete
Program 5.A
The siting of facilities that produce, store, use or transport hazardous, flammable or explosive materials shall be conducted in a manner which assures the highest level of safety, in strict conformance with the California Building and Fire Codes, Municipal Code and other applicable regulations.
Planning, Fire, Code
Compliance
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Facilities that produce, store, use , or transport hazardous, flammable or explosive materials would be subject to review by the Planning, Building and Safety, Engineering, Police, and Fire Departments to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Policy 6
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Police, Fire Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Police and Fire Departments continue to develop programs to enhance public awareness and participation. The Police Department has a neighborhood watch program, a Citizens on Patrol program, and provides a mobile application to facilitate resident reporting of crime and graffiti. The Fire Department holds Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings to train residents, community organizations, and workplaces in emergency skills.
Goal 3
Policy 1
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
PSUSD, COD, Planning,
Public Works, Economic
Development
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Through the Economic Development Division, the City continues to coordinate with PSUSD and COD, including on the COD's Roadrunner Motors campus. As development proposals and environmental documentation for potential PSUSD and COD projects are made available to the City, the development services committee would review the materials.
Policy 2
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
No Action
Program 2.B
The City shall encourage and/or require the use of design and development techniques, such as sound attenuation walls, earthen berms and acoustical insulation in buildings, that mitigate potential traffic and other noise impacts on schools and libraries.
Planning, Building Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Projects requiring environmental review will include evaluation of potential noise impacts. When necessary, mitigation measures such as sound attenuation walls, earthen berms, and acoustical insulation may be required to ensure that noise impacts on sensitive uses (including schools and libraries) are less than significant.
Policy 3
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Economic Development,
Planning, PSUSD
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Agreement with Palm Springs Unified School District ongoing for the use and operation of the Cathedral City High School swimming pool for a summer swim program in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The summer swim program continued in 2025.
Current agreements
do not include other use of school facilities or grounds.
Policy 4 Ongoing
The City continues to evaluate the community's needs for library facilities, as well as considering ways to maximum use of the current library space. For example, the Public Arts Commission has partnered with the library to conduct quarterly art exhibits. Additionally, the City partnered with Riverside County to establish a cooling center at the library during the summer months.
The City shall coordinate with the Riverside County Library System to assure that adequate library facilities, services and resources are provided to meet the educational and literary needs of the community.
Program 2.A
Routinely evaluate and update the Land Use Element and confer with potentially affected institutions to ensure that school and library sites are compatible with surrounding land uses, arterial roadways and significant noise generators.
Implementation Status
The City shall consult and coordinate with the Palm Springs Unified School District to maximize shared/joint use of school open space and recreation facilities.
Program 3.A
The City shall proactively pursue agreements with the Palm Springs Unified School District regarding the shared purchase, lease, and/or joint use of land for school and recreational purposes. Provisions shall be made which allow for accessible recreation facilities and open space for the community during non-school hours.
Implementation Status
The provision of quality school and library facilities in the City that are accessible and conveniently located within the community.
Assist, cooperate and coordinate with the Palm Springs Unified School District, the community college district and state agencies in identifying, acquiring and developing school sites needed to meet future growth demands. Encourage the selection of potential school sites that are centrally located in areas of existing or future residential development.
Program 1.A
Review PSUSD and COD development proposals and environmental documentation, and otherwise coordinate with these institutions in planning new public school facilities as part of the City’s continuing effort to provide enhanced educational opportunities for the community’s residents.
Implementation Status
Schools and libraries shall be protected from excessive noise and traffic conditions, and incompatible land uses to the greatest extent practical.
Description
Continue to support community-based policing efforts, including the Neighborhood Watch and Citizens on Patrol programs and disaster readiness programs, including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and resident cell phone enrollment for emergency notifications
Program 6.A
Enhance public awareness and participation in crime prevention, and encourage and promote the Neighborhood Watch Program, Citizens on Patrol and other community-oriented policing programs. The City shall develop new and expand existing educational programs dealing with personal safety awareness, such as neighborhood and commercial association watch/protection programs, and emergency preparedness and education for residents to register their cell phone with “Alert RivCo” at https://rivcoready.org/AlertRivCo used to alert Riverside County community members of urgent actions to take during disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods.
Implementation Status
SCHOOLS AND LIBRAIRIES
Program No. Program Responsible Parties Schedule Implementation Status
XVI PUB SERVICES + FACILITIES
No Action Underway/Ongoing Complete
Policy 5 Ongoing Ongoing; Building permit applications, now submitted through the CSS Portal, require the payment of school fees for applicable projects.
Policy 6
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
PSUSD, COD
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Stakeholder engagement for development of the Active Transportation Plan included school principals for Rio Vista Elementary, Landau Elementary, and James Workman Middle School. The goals, objectives, and proposals for routes and wayfinding in the ATP address safe routes to schools and wayfinding to the library - the ongoing implementation of the ATP will implement these objectives.
Goal 4
Policy 1
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
CVWD, DWA, Riverside
County Flood Control,
SCE, SCG, Frontier,
Spectrum
Immediate; every five
years
No Action
Policy 2
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
CVWD, DWA, Riverside
County Flood Control,
SCE, SCG, Frontier,
Spectrum.
Immediate; every five
years
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City's CIP is updated on a regulate (biennial) basis. Updates on CIP projects were presented to the City Council in April and October 2025.
Policy 3
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
CVWD, DWA, Riverside
County Flood Control,
SCE, SCG, Frontier,
Spectrum.
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The Planning Division reviews plans for new maintenance and utility facilities during both the development review process (when applicable) and the plan check process, to ensure that architecture and landscaping is adequately integrated with surroundings.
Policy 4
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Southern
California Edison
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City continues to charge the Master Undergrounding Plan (MUP) fee, used to underground existing overhead utility lines, on all new construction ($0.15 per square foot of roofed area). The AB1600 Fee Justification Nexus Study completed in September 2023 recommended the City conduct an undergrounding study, which would involve consultation with SCE.
Policy 5
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The development services committee reviews all new development proposals for critical structures. The Engineering and Public Works Department reviews applicable plans for geological and hydrologic safety, and technical studies are requested when necessary to evaluate engineering site conditions.
Policy 6 Public facilities shall be responsive to the needs of the community and maintained in a manner that enhances the comfort and safety of community members, City employees, and other occupants.
To the greatest extent practicable, the City shall encourage the undergrounding of electrical power lines.
Program 4.A
Consult and coordinate with Southern California Edison regarding the costs, methods, potential barriers to, and feasibility of undergrounding electrical power lines.
Implementation Status
Critical structures and facilities (including civic administrative center, hospitals, fire stations, police stations, schools and major communications facilities) shall be restricted from geologically and hydrologically hazardous areas, to the greatest extent practical.
Program 5.A
The City shall review all development proposals for new critical structures to assure they demonstrate safety in terms of geologic, hydrologic and other engineering conditions of the site.
Implementation Status
The City shall routinely evaluate and update, as appropriate, its Capital Improvement Program.
Program 2.A
Establish and implement a Capital Improvement Program review and update schedule, which includes annual reviews, analysis and comprehensive revisions every five years.
Implementation Status
Coordinate with public utility providers and other public/quasi-public agencies to assure that utility buildings and facilities are compatible with the surrounding landscape
Program 3.A
All new maintenance and utility facilities (and their signage) shall be integrated into the surrounding environment using landscape treatments, architectural elements, and/or other appropriate design mechanisms. Whether as a regulatory or advisory function, design plans shall be reviewed by the Planning Department.
Implementation Status
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Public buildings and facilities that optimize functionality, while being compatible with surrounding land uses and aesthetically integrated into the City’s built and natural environments.
The Land Use Element shall assure the long-term availability of sites for future public and quasipublic buildings, infrastructure, and other facilities.
Program 1.A
The City shall periodically review its official Land Use Map and development patterns to assure the availability of adequate sites for future public and quasi- public buildings, infrastructure, and other facilities. The City shall confer and coordinate with utilities and other public and quasi-public agencies regarding their long-term needs.
Implementation Status
Description
The City shall cooperate in securing school impact fees from developers, in accordance with state law.
Ensure provision of safe pedestrian access for students of new and existing school sites throughout the city.
Program 6.A
The City shall coordinate with PSUSD, COD and the Riverside County Library System to ensure that safe routes and means to school and library facilities through the thoughtful implementation of the Circulation and Mobility Element and the Active Transportation Plan.
Implementation Status
Program No. Program Responsible Parties Schedule Implementation Status
XVI PUB SERVICES + FACILITIES
No Action Underway/Ongoing Complete
Program 6.A
Investigate the feasibility of expanding the City’s existing corporate yard to accommodate larger office space, parking lots, and maintenance facilities.
Planning, Public Works Immediate; Ongoing
No Action
Program 6.B
Continue to investigate the feasibility of constructing a new community center, including potential sites, constraints, and funding opportunities.
Planning, Parks and
Recreation
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Measure W passed in November 2024, which will allow the City to begin the process of exploring a future community center, including consideration for potential sites as well as evaluation of the City's needs for size and type of facilities. In 2025, a site selection and feasibility study was completed with a consultant, Group 4 Architecture.
Program 6.C
Establish a facilities upkeep and restoration master plan for City-owned facilities. Facilities Services Division
Ongoing
Complete Complete; A Facilities Master Plan, including a Facilities Condition Assessment, Ten-Year Budget Forecast and a Preventative Maintenance Program, was completed in August 2023.
Goal 5
Policy 1
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
City Manager, Public
Works, Finance, CVWD,
DWA
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; Engineering and Public Works staff are reviewing the funding agreement with the State Water Resource Control Board for the Septic to Sewer Planning Project, and preparing an RFP for the design and environmental phase of the project. Staff are also working on the potential establishment of community facilities districts to provide sewer systems, including for the Sarah Road area. In 2025, the Final Preliminary Engineering Reports for the Septic to Sewer Project were submitted to the SWRCB. The project is on track to complete PS&E by early 2027.
In community outreach for the Sarah Street Assessment District was conducted in July and October 2025. Based on the lack of demonstrated property owener support, in January 2026, Council voted not to proceed with Phase 2B of the project.
Policy 2
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
DWA, CVWD Ongoing No Action
Policy 3
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
SCE
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City supports the increasing adoption of roof-top solar and storage systems, including in compliance with increasingly stringent Title 24 requirements. Building and Safety Division review of residential roof-mounted photovoltaic plans are streamlined through the use of SolarAPP+.
Program 3.B
The City shall explore avenues for the expansion of renewable sources of natural gas from landfills, hydrogen fuels, and associated storage systems.
Planning, Public Works,
SoCal Gas, SunLine
Transit Agency
Immediate; Ongoing
No Action
Policy 4
Responsible Parties Schedule Description
Planning, Public Works,
SCE
Immediate; Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing; The City continues to coordinate with SCE on undergrounding projects, particularly along image corridors. Current projects including a joint use agreement with SCE for undergrounding of power lines as a part of the Ramon Bridge and Street Widening Project.
Policy 5 Ongoing
Ongoing; The City continues to partner with Burrtec on an annual Refuse and Recycling Guide for residents, funded through the City's AB 939 Environmental Conservation Fund.
To enhance their long-term viability and to protect against service disruptions due to earthquakes, floods and extreme weather, utility lines shall be undergrounded wherever practicable. Those most subject to disruption and located along major streets and image corridors shall have primary consideration for undergrounding.
Program 4.A
The City shall confer and coordinate with SCE to identify existing above-ground power lines that are candidates for cost-effective undergrounding, with a special emphasis on those occurring along City image corridors.
Implementation Status
The City shall confer and coordinate with the local solid waste hauler/manager and identify and evaluate the potential to expand waste recycling, encourage use of packaging materials that are most recyclable, and eliminate non-recyclable packaging from the waste stream.
Monitor resource management activities of the CVWD, DWA, and California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) to preserve and protect water resources and quality.
Program 2.A
The City shall support the efforts of DWA and CVWD to construct and expand facilities that treat and distribute reclaimed water.
Implementation Status
The City shall encourage and, to the extent practicable, facilitate the diversification of the energy resources through the development of renewable sources of electricity, natural gas and hydrogen fuels.
Program 3.A
The City shall explore avenues for the expansion of roof-top solar and utility-scale wind energy development, and the implementation of domestic and utility-scale storage systems.
Implementation Status
Description
WATER, SEWER AND UTILITIES
Economical utility services and facilities that adequately and safely meet the immediate and long-term needs of the community.
The City shall encourage CVWD and DWA to implement short- and long-term plans for a fully integrated, city-wide sewer system.
Program 1.A
Confer and coordinate with CVWD and DWA on methods to finance the upgrading and expansion of the sewer and domestic water systems, including the establishment of assessment and/or community facilities districts that also provide financial assistance for economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Implementation Status
Program No. Program Responsible Parties Schedule Implementation Status