Item 41.
Title 17 - ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.30 M-S MANUFACTURING SERVICE ZONE
JI. Non-storefront retailer and non-storefront retail microbusiness. A non-storefront retailer or nonstorefront retail microbusiness shall have a minimum of one hundred (100) feet separation from any residential structure; be at least five hundred (500) feet from any other storefront retail or nonstorefront retail cannabis business; and may not be located in the City's Pueblo Viejo District. For purposes of this chapter, "Pueblo Viejo District" shall be that area in the city bounded by Cesar Chavez Street to the south, 1st Street to the west, Grapefruit Boulevard to the north, and 9th Street to the east.
(Prior code § 050.03; Ord. No. 1161 , § 5, 5-27-20)
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.32 M-H HEAVY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
Chapter 17.32 M-H HEAVY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
17.32.010 Intent and purpose.
This zone is intended to provide for and encourage the orderly development of heavy industrial areas within the community. Such areas are vital to the community's health and well-being and must be protected from intrusion by dwellings and inharmonious commercial uses. Such areas are vital to the community's economic health and well-being by providing employment and an important revenue source for the city. The provisions of this zone are intended to provide an industrial environment which will be compatible with the inherent characteristics of heavy industry, and also to provide proper safeguards and appropriate transition for surrounding land uses.
(Prior code § 055.01)
17.32.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the M-H (Heavy Industrial) zone subject to all provisions of this chapter.
A. Primary Uses.
1. All uses permitted by Section 17.30.020 of the M-S (Manufacturing Service) zone, except emergency shelters.;
2. Blacksmith shop; .
3. Cotton gins, oil mills, vegetable oil plants; .
4. Exterminating or disinfecting service firm; .
5. Glass manufacture; .
6. Hemp products manufacture; .
7. Heavy metals fabrication; .
8. Oil cloth or linoleum manufacture; .
9. Oil Paint, oil, shellac, turpentine, or varnish manufacture; .
10. Paper, pulp manufacture; .
11. Plastic manufacture; .
12. Planing mills; .
13. Poultry dressing and packaging.;
14. Public Utility Facilities (City-initiated).
1415. Railroad yards, repair shops.;
1516. Salt works.;
1617. Slaughterhouses.;
187. Soap manufacture.;
198. Stone monument works.; and
2019. Wire and wire products manufacture.
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.32 M-H HEAVY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
B. Accessory Uses. The following buildings, structures and uses are permitted when clearly incidental and accessory to a primary permitted use:
1. Detached dwelling, where used by a proprietor, manager, or custodian or a use permitted within this zone.;
2. Retail distribution of products produced on the premises where not the primary retail outlet for said products.;
3. Signs as permitted in the M-S (Manufacturing Service) zone.;
4. Storage of equipment, materials, finished products, or refuse basic to operations of a permitted use.; and
5. Other accessory uses customarily appurtenant to a primary permitted use.
C. Conditional Uses. The following uses may be permitted in the M-H (Heavy Industrial) zone subject to obtaining a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.74.
1. Acid manufacture.;
2. Animal (including fish) products manufacture or processing.;
3. Asphalt or asphaltic concrete manufacturing plants.;
4. Borrow pits.;
5. Brick yards.;
6. Breweries and alcoholic beverage manufacture; .
7. Bulk distributing stations—Hazardous materials; .
8. Cement block, concrete block manufacture, storage yards; .
9. Concrete ready-mix plants; .
10. Community recycling collection facilities, pursuant to Chapter 17.90; .
11. Creosote manufacture; .
12. Distillation of alcohol, bones, coal, coal tar, coke, wood; .
13. Drop forge industries; .
14. Explosives or fireworks manufacture; .
15. Feed yards, feed mills; .
16. Foundry; .
17. Gas manufacture, including but not limited to chlorine and other noxious gases.;
18. Glue manufacture.;
19. Livestock sales and feed yards.;
20. Lamp black manufacture.;
21. Prison, jail, correctional facility, or detention facility.;
22. Quarries.;
23. Rock crushing operations.;
24. Smelting operations.;
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.32 M-H HEAVY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
25. Tannery.;
26. Tar distillation or tar products manufacture.;
27. Transfer station, small scale, pursuant to Chapter 17.90.;
28. Winery.;
29. Non-storefront cannabis retailers and non-storefront retail microbusinesses, pursuant to Chapter
17.84. 30. Recreational Vehicle Storage subject to Development Agreement to ensure the use is revenue generating. Such uses assuch that standalone uses shall not exceed fifteen percent of the M-H Zone.
31. All conditional uses permitted by Section 17.30.020 of the M-S (Manufacturing Service) zone.
D. Industrial-Related Uses. Certain nonindustrial uses are functionally related to industrial areas. The following uses are permitted only where intended to serve industrial areas and employees.
1. Restaurants and coffee shops.;
2. Industrial hospital or clinics; and .
3. Industrial training center.
E. Consistency with the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
1. If a project is located in the Jacqueline Cochran Airport Compatibility zones, densities, intensities, and prohibited uses shall be consistent with criteria in the airport land use compatibility plan for the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, including applicable Countywide criteria as may exist at the time of project review.
(Prior code § 055.02)
(Ord. No. 1051, § 3, 5-22-13; Ord. No. 1065, § 3, 6-11-14) (Ord. No. 1161 , § 6, 5-27-20)
17.32.030 Property development standards.
The property development standards of Section 17.30.030 shall apply to all M-H (Heavy Industrial) zones. (Prior code § 055.03)
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.34 M-W WRECKING YARD ZONE
Chapter 17.34 M-W WRECKING YARD ZONE
17.34.010 Intent and purpose.
This zone is intended to provide for, and to encourage the orderly development of heavy industrial uses and recycling operations deemed to be of regional significance, but of such nature that extra care must be taken in the regulation of said uses to protect the community'’s health and wellbeing, and where said uses are subject to aesthetic and environmental conditions which require the provision of safeguards to control and suppress some of the heavier manifestations of said uses to prevent adverse effects on the community. (Prior code § 057.01; Ord. No. 1065, § 4, 6-11-14)
17.34.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the M-W (Wrecking Yard) zone subject to all provisions of this chapter.
A. Primary Uses.
1. All uses permitted by Section 17.32.030(A) of the M-H (Heavy Industrial) zone.; B. Accessory Uses. The following buildings, structures, and uses are permitted when clearly incidental and accessory to a primary permitted use.
1. Those uses permitted by Section 17.32.020(B) of the M-H (Heavy Industrial) zone.
C. Conditional Uses. The following uses may be permitted in the M-W (Wrecking Yard) zone subject to obtaining a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.74 of this code.
1. Those conditional uses allowed by Section 17.32.020(C) in the M-H (Heavy Industrial) zone.;
2. Automobile dismantling or wrecking yard; .
3. Automobile impounding yard; .
4. Community recycling collection facilities, pursuant to Chapter 17.90; .
5. Construction and demo material recycling facilities pursuant to Chapter 17.90; .
6. Wood and green waste recycling facilities, pursuant to Chapter 17.90.
7. Cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing, non-retail microbusiness, nonstorefront retail, non-storefront retail microbusiness, storefront retail, and storefront retail microbusiness, facilities, pursuant to Chapters 17.84 and 17.85.
D. The following uses may be permitted in the M-W (Wrecking Yard) zone subject to obtaining a specific plan adoption pursuant to Chapter 17.36 of this code.
1. Transfer station, large scale, pursuant to Chapter 17.90. (Prior code § 057.02; Ord. No. 1065, § 4, 6-11-14)
(Ord. No. 1083, § 2, 1-27-16; Ord. No. 1140 , § 2(Exh. A), 7-10-19; Ord. No. 1161 , § 7, 5-27-20)
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.34 M-W WRECKING YARD ZONE
17.34.030 Property development standards.
The following standards of development shall apply in the M-W (Wrecking Yard) zone:
A. Non-Residential Intensity.
1. Maximum FAR. 0.5.
AB. Lot Requirements.
1. Minimum Lot Area. Ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
2. Minimum Lot Width. One hundred (100) feet.
3. Minimum Lot Depth. One hundred (100) feet.
4. Maximum Lot Coverage. None.
BC. Yard Requirements and Height Limits. The yard requirements and height limits as set forth in Section
17.30.030(B) and (C), respectively, shall apply in the M-W (Wrecking Yard) zone.
CD. Enclosure Required. All operations and storage, including all equipment used in conducting an automobile dismantling or junk and salvage business, other than parking, shall be conducted within an enclosed building, or within an area enclosed by screening.
DE. Requirements for Screening. Where screening is provided, it shall be developed as provided in this chapter:
1. All screening shall be of a uniform height in relation to the ground upon which it stands, and shall be a minimum of eight feet and shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Where screening exceeds a height of eight feet and is located on street or highway frontages, it shall be set back at least three feet from the lot line. The area between the screening and the lot line shall be fully landscaped.
2. Two gates not less than eight feet in height and not more than twelve (12) feet in width each, may be installed at a convenient place in said screening. Such gates shall be kept closed when not in use. Such gates shall be of material and color compatible with said screening.
EF. Paving. All driveways, fire lanes, or other access ways shall be paved with an asphalt surfacing or an oil and aggregate mixture to prevent emission of dust or tracking of dust and mud onto public rights-ofway, provided however, the planning commissionPlanning Commission may approve other paving materials while provide, in their opinion, the equivalent in service and useful life.
FG. Parking Spaces.
1. Regardless of the size of the yard area, a minimum of six parking spaces shall be provided.
2. The parking spaces required herein shall not be used for the parking of vehicles used directly in the conducting of such use or of renovated, repaired, or reassembled vehicles which are owned, operated or in the possession of the proprietor of the automobile dismantling yard, or junk and salvage yard.
GH. Landscaping. At least two square feet of landscaping shall be provided for each lineal foot of street frontage and said landscaping shall be developed in accordance with a site plan that complies with the following criteria:
1. Landscaping shall be distributed along said frontage in accordance with the site plan approved by the planning commission.
2. No planting area shall have a horizontal dimension of less than three feet.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.34 M-W WRECKING YARD ZONE
3. A permanent watering system or hose bibs shall be provided which satisfactorily irrigates all planted area. When hose bibs are utilized, they shall be located not more than twenty-five (25) feet apart.
4. All landscaped areas shall be continuously and properly maintained in good condition.
HI. Junk Outside Yard. No wrecked or dismantled vehicles, salvage or junk shall be placed or allowed to remain outside of the enclosed yard area.
IJ. Junk Exceeding Height of Wall. No wrecked or dismantled vehicles, salvage or junk shall be stored at a height greater than that of the surrounding screening.
JK. Architectural Review. All development in the M-W, (Wwrecking Yyard) zone, is subject to architectural review as set forth in Section 17.72.010 of this title.
KL. Non-storefront retailer and non-storefront retail microbusiness. A non-storefront retailer or nonstorefront retail microbusiness shall have a minimum of one hundred (100) feet separation from any residential structure; be at least five hundred (500) feet from any other storefront retail or nonstorefront retail cannabis business; and may not be located in the City's Pueblo Viejo District. For purposes of this chapter, "Pueblo Viejo District" shall be that area in the city bounded by Cesar Chavez Street to the south, 1st Street to the west, Grapefruit Boulevard to the north, and 9th Street to the east.
(Prior code § 057.03)
(Ord. No. 1161 , § 8, 5-27-20)
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.35 O-S OPEN SPACE ZONE
Chapter 17.35 O-S OPEN SPACE ZONE
17.35.010 Intent and purpose.
The purpose of the Open Space zone is to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and meet the recreational needs of City residents, and to provide land for development of parks, recreation, and open space that provide services to the community and support existing and new residential, commercial, and industrial land uses.
This zone also reserves areas for passive recreation, open space, habitat protection and enhancement, and hazard avoidance. This zone includes the City’s public and private open space, golf courses and support structures.
This zone implements the Parks and Open Space land use designation in the General Plan.
17.35.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the O-S (Open Space) zone subject to all provisions of this chapter.
A. Primary Uses.
1. Athletic fields, unlighted.
2. Open space, natural.
3. Parks and recreation facilities.
4. Preserved lands.
5. Public Utility Facilities (City-initiated).
B. Accessory Uses. The following buildings, structures, and uses are permitted when clearly incidental and accessory to a primary permitted use.
1. Kiosks.
2. Parking lots.
3. Playground equipment.
4. Swimming pools.
C. Conditional Uses. The following uses may be permitted in the O-S (Open Space) zone subject to obtaining a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.74 of this code.
1. Athletic fields, lighted.
2. Campground.
3. Special events.
4. Outdoor theaters.
17.35.030 Property development standards.
A. Lot Requirements.
1. Minimum Lot Area. Minimum lot area sufficient to accommodate all required parking, setbacks, landscaping, loading, trash enclosures and access requirements.
2. Minimum Lot Width. Not established.
3. Minimum Lot Depth. Not established.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.35 O-S OPEN SPACE ZONE
4. Maximum Lot Coverage. 25%.
B. Yard Requirement.
1. Front Yard. Each lot or building site shall have a front yard of at least twenty five (25) feet in depth, except where one or both adjoining zones are residential, in which case the required yard shall be increased to equal the average of the required front yards of the adjoining zones.
2. Side Yard. There shall be no side yard requirement except where a O-S zone adjoins a street or a residential zone, in which case there shall be a side yard of not less than ten (10) feet on the side or sides adjoining said street or residential zones. In the case of a reversed corner lot, the side yard adjoining the street shall be not less than the required front yard of the adjoining key lot to the rear.
3. Rear Yard. There shall be no rear yard requirement except where the O-S zone adjoins a residential zone, in which case there shall be a rear yard of not less than ten (10) feet adjoining that residential zone. This shall not apply where there exists a public alley separating the two zones.
4. Permitted Encroachments in Required Yards.
a. The yards required in subsections 1—3 of this section may be used as part of an automobile parking area, provided however that a minimum three-foot wide screen planting strip shall be maintained adjacent to the planned highway right-of-way line. b. Swimming pools provided as an accessory use may encroach into the rear two-thirds of the required front yard.
C. Height Limits.
1. The maximum height of all buildings shall be two stories or thirty (30) feet, whichever is less.
F. Parking Spaces.
1. Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.54.010.
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
17.36.010 Intent and purpose.
The purpose of this district includes the following:
A. To encourage the planned development of parcels and to permit comprehensive site planning and building design;
B. To provide a more flexible regulatory procedure by which the basic public purpose of the cCiity's general plan and the cCiity's zoning code may be accomplished; C. To encourage creative approaches to the use of land through variation in siting of buildings and the appropriate mixing of several land uses, activities, and dwelling types; D. To enhance the appearance and living environment of the community through encouragement of creative approaches to the use of land and the design of facilities; E. To promote and create public and private open space as an integral part of land development design; F. To reduce, when appropriate, the amounts of public and private improvements normally required by developments;
G. To maximize choice in types of environments available in the city; and H. To encourage private development of older areas of the city and for the enhancement and preservation of property with unique features, such as property having historical significance, unusual topography, and landscape features.
(Prior code § 058.01)
17.36.020 General requirements for a specific plan proposal.
A. Property that is held in single or multiple ownerships may be considered for a specific plan. The city, property owner or his or her representative may initiate the specific plan proposal. Components of the specific plan shall include the submittal of a development plan and text. Land development within the specific plan area shall be initiated and completed by the applicant or his or her agents, whichever the case may be. Unless otherwise provided in the approval of the specific plan, the applicant may divide and transfer units within the specific plan area, provided the total density permitted by the specific plan is not exceeded. The applicant or his or her agent shall complete, use, and maintain the development in strict accordance with the specific plan and subsequent conditions of approval as required. To be in addition to; in concert with etc.
B. All provisions of this district are supplemental to the city's subdivision ordinance. Any site plans and/or maps contemplated for the specific plan area or for portions thereof may be processed concurrently with the specific plan as specified under this chapter. (Prior code § 058.02)
17.36.030 General provisions and standards for a specific plan district.
The following provisions shall apply in this specific plan district, together with all other applicable provisions of the city's zoning and subdivision ordinances. Where conflict in a regulation occurs, the regulations specified in this district or in an approved specific plan shall supersede and apply:
Item 41.
Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
A. Specific plan zones may be established pursuant to the regulations and requirements specified in the specific plan district ordinance codified in this appendix to the Municipal Code. It is the intent of the individual specific plan zones to provide innovative development plan design and development standards in which development standards may vary between specific plan zones.
B. The specific plan shall consist of a development plan and text material and is recognized as a guide to the developers and designers of land use plans for the property. The development standards are, in effect, performance standards, the ramifications of which become manifest when a site plan has been drawn.
C. Specific plan zones may be established on parcels of land which are suitable for and of sufficient size to be planned and developed in a manner consistent with the purposes of this district. Such suitability and scope shall be reviewed and approved by the planning commissionPlanning Commission and shall be in accordance with the general plan.
D. The purpose of this district may be accomplished only upon satisfactory demonstration by the applicant that the specific plan is in conformance with the intent of the city's general plan and any element thereof, and in accordance with other applicable plans and policies adopted by the city.
E. Specific plans may combine several land uses on the development plan. Mixed uses may include any combination of residential, commercial, industrial, open space and agricultural uses, and may occur among or within buildings as long as the uses are compatible with each other and with existing and potential uses surrounding the specific plan zone.
F. Standards for building coverage, light and air orientation, building height, sign placement and design, yard requirements, open spaces, off-street parking, and screening for specific plan uses and other specified standards shall be governed by the development standards set forth in the specific plan and subsequent documents.
G. The provision of public and private open space, as an integral part of land development planning and design, is set forth as a purpose of this specific plan district. The specific plan shall contain criteria providing for open space and performance standards for the improvement and maintenance of required open space.
H. All electrical and telephone facilities, fire alarm conduits, street light wiring, cable television, and other wiring, conduits or facilities shall, where feasible, be placed underground. Electric and telephone facilities shall be installed in accordance with standard specifications of the serving utilities.
I. Standards for private and public improvements shall be governed by the specific plan and may vary from adopted city standards.
(Prior code § 058.03)
17.36.040 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning indicated:
"Applicant" means the party filing the application for and requesting a specific plan zone designation for particular parcels) of land. The applicant may be the city, a property owner or a group of property owners or their designated representative for the particular parcel(s) of land for which the specified plan zone is requested. "Building permit" means a permit issued by the city that allows the building of a structure, according to the specified conditions of the permit, where located on the approved grading plan. "Conceptual" means a working combination of land uses and development intensities designed as a mandatory component of the draft specific plan.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
"Criteria" means the actual means employed to review and judge the effectiveness of the specific plan. "Dedicated" means land, improvements, or both, dedicated by the landowner or developer to a public or quasi-public agency thereby releasing certain obligations from the land-ownerlandowner or developer. "Development plan" means a mandatory requirement of the specific plan identifying areas on a map proposed for various land uses, backbone circulation systems, public use areas, open space areas, major landscape features and other general items as required by the city. "Development standards" means a set of customized standards devised for the purpose of guiding and controlling future development on the property to ensure compliance with the proposed character of design described in the specific plan. They may be developed for a particular project or reference existing zoning districts. "Draft specific plan" means a preliminary compilation of specific plan components, including conceptual plans of the development plan and an outline of the text material, the purpose of which is to expose the development concept and to solicit city responses and comments on the development concept. "Environmental studies" includes various requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. "Final specific plan" means a final representation of the proposed development for a specific plan area that includes the information required by the city. The final specific plan, as approved by the planning commissionPlanning Commission and city councilCity Council, shall be considered an official zoning document for parcel(s) with approved specific plan (SP) zoning as placed on the official zoning map. "Grading permit" means a permit issued by the city that allows grading to occur, according to the specified conditions of the permit, on the terrain of the specific plan area. "Performance standards" means the development standards provided by the specific plan area to be enforced as performance standards when detailed site plans and subdivision maps are prepared. Project design is to be evaluated by the measure of performance described by the development standards. "Private open space" means open-space lands identified in the specific plan that are recognized as being for the private use, enjoyment, or primary benefit of a limited group of people, generally restricted to the residents and their guests of the specific plan area.
"Public open space" means open-space lands identified in the specific plan that are recognized as being for the use, enjoyment, or primary benefit to the general public. "Reservation (reserved)" means the setting aside of land for a specific purpose as required in the specific plan.
"Site plan" means a detailed development plan illustrating the precise locations and dimensions of parcels, buildings, circulation systems, public uses, urban design elements and other precise development elements as required by the city, the specific plan district or, as necessary, to illustrate site plan concepts. "Specific plan" means the legal document consisting of a development plan and text material that describes the character and building intensity of proposed development standards to guide developers and designers of the property.
"Specific plan designation" means a special-purpose specific plan area that is designated in the Ccity's general plan. The development intensity policy is designated on the general plan. All areas that have a specific plan designation in the city's general plan must be developed with an approved specific plan and must have specific (SP) plan zoning.
"Specific plan district" means that district of the Coachella Zoning Ordinance permitting the establishment of specific plan zones.
"Specific plan zones" means an official zone established for specific parcel(s) of land for which particular intensities of land uses or combination of land uses are proposed and guided by a specific plan document. A
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
designation of (SP) is placed on the city's official zoning map upon approval, by ordinance, of specific plan zoning for parcel(s) of land.
"Subsequent reviews" means reviews of discretionary actions, as required to complete the development process concurrent with or subsequent to specific plan and specific plan (SP) zone approval. "Text material" means a mandatory requirement of the specific plan describing, in written form, the character of the proposed development standards.
(Prior code § 058.04)
17.36.050 Application procedure.
The application procedure allows the applicant to receive conditional specific plan (SP) zoning prior to final specific plan approval. (See Exhibit "A", Specific Plan Process, found on file in the office of the city clerk). The application for specific plan (SP) zoning shall be made on a form supplied by and submitted to the planning staff for review. It shall be the responsibility of the planning staff to contact interested departments and all agency personnel regarding necessary meetings with the applicant. (Prior code § 058.05)
17.36.060 Conditional specific (SP) plan (SP) zoning procedure.
The purpose of selecting the process for conditional specific plan (SP) zoning is to allow the applicant to receive an (SP) zoning designation for properties prior to preparing and submitting specific land documents.
A. Subsequent to acceptance of any application for conditional specific plan (SP) zoning by the planning staff, the city shall conduct the necessary public hearings as provided in Chapters 17.70—17.82 of this title.
B. At such time as conditional specific plan (SP) is approved, the planning commissionPlanning Commission shall determine the residential, commercial, or industrial development intensity policy, as provided in Section 17.36.070 of this chapter and it shall be placed on the city's official zoning map.
This zoning designation will remain conditional until a final specific plan is approved for the subject parcel(s).
C. The applicant shall submit a draft specific plan to the planning staff for review and comment. The draft specific plan shall consist of conceptual plan for the development plan and a general outline describing the content of the text material, as provided in Section 17.36.080 of this chapter.
D. The applicant shall submit a final specific plan to the planning staff for processing to the planning commissionPlanning Commission for review and comment. The final specific plan shall consist of the information contained in the draft specific plan and additional information, as provided in Section
17.36.090 of this chapter.
E. The city shall notice said specific plan and conduct necessary public hearings as provided in Chapters
17.70—17.82 of this code. Upon approval of the final specific plan, the specific plan (SP) zoning designation will be implemented thereby removing the conditional status. (Prior code § 058.06)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
17.36.070 Residential, commercial, or industrial development intensity policy.
A. The residential, commercial, or industrial development intensity policy shall be established for each specific plan zone concurrent with the approval of specific plan (SP) zoning or other applicable zoning district(s). The planning commission shall determine the allowable development intensity for specific plan zones and shall designate said density on the official zoning map of the city and/or as described in the text of the zoning code.
B. Development intensity for specific plan zones shall be determined by one of two processes described as follows:
1. Development intensity for specific plan zones may be governed by the land use category designated in the city's general plan, or in other city plans and policies that may be in the process of preparation.
2. Development intensity for specific plan areas shall generally be evaluated with reference to other similar specific plan developments or evaluation procedures within the city, or in the case where other similar developments do not exist, with reference to other similar developments in comparable jurisdictions.
(Prior code § 058.07)
17.36.080 Draft specific plan.
The draft specific plan shall describe the intensity of land uses proposed and their interrelationship, and shall not be construed to endorse the precise location of uses, configuration of parcels or engineering feasibility. The draft specific plan shall be submitted to the planning staff, and shall include the following information:
A. A preliminary plan of the development plan for the entire specific plan area delineated on one or more maps showing:
1. Project land uses, densities, existing and proposed major streets, public use areas (schools, parks, fire stations, etc.) and open space and major landscape features.
2. General plan, regional and sub-regional or community plan land use designations.
3. Slope analysis, utilizing categories provided by the planning staff. Included in the slope analysis is the number of acres in each slope category;
B. A general outline of the text material describing the general objectives/concept; a tabulation of the land area to be devoted to various uses, including open spaces, a calculation of the overall density and the average densities per net residential acre of the various residential areas; and a summary of development standards for commercial or industrial uses when those uses are proposed. The text material shall include development standards to be implemented as performance standards for the specific plan area:
1. A statement proposing the method of maintaining common open areas and facilities.
2. A description of the proposed grading program.
3. Identification of proposed future ownership and maintenance of streets, driveways, sidewalks, pedestrian ways, and open space areas.
4. A discussion of the project as it relates to each of the general plan elements, including land use, circulation, open space safety, noise, housing; conservation and community design. If a community plan is adopted or pending that includes the project site, the relationship of the project with the growth management plan should be discussed.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
Created: 2022-06-06 10:55:10 [EST]
(Supp. No. 24)
C. After planning commissionPlanning Commission review, the planning staff shall furnish the applicant with written comments regarding, the review conference(s), including appropriate recommendations to inform and assist the applicant prior to preparing the final specific plan. (Prior code § 058.08)
17.36.090 Final specific plan.
The final specific plan shall consist of the information contained in the draft specific plan and other additional as determined by the planning staff, planning commissionPlanning Commission, city councilCity Council or redevelopment agency. This additional information shall include all or a portion of the following:
A. Survey of the property, showing existing features including trees, structures, streets, easements, utility lines, land uses, existing zoning, and existing ownerships; B. Topographic map showing area of major grading;
C. Proposed standards for height, open space, building intensity and public improvements; D. Copies of legal documents required for dedication or reservation of public or private open space, or for the creation of homeowner's associations for open space maintenance. (Prior code § 058.09)
17.36.100 Criteria for reviewing specific plans.
Before recommending approval, the planning commissionPlanning Commission and city councilCity Council shall find that the proposed development conforms to the following criteria:
A. The location and design of the proposed development shall be consistent with the goals and policies of the city's general plan and with any other applicable plan or policies adopted by the city, or in the process of being prepared and adopted.
B. The proposed location shall allow the development to be well-integrated with or adequately buffered from its surroundings, whichever may be the case.
C. All vehicular traffic generated by the development, either in phased increments or at full build-out, is to be accommodated safely and without causing undue congestion upon adjoining streets.
D. The final specific plan shall identify a methodology(s) to allow land uses to be adequately serviced by existing or proposed public facilities and services. In appropriate circumstances, and as provided elsewhere by this code, the city may require that suitable areas be reserved for schools, parks, and pedestrian ways; or public open spaces shall be dedicated or reserved by private covenant for the common use of residents, establishments, or operations in the development.
E. The overall design element of the specific plan will produce an attractive, efficient, and stable development.
F. In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), impacts have been reduced to a level of non-significance, or in the case where impacts remain, a statement of overriding considerations must be adopted to justify the merits of project implementation. (Prior code § 058.10)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
17.36.110 Approval by ordinance.
Approval of the final specific plan and/or establishment of (SP) specific plan zoning may be by resolution or by ordinance. Approval of zoning to the specific plan zone shall include, but not be limited to, the following stipulations:
A. Unless otherwise specified in the final specific plan, the regulations provided in the city zoning code shall apply. Approval of the specific plan shall not be interpreted as waiving compliance with other provisions of this code, except in those areas where the specific plan expressly regulates a use.
B. The approved final specific plan shall be filed in the office of the city clerk and in the office of the planning staff.
C. No building shall be constructed, maintained, or used other than for the purpose specified in the approved final specific plan, as filed, nor prior to the approval of a site plan as required in this chapter. (Prior code § 058.11)
17.36.120 Specific plan approval, denial, and modifications.
A. The planning commissionPlanning Commission may recommend to the city councilCity Council approval or denial of the specific plan, or may recommend approval subject to specified modifications and conditions.
B. The city councilCity Council may approve, approve with modifications or conditions, or deny the final specific plan; provided, that in overruling a planning commissionPlanning Commission recommendation for denial, the city councilCity Council shall make the finding listed in Section 17.36.100 of this chapter. (Prior code § 058.12)
17.36.130 Concurrent actions.
The planning commissionPlanning Commission and the city councilCity Council may act upon a subdivision map and site plan for all portions of the final specific plan concurrently with an approval action on the final specific plan.
(Prior code § 058.13)
17.36.140 Site plan and subdivision map review.
A. The purpose of a site plan is to provide the city with a detailed development plan that utilizes the development standards defined in the specific plan. The following criteria shall be applied to all portions of the specific plan requiring site plan review:
1. A topographic map or sufficient detail to show all cuts and fills, precise drainage and flood-control proposals, and boundary data;
2. Detailed site plan, showing lot or site dimensions; traffic and pedestrian circulation; location, widths, grades and types of improvements proposed for all streets, parking areas, driveways, walkways, trails, utilities and other public improvements; building height, location, size and proposed use; yards and space between buildings and distances from property lines and rights-of-ways, walls, fences to include location, height and materials; location, size and height of all signs; and loading areas;
3. Building plans and elevations (typical);
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
4. A landscape, staking and irrigation plan;
5. A tentative subdivision map shall be submitted, if applicable, showing precise divisions of the land for sale or lease of individual property, if any, as provided in the State Map Act and the city's subdivision ordinance;
6. Location and dimensions of public or quasi-public areas, including, but not limited to, schools, parks, playgrounds, and parking areas. The area of required open space and parks shall be based on this code in effect at the time of tentative map filing;
7. A statement setting forth a program for installation and continued maintenance of parking areas; location and general design of lighting, courts, public and private grounds, landscaping, streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds or public or quasi-public community buildings and facilities.
B. Within forty-five (45) days following acceptance of the application for site plan approval, and after all environmental certifications have been obtained, the planning commissionPlanning Commission may approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the proposed site plan, and shall notify the applicant of its action.
C. An appeal of the planning commissionPlanning Commission action may be made to the city councilCity Council by the applicant in accordance with the appeal procedure of this district. (Prior code § 058.14)
17.36.150 Site plan modifications.
Modifications shall be processed as a site plan amendment and shall be subject to all site plan procedures. (Prior code § 058.15)
17.36.160 Dedication—Maintenance of open space.
A. The planning commissionPlanning Commission or city councilCity Council, as the appropriate responsible reviewing body, may, as an approval, require that suitable areas for parks be dedicated or in-lieu fees be paid as determined for the entire specific plan area, and for schools and other public use facilities land be reserved for public use or be reserved for the owners and residents in the development by deed restrictions.
Whenever group or common open space is provided, whether required or not, the planning commissionPlanning Commission or city councilCity Council shall, as a condition of approval upon review, require that some provision be made for perpetual maintenance of such open space. The form of any instrument used to assure open space maintenance shall be approved by the city attorney and planning staff as to form and content. Agreements and covenants running with the land shall include provisions for charges to be levied for carrying out the specified functions and administrative expenses of such perpetual maintenance. The city shall be a party in interest in any such development and may, by mandatory injunction or other appropriate actions, enforce the provisions of this district.
B. To assure that open space shall be available for the specific plan zone, public sites, and transfer of development rights within the specific plan area in exchange for open spaces shall be dedicated in advance of development (prior to issuance of the first building permit). (Prior code § 058.16)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.36 SPECIFIC PLAN ZONE
17.36.170 Tentative and final subdivision map.
A. A master subdivision map or parcel map, the purpose of which is to subdivide large parcels, may be prepared and submitted for approval to the city prior to individual site plan and tentative map approval. A grading permit based on all or a portion of this master subdivision map or parcel map may be issued after approval of such master subdivision map or parcel map.
B. A tentative subdivision map or parcel map, submitted in combination with or after approval of the site plan, shall not be approved for recordation by the city councilCity Council until after the specific plan (SP) zoning and an approved final specific plan have become effective.
C. No building permit shall be issued until a final subdivision map or parcel map, if required, has been prepared for the site plan or any approved state thereof, in compliance with the State Map Act and city's subdivision ordinance.
(Prior code § 058.17)
17.36.180 Site plan and tentative subdivision map appeal.
The applicant may appeal the action of the planning commissionPlanning Commission in writing to the city councilCity Council. Such appeal shall be filed in triplicate with the planning staff within ten (10) days after the decision. The planning staff shall forward the triplicate copy of the appeal to the city clerk and planning commissionPlanning Commission. The city councilCity Council shall consider the appeal at a regular meeting within thirty (30) calendar days following the receipt by the clerk of the triplicate copy, or within such time as the council shall continue the matter. The city councilCity Council shall review the site plan and shall recommend approval, approval with conditions or disapproval.
(Prior code § 058.18)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.38 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
Chapter 17.38 PUD PLANNED UNIIT DEVELOPMENTS
17.38.010 Intent and purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for attractive, planned, residential districts in accordance with the general plan; to provide a means of achieving greater quality, variety and flexibility in residential development on relatively large areas of land; to encourage more imaginative and innovative design of projects; to promote more desirable living environments that would not be possible through the strict application of zoning standards; to assist in the development of old or blighted neighborhoods by providing incentives for higher quality multiple residential housing and project design; to require a more efficient use of open space, separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and increased project amenities; to insure that such projects will be assets to their surrounding neighborhoods, and safeguards will be required through the conditional use procedure. The overall plan shall provide equivalent or higher standards of development, operation, light, air, safety, convenience, and aesthetics, than if developed under the underlying zone.
(Prior code § 060.01)
17.38.020 Procedure and regulations.
A. Procedure. An application for a planned development project or mobile homemobilehome project shall submit a request for change of zone to allow a "“PUD"” overlay zone on base district zone, pursuant to Chapter 17.82.
B. Land Use Regulations. All planned development projects shall comply with the land use and density regulations of the base district, except as may be modified by the PUD overlay zone regulations, subject to compliance with the general plan.
C. Development Standards. All planned development projects shall comply with the applicable development standards of the base district and other sections of the municipal code, except that an applicant for a PUD project may utilize flexible development standards in order to meet the policy directives of the general plan.
D. Conditional Use Permit. A conditional use permit must be obtained by the applicant as a part of the PUD overlay zone and related entitlements in order to vest modified land use regulations, utilize flexible standards of the PUD overlay zone and vest the design guidelines for the planned development. (Ord. No. 1075, § 7, 6-10-15)
Editor'’s note(s)—Ord. No. 1075, § 7, adopted June 10, 2015, amended § 17.38.020 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 17.38.020, pertained to uses, and derived from prior code, § 060.02; and Ord. No. 1026, § 7, adopted Jan. 12, 2011.
17.38.030 Design guidelines.
A. Design Guidelines. All planned developments shall submit a comprehensive set of design guidelines for the project as part of the conditional use permit required under Section 17.38.020(D), that include the following items.
1. Circulation and Streets Plan. The design guidelines shall incorporate a street network plan showing street and pedestrian connectivity for future neighborhoods of the planned development. This shall include the typical roadway diagrams proposed for neighborhood streets and shall incorporate the use a landscaped parkway with street trees separating the sidewalk from the street curb line. Any
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.38 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
deviations, for private streets, from the city'’s public street improvement requirements shall be included in the circulation and streets plan.
2. Open Space Plan. A plan for the major common open space elements of the community shall be included in the design guidelines of the project. This shall include conceptual plans for park amenities, recreational facilities, and gathering spots for the future residents.
3. Building Massing Plan. A colored site plan showing the typical building massing and relationship of buildings to streets and pedestrian paths and open space features for the various neighborhoods within the planned development shall be included as part of the design guidelines.
4. Architectural Theming. Detailed architectural and/or artist renderings of allowable building types, architectural themes, and typical front yard landscaping shall be provided for all planned developments. Conceptual design guidelines in text describing the architectural theming and exterior building materials, window treatments, and garage door designs, and landscaping plant palettes, must accompany the planned development submittal.
5. Signs. A comprehensive sign program shall be included as a part of all planned developments.
B. Change in Product Size. Refer to Section 16.32.170 of the Coachella Municipal Code for proposed changes in product sizes within single-family residential tracts in which a previously approved product was constructed. (Ord. No. 1075, § 8, 6-10-15)
Editor'’s note(s)—Ord. No. 1075, § 8, adopted June 10, 2015, amended § 17.38.030 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 17.38.030, pertained to property development standards, and derived from prior code, § 060.03; and Ord. No. 1021, § 5, adopted July 28, 2010.
17.38.040 Mobile homeMobilehome parks.
A. Intent and Purpose. These regulations are intended to provide for the development of mobile homemobilehome parks within the city, consistent with the general plan. These provisions are further intended to create standards of development consistent with those in other residential areas of the community.
B. Review Procedure. A mobile homemobilehome park community may be established in the RM base district zone through a planned development overlay zone, subject to approval of the conditional use permit and design guidelines required under Sections 17.38.020 and 17.38.030, and subject to compliance with the regulations contained herein.
C. Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted in any mobile homemobilehome park:
1. Mobilehomes, trailers, trailer coaches, campers, camp cars;
2. Recreational buildings, structures, and uses intended to serve only the residents of the mobile homemobilehome park; and
3. Accessory buildings normally appurtenant to the conduct of a mobile homemobilehome park, including buildings and structures required by law.
D. Lot Requirements for Mobile homeMobilehome Parks.
1. Minimum Lot Size. Five acres.
2. Density Permitted. One mobile homemobilehome for each four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet of gross lot area.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.38 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
3. Lot width and depth shall be determined by the planning commissionPlanning Commission or city councilCity Council when the conditional use permit is considered.
E. Yard Requirements for Mobile homeMobilehome Parks.
1. Front Yard. Each park shall have a front yard of at least twenty-five (25) feet in depth.
2. Side Yard. Each park shall have side yards of at least fifteen (15) feet in depth.
3. Rear Yard. Each park shall have a rear yard of at least fifteen (15) feet in depth.
F. Requirements for Individual Mobile homeMobilehome Sites Within a Mobile homeMobilehome Park.
1. Minimum individual site size shall be three thousand (3,000) square feet.
2. Each individual mobile homemobilehome site shall have a minimum width of thirty-five (35) feet.
3. Each mobile homemobilehome shall be set back at least five feet from the edge of any interior site roadway.
G. Height Limits. Height limits shall be those in the zone in which a mobile homemobilehome park is authorized.
H. Distance Between Buildings and Mobile homeMobilehomes.
1. There shall be a minimum average distance between mobile homemobilehomes of twenty (20) feet; except that where placed end to end, the distance may be reduced by ten (10) feet.
2. There shall be a minimum distance between mobile homemobilehomes and accessory buildings of fifteen (15) feet.
3. There shall be a minimum distance between accessory buildings of ten (10) feet.
I. Usable Open Space.
1. A common recreational-leisure area shall be provided for each mobile homemobilehome park. Such recreational-leisure area shall be for the purpose of providing usable open space for the residents of the mobile homemobilehome park, and shall not be for the use of the general public.
2. The size of such recreational-leisure area shall be equal to at least four hundred (400) square feet for each mobile homemobilehome site. Cabanas, swimming pools, decks, game areas, and similar uses may be included in such an area.
(Prior code § 060.04)
(Ord. No. 1075, § 8, 6-10-15)
17.38.050 Nonresidential uses.
The planning commissionPlanning Commission shall approve the appropriate number, location, area requirements, access, parking, identification, and operating conditions for all institutional, recreational, commercial and health facilities in the planned unit development. (Prior code § 060.05)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.38 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
17.38.060 Special conditions and procedures.
In addition to the following special conditions and procedures for planned unit development, the planning commissionPlanning Commission may impose such other conditions as it deems necessary or desirable in carrying out the general purpose and intent of this section.
A. A conditional use permit obtained through procedures contained in this chapter and in Sections
17.74.010 through 17.74.050 of this title is required for any planned unit development.
B. Tract or Parcel Maps. A tentative tract or parcel map is required to be submitted to the planning director subsequent to approval of the application, but may be filed with the application for zone change and conditional use. However, if the property is located in a hillside area, the tentative tract or parcel map shall be filed concurrently with the application.
No building permit shall be issued for any building within a planned unit development, except for sales models, recreational buildings, or community facilities, unless a final tract or parcel map has first been recorded for the property on which the building or buildings are located.
C. Project Site Plans.
1. A preliminary project site plan is required to be filed with the application for planned unit development. Contour intervals shall be indicated for property in hillside areas. The site plan required by Section 17.62.010 shall, in addition to other requirements, indicate compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
2. Landscape Plans and List. A plan for landscaping all common area, including plant lists and sprinkler system, shall be approved by the planning director.
3. Phasing Plans. A progress plan delineating the various development phases, if more than one, and specifying a reasonable time allocation for each phase, shall be submitted, and made a condition of approval by the planning commissionPlanning Commission. No phase component shall have a residential density that exceeds by twenty (20) percent the proposed residential density of the entire planned unit development. The total area of common open space provided in each phase shall, at a minimum, be in the same proportion as in the entire development.
4. Highway Access. Each planned unit development shall be located on and have direct access to a major or secondary arterial or a collector street.
5. Utilities. All utility lines necessary to serve the development shall be installed underground.
6. Vehicular Access. The approved site plan shall indicate all vehicular access. In order to encourage inward orientation, increased living amenities, and variety and flexibility of parking areas, direct access to all dwelling units is not required. However, the planning director shall determine the property access system.
7. Specific Plan. The project plans for a planned unit development may be adopted as a specific plan amendment to the general plan.
D. Condominium Common Areas. Except for property dedicated to the Ccity for inclusion within a public park, school site or park maintenance district, every owner of a dwelling unit or lot shall own as an appurtenance to such dwelling unit or lot, either an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities of the entire project or of the tract in which the ownership is located; or a share in the corporation, or voting membership in an association owning the common areas and facilities of the entire project or of the tract in which the ownership is located.
1. Management Agreement for Control and Maintenance of Common Areas. No lot or dwelling unit in the development shall be sold until a corporation, association, property owner's group or similar entity has been formed with the right to assess all the properties which are jointly owned
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.38 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
with interests in the common areas and facilities in the entire development or in the tract which is a part of the entire development to meet the expenses of such entity, and with authority to control, and the duty to maintain, all of said mutually available features of the development or tract portion thereof. Such entity shall operate under recorded conditions, covenants and restrictions which shall include compulsory membership of all owners of lots and/or dwelling units, and flexibility of assessments to meet changing costs of maintenance, repairs, and services.
The developer shall submit evidence of compliance with the requirement to the planning director. This condition shall not apply to land dedicated to the city and included in a park maintenance district or dedication to the city for other public purposes.
2. Maintenance. The right to maintain the buildings and use the property for a residential planned unit development as indicated on the approved revised site plan shall continue in effect only so long as all of the mutually available features, such as recreational areas, community buildings, and landscaping, as well as the general appearance of the premises and buildings are all well maintained.
3. Covenants.
a. The provisions of subsections (C)(1) and (C)(2) of this section shall be included in the conditions, covenants, and restrictions applying to the property, which are recorded in the office of the county recorder, and copies of said provisions shall be furnished to the individual purchasers of units in the development.
b. The provisions of subsections (C)(1) and (C)(2) of this section shall also be in each of the preliminary and final drafts of the conditions, covenants, and restrictions submitted to the real estate commissioner.
E. Separate Lots. No portion of land within a residential planned unit development shall be divided in ownership unless it is first recorded as a separate lot on a recorded final tract or parcel map.
F. Sale of Lots or Units. No dwelling unit or lot shall be sold or encumbered separately from an interest in the common areas and facilities in the development which shall be appurtenant to such dwelling unit or lot. No lot shall be sold or transferred in ownership from the other lots in the total development, unless all approved community buildings, structures, and recreational facilities for the total development, or approved phase thereof, have been completed, or completion is assured, to the satisfaction of the planning director.
G. Nonconformities. All nonconformities existing prior to development of the project must be eliminated or alleviated to the satisfaction of the planning commissionPlanning Commission. (Prior code § 060.06)
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023)
No change to the following chapters.
Chapter 17.40 TEMPORARY CLASSIFICATION FOR ASSESSMENT IMPROVEMENTS Chapter 17.42 T TEMPORARY CLASSIFICATION ZONE
Chapter 17.44 SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATION GEOLOGICAL HAZARD ZONE Chapter 17.46 IP INDUSTRIAL PARK OVERLAY ZONE1
Chapter 17.47 RC RETAIL CANNABIS OVERLAY ZONE2
Chapter 17.48 SPECIAL USES
Chapter 17.49 SHO SENIOR HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE
Chapter 17.50 SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
Chapter 17.52 MOBILEHOME PARKS
Chapter 17.54 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
Chapter 17.56 SIGNS
Chapter 17.58 HOME OCCUPATIONS
1 Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 1140 , § 2(Exh. A), adopted July 10, 2019, amended Ch. 17.46 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 17.46, §§ 17.46.010—17.46.040, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 1103, § 1, adopted April 26, 2017; and Ord. No. 1108, § 2, adopted July 12, 2017. 2 Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 1140 , § 2(Exh. A), adopted July 10, 2019, amended Ch. 17.47 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 17.47, §§ 17.47.010—17.47.070, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 1115, § 2, adopted Feb. 14, 2018.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
17.60.010 Property development standards.
A. Intent and Purpose. The following general development standards are set forth in order to assure that property in the various zones of the city will be developed in a uniform and orderly manner which will promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare. These development requirements shall be in addition to the property development standards set forth in each zone. In addition, the design standards established for single family residential development in Chapter 17.19 (Supplemental Standards for Single-Family Residential Development shall apply.
B. Responsibility for Measurements. In measuring lot dimensions and other requirements, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner or his or her authorized agent to provide accurate dimensions and calculations. The submission of inaccurate dimensions or calculations which result in a lot or structure not complying with the requirements set forth in this chapter shall constitute a violation of this chapter, and any permits or approvals granted thereunder shall be void.
C. Lot Widths. Lot widths in residential zones shall vary according to the size of the lot, and shall be determined as provided in the following tableper the zone-specific standards in Chapters 17.10 - 17.18 and Chapters
17.22 - 17.35).:
Minimum Lot Width Requirements in Residential Zones
Lot Size in
Square Feet
Interior Lot Corner Lot
6,000 to 6,999 60 feet Not permitted
7,000 to 7,999 65 feet 70 feet
8,000 to 8,999 70 feet 75 feet
9,000 to 9,999 80 feet 85 feet
10,000 &
above
85 feet 85 feet
D. Yards.
1. Encroachments. Where yards are required in this chapter, they shall not be less in depth or width than the minimum dimensions specified in any part, and they shall be at every point open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except as follows:
a. Outside stairways, porches, or landing places, if unroofed and unenclosed, may extend into a required side yard for a distance of not to exceed three feet or into the required rear yard a distance not to exceed five feet.
b. Awnings, cornice trims, eaves, decks, railings, stoops, and landings, and similar architectural features may encroach two feet into a required front, side, or rear yard.
2. Through Lot Regulations. On through lots either separating such lot from a public thoroughfare may be designated as the front lot line. In such cases the minimum rear yard shall be the average of the yards required on lots next adjoining.
3. Fences, Walls in Yards. Fences or walls not exceeding six feet in height may occupy any portion of a side or rear yard. In a residential single-family zone, where any such fence or wall projects beyond the front yard line or setback toward the front property line it shall not be more than six feet in height if it
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
is of wrought iron, or other such material; provided that such material does not obscure the view to the front lawn through the fence.
a. Walls and low silhouette plants such as hedges, and other flora along front yard property lines must be approved by city staff and shall not be more than thirty (30) inches in height. b. Fences and walls shall not extend beyond the property line. c. There shall be no visual obstructions which would interfere with intersection visibility from a corner setback area. In the corner property radius area any fence shall not be more than six feet in height provided it does not cause visual obstruction. In the corner property radius area, visual obstructions are hereby defined as any wall, obstacle mature landscaping or thing allowed, installed, set out or maintained which obscures intersection visibility. d. Notwithstanding the above provisions, existing walls and fences shall be permitted to remain unless and until the property owner applies for a building permit to reconstruct, remodel or otherwise perform any construction activity upon the property; at such time any walls or fences shall be brought into compliance with subsections (D)(3)(a) through (c) of this section, as a condition of obtaining such building permit.
e. In residential districts the use of razor, chain-link, or barbed wire is prohibited. Precision concrete block shall not be used unless exterior surfaces visible from the outside of the property are covered by stucco, paint, or texture coating as approved by the community development director.
f. Maintenance. All walls and fences shall be continuously maintained in good repair. The property owner shall be provided thirty (30) days after receiving notice from the city to repair a wall or fence. The building official may grant an extension for the repair of the wall or fence.
4. Landscaping.
a. Except where otherwise provided, required yards and setback areas shall be landscaped with lawn, trees, shrubs, or other plant materials and shall be permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner as a condition to use. Decorative rock may be used for landscaping in a manner incidental and accessory to the required lawn, trees, shrubs, or other plant materials. Fountains, ponds, sculpture, planters, walkways, flagpoles for display of national, state, city or company ensigns only, light standards, and decorative screen-type walls, forty-two (42) inches or less in height, where an integral part of a landscaping scheme comprised primarily of plant materials are permitted. Entrance and exit drives and walks may be provided into parking areas. Said drives shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in width for each curb opening. b. Where walls are required between nonresidential and residential zones, no landscaping zones, no landscaping shall be required.
c. Additional standards as established in zone-specific standards (Chapters 17.10 - 17.18 and Chapters 17.22 to 17.35) and Chapter 17.19 (Supplemental Standards for Single-Family Residential) also apply.
5. Measurement. The depth of all required yards which abut a street or highway shall be measured from the street or planned highway right-of-way line, as specified in Section 17.66.010 of this title.
E. Distance Between Buildings. Encroachment into required distances between buildings are permitted as specified for encroachments into yards in subsection D of this section.
F. Accessory Structures. The following regulations shall apply to accessory structures in residential zones:
1. Accessory structures detached from the main dwelling, may not occupy a required front yard, side yard, or corner side yard, except as provided herein.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
2. An accessory structure may occupy a required rear yard provided it is at least five feet from any interior property line, and a minimum of ten (10) feet from any street property line.
3. An accessory structure may be a maximum of fifteen (15) feet in height and no more than one story in height, or as provided by the specific zone standards.
4. An accessory structure in the rear yard is limited to a maximum size of four hundred (400) square feet or thirty (30) percent of the size of the main dwelling, whichever is greater. Interior partitions are not allowed within accessory structures. Kitchens and full bathrooms are not allowed inside of any accessory structure, except as allowed in Section 17.16.020.C. for secondary housing units.
5. Except for side loaded garages, the wall planes or sides of an accessory structure must be a minimum of ten (10) feet from the sides or wall planes of any other structure, measured at right angles from the wall plane or sides of the accessory structure. The corner of an accessory structure may be no closer than five feet from the corner of any other structure, provided the wall planes or sides of both structures comply with the distance requirements specified in this subsection.
6. Accessory structures on a site may not cover more than fifty (50) percent of the required rear yard setback area.
7. Pools and spas may encroach into any required side or rear yard provided they are at least five feet from any property line. Pools and spas may not occupy a required front yard.
8. Mechanical and pool equipment may not occupy a required front yard.
9. Mechanical and pool equipment may occupy a required side yard or corner side yard provided a minimum setback of three feet is provided from any property line.
10. Mechanical and pool equipment may occupy a required rear yard provided a minimum setback of twelve (12) inches is provided from any property line and provided a minimum distance of three feet is provided from any other structure.
11. On lots under seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet, an attached patio cover may encroach into a required rear yard provided a minimum setback of ten (10) feet is provided. On lots under six thousand five hundred (6,500) square feet, an attached patio cover may encroach into a required side yard or corner side yard provided a minimum setback of five feet is provided.
12. One freestanding arbor or trellis, up to twelve (12) feet in height and open on all sides, may encroach into a required front yard, provided no more than five percent of the required yard area is covered with the arbor or trellis.
13. Carports may be allowed in a required rear yard of any single family residential site provided they are accessible through an approved driveway that is at least eleven (11) feet clear in width. All vehicles parked in a carport must be architecturally screened from view to the street, and located behind an opaque metal gate at least six feet in height.
14. A detached garage or carport must be a minimum of twenty (20) feet from any street property line if front loading. Side-loaded garages may be twelve (12) feet from the street line. Carports must provide a minimum of ten (10) feet from any corner street line.
15. An attached carport accessed from the corner street must be at least fifteen (15) feet from the rear property line.
G. Trailers Outside Camps. It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or maintain, or to permit to be placed, kept or maintained, any trailer coach being presently used or being intended for present use for human habitation upon any lot, piece or parcel of land within the city, except in a trailer camp or when all of the following regulations and conditions have been complied with:
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
1. Such trailer coach shall be kept or maintained at the rear of a private residential building, other than an apartment house or hotel.
2. Such trailer coach shall not be placed closer than ten (10) feet to any building or closer than five feet to any property line other than a public street or alley line.
3. Such trailer coach shall be used only for sleeping quarters, and none of the sanitary and cooking facilities in such trailer coach shall be used.
4. Such trailer coach shall not be kept or maintained for sleeping purposes as permitted herein for more than three successive nights in any successive ninety (90) days.
H. Accessory Dwelling Units.
1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. Notwithstanding any conflicting regulations in this title, the regulations in this subsection shall supersede and be applicable to the new construction of ADUs and JADUs, and the conversion of existing structures for said purpose, in the city's residential and agricultural zones.
2. Effect of Conforming. An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:
a. Deemed to be inconsistent with the city's general plan and zoning designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
b. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located. c. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to limit residential growth.
d. Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in subsection (3)(g) below.
3. Definitions. As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:
a. "Accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
1) An efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code; and
2) A manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.
b. "Accessory structure" means a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling located on the same lot.
c. "Complete independent living facilities" means permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
d. "Efficiency kitchen" means a kitchen that includes each of the following:
1) A cooking facility with appliances.
2) A food preparation counter or counters that total a minimum of fifteen (15) square feet in area.
3) Food storage cabinets that total a minimum of thirty (30) square feet of shelf space. e. "Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU" means a residential unit that
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
1) is no more than five hundred (500) square feet in size, 2) is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family structure, 3) includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure, and
4) includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection (3)(d) above. f. "Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure. g. "Nonconforming zoning condition" means a physical improvement on a property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
h. "Passageway" means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
i. "Proposed dwelling" means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
j. "Public transit" means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public. k. "Tandem parking" means that two or more automobiles are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
4. Approvals. The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
a. Building-permit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the general requirements in subsection (e) below, it is allowed with only a building permit in the following scenarios:
1) Converted on Single-family Lot: Only one ADU or JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
(i) Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-family dwelling; or within the existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to one hundred fifty (150) additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress. (ii) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-family dwelling. (iii) Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
2) Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be established on the lot under subsection (4)(a)(1) above, if the detached ADU satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet. (ii) The total floor area is eight hundred (800) square feet or smaller. (iii) The peak height above grade is sixteen (16) feet or less. 3) Converted on Multifamily Lot: Multiple ADUs within portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each converted ADU complies with state building standards for dwellings. At least one converted ADU is allowed
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
within an existing multifamily dwelling, and up to twenty-five (25) percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units may each have a converted ADU under this paragraph. 4) Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two detached ADUs on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling if each detached ADU satisfies the following limitations:
(i) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four-feet. (ii) The total floor area is eight hundred (800) square feet or smaller. b. ADU Permit.
1) Except as allowed under subsection (d)(1) above, no ADU may be created without a building permit and an ADU permit in compliance with the standards set forth in subsections (e) and (f) below.
2) The city may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the city's ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by the planning director and approved by the city council by resolution.
c. Process and Timing.
1) An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
2) The city must act on an application to create an ADU or JADU within sixty (60) days from the date that the city receives a completed application, unless either:
(i) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(ii) In the case of a JADU and the application to create a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the city may delay acting on the permit application for the JADU until the city acts on the permit application to create the new singlefamily dwelling, but the application to create the JADU will still be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing.
5. General ADU and JADU Requirements. The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under subsections (4)(a) or (4)(b) above:
a. Zoning.
1) An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under subsection (4)(a) above may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.
2) An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection (4)(b) may be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use.
b. Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU if sprinklers are required in the primary residence.
c. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter than 30 days. d. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the primary dwelling (in the case of a singlefamily lot) or from the lot and all of the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
e. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite water-treatment system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last ten (10) years. f. Owner Occupancy.
1) All ADUs created before January 1, 2020 are subject to the owner-occupancy requirement that was in place when the ADU was created.
2) An ADU that is created after that date but before January 1, 2025, is not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
3) All ADUs that are created on or after January 1, 2025 are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence. 4) All JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must reside on the property, in either the primary dwelling or JADU, as the person's legal domicile and permanent residence. However, the owneroccupancy requirement of this paragraph does not apply if the property is entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. g. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permit for an ADU or JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the property in the county recorder's office and a copy filed with the planning director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the city and must provide that:
1) The ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling. 2) The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other attributes allowed by this section.
3) The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced against future property owners.
4) The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the ADU or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may make a written request of the director, providing evidence that the ADU or JADU has in fact been eliminated. The director may then determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the ADU or JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the director's determination consistent with other provisions of this code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an ADU or JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this code. 5) The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her designee for the benefit of the city. Failure of the property owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against the property owner, and the city is authorized to obtain any remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU in violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
6. Specific ADU Requirements. The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under subsection (4)(b) above.
a. Maximum Size.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
1) The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this subsection (6) is eight hundred fifty (850) square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and one thousand (1,000) square feet for a unit with two bedrooms. No more than two bedrooms are allowed. 2) An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary dwelling is further limited to fifty (50) percent of the floor area of the existing primary dwelling. 3) Application of other development standards in this subsection (6), such as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but no application of FAR, lot coverage, or open-space requirements may require the ADU to be less than eight hundred (800) square feet.
b. Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this subsection (6) may cause the total FAR of the lot to exceed forty-five (45) percent, subject to subsection (6)(a)(3). c. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this subsection (6) may cause the total lot coverage of the lot to exceed fifty (50) percent, subject to subsection (6)(a)(3). d. Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this subsection (6) may cause the total percentage of open space of the lot to fall below fifty (50) percent, subject to subsection (6)(a)(3) above. e. Height.
1) A single-story attached or detached ADU may not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height above grade, measured to the peak of the structure.
2) A second story or two-story attached ADU may not exceed the height of the primary dwelling.
3) A detached ADU may not exceed one story.
f. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by subsection (c)(8) above, is required for an ADU. g. Parking.
1) Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU. The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking, as defined in subsection (3)(k) above. The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem parking, as defined in subsection (3)(k) above.
2) Exceptions. No parking under subsection (6)(g)(1) is required in the following situations:
(i) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit, as defined in subsection (3)(j) above.
(ii) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
(iii) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure under subsection (4)(a)(1) above.
(iv) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.
(v) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located within one block of the ADU.
3) No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
h. Architectural Requirements.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
1) Exterior building materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows and doors shall match the appearance and architectural design of those of the primary dwelling. 2) The roof slope must match that of the dominant roof slope of the primary dwelling. The dominant roof slope is the slope shared by the largest portion of the roof. 3) The exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise required by the building or fire code.
4) The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from that of the primary dwelling. The ADU entrance must be located on the side or rear building façade, not facing a public-right-of-way.
5) The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least ten (10) feet wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of seven feet. 6) Windows and doors of the ADU may not have a direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property. Fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used to provide screening and prevent a direct line of sight.
i. Landscape Requirements.
1) Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained between the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
a) At least one 15-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five linear feet of exterior wall. Alternatively, at least one 24-inch box size plant shall be provided for every ten (10) linear feet of exterior wall.
b) For a ground-level ADU, plant specimens must be at least six feet tall when installed. As an alternative, for a ground level ADU, a solid fence of at least six feet in height may be installed.
c) For a second-story ADU, plant specimens must be at least twelve (12) feet tall when installed.
2) All landscaping must be desert-friendly and water-efficient plantings and irrigation systems.
7. Fees.
a. Impact Fees.
1) No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in size.
2) Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is seven hundred fifty (750) square feet or larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. (e.g., the floor area of the primary dwelling, divided by the floor area of the ADU, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.) "Impact fee" here does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service. b. Utility Fees.
1) Converted ADUs and JADUs on a single-family lot, created under subsection (4)(a)(1) above, are not required to have a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity charge required unless the ADO or JADU is constructed with a new single-family home.
8. Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval. Any proposed ADU or JADU that does not conform to the objective standards set forth in subsections (1) through (7)(b) of this section may be allowed by the city with a conditional use permit, in accordance with Chapter 17.74 of this title.
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Title 17 – ZONING (Public Hearing Draft, April 28May 18, 2023) Chapter 17.60 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
(Ord. 984 § 1, 2007; prior code § 070.07)
(Ord. No. 1075, §§ 10, 11, 6-10-15; Ord. No. 1150 , Exh. A, 12-11-19)
Item 41.
Riverside County
50th Ave.
54th Ave.
52nd Ave.
42nd Ave.
60th Ave.
48th Ave.
Airport
46th Ave.
58th Ave.
§¨¦10
86S ¬«
¬«86
¬«111
Source: City of Coachella and
Riverside County
Date: April 2023
0123
Miles
E
City Boundary
Sphere of Influence Tribal Land
Airport Compatibility
Zone A
Zone B1
Zone B2
Zone C
Zone D
Zone E
Eagle
Falls
Vista del
Agua
Brandenburg
Butters
La Entrada
Coachella
Vineyards
Philips
Ranch
44th Ave.
Rural Rancho (R-R)
Suburban Neighborhood (S-N)
Mobile Home (R-MH)
General Neighborhood (G-N)
Urban Neighborhood (U-N)
Neighborhood Commercial (C-N)
General Commercial (C-G)
Regional Commercial (R-C)
Downtown Transition (TR-PV)
Downtown (DT-PV)
Resort District (R-D)
Urban Employment (U-E)
Manufacturing Service (M-S)
Heavy Industrial (M-H)
Wrecking Yard (M-W)
Open Space (O-S)
Specific Plan
Draft Zoning Districts
City of Coachella
Official Zoning Map
County
*Densities, intensities, and prohibited uses shall be consistent with criteria in the airport land use compatibility plan for the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, including applicable Countywide criteria that may exist at the time of project review.
If the project is located in the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan zones, please see ALUCP and Coachella City Planning Staff for the most up-to-date regulations.
Item 41.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists Planners Engineers
MEMORANDUM
■ Ventura
180 North Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, California 93003
(805) 644 4455
Carlsbad: (760) 918 9444
Fresno: (559) 228 9925
Los Angeles: (213) 788 4842
Monterey: (831) 333 0310
Oakland: (510) 834 4455
Redlands: (909) 253 0705
Riverside: (951) 782-0061
Sacramento: (916) 706 1374
San Diego: (760) 918 9444
San Luis Obispo: (805) 547 0900
Santa Barbara: (805) 319 4092
Santa Cruz: (831) 440 3899
Ventura: (805) 644 4455
[email protected] www.rinconconsultants.com
Date: April 25, 2023
To: Simran Malhotra – Raimi and Associates
Project: Coachella Valley Zoning Code update
From: Matt Maddox
Re: Finding of Consistency – Coachella Zoning Code Update and Minor Amendments to GP 2035
This memorandum provides a summary of Rincon Consultants, Inc.’s (Rincon) Finding of Consistency (FOC) that evaluates consistency between the City of Coachella’s (City) proposed Zoning Code Update and minor updates to the General Plan 2035 (hereafter referred to as ‘proposed project’) and the findings of the City’s Final Environmental Impact Report (hereafter referred to as the 2015 Final EIR) for the City of Coachella General Plan 2035 (hereafter referred to as GP 2035). GP 2035, which was adopted by the City of Coachella City Council on April 22, 2015, establishes the City’s vision and capacity for development of the City through the year 2035. Since adoption of GP 2035 and the 2015 Final EIR, the City has initiated an update to its Zoning Code and minor revisions and modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element of GP 2035 and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map to implement the land use patterns and development framework established by the City’s GP 2035.
The City’s proposed Zoning Code Update would amend the City’s existing Zoning Code to implement the City’s GP 2035 and to promote and enhance the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city. Since a Zoning Code regulates, among other things, a jurisdiction’s land use, density, lot coverages, lot sizes and setbacks, building sizes, landscaping, and parking, it is the means to implement a jurisdiction’s General Plan, which is the policy document for its future growth. A jurisdiction’s General Plan (in this case, GP 2035) is the official guide for the future physical development of the City and its
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
land use planning and zoning changes. As required by State law, a City’s Zoning Code needs to be consistent with its adopted General Plan goals and policies.
GP 2035, specifically the Land Use and Community Character Element and the General Plan Land Use Map (Figure 1), classifies and represents the different land use types and locations where growth and development under the updated General Plan is expected (or desired) to occur or where locations should be protected from future development. In addition to the Zoning Code Update, the proposed project would result in minor revisions to the General Plan Land Use Map and the Land Use and Community Character Element of GP 2035. These updates are for minor land use changes in terms of land use categories, density, and design but would not result in a net change in the overall growth of GP 2035 or affect the basis for impact analysis in the Final EIR. These minor updates in GP 2035 provide decision-makers and the public an overview of the area of change, an understanding of where change will occur, the vision for change in each area, the overall level of intensity, and the priority level of change in each area.
With the minor edits noted above, there would be no net loss in the City’s future development capacity under GP 2035 compared to what was previously analyzed. To be consistent with the City’s placemaking goals, each of the General Plan Land Use place types identifies the type of use, character and form, as well as intensity/density of use under the categories of Neighborhoods, Centers, and Districts.
These proposed land use designations under the General Plan amendment would allow for future development/redevelopment to conform to a consistent development form and character in building placement, design and density, parking lot locations and streetscape designs as was previously envisioned when GP 2035 was adopted.
With the minor edits to GP 2035, the Zoning Code Update would then follow and allow the City to designate zoning designations (Figure 2) that would better articulate the City’s growth, uses, and character as envisioned by GP 2035.
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Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Figure 1 Updated GP Places Types Map
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Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Figure 2 Zoning Map
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Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Project Background
Project Location
The City of Coachella is in central Riverside County (County), in the Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley is surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains approximately 10 miles southwest of the city, the San Bernardino Mountains about 45 miles northwest, the San Gorgonio pass 35 miles to the northwest, and the San Jacinto Mountains about 25 miles to the west. The northern and northeastern parts of the valley are defined by the Little San Bernardino Mountains, which are immediately north and northeast of the city. The south end of the valley is defined by the northern shore of the Salton Sea.
The Coachella Valley has an arid climate, with hot, dry summers and moderately cold winters. Typical summertime highs exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with wintertime temperatures generally in the low 50s. The geomorphology and climate of the Coachella Valley has created diverse habitats that support a wide array of plant and animal species. The General Plan 2035 planning area includes the City and its Sphere of Influence (SOI) that encompass a total of approximately 45,300 acres in central Riverside County in the Coachella Valley, between the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument to the southwest and Joshua Tree National Park to the northeast. It lies approximately 10 miles northwest of the Salton Sea, 20 miles southeast of Palm Springs, and 80 miles east of Riverside. The City is bounded by unincorporated Riverside County lands to the north and east; the City of Indio to the northwest; the City of La Quinta to the west; and the unincorporated community of Thermal to the south. The City’s Zoning Code update applies to all areas where the City has jurisdictional authority.
Proposed Project
California Government Code Section §65860(a) requires that a jurisdiction’s zoning ordinance be consistent with its General Plan or any updates to its General Plan. Therefore, the City is proposing to amend its existing Zoning Ordinance to ensure compatibility with its adopted General Plan 2035 and to allow for development intensities and uses that are consistent with its adopted General Plan. The City’s updated Zoning Code would therefore implement the goals and policies of the Coachella General Plan by regulating the use of land and structures within the City.
The City’s existing Zoning Ordinance has 13 zones. The proposed Zoning Code Update would revise these zones and create new zones to create updated density ranges and match the Zoning Code with the GPU land use designations. Four new zones would be created including the Urban Neighborhood (UN), Urban Employment (U-E), Resort District (R-D), and Open Space (OS). The proposed Zoning Code Update would have 18 zones. Updates and revisions are shown in Table 11 . The zones recommended by
the Pueblo Viejo Implementation Strategy Plan for Downtown Coachella have also been incorporated in Title 17 with some revisions.
Existing land uses in the City are predominantly a mix of residential, resort, open space, industrial, and retail, followed by, public facilities, schools, and specific plan areas.
1 The Pueblo Viejo Plan listed under the “Old Zoning District” in Table 1 is a Revitalization Plan, not a zone, so it is not counted as one of the thirteen zones in the City’s existing Zoning Ordinance.
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Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Table 1 Zoning Updates
Old
Chapter # Old Zoning District
New
Chapter #
New/Revised Zoning
District
New Density
Range (du/ac)
New
FAR
Corresponding
GPLU
Residential Zones
17.10 Agricultural Reserve (A-R) 17.10 Agricultural Reserve (A-R)
Up to 0.025 - Agricultural
Rancho
17.12 Agricultural Transition
(A-T)
17.11 Rural Rancho (R-R) 0.4 to 1 - Rural Rancho
17.14 Residential Estate (R-E) 17.12 Residential Estate (R-E)
1 to 2.2 - Estate Rancho
17.16 Residential Single Family
(R-S)
17.13 Suburban
Neighborhood (S-N)
2 to 8 - Suburban
Neighborhood
17.18 6000 Overlay (R-O-6000)
17.20 Residential Multiple Family
(R-M)
17.14 General
Neighborhood (G-N)
8 to 25 - General
Neighborhood
17.15 Urban Neighborhood
(U-N)
20 to 38 0.5 Urban
Neighborhood
17.22 Mobilehome Park (R-MH) 17.22 Mobile Home Park
(R-MH)
~0.1 mobile
home/ac
(1 mobile
home/ 4,500 sf)
- Varies
Commercial and Mixed Use Zones
17.16 Urban Employment
(U-E)
30 to 65 2.0 Urban
Employment
17.17 Resort District (R-D) Up to 8 0.1 Resort District Pueblo
Viejo Plan
Transition Area Pueblo
Viejo Zone (TR-PV)
17.18 Downtown Transition
(TR-PV)
Up to 25 1.5 Downtown
Transition
Sixth Street Pueblo Viejo
Zone (SS-PV)
17.18 Downtown Zone (DTPV) – collapses
several Pueblo Viejo
zones
20 to 65 3.0 Downtown
Center
Grapefruit Boulevard
Pueblo Viejo Zone (GB-PV)
Cesar Chavez Street
Pueblo Viejo Zone (CC-PV)
17.24 Neighborhood Commercial
(C-N)
17.24 Neighborhood
Commercial (C-N)
15 to 40 1.5 Neighborhood
Center
17.26 General Commercial (C-G) 17.26 General Commercial (C-G)
- 1.0 Suburban
Retail
17.28 Tourist Commercial (C-T) 17.28 Regional Commercial (R-C)
10 to 15 2.0 Regional Retail
Industrial and Other Zones
17.30 Manufacturing Service
(M-S)
17.30 Manufacturing
Service (M-S)
- 2.0 Industrial
17.32 Heavy Industrial (M-H) 17.32 Heavy Industrial (MH)- 2.0 Industrial
17.34 Wrecking Yard (M-W) 17.34 Wrecking Yard (M-W) - 2.0 Industrial
17.35 Open Space (OS) - - Parks and
Open Space
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Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
As part of the City’s Zoning Code Update, the City is also implementing minor amendments to GP 2035, specifically to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map. These include changes to the General Plan Land Use Types, specifically the addition of a new land use designation - Downtown Transition. Table 2 shows these changes would result in a net addition of 325 additional potential units in the City’s future development capacity under GP 2035 compared to what was previously analyzed: 176,478 units under the 2015 GPLU compared to 176,478 under GP 2035.
This 0.2% increase in development capacity is negligible in the context of the maximum overall development capacity under either scenario. To be consistent with the City’s place-making goals, each of the General Plan Land Use place types identifies the type of use, character, and form, as well as intensity/density of use under the categories of Neighborhoods, Centers, and Districts. These minor changes noted above to proposed land use designations under the General Plan Amendment would allow for future development and redevelopment to conform to a consistent development form and character in building placement, design and density, parking lot locations and streetscape designs as was previously envisioned when GP 2035 was adopted.
The City’s GP 2035 and related Zoning Code update, and minor amendments, would ensure that future development is guided to areas where the community desires change while protecting the character of existing development in other areas such as the majority of the residential and some of the commercial areas. The City’s Zoning Code Update would therefore help guide the future growth and character of the City while allowing for development changes such as, but not limited to, increased building heights, maximum Floor Area Ratios (FARs), and design regulations.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Table 2 Land Use Comparison
2015 GPLU Acres
Percent
of Total
Allowed Max
Density (du/ac)
Max.
Capacity 2023 GPLU Acres
Percent
of Total
Allowed Max
Density (du/ac)
Max.
Capacity
Net
Change
Agricultural Rancho 0.00 0% 0.025 0 Agricultural Rancho 0.00 0% 0.025 0 0 Downtown Center 80.60 0% 65 5,239 Downtown Center 88.56 1% 65 5,756 518 Downtown Transition 6.26 0% 25 156 156
General Neighborhood 1,472.62 8% 25 36,816 General Neighborhood 1,405.37 8% 25 35,134 -1,681 Industrial 1,417.21 8% 0 0 Industrial 1,518.83 9% 0 0 0 Neighborhood Center 610.21 3% 40 24,409 Neighborhood Center 580.16 3% 40 23,207 -1,202 Open Space 1,586.08 9% 0 0 Open Space 2,309.52 13% 0 0 0 Public Facilities 110.12 1% 0 0 Public Facilities 107.50 1% 0 0 0 Resort 3,154.95 18% 8 25,240 Resort 3,158.29 18% 8 25,266 27 Regional Retail 972.07 6% 15 14,581 Regional Retail 1,118.70 6% 15 16,781 2,199 Rural Rancho 115.75 1% 1 116 Rural Rancho 0.00 0% 1 0 -116 School 175.98 1% 0 0 School 183.98 1% 0 0 0
Suburban
Neighborhood
2,211.02 13% 8 17,688 Suburban
Neighborhood
2,324.03 13% 8 18,592 904
Suburban Retail 491.96 3% 0 0 Suburban Retail 492.23 3% 0 0 0 Urban Employment 555.88 3% 65 36,132 Urban Employment 548.49 3% 65 35,652 -480 Urban Neighborhood 464.54 3% 35 16,259 Urban Neighborhood 464.54 3% 35 16,259 0 Specific Plans 3,172.43 18% Specific Plans 3,172.43 18% 0 ROW/No Data 1,052.87 6% 0 0 ROW/No Data 165.42 1% 0 0 0 Total 176,44.30 100% 176,478 Total 176,44.30 100% 176,803 325
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
CEQA Guidelines Applicability
The City’s proposed Zoning Code and General Plan Amendment (proposed project) is in accordance with Section §15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, subsection (a) which states that additional environmental review is not required for projects “which are consistent with the development density established by existing zoning, community plan, or general plan policies for which an EIR was certified”, except as might be necessary to determine whether there are project-specific significant effects. In this case, the proposed project is consistent with the City’s GP 2035 and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which were adopted and certified by the City Council on April 22, 2015. Therefore, the proposed project is consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section §15168(c)(2) since it is within the programmatic scope covered by the Final EIR and there is no substantial evidence that the proposed Zoning Code Update would require additional environmental analysis.
Similarly, the proposed project is consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section §15183 (d)(1)(C) since it meets the consistency with “a general plan of a local agency”, and with Section §15183 (d) (2) which states that “an EIR was certified by the lead agency for the…. general plan”.
Additionally, the proposed project is consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section §15162(a) in that no subsequent environmental documentation will be required for the proposed project. Specifically, the proposed project is not proposing any substantial changes to the City’s GP 2035 [§15162(a)(1)], would not result in substantial changes due to the GPU and Zoning Code Update [§15162(a)(2)], nor would it present new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable due diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as complete, showing any of the following [§15162(a)(3)]:
A. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR B. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR
C. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative D. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative Therefore, the following discussion evaluates the proposed project’s consistency with the certified 2015 EIR prepared for the City’s GP 2035 to determine whether the proposed project would have new effects or an increase in severity of significant environmental effects beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR.
Since the Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that affects the entire City, any future development and redevelopment project in the City would have to be analyzed at a project level for all CEQA related impacts.
This FOC has been prepared pursuant to the applicable provisions of §15183 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Finding of Consistency
The following discussion addresses each of the environmental issues studied in the 2015 EIR for the City’s GP 2035, comparing the effects of the proposed project to the effects of the adopted GP 2035.
These environmental issues include aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources (including tribal cultural resources), geology and soils (including mineral resources), greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services and recreation, transportation and traffic, and utilities and public service systems. However, in 2019, Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines was amended and two new environmental issue areas were added: energy and wildfire. These topics are incorporated into the discussions below.
Aesthetics
There are no designated scenic vistas within the GP 2035 Planning Area, but certain scenic views, such as those of nearby mountains, are present. Although future development consistent with GP 2035 would allow for development on currently undeveloped parcels and intensify urban development on previously developed parcels, the 2015 EIR determined that conformance to goals and policies of the Land Use and Community Character, and Infrastructure and Public Services Elements of GP 2035 would ensure development would be designed and sited to minimize obstruction of views. The 2015 EIR therefore determined less than significant impacts on scenic vistas.
There are no state-designated scenic highways within the GPU Planning Area. However, all future development in the City and its Planning Area would be required to comply with GP 2035 policies.
Sustainability and Natural Environment Element policies 6.2, 10.9, and 13.6 would lessen potential impacts by restricting new billboards and encouraging preservation and conservation of open space and scenic natural features. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined less than significant impacts to scenic resources along a state-designated scenic highway.
GP 2035 would facilitate development that would alter the visual character of the City, specifically along the I-10 corridor. However, land use designations included in GP 2035 provide guidance for allowable uses, building density, parking location, streetscape design, and other elements which drive future development within specific land use designations. Urban form would be retained by adherence to the GP 2035 policies that preserve the visual characteristics of the City. Policies within the Land Use and Community Character Element would ensure compatibility with the existing visual character of the City.
The 2015 EIR determined a less-than-significant impact to community character as a result of GP 2035.
GP 2035 would facilitate development that would introduce new sources of light and glare within the planning area. Development within the City would comply with applicable zoning standards that limit light and glare, such as Municipal Code 16.28.150 (L), 17.56.010 (J)(2)(e), and 17.54.010 (k). In addition, Furthermore, the GP 2035 includes the Land Use and Community Character policy 6.5, Dark sky, to limit outdoor light sources from new development to preserve night sky viewing opportunities. Therefore, the 2015 EIR found less than significant impacts to aesthetics associated with light and glare.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in and of itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by GP 2035. The Zoning Code Update would also provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses. The proposed project would therefore involve updated regulations relative to the use and development of land uses in the City, and would not in itself affect scenic views, scenic vistas and community resources beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR for the GP 2035. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Agriculture and Forestry Resources
The 2015 EIR determined significant and unavoidable impacts to the direct conversion of agricultural resources and Williamson Act contracts. The 2035 GPU did not designate any lands for exclusive agricultural use and development facilitated by the 2035 GPU could ultimately end commercial agricultural activity and preclude fallow agricultural land from future production. There are 9,862 acres of farmland in the City rated as Prime or Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Local Importance impacted by the 2035 GPU. The 2035 GPU identified approximately 994 acres of Williamson Act contracts within the Planning Area which would be designated to urban uses. Furthermore, the 2015 EIR did not identify any mitigation measures available to reduce potential impacts.
The 2015 EIR determined less than significant impacts related to the indirect conversion of agricultural resources as a result of the 2035 GPU. Although implementation of the 2035 GPU could place incompatible land uses next to agriculture, policies within the Sustainability and Natural Resources Element address urban-agricultural interfaces. Policies would be implemented on a project-by-project basis to address specific project-level impacts.
The 2015 EIR determined no impacts related to the direct and indirect conversion of forestry resources as a result of the 2035 GPU. The Planning Area does not contain forest land or timberland and no areas are zoned for such uses. As a result, the 2035 GPU would not result in a loss or conversion of forest land or timberland.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by GP 2035. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its existing land uses. The proposed project would involve updated regulations relative to the use and development of land uses in the City, however these changes are not related to agricultural or forestry resources. The proposed project would not in itself affect agricultural or forestry resources or result in the loss or conversion of land or Williamson Act Contracts, beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR for the GP 2035. Since all subsequent development would be required to adhere to GP 2035 policies if located on or adjacent to agricultural lands, and specific requirements would be determined by the City at a project-level, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Air Quality
The 2015 EIR determined that housing, population, and employment growth generated by implementation of the 2035 GPU would be roughly similar to projections utilized in the Air Quality Management Plan. Therefore, the 2035 GPU would not conflict with the applicable air quality plan for the region and impacts would be less than significant.
The 2035 GPU would result in new development that would generate temporary construction and longterm operational air pollutant emissions, including toxic air contaminants (TACs), that could exceed the applicable thresholds and expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. The 2035 GPU includes policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element such as 11.3 and 11.8 to limit sensitive receptors’ exposure to emissions and dust. Thus, the 2015 EIR identified a less than significant impact related to criteria air pollutant emissions and the exposure of sensitive receptors to pollutant concentrations.
The 2015 EIR determined that implementation of the 2035 GPU would not result in significant odor impacts. Policies within the Land Use and Community Character Element and Health and Equity Element would ensure that future development within the City would be compatible with existing uses and would not expose sensitive receptors to significant new sources of objectionable odors.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. As shown in Table 2, the proposed project would not generate substantial population growth or accommodate growth beyond what was envisioned under GP 2035. Neither would the Zoning Code Update result in an impact to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) AQMP beyond that identified and analyzed in the 2015 EIR. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in air pollutant emissions or CO concentrations beyond those associated with the growth forecast under GP 2035. There would be no construction or operation impacts of the proposed project because the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development. The proposed Zoning Code Update would not therefore create any new significant impacts related to air quality, nor would it increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2015 EIR. The proposed project would therefore not result in air quality impacts beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR.
Biological Resources
As discussed in the 2015 EIR, new or intensified development in the City and its SOI could lead to direct or indirect impacts to special-status species from construction and operation. Compliance with existing policies and regulations such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) Land Use Agency Guidelines would limit potential construction impacts. In subareas 5, 6, and 7 of the land use map shown in the General Plan update, agricultural lands may be replaced by industrial, commercial, and civic uses where there is moderate potential for sensitive species. The 2035 GPU notes potential impacts are less than significant but recommends mitigation to add a policy to survey projects proposed in subareas 5, 6, and 7 and implement mitigation measures prescribed by a qualified biologist if sensitive species are present. In addition, policies contained in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element of the 2035 GPU such as 5.6, 9.1, 9.2, 9.4, and 10.7 would reduce the
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
potential for future impacts to sensitive species. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that, with mitigation, the 2035 GPU would not result in significant impacts to special-status species.
Compliance with existing policies and regulations such as NPDES and the CVMSHCP would limit potential construction impacts to riparian and sensitive habitats. In addition, policies contained in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element such as 7.1, 7.2, 7.6, 10.2, and 10.8 would reduce the potential for future impacts to sensitive natural communities. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would not result in significant impacts to riparian habitat or sensitive natural communities.
As discussed in the 2015 EIR, the Planning Area contains portions of the Whitewater River, and blue line channels and washes east of the Coachella Canal that are likely jurisdictional. Future development associated with the 2035 GPU could result in direct impacts to jurisdictional resources should it encroach into jurisdictional waters and wetlands through grading or vegetation removal. Indirect impacts to jurisdictional resources may occur during and after construction or operations if these activities introduce runoff, toxics, or invasive species into these systems. However, future development would be required to comply with policies and regulations including the Clean Water Act, NPDES, California Fish and Game Code, and CVMSHCP. In addition, the 2035 GPU includes policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element to protect wetlands. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would have less than significant impacts to wetlands.
Future development consistent with the 2035 GPU could result in impacts to the movement of resident and migratory wildlife species should existing wildlife movement corridors be constrained or replaced by future development. Two migratory species reside seasonally with the Planning Area: Golden Eagle and Swainson’s Hawk. The 2015 EIR notes significant tracts of land that would be set aside as open space, such as subarea 13 and subarea 17. Additionally, policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element such as 5.6, 9.2, 9.6, and 9.7 provide tools to preserve wildlife corridors and preserve open space in the Planning Area. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would not result in significant impacts to wildlife movement.
The Planning Area contains Conservation Areas identified in the CVMSHCP, primarily within the SOI. The 2035 GPU does not propose development within the SOI and any development within Conservation Areas located within the City limits would be required to comply with the provisions of the CVMSHCP.
Additionally, the 2035 GPU Sustainability and Natural Environment Element contain policies to minimize the potential for conflicts with the CVMSHCP, such as Policy 9.4, 9.5, 10.2, and 10.7 to ensure compliance with the CVMSHCP. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would not conflict with the CVMSHCP and impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns and growth projections as identified in 2035 GPU. As a policy and regulatory document, it would not result in potential development or redevelopment such that there are resulting impacts to sensitive species, riparian habitats or sensitive natural communities, wetlands, or migratory corridors. Likewise, the proposed project would not conflict with the provisions of the CVMSHCP or local policies protecting biological resources. Since the proposed project would implement the 2035 GPU Goals, Policies, and land use designations, the proposed Zoning Code Update and minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Land Use 2035 Map would not create any new significant impacts related to biological resources, nor would it increase the severity of impacts beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant under the proposed project.
Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources
Historical and Archeological Resources
Historic resources are located throughout the Planning Area. According to the Eastern Information Center, there are 176 historical resources in the Planning Area, but the only registered historical resource is the Coachella Valley Water District Building. The City has an existing ordinance (Section
15.98.190) to prevent destruction or impact on Class 1 historical resources. With compliance to the National Historic Preservation Act, California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5, and 2035 GPU Sustainability and Natural Environment policies 12.3 and 12.4, the 2015 EIR determined impacts to historical resources would be less than significant.
The Planning Area contains a significant amount of archaeological resources due to its rich history and historic settlements. If archaeological resources are found on Tribal Lands, a Sacred Lands Search through the Native American Heritage Commission would be required. Existing State regulations provide a framework to protect against impacts to unique archaeological resources. The 2035 GPU Sustainability and Natural Environment Element contains policies which require site plan review and monitoring of development activities to minimize the potential for impacts to archaeological resources. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined a less than significant impact to archaeological resources.
Human remains, including cemeteries and tribal burial sites, do exist within the Planning Area. Although soil-disturbing activities associated with future development consistent with the 2035 GPU could result in the discovery of human remains, compliance with existing laws and regulations, including the California Health and Safety Code, would ensure that significant impacts to human remains would not occur. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts related to disturbance of human remains.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses. The proposed project would therefore involve updated regulations relative to the use and development of land uses in the City and would not directly affect historical or archaeological resources beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2015 EIR.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Tribal Cultural Resources
Land disturbance associated with implementation of the 2035 GPU could result in the accidental destruction or disturbance of known or previously undiscovered tribal cultural resources. Pursuant to Senate Bill 18, Native American tribes were contacted when creating the 2035 GPU to ensure tribal resources were adequately considered. No sacred uses or tribal cultural resources were identified in communications with tribes. In addition, the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element of the 2035 GPU implements policies requiring site monitoring and coordination with local tribes to minimize the potential for impacts. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined a less than significant impact to tribal cultural resources.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development but would rather designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses. The proposed project therefore would not directly affect tribal cultural resources beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR for the GP 2035. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would therefore remain less than significant.
Energy
The 2015 EIR did not discuss energy impacts as the inclusion of this issue was not a standalone environmental CEQA Guidelines Appendix G checklist question at the time the 2015 EIR document was prepared. Therefore, a discussion of energy impacts is provided to supplement the 2015 EIR.
Pursuant to Section 15126.2 and Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, analysis of a project’s energy use should consider whether the project may result in significant environmental effects due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary use of energy resources or conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. The analysis should include the project’s energy use for all phases and components, including construction and operation.
However, the proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established under the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses. 2035 GPU policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element in such as 2.1 through
2.14 would minimize the occurrence of inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary energy consumption during construction and operation of development carried out under the proposed project. In addition, construction and operation of projects facilitated by the proposed project would be required to comply with relevant provisions of CALGreen and Title 24 of the California Energy Code. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in any significant impacts relative to energy.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Geology and Soils
The City contains areas subject to fault rupture, seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and soil expansion. In addition, future development associated with the 2035 GPU could result in erosion from construction activities. Although implementation of the 2035 GPU would result in subsequent development that could be exposed to geologic hazards including seismic hazards and unstable soils and may result in erosion, future development would adhere to applicable state laws, local regulations, and 2035 GPU policies in the Safety Element such as 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.8, which would minimize these effects. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined all impacts related to geology and soils to be less than significant. Additionally, impacts to paleontological resources, discussed in Section 4.4, Cultural Resources, of the 2015 EIR were determined to be less than significant with incorporation of applicable 2035 GPU policies 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, and 12.6 from the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Urban Design Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Future permitted uses under the proposed project would be required to comply with the California Building Code (CBC), which provides standards for excavation, grading, and earthwork construction; fills and embankments; expansive soils; foundation investigations; and liquefaction potential and soils strength loss. Furthermore, all development on sites of between one and five acres would be required to comply with the provisions of the NPDES Phase II regulations concerning the discharge of eroded materials and pollutants from construction sites. Any future development or redevelopment would also have to comply with the GP 2035 goals and policies contained in the Land Use and Community Character Element, Sustainability and Natural Environment Element, and Safety Element related to geologic hazards and the minimization of erosion impacts. The proposed project would not expose individuals to the effects of strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, liquefaction or landslides, erosion or loss of topsoil, expansive soils, subsidence, or collapse beyond what could occur under the 2035 GPU and impacts would be less than significant. Likewise, with adherence to the 2035 General Plan Sustainability and Natural Environment Element policies, the proposed project would have less than significant impacts to paleontological resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The 2015 EIR determined that future development consistent with the 2035 GPU would result in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that would exceed the applicable per service population reduction target threshold of 4.2 MT CO2E established by the City. The 2015 EIR determined impacts would be significant but mitigable with implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) measures included in Table 18 of the CAP to reach an annual per service population emission figure of 4.2 MT CO2E or less by 2035.
In addition, the 2015 EIR determined that the sustainability policies and CAP programs would help the City progress toward its greenhouse gas emission reduction target and consistency with the Climate Change Scoping Plan of the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG September 2020). Therefore, the policies, programs, measures, and actions of the
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Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
2035 GPU are consistent with the ARB’s Scoping Plan and the statewide plan to achieve the goals of AB 32 and impacts related to conflicts with plans, policies, or regulations would be less than significant.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Urban Design Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. The intended land use pattern of the 2035 GPU would promote mixed use development, which tends to reduce GHG emissions by reducing car trips, consistent with the following strategy from SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS: “Encourage design and transportation options that reduce the reliance on and number of solo car trips (this could include mixed uses or locating and orienting close to existing destinations)” (SCAG 2020).
While implementation of the proposed project itself would not result in direct or indirect operational and construction GHG emissions, the Zoning Code Update would have the potential to assist in the development of future uses which would generate GHG emissions. Construction GHG emissions would result from the combustion of fossil fuels from heavy-duty construction equipment and from construction worker vehicles and would be temporary in nature. In addition, future development would generate operational emissions associated with vehicle, energy, and water use, as well as solid waste and wastewater generation. Future development in the City would be subject to regulations in place at the time the development is proposed that are aimed at achieving statewide GHG reduction targets, including Title 24 and the California Green Building Code. Additionally, as shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR as less than significant impacts.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The 2035 GPU facilitates the development of commercial and industrial uses which may handle hazardous materials. However, the use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste is highly regulated, and the 2035 GPU contains policies in the Safety Element to further limit the potential for impacts due to the transport, use, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. All future and existing development that involves hazardous materials use, transport, and disposal would be required to comply with the California Health and Safety Code; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and applicable 2035 GPU policies. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would not result in a significant impact due to the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials or accidental release of hazardous materials.
At the time of certification, the 2015 EIR identified one open/active hazardous materials site listed on a hazardous material site list compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5. The 2015 EIR determined the listed site is required to be remediated for anticipated future land use in accordance with existing state and federal regulatory requirements. Additionally, the 2015 EIR notes that policies within the 2035 GPU and applicable federal and state laws would ensure impacts related to future development on listed hazardous materials sites are taken into consideration and avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
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Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that buildout of the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts related to listed hazardous materials sites.
The 2035 GPU would involve the alteration, intensification, and redistribution of land uses within the City. However, all future development would be subject to policies within the Safety Element and would also be reviewed by the City’s Fire Department prior to any issuance of permits to ensure that projects would not interfere with emergency access and response. 2035 GPU Safety Element policies would ensure that the City’s emergency response plan and City Ordinances are updated regularly to reflect current evacuation and emergency procedures. In addition, Policy 8.1 would ensure that the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is maintained and updated to reflect up to date emergency response and disaster preparedness information, and applicable evacuation procedures. Therefore, the 2015 Final EIR determined a less than significant impact to potential impairment of implementation of, or physical interference with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan as a result of the 2035 GPU.
Although the 2015 EIR identifies the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport as an airport which could result in potential hazards, all future development would be required to comply with federal and state law concerning airport hazards. Additionally, 2035 GPU policies would ensure specific development projects are consistent with the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport’s Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan hazard zones. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined a less than significant impact associated with airport hazards.
Although the City is not subject to extensive wildland fire risk due to its desert environment, because the Planning Area has an urban-wildland interface in areas of the City, exposure to wildland fires is a potential threat to existing and proposed structures. Policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element and Safety Element requiring buffers, vegetation control, and adequate fire response; and encouraging sprinkler retrofits; aim to protect structures and population from wildland fires. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would have less than significant impacts related to wildland fire risk.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development that would introduce new hazards or hazardous materials in the City, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Likewise, the project would not directly result in new development on properties identified on a hazardous material site list compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5. As described in the 2015 EIR, future development in the City would remain subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the transport, use, disposal, handling, and storage of hazardous waste, as well as laws pertaining to the use and cleanup of contaminated sites. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts related to the routine use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials, risk of accidental release of hazardous materials, or risks related to development on contaminated sites. Impacts would remain less than significant, as identified in the 2015 EIR.
Although the proposed project would facilitate changes to the intensity and distribution of land uses within the City, including potential changes to land uses in areas nearby the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, all subsequent development would be required to adhere to federal and state law concerning airport hazards. Likewise, future development would be required to comply with City policies concerning
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
emergency access, response, and evacuation procedures. Therefore, similar to the 2035 GPU, the Zoning Code Update would not result in a significant impact due to airport hazards or impairment of implementation of, or physical interference with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Impacts would remain less than significant, as identified in the 2015 EIR.
As described in the 2015 EIR, wildland fires are a potential threat to existing and proposed structures in the City. Implementation of the Zoning Code Update and the minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map would not increase wildland fire risk or expose people or structures to significant risk of wildland fires. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts related to wildland fires, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Future development facilitated by the 2035 GPU could result in impacts to water quality during construction due to erosion and chemical and fuel spills. In addition, operation of new development could result in altered drainage patterns and runoff and generate common pollutants such as sediment, oil and grease, pesticides, and trash that could create polluted runoff. However, as concluded in the 2015 EIR, compliance with NPDES permit requirements, the Coachella Municipal Code (CMC), and policies from the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element, Safety Element, Land Use and Community Character Element, and Infrastructure and Public Services Element of the 2035 GPU would reduce water pollutants from construction and operation of new development to the maximum extent practicable. Likewise, compliance with these policies and regulations would ensure that new development would not alter site drainage patterns such that there would be increased runoff or flooding. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts to water quality and waste discharge requirements, site drainage patterns, erosion and siltation, and runoff.
Future development facilitated by the 2035 GPU could result in increased impervious surfaces and reduced groundwater infiltration and recharge. However, the 2035 GPU contains policies in the Safety Element, such as Policy 2.9, Groundwater resources protection; and Infrastructure and Public Services Element Policy 2.19, which would promote groundwater recharge and reduce such impacts. In addition, future development would be required to comply with local and state regulations that require the inclusion of permeable surfaces to ensure stormwater retention and infiltration. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts to groundwater.
The City is not at risk of flooding from tsunamis or seiches because of its distance from the ocean or other large bodies of water and intervening topography, but portions of the City are within 100- and 500-year flood zones. The 2035 GPU Land Use Element permits a variety of uses in these areas, including but not limited to residential, mixed-use, open space, and commercial uses. Therefore, future development with these flood hazard areas has the potential to expose people or structures to flooding or impede/redirect flood flows. However, the 2035 GPU includes a range of policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment, Infrastructure and Public Services, and Safety Elements intended to reduce risks from flooding, including design review of storm drain and flood control facilities, restricted development within floodplains, and regularly updated hazards mapping. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that with compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to flooding, the 2035 GPU would not result in significant flooding-related risks.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses.
Any future development and redevelopment projects in the City would be subject to applicable water quality standards and waste discharge requirements. Furthermore, in compliance with federal, state, regional, and local requirements, contractors constructing new development or redevelopment projects would be required to implement Best Management Practices, which aim to control flooding, reduce erosion, and improve overall water quality. All future development projects would be required to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning the protection of water quality, runoff and stormwater control, flood risks, and groundwater infiltration, including the federal Clean Water Act and the CMC, as discussed in the 2015 EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts relative to stormwater and pollutants, reduction in groundwater supplies and quality, drainage patterns, downstream flooding and urban runoff, dam inundations, tsunamis and seiches, beyond what was identified in the 2015 EIR.
Impacts would remain less than significant.
Land Use and Planning
Implementation of the 2035 GPU would involve development within the existing City boundaries/limits.
New development or redevelopment would not physically divide any established communities in the Planning Area, rather, the GPU seeks to maintain and preserve the quality of Coachella’s existing neighborhoods. Thus, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would have less than significant impacts associated with physically dividing established communities. The 2015 EIR determined the 2035 GPU is in line with all existing plans besides the proposed Shadow View Specific Plan. However, the 2035 GPU includes a policy requiring a plan amendment to revise Shadow View to comply with 2035 GPU goals, policies, and land use designations to bring this specific plan into conformance with the General Plan prior to development. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 EIR would not conflict with applicable land use plans, policies, and regulations and impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide for standards that promote orderly growth and development in the City, while considering its natural environmental features and existing land uses. As the Zoning Code Update would align with the 2035 GPU, the proposed project would not conflict with an existing land use plan, policy or regulation, nor would it
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
physically divide an established community beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR for the 2035 GPU. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Mineral Resources
Impacts to mineral resources were discussed in Section 4.5, Geology and Soils, of the 2015 EIR. The state Mining and Geology Board has defined Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) based on the presence or absence of significant sand, gravel, and crushed rock resources. The majority of the City is identified as MRZ-1, which are areas with little likelihood for significant mineral deposits. However, there are some areas in subarea 17 that are classified as MRZ-2a, which are areas with significant mineral deposits. The MRZ-2 areas within the City are designated as open space and mining activity is a permitted use. Goal 8 and Policies 8.1 through 8.5 of the Sustainability and Natural Environment Element regarding mining operations and mineral resources would lessen impacts related to the availability of mineral resources.
Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the GPU. The Zoning Code Update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. The 2015 EIR noted that the 2035 GPU would not result in significant impacts. Similarly, the Zoning Code Update would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Noise
The 2035 GPU would result in new development that would generate construction noise and vibration, along with increased traffic and stationary noise sources. Additionally, new development in accordance with the 2035 GPU could result in new noise sensitive receptors in areas with existing and future noise levels that would exceed the applicable thresholds. As concluded in the 2015 EIR, implementation of the City’s existing noise regulations and standards, as well as goals and policies of the 2035 GPU, would reduce potential temporary noise and vibration impacts related to the construction of future land uses to less than significant levels. The 2015 EIR also determined that implementation of the 2035 GPU would not result in the siting of new sensitive land uses and receptors that would be exposed to significant traffic, railroad, or stationary sources of noise. Likewise, the 2015 EIR determined that development of new land uses in accordance with the 2035 GPU would not result in exposure of future residents and workers to airport noise levels in excess of the standards.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the 2035 GPU goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Therefore, as a regulatory document, the proposed project
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
would not generate substantial population growth or accommodate growth beyond what was envisioned under the 2035 GPU. As shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project. Therefore, the Zoning Code Update would not result in any new noise impacts beyond that was identified and analyzed in the 2015 EIR, nor would it increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2015 EIR.
Population and Housing
The 2035 GPU is intended to accommodate an increased projected population to 135,000 people by 2035. This projection is considered reasonably similar to the population projection developed by the Southern California Association of Governments, which envisions population increases to about 128,700 in 2035. Additionally, the City is already served by essential public services, and future roadway system improvements identified in the 2035 GPU are intended to accommodate future population growth.
Thus, infrastructure and roadway system improvements would not induce additional development that would increase population. Therefore, the 2015 Final EIR determined the 2035 GPU would not induce growth, directly or indirectly, beyond what was projected for the City.
The 2035 GPU would accommodate new housing opportunities in the City to accommodate future growth. The 2015 EIR does not identify any loss of housing opportunities because the 2035 GPU accommodates forecasted growth in the City through 2035. Since new housing would more than offset any temporarily displaced housing due to future land use development, the 2015 EIR determined no additional replacement housing would be necessary.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Accordingly, as shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project. Therefore, implementation of the project would not generate substantial housing or population growth beyond what was anticipated in the 2035 GPU and the 2015 EIR. Likewise, the proposed project would provide for appropriate zoning designations throughout the City and would ensure the City is able meet the housing needs identified in the 2035 GPU to accommodate anticipated population growth. Therefore, the project would not result in substantial displacement of housing or people beyond what was identified in the 2015 Final EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Public Services
Fire and Police Protection
The 2035 GPU would facilitate growth that would increase demand for fire and police protection services. However, future development in accordance with the 2035 GPU would be required to pay development impact fees to offset increased demands for fire and police services. In addition, the 2035 GPU Infrastructure and Public Services Element and Sustainability and Natural Environment Element contain policies to ensure adequate firefighting and police staff, infrastructure, and the provision of environmentally sustainable infrastructure and facilities. The 2035 GPU did not propose new fire or police facilities, and thus the 2015 EIR determined that impacts would be less than significant.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU anticipates growth, as discussed in the Population and Housing section, growth would be similar to forecasted projections, and thus applying zoning to align with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU would not cause substantial growth beyond what was expected, as shown in Table 2, and therefore not result in the need for new or physically altered fire or police facilities beyond what was already anticipated.
Therefore, the project would not result in an exceedance of impacts concerning the need for new or physically altered emergency service facilities than what was identified in the 2015 EIR.
Schools
To accommodate a future influx of students, local school districts have anticipated that construction of new schools would be required. However, future development in accordance with the 2035 GPU would be required to pay development impact fees to offset increased demands for schools. In addition, the 2035 GPU Infrastructure and Public Services Element and Land Use and Community Character Element contain policies to ensure schools and facilities can accommodate the City’s existing and future population, and the provisioning of environmentally sustainable school facilities. Although future expansion of existing schools or development of new schools may be required, no specific school facilities were proposed within the 2035 GPU, and thus project-specific impacts would be addressed when future facilities are proposed. The 2015 Final EIR determined 2035 GPU impacts to schools would be less than significant.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Although the 2015 EIR anticipates an influx of students with population growth through 2035, which may exceed the current capacity of school systems serving the City, Table 2 shows the proposed project would not contribute to a substantial additional influx of students beyond what was previously predicted since the overall land use changes are negligible. Therefore, the project would not result in an exceedance of impacts concerning the need for new or physically altered school facilities beyond what was anticipated within the 2015 EIR.
Libraries
The 2035 GPU anticipates growth, and subsequently an increased demand for library services. However, growth accommodated by the 2035 GPU would generate revenue for the library pursuant to the City’s Development Impact Fee ordinance in Section 4.45.060 (B) which requires developer fees for library facilities to be used for the land acquisition and construction costs of a public library facility as part of the Riverside County Library System, to serve the new residential development in the City Future development would be required to pay development impact fees that would be used to offset additional demand on libraries serving the City. In addition, the 2035 GPU Infrastructure and Public Services and Land Use and Community Character Elements provide policies intended to ensure the development of necessary public facilities and services for the City, which can aid the County in the planning of future
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
local libraries. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that impacts to libraries would be less than significant.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU would result in increased population and resulting demand for libraries, the proposed project would not contribute to a substantial additional influx of residents beyond what was previously predicted in the 2015 EIR. As shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project. Therefore, the project would not result in an exceedance of impacts concerning the need for new or physically altered libraries beyond what was determined in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Recreation
Growth accommodated by the 2035 GPU would result in increased demand for parks and recreational facilities. The 2035 GPU identifies a goal to expand parkland to cover 3.0 acres per 1,000 persons. The Planning Area is currently deficient in parkland by 62 acres. The 2035 GPU Land Use and Community Character, Community Health and Wellness, and Sustainability and Natural Environment Elements addresses potential environmental impacts by including policies that would require the provision of new parkland concurrently with new development, ensuring that goals to have 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 persons will be met. It would also increase parks and recreational amenities for residents to meet the demands associated with future population growth. Individual recreational and park projects identified in the 2035 GPU would be required to undergo project-level environmental review once project details are determined. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that growth accommodated by the 2035 GPU would not result in significant impacts to parks and recreational facilities.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU would result in increased population and resulting demand for parks and recreational amenities, the proposed project would not substantially contribute to any additional influx of residents beyond what was previously predicted in the 2015 EIR. As shown in Table 2, the 2035 GPU would increase the amount of land designated for open space from 1,586.08 acres (9% of total land) under current land use designations to 2,309.52 acres (13% of total land) under the proposed land use designations.
Additionally, as shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project. The 2035 GPU designates specific areas as Parks and Open Space, and by applying the corresponding zoning through the Zoning Code Update, the City would be furthering their goal of expanding parkland. Therefore, the project would not result in an exceedance of impacts related to parks and recreational facilities beyond what was determined in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Recreation
The potential for the 2035 GPU to result in the substantial physical deterioration of existing parks and recreational facilities or the need for the construction of new facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment is addressed in Section 4.15, Public Services, of the 2015 EIR and discussed above.
Pursuant to Section 15126.2 and Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project should consider potential impacts related to the increased use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. The CEQA analysis should also consider whether the project would include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implements the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development of new parks or other uses or population growth, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU.
Although the 2035 GPU would result in increased population and resulting demand for parks and recreational amenities, as shown in Table 2, there is negligible net change in land use and growth associated with the proposed project and the proposed project would therefore not contribute to a substantial additional influx of residents beyond what was previously predicted in the 2015 EIR.
Additionally, the 2035 GPU designates specific areas as Parks and Open Space, and by applying the corresponding zoning through the Zoning Code Update, the City would be furthering its goal of expanding parkland. As shown in Table 2, the 2035 GPU would increase the amount of land designated for open space from 1,586.08 acres (9% of total land) under current land use designations to 2,309.52 acres (13% of total land) under the proposed land use designations. Therefore, the project would not result in an exceedance of impacts related to parks and recreational facilities beyond what was determined in the 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Transportation/Traffic
The 2015 EIR determined that future traffic generated by the 2035 GPU would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to roadway congestion on several street and freeway segments. Impacts to local roadway segments which would be mitigated to a less than significant level through implementation of physical improvements associated with key intersections and the expansion of Avenue 50. Additional impact reduction is provided by policy language in the Land Use Element and Mobility Element oriented toward reducing vehicle usage, but the 2015 EIR determined that level of service (LOS) impacts to these segments would remain significant and unavoidable. It should be noted that, subject to Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) of 2013 and changes to the CEQA Guidelines adopted by the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) in 2018 in response to SB 743, a project’s impact on vehicle miles traveled (VMT), not LOS, is now the appropriate metric for analyzing a project’s transportation impacts under CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). The intended land use pattern of the 2035 GPU would promote mixed use development, which tends to reduce VMT by reducing solo car trips, consistent with the following strategy from SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS: “Encourage design and transportation options that reduce the reliance on and number of solo car trips (this could include mixed uses or locating and orienting close to existing destinations)” (SCAG 2020).
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
The 2015 EIR determined that policies contained in the 2035 GPU Mobility Element to promote alternate modes of transportation including active transportation and public transit would align with the Riverside County Transportation Commission Congestion Management Program but would not fully mitigate regional impacts. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in a significant impact due to conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. The 2015 EIR noted there are no feasible mitigation measures that would fully mitigate these impacts to regional roadways.
Public transportation improvements proposed by the 2035 GPU and future private development could potentially result in hazardous roadway conditions due to design features or incompatible uses or inefficient or inadequate emergency access. However, all proposed development would be subject to the City’s roadway engineering and Fire Code standards, which are meant to ensure adequately designed roads for safety and emergency access. Future development would also be required to comply with the land uses proposed in the 2035 GPU and the zoning code, which minimize incompatible uses within the City. The 2035 GPU Mobility Element includes policies that encourage traffic safety, which would further help avoid traffic hazards and inadequate emergency access from growth facilitated by the 2035 GPU. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would have less than significant impacts related to roadway hazards and emergency access.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. Additionally, as noted in Table 2, there would be negligible net land use change. The proposed project would therefore not generate substantial population growth or modify the existing transportation system beyond what was envisioned under the 2035 GPU. The 2015 EIR determined that since all future development in the City would have to comply with plans, policies, and programs related to alternate modes of transportation, traffic hazards, traffic safety, and emergency access, traffic impacts for these issues areas would be less than significant. Similarly, the proposed project would have less than significant impacts related to these issues because it would have to comply with the same plans, policies, and programs.
As a policy document that is consistent with the 2035 GPU, the proposed Zoning Code Update and minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map. The proposed Zoning Code Update would not increase transportation/traffic impacts beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR. The 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in a significant impact due to its potential to conflict with adopted regional transportation plans, and there are no feasible mitigation measures that would fully mitigate these impacts to regional roadways. The proposed Zoning Code Update would not increase this policy inconsistency impact but would also not reduce it to a less than significant level, and this impact would remain significant and unavoidable.
Utilities and Service Systems
Wastewater
The increased population of the City under the 2035 GPU is anticipated to result in an increased total demand for wastewater treatment services in the year 2035. The water reclamation facility serving the
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
City is anticipated to have adequate capacity to treat wastewater flows generated by growth expected under the 2035 GPU. In addition, the 2035 GPU Land Use and Community Character Element and Infrastructure and Public Services Element include overarching goals and policies supporting effective wastewater treatment facilities. Therefore, the 2015 EIR concluded that the 2035 GPU would have less than significant impacts related to wastewater.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU anticipates growth, as discussed in Population and Housing, growth would be similar to forecasted projections, and thus applying zoning to align with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU would not cause growth and associated wastewater generation beyond what was expected. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in impacts related to wastewater generation and treatment beyond what was already anticipated in the 2035 GPU and 2015 EIR. Impacts would remain less than significant.
Water System and Water Supply
The 2035 GPU would result in increased development and population growth in the City, which would create additional demand for potable water. However, the 2035 GPU contains a number of goals and policies in the Land Use and Community Character, Sustainability and Natural Environment, and Infrastructure and Public Services Elements to ensure a sustainable water supply and promote water conservation. In addition, the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan for the City’s water supplier indicates that adequate water supplies would be available to serve the City through the year 2035.
Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts related to the water system and water supply.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU anticipates growth, as discussed in Population and Housing, growth would be similar to forecasted projections, and thus applying zoning to align with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU would not cause population growth and associated water use beyond what was already anticipated in the 2035 GPU and 2015 EIR.
Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR and impacts would remain less than significant.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
Stormwater Drainage System
Future development consistent with the 2035 GPU would involve grading or alteration of existing site conditions that would affect site runoff. However, future development projects would be required to prepare grading and site drainage plans consistent with RWQCB requirements that require new development and redevelopment to control the rate and volume of storm water runoff through installation of storm water infrastructure such as retention structures, subsurface areas, and cisterns.
Furthermore, the 2035 GPU includes goals and policies in the Sustainability and Natural Environment and Infrastructure and Public Services Elements that support provisioning of adequate storm water facilities in the City. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that implementation of the 2035 GPU would result in less than significant impacts to the stormwater drainage system.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU anticipates changes to land use that could alter site drainage and increase flows to the stormwater drainage system, the proposed project would not cause increased development and associated stormwater generation beyond what was already anticipated in the 2035 GPU and 2015 EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR and impacts would remain less than significant.
Solid Waste
The 2035 GPU would result in increased development and population within the City, which would generate increased solid waste that could affect the capacity of landfills serving the City. The 2035 GPU Infrastructure and Public Services Element includes goals and policies that would support solid waste diversion from landfills and would promote recycling and reuse, aligning with statewide policies addressing solid waste such as AB 341. Future development would be required to comply with the provisions of the 2035 GPU to reduce solid waste generation. Furthermore, Riverside County area landfills serving the City are anticipated to have sufficient capacity to continue serving the City under 2035 GPU population and development conditions. Therefore, the 2015 EIR determined that the 2035 GPU would have a less than significant impact related to solid waste.
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the 2035 GPU goals and policies. The proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code update is a regulatory document that would supervise land development by enforcing the 2035 GPU’s goals and policies and making it easier for future development and redevelopment projects to conform to the land use patterns and development framework established by the 2035 GPU. Although the 2035 GPU anticipates growth, as discussed in Population and Housing, growth would be similar to forecasted projections, and thus applying zoning to align with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU would not cause population
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
growth and associated waste generation beyond what was already anticipated in the 2035 GPU and 2015 EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts related to solid waste, nor would it increase the severity of impacts that were identified in the 2015 EIR and impacts would remain less than significant.
Wildfire
The 2015 Final EIR does not discuss wildfire as a separate environmental impact area because the inclusion of this issue area was not yet required under CEQA at the time the document was prepared.
While the issue of wildfires was discussed as a potential hazard in the 2015 EIR (see the Hazards and Hazardous Materials section of this memorandum), a discussion of wildfire impacts is provided herein to supplement the 2015 Final EIR.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the City is located within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) and surrounded primarily by Federal Responsibility Areas (FRAs) (Cal Fire 2023). The City and its immediate surroundings are not within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity (VHFHS) zone. The City is located within the eastern end of Riverside County which is primarily desert, with far less population and vegetation compared to the western end of the county. The City is not prone to any major wildland fires due to the desert environment which does not support large amounts of vegetation (County of Riverside Emergency Management Department 2018).
The proposed project is a change to the City’s Zoning Code and a General Plan Amendment that would provide minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and to the General Plan Land Use 2035 Map, all of which implement the City’s updated General Plan goals and policies. As a regulatory document, the proposed project in itself would not directly result in development, but rather is meant to designate zoning to conform with land use patterns identified in the 2035 GPU. The Zoning Code Update would provide development standards for all future growth such that all new development and redevelopment occurs in an orderly fashion in compliance with applicable fire and life safety standards and code requirements, as well as standard design requirements in accordance with the California Building Code. The proposed project would involve updated regulations relative to the use and development of land uses in the City and minor modifications to the Land Use and Community Character Element and General Plan Land Use 2035 Map and therefore would not in itself substantially alter existing land use patterns, uses, or development standards in the City beyond what was analyzed under the 2015 EIR for the 2035 GPU. Therefore, the proposed project would not create any new significant impacts relative to wildfires.
Conclusion
As discussed in the Finding of Consistency section above, the proposed project is consistent with the City’s General Plan 2035 and its development is within the parameters considered in the 2015 EIR. In addition, as concluded under each analyzed environmental issue area, the proposed project would have no new significant environmental effects beyond those identified in the 2015 EIR. As such, additional environmental documentation is not required under CEQA.
Item 41.
Raimi and Associates
Coachella Valley Zoning Code Update
References
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection [Cal Fire]. 2023. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer. https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ (accessed April 2023).
County of Riverside Emergency Management Department. 2018. Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. https://www.rivcoemd.org/divisions-and-programs/mitigation/local-hazardmitigation-plan (accessed April 2023).
Coachella, City of. 2015. General Plan 2035. https://www.coachella.org/departments/general-plan2035#:~:text=On%20April%2022%2C%202015%2C%20the,Conference%20on%20May%207%2C %202015 (accessed April 2023).
______. 2015. General Plan 2035 Final Environmental Impact Report. https://cityofcoachellageneralplanupdate.weebly.com/final-eir.html (accessed April 2023).
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). September 2020. Connect SoCal, the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable . https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/fileattachments/0903fconnectsocal-plan_0.pdf?1606001176 (accessed April 2023).
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BERKELEY 1900 Addison St, Suite 200
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.666.1010
LOS ANGELES 448 South Hill St, Suite 512
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.599.7671
Memo
May 31, 2023
To: Gabriel Perez, City of Coachella
From: Simran Malhotra and Melissa Stark, Raimi Associates Subject: Summary of Recommended Changes to the Zoning Code and General Plan based on Public Input
The following memo summarizes recommended changes to the Coachella Public Draft Zoning Code and recommended amendments to the General Plan based on recent public feedback and staff-directed clean up items:
Public Utility Facilities (City-initiated)
• Add definition for Public Utility Facilities (City-initiated) in Chapter 17.06 Definitions. • Staff Recommendation: Allow as primary use in all zones.
Chapter 17.08 Zoning Districts Designated
• Add language regarding maintaining consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility (ALUC) Plan for the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.
Chapter 17.14 G-N General Neighborhood Zone - Setbacks
• Staff Recommendation: Reduce front setback requirements for multifamily housing types to 10 feet (from 15 feet) to better align with the Draft Objective Design Standards.
Chapter 17.15 U-N General Neighborhood Zone – Primary Uses (51-996 Tyler Street)
• Request: Allow day care uses, corporate office and regional cooking service in Urban Neighborhood (U-N) to allow for existing uses
• Staff Recommendation:
o Amend the code to allow commercial daycare facilities in Urban Neighborhood (U-N) zone.
o Allow existing single family uses to continue as permitted use.
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May 31, 2023 2 Coachella Zoning Consistency
Chapter 17.15 U-E Urban Employment Zone – Primary Uses
• Request: Allow day care uses, corporate office and regional cooking service in Urban Employment (U-E) to allow for existing uses.
• Staff Recommendation:
o Amend the code to allow commercial daycare facilities in Urban Employment (UE) zone. o Add language regarding consistency with the ALUC Plan for Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.
85-220 Avenue 50
• Request: Allow legacy multi-tenant uses on the property as a right of use instead of making these uses non-conforming. Current uses on this property include a variety of manufacturing service-related uses.
• Also, request that the M-S zone allow towing/impound as a permitted use. • Staff Recommendation: Add following language to 17.16.020.C. Conditional Uses for Urban Employment zone:
• 5. Light Industrial uses as permitted in the M-S (Manufacturing Service) Zone, and as stand-alone uses operating indoors. Such uses in existence and permitted at the time of adoption of this code amendment shall be permitted to continue as a permitted use without obtaining a conditional use permit.
• No recommendation re. towing/impound.
Chapter 17.24 Neighborhood Commercial Zone – Primary Uses • Staff Recommendation:
o Allow existing single family uses to continue as permitted use.
Chapter 17.30 M-S Manufacturing Service Zone
• Request: Do not limit RV Storage Uses to 15% of the zone. Instead allow staff to decide appropriate locations where these should be allowed.
• Options for Planning Commission to consider:
◦ Maintain current requirement.
◦ Make it more restrictive – reduce to 10%. (Economic Development Subcommittee is considering making this requirement more restrictive for RV storage and ministorage.) ◦ Another option is to limit these uses on parcels that do not front on the major arterials.
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May 31, 2023 3 Coachella Zoning Consistency
Chapter 17.32 M-H Heavy Industrial Zone
• Staff Recommendation:
o Add language regarding consistency with the ALUC Plan for Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.
Chapter 17.60 Development Standards
• Staff Recommendation:
o Clean up language re. lot widths.
MAP CHANGES
Fountainhead Plaza
• Request: Allow auto-oriented uses in this part of the Downtown center (GPLU) and DTPV zone. • Staff Recommendations: Change the GPLU and Zoning to Urban Employment to better reflect current and proposed uses in this area.
◦ Current GPLU – Downtown Center
◦ Recommended GPLU – Urban Employment
◦ Draft Zone – Downtown (DT-PV)
◦ Recommended Zone – Urban Employment (U-E)
General Plan Land Use Draft Zoning
50 th
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May 31, 2023 4 Coachella Zoning Consistency
Tyler Street/54th Avenue
• Staff Recommendations: Recommend clean up change related to General Plan consistency.
o Draft Zone – Heavy Industrial
o General Plan – Urban Employment
o Recommended Zone – Urban Employment
General Plan Land Use Draft Zoning
‘
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May 31, 2023 5 Coachella Zoning Consistency
Van Buren and 49th Avenue
• Staff Recommendations: Recommend clean up change related to General Plan consistency.
o Draft Zone – General Neighborhood
o General Plan – split General Neighborhood and Neighborhood Center o Recommendation - split General Neighborhood and Neighborhood Center General Plan Land Use Draft Zoning
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Exhibit B: General Plan Land Use Map/ Proposed Zoning Map / APN Maps 1 Exis%ng “2015 General Plan” Land Use Map
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Exhibit B: General Plan Land Use Map/ Proposed Zoning Map / APN Maps 2 Exis%ng “2015 General Plan” Land Use Map (Close-Up)
(GP Designa%ons involving 5 Parcels)
Ave 49
Van Buren Blvd
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Exhibit B: General Plan Land Use Map/ Proposed Zoning Map / APN Maps 3 Proposed “New” Zoning Map
(APN 612-250-007 LeH as G-N)
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Exhibit B: General Plan Land Use Map/ Proposed Zoning Map / APN Maps 4 APN Map
(Request to leave APN 612-250-008,-010,-011, and -012 as G-N) Proper&es In
Ques&on
Ave 49
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Riverside County
Polk
50th Ave.
Tyler
Fillmore
Buchanan
Lincoln
Johnson
54th Ave.
52nd Ave.
42nd Ave.
Pierce
60th Ave.
48th Ave.
Airport
Harrison
46th Ave.
58th Ave.
Monroe
Jackson
10 86S
86 111
Source: City of Coachella and
Riverside County
Date: March 2023
0 1 2 3
Miles
City of Coachella
General Plan Update 2035
Legend
City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
General Plan Planning Area
Tribal Land
GP Map Cleanup From
Previously Adopted GPA
General Plan Amendment
General Plan Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation
Agricultural Rancho
Rural Rancho
Suburban Neighborhood
General Neighborhood
Urban Neighborhood
Downtown Transition
Downtown Center
Neighborhood Center
Suburban Retail District
Regional Retail District
Resort District
Open Space
Public Facilities
School
Urban Employment
Industrial District
Brandenburg Butters Specific Plan
Coachella Vineyards Specific Plan
Eagle Falls Specific Plan
La Entrada Specific Plan
Philips Ranch Specific Plan
Vista del Agua Specific Plan
44th Ave.
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Coachella Zoning Consistency | 39
Permitted Zoning
Districts with CUP
• Heavy Industrial Zone
◦ 1,169 Acres
• Manufacturing Service Zone
◦ 304 Acres
• Wrecking Yard Zone
◦ 108 Acres
• Total Permitted Areas
◦ 1,581 acres
• 15% of Area is 237 Acres
• Complete or Proposed
◦ 62 Acres or 26% of Area
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