Forest Lawn – Cathedral City
Specific Plan
April 2026 DRAFT
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
(PLAN NO. PLAN-SP-25-0001)
Prepared for:
FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL PARK ASSOCIATION
1712 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Prepared by:
T&B PLANNING, INC.
3200 El Camino Real, Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 505-6360
Contact: Julia Malisos
APPROVED: XX XX, 2026
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction .................................................................... 1 A. What is a Specific Plan ........................................................................................................................ 1 B. Regulatory Authority ........................................................................................................................... 1 C. Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan Area ................................................................................. 1 D. Purpose of this Specific Plan ............................................................................................................... 1 E. Applicability and Conformity of Development .................................................................................... 1 F. Relationship to the General Plan ........................................................................................................ 2 G. Relationship to the Zoning Ordinance ................................................................................................ 2 H. Relationship to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) ...................................................... 2 I. Document Organization ...................................................................................................................... 2
2. Setting ............................................................................. 4 A. Regional and City Context ................................................................................................................... 4 B. Specific Plan Area ................................................................................................................................ 4 C. Land Use and Zoning ........................................................................................................................... 5 D. Climate Physical Characteristics .......................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2-1: Regional Map .................................................................................................................. 6 Figure 2-2: Vicinity Map .................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 2-3: Aerial Photo .................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 2-4: Specific Plan Area Parcels ............................................................................................... 9
3. Development Plan ......................................................... 10 A. The Vision .......................................................................................................................................... 10 B. Site Development .............................................................................................................................. 10 The North Area ................................................................................................................................ 10 The South Area ................................................................................................................................ 10 Figure 3-1: Conceptual Site Plan ..................................................................................................... 12 C. Circulation Network .......................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 3-2: General Plan Street Sections ........................................................................................ 14 Figure 3-3: Memorial Drive Street Sections .................................................................................... 15 Figure 3-4: South Area Street Sections ........................................................................................... 16 D. Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................... 17
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026
1. Water ......................................................................................................................................... 17
2. Sewer System ............................................................................................................................ 17
3. Drainage..................................................................................................................................... 17
4. Dry Utility Systems (Electric, Gas and Communications) .......................................................... 17 Figure 3-5: Conceptual Water Plan ................................................................................................. 19 Figure 3-6: Conceptual Sewer Plan ................................................................................................. 20 Figure 3-7: Conceptual Storm Drain Plan ........................................................................................ 21 Figure 3-8: Conceptual Dry Utility Infrastructure Plan ................................................................... 22
4. Development Standards and Design Guidelines ............. 23 A. Permitted Uses .................................................................................................................................. 23 B. Development Standards .................................................................................................................... 24 Table 4-1: Development Standards ................................................................................................ 24 C. Architectural and Landscape Guidelines ........................................................................................... 26 Figure 4-1: Archtectural Character Images – Form and Massing ................................................... 32 Figure 4-2: Archtectural Character Images –Articulation and Ornamentation .............................. 33 Figure 4-3: Archtectural Character Images –Colonnades and Breezeways .................................... 34 Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette ...................................................................................................... 35
5. Adminstration and ImplementatIon .............................. 39 A. Responsibility .................................................................................................................................... 39 B. Approval Process ............................................................................................................................... 39 C. Specific Plan Amendments ................................................................................................................ 39 D. Land Uses Not Listed ......................................................................................................................... 39 E. Development Regulations and Standards Not Listed ....................................................................... 39 F. Interpretation .................................................................................................................................... 40 G. Severability ........................................................................................................................................ 40 H. Application of the CEQA Process ....................................................................................................... 40 I. Financing ........................................................................................................................................... 40
6. Glossary of Terms .......................................................... 41
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1. INTRODUCTION
A. WHAT IS A SPECIFIC PLAN
A specific plan is a regulatory tool that local governments use to implement their General Plan and to guide development in a localized area . While the General Plan is the overall guide for growth and development in a community, a specific plan is able to focus on the unique characteristics of a special area by customizing the planning process and land use regulations to that area.
B. REGULATORY AUTHORITY
The Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan (Plan No. PLAN-SP-25-0001) has been prepared pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 8, Sections 65450 through 65457 . The law allows adoption of specific plans as may be required for the implementation of the General Plan. The California Government Code authorizes jurisdictions to adopt specific plans by resolution, as policy documents or by ordinance as regulatory documents . This Specific Plan is a regulatory document adopted by ordinance. Chapter 9.60 (Specific Plans) of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code (CCMC), Title 9, identifies the procedures for the processing of specific plans in the City.
C. FOREST LAWN – CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
The Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Memorial-Park is located at 69855 E. Ramon Road in the City of Cathedral City, Riverside County, California. The Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan Area (referred to herein as the “Specific Plan Area”) consists of approximately 10 gross acres and is bound by Ramon Road to the north, Da Vall Drive to the east, and the Desert Shadows RV Resort to the west and to the south. The Specific Plan Area includes the approximately 5.2-acre area located at the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive (developed with existing cemetery, mortuary, and related uses), referred to herein as the “North Area,” and the 4.8-acre area to the south (a former self-storage facility1) referred to herein as the “South Area.”
D. PURPOSE OF THIS SPECIFIC PLAN
The purpose of this Specific Plan is to establish a development framework for the entire Specific Plan Area.
This Specific Plan provides a conceptual site plan, infrastructure plans, development standards, design guidelines, and an implementation plan to guide and regulate development within the Specific Plan Area.
E. APPLICABILITY AND CONFORMITY OF DEVELOPMENT
The provisions of this Specific Plan shall apply to all properties included in the Specific Plan Area. No construction, modification, addition, or placement of any building or structure shall occur, nor shall any new use commence on any lot, on or after the effective date of this Specific Plan that is not in conformity with the provisions of this Specific Plan. If the Director of Community and Economic Development or their designee determines that an existing use or structure in the Specific Plan area is an existing nonconforming use that does not have to be brought into conformance with the Specific Plan, the regulations and standards of the CCMC shall apply.
1 The self -storage facility located at 32123 Da Vall Drive has ceased operation s and will be redeveloped to accommodate cemetery uses identified in this Specific Plan.
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F. RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN
A General Plan Amendment (Plan No. PLAN-GPA-25-0001) was processed concurrently with this Specific Plan to ensure consistency between the Specific Plan and the City of Cathedral City General Plan . The Specific Plan is supportive of the General Plan policies and programs that provide for the use of Specific Plans as part of the General Plan to address detailed design, land use and policy direction for a particular area within the City and as a method of detailed and systematic implementation of the General Plan (General Plan, Administration Element, Policy 2 and Program 2A).
G. RELATIONSHIP TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE
A Zone Change ( Plan No. PLAN-PLCZ-25-0001) was processed concurrently with this Specific Plan , which sets forth the standards for land use and development within this Specific Plan Area. The regulations of this Specific Plan replace those set forth in the planning and zoning provisions of the CCMC, and any other applicable ordinances. Where land use regulations and/or development standards of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance (Title 9) of the CCMC are inconsistent with this Specific Plan, the standards and regulations of this Specific Plan shall prevail and supersede the applicable provisions of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance. This Specific Plan does not convey any rights not otherwise granted under the provisions and procedures contained in the Planning and Zoning Ordinance and other applicable ordinances, except as specifically provided herein. Any standard not specifically covered in this Specific Plan shall be subject to the CCMC as applicable.
H. RELATIONSHIP TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) Adoption of a specific plan constitutes a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) .
In accordance with CEQA, the City adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND ), which analyzes the environmental impacts resulting from future development pursuant to the Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan.
I. DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION
California Government Code Sections 65450 through 65454 establish the authority to adopt a specific plan, identify the required contents of a specific plan, and mandate consistency with the General Plan.
According to Section 65451,
(a) A specific plan shall include text and a diagram or diagrams which specify all of the following in detail:
1. The distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land, including open space, within the area covered by the plan.
2. The proposed distribution, location, and extent and intensity of major components of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other essential facilities proposed to be located within the area covered by the plan and needed to support the land uses described in the plan.
3. Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, where applicable.
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4. A program of implementation measures including regulations, programs, public works projects, and financing measures to carry out paragraphs (1), (2) and (3). (b) A specific plan shall include a statement of the relationship of the specific plan to the general plan.
California state law also provides for the inclusion of any other subject that, in the judgment of the local planning agency, is deemed necessary or desirable to implement the General Plan.
The Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan includes the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction
This Chapter discusses the document purpose , authority, and relationship to Cathedral City’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and CEQA. It also provides definitions of terms used in this Specific Plan.
Chapter 2: Setting
This Chapter discusses the regional and local context, the setting of the area within and surrounding the Specific Plan Area, the climate and topography, and parcel location.
Chapter 3: Development Plan
This Chapter discusses the Permitted Uses, Development Standards, and Design Guidelines related to the development of the Specific Plan.
Chapter 4: Implementation and Administration
This Chapter discusses the procedure s for administration and implementation of the Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan.
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2. SETTING
A. REGIONAL AND CITY CONTEXT
The City of Cathedral City (City) is located in Riverside County approximately 115 miles from Los Angeles, 150 miles from San Diego, and 60 miles from the City of Riverside, the County seat . The City’s corporate limits encompass approximately 14,557 acres within the Coachella Valley, with land on both sides of Interstate 10 (I-10). The area north of I-10 and east of the City’s corporate limits is within City’s Sphere of Influence.
The City of Palm Springs borders the City to the west and southwest; the City of Rancho Mirage to the east and southeast; and unincorporated Riverside County to the north and east (north of I -10), with the City of Desert Hot Springs farther to the northwest. Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 illustrate the City’s location.
The majority of the City is developed with or planned to be developed with residential and commercial uses (approximately 60 percent) with the remainder of the area including industrial, open space and public uses. With direct access to I -10 and Highway 111, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad’s transportation corridor, the City is easily accessible.
B. SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
The Forest Lawn-Cathedral City Specific Plan Area is approximately 10 gross acres in size and is located in a developed area in the eastern portion of the City, south of I-10. The Specific Plan area is bound by Ramon Road to the north, Da Vall Drive to the east, and the Desert Shadows RV Resort to the west and to the south. The Specific Plan Area includes the approximately 5.2-acre area located at the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive referred to herein as the “North Area,” which includes the original Forest Lawn – Cathedral City cemetery uses, and the 4.8-acre area to the south referred to herein as the “South Area.”
The cemetery uses in the North Area were approved under Conditional Use Permit No. 92-181 and related subsequent approvals and include an existing mortuary with chapel, crematory, mausoleums, wall crypts, columbaria, and lawn crypts, as well as associated office space, storage, surface parking areas, and walkways. When this Specific Plan was prepared, a dditional mausoleums, wall crypts, and lawn crypts were under construction in the southeast portion of the North Area pursuant to Conditional Use Permit No. 22-002 approved by the City on November 16, 2022 . The 4.8 -acre “South Area ” was previously occupied by a self-storage facility to be redeveloped with additional cemetery uses with implementation of this Specific Plan.
At the time this Specific Plan was prepared, the area north of the Specific Plan Area (north of Ramon Road) was developed with a public cemetery (Desert Memorial Park), the area to the northwest was developed with a business park, the area to the northeast was undeveloped, and the area to the east was developed with a rehabilitation hospital. Figure 2-3: Aerial Photo – 2025 depicts the conditions of the Specific Plan area and surrounding areas at the time this Specific Plan was prepared.
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C. LAND USE AND ZONING
To implement this Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan, a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change were processed concurrently with this Specific Plan. The General Plan land use designation for the Specific Plan Area was changed from General Commercial (CG) to Neighborhood Commercial (CN), and the zoning district was changed from Planned Community Commercial (PCC) to Neighborhood Business Park (NBP).
D. CLIMATE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
According to the Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, a nnual temperature variations in the Coachella Valley are extreme with occasional winter lows in the mid-20’s (°F) and occasional summer highs in the mid -120’s (°F). The mean annual temperature is 74 (°F). Rainfall is limited with average annual precipitation of two inches to four inches. Most rainfall occurs during winter months though intense rains can sometimes occur during the mid-summer producing flash floods and severe erosion.
Seasonal winds can be a problem in some regions of the Coachella Valley. Windstorms most frequently occur in the late spring and can cause extensive damage to unprote cted soils, plants, structures and vehicles. Airborne dust carried by these winds can compromise air quality and respiratory health. Since 1956 research and implementation of wind erosion control measures have been an ongoing Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District program focus.
The topography of the Specific Plan Area and surrounding areas is relatively flat with elevations within the Specific Plan Area ranging from approximately 347 feet above mean sea level (amsl) to approximately 350 feet amsl (south to north). Vegetation is limited to landscaped plantings. A storm drain channel is located along the southern and western perimeters of the Specific Plan Area.
The Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan area includes three parcels. Refer to Figure 2 -4: Specific Plan Area Parcels.
Planning Area APN
Parcel 1 (North Area) 673-020-029 & 673-020-031
Parcel 2 (North Area) 673-020-032
Parcel 3 (South Area) 673-020-030, 673-020-033 & 673-020-009
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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April 2026
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FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN II. SETTING
Source(s): Esri, Neannap Imagery (Jan 2025), RCIT (2025) Figure 2-3 200
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April 2026 Page 8
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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April 2026
Parcel 3
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II. SETTING
Figure 2-4
Specific Plan Area Parcels
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3. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A. THE VISION
Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association is a non -profit, non -denominational organization that has operated cemeteries in Southern California, including the Coachella Valley, for over one hundred years .
The mortuary at this location began operation around 1993 under a prior owner/operator, and Forest Lawn began operating at the Cathedral City location in 2004. The Specific Plan includes the continued operations of the previously -approved cemetery uses on the 5.2-acre North Area and outlines a development plan that allows Forest Lawn – Cathedral City to fulfill its vision to provide much needed additional cemetery uses on the 4.8-acre South Area to continue to serve the Coachella Valley community.
B. SITE DEVELOPMENT
The North Area
The North Area includes the existing mortuary with chapel, crematory, mausoleums, wall crypts, columbaria, and lawn crypts, as well as associated office space, storage, surface parking areas, and walkways. This consists of approximately 18,000 square feet of occupied building area and approximately 35,000 square feet of non -occupied floor area, including approximately 11,500 interment spaces .
Additional mausoleums, wall crypts, and lawn crypts (approximately 5,000 square feet of non -occupied floor area) in the southeast portion of the North Area under construction in 2025 pursuant to prior approvals, will provide an additional approximately 2,500 interment spaces.
The South Area
This Specific Plan provides a regulatory framework for development of the Forest Lawn – Cathedral City cemetery, including redevelopment of the South Area. This Specific Plan allows for the development of up to approximately 12,000 square feet of floor area for new structures (for such uses as reception areas, a chapel, restrooms, storage, multi-purpose and support areas) and up to approximately 275,000 square feet of new non -occupied floor area for such uses as wall crypts, col umbaria, and burial and cremation garden structures . Development of the South Area will provide an additional approximately 70,000 interment spaces to help meet local and regional demand for interment . Cemetery structures such as burial gardens and mausole ums will be developed in stages, with incremental amounts of development occurring as needed over an extended period of time to meet the demand for interment spaces.
As discussed in Section 3.C below, a ccess to the Specific Plan Area will continue to be provided from existing roadways. Parking will continue to be provided on-site within surface parking areas and along the internal roadways. As described in Section 3.D, there is existing public utility infrastructure that will serve the new cemetery uses.
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Collectively, including both existing and future development, development pursuant to this Specific Plan allows for a total of approximately 30,000 square feet of occupied floor area, approximately 315,000 square feet of non -occupied floor area, and approximately 84,000 interment spaces within the entire Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan Area.
The conceptual site plan provided on Figure 3-1 is an illustration of how cemetery development may occur in conformance with this Specific Plan and represents a reasonable buildout scenario. Actual development may differ and as noted above, may occur in phases and/or incrementally over time, but will be governed by the requirements of this Specific Plan.
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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OWNER
FOREST LAHN MEMORIAL-PARK ASSCCIATION
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1712 S. GLENDALE AVE., GLENDALE, CA 91205
PROJECT ADDRESS
f.9555 RAMOO RD, CATl-lEDRAL CITY, CA 92234
(LOCATED IN Tiff CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY)
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
PARCEL I
PARCEL I OF PARCEL MAP NO. 28294, IN THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, COJNTY OF RIVERSIDE ON FILE IN BCOK. 1951 PAGE(S) f.4 AND f.5 OF
PARCEL MAPS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
APN: f.73-020-029 AND f.73-020-031
PARCEL 2
PARCEL A,PARCEL 2 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 28294, IN THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ON FILE IN BCOK. 1951 PAGE(S) f.4 AND f.5 OF PARCEL MAPS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
PARCEL B,A NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS FOR VEI-HCULAR AND PEDESTRIAN
INGRESS AND EGRESS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE DOCUMENT ENTITLED 'DECLARATION OF COVENANTS RUNNING WITl-l Tl-IE LAND', RECORDED FEBRUARY 11,1997 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 047403
APN: k> 73-020-032
PARCEL 3
PARCEL 3 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 28294, IN Tl-IE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY1 COJNTY OF RIVERSIDE ON FILE IN BOOK 195, PAGE(S) 64 AND 65 OF
PARCEL MAPS, RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
APN: f.73-020-030, f.73-020-033 AND f.73-020-009
ACRES
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PARCEL 2 - 2.f32 ACRES
PARCEL 3 - 4.814 ACRES
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PROPOSED STRUCTURE
PROPOSED WALKWAY PAVING
EXTENT OF SPECIFIC PLAN
TRAFFIC FLOW DIRECTION
Figure 3-1
Conceptual Site Plan
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C. CIRCULATION NETWORK
This section identifies the circulation system that is supportive of this Specific Plan’s land use.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City is bordered by Ramon Road, an Arterial Highway, and Da Vall Drive, a Major Highway, which are public roadways constructed to their ultimate full-width adjacent to the Specific Plan Area. These roadways are described below and the ultimate cross-section for these roadways is provided on Figure 3-2: General Plan Street Sections.
• Ramon Road - Traverses the northern edge of the Specific Plan Area and intersects with Da Vall Drive at the northeastern corner of the Specific Plan Area. Ramon Road has a 116 -foot right-of- way which includes a 16-foot parkway on each side, three travel lanes going in each direction, and a 14-foot raised median.
• Da Vall Drive - Traverses the eastern edge of the Specific Plan Area . Da Vall Drive has a 112 -foot right-of-way which includes a 16-foot parkway on each side, an 8-foot bike lane on each side, two travel lanes going in each direction, and a 16-foot raised median.
The spine road, Memorial Drive, is an existing “L-shaped” private roadway internal to the Specific Plan Area that provides access to the North and South Areas of the Specific Plan. A description of this roadway is provided below and roadway cross-sections are provided on Figure 3-3. • Memorial Drive – Memorial Drive varies in width from 34’-11” in width curb-to-curb to 40’-6” in width curb-to-curb. All roadway sections for Memorial Drive include a minimum 4’-8” sidewalk on at least one side of the road. Different parts of the roadway permit either pull -in parking or on - street parallel parking.
The following design elements shall be considered:
▪ On-street parking for services where space permits.
▪ Landscaped streetscape along Memorial Drive consistent with the landscape palette within the Specific Plan Area.
The South Area will continue to be accessed from Memorial Drive via a driveway and will include a new vehicular circulation feature within the South Area, which may be in the form of a round-about, as shown on the Conceptual Plan, or other configuration to provide access and circulation within the South Area. A description of this circulation feature is provided below and a roadway cross-section is provided on Figure 3-4.
• South Area Circulation Feature – The South Area circulation feature provides vehicular access within the South Area and to the interment sites located in the South Area . The South Area circulation feature is a private roadway and allows for parking along the curb.
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
KEY MAP
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April 2026 Page 14
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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Source(s): Cathedral City General Plan (02-04-2025)
Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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April 2026 Page 15
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
KEY MAP
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Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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April 2026 Page 16
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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D. INFRASTRUCTURE
The existing and future infrastructure system for Forest Lawn – Cathedral City is described below.
1. WATER
There are existing 18-inch public water lines located in Da Vall Drive and Ramon Road. Within the Specific Plan Area, there is an existing 8-inch public water line in Memorial Drive that connects to both the Da Vall Drive line and the Ramon Road line. There are several smaller internal water lines that feed into the North Area, 2-inches and 6-inches in diameter, that connect to the main 8 -inch water line. An 8-inch water line in the South Area driveway and circulation feature will connect to the water line in Memorial Drive to service the South Area.
Refer to Figure 3-5: Conceptual Water Plan.
2. SEWER SYSTEM
There is an existing public sewer line located in Da Vall Drive. Within the Specific Plan Area, an existing 8- inch sewer line connects to the Da Vall Drive line at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Da Vall Drive. 4-inch sewer lines service the North Area and a 4-inch sewer line will connect to the 8-inch sewer line in Memorial Drive for the South Area.
Refer to Figure 3-6: Conceptual Sewer Plan.
3. DRAINAGE
The North Area has a series of existing infiltrator drywells. There are two existing shallow retention basins along the southern and western perimeter of the South Area and an existing swale along the northern perimeter of the South Area. With implementation of the Specific Plan, drainage patterns will remain similar to existing conditions, and storm water quality and urban runoff retention within the Specific Plan Area will be addressed in accordance with City drainage ordinance requirements. An existing catch basin on Memorial Drive will be relocated to the west, and the existing swale and two existing shallow retention basins will remain. Storm water flows from the South Area will be collected and conveyed by a proposed onsite backbone storm drain system to two underground infiltration BMPs upstream from the existing shallow retention basin along the southern perimeter of the Specific Plan Area. The BMPs would be designed to collect and retain the 100-year, 3-hour storm event per City drainage ordinance requirements.
Runoff generated from storm events larger than the 100 -year, 3-hour storm would flow north to south across the site, discharging directly to the existing retention basin to the south by an underground storm drain system and eventually discharge to the east onto Da Vall Drive, consistent with existing conditions.
Refer to Figure 3-7: Conceptual Storm Drain Plan.
4. DRY UTILITY SYSTEMS (ELECTRIC, GAS AND COMMUNICATIONS) The main points of connection for dry utilities into the Specific Plan boundary are located at Da Vall Drive and Ramon Road. Gas, electricity, and communication lines are currently underground in Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 18
The cemetery operations utilize both gas and electric utilities. Dry utilities will be located underground, within Memorial Drive. New utilities lines for the South Area will branch off from lines in Memorial Drive.
Refer to Figure 3-8: Conceptual Dry Utility Infrastructure Plan.
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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Source(s): Forest Lawn Architecture & Engineering (11-13-2024) April 2026
Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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Source(s): Forest Lawn Architecture & Engineering (11-13-2024) April 2026
Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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Conceptual Sewer Plan
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN =====================-------==-+=----=---=---=---=�--,RfiAlil:Mllffi�F===============--------. �
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Source(s): Forest Lawn Architecture & Engineering (11-13-2024) Figure 3-7 Conceptual Storm Drain Plan
April 2026 Page 21
FOREST LAWN - CATHEDRAL CITY SPECIFIC PLAN
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Source(s): Forest Lawn Architecture & Engineering (11-13-2024)
SPECIRC PLAN BOUNDARY AREA
EXIST. COMMUNICATION CONDUrT
EXIST. ElECIRICAL CONDUrT
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Ill. DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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Figure 3-8
Conceptual Dry Utilities Infrastructure Plan
April 2026 Page 22
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 23
4. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
A. PERMITTED USES
The permitted uses for the Specific Plan Area are all cemetery-related uses, including, but not limited to:
• Cemetery
• Mortuary
• Crematorium/Crematory
• Columbaria
• Wall Crypts
• Mausoleums
• Lawn Crypts
• Offices/Information Booths
• Flower Shop Operation/Sales
• Chapels
• Reception areas (indoor and outdoor)
• Gardens
• Water Features (e.g., fountain, pond, stream)
• Art
• Multi-purpose/storage/support areas related to cemetery uses • Parking (on-Memorial Drive, in parking lots, and on south circulation element) • Infrastructure-related improvements including utilities and water storage • Ancillary Uses associated with cemetery operations and uses • Any other use determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development or designee to be comparable to a listed use.
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April 2026 24
B. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The Development Standards listed in Table 3 -1 apply to all future development within the Specific Plan Area.
Discrepancies and Requirements not Specified
Where discrepancies occur between this Specific Plan and the City’s Planning and Zoning Code, the Development Standards contained herein shall prevail. Where regulations or guidelines are not specified in the Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan , the CCMC Development Standards for the NBP Neighborhood Business Park (Transition) District (Section 9.38.050) shall govern as applicable.
Table 4-1: Development Standards
Setbacks (Minimum)
Property Line to Building (Ramon Road) 15 feet
Property Line to Building (Da Vall Drive) 10 feet
Memorial Drive Back of Curb to Building 10 feet
Western Property Line to Building 15 feet (ground floor) / 20 feet (second floor) Southern Property Line to Building 15 feet (ground floor) / 20 feet (second floor)
Height (Maximum)
Building Height 45 feet
Wall/Fence Height 8 feet
Other Standards
Lot Coverage None
Max Occ SF (Maximum) 30,000 square feet
Max Non-Occ SF (Maximum) 315,000 square feet
Parking
Parking for the Specific Plan Area land uses may be provided anywhere within the Specific Plan Area, including Memorial Drive (on-street parking and/or pull-in parking), the South Area circulation feature, on-site parking lots and processional spaces. Parking shall be provided on a Specific Plan Area-wide basis, and parking is not required to be provided on the same lot or parcel as the use(s) it serves within the Specific Plan Area. A minimum of 92 parking spaces to serve the Specific Plan Area sha ll be maintained for parking at all times within the Specific Plan Area. As long as the required minimum number of parking spaces is maintained, additional parking shall not be required for projects pursuant to this Specific Plan.
Signage
Monumentation, wall signs , directional signs, and information al signs will be used throughout the memorial park. A sign permit is required when signage is proposed in order to review for conformance with the applicable standards. Proposed signage and monumentation shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development or their designee . Signs that do not conform to the following standards are subject to CCMC Section 9.62. • Monument Signs that identify the project name and with or without the address are permitted at the entries and at the intersection of Da Vall Drive and Memorial Drive. They shall not exceed 40
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 25
square feet in area and seven feet in height . Monument signs shall be setback a minimum of 3 feet from the public right-of-way. They shall not be located within a sight triangle or the public right-of-way; and said signs may be illuminated.
▪ Wall Signs are permitted, one along each wall-face abutting Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive. Wall Signs shall not exceed fifty square feet in area and may not exceed the heigh t of the wall. Wall Signs shall not be located within the sight triangle or public right -of-way; and said signs may be illuminated.
▪ Directional signs if freestanding shall not exceed eight feet in area and five feet in height, or if attached to a wall, shall not exceed six square feet in area; provided, however, that said directional signs shall not be within the sight triangle or the public right-of-way, and shall not be illuminated. ▪ Temporary Signs are permitted at the entries of the project or within the project property lines. ▪ Signs required by statute are allowed and are not included in the allowable signage square footage.
▪ All signage shall be designed in a manner that integrates it with the project design and architecture through the use of common elements pertaining to scale, style, material, color, lettering, illumination, construction and location.
Deviation from Sign Requirements
When it is found that the strict or literal interpretation of the provisions set forth in this criterion would cause undue difficulties and unnecessary hardship inconsistent with the purpose and intent of this criteria, a minor deviation may be granted subject to specific requirements and findings as set forth below. ▪ The sign is in proportion to the structure or use to which it relates. ▪ The sign’s external features are in balance and unity and present a harmonious appearance. ▪ The sign is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan.
Special Events/Temporary Activities
Special events and activities associated with the cemetery are permitted , including but not limited to community events, cultural events, religious events/ceremonies, patriotic events, and activities related to national, historic, or cultural days of remembrance.
Temporary shade structures such as tents and canopies are permitted to be erected during such events and activities.
Development Phasing
Development within the Specific Plan Area is anticipated to happen incrementally and in phases, occurring over an extended period of time and based on interment needs.
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C. ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
The guidelines outlined in this section establish design guidelines ensuring harmony within the Specific Plan Area and with the surrounding community . The intent is to provide a predictable framework and guidelines to implement quality design emphasizing both building form and landscape design.
The imagery in this chapter serve s as conceptual and representative of different types of cemetery development, not definitive designs, and are not intended to constrain the creative expression of the professional design team.
Vision
Cemeteries fulfill a vital public role. They are a critical part of any city, but that is only one of the reasons why they are so valued. Cemeteries link people with the past—with memories of loved ones who are no longer with us as well as the events that bind us to them. Cemeteries are a place to honor people and as part of the healing process from the grief caused by the loss of a loved one.
Cemeteries are also a connection to people we never knew and events we may not have been part of .
Through memorialization, cemeteries provide a connection with the history of those who have gone before us, and their accomplishments.
A cemetery fulfills an important civic goal, providing a public, peaceful setting in a sacred space dedicated to interment, worship and reflection, quiet respect, and reverence. Forest Lawn’s Memorial Park concept follows the philosophy that the cemetery is a place for the living, is a venue for inspiration , and plays an important role in the active day-to-day life of the community.
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Overall Guiding Principles
The design within the Specific Plan Area will be organized into a thoughtful combination of structures and open spaces. The following principles should be considered for design and site planning.
Key Principles:
• Timeless memorial architecture
• Artistic elements (may include statuary, mosaics, contemporary works, water features) • Variety of interment property
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Interment Areas
These sacred spaces are envisioned to have landscaping , beautiful vistas, inspiring statuary and art that warm the heart and fill the soul with the joy of remembering those who have passed before. Interment areas may come in different forms: ground burial, wall crypts, lawn crypts, cremation niches, sarcophagi, columbaria, mausoleums, private gardens, ossuaries, and cremation/scattering gardens.
Key Principles:
• Variety of interment options to serve all segments of the community • Serving all cultures and faiths
• Reverent enduring design
• Accessibility
• Courtyard and open space areas with complementary landscaping • Security through design, securing the property so entry only occurs at the intended access points by a mixture of closed masonry walls, open wrought iron fence (or similar), or building elevations.
Cemetery Architecture
Architecture should elicit feelings of comfort and support while inspiring hope. Buildings should be designed to maximize their functionality but also have visual interest to provide a welcoming, comforting experience. In harmony with the existing cemetery structures, new structures within the Specific Plan Area should include building articulation along Da Vall Drive and the southern and western property lines such as openings, offsets, or recesses.
Key Principles:
• Multi-level mausoleums
• Uplifting architectural features such as style appropriate detailing and materials • Prominent entry design
• Openings and building recesses to provide massing relief and articulated form
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Lighting
Lighting is vital for the visibility and security of the cemetery uses. As such, consideration should be made for a lighting strategy that offers visibility but is respectful to those resting there. ▪ Light fixtures should be style-appropriate when attached to architectural structures. ▪ Security lighting is permitted and encouraged to enhance visibility in low -light hours. These may be more utilitarian in style and do not have to elicit a particular architectural style but should be consistent throughout the Specific Plan Area.
Art
Art that is included as part of the cemetery’s visual aesthetic should be educational and uplifting, offering a museum-like quality to the experience of visiting the memorial park. ▪ Art may be of a patriotic, religious, and/or inspirational theme. ▪ Materials permitted but are not limited to: marble, stone, bronze, tile, metal, stainless steel, glass, concrete, acrylics, wood, and ceramic.
• Stained glass windows are permitted.
• Mosaics, obelisks, kinetic art, and statues are permitted.
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Materials
The selection of materials, colors, and finishes should align with the intended architectural style of the cemetery structures . Emphasis is placed on the use of high -quality materials suited for the desert environment and climate conditions. Diversity in materials, including but not limited to the following list, and consistent with the requirements of state law for cemetery development, are encouraged to create visual interest.
Primary Building Materials
▪ Stucco
▪ Concrete
Accent/Secondary Building Materials
▪ Colored precast concrete pieces
▪ Ceramic tile
▪ Polished granite exterior panels
▪ Leathered granite exterior trim pieces
▪ Marble
▪ Steel
▪ Aluminum
▪ Wrought iron
Roof Materials
▪ Spanish-style S-tile
▪ Flat concrete tile
▪ Solar panels
Wall and Fence Materials
▪ Split-faced masonry blocks
▪ Fluted masonry blocks
▪ Wrought-Iron/tubular steel fencing
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31 Architectural Character
The Specific Plan’s architectural design guidelines are intended to ensure architectural quality and establish general guidance that directs structural form, massing, materiality and complements existing architecture within the Specific Plan area.
The Architectural Character Images depict representative design features and architectural elements that would be in conformance with the Specific Plan and are part of the design framework to guide Forest Lawn and the Director of Community and Economic Development in the Administrative Design Review process.
The images shown in these figures are conceptual and illustrative and include examples of existing elements within the existing cemetery development in the North Area.
The Architectural Character Images in Figures 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 provide example images of the design intent and features described in the Specific Plan’s architectural guidelines.
Conceptual Illustration (South Area- Da Vall Drive/Memorial Drive) Existing Cemetery (North Area)
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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32 Figure 4-1: Architectural Character Images -
Form and Massing
1) Incorporate openings, offsets, and recesses to
provide massing relief and articulated form.
2) Provide required stepbacks for any second
floor at western and southern edges.
3) Massing strategies such as varied rooflines
and architectural features that create visual
interest.
Conceptual Illustration (Southern and Western Property Edges) 33 33
3333
11 11
11 11
11 3333
22 Existing Cemetery (North Area)
22 33
11 33
11 11
Illustrative Section (Southern and Western Property Edges) 6’
15’
45’
20’
Wall Openings Open
Colonnade
Wall Crypts
Wall Crypts
Open
Colonnade
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 Draft 24
33 11
11 33
33 22
22 Figure 4-2: Architectural Character
Images - Articulation and
Ornamentation
1) Avoid long empty walls or building
massing with no architectural
articulation by using horizontal and
vertical architectural elements to
create relief and visual interest.
2) Varied details to enhance aesthetic
impact such as mouldings, columns,
pilasters, and arched forms.
3) Building facades and design concepts
should be reflective of the structure’s
use and respectful of sacred spaces.
Existing Cemetery (North Area)
Existing Cemetery (North Area)
Conceptual Illustration
11 22
22 33
33 Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 Draft 24
34 22
22 22
11 11
33 33
33 Figure 4-3: Architectural Character
Images - Colonnades and Breezeways
1) Use of architectural forms such as
colonnades and arcades provide pleasant
walking experiences as well as shade in
hotter months.
2) Breezeways offer architectural articulation
and ventilation, reduce massing, and allow
natural light to come into spaces.
3) Including features such as colonnades
and breezeways into design can create
openness and visual interest along street
edges (Da Vall Drive and Memorial Drive).
Existing Cemetery (North Area)
Conceptual Illustration (Da Vall Drive Frontage)
11 22
11 22
22 Existing Cemetery (North Area)
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Landscape Design
The landscape design should help to visually unify the North Area and the South Area. Landscaped areas should be designed for their purpose, creating welcoming points, establish ing clear and safe pathways , and encouraging a comfortable experience.
Landscape treatments are encouraged to include a blend of plant materials that are complementary with the surrounding architecture and climate . The inclusion of water elements and shade trees are encouraged to elevate the overall visitor experience.
Where feasible, t he use of canopy trees in parking areas should be used to shade cars from the desert heat.
Refer to Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette for list of permitted plants. Plants may be substituted as long as they are appropriate to the climate and overall aesthetic of the memorial park.
Trees shall be a minimum 24” box at time of planting, and shrubs shall be 1 gallon minimum.
Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette
Scientific Name Common name
Shrubs
Lantana spp. lantana/shrub verbena
Carissa boxwood beauty compact natal plum
Pyracantha spp. scarlet firethorn
Bougainvillea spp. paper flower
Nandina domestica 'Compacta' heavenly bamboo
Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf' dwarf mock orange
Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' dwarf carolina laurel cherry Raphiolepis spp. hawthorn
Caesalpinia spp. peacock flower
Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander
Callistemon 'Little John' Little John dwarf bottlebrush Juniperus spp. common juniper
Rosmarinus spp. rosemary
Calliandra spp. red powder puff
Opuntia spp. prickly pear cactus
Trachelospermum jasminoides star jasmine
Ligustrum texanum waxleaf privet
Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' blueberry lily
Dianella revoluta 'Baby Bliss' flax lily
Aloe spp. aloe
Hesperaloe parviflora red yucca
Echeveria spp. mexican rosettes
Westringia spp. coast rosemary
Salvia spp. sage
Agave spp. century plant
Crassula spp. jade plant
Senecio mandraliscae fleawort
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Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette
Scientific Name Common name
Dalea spp. prairie clover
Scutellaria suffrutescens pink kullcap
Furcraea foetida medio-picta false agave
Yucca spp. spanish bayonet
Sedum spp. stonecrop
Veronica spp. speedwell
Myoporum parvifolium dwarf native myrtle
Dasylirion spp. desert spoon
Asclepias subulata rush milkweed
Muhlenbergia capillaris spp. pink hairgrass
Beaucarnia recurvata ponytail palm
Cycas revoluta king sago palm
Euphorbia spp. spurge
Nolina spp. beargrass
Portulacaria afra elephant bush
Stipa tenuissima mexican feathergrass
Acacia spp. wattle
Chrysactinia mexicana damianita daisy
Convolvulus spp. bindweed
Liriope spp. big blue lilyturf
Ruellia spp. mesican petunia
Wedelia trilobata yellow creeping daisy
Abronia villosa desert sand verbena
Baileya multiradiata desert marigold
Berlandiera lyrata chocolate flower
Calylophus hartwegii high plains yellow sundrops
Coreopsis spp. lanceleaf tickseed
Eriogonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium flattop buckwheat Dyssodia pentachaeta fiveneedle pricklyleaf
Eschscholzia californica california poppy
Hymenoxys acaulis sundancer daisy
Lavandula spp. english lavender
Melampodium leucanthum blackfoot daisy
Oenothera spp. evening primrose
Penstemon spp. foxglove beardtongue
Psilotrophe cooperi cooper's paper daisy
Sphaeralcea ambigua desert globemallow
Tagetes lemonii african marigold
Zephyranthes grandiflora rain lily
Zinnia grandiflora golden eye
Ambrosia spp. common ragweed
Atriplex canescens chamiso
Baccharis spp. salt bush
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette
Scientific Name Common name
Buddleia spp. butterfly bush
Chrysothamnus nauseosus rubber rabbitbrush
Cistus spp. rockrose
Cocculus laurifolius snailseed
Cordia spp. manjack
Cuphea spp. mexican heather
Dodonaea viscosa broadleaf hopbush
Encelia spp. brittlebrush
Eremophilla maculata 'Valentine' red emu bush
Ericarmeria laricifolia turpentine bush
Fallugia paradoxa apache plume
Gardenia spp. cape jasmine
Gossypium harknessii san marcos hibiscus
Hyptis emoryii desert lavender
Ixora coccinea jungle geranium
Justicia spp. shrimp plant
Larrea tridentata creosote bush
Leucophyllum spp. texas sage
Malpighia glabra barbados cherry
Maytenus phyllanthoides florida mayten
Myrtus spp. myrtle
Perovskia atriplicifolia russian sage
Rhus ovata sugar sumac
Russelia equisetiformis coral plant
Senna spp. senna leaf
Simmondsia chinensis jojoba
Tecoma spp. yellowbells
Vitex angus-castus chaste tree
Xylosma congestum shiny xylosma
Trees
Schinus terebinthifolius brazilian peppertree
Jacaranda mimosifolia jacaranda
Syagrus romanzoffiana queen palm
Phoenix spp. date palm
Chamaerops humilis mediterranean fan palm
Brachychiton populneus kurrajong
Acacia spp. wattle
Cupressus sempervirens common cypress
Olea europaea spp.(fruitless) common olive
Cercidium spp. palo verde
Prosopis chilensis chilean mesquite
Ficus nitida indian laurel fig
Albizia julibrissin silk tree
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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Table 4-2: Master Plant Palette
Scientific Name Common name
Bauhinia spp. orchid tree
Brahea armata mexican blue palm
Butia capitata jelly palm
Caesalpinea cacalaco mexican bushbird
Callistemon spp. bottlebrush
Chilopsis linearis desert willow
Chitalpa tashkensis chitalpa
Chorizia speciosa silk floss tree
Citrus spp. citrus
Dalbergia sissoo north indian rosewood
Dalea spp. prairie clover
Eysenhardia texana texas kidneywood
Lagerstroemia spp. crape myrtle
Lysiloma microphylla feather bush
Melaleuca quinquenervia cajeput tree
Olneya tesota desert ironwood
Pinus spp. pine
Pistacia chinensis chinese pistache
Pithecellobium spp. madras thorn
Sophora secundiflora texas mountain laurel
Tipuana tipu yellow jacaranda
Washingtonia spp. fan palm
Vines
Antigonon leptopus coral vine
Bignonia capreolata crossvine
Bougainvillea spp. paper flower
Campsis radicans trumpet creeper
Distictus spp. red trumpet vine
Grewia occidentalis crossberry
Lonicera japonica honeysuckle
Merremia aurea yellow morning glory
Podranea ricasoliana pink trumpet creeper
Pyrostegia venusta flame vine
Rosa banskiae lady bank's rose
Tecomaria campensis cape honeysuckle
Trachelospermum jasminoides star jasmine
Pyracantha spp. scarlet firethorn
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5. ADMINSTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
A. RESPONSIBILITY
The Director of Community and Economic Development or designee shall be responsible for administering the Forest Lawn – Cathedra City Specific Plan in accordance with the provisions outlined in this Specific Plan, the State of California Government Code, the Cathedral City General Plan, and the Cathedral City Municipal Code.
B. APPROVAL PROCESS
Development projects within the Specific Plan Area shall follow the Administrative Design Review process set forth in Section 9.78.040 of the CCMC (Administrative design review of minor projects subject to staff review). Development that substantially conf orms to the requirements of this Specific Plan shall be approved administratively by the Director of Community and Economic Development or their designee .
Substantial conformance should be construed liberally in the interest of providing maximum flexibilit y within the approved cemetery development envelope.
C. SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS
Minor amendments to the specific plan may be approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development or their designee, provided such minor amendment does not add more than five percent to structure area, alter points of access into the Specific Plan Area, modify traffic movement on arterial, secondary or collector street systems, reduce open areas by more than five percent, or change development standards beyond what would be permitted by the zoning on the property. The approved Specific Plan Amendment shall become part of the file record. Amendments not meeting the provisions for minor amend ments contained herein or those denied by the Director of Community and Economic Development or their designee shall be processed as originally adopted.
D. LAND USES NOT LISTED
The Director of Community and Economic Development or designee may administratively determine that a use not listed is comparable to a listed use and, once so determined, it shall be treated in the same manner as the listed use . A list of comparable use determinations shall be kept on file in the Planning Department.
E. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS NOT LISTED
Any development regulation or standard not specifically covered in this Specific Plan shall be subject to CCMC Title 9 (Planning and Zoning) . In cases where development regulations and standards set forth in this Specific Plan are inconsistent with CCMC Title 9 (Planning and Zoning), the Specific Plan shall prevail.
The provisions of this Specific Plan shall also prevail where there is an inconsistency between this Specific Plan and other City ordinances, rules and regulations. However, the provisions of this Specific Plan will not prevail should there be an inconsistency between the Specific Plan and the City’s General Plan. Any development regulation and standard not addressed in this Specific Plan shall be subject to the City's adopted regulations in place at the time of the individual application.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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F. INTERPRETATION
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Specific Plan, such provisions will be held to be the minimum standards for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
Whenever there is any question regarding the interpretation of the provisions of this Specific Plan or the application of those provisions to any individual case or situation, the Director of Community and Economic Development or designee shall interpret the intent of this Specific Plan. A record of interpretations shall be kept on file in the Planning Department.
G. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Specific Plan, or future amendments or additions hereto, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Plan.
H. APPLICATION OF THE CEQA PROCESS
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared for the Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan. This environmental analysis evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the Specific Plan , new development permitted under the Specific Plan, and specific mitigation measures to reduce those impacts to a level that is considered "less than significant ." Projects undertaken pursuant to and in conformity with this Specific Plan do not require further environmental analysis.
I. FINANCING
All improvements pertaining to the implementation of the Specific Plan will be financed , operated, and maintained by the applicant.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
April 2026 41
6. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following terms explain and illustrate terminology related to interment and the typical types of cemetery development that currently exist within the Specific Plan Area and that may be implemented pursuant to this Specific Plan. The photo examples are for illustrative purposes only, actual designs may vary.
Term Photo Example
Burial Park: “Burial Park” means a tract of land for
the burial of human remains in the ground, used or
intended to be used, and dedicated, for cemetery
purposes.
Cemetery: “Cemetery” means either of the
following: (1) Any of the following that is used or
intended to be used and dedicated for cemetery
purposes: (A) A burial park, for earth interments. (B)
A mausoleum, for crypt or vault interments. (C) A
crematory and columbarium, for interment of
cremated remains or hydrolyzed human remains. (2)
A place where six or more human bodies are buried.
Columbarium: “Columbarium” means a structure,
room, or other space in a building or structure
containing niches for inurnment of cremated human
remains in a place used, or intended to be used, and
dedicated, for cemetery purposes.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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Crematory: “Crematory” means a building or
structure containing one or more furnaces for the
reduction of bodies of deceased persons to cremated
remains.
Crematory and Columbarium: “Crematory and
Columbarium” means a building or structure
containing both a crematory and columbarium.
Cremation Garden: “Cremation Garden” means a
garden setting in a cemetery used, or intended to be
used, for the placement of cremated human remains
or hydrolyzed human remains in underground vaults
with ornamental faux rock covers.
Cremation Bench: “Cremation Bench” means a stone
bench in a cemetery used, or intended to be used, for
the placement of cremated human remains or
hydrolyzed human remains.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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Crypt or Vault: “Crypt or Vault” means a space in a
mausoleum of sufficient size, used or intended to be
used, to entomb human remains.
Grave: “Grave” means a space of earth in a burial
park, used, or intended to be used, for the
disposition of human remains.
Forest Lawn – Cathedral City Specific Plan
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Lawn Crypt or Underground Vault: “Lawn Crypt or
Underground Vault” means a space in a cemetery of
sufficient size, used or intended to be used for
disposition of human remains below finish grade.
Mausoleum: “Mausoleum” means a structure or
building for the entombment of human remains in
crypts or vaults in the place used, or intended to be
used, and dedicated, for cemetery purposes.
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Niche: “Niche” means a space in a columbarium
used, or intended to be used, for the placement of
cremated human remains or hydrolyzed human
remains.
Ossuary: “Ossuary” means a container or room in
which the bones of dead people or cremated or
hydrolyzed human remains are placed.
Private Gardens: “Private Gardens” means a family -
sized garden setting in a cemetery of sufficient size,
used or intended to be used, to entomb human
remains that have been neither cremated nor
hydrolyzed below finish grade.
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Sarcophagus: “Sarcophagus” means a structure,
built both above and below grade, for the disposition
of human remains.
Scattering Garden : “Scattering Garden” means a
dedicated area of the cemetery where cremated
remains can be scattered.