Coachella City Council
January 28, 2026

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

The MND lacks a complete assessment of biological resources associated with burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) within the Project site and surrounding area. A complete and accurate assessment of the environmental setting and Project-related impacts to biological resources is needed to both identify appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures and demonstrate that these measures reduce Project impacts to less than significant.

Response 2:

The comment is noted. The comment is overbroad and non-specific. Individual responses to burrowing owl and western yellow bat concerns are provided below.

Comment 3:

Mitigation Measures
CEQA requires that an MND include mitigation measures to avoid or reduce significant impacts.

CDFW is concerned that the mitigation measures proposed in the MND are not adequate to avoid or reduce impacts to biological resources to below a level of significance. To support the City in ensuring that Project impacts to biological resources are reduced to less than significant, CDFW recommends adding mitigation measures for surveys for bats, avoidance of bats during tree removal, artificial nighttime lighting, and compliance with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP), as well as revising the mitigation measures for nesting birds and burrowing owls.
1) Nesting Birds
It is the Project proponent’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws related to nesting birds and birds of prey. Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 afford protective measures as follows: section 3503 states that it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation made pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Codeor any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.).

With regard to the CVMSHCP, per its associated Implementing Agreement (IA) and Permits from CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Wildlife Agencies), Take associated with Covered Activities will not be in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and will be consistent with Fish and Game Code sections 3503 and 3503.5; therefore, all Covered Activities within and outside Conservation Areas must undertake measures to avoid the take of individuals, nests, and eggs of nesting birds. The CVMSHCP includes a general conservation measure that applies to all bird species to avoid impacts to habitat for nesting birds during the nesting season (CVMSHCP Section 9.7). Per IA Section 13.2, the City is obligated to ensure the projects to which it confers Take Authorization under the CVMSHCP comply with all terms and

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

requirements of the CVMSHCP, the Wildlife Agencies’ Permits that create the CVMSHCP, and the IA, including compliance with laws that protect nesting birds..

Project site could potentially be used by both resident and migratory nesting birds.” CDFW adds that the Project site contains suitable habitat for both ground-nesting birds and birds that nest in shrubs and trees.

The MND includes Mitigation Measure BIO-1 for nesting birds, which indicates that the “bird nesting season for resident birds in Southern California occurs between February 1 and August

31. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, all vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, and construction activity should be scheduled between September 1 and January 31 if possible. If construction occurs during the nesting season, a certified avian biologist must conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey (NBS) immediately prior to scheduled construction activity.” CDFW considers the mitigation measure for nesting birds in the MND to be inadequate in scope and timing to avoid or reduce impacts to nesting birds to a level less than significant. In alignment with the CVMSHCP’s general conservation measure for nesting birds (CVMSHCP Section 9.7), CDFW recommends Project construction activities are conducted outside of the peak nesting bird season. CDFW also recommends the completion of nesting bird surveys regardless of the time of year to ensure that impacts to nesting birds and their nests and eggs are avoided. The timing of the nesting season varies greatly depending on several factors, such as bird species, weather conditions in any given year, and long-term climate changes (e.g., drought, warming, etc.). In response to warming, birds have been reported to breed earlier, thereby reducing temperatures that nests are exposed to during breeding and tracking shifts in availability of resources (Socolar et al., 20172). CDFW staff have observed that climate change conditions may result in the nesting bird season occurring earlier and later in the year than historical nesting season dates. CDFW recommends that disturbance of occupied nests of migratory birds and raptors within the Project site and surrounding area be avoided any time birds are nesting onsite. CDFW therefore recommends the completion of nesting bird surveys regardless of the time of year to ensure compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to nesting and migratory birds.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to nesting birds to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends Mitigation Measure BIO-1 is revised as follows, with additions in bold and removals in strikethrough:

Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Birds
To the greatest extent feasible, the Project will avoid construction activities during the peak nesting season (January 15 through September 15). Regardless of the time of year, nesting bird surveys shall be performed by a qualified avian biologist no more than 3 days prior to vegetation removal or ground-disturbing activities. Pre-construction surveys shall focus on both direct and indirect evidence of nesting, including nest locations and nesting behavior. The qualified avian biologist will make every effort to avoid potential nest predation as a result of survey and monitoring efforts. If active nests are found during the pre-construction nesting bird surveys, a qualified biologist shall establish an appropriate nest buffer to be marked on the ground. Nest buffers are species specific and shall be at least 300 feet for passerines and 500 feet for raptors. A smaller or larger buffer may be determined by the qualified biologist familiar with the nesting

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

phenology of the nesting species and based on nest and buffer monitoring results.

Construction activities may not occur inside the established buffers, which shall remain on-site until a qualified biologist determines the young have fledged or the nest is no longer active. Active nests and adequacy of the established buffer distance shall be monitored daily by the qualified biologist until the qualified biologist has determined the young have fledged or the Project has been completed. The qualified biologist has the authority to stop work if nesting pairs exhibit signs of disturbance. Bird nesting season for resident birds in Southern California occurs between February 1 and August 31. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, all vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, and construction activity should be scheduled between September 1 and January 31 if possible. If construction occurs during the nesting season, a certified avian biologist must conduct a pre- construction nesting bird survey (NBS) immediately prior to scheduled construction activity. If active nests are identified, the biologist will demarcate a no-work buffer zone(s) around the active nest(s) and check the nest site(s) weekly until the young birds fledge and the nest(s) become inactive. The buffer zone size would be based on the nesting species, its sensitivity to disturbance, nesting stage and the expected intensity and duration of disturbance. No ground or vegetation disturbance shall occur within the nest site buffer zone(s) until the qualified biologist determines that the young have successfully fledged, and the nest is inactive. Per CDFW recommendations, a buffer of 500 feet shall be set for listed species and birds of prey, and a buffer of 100 to 300 feet shall be set for unlisted songbirds.

Pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines, section 15097(f), CDFW has prepared a draft mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP) in Attachment 1 for revised MM BIO-1 and MM BIO2, as well as CDFW-recommended MM BIO-[A], MM BIO-[B], MM BIO-[C], and MM BIO-[D].

Response 3:

The comment is noted. However, the commenter appears to imply that birds may nest on the site outside of the established nesting period, outside of that recommended through MBTA. The City’s responsibility is to assure that nesting birds are not disturbed, and that construction be avoided until the young have fledged. It is important to note that MBTA covered species include almost all bird species that could nest on the site, and that since a pre-construction survey will be required, all birds nesting on the site will be identified, regardless of MBTA status. The Initial Study mitigates impacts to nesting bird species to less than significant levels as written. The mitigation measure and the Initial Study correctly protect nesting birds, and do not require amendment.

Comment 4:
2) Burrowing Owl
On October 10, 2024, the Fish and Game Commission determined that western burrowing owl warrants protection as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.). During the candidacy period, western burrowing owl will be afforded the same protection as threatened and endangered species under CESA. If Project activities, including relocation, could result in take, appropriate CESA authorization (i.e., Incidental Take Permit under Fish and Game Code section 2081) should be obtained prior to commencement of Project activities.

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

Take of individual burrowing owls and their nests or eggs is defined by Fish and Game Code section 86, and prohibited by sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513. Take is defined in Fish and Game Code section 86 as “hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill.” Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 afford protective measures as follows: section 3503 states that it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation made pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.).

With regard to the CVMSHCP, the CDFW Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) Permit #2835-2008-001-06 does not provide Take Authorization for burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs. To the contrary, section 3.5.6 of the NCCP Permit states burrowing owl “pairs or individuals will not be Taken” and reiterates that the “HCP/NCCP does not authorize Take of [burrowing owl] nests [or] eggs[.]” Therefore, throughout the CVMSHCP area—both within and without Conservation Areas—Permittees must ensure that activities occurring within their jurisdictions do not result in the take, possession, or destruction of burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs.

Any activity occurring within the CVMSHCP area that results in the take of burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs would be unlawful and would not be a Covered Activity under the CVMSHCP. Per IA Section 13.2, the City is obligated to ensure the projects to which it confers Take Authorization under the CVMSHCP comply with all terms and requirements of the CVMSHCP, the Wildlife Agencies’ Permits that created the CVMSHCP, and the IA, including compliance with laws that protect burrowing owls.

during the site survey, however, suitable habitat and burrows suitable for burrowing owls were observed on the Project site. Burrowing owls could potentially relocate to the Project site between the time of the site survey and the start of construction due to their attraction to open dry areas and agricultural sites.” CDFW agrees that the Project site contains suitable nesting and foraging habitat for burrowing owl. The MND and its supporting documents lack information on whether focused surveys for burrowing owl were conducted and the methods used to conduct any surveys for burrowing owl. Because the MND lacks the findings of recent focused surveys for burrowing owl following the guidelines in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, 3 the
number and locations of suitable and occupied burrows within the Project site are unknown.

Given the lack of results from focused surveys for burrowing owl following recommended protocols and the lack of survey reports, CDFW is limited in its ability to provide biological expertise to support the City in reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant.

CDFW recommends that the MND is revised to include the results of four focused surveys for burrowing owl within the entire Project site and surrounding area, including survey reports, 4 following the guidelines outlined in Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation and to incorporate appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for burrowing owl. Focused surveys are needed to inform appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

measures and support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant. CDFW requests that if burrowing owls are detected during focused surveys, survey results are submitted to the Wildlife Agencies, and the City initiate consultation with the Wildlife Agencies to identify a path forward regarding the protection of burrowing owls.

The MND includes Mitigation Measure BIO-2, which indicates that “to ensure that no burrowing owls have moved to the Project site since the biological site survey was conducted.” In addition to pre-construction surveys, CDFW recommends that focused burrowing owl surveys are first conducted and the results submitted to Wildlife Agencies. This provides time for the City and Project proponent to start coordination with the Wildlife Agencies early to identify appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures and reduce the chance of Project delays.

Without details on focused surveys and appropriate information sharing and coordination with the Wildlife Agencies, CDFW considers Mitigation Measure BIO-2 to be inadequate in scope and timing to avoid or reduce impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends that Mitigation Measure BIO-2 is revised with the following additions in bold and removals in strikethrough:

Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Burrowing Owl Focused and Pre-Construction Surveys Suitable burrowing owl habitat has been confirmed on the site; therefore, focused burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist prior to any Project activities, including vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities. CDFW strongly recommends that focused surveys are conducted in accordance with the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or most recent version)5. If burrowing owls are detected during the focused surveys, the qualified biologist and Project proponent shall begin coordination with CDFW and USFWS immediately, and shall submit the results of focused surveys to CDFW and USFWS as soon results become available and before commencement of any Project activities, including any vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities. CDFW recommends that the information included in the survey results be consistent with Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, including a detailed map showing locations of all burrowing owls, burrowing owl sign, potential burrows, and occupied burrows (occupied means at least one burrowing owl or its sign has been observed within the last three years; may be indicated by owl sign including feathers, pellets, prey remains, eggshell fragments, or excrement at or near a burrow entrance or perch site); a description of the behavior of burrowing owls during surveys; a description of survey methods; and other items listed in Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation under “Survey Reports.” Consultation with CDFW and USFWS must be completed prior to commencement of any Project activities, including vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities. If impacts to occupied burrowing owl habitat or burrow(s) or burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs cannot be avoided, appropriate NCCP (Fish and Game Code section 2835) or CESA authorization (i.e., Incidental Take Permit under Fish and Game Code section 2081(b)) should be obtained from CDFW prior to commencement of Project activities, including vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities.

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

Preconstruction burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted no less than 14 days prior to the start of Project-related activities and within 24 hours prior to ground disturbance, in accordance with the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or most recent version). Preconstruction surveys should be repeated when there is a pause in construction of more than 30 days. Preconstruction surveys shall be performed by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist following the recommendations and guidelines provided in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. If the preconstruction surveys confirm occupied burrowing owl habitat, Project activities shall be immediately halted and the qualified biologist shall coordinate with CDFW and USFWS. Project activities shall not recommence until consultation with CDFW and USFWS is completed. To ensure that no burrowing owls have moved to the Project site since the biological site survey was conducted, avoidance surveys of the Project site must be conducted immediately preceding development, in compliance with the CDFW Staff Report for Burrowing Owl (2012) protocols.

The first survey should occur 14-30 days prior to initiating ground disturbance activities, and the second survey should take place withing 24 hours of ground disturbance. Should burrowing owls be detected, CDFW shall be contacted as soon as possible to determine the next course of action. CDFW must grant permission to relocate burrowing owls.

Response 4:

First, it is noted that the Commission found, in October 2024, that burrowing owl should be considered a candidate for listing. The species has not been listed by the Commission. Further, the biological resource study and the Initial Study correctly identify that no owls or their sign were found on the site, and that habitat is poor, but that the species could utilize existing mammal burrows on the site. Based on the poor habitat and the complete lack of sign, the qualified biologist did not recommend breeding season surveys, nor are they warranted. The Initial Study correctly requires pre-construction surveys “in compliance with the CDFW Staff Report for Burrowing Owl (2012) protocols.” These protocols provide detailed performance standards for how the surveys are to be undertaken, and how the biologist is to work with CDFW if the species is identified on-site. The mitigation measure correctly assures that impacts to burrowing owl will remain less than significant, and no change in the Initial Study is required.

Comment 5:
3) Bats

date palms remain scattered throughout 75% of the parcel while the northeast corner of the parcel is graded and barren.” Regarding the probability for western yellow bat to occur on the Project site, page 39 of the MND indicates the following: “Nesting: Absent. Roosting habitat lacking.” The MND and its supporting documents lack additional information on the presence or avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures for western yellow bat. CDFW disagrees with the conclusion that no suitable roosting habitat for western yellow bat is located within or adjacent to the Project site. CDFW notes that palm trees are the preferred roost site of western yellow bats, which roost in the attached dead leaf fronds, or “skirts,” of both native and nonnative palm trees. Street View imagery using Google Earth and photos included in the Biological Assessment show that some of the date palms within the Project site contain relatively full

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

“skirts,” habitat that is suitable for western yellow bat (and other bat species). CDFW considers the Project site to contain suitable roosting habitat for western yellow bat. Without appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, such as surveys to assess presence and appropriate methods to remove fan palms, CDFW considers the MND to be inadequate in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bat to a level less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bat to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends that the City add the following mitigation measures to a revised MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[A]: Surveys for Daytime, Nighttime, Wintering (Hibernacula), and Maternity Roosting Sites for Western Yellow Bat
Prior to commencing Project activities, a CDFW-approved qualified bat biologist shall perform bat habitat/roosting surveys to determine presence of daytime, nighttime, wintering (hibernacula), and maternity roost sites. Surveys shall be conducted during favorable weather conditions only. Each survey shall consist of one dusk emergence survey (start one hour before sunset and last for three hours), followed by one pre-dawn re-entry survey (start one hour before sunrise and last for two hours), and one daytime visual inspection of all potential roosting habitat on the Project site. Surveys shall be conducted within one 24-hour period. Visual inspections shall focus on the identification of bat sign (i.e., individuals, guano, urine staining, corpses, feeding remains, scratch marks and bats squeaking and chattering). Bat detectors, bat call analysis, and visual observation shall be used during all dusk emergence and pre-dawn re-entry surveys. If active maternity roosts are identified in the work area or 500 feet extending from the work area, Project construction will only occur between October 1 and February 28, outside of the maternity roosting season when young bats are present but are not yet ready to fly out of the roost. Maternity roosts shall not be evicted, excluded, removed, or disturbed.

If active hibernacula are identified in the work area or 500 feet extending from the work area, a minimum 500-foot no-work buffer shall be provided around hibernacula. Buffers shall be left in place until the end of Project construction and activities or until a qualified bat biologist determines that the hibernacula are no longer active. Project-related construction and activities shall not occur between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. Hibernacula roosts shall not be evicted, excluded, removed, or disturbed.

The Project proposes removal of the date palms within the Project site. The removal of palm trees that contain roosting habitat for bats can subject bats to impacts ranging from permanent loss of day roosts, including maternity roosts, to direct mortality if avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures are not implemented. To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bats to less than significant, CDFW also recommends that the following mitigation measure is added to a revised MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[B]: Avoidance of Bats during Tree Removal Tree removal work with the potential to house roosting bats shall be performed between September 15 and October 31 to minimize direct impacts to roosting bats. This time period is after young are volant (flying) but before expected onset of torpor (wintering

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

inactivity). Tree removal work may also be conducted between February 15 and March 31, following winter torpor and prior to the start of the maternity season. No tree removals shall occur during the hibernation season, which typically begins in November or December (depending on weather conditions) and continues through mid-February, due to the high potential for mortality of hibernating bats. Depending on weather conditions and the best professional judgement of a qualified bat biologist approved by CDFW, tree removal work may be performed in November if the forecasted nighttime low temperatures on the evening of removal and the subsequent four evenings do not drop below 45˚F. In November, if weather is cold (i.e., forecasted nighttime low temperatures reach 45˚F or less for that evening and the next four evenings), then no tree removals shall be performed. All palm removals shall require a two-step removal process and the involvement of a CDFW-approved qualified bat biologist to ensure that no roosting bats are killed during this activity. The following two-step tree removal process shall be implemented over two consecutive days: on Day 1, live palm fronds located above the frond skirt, and as identified by a qualified bat biologist, will be removed. On Day 2, the remainder of the tree may be removed without supervision by a qualified bat biologist.

Response 5:

See Response B.4., above. The commenter’s review of aerial photos from 2022, as identified in GoogleEarth imagery, is not representative of current conditions, nor does it supplant a site visit by a qualified biologist, as was conducted for the Initial Study. No change to the Initial Study is required.

Comment 6:
4) Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Local Development Mitigation Fee
The Project is located within the CVMSHCP Plan Boundary and outside of a Conservation Area and contains habitat for Covered Species and/or conserved natural communities. Per CVMSHCP Section 5.2.1.1 and IA Sections 12.2.1 and 13.2, the City is obligated to impose a local development mitigation fee for new development within the Plan Area that impacts vacant land containing Habitat for Covered Species and/or conserved natural communities, including small vacant lots within urban areas that contain natural open space, and to transmit collected fees to CVCC at least quarterly and prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. Page 40 of the MND states that the “City of Coachella is a signatory to the CVMSHCP and therefore the Project is required to pay a Development Mitigation Fee.” To accurately document the City’s obligation to impose and transmit a Local Development Mitigation Fee for the Project, CDFW recommends the City add the following mitigation measure to a revised MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[C]: CVMSHCP Compliance
Prior to construction and issuance of any grading permit, the City shall ensure compliance with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) and its associated Implementing Agreement and shall ensure the collection of payment of the CVMSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fee and transfer of revenues to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission.

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

Response 6:

As stated in the Initial Study, page 40, the Project is required to pay the CVMSHCP fee. Standard requirements do not require mitigation under CEQA, and no change to the Initial Study is therefore required.

Comment 7:
5) Artificial Nighttime Lighting

nighttime light from security lighting, landscape and pathway lighting, street lighting, and interior home lighting seen from windows. Daytime glare may also be expected from windows. However, the Project’s sources of lighting and glare would be consistent with and not exceed light and glare emissions from existing nearby development. The Project would adhere to the City’s lighting requirements and would not produce light and glare upward into the sky.” The MND lacks an analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of artificial nighttime lighting, including impacts associated with long-term operations, on biological resources including migratory birds that fly at night, burrowing owls, bats, and other nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife. The Project is located adjacent to vacant, sparsely vegetated areas to the west and east of the Project site— areas that provide suitable nesting, roosting, foraging, and refugia habitat for birds, migratory birds that fly at night, burrowing owls, bats, and other nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife. The Project’s proposed artificial nighttime lighting has the potential to significantly and adversely affect wildlife in these vacant areas adjacent to the Project site. Artificial lighting alters ecological processes including, but not limited to, the temporal niches of species; the repair and recovery of physiological function; the measurement of time through interference with the detection of circadian and lunar and seasonal cycles; the detection of resources and natural enemies; and navigation.
6 Many species use photoperiod cues for communication (e.g., bird song7), determining when to begin foraging,
8 behavioral thermoregulation,9 and migration.10 Phototaxis, a phenomenon that results in attraction and movement towards light, can disorient, entrap, and temporarily blind wildlife species that experience it.10 CDFW recommends that the MND is revised to include an analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of artificial nighttime lighting associated with the Project’s long-term operations on biological resources, and appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures that will avoid or reduce impacts to less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating for the Project’s direct and indirect impacts of artificial nighttime lighting on biological resources, CDFW recommends that the City include in a revised MND the following mitigation measure:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[D]: Artificial Nighttime Lightin Throughout construction and the lifetime operations of the Project, the City shall eliminate all nonessential lighting throughout the Project area and avoid or limit the use of artificial light at night during the hours of dawn and dusk when many wildlife species are most active. The City shall ensure that all lighting for the Project is fully shielded, cast downward and directed away from surrounding open-space and agricultural areas,

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

reduced in intensity to the greatest extent possible, and does not result in lighting trespass including glare into surrounding areas or upward into the night sky (see the International Dark-Sky Association standards at http://darksky.org/). The City shall ensure use of LED lighting with a correlated color temperature of 3,000 Kelvins or less, proper disposal of hazardous waste, and recycling of lighting that contains toxic compounds with a qualified recycler.

Response 7:

The commenter’s opinion is noted, but provides no substantial evidence that the Project will result in substantial lighting, or that the lighting proposed for the Project will impact biological resources. The site is surrounded by development, and is required to comply with the City’s ordinances which strictly limit lighting. The City’s construction hour restrictions make it unlikely that construction will occur at night. There is no evidence that lighting on the property would be significant, and no change to the Initial Study is required.

Comment 8:
6) Landscaping

xeriscaped with drought-tolerant plants while the park would contain grass and native, droughttolerant trees and bushes.” The MND lacks additional information on landscaping plans. CDFW recommends that the MND include recommendations regarding landscaping from Section 4.0 of the CVMSHCP “Table 4-112: Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping” (pp. 4-180 to 4-182; https://cvmshcp.org/plan-documents/). CDFW also recommends incorporation of water-wise concepts in any Project landscape design plans. In particular, CDFW recommends xeriscaping with locally native California species and installing water-efficient and targeted irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation). Native plants support butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, bees, and other pollinators that evolved with those plants.

More information on native plants suitable for the Project location and nearby nurseries is available at Calscape: https://calscape.org/. Local water agencies/cities and resource conservation cities in your area may be able to provide information on plant nurseries that carry locally native species, and some facilities display drought-tolerant locally native species demonstration gardens. Information on drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient irrigation systems is available on California’s Save our Water website:
https://saveourwater.com/.

Response 8:

The comment is noted. The Project is required to comply with both the City’s water efficient landscaping standards and CVWD’s water conservation requirements in landscaping, which include water budgeting for landscaped areas. The Project will therefore be regulated to assure low water use in landscaping, as clearly stated in the Initial Study.

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Response to Comments

Comment 9:

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e).) Accordingly, please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). The CNNDB field survey form can be filled out and submitted online at the following link:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-andAnimals.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of environmental document filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the environmental document filing fee is required in order for the underlying Project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G.

Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089.)

CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the MND to assist City in identifying and mitigating Project impacts to biological resources. CDFW concludes that the MND does not adequately identify or mitigate the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, impacts to biological resources. CDFW recommends that revised and additional mitigation measures and analysis as described in this letter be added to a revised MND.

CDFW personnel are available for consultation regarding biological resources and strategies to avoid and minimize impacts. Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Jacob Skaggs, Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist, at [email protected].

Response 9:

The City will continue to assure that biologists report their findings when studies are prepared, and that CDFW fees are paid when necessary.

The commenter’s opinions are noted, but as described above, the City has prepared an Initial Study which complies with CEQA and which will mitigate the impacts of the Project to less than significant levels. No changes to the document are necessary.

Item 33.

Bel Air Greens General Plan Amendment
Response to Comments
App. A

APPENDIX A
Comment Letters

Item 33.
dtsc.ca.gov
SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
November 21, 2025
Adrian Moreno
Associate Planner
City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]
RE: MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE CALHOUN STREET HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2025, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER 2025110786
Dear Adrian Moreno,
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Calhoun Street Housing Development (Project). The proposed Project is a Tentative Tract Map, Environmental Assessment, Conditional Use Permit and Planned Unit Development for a single­family residential project. The Project is located on the southwest corner of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49 in the City of Coachella, California. The site encompasses 39.98 acres and is identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 612­260­010. The applicant proposes to subdivide the Project site for a future build out of a private, gated residential community containing 257 singlefamily homes and a public park with a total area of 3.53 acres. DTSC recommends and requests consideration of the following comments:

1. When agricultural crops and/or land uses are proposed or rezoned for residential use, several contaminants of concern (COCs) can be present. The Lead Agency shall identify the amounts of Pesticides and Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) historically used on the property. If present, OCPs requiring further analysis are

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Adrian Moreno
November 21, 2025

dichloro­diphenyl­trichloroethane, toxaphene, and dieldrin. Additionally, any level of arsenic present would require further analysis and sampling and must meet approved local area baselines or thresholds. If they do not, remedial action must take place to mitigate them below those thresholds. Additional COCs may be found in mixing/loading/storage areas, drainage ditches, farmhouses, or any other outbuildings and should be sampled and analyzed. If smudge pots had been routinely utilized, additional sampling for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and/or Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons may be required. These recommendations should be adhered to and become part of the environmental document. Please refer to the DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office (HERO) webpage for the most recent guidance and screening levels.

2. DTSC recommends all imported soil/fill material be tested to ensure all COCs meet screening levels as outlined in DTSC's Preliminary Endangerment Assessment Guidance Manual. Furthermore, DTSC advises referencing the DTSC Information Advisory Clean Imported Fill Material Fact Sheet if importing fill is necessary. To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminated soil/fill material there should be documentation of the origins of the soil/fill material and, if applicable, sampling be conducted to ensure that the imported soil/fill material are suitable for the intended land use. The soil sampling should include analysis based on the source of the soil/fill and knowledge of prior land use.

3. The City of Coachella should consider soil testing as mentioned in comment #1.

If, in the event any COC results are above DTSC residential screening levels, DTSC recommends the City of Coachella address the contaminations within the Project area through an Environmental Site Assessment and/or receive oversight from a self­certified local agency, DTSC or Regional Water Quality Control Board. If entering into one of DTSC’s voluntary agreements, please note that DTSC uses a single standard Request for Lead Agency Oversight Application for all agreement types. Please apply for DTSC oversight using this link: Request for Agency Oversight Application. Submittal of the online application includes an agreement to pay costs incurred during agreement preparation. If you have any

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Adrian Moreno
November 21, 2025

questions about the application portal, please contact the relevant Regional Brownfield Coordinator for your Project.

DTSC would like to thank you for the opportunity to comment on the MND for the Calhoun Street Housing Development. Thank you for your assistance in protecting California’s people and environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. If you have any questions or would like clarification on DTSC’s comments, please respond to this letter or via our CEQA Review email for additional guidance.

Sincerely,
Dave Kereazis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP­Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]

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Adrian Moreno
November 21, 2025

cc: (via email)
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
State Clearinghouse
[email protected]
Rod Vandenburg
Project Applicant
Pacific Modern Builders Inc.
[email protected]
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consultant
Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc.
[email protected]
Tamara Purvis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP ­ Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Scott Wiley
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
HWMP ­ Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]

Item 33.

In Reply Refer to:
2026-0019760 -CEQA-TA-ERIV
December 4, 2025
Sent Electronically
Adrian Moreno
Associate Planner
City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, California 92236
Subject: Notice of Availability of a Draft Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Calhoun Street Housing Development Project, City of Coachella, Riverside County, California
Dear Adrian Moreno:

This letter is in response to the notice of availability dated November 18, 2025, soliciting comments on the draft Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) for the Calhoun Street Housing Development Project (Project), located in the City of Coachella, Riverside County, California. The proposed Project site is located on the southwest corner of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49 in the City of Coachella (City) and is bounded along the west perimeter by lands within the City of Indio, California.

We offer the following comments on the ISMND as they relate to potential impacts on public trust resources. The primary concern and mandate of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service has legal responsibility for the welfare of migratory birds, anadromous fish, and threatened or endangered animals and plants listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

The comments provided herein are based on the information provided in the ISMND and our knowledge of sensitive and declining fish and wildlife resources.

The Project site is within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) Area, and the City is a Local Permittee to the CVMSHCP. The Project applicant proposes to subdivide the 39.98 acres (ac) Project site for a future build of a private, gated residential community containing 257 single-family homes and a 3.53-ac public park, with 3.13-ac for recreational open space and 0.40 ac for a landscaped retention basin. The proposed Project also includes right-of-way allowances for future road improvements along Avenue 49 and Calhoun Street. The Project site is surrounded by single-family residential land uses on the north, south, and west, and a vacant lot occurs on the east of the Project site. Currently, the Project site is zoned as “General Neighborhood” in the City’s General Plan 2035 Update. The applicant

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proposes a Planned Unit Development that would permit flexible standards for smaller lot sizes and a higher density for a private gated community than the Project site’s current designation allows.

NESTING BIRDS
The draft ISMND states that a field assessment occurred on February 29, 2024. The field assessment included the 39.98-ac Project site and a 500-foot buffer zone. The Project site, which previously hosted a date palm grove, contains rows of leftover date palms on the southern and western portions of the site. The northeast portion is graded and has not been used to grow dates since 2002. Sparse perennial vegetation occurs throughout the Project site, particularly under the remaining date palms and in the northwest corner, which contains a small irrigation reservoir.

The draft ISMND states that due to existing site disturbances, including the previous date palm grove, grading, and recent off-road vehicle use and dumping of trash, the probability of special status-species occurring on the site is low. No special-status species, including nesting birds, were observed during the field assessment; however, the draft ISMND notes that due to the existing vegetative scrub and date palms, the Project site may still be used by resident and migratory nesting birds.

Due to the presence of sparse vegetation throughout the Project site, the Service agrees that special-status species have the potential to occur within the Project site. The presence of sparse vegetation, particularly cover of shrubs, is suitable habitat for ground-nesting birds. Moreover, the presence of bare ground on the northeast portion of the Project site also constitutes suitable nesting habitat for some ground-nesting birds. Therefore, the proposed development has the potential to impact nesting birds. However, the ISMND does not indicate that focused nesting bird surveys were completed, likely contributing to the lack of nesting bird observations during the field assessment. Focused nesting bird surveys, both within and outside of nesting season, are necessary to accurately confirm nesting bird presence or absence. A complete assessment of the biological resources within the Project area is required to assess the Project’s potential impacts to nesting birds. Please revise the ISMND to include a complete assessment of the Project’s potential impacts to nesting bird habitat, including completion of nesting bird surveys during the appropriate time of year, to determine the extent of nesting birds on the Project site.

The draft ISMND includes Mitigation Measure (MM) BIO-1, which states that “[b]ird nesting season for resident birds in Southern California occurs between February 1 and August 31.” Please note that the timing of nesting season is highly variable. Changing climate conditions have resulted in nesting birds breeding both earlier and later in the year than suggested in previous guidance. Nesting season may generally be considered to occur between January and October; however, timing varies on a species-by-species basis. Coordination with the Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW; collectively, the Wildlife Agencies) is necessary to determine appropriate timing of nesting season surveys. Additionally, to address the variability in nesting season, we recommend that MM-BIO-1 be revised to require nesting bird surveys throughout construction, both within and outside of nesting season, to avoid any potential adverse effects to nesting.

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BURROWING OWL
The draft ISMND states that marginally suitable habitat for western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea; burrowing owl), a CVMSHCP-Covered Species, Service Bird of Conservation Concern, and candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act, occurs intermittently throughout the Project site, and suitable California ground squirrel burrows were observed during the field assessment. Additionally, the draft ISMND states that the Project site is largely disturbed. Burrowing owl are known to occupy disturbed habitat; therefore, due to the presence of disturbed habitat, sparse vegetation, and suitable burrows within the Project area, the Service agrees with the conclusion that suitable habitat for burrowing owl occurs on the Project site, and burrowing owls have the potential to inhabit the site. No burrowing owls or signs of burrowing owls were observed during the field assessment; however, the draft ISMND does not indicate completion of focused burrowing owl surveys. Focused burrowing owl surveys during the breeding season and nonbreeding season are necessary to accurately confirm burrowing owl presence or absence. Pursuant to the CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or most recent version), for both breeding and non-breeding season surveys, a minimum of four survey visits are required to assess a site for burrowing owl presence. Given the lack of multiple, focused burrowing owl surveys, the total number of burrowing owl individuals or suitable and occupied burrows within the Project site and 500-foot buffer is unknown. Please revise the draft ISMND to include an accurate assessment of the Project’s potential impacts to burrowing owl, including focused survey results following the protocols outlined in the 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.

MM BIO-2 states that burrowing owl avoidance surveys must be conducted immediately preceding development, including 14-30 days prior to initiating ground disturbance activities, and within 24 hours of ground disturbance, in compliance with the 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. As stated in the 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, burrowing owls may re-colonize a Project site should any time lapses between Project activities occur. Such time lapses would trigger subsequent take avoidance surveys, which may include a final survey conducted within 24 hours prior to ground disturbance. Due to the potential for burrowing owl to occur throughout the construction period, in addition to focused surveys (breeding season and non-breeding season) and take avoidance surveys prior to initiating ground disturbance, additional surveillance monitoring surveys for burrowing owls should be continued throughout construction to avoid any potential impacts to burrowing owl [see the 2012 Staff Report, Site Surveillance (page 9), Appendix D, Take Avoidance Surveys (page 29-30)].

MM BIO-2 also states that “Should burrowing owls be detected, CDFW shall be contacted as soon as possible to determine the next course of action. CDFW must grant permission to relocate burrowing owls.” As stated above, burrowing owl is a Covered Species under the CVMSHCP. The CVMSHCP is governed by both CDFW’s Natural Community Conservation Plan Permit and the Service’s section 10(a)(1)(B) permit issued under the Act. Although burrowing owl is not a federally listed species under the Act, a non-listed species covered in a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) must be treated as if it were already listed, and all conservation measures described in the HCP for that species must be fully implemented. Please revise MM BIO-2 to require that, if the focused surveys and/or pre-construction surveys confirm burrowing owl presence, the Project

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applicant shall submit a Burrowing Owl Plan that includes avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to both Wildlife Agencies for review and approval prior to any ground disturbance or vegetation removal. The Project proponent shall coordinate with the Wildlife Agencies on the appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to be included in the Burrowing Owl Plan. Per Section 4.4 and Section 8.5.2 of the CVMSHCP, relocation of burrowing owls must follow protocols accepted by the Wildlife Agencies, and active relocation and eviction/passive relocation must be determined through coordination with the Wildlife Agencies for all Covered Activities. As such, please revise MM BIO-2 to state that if avoidance of burrowing owl is not possible, the Project applicant shall coordinate with both Wildlife Agencies on a burrowing owl relocation plan. Additionally, please include language that states that the Project proponent shall submit the relocation plan to the Wildlife Agencies for review and approval. Both the Burrowing Owl Plan and relocation plan should be submitted to the Wildlife Agencies for review and approval as soon as possible to avoid project delays due to the burrowing owl breeding season. These measures are necessary for the City in fulfilling its obligations as a CVMSHCP Permittee.

WESTERN YELLOW BAT
The draft ISMND states that roosting habitat for the western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus), a CVMSHCP-Covered Species, is absent on the Project site, and probability of foraging is low.

The draft ISMND concludes that the western yellow bat is absent from the Project site. Western yellow bat habitat includes valley foothill riparian, desert riparian, desert wash, and palm oasis habitats, and the species typically roosts in the skirt of dead fronds of fan palms. Western yellow bat has been documented to roost in both native and non-native palm trees, and additional information has shown that they may roost in the dead fronds of other plants with structural similarities to fan palms. Additionally, the species has also been documented to occur in open grassy areas, residential areas, over swimming pools, and in orchards. Dead palm fronds occur within the fallow date palm grove portion of the Project site, and the Project site and surrounding residential areas may provide foraging opportunities; therefore, the Service considers the Project site to contain suitable habitat for western yellow bat, and western yellow bat have the potential to occur within the Project site.

The draft ISMND indicates that western yellow bats were not observed during the field assessment. However, the draft ISMND does not indicate completion of focused bat surveys, likely contributing to the lack of western yellow bat observations during the field assessment.

Focused bat surveys are necessary to accurately confirm the presence or absence of special-status bat species. Please revise the draft ISMND to include a complete assessment of the Project’s potential impacts to bat habitat, including completion of focused bat surveys following accepted survey methods, to accurately determine the extent of bats on and adjacent to the proposed Project site. In addition to focused surveys, pre-construction clearance surveys are necessary to avoid any potential impacts to western yellow bat. Please revise the draft ISMND to require bat pre-construction surveys conducted by a qualified biologist, with detailed information regarding the survey methods, including the number of days of acoustic monitoring, emergence roost counts, and number of roost count observers included. Additionally, please note that multiple surveys are required during the maternity season to accurately document roost activity. A

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minimum of two surveys during the maternity season, one during spring and one during summer, are required. In addition to bat maternity season surveys, a winter survey and migration period survey should also be required to identify presence of bats in the Project site throughout the year.

If special status bats are determined to be present at the Project site, please coordinate with the Service on implementation of the appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures prior to beginning project activities.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the draft ISMND. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact Lory Salazar-Velasquez. 1 Sincerely,
Brian Croft
Field Supervisor
1 [email protected].
for

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State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director Inland Deserts Region
3602 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764
www.wildlife.ca.gov
Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870
December 8, 2025
Sent via email
Adrian Moreno
Associate Planner
City of Coachella
53990 Enterprise Way
Coachella, CA 92236
[email protected]
Calhoun Street Housing Development Project (PROJECT)
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
SCH# 2025110786
Dear Adrian Moreno:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) from the City of Coachella (City) for the Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines. 1 Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Project that may affect California fish and wildlife.

Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code.

CDFW ROLE
CDFW is California’s Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources and holds those resources in trust by statute for all the people of the State. (Fish & G. Code, §§ 711.7, subd. (a) & 1802; Pub. Resources Code, § 21070; CEQA Guidelines § 15386, subd. (a).) CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. (Id., § 1802.) Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on Projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources. 1CEQA is codified in the California Public Resources Code in section 21000 et seq. The “CEQA Guidelines” are found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with section 15000.

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City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA. (Pub.

Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381.) CDFW expects that it may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code. As proposed, for example, the Project may be subject to CDFW’s lake and streambed alteration regulatory authority. (Fish & G. Code, § 1600 et seq.) Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as proposed may result in “take” as defined by State law of any species protected under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.), the Project proponent may seek related take authorization as provided by the Fish and Game Code.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Proponent: Pacific Modern Builders LLC
Objective: The Project proposes to subdivide the Project site for a future build out of a residential community containing 257 single-family homes and a public park with a total area of 3.53 acres, 3.13 acres for recreational open space, and four retention basins that will accept all on-site flows. Construction activities would occur during the day, and there would be no need to apply nighttime security lighting on the Project site.

Construction activities would not introduce new sources of light or glare. Project buildout would introduce additional sources of nighttime light from security lighting, landscape and pathway lighting, street lighting, and interior home lighting seen from windows.

Landscaped areas and retention basins would be xeriscaped with drought-tolerant plants while the park would contain grass and native, drought-tolerant trees and bushes.

Location: The Project site is located on the southwest corner of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49 in the City of Coachella, Riverside County, California. The site encompasses

39.98 acres and is identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 612-260-010.

Timeframe: The MND indicates that construction activities would be completed by 2026.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species (i.e., biological resources). CDFW offers the comments and recommendations below to assist the City in adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. The MND has not adequately identified and disclosed the Project’s impacts (i.e., direct, indirect, and cumulative) on biological resources and whether those impacts are reduced to less than significant.

CDFW’s comments and recommendations on the MND are explained in greater detail below and summarized here. CDFW is concerned that the MND does not adequately

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Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

identify or mitigate the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, impacts to biological resources. CDFW also concludes that the MND lacks sufficient information to facilitate a meaningful review by CDFW, including a complete and accurate assessment of biological resources on the Project site. CDFW requests that additional information and analyses be added to a revised MND, along with avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures that avoid or reduce impacts to less than significant.

Existing Environmental Setting
Compliance with CEQA is predicated on a complete and accurate description of the environmental setting that may be affected by the proposed Project. CDFW is concerned that the assessment of the existing environmental setting has not been adequately analyzed in the MND. CDFW is concerned that without a complete and accurate description of the existing environmental setting, the MND may provide an incomplete analysis of Project-related environmental impacts.

The MND lacks a complete assessment of biological resources associated with burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) within the Project site and surrounding area. A complete and accurate assessment of the environmental setting and Project-related impacts to biological resources is needed to both identify appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures and demonstrate that these measures reduce Project impacts to less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
CEQA requires that an MND include mitigation measures to avoid or reduce significant impacts. CDFW is concerned that the mitigation measures proposed in the MND are not adequate to avoid or reduce impacts to biological resources to below a level of significance. To support the City in ensuring that Project impacts to biological resources are reduced to less than significant, CDFW recommends adding mitigation measures for surveys for bats, avoidance of bats during tree removal, artificial nighttime lighting, and compliance with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP), as well as revising the mitigation measures for nesting birds and burrowing owls.
1) Nesting Birds
It is the Project proponent’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws related to nesting birds and birds of prey. Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 afford protective measures as follows: section 3503 states that it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation made pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code

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Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.).

With regard to the CVMSHCP, per its associated Implementing Agreement (IA) and Permits from CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Wildlife Agencies), Take associated with Covered Activities will not be in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and will be consistent with Fish and Game Code sections 3503 and 3503.5; therefore, all Covered Activities within and outside Conservation Areas must undertake measures to avoid the take of individuals, nests, and eggs of nesting birds. The CVMSHCP includes a general conservation measure that applies to all bird species to avoid impacts to habitat for nesting birds during the nesting season (CVMSHCP Section

9.7). Per IA Section 13.2, the City is obligated to ensure the projects to which it confers Take Authorization under the CVMSHCP comply with all terms and requirements of the CVMSHCP, the Wildlife Agencies’ Permits that create the CVMSHCP, and the IA, including compliance with laws that protect nesting birds..

the Project site could potentially be used by both resident and migratory nesting birds.” CDFW adds that the Project site contains suitable habitat for both ground-nesting birds and birds that nest in shrubs and trees.

The MND includes Mitigation Measure BIO-1 for nesting birds, which indicates that the “bird nesting season for resident birds in Southern California occurs between February 1 and August 31. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, all vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, and construction activity should be scheduled between September 1 and January 31 if possible. If construction occurs during the nesting season, a certified avian biologist must conduct a pre-construction nesting bird survey (NBS) immediately prior to scheduled construction activity.” CDFW considers the mitigation measure for nesting birds in the MND to be inadequate in scope and timing to avoid or reduce impacts to nesting birds to a level less than significant. In alignment with the CVMSHCP’s general conservation measure for nesting birds (CVMSHCP Section 9.7), CDFW recommends Project construction activities are conducted outside of the peak nesting bird season.

CDFW also recommends the completion of nesting bird surveys regardless of the time of year to ensure that impacts to nesting birds and their nests and eggs are avoided.

The timing of the nesting season varies greatly depending on several factors, such as bird species, weather conditions in any given year, and long-term climate changes (e.g., drought, warming, etc.). In response to warming, birds have been reported to breed earlier, thereby reducing temperatures that nests are exposed to during breeding and

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Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

tracking shifts in availability of resources (Socolar et al., 20172). CDFW staff have observed that climate change conditions may result in the nesting bird season occurring earlier and later in the year than historical nesting season dates. CDFW recommends that disturbance of occupied nests of migratory birds and raptors within the Project site and surrounding area be avoided any time birds are nesting on-site. CDFW therefore recommends the completion of nesting bird surveys regardless of the time of year to ensure compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to nesting and migratory birds.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to nesting birds to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends Mitigation Measure BIO-1 is revised as follows, with additions in bold and removals in strikethrough:

Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Birds
To the greatest extent feasible, the Project will avoid construction activities during the peak nesting season (January 15 through September 15). Regardless of the time of year, nesting bird surveys shall be performed by a qualified avian biologist no more than 3 days prior to vegetation removal or ground-disturbing activities. Pre-construction surveys shall focus on both direct and indirect evidence of nesting, including nest locations and nesting behavior. The qualified avian biologist will make every effort to avoid potential nest predation as a result of survey and monitoring efforts. If active nests are found during the preconstruction nesting bird surveys, a qualified biologist shall establish an appropriate nest buffer to be marked on the ground. Nest buffers are species specific and shall be at least 300 feet for passerines and 500 feet for raptors. A smaller or larger buffer may be determined by the qualified biologist familiar with the nesting phenology of the nesting species and based on nest and buffer monitoring results. Construction activities may not occur inside the established buffers, which shall remain on-site until a qualified biologist determines the young have fledged or the nest is no longer active. Active nests and adequacy of the established buffer distance shall be monitored daily by the qualified biologist until the qualified biologist has determined the young have fledged or the Project has been completed. The qualified biologist has the authority to stop work if nesting pairs exhibit signs of disturbance. Bird nesting season for resident birds in Southern California occurs between February 1 and August 31. To avoid impacts to nesting birds, all vegetation clearing, ground disturbance, and construction activity should be scheduled between September 1 and January 31 if possible. If construction occurs during the nesting season, a certified avian biologist must conduct a pre2 Socolar JB, Epanchin PN, Beissinger SR and Tingley MW (2017). Phenological shifts conserve thermal niches.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 114(49): 12976-12981.

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Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

construction nesting bird survey (NBS) immediately prior to scheduled construction activity. If active nests are identified, the biologist will demarcate a no-work buffer zone(s) around the active nest(s) and check the nest site(s) weekly until the young birds fledge and the nest(s) become inactive. The buffer zone size would be based on the nesting species, its sensitivity to disturbance, nesting stage and the expected intensity and duration of disturbance. No ground or vegetation disturbance shall occur within the nest site buffer zone(s) until the qualified biologist determines that the young have successfully fledged, and the nest is inactive. Per CDFW recommendations, a buffer of 500 feet shall be set for listed species and birds of prey, and a buffer of 100 to 300 feet shall be set for unlisted songbirds.

Pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines, section 15097(f), CDFW has prepared a draft mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP) in Attachment 1 for revised MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-2, as well as CDFW-recommended MM BIO-[A], MM BIO-[B], MM BIO-[C], and MM BIO-[D].
2) Burrowing Owl
On October 10, 2024, the Fish and Game Commission determined that western burrowing owl warrants protection as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.). During the candidacy period, western burrowing owl will be afforded the same protection as threatened and endangered species under CESA. If Project activities, including relocation, could result in take, appropriate CESA authorization (i.e., Incidental Take Permit under Fish and Game Code section 2081) should be obtained prior to commencement of Project activities.

Take of individual burrowing owls and their nests or eggs is defined by Fish and Game Code section 86, and prohibited by sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513. Take is defined in Fish and Game Code section 86 as “hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill.” Fish and Game Code sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 afford protective measures as follows: section 3503 states that it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation made pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by Fish and Game Code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. Fish and Game Code section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.).

With regard to the CVMSHCP, the CDFW Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) Permit #2835-2008-001-06 does not provide Take Authorization for burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs. To the contrary, section 3.5.6 of the NCCP Permit states

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

burrowing owl “pairs or individuals will not be Taken” and reiterates that the “HCP/NCCP does not authorize Take of [burrowing owl] nests [or] eggs[.]” Therefore, throughout the CVMSHCP area—both within and without Conservation Areas— Permittees must ensure that activities occurring within their jurisdictions do not result in the take, possession, or destruction of burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs. Any activity occurring within the CVMSHCP area that results in the take of burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs would be unlawful and would not be a Covered Activity under the CVMSHCP. Per IA Section 13.2, the City is obligated to ensure the projects to which it confers Take Authorization under the CVMSHCP comply with all terms and requirements of the CVMSHCP, the Wildlife Agencies’ Permits that created the CVMSHCP, and the IA, including compliance with laws that protect burrowing owls.

observed during the site survey, however, suitable habitat and burrows suitable for burrowing owls were observed on the Project site. Burrowing owls could potentially relocate to the Project site between the time of the site survey and the start of construction due to their attraction to open dry areas and agricultural sites.” CDFW agrees that the Project site contains suitable nesting and foraging habitat for burrowing owl. The MND and its supporting documents lack information on whether focused surveys for burrowing owl were conducted and the methods used to conduct any surveys for burrowing owl. Because the MND lacks the findings of recent focused surveys for burrowing owl following the guidelines in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation,
3 the number and locations of suitable and occupied burrows within the Project site are unknown. Given the lack of results from focused surveys for burrowing owl following recommended protocols and the lack of survey reports, CDFW is limited in its ability to provide biological expertise to support the City in reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant. CDFW recommends that the MND is revised to include the results of four focused surveys for burrowing owl within the entire Project site and surrounding area, including survey reports, 4 following the guidelines
outlined in Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation and to incorporate appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for burrowing owl. Focused surveys are needed to inform appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures and support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant. CDFW requests that if burrowing owls are detected 3 California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2012. Staff report on burrowing owl mitigation. State of California, Natural Resources Agency. Available for download at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83843&inline 4 Survey reports should include details on survey methods and results, including, but not limited to, the names and qualifications of surveyor(s); a description of survey methods; a description of the conditions of the project site and recent photos; map(s) showing the locations of all suitable burrows, occupied burrows, burrowing owls, and burrowing owl sign; descriptions of burrowing owl behavior observed; California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) field survey forms, etc. For more information, see Appendix D, Survey Reports, of the CDFW 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

during focused surveys, survey results are submitted to the Wildlife Agencies, and the City initiate consultation with the Wildlife Agencies to identify a path forward regarding the protection of burrowing owls.

The MND includes Mitigation Measure BIO-2, which indicates that “to ensure that no burrowing owls have moved to the Project site since the biological site survey was conducted.” In addition to pre-construction surveys, CDFW recommends that focused burrowing owl surveys are first conducted and the results submitted to Wildlife Agencies. This provides time for the City and Project proponent to start coordination with the Wildlife Agencies early to identify appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures and reduce the chance of Project delays. Without details on focused surveys and appropriate information sharing and coordination with the Wildlife Agencies, CDFW considers Mitigation Measure BIO-2 to be inadequate in scope and timing to avoid or reduce impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to burrowing owl to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends that Mitigation Measure BIO-2 is revised with the following additions in bold and removals in strikethrough:

Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Burrowing Owl Focused and Pre-Construction Surveys Suitable burrowing owl habitat has been confirmed on the site; therefore, focused burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist prior to any Project activities, including vegetation- or grounddisturbing activities. CDFW strongly recommends that focused surveys are conducted in accordance with the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or most recent version)5. If burrowing owls are detected during the focused surveys, the qualified biologist and Project proponent shall begin coordination with CDFW and USFWS immediately, and shall submit the results of focused surveys to CDFW and USFWS as soon results become available and before commencement of any Project activities, including any vegetation- or grounddisturbing activities. CDFW recommends that the information included in the survey results be consistent with Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, including a detailed map showing locations of all burrowing owls, burrowing owl sign, potential burrows, and occupied burrows (occupied means at least one burrowing owl or its sign has been observed within the last three years; may be indicated by owl sign including feathers, pellets, prey remains, eggshell fragments, or excrement at or near a burrow entrance or perch site); a description of the behavior of burrowing owls during surveys; a description of survey 5 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2012. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.

State of California, Natural Resources Agency. Available for download at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83843.

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

methods; and other items listed in Appendix D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation under “Survey Reports.” Consultation with CDFW and USFWS must be completed prior to commencement of any Project activities, including vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities. If impacts to occupied burrowing owl habitat or burrow(s) or burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs cannot be avoided, appropriate NCCP (Fish and Game Code section 2835) or CESA authorization (i.e., Incidental Take Permit under Fish and Game Code section 2081(b)) should be obtained from CDFW prior to commencement of Project activities, including vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities.

Preconstruction burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted no less than 14 days prior to the start of Project-related activities and within 24 hours prior to ground disturbance, in accordance with the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or most recent version). Preconstruction surveys should be repeated when there is a pause in construction of more than 30 days. Preconstruction surveys shall be performed by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist following the recommendations and guidelines provided in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. If the preconstruction surveys confirm occupied burrowing owl habitat, Project activities shall be immediately halted and the qualified biologist shall coordinate with CDFW and USFWS. Project activities shall not recommence until consultation with CDFW and USFWS is completed. To ensure that no burrowing owls have moved to the Project site since the biological site survey was conducted, avoidance surveys of the Project site must be conducted immediately preceding development, in compliance with the CDFW Staff Report for Burrowing Owl (2012) protocols. The first survey should occur 14-30 days prior to initiating ground disturbance activities, and the second survey should take place withing 24 hours of ground disturbance. Should burrowing owls be detected, CDFW shall be contacted as soon as possible to determine the next course of action. CDFW must grant permission to relocate burrowing owls.
3) Bats

many date palms remain scattered throughout 75% of the parcel while the northeast corner of the parcel is graded and barren.” Regarding the probability for western yellow bat to occur on the Project site, page 39 of the MND indicates the following: “Nesting:

Absent. Roosting habitat lacking.” The MND and its supporting documents lack additional information on the presence or avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures for western yellow bat. CDFW disagrees with the conclusion that no suitable roosting habitat for western yellow bat is located within or adjacent to the Project site.

CDFW notes that palm trees are the preferred roost site of western yellow bats, which roost in the attached dead leaf fronds, or “skirts,” of both native and non-native palm trees. Street View imagery using Google Earth and photos included in the Biological Assessment show that some of the date palms within the Project site contain relatively full “skirts,” habitat that is suitable for western yellow bat (and other bat species). CDFW

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

considers the Project site to contain suitable roosting habitat for western yellow bat.

Without appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, such as surveys to assess presence and appropriate methods to remove fan palms, CDFW considers the MND to be inadequate in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bat to a level less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bat to a level less than significant, CDFW recommends that the City add the following mitigation measures to a revised MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[A]: Surveys for Daytime, Nighttime, Wintering (Hibernacula), and Maternity Roosting Sites for Western Yellow Bat Prior to commencing Project activities, a CDFW-approved qualified bat biologist shall perform bat habitat/roosting surveys to determine presence of daytime, nighttime, wintering (hibernacula), and maternity roost sites. Surveys shall be conducted during favorable weather conditions only. Each survey shall consist of one dusk emergence survey (start one hour before sunset and last for three hours), followed by one pre-dawn re-entry survey (start one hour before sunrise and last for two hours), and one daytime visual inspection of all potential roosting habitat on the Project site. Surveys shall be conducted within one 24-hour period.

Visual inspections shall focus on the identification of bat sign (i.e., individuals, guano, urine staining, corpses, feeding remains, scratch marks and bats squeaking and chattering). Bat detectors, bat call analysis, and visual observation shall be used during all dusk emergence and pre-dawn re-entry surveys. If active maternity roosts are identified in the work area or 500 feet extending from the work area, Project construction will only occur between October 1 and February 28, outside of the maternity roosting season when young bats are present but are not yet ready to fly out of the roost. Maternity roosts shall not be evicted, excluded, removed, or disturbed. If active hibernacula are identified in the work area or 500 feet extending from the work area, a minimum 500-foot no-work buffer shall be provided around hibernacula. Buffers shall be left in place until the end of Project construction and activities or until a qualified bat biologist determines that the hibernacula are no longer active. Project-related construction and activities shall not occur between 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. Hibernacula roosts shall not be evicted, excluded, removed, or disturbed.

The Project proposes removal of the date palms within the Project site. The removal of palm trees that contain roosting habitat for bats can subject bats to impacts ranging from permanent loss of day roosts, including maternity roosts, to direct mortality if avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures are not implemented. To support the City in avoiding or reducing impacts to western yellow bats to less than significant, CDFW also recommends that the following mitigation measure is added to a revised

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[B]: Avoidance of Bats during Tree Removal Tree removal work with the potential to house roosting bats shall be performed between September 15 and October 31 to minimize direct impacts to roosting bats. This time period is after young are volant (flying) but before expected onset of torpor (wintering inactivity). Tree removal work may also be conducted between February 15 and March 31, following winter torpor and prior to the start of the maternity season. No tree removals shall occur during the hibernation season, which typically begins in November or December (depending on weather conditions) and continues through mid-February, due to the high potential for mortality of hibernating bats. Depending on weather conditions and the best professional judgement of a qualified bat biologist approved by CDFW, tree removal work may be performed in November if the forecasted nighttime low temperatures on the evening of removal and the subsequent four evenings do not drop below 45˚F. In November, if weather is cold (i.e., forecasted nighttime low temperatures reach 45˚F or less for that evening and the next four evenings), then no tree removals shall be performed. All palm removals shall require a two-step removal process and the involvement of a CDFW-approved qualified bat biologist to ensure that no roosting bats are killed during this activity. The following twostep tree removal process shall be implemented over two consecutive days: on Day 1, live palm fronds located above the frond skirt, and as identified by a qualified bat biologist, will be removed. On Day 2, the remainder of the tree may be removed without supervision by a qualified bat biologist. 4) Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Local Development Mitigation Fee
The Project is located within the CVMSHCP Plan Boundary and outside of a Conservation Area and contains habitat for Covered Species and/or conserved natural communities. Per CVMSHCP Section 5.2.1.1 and IA Sections 12.2.1 and 13.2, the City is obligated to impose a local development mitigation fee for new development within the Plan Area that impacts vacant land containing Habitat for Covered Species and/or conserved natural communities, including small vacant lots within urban areas that contain natural open space, and to transmit collected fees to CVCC at least quarterly and prior to impacts to Covered Species and their Habitats. Page 40 of the MND states that the “City of Coachella is a signatory to the CVMSHCP and therefore the Project is required to pay a Development Mitigation Fee.” To accurately document the City’s obligation to impose and transmit a Local Development Mitigation Fee for the Project, CDFW recommends the City add the following mitigation measure to a revised MND:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[C]: CVMSHCP Compliance

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

Prior to construction and issuance of any grading permit, the City shall ensure compliance with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) and its associated Implementing Agreement and shall ensure the collection of payment of the CVMSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fee and transfer of revenues to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. 5) Artificial Nighttime Lighting

sources of nighttime light from security lighting, landscape and pathway lighting, street lighting, and interior home lighting seen from windows. Daytime glare may also be expected from windows. However, the Project’s sources of lighting and glare would be consistent with and not exceed light and glare emissions from existing nearby development. The Project would adhere to the City’s lighting requirements and would not produce light and glare upward into the sky.” The MND lacks an analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of artificial nighttime lighting, including impacts associated with long-term operations, on biological resources including migratory birds that fly at night, burrowing owls, bats, and other nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife. The Project is located adjacent to vacant, sparsely vegetated areas to the west and east of the Project site—areas that provide suitable nesting, roosting, foraging, and refugia habitat for birds, migratory birds that fly at night, burrowing owls, bats, and other nocturnal and crepuscular wildlife. The Project’s proposed artificial nighttime lighting has the potential to significantly and adversely affect wildlife in these vacant areas adjacent to the Project site. Artificial lighting alters ecological processes including, but not limited to, the temporal niches of species; the repair and recovery of physiological function; the measurement of time through interference with the detection of circadian and lunar and seasonal cycles; the detection of resources and natural enemies; and navigation. 6 Many
species use photoperiod cues for communication (e.g., bird song7), determining when to begin foraging,
8 behavioral thermoregulation,9 and migration.10 Phototaxis, a phenomenon that results in attraction and movement towards light, can disorient, entrap, and temporarily blind wildlife species that experience it. 10 CDFW recommends that the MND is revised to include an analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of artificial nighttime lighting associated with the Project’s long-term operations on biological resources, and appropriate avoidance, 6 Gatson, K. J., Bennie, J., Davies, T., Hopkins, J. 2013. The ecological impacts of nighttime light pollution: a mechanistic appraisal. Biological Reviews, 88.4: 912-927. 7 Miller, M. W. 2006. Apparent effects of light pollution on singing behavior of American robins. The Condor 108:130– 139.
8 Stone, E. L., G. Jones, and S. Harris. 2009. Street lighting disturbs commuting bats. Current Biology 19:1123–1127. 9 Beiswenger, R. E. 1977. Diet patterns of aggregative behavior in tadpoles of Bufo americanus, in relation to light and temperature. Ecology 58:98–108.
10 Longcore, T., and C. Rich. 2004. Ecological light pollution - Review. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 2:191–198.

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

minimization, and mitigation measures that will avoid or reduce impacts to less than significant.

To support the City in avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating for the Project’s direct and indirect impacts of artificial nighttime lighting on biological resources, CDFW recommends that the City include in a revised MND the following mitigation measure:

Mitigation Measure BIO-[D]: Artificial Nighttime Lighting Throughout construction and the lifetime operations of the Project, the City shall eliminate all nonessential lighting throughout the Project area and avoid or limit the use of artificial light at night during the hours of dawn and dusk when many wildlife species are most active. The City shall ensure that all lighting for the Project is fully shielded, cast downward and directed away from surrounding open-space and agricultural areas, reduced in intensity to the greatest extent possible, and does not result in lighting trespass including glare into surrounding areas or upward into the night sky (see the International Dark-Sky Association standards at http://darksky.org/). The City shall ensure use of LED lighting with a correlated color temperature of 3,000 Kelvins or less, proper disposal of hazardous waste, and recycling of lighting that contains toxic compounds with a qualified recycler.
6) Landscaping

xeriscaped with drought-tolerant plants while the park would contain grass and native, drought- tolerant trees and bushes.” The MND lacks additional information on landscaping plans. CDFW recommends that the MND include recommendations regarding landscaping from Section 4.0 of the CVMSHCP “Table 4-112: Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping” (pp. 4-180 to 4-182; https://cvmshcp.org/plan-documents/). CDFW also recommends incorporation of waterwise concepts in any Project landscape design plans. In particular, CDFW recommends xeriscaping with locally native California species and installing water-efficient and targeted irrigation systems (such as drip irrigation). Native plants support butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, bees, and other pollinators that evolved with those plants. More information on native plants suitable for the Project location and nearby nurseries is available at Calscape: https://calscape.org/. Local water agencies/cities and resource conservation cities in your area may be able to provide information on plant nurseries that carry locally native species, and some facilities display drought-tolerant locally native species demonstration gardens. Information on drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient irrigation systems is available on California’s Save our Water website: https://saveourwater.com/.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e).) Accordingly, please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). The CNNDB field survey form can be filled out and submitted online at the following link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of environmental document filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the environmental document filing fee is required in order for the underlying Project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089.)

CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the MND to assist City in identifying and mitigating Project impacts to biological resources. CDFW concludes that the MND does not adequately identify or mitigate the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, impacts to biological resources. CDFW recommends that revised and additional mitigation measures and analysis as described in this letter be added to a revised MND.

CDFW personnel are available for consultation regarding biological resources and strategies to avoid and minimize impacts. Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Jacob Skaggs, Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist, at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Kim Freeburn
Environmental Program Manager
Attachment 1: MMRP for CDFW-Proposed Mitigation Measures ec:

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

Heather Brashear, CDFW
[email protected]
Mary Beth Woulfe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
[email protected]
Lory Salazar-Velasquez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
[email protected]
Noelle Ronan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
[email protected]
Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse, Sacramento [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 1: MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (MMRP) Mitigation Measures Timing and
Methods
Responsible
Parties
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Birds
To the greatest extent feasible, the Project
will avoid construction activities during the
peak nesting season (January 15 through
September 15). Regardless of the time of
year, nesting bird surveys shall be
performed by a qualified avian biologist no
more than 3 days prior to vegetation
removal or ground-disturbing activities. Preconstruction surveys shall focus on both direct and indirect evidence of nesting,
including nest locations and nesting
behavior. The qualified avian biologist will
make every effort to avoid potential nest
predation as a result of survey and
monitoring efforts. If active nests are found
during the pre-construction nesting bird
surveys, a qualified biologist shall establish
an appropriate nest buffer to be marked on
the ground. Nest buffers are species specific
and shall be at least 300 feet for passerines
Timing: No more
than 3 days prior
to all vegetation
removal or
ground-disturbing
activities
throughout all
phases of the
Project.

Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure
Implementation:

City of Coachella
and Project
Proponent
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

and 500 feet for raptors. A smaller or larger
buffer may be determined by the qualified
biologist familiar with the nesting phenology
of the nesting species and based on nest
and buffer monitoring results. Construction
activities may not occur inside the
established buffers, which shall remain onsite until a qualified biologist determines the young have fledged or the nest is no longer
active. Active nests and adequacy of the
established buffer distance shall be
monitored daily by the qualified biologist
until the qualified biologist has determined
the young have fledged or the Project has
been completed. The qualified biologist has
the authority to stop work if nesting pairs
exhibit signs of disturbance.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Burrowing Owl
Focused and Pre-Construction Surveys
Suitable burrowing owl habitat has been
confirmed on the site; therefore, focused
burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted
by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist
prior to any Project activities, including
vegetation- or ground-disturbing activities.

CDFW strongly recommends that focused
surveys are conducted in accordance with
the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl
Mitigation (2012 or most recent version)11. If
burrowing owls are detected during the
focused surveys, the qualified biologist and
Project proponent shall begin coordination
with CDFW and USFWS immediately, and
shall submit the results of focused surveys
to CDFW and USFWS as soon results
become available and before
commencement of any Project activities,
Timing: Focused
surveys:

Consistent with
timing in Appendix
D of the Staff
Report on
Burrowing Owl
Mitigation and
prior to
commencement of
any Project
activities, including
vegetation- or
ground-disturbing
activities for all
phases of the
Project. Preconstruction
surveys: No less
than 14 days prior
to start of Projectrelated activities
and within 24
hours prior to
Implementation:

City of Coachella
and Project
Proponent
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella
11 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2012. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.

State of California, Natural Resources Agency. Available for download at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=83843.

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December8, 2025

including any vegetation- or ground-
disturbing activities. CDFW recommends
that the information included in the survey
results be consistent with Appendix D of the
Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation,
including a detailed map showing locations
of all burrowing owls, burrowing owl sign,
potential burrows, and occupied burrows
(occupied means at least one burrowing owl
or its sign has been observed within the last
three years; may be indicated by owl sign
including feathers, pellets, prey remains,
eggshell fragments, or excrement at or near
a burrow entrance or perch site); a
description of the behavior of burrowing
owls during surveys; a description of survey
methods; and other items listed in Appendix
D of the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl
Mitigation under “Survey Reports.”
Consultation with CDFW and USFWS must
be completed prior to commencement of any
Project activities, including vegetation- or
ground-disturbing activities. If impacts to
occupied burrowing owl habitat or burrow(s)
or burrowing owl individuals, nests, or eggs
cannot be avoided, appropriate NCCP (Fish
and Game Code section 2835) or CESA
authorization (i.e., Incidental Take Permit
under Fish and Game Code section 2081(b))
should be obtained from CDFW prior to
commencement of Project activities,
including vegetation- or ground-disturbing
activities.

Preconstruction burrowing owl surveys
shall be conducted no less than 14 days
prior to the start of Project-related activities
and within 24 hours prior to ground
disturbance, in accordance with the Staff
Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (2012 or
most recent version). Preconstruction
surveys should be repeated when there is a
pause in construction of more than 30 days.

Preconstruction surveys shall be performed
ground
disturbance for all
phases of the
Project and when
there is a pause in
construction of
more than 30
days.

Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

by a CDFW-approved qualified biologist
following the recommendations and
guidelines provided in the Staff Report on
Burrowing Owl Mitigation. If the
preconstruction surveys confirm occupied
burrowing owl habitat, Project activities
shall be immediately halted and the qualified
biologist shall coordinate with CDFW and
USFWS. Project activities shall not
recommence until consultation with CDFW
and USFWS is completed.

Mitigation Measure BIO-[A]: Surveys for
Daytime, Nighttime, Wintering (Hibernacula),
and Maternity Roosting Sites for Western
Yellow Bat
Prior to commencing Project activities, a
CDFW-approved qualified bat biologist shall
perform bat habitat/roosting surveys to
determine presence of daytime, nighttime,
wintering (hibernacula), and maternity roost
sites. Surveys shall be conducted during
favorable weather conditions only. Each
survey shall consist of one dusk emergence
survey (start one hour before sunset and
last for three hours), followed by one predawn re-entry survey (start one hour before sunrise and last for two hours), and one
daytime visual inspection of all potential
roosting habitat on the Project site. Surveys
shall be conducted within one 24-hour
period. Visual inspections shall focus on the
identification of bat sign (i.e., individuals,
guano, urine staining, corpses, feeding
remains, scratch marks and bats squeaking
and chattering). Bat detectors, bat call
analysis, and visual observation shall be
used during all dusk emergence and predawn re-entry surveys. If active maternity roosts are identified in the work area or 500
feet extending from the work area, Project
construction will only occur between
Timing: Prior to
commencement of
Project Activities.

Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure
Implementation:

City of Coachella
and Project
Proponent
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

October 1 and February 28, outside of the
maternity roosting season when young bats
are present but are not yet ready to fly out of
the roost. Maternity roosts shall not be
evicted, excluded, removed, or disturbed. If
active hibernacula are identified in the work
area or 500 feet extending from the work
area, a minimum 500-foot no-work buffer
shall be provided around hibernacula.

Buffers shall be left in place until the end of
Project construction and activities or until a
qualified bat biologist determines that the
hibernacula are no longer active. Projectrelated construction and activities shall not occur between 30 minutes before sunset
and 30 minutes after sunrise. Hibernacula
roosts shall not be evicted, excluded,
removed, or disturbed.

Mitigation Measure BIO-[B]: Avoidance of
Bats during Tree Removal
Tree removal work with the potential to
house roosting bats shall be performed
between September 15 and October 31 to
minimize direct impacts to roosting bats.

This time period is after young are volant
(flying) but before expected onset of torpor
(wintering inactivity). Tree removal work
may also be conducted between February 15
and March 31, following winter torpor and
prior to the start of the maternity season. No
tree removals shall occur during the
hibernation season, which typically begins
in November or December (depending on
weather conditions) and continues through
mid-February, due to the high potential for
mortality of hibernating bats. Depending on
weather conditions and the best
professional judgement of a qualified bat
biologist approved by CDFW, tree removal
work may be performed in November if the
forecasted nighttime low temperatures on
Timing: See
Mitigation
Measure.

Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure
Implementation:

City of Coachella
and Project
Proponent
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

the evening of removal and the subsequent
four evenings do not drop below 45˚F. In
November, if weather is cold (i.e., forecasted
nighttime low temperatures reach 45˚F or
less for that evening and the next four
evenings), then no tree removals shall be
performed. All palm removals shall require a
two-step removal process and the
involvement of a CDFW-approved qualified
bat biologist to ensure that no roosting bats
are killed during this activity. The following
two-step tree removal process shall be
implemented over two consecutive days: on
Day 1, live palm fronds located above the
frond skirt, and as identified by a qualified
bat biologist, will be removed. On Day 2, the
remainder of the tree may be removed
without supervision by a qualified bat
biologist.

Mitigation Measure BIO-[C]: CVMSHCP
Compliance
Prior to construction and issuance of any
grading permit, the City shall ensure
compliance with the Coachella Valley
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
(CVMSHCP) and its associated
Implementing Agreement and shall ensure
the collection of payment of the CVMSHCP
Local Development Mitigation Fee and
transfer of revenues to the Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission.

Timing: Prior to
construction and
issuance of any
grading permit.

Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure
Implementation:

City of Coachella
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella
Mitigation Measure BIO-[D]: Artificial
Nighttime Lighting
Throughout construction and the lifetime
operations of the Project, the City shall
eliminate all nonessential lighting
throughout the Project area and avoid or
limit the use of artificial light at night during
the hours of dawn and dusk when many
Timing:

Throughout
construction and
the lifetime
operations of the
Project
Methods: See
Mitigation
Measure
Implementation:

City of Coachella
and Project
Proponent
Monitoring and
Reporting: City of
Coachella

Item 33.

Adrian Moreno, Associate Planner
City of Coachella
December 8, 2025

wildlife species are most active. The City
shall ensure that all lighting for the Project
is fully shielded, cast downward and
directed away from surrounding open-space
and agricultural areas, reduced in intensity
to the greatest extent possible, and does not
result in lighting trespass including glare
into surrounding areas or upward into the
night sky (see the International Dark-Sky
Association standards at
http://darksky.org/). The City shall ensure
use of LED lighting with a correlated color
temperature of 3,000 Kelvins or less, proper
disposal of hazardous waste, and recycling
of lighting that contains toxic compounds
with a qualified recycler.

Item 33.
44-600 Village Court, Suite 100
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.346.4750 Tel
760.340.0089 Fax
www.thealtumgroup.com
Project Justification Statement
Calhoun Street Housing Development – Planned Unit Development (PUD) a. How the proposed development is superior to what is permitted by the underlying zone; The underlying General Neighborhood (G-N) zoning designation allows for medium- to high-density residential development. If developed conventionally under base zoning, the site could result in a standard tract subdivision without coordinated open space, setbacks, sidewalks, amenities, or enhanced public improvements.

The PUD provides a superior outcome by:
 Delivering a 3.13-acre public park with active and passive recreational amenities connected to the residential community with private access while maintaining good public access and visibility.  Establishing enhanced perimeter setbacks (26 feet along Calhoun Street and Avenue 49) with 6ft wide sidewalks, landscaped parkways, and decorative entry treatments, creating a stronger neighborhood edge and higher quality streetscape.
 Designing a walkable internal circulation system with sidewalks that connect directly to Avenue 49 and Calhoun Street, with multiple egress and ingress for pedestrians and bicyclists.  Providing flexible lot standards that allow for attainable housing while maintaining potential for high-quality architecture, landscaping, and open space. b. How the proposed project conforms to Chapter 17.38 – Planned Unit Developments The project satisfies the intent of Chapter 17.38 by:
 Establishing custom development standards and design guidelines tailored to the site while remaining consistent with the General Plan.
 Demonstrating superior site design and amenities compared to the base zone, including coordinated landscaping, open space, and pedestrian circulation improvements.  Providing defined public benefits as required by Section 17.38.035, including on-site public amenities, off-site infrastructure improvements, and contributions to community livability.  Utilizing the PUD process to achieve flexibility in lot size and setbacks while ensuring compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods through perimeter landscaping, walls, and architectural review.  Use of Street trees will not be used between sidewalk and street curb to prevent damage to underground utilities. The applicant will place extra canopy trees elsewhere along the street line to provide maximum shade.
 One of the advantages of this project to the City and the future residents is the open space that is built into the project. There will be a major open space on the southeast corner of the site which will provide shade and turf area for people to rest and recreate. This is more than what most provide.
 Building massing, architectural theming, and signage will be deferred to a future builder to allow project branding that reflects current market trends and buyer preferences. The PUD establishes overarching architectural guidelines to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area and

Item 33.

December 4, 2025
Calhoun Street Housing Development -PUD Justification

provides a flexible material palette for perimeter walls and residential architecture, maintaining consistency in community character while allowing appropriate design flexibility.  Section 17.38.030 – Design Guidelines of the Coachella Municipal Code requires streets to include a landscaped parkway with street trees located between the sidewalk and the street curb. While interior streets comply with this standard, the project proposes that perimeter street trees be located between the perimeter sidewalk and the perimeter CMU wall. This placement is necessary for two key reasons: (1) the root systems of large street trees would conflict with IID underground utilities located within the traditional landscape parkway between the sidewalk and curb, and (2) positioning street trees west and south of the sidewalk will provide significantly improved pedestrian shading due to the solar path and angle throughout the day.  Subdivision signage and entry monument design will be coordinated with the future architectural theming of the development. As the final architectural character has not yet been determined, specific sign designs will be required of the project’s Conditions of Approval. A detailed sign and monument plan shall be submitted to the Development Services Director, and final design approval shall be required prior to installation.
c. Exceptions to the underlying zoning regulations being requested and why they are necessary; The PUD seeks modest exceptions from the G-N standards to allow for a more efficient and attainable neighborhood design. These include:
 Minimum lot size: 3,400 sq. ft. (vs. 4,000 sq. ft. required).  Lot depth: 85 ft. (vs. 90 ft. required).
 Side yard setback: 5 ft. (vs. 10 ft. required).
 Rear yard setback: 15 ft. (vs. 20 ft. required).

These adjustments are necessary in the PUD to:
 Provide a broad range of housing types on smaller lots, consistent with General Plan goals of supporting attainable and diverse housing opportunities.  Achieve a more efficient subdivision layout while preserving required parking, private yard space, and open space.
 Enable the project to contribute additional land and resources toward public benefits (park, landscaping, street and infrastructure improvements).
d. Public benefit provided that justifies exceptions to underlying zoning standards; The project provides multiple, tangible public benefits that offset the requested zoning exceptions:

1. Public Park (3.13 acres) – A centrally located, fully accessible public park with tot lot, basketball court, shade structures, bike racks, seating areas, lighting, and both active and passive recreation areas. This park will serve not only future residents but the surrounding community as well.

2. Calhoun Street Improvements (1,300 linear feet) – Half-street improvements including new pavement, curb, gutter, undergrounding of existing overhead utilities, new streetlights, and a 26- foot landscaped setback with 6-foot sidewalks and landscaped parkway.

3. Avenue 49 Improvements (1,300 linear feet) – Full-street improvements along a currently undeveloped roadway, including curb, gutter, sidewalks, and landscaping on both sides. These

Item 33.

December 4, 2025
Calhoun Street Housing Development -PUD Justification

improvements complete a critical east-west corridor and create long-term circulation benefits for the community.

4. Stormwater Infrastructure – Construction of an above-ground retention basin along Avenue 49 to capture and retain 100% of off-site stormwater flows, providing a local benefit that supports future growth beyond the project site.

5. Enhanced Streetscape and Entry Design – Decorative pavers, stamped concrete, wide landscaped setbacks, and coordinated public park, wall, and fencing treatments that elevate the overall character of the project and surrounding area.

Collectively, the public park, major infrastructure improvements, off-site stormwater facilities, and enhanced landscaping exceed the baseline requirements. These improvements represent substantial public benefits that justify the requested deviations from the base zoning and demonstrate compliance with the purpose and intent of the City’s Planned Unit Development ordinance.

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Coachella, CaliforniaAPN: 612-260-010
SHEET TITLE:
12/05/2025
LLMD & CC&R’s Exhibit
CC&R’s LLMD

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Coachella, CaliforniaAPN: 612-260-010
SHEET TITLE:
12/05/2025

PARK AREA EXHIBIT

PARK AREA

3.13 AC
(NIC 0.40 AC
Retention Basin)

Item 33.

ENGINEERING | PLANNING | SURVEY | ENVIRONMENTAL
44-600 Village Court, Suite 100 Palm Desert, CA 92260 t.760.346.4750 f. 760.340.0089 TheAltumGroup.com

Item 33.

ENGINEERING | PLANNING | SURVEY | ENVIRONMENTAL
44-600 Village Court, Suite 100 Palm Desert, CA 92260 t.760.346.4750 f. 760.340.0089 TheAltumGroup.com

Item 33.

Calhoun Street Housing Development
Coachella, CaliforniaAPN: 612-260-010
SHEET TITLE:
12/05/2025

DENSITY CALCULATION EXHIBIT

35.24 Acres - Net
Does not include acreage for public park (includes retention basin), Ave. 49 and Calhoun Street dedications, and CVWD USBR easement on the western side of the property.
257 DU’s / 35.24 AC = 7.29 DU/AC

Item 33.
$G3UHYLHZ


Item 33.
80237.00000\44434470.1

STAFF REPORT
1/28/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Lizzandro Diaz, Building Official
SUBJECT: Adoption of Ordinance No. 1228, amending Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code and adopting the 2025 California State Building Standards Code by Reference
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

1. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1228, AN ORDINANCE

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE COACHELLA MUNICIPAL CODE AND
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA

BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), INCLUDING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE; AND

MAKING CERTAIN LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO
BACKGROUND:

It is customary to conduct regular updates to the building code every three years. These updates are carried out to bring the state building code in line with current standards and reflect any changes made to Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

The proposed adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code will improve the safety of structures within the City, and amend portions of the California Building Standards Code to address the specific needs of Coachella and the challenges posed by the City's unique climatic,

Item 34.
80237.00000\44434470.1
geological and topographic conditions. With specific guidelines for construction materials and practices, the building and fire codes will better serve the needs of Coachella, which experiences extreme weather and seismic activity. This will lead to more resilient structures that can withstand the environmental challenges the City faces. The construction process will be safer, more efficient and help protect the investment of property owners.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

It is recommended Council make the following determination that this action is exempt from environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the general rule contained in Section 15061(b)(3). This action involves updates and revisions to existing regulations consistent with State law and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the environment.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

This Ordinance will not have a fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund. The cost to administer the codes is recovered through permit fees.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Continue this matter and provide staff direction.

2. Take no action.

Attachments:

1. Ordinance No. 1228

2. Notice of Public Hearing

Item 34.
1 80237.00000\44352919.2
ORDINANCE NO. 1228

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15

OF THE COACHELLA MUNICIPAL CODE AND
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE

CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
(CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24),
INCLUDING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE
CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE; THE
2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE; THE 2025
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE; THE 2025
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE 2025
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
ENERGY CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLANDURBAN INTERFACE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE; AND MAKING

CERTAIN LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO
WHEREAS, the City of Coachella, California (“City”) is a general law city and municipal corporation, duly organized under the California Constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, in July 2025, the California Building Standards Commission (“CBSC”) adopted the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, which takes effect January 1, 2026 and the California Building Standards Code is organized under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (“CCR”); and
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Code consists of building standards that regulate the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical systems, and maintenance of all buildings in the state and includes the following codes under Title 24 of the CCR: California Administrative Code (Part1) California Building Code (Part 2); the California Residential Code (Part 2.5); the California Electrical Code (Part 3); the California Mechanical Code (Part 4); the California Plumbing Code (Part 5); the California Energy Code (Part 6); the Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Part 7); the California Historical Building Code (Part 8); the California Fire Code (Part 9); the California Existing Building Code (Part 10); and the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11); and the California Referenced Standards Code (Part 12); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.2, the City may adopt the California Building Standards Code by reference; and

Item 34.
2 80237.00000\44352919.2
WHEREAS, pursuant to sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code, the City may adopt local amendments to the California Building Standards Code determined by the City Council to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code with local amendments to provide for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees, to provide adequate remedies for code violations, to establish administrative procedures consistent with City protocols, and to ensure that the state standards are reasonably tailored to local conditions.

NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. Findings. Based on the foregoing, the City Council of the City of Coachella does hereby find that the local amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions as set forth in Exhibit “A” of this Ordinance.

SECTION 3. Amendment.

Chapter 15.04 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.04 – ADMINISTRATION

15.04.010 - Adoption of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code.

Except as provided in this chapter, title 24, parts 1-12 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) known and designated as the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Code) shall apply in the City of Coachella for regulating the construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use and occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures in the city. The Code will be on file for public examination in the offices of the building official as required by state law.

The City of Coachella adopts by reference the following parts of title 24 of the CCR as listed below:
2025 California Administrative Code (Part 1)
2025 California Building Code (Part 2, Volumes 1 & 2)
2025 California Residential Code (Part 2.5)

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3 80237.00000\44352919.2
2025 California Electrical Code (Part 3)
2025 California Mechanical Code (Part 4)
2025 California Plumbing Code (Part 5)
2025 California Energy Code (Part 6)
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Part 7)
2025 California Historical Building Code (Part 8)
2025 California Fire Code (Part 9)
2025 California Existing Building Code (Part 10)
2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11) 2025 California Referenced Standards Code (Part 12)
SECTION 3. Amendment.

Chapter 15.08 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.08 Building Code

15.08.010 Adoption of specific sections of the California Building Code.

15.08.020 Enforcement.

15.08.025 Express Findings.

15.08.030 Amendments to the California Building Code.

15.08.010 Adoption of specific sections of the California Building Code.

Except as amended in this chapter, those certain building codes known and designated as the 2025 California Building Code (CBC), including Chapters 1 through 35, and Appendices A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J, N, O, P, Q as adopted by the State of California, based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, except as amended herein, shall become the building code of the City of Coachella for regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures in the City. The 2025 California Building Code and its adopted appendices and amendments are on file for public examination in the offices of the Building Official.

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4 80237.00000\44352919.2

15.08.020 Enforcement.

Pursuant to California Building Code, Chapter 1, Section 1.11.2.1, the delegated enforcement official responsible for the enforcement of the building standards relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they relate to Group R, Division 3 Dwellings shall be the Building Official.

15.08.025 Reserved.

15.08.030 Amendments to the California Building Code.

A. Section 105.1 is amended to read as follows:
“Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. The City of Coachella requires a building permit for the following projects:

1. Hardscape work including concrete flatwork, patio slabs, and pavers, except walkways exempted under Section 105.2.

2. New driveways made of concrete, pavers, grasscrete or comparable permeable or impermeable surfaces.

3. Removal and repair of existing masonry walls for the purpose of installation of gates and driveways.

4. Tent structures and canvas shade structures and coverings over 200 square feet, unless exempt as part of a Special Event Permit.

5. Re-surfacing and re-striping of existing parking lots.

6. Notwithstanding the provisions of the California Building Code, the City shall prohibit post-tension masonry walls.”
B. Section 105.2, Items 2, 4, and 6 under "Building" are hereby deleted and replaced in their entirety as follows:

2. Fences conforming to design requirements of Title 17 of the Coachella Municipal Code, not exceeding a height of 2 feet (610 mm).

4. Retaining walls that are not over 2 feet (610 mm) in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

Item 34.
5 80237.00000\44352919.2

6. Sidewalks in the side or rear yard not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

C. Section 105.2 is amended by adding the following to the end of the section:
“Grading:

See Appendix J, Section J103.2 Exemptions, for work exempt from grading permits.”
D. Section 110.3.8 is amended to read as follows:
“110.3.8 Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire resistance rated assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected for all designed fire protection. Required fire seals/fire barriers in fire assemblies at fire-resistant penetrations shall be installed and certified by a third party, state of California licensed fireproofing company and certification of compliance shall be provided for building official's final approval.” E. The following language is added to the end of Section 111.1:

Section 111.1 is hereby amended by adding the following language to the end of the section:
“To ensure appropriate continued use of any occupied space the building official will issue a new Certificate of Occupancy upon any change of tenant at the fee rates established by resolution of the City Council.”
F. Section 114.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“114.4 Violation penalties. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions, regulations, requirements, additions, amendments and/or deletions of this code is guilty of a misdemeanor and the penalty for such a misdemeanor shall be as set forth in Chapter 3.48.090 of the City of Coachella Municipal Code.” G. Section 114.4.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
“114.4.1 Violation Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who shall proceed with or commence work for which a permit is required by these building and construction regulations without first having obtained such permit shall, if subsequently permitted to obtain a permit therefor, pay double the fee fixed for such work. The original permit fee shall be for issuance of the permit and the

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balance shall be a civil penalty. This provision shall not apply to emergency work when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the building official that such work was urgently necessary and that it was not practical to obtain a permit before commencement of the work. In all such cases a permit must be secured as soon as it is practicable to do so, and if there is an unreasonable delay in securing the required permit, the civil penalty as provided in this section shall be charged. In no event shall such civil penalty exceed the permit fee plus five hundred dollars.

The civil penalty provided in this section shall be in addition to any other fines and remedies prescribed elsewhere in this code. The payment of such fees and fine shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements of these building and construction regulations in the execution of the work.” H. Section G101.6 is hereby added to Appendix G, FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION, to read as follows:
“G101.6 Administration and Enforcement. For the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this Appendix G, Flood-Resistant Construction, the Building Official shall mean the City Director of Public Works or his or her designated representative.”
I. Section J101.3 of Appendix J, Grading, is hereby added to read as follows:
“J101.3 Administration and Enforcement. For the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this Appendix J, Grading, the building official shall mean the City Director of Public Works or their designated representative.”
J. Section J107.4 of Appendix J, Grading, is hereby amended by adding Section J107.4.1 to read as follows:
“J107.4.1 Using alkaline fill soil. Soils or materials which may have an alkali or sulfate content shall not be relocated, placed or used as fill at any location within the city unless a test sample of the soil is first obtained under the direction of the department of building and tests conducted by an approved testing agency indicates that the alkali or sulfate content of the soil sample does not exceed the amount in the natural soil at the location where the fill is to be placed. The Public Work Director may waive the test sample requirements for good cause.”
SECTION 4. Code Amendment.

Chapter 15.12 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.12 Electrical Code

15.12.010 Adoption of the Electrical Code.

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7 80237.00000\44352919.2

15.12.020 Amendments to the California Electrical Code.

15.12.010 Adoption of the Electrical Code.

Except as provided in this chapter, the 2025 California Electrical Code, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), shall become the electrical code of the City of Coachella, regulating all installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures and other electrical appliances on premises within the City. The California Electrical Code is on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

15.12.020 Amendments to the California Electrical Code.

The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code is hereby adopted with no amendments.

SECTION 5. Code Amendment.

Chapter 15.16 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.16 Mechanical Code

15.16.010 Adoption of the Mechanical Code.

15.16.020 Amendments to the California Mechanical Code.

15.16.010 Adoption of the Mechanical Code.

Except as provided in this chapter, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, including Appendices , E, F, G, , I, and J, based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, shall become the mechanical code of the City of Coachella, regulating all installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of mechanical systems, connections, fixtures and other mechanical appliances on premises within the city. The California Mechanical Code is on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

15.16.020 Amendments to the California Mechanical Code.

The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code is hereby adopted with no amendments.

SECTION 6. Code Amendment.

Chapter 15.20 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.20 Plumbing Code

15.20.010 Adoption of the Plumbing Code.

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8 80237.00000\44352919.2

15.20.015 Express Findings.

15.20.020 Amendments to Chapter 1, Division II of the California Plumbing Code.

15.20.010 Adoption of the Plumbing Code.

Except as provided in this chapter, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, including Appendix Chapters A, B, D, H, I and J, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), shall be and become the plumbing code of the City of Coachella, regulating erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, maintenance or use of plumbing systems within the City. The California Plumbing Code will be on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

15.20.020
The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code is hereby adopted with no amendments.

SECTION 7. Code Amendment.

Chapter 15.24 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.24 Fire Code

15.24.010 Adoption of the Fire Code.

15.24.020 Amendments to the Fire Code.

15.24.010 Adoption of the Fire Code.

Except as stated in this section or as amended below, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Fire Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter's matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the City of Coachella. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted - Chapter 1, Division II of the California Fire Code is hereby adopted, except that Sections 103.2 and 112.3 are not adopted, and Chapters 3, 25, Sections 403.11, 503, 510.2, 1103.2, and 5707, and Appendix N are adopted. The California Fire Code and its adopted appendices and amendments are on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

15.24.020 Amendments to the Fire Code.

A. SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

1. Section 101.4 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
101.4 Severability. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of

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this code or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this code which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this code are hereby declared to be severable.

B. APPLICABILITY.

1. Section 102.5 of the California Fire Code is amended as follows:
102.5 Application of residential code. Where structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code, the provisions of this code shall apply as follows:

1. Construction and design provisions of this code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access and watersupplies. Where interior or exterior systems or
devices are installed, construction permits required by Section 105.6 of this code shall apply.

2. Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply.

3. Automatic fire sprinkler system requirements of this code shall apply to detached accessory buildings 3,600 square feet or greater in accordance with Section 903.2. The provisions contained in Section 903.2.18 of the California Fire Code or Section R317.5.1 of the California Residential Code may be used for the design of the automatic fire sprinkler system for detached private garages.

2. A new Section 102.13.1 is added to Section 102.13 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
102.13.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Where a conflict exists between the provisions of this code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

C. DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION

1. Sections 104.8 and 104.8.1 of the California Fire Code are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
104.8 Liability. Any liability against the County of Riverside or the City of Coachella or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law.

D. GENERAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

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1. A new Section 104.1.1 is added to Section 104.1 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, and Fire Department.

1. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee, is authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and provisions of this code and to perform such duties as directed by the City Council.

2. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee, is authorized to administer, interpret and enforce this code. Under the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee’s direction, the Riverside County Fire Department is authorized to enforce ordinances of the City of Coachella pertaining to the
following:

2.1. The prevention of fires.

2.2. The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or
hazardous fires.

2.3. The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials.

2.4. The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire
extinguishing equipment.

2.5. The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes.

2.6. The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction.

2.7. The maintenance of means of egress.

2.8. The investigation of the cause, origin and
circumstances of fire and unauthorized releases of
hazardous materials.

3. The following persons are hereby authorized to interpret and enforce the provisions of this code and to make arrests and issue citations as authorized by law:

3.1. The Unit Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection.

3.2. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, Peace Officers and
Public Officers of the Riverside County Fire
Department.

3.3. The Riverside County Sheriff and any deputy sheriff.

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3.4. The Police Chief and any police officer of the City.

3.5. Officers of the California Highway Patrol.

3.6. Code Officers of the City of Coachella Code
Enforcement Department.

3.7. Peace Officers of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

3.8. The law enforcement officer of the Federal Bureau of Land Management.

2. Section 104.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted and replaced with the following:
104.2 Determination of compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, and information bulletins in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.

2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

3. Shall be enforceable as part of this code.

3. Section 104.12 is added to Section 104 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.12 Authority of the Fire Chief to close hazardous fire areas.

Except upon National Forest Land, the Fire Chief is authorized to determine and announce the closure of any hazardous fire area or portion thereof. Any closure by the Fire Chief for a period of more than fifteen (15) calendar days must be approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside and/or the City Council of the City of Coachella within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Fire Chief's original order of closure. Upon such closure, no person shall go in or be upon any hazardous fire area, except upon the public roadways and inhabited areas. During such closure, the Fire Chief shall erect and maintain at all entrances to the closed area sufficient signs giving notice of closure. This section shall not prohibit residents or owners of private property within any closed area, or their invitees, from going in or being upon their lands. This section shall not apply to any entry, in the course of duty, by a peace officer, duly authorized public officer or fire department personnel. For the purpose of this section, "hazardous fire area" shall mean public or private land that is

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covered with grass, grain, brush or forest and situated in a location that makes suppression difficult resulting in great damage. Such areas are designated on Hazardous Fire Area maps filed with the office of the Fire Chief.

E. FEES.

1. Section 108.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees for services and permits shall be as set forth in the City of Coachella fee schedule adopted by the City Council.

2. A new Section 108.7 is added to Section 108 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
108.7 Cost recovery. Fire suppression, investigation, rescue or emergencymedical costs are recoverable in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, as may be amended from time to time. Additionally, any person who negligently, intentionally or in violation of law causes an emergency response, including, but not limited to, a traffic accident, spill of toxic or flammable fluids or chemicals is liable for the costs of securing such emergency, including those costs pursuant to Government Code Section 53150 et seq., as may be amended from time to time. Any expense incurred by the Riverside County Fire Department for securing such emergency shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectable by Riverside County in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied.

F. BOARD OF APPEALS.

1. Section 112.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
112.1 Board of appeals established. The Board of Appeals shall be the City Manager. If he or she determines an outside board is needed, he or she shall designate an outside hearing officer to hear the appeal. The Fire Chief and Chief Deputy shall be notified of any appeal and the Fire Chief or designee shall be in attendance at the appeal hearing.

Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited, at the expense of the applicant, for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.

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G. VIOLATIONS.

1. Section 113.4 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
113.4 Violation and penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to violate any provision of this code, or to violate the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this code or the Coachella Municipal Code. Punishments and penalties for violations shall be in accordance with the City of Coachella ordinances, fee schedule and Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.

H. DEFINITIONS

1. Section 202, definition of "Fire Chief in the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

FIRE CHIEF. The Fire Chief of Riverside County or the Fire Chief’s designee.

I. OPEN FLAMES.

1. Section 308.1.7 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
308.1.7 Sky lanterns or similar devices. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern or similar device.

J. FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS.

1. A new Section 503.1.2.1 is added to Section 503 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.1.2.1 Remoteness. Unless otherwise approved, where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

2. Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet (7315 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm). For additional requirements or alternatives see Riverside County Fire Department Standards and Policies, as may be amended from time to time.

3. Section 503.2.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and

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replaced with the following:
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall be the only authority authorized to designate fire apparatus access roads and fire lanes and to modify the minimum fire lane access widths for fire or rescue operations.

4. A new Section 503.6.1 is added to Section 503.6 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.6.1 Automatic opener. New motorized gates shall be provided with means to be automatically opened remotely by emergency vehicle in accordance with Riverside County Fire Department standards and policies, as may be amended from time to time.

Exception: Gates serving individual one- and two-family dwelling parcels.

A new Section 503.7 is added to Section 503 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.7 Loading areas and passenger drop-off areas. On private properties, where fire apparatus access roads are utilized for loading or unloading or utilized for passenger drop-off or pick-up, an additional eight (8) feet of width shall be added to the minimum required width for the fire apparatus access road.

K. FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES.

1. A new Section 507.5.7 is added to Section 507 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
507.5.7 Fire hydrant size and outlets. As determined by the fire code official, fire hydrant sizes and outlets shall be based on the following:

1. Residential Standard - one (1) four (4) inch outlet and one (1) two and half (2 ½) inch outlet.

2. Super Hydrant Standard - one (1) four (4) inch outlet and two (2) two and one half (2 ½) inch outlet.

3. Super Hydrant Enhanced - two (2) four (4) inch outlet and one (1) two and one half (2 ½) inch outlet.

2. A new Section 507.5.8 is added to Section 507 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
507.5.8 Fire hydrant street marker. Fire hydrant locations shall be visually indicated in accordance with Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines, as may be amended from time to time. Any hydrant marker damaged or removed during the course of street construction or repair shall be immediately replaced by the contractor, developer or person responsible for removal or damage.

L. FIRE COMMAND CENTER.

1. Section 508.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
508.1 General. Where required by other sections of this code and in all

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buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code, in buildings greater than 300,000 square feet (27,870 m2), in area and in Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7.

2. Section 508.1.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
508.1.1 Location and access. The fire command center shall be located adjacent to the main lobby and shall be accessible from fire department vehicular access or as approved by the fire code official. The room shall have direct access from the building exterior at the lowest level of fire department access.

3. Section 508.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended as follows:
508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m2) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3,048 mm), whichever is greater. Where a fire command center is solely required because a building is greater than 300,000 square feet (27,870 m2), the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m2) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2,438 mm) where approved by the fire code official.

M. FIRE PROTECTION AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT
IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION.

1. A new Section 509.2.1 is added to Section 509 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
509.2.1 Minimum clearances. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of exterior fire protection system control valves, or any other exterior fire protection system component that may require immediate access, except as otherwise required or approved.

N. MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION.

1. Section 608.11.1.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
608.11.1.2 Manual operation. When required by the fire code official, automatic crossover valves shall be capable of manual operation. The manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately outside of the machinery room in a secure metal box or equivalent and marked as Emergency Controls.

O. COMMERCIAL COOKING SYSTEMS.

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1. A new Section 904.14.3.2 is added the California Fire Code to read as follows:
904.14.3.2 Activation of the Fire Alarm System. Where a fire alarm signaling system, or a Dedicated Function Fire Alarm System (with available points of connection) is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is located, the actuation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall actuate the fire alarm signaling system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72.

P. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

1. Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
903.2 Where required. In all new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided regardless of occupancy classification. Where Sections 903.2.1 - 903.2.20 of the California Fire Code require more restrictive requirements than those listed below, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence. In addition, the following is required for existing buildings/structures:

1. All new tenants and new occupancies hereafter constructed, which exceed 3, 600 square feet shall have an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout therein.

2. All existing occupancies to which additions are made, where either the addition itself or the building and the addition in total exceeds 3,600 square feet, shall have an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout therein.

3. Change of use or occupancy that exceeds 3,600 square feet shall have an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout therein.

Exceptions: Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:

1. Detached Group U occupancies used for
agricultural purposes constructed in accordance
with the California Building Code.

2. Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.

3. Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles and dining areas with no
cooking.

4. Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life

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safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.

5. Non-combustible fueling station canopies not exceeding 5,500 square feet.

One- and two-family dwellings shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in mobilehomes, manufactured homes and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

The following exceptions in the California Fire Code shall not be allowed:
a. Exception in Section 903.2.3
b. Exception in Section 903.2.11.3

2. A new Section 903.3.5.3 is added to Section 903 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinklersystemsshall not exceed 90% of the watersupply capacity.

Q. GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY FEATURES.

1. A new Section 3206.4.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3206.4.2 Minimum requirements for client leased or occupant owned warehouses. Designs of an automatic sprinkler system for client leased or occupant owned buildings containing high pile storage shall be based on the requirements of NFPA 13. Unless otherwise approved a Professional Engineer, licensed in the State of California shall perform a survey of the building to determine commodity classification, storage configuration, building height and other information related to the development of an appropriate sprinkler system design. The engineer shall also make reasonable efforts to meet with the building owner or operator to understand seasonal or customer related fluctuations to the stored commodities, storage height, and configuration. The sprinkler design shall be based on the most demanding requirements determined through the onsite survey and discussions with the building owner or operator.

The technical report shall describe the basis for determining the commodity and sprinkler design selection, how the commodities will be isolated or separated, and include references to the design document(s). If a specific fire test is used as the basis of design, a copy of the fire test report shall be provided at the time of plan review.

R. MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES.

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1. A new Section 4107 is added to Chapter 41 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4107 MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES
4107.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors shall comply with this section.
4107.2 Maintenance. Maintenance of systems on mobile food preparation vehicles shall be in accordance with Sections 4107.2.1 through 4107.2.3. 4107.2.1 Exhaust system. The exhaust system, including hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with Section 606.3. 4107.2.2 Fire protection systems and devices. Fire protection systems and devices shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.6.
4107.2.3 Fuel gas systems. LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle and fuel-gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency or a company that is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to requalify LP-gas cylinders, to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for the intended service and not subject to leaking. CNG containers shall be inspected every 3 years in a qualified service facility. CNG containers shall not be used past their expiration date as listed on the manufacturer’s container label. Upon satisfactory inspection, the approved inspection agency shall affix a tag on the fuel gas system or within the vehicle indicating the name of the inspection agency and the date of satisfactory inspection.

S. . FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

1. A new Section 5608.2 is added to Section 5608 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5608.2 Fallout Area. For aerial shells, the minimum required radius of the fallout area shall be 100 ft/in. (22 m/25 mm) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest aerial shell to be fired, unless otherwise approved.

T. APPENDIX B.

1. A new Section B103.2.1 is added to Section B103.2 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

B103.2.1 Wildland-Urban Interface Area Subdivisions. The minimum fire flow for any new subdivision or tract constructed within a WildlandUrban Interface Area shall be 1,500 gallons per minute.

2. Table B105.2 of the California Fire Code is amended as

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follows:

TABLE B105.2

REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER

THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY
DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM
(Design Standard)

MINIMUM FIRE-FLOW
(gallons per minute)

FLOW DURATION
(hours)
No automatic sprinkler
system
Value in Table B105.1(2) Duration in Table B105.1(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 of the
California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table
B105.1(2)a
Duration in Table B105.1(2) at
the reduced flow rate
Section 903.3.1.2 of the
California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table
B105.1(2)b
Duration in Table B105.1(2) at
the reduced flow rate
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a. The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,000 gallons per minute. b. The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute.

U. APPENDIX C.

1. Section C103.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 of the California Fire Code shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Where more than one fire hydrant isrequired, the distance between required fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Sections C103.2 and C103.3. Fire hydrants shall be provided at street intersections.

SECTION 8. Amendment.

Chapter 15.26 is hereby added to Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code as follows:
“Chapter 15.26 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

15.26.010 Adoption of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

15.26.020 Amendments to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

15.26.010 Adoption of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Except as stated in this Section, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set for in each chapter's matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the City of Coachella. In

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addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code – Chapter 1, Division II of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby adopted, except that Sections 103.2 and 112.3 are not adopted, and sections A101 through A102.2, A102.4, A104, A105.1, A105.4 through A105.4.2, A106 through A106.2 and A107 through A107.5 are adopted.

15.26.20 Amendments to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

A. APPLICABILITY A new Section 102.4.1.1 is added to Section 102.4.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
102.4.1.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Where a conflict exists between the provisions of the Coachella Municipal Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

A. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL.

1. A new Section 104.l.l is added to Section 104.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, and Fire Department.

1. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee is authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and provisions of this code and to perform such duties as directed by the Coachella City Council.

2. The Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee is authorized to administer, interpret and enforce this code. Under the Fire Chief, Chief Deputy, or their designee’s direction, the Riverside County Fire Department is authorized to enforce ordinances of the City of Coachella pertaining to the following:

2.1. The prevention of fires.

2.2. The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires.

2.3. The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials.

2.4. The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment.

2.5. The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes.

2.6. The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction.

2.7. The maintenance of means of egress.

2.8. The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.

3. The following persons are hereby authorized to interpret and enforce the provisions of this code and to make arrests and issue citations as authorized by law:

3.1. The Unit Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

3.2. The Fire Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the Riverside

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County Fire Department.

3.3. The Riverside County Sheriff and any deputy sheriff.

3.4. The Police Chief and any police officer of any city served by the Riverside County Fire Department.

3.5. Officers of the California Highway Patrol.

3.6. Code Officers of the Riverside County Code Enforcement Department.

3.7. Peace Officers of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

3.8. The law enforcement officer of the Federal Bureau of Land Management.

B. Section 104.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted and replaced with the following:
104.2 Determination of compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, and information bulletins in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.

2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

3. Shall be enforceable as part of this code.

C. Sections 104.8 and 104.8.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
104.8 Liability. Any liability against Riverside County, City of Coachella, or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law.

D. PERMITS. Section 105.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted in it’s entirety and replaced with the following:
105.2 Permits Required. Unless otherwise exempted, buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be erected, constructed, altered, repaired, moved, removed, converted, demolished or changed in use or occupancy unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the code official.

For buildings or structures erected for temporary uses, see Section A108.3.

Where required by the code official, a permit shall be obtained for the following activities, operations, practices or functions within a wildland-urban interface area:

1. Automobile wrecking yard.

2. Candles and open flames in assembly areas.

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3. Explosives or blasting agents.

4. Fireworks.

5. Flammable or combustible liquids.

6. Hazardous materials.

7. Liquefied petroleum gases.

8. Landscape and fuel modification zones.

9. Lumberyards.

10. Motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.

11. Open burning.

12. Pallet Yards.

13. Pyrotechnical special effects material.

14. Tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures.

15. Tire storage.

16. Welding and cutting operations.

E. FEES. Section 108.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees for services and permits shall be as set forth in City of Coachella fee schedule.

F. A new Section 108.7 is added to Section 108 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
108.7 Cost recovery. Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 11374.5(b)(1), 13009 et seq., 25515(a), 25540(a), 25541 (a), California Government Code sections 53150 et seq, and all other provisions of law, all costs incurred by the Riverside County Fire Department and the City of Coachella for the inspection and enforcement of any provision of these Codes, the investigation of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition, the suppression of fire, the response to a traffic collision or accident, the containment and/or mitigation of a hazardous materials release, and any rescue or rendering of medical or physical aid or assistance, may be charged to any responsible party, any person who violates these Codes or any person who, due to a negligent or unlawful act or omission, is responsible for or requires or causes the emergency response of Riverside County Fire Department. Any expense incurred by the Riverside County Fire Department for such an emergency response shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectible by the County and City of Coachella in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied. These provisions shall be applied uniformly against all such persons in violation of a Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code or other state law statutory violation; only a county official shall have authority to reduce or cancel the debt obligation

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arising from the incident.

G. INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT. Section 109.3.7 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
109.3.7 Violation and penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to violate any provision of this code, or to violate the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this code or City of Coachella Municipal Code Chapter 15.26. Punishments and penalties for violations shall be in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5 and Government Code Section 51185.

H. DEFINITIONS. Section 202, definition of "Fire Chief” in the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

FIRE CHIEF. The Fire Chief of Riverside County or the Fire Chief’s designee.

I. WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA DESIGNATIONS. Section 302.1.1 is added to Section 302.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
302.1.1 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The City of Coachella has adopted the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to Government Code section 51178 and designated those areas within the County as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as shown on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Maps have been adopted under City of Coachella Ordinance No. 1429.

J. SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS. Section 501.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface shall be amended as follows:
501.1 Scope. Buildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and this code.

For the purpose of this chapter, a wildland-urban interface area shall be defined as a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, and shall

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include those areas designated by City of Coachella Ordinance No. 1429 as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.

Exceptions:

2. Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m2) in floor area where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.

3. Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.

K. FIRE PROTECTION PLANS. Section 602.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
602.1 General. A fire protection plan shall be submitted to the Fire Code Official for any proposed subdivision of land or building project. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.

The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.

Submittal of a preliminary fire protection plan shall be required prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.

Exception: A single-family dwelling (Group R-3 Occupancy) when located on an existing legal parcel.

L. Section 602.3.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
602.3.2 Final Fire Protection Plan. Final fire protection plan shall include items listed in Section 602.3.1 and the following:

1. A map identifying all proposed plants in the fuel modification zones with a legend that includes a symbol for each proposed plant species.

The plan shall include specific information on each species proposed, including but not limited to:

1.1. The plant life-form;

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1.2. The scientific and common name; and

1.3. The expected height and width for mature growth.

2. Identification of irrigated and non-irrigated zones.

3. Requirements for vegetation reduction around emergency access and evacuation routes.

4. Identification of existing vegetation proposed to remain.

5. Identification of points of access for equipment and personnel to maintain vegetation in common areas.

6. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing, or modifying areas on the property.

7. Legally binding statements regarding community
responsibility for maintenance of fuel modification zones.

8. Legally binding statements to be included in covenants, conditions and restrictions regarding property owner
responsibilities for vegetation maintenance.

M. VEGETATION PLAN. Section 603.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new and replacement landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.

N. Section 603.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
603.3 Landscape and Fuel Modification plans. Landscape and Fuel Modification plans shall be submitted for any project located in a WUI area.

The landscape and Fuel Modification plan shall include development and maintenance requirements for the vegetation management zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and to provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety.

O. Section 603.3.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain the following:

1. Delineation of the 5-foot (1524 mm) (Zone 0), 30-foot (9144 mm) (Zone 1) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) (Zone 2) fuel
management zones from all structures.

2. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation.

3. Identification of irrigated areas.

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4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols.

5. Identification of ground coverings within the 30-foot (9144 mm) zone.

P. MAINTENANCE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE. Section 604.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
604.1 General. Vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Q. Section 604.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as follows:
604.3 Requirements. Vegetation and fuels around all buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations:

1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291.

2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3, Section 1299.03.

3. California Government Code, Section 51182.

4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Section 3.07.

5. The requirements of Appendix A of this code and Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

R. Section 604.3.1 is added to Section 604.3 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.3.1 Retroactivity. When required by the Fire Code Official, or State Law, existing Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) shall require retrofitting, including thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet this Code or State Law. Upon notification by the Fire Code Official, and when approved, work to bring an existing Defensible Space and FMZ into compliance with this Code, may be done over a two to four (2-4) year period as determined by the Fire Code Official. A compliance plan prepared by the property owner may be requested for review and approval by the Fire Code Official.

S. Section 604.6 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as

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follows:
604.6 Clearance of brush, vegetative growth, and combustible material from improved parcels. All improved parcels declared a Public Nuisance shall be cleared entirely of combustible material. If the Fire Code Official determines this impractical, the provisions of Section 604.7 may be used.

T. Section 604.7 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.7 Clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. Clearance of fuels and vegetative growth from structures shall be per sections 604.7.1 through 604.7.4 of this code.

U. Section 604.7.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.7.1 Structures. Any person owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining any Building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any Fire Hazard Severity Zone, governed by this section, and any person owning, leasing, or controlling any land adjacent to such Buildings, shall at all times maintain around and adjacent to such Building, an effective firebreak made by removing and clearing away, all combustible material on their property for a distance not less than 100 feet from all portions of the Building.

Distances may be increased by the Fire Code Official due to a site-specific analysis based on local conditions and when required, based on a Fire Protection Plan. This section shall not apply to single specimens or stands of protected species of trees, Ornamental Landscape or similar plants used in landscaping and ground covers, that are well-pruned, maintained, and spaced, and do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a structure or from a structure to other nearby vegetation or to interrupt the advance of embers toward a structure.

V. Section 604.7.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.7.2 Timing for New Buildings and additions to Existing Buildings. The provisions of Section 604.7 shall be completed prior to vertical construction of any New Building or addition to an Existing Building.

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W. Section 604.7.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.7.3 Photovoltaic Systems. The clearance requirements around freestanding photovoltaic systems and equipment shall comply with the following:

1. A minimum 10-foot clearance for clusters of panels not exceeding 1,500 square feet of combined panel area.

2. A minimum of 30-foot clearance for clusters of panels greater than 1,500 square feet of combined panel area.

3. Clusters shall be separated by a minimum of 20 feet.

4. Panels and clusters shall be not located within 30 feet of any Building subject to clearance requirements of Section 604 unless the clearance requirements of Section 604 are
provided as measured from the perimeter of the panel or cluster.

X. Section 604.8 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements. The required 100-foot Defensible Space clearance is identified in three (3) distinct zones:

Zone 0, 1, and 2.

Y. Section 604.8.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.1 Requirements. Defensible Space shall be in accordance with the requirements of Appendix A of this code, Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines and the specific requirements for each zone listed in Sections 604.8.2 through 604.8.5.

Z. Section 604.8.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.2 Zone 0 purpose and location. Zone 0 reduces the likelihood of structure ignition by reducing the potential for direct ignition of the structure from flame contact, by embers that accumulate at the base of a wall, and/or indirect ignitions when embers ignite vegetation, vegetative debris, or other combustible materials located close to the structure that result in either a radiant heat and/or a direct flame contact exposure to the structure.

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Zone 0 is the horizontal area within the first five (5) feet around the structure, including stairs, balconies, attached or adjacent decks, and outbuildings. Zone 0 is measured from the edge of a structure, attached or adjacent decks, patio covers, balconies, and floor projections above-grade. Zone 0 also includes the area on the roof of a building, and underneath and on top of attached decks, patio covers, balconies, and stair landings.

Advisory Notice: Riverside County Fire Department has local Zone 0 requirements currently in effect for new Buildings and additions to existing Buildings. New State regulations for Zone 0 are currently under development by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Any State regulation more restrictive than this code shall apply. This may require thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation to meet State Law and regulations.

AA. Section 604.8.2.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape. Fuels, including Combustible Materials and vegetation, are prohibited in Zone 0 for all New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas.

The application date of Section 604.8.2.1 shall be the later application date when any of the following occur:

1. Fire Department Clearance for a New Building or addition to an Existing Building.

2. Building permit for a New Building or addition to an Existing Building.

3. Landscape plans submitted for Riverside County Fire
Department review.

4. Replacement of landscape when landscape plans are not required.

BB. Section 604.8.2.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.2.2 Additional requirements in Zone 0.

1. New and existing tree canopies are prohibited within 10 feet of New Buildings, including the addition portion to Existing Buildings.

Exception: Existing protected oak trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum 5-foot clearance above the roof and 5 feet to the side of any New Building, or the addition portion to an Existing Building.

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2. Landscaped roofs are prohibited.

3. Vegetation underneath decks is prohibited.

4. Other Combustible Materials underneath any deck, not part of the deck structure itself, shall be removed.

5. Artificial or synthetic grass is prohibited within Zone 0.

6. Vines and climbing plants are not allowed on structures, including decks, patio/shade structures, and any fences within 5 feet of a Building.

7. Combustible mulch and wood chips are prohibited.

8. Firewood is prohibited.

9. All fencing and gates shall be non-combustible. See Section 604.11.

CC. Section 604.8.2.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.2.3 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings.

DD. Section 604.8.2.3.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.2.3.1 Zone 0 restrictions. The following requirements apply within Zone 0 for all Existing Buildings with landscape installed prior to January 1, 2026:

1. No combustible landscape mulch or wood chips.

2. No firewood.

3. No vegetation underneath decks.

4. Other Combustible Materials underneath any deck, not part of the deck structure itself, shall be removed.

5. Roofs and gutters on Buildings shall be maintained free of any leaves, needles, or other vegetative Combustible Materials.

6. The vertical clearance distance for trees and vegetation above any roof shall be not less than 3 feet.

7. A minimum 3-foot clearance of trees and vegetation shall be provided to the side and above any eave or roof projection from the exterior wall of a Building. A minimum 3-foot clearance of trees and vegetation shall be provided below any eave or roof projection. This requirement also applies to any patio cover or other Building projections.

8. New trees are not allowed.

9. New or replacement landscaping shall comply with Sections 604.8.1, 604.8.2.1, and 604.8.2.2.

EE.Section 604.8.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.3 Zone 1 purpose and location. Zone 1 reduces the likelihood of fire

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burning directly to the structure. This is accomplished by modifying Fuels and creating a discontinuity between planting groups that limits the pathways for fire to burn to the structure and reduces the potential for near-to-building ember generation and radiant heat exposures. An additional purpose of this zone is to provide a defendable area for fire personnel to stage and take direct action.

Zone 1 is the area within 5-30 feet of structures and decks, with slopes not greater than 20 percent; 5-50 feet from Buildings and decks, when slopes are greater than 20 percent.

FF. Section 604.8.3.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.3.1 Requirements and allowable items. This is a minimal planting zone which includes very limited trees of a fire-smart type with additional spacing provided. Plants and other vegetation shall be in accordance with Appendix A of this code and Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

GG. Section 604.8.4 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.4 Zone 2 purpose and location. Zone 2 is designed to reduce the potential behavior of an oncoming fire in such a way as to drop an approaching fire from the crown of trees to the ground, reducing the flame heights, and the potential for ember generation and radiant heat exposure to structures.

Additional benefits of the Zone 2 include facilitating direct defense actions and improving the function of Zones 0 and 1.

Zone 2 is the area from the outer edge of Zone 1 to 100 feet from structures and decks.

HH. Section 604.8.4.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.4.1 Requirements and allowable items. Plants and other vegetation shall be in accordance with Appendix A of this code and Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

II. Section 604.8.4.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.4.2 Spacing. Spacing of vegetation and trees at the outer edge of Zone 2 shall be based upon the height of the vegetation within Zone 2 or the adjacent area beyond the 100-foot zone, whichever provides for the greater spacing. This may require clearance outside the 100-foot zone or setting back vegetation and trees within Zone 2 away from the 100-foot line.

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JJ. Section 604.8.5 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5 General requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2.

KK. Section 604.8.5.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.1 Dead and dying vegetation. All dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles shall be removed.

LL.Section 604.8.5.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.2 Mulch and wood chips within Zones 1 and 2. Use of combustible Mulch and wood chips shall be in accordance with the requirements Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

MM. Section 604.8.5.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.3 Firewood. See Section 607.

NN. Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.4 Clearance from chimney, stovepipe. Any portion of a tree or shrub that extends within 10 feet horizontally or vertically of a chimney outlet or stovepipe outlet shall be removed.

OO. Section 604.8.5.5 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.5 Trees. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible structure.

PP. Section 604.8.5.5.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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604.8.5.5.1 Tree spacing. The horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet in Zone 1 and not less than 10 feet in Zone 2. Separation distance may be increased for slopes exceeding 20 percent. Required spacing is measured between trees at maturity.

QQ. Section 604.8.5.5.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.5.2 Ground clearance of trees. Trees exceeding 6 feet in height shall be limbed up from the ground 6 feet or 1/3 the height of the tree, whichever is less.

Exception: Fruit trees when approved by the Fire Code Official.

RR. Section 604.8.5.5.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.5.3 Ground cover under tree canopy. When approved ground cover and shrubs are located underneath trees, the vertical clearance to the lowest branch of the tree canopy shall not be less than three times the height of the ground cover or shrub under or adjacent to the tree. The horizontal clearance shall be 3 feet from the trunk of the tree.

SS. Section 604.8.5.6 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.6 Continuous tree canopies.

TT.Section 604.8.5.6.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.6.1 New Structures. Continuous tree canopies are not allowed. Tree spacing shall be in accordance with Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

UU. Section 604.8.5.6.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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604.8.5.6.2 Existing Structures. Continuous tree canopies may be allowed as determined by the Fire Code Official but will require the complete removal of any understory and smaller trees to meet requirements for a shaded fuel zone.

Any remaining trees shall be limbed up a minimum of 12 feet from the ground or 1/3 the tree height, whichever is less. The intent is to not allow a crown (canopy) fire to spread unchecked to a structure and to bring any crown fire down to the ground level prior to Zone 1.

VV. Section 604.8.5.7 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.8.5.7 Grasses. Natural or annual grasses shall be mowed to a maximum height of 4-inch stubble with clippings removed.

WW. Section 604.9 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.9 Fire protection equipment and utilities. The clearance requirements of Sections 604.7 and 604.8 shall apply to communication site towers and their support Buildings; required fire protection water supplies, including water tanks, water supply pumps, and pump houses; and any other utility Structure as required by the Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official may consider a reduced distance, not less than 30 feet, for communication site towers, water tanks, and Structures with no interior space, based upon a site risk assessment.

Also see Appendix A.

XX. Section 604.10 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines.

No vegetation shall be planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that, at maturity, will grow within 10 feet of the energized conductors.

YY. Section 604.11 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.11 Fencing.

ZZ.Section 604.11.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:

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604.11.1 Scope. This section only applies to fences, including gates within the fencing, within 5 feet of Building(s), including Decks, (Zone 0) that are in an applicable Fire Hazard Severity Zone req by Chapter 6 of this code.

AAA. Section 604.11.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.11.2 New fencing. New fencing and gates shall be constructed of a noncombustible material.

BBB. Section 604.11.3 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
604.11.3 Existing fencing. Fencing installed prior to January 1, 2026, may remain.

Exception: The entire fencing not parallel and within 5 feet of the Building, including gates within the fencing, shall be constructed of a non-combustible material when any portion of the existing fencing within 5 feet is being replaced.

Fencing beyond 5 feet from the Building is not required to be replaced with non-combustible material.

CCC. STORAGE OF FIREWOOD AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

Section 607.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
607.1 General. Firewood and combustible materials shall not be stored in unenclosed spaces beneath Buildings or Structures, or on Decks or under eaves, canopies, or other projections or overhangs. Firewood piles shall be located 30 feet (9144 mm) or more from structures unless completely covered by a fireresistant material. Exposed wood piles located within the defensible space shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet (3048 mm) down to bare mineral soil in all directions. Firewood shall not be stored within Zone 0.

DDD. Section 607.1.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
607.1.1 Combustible Materials. Combustible Materials, other than vegetation, stored within Zones 1 and 2 shall not be stored so as to pose a hazard to any Building. Piles shall not exceed 100 square feet of area and a maximum height

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of 10 feet. Piles shall be separated by a minimum of 20-foot clear area.

EEE. Section 607.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
607.2 Storage for off-site use. Firewood and Combustible Materials not for consumption on the premises shall not be stored within Zones 0, 1, and 2. See Appendix A for storage requirements.

FFF. BUILDING SITING AND SETBACKS. Section 608.1.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
608.1.1 Restricted development setbacks. New Structures and additions to existing Structures shall not be constructed less than 100 feet from any protected habitat, whether on the same or adjacent Parcels, where the 100-foot Defensible Space required under Section 604.7 cannot be provided, unless an alternate method of construction and protection is provided that can ensure the safety of the Structure and emergency responders as approved by the Fire Code Official.

Protected habitat includes lands restricted from brush clearance or modification due to Federal or State listed endangered species. Protected habitat does not include sensitive habitat areas.

GGG. Section 608.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
608.2 General. All parcels shall provide a minimum 30-foot (9144 mm) setback for all buildings from property lines and the center of a road, except as provided for in Section 608.2.1. [14 CCR §1276.00(a)] This section applies to new Tract and Parcel maps, new Buildings, and additions to Existing Buildings.

HHH. Section 608.2.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:
608.2.1 Setback reduction. A reduction in the minimum setback shall be based upon practical reasons, which may include but are not limited to, parcel dimensions or size; topographic limitations; Development density requirements or other Development patterns that promote low-carbon emission outcomes; sensitive habitat or other site constraints, and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce structure-to-structure ignition by incorporating a combination

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of features such as, but not limited to:

1. Non-combustible block walls or fences; or

2. Non-combustible material extending 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the furthest extent of the building; or

3. Hardscape landscaping; or

4. A reduction of exposed windows on the side of the structure with setback less than 30 feet (9144 mm). [14 CCR § 1276.01] III. RIDGELINES, FUEL BREAKS, AND GREENBELTS. Section 609.2.7.1 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
609.2.7.1 Greenbelts. Subdivisions and other developments, which propose Greenbelts as a part of the development plan, shall locate the Greenbelts strategically, as a separation between wildland fuels and Structures. The locations shall be approved by the inspection authority.

JJJ. Section 609.2.7.2 is added to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code to read as follows:
609.2.7.2 Access to Greenbelts. A minimum of one (1) access point shall be provided to new Greenbelts at an approved location to allow for on-going maintenance and firefighter access. Additional access points shall be provided when required by the Fire Code Official.

KKK. APPENDIX A. Section A102.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

A102.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections A102.2 through A102.4 and with Chapter 6.

LLL. Section A105.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

A105.1 General. In addition to the requirements of the California Fire Code, Ordinance 787 and Chapter 6, storage and use of the materials shall be in accordance with Sections A105.2 through A105.4.2.

MMM. Section A105.4 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is

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amended to read as follows:

A105.4 Combustible Materials. Outside storage of Combustible Materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials, or paper products shall comply with the other applicable sections of this code and this section. Storage of pallets shall be in accordance with California Fire Code Section 2810. Storage and processing of wood chips, hogged materials, fines, Compost, Compostable Material, Mulch, solid biomass, raw product, and combustible yard waste and recycle material shall be in accordance with California Fire Code Section 2808.

SECTION 7. Amendment.

Chapter 15.32 of Title 15 of the Coachella Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Chapter 15.32 Existing Building Code

15.32.010 Adoption of the Existing Building Code.

15.32.020 Amendments to the Existing Building Code.

15.32.010 Adoption of the Existing Building Code.

Except as provided in this chapter, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, including Appendices A-1, based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), shall become the Existing Building Code of the City of Coachella for the purpose of regulating the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation, structural strength, access, safety, lighting, ventilation and energy conservation of existing buildings in the City. The California Existing Building Code is on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

15.32.020 Amendments to the Existing Building Code.

A. Section 202, Definitions, is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:

Substantial Structural Damage. A condition where:

1. In any story, the vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system, have suffered damage such that the lateral load-carrying capacity of the structure in any direction has been reduced by more than 20 percent from its pre-damaged condition, or

2. The capacity of any vertical gravity load-carrying component, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floor(s) and roof(s) has been reduced more than 20 percent from its pre-damaged

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condition, and the remaining capacity of such affected elements with respect to all dead and live loads is less than 75 percent of that required by the building code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, and location.” SECTION 10. CEQA Analysis. The City Council finds that the adoption of the California Buildings Standards Code and local amendments thereof is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3) (the common sense exemption). The action is largely administrative in nature and designed to improve and not degrade environmental quality such that there is no possibility that adopting this Ordinance would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant.

SECTION 12. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 13. Publication and Effective Date. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to published or posted as required by law. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ______ of _____________, 2026 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Steven Hernandez, Mayor
City of Coachella
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Angela M. Zepeda, City Clerk
City of Coachella

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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
Ryan Guiboa, Best Best & Krieger LLP
City Attorney

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Exhibit A
Findings to Support Amendments to the
2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Code
To the extent that changes and modifications to the 2025 California Building Standards Code in this ordinance are deemed more restrictive than the standards contained in the 2025 California Building Standards Code thus requiring that findings be made pertaining to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions to justify such modifications, the City Council hereby finds and determines as follows:

A. Extreme surface temperatures common in the lower desert areas, one hundred sixty (160) degrees Fahrenheit plus, deteriorates and dries out buildings’ materials and our high winds create extreme fire conditions which are detrimental to the general public.

B. Every three years the State of California adopts a new California Fire Code, as part of the California Building Standards Code, which becomes effective 180 days after publication by the California Building Standards Commission.

C. The 2025 California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, is based on the 2024 International Fire Code.

D. The City of Coachella may establish more restrictive standards reasonably necessary to provide fire protection for life and property because of the following local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

I. Climatic Conditions:

Riverside County and the City of Coachella have an arid climate with annual rainfall varying from three (3) inches in Blythe to over thirty-three (33) inches in Pine Cove. The County also experiences annual hot, dry Santa Ana Winds, which contribute to fires spreading quickly throughout the County.

II. Topographical conditions
A variety of regions exist within Riverside County including deserts, mountains, brush covered wild lands, the Salton Sea and agricultural lands. Additionally, elevations within Riverside County range from three hundred (300) feet below sea level to mountains over ten thousand (10,000) feet. This variety in regions contributes to an increased emergency response time, which necessitates cooperation between local agencies.

Riverside County contains a large number of sensitive habitats for various species and vegetation, consists of large open space areas between major urban centers and includes

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landscapes varying from mountains and hills to valleys and deserts. These conditions impact building and structure location, which impedes emergency access and response.

Riverside County extends from Orange County to the State of Arizona and is mixed with congested urban areas, rural lands and wild lands, which increase Riverside County Fire Department response times to emergencies.

The topography within Riverside County extends from flat to twenty-five (25) percent slope for habitable land, which causes buildings and structures to be located in unique areas that impact emergency response and access.

III.Geological Conditions
Two major earthquake faults, the San Andreas Fault and the San Jacinto Fault, bisect Riverside County and numerous minor faults exist throughout it. As a result, a substantial amount of property and persons located in Riverside County and the City of Coachella are likely to be impacted by earthquakes and will require emergency response and rescue.

In addition to earthquakes, a substantial amount of property and persons located in Riverside County and the City of Coachella are likely to be impacted by landslides, wind erosion, blown sand, flooding and wildfires because of the County’s unique climatic, geological and topographical conditions.

F. The additional requirements included herein are necessary to properly protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and workers of Riverside County and the City of Coachella.

G. Revenue shortages make it difficult to locate additional fire stations and provide staffing sufficient to control fires in single and multi-story retail, commercial and industrial buildings, making enhanced built-in protection necessary.

H. The sections of the California Fire Code may be referred to by the same number used in said published compilation preceded by the words “the City of Coachella Fire Code Section” or “Fire Code Section.”
I. California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 require that the modification or change be expressly marked and identified as to which each finding refers. The following table sets forth the 2025 California Fire Code sections that have been modified, and the associated local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions described above supporting the modification.

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2025 BUILDING

CODE SECTION

TITLE/SUBJECT

FINDINGS/

JUSTIFICATIONS
105.1 Required Permits Administrative
105.2, Items 2, 4, and
6 Work exempt from permits Administrative
105.2 Work exempt from permits Administrative
110.3.8 Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations
111.1 Change of occupancy
114.4 Violation penalties Administrative
114.4.1 Violation penalties Administrative
G101.6 Administration and Enforcement Administrative
Appendix J, Section
J101.3
Administration and Enforcement
Administrative
Appendix J, Section
J101.4.1
Using alkaline fill soil
2025 FIRE CODE

SECTION

TITLE/SUBJECT

FINDINGS/

JUSTIFICATIONS
102.5 Application of Residential Code I, II & III
104.7 & 104.7.1 Liability; Legal defense Administrative 104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department Administrative 104.13 Authority of the Fire Chief to Close Hazardous Fire Areas Administrative

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107.2 Schedule of Permit Fees Administrative
107.7 Cost Recovery Administrative
111.1 Board of Appeals Established Administrative
112.4 Violation and Penalties Administrative
308.1.6.3 Sky Lanterns or Similar Devices I, II, & III
503.2.1 Dimensions Administrative
503.2.2 Authority Administrative
503.6.1 Automatic Opener Administrative
503.7 Loading Areas and Passenger Drop-Off Areas Administrative 507.5.7 Fire Hydrant Size and Outlets I & II
507.5.8 Fire Hydrant Street Marker I, II, & III
508.1 General I, II, & III
508.1.1 Location and Access I, II, & III
508.1.3 Exception I, II, & III
509.2.1 Minimum Clearances I & II
608.11.1.2 Manual Operation II & III
903.2 Where Required I, II, & III
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically Calculated Systems I & II
3204.2.1 Minimum Requirements for Client Leased or
Occupant Owned Warehouses Administrative
4904.2.1 High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Administrative App Ch B, Table
B105.2
Required Fire-Flow For Buildings Other Than OneAnd Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3 And R-4 Buildings And Townhouses

I, II, & III
App Ch C, C103.1 Hydrant Spacing I, II, & III
5608.1 Fireworks Display—General [Replaced with PDMC
§ 9.53.015] Administrative
This remainder of the amendments not listed in this Section are necessary for administrative clarification, and do not modify a building standard pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.7 and/or 18941.5. They establish administrative standards for the effective enforcement of the building standards in the City of Coachella. 2025 CFC Local Amendment Justification/Statement of Reason Building Standards Law allows local amendments in accordance with the following:

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For purposes of this subdivision, a city may make reasonably necessary modifications to the requirements, adopted pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, contained in the provisions of the code and regulations on the basis of local conditions.

CFC Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration:

Section 101.4: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption. This section resolves any conflict with the fire code provisions. Coachella maintains its own severability clause and does not adopt the fire code text.

Section 102.5: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption. The scope and application of the fire code needs to be expanded to apply to the fire sprinkler systems for accessory structures constructed under the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) which are permitted to exceed 3,600 square feet in area. This existing modification maintains the applicability of the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) Section 903.2 amendment to those accessory structures greater than or equal to 3,600 square feet in area. This has no change in intent for previous adoption and maintains the protection offered.

Section 102.13.1: New section added to Section 102.13 to clarify Where a conflict exists between the provisions of the Riverside County Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the provisions of the Fire Code shall apply.

Section 103.1: New amendment of the base code text for establishing the Coachella Office of the Fire Marshal (Riverside County Fire Department) and identifying the “fire code official” as the official in charge of implementing, administering and enforcing the provisions of this code.

Section 104.1.1: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption. It is imperative that enforcement capability be disseminated to other law enforcement entities within the Coachella area because of its vast topography and diversity. This gives the Riverside County Fire Department greater enforcement capabilities due to the presence of these other agencies across the County of Riverside.

Section 104.2: New amendment to Section 104.2 to clarify that “Guidelines” may be created to render interpretations of the Fire Code and shall be enforceable as part of the code.

Section 104.8 and 104.8.1: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption to resolve any conflict between state law and the fire code provisions.

Section 104.12: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption and grants authority to the Fire Chief, in cooperation with the Board of Supervisors, to close hazardous fire areas.

Section 108.2: This section is carried over from the previous adoption and relocated to the fees section of the Fire Code Section 108.2. This amendment is necessary to identify that fees are in accordance with Coachella fee schedules.

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Section 108.7: This section is carried over from the previous adoption and relocated to the fees section of the fire code. This section is maintained in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13009 and 13009.1, and Government Code 53150, et seq. for cost recovery.

Section 112.1: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption to identify the board of appeals and additional criteria for clarification and implementation. The existing modifications to this section are consistent with Health and Safety Code 17920.5 where no board of appeals exists. This section provides for the ability to create a Board of Appeals as needed.

Section 113.4: This section is carried over from the existing previous adoption section 112.4 and relocated to this section to resolve any conflict with the fire code provisions. previous adoption requires punishments and penalties for violations to be in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.

CFC Chapter 2 – Definitions:

Fire Chief: This definition is carried over from the previous adoption. This definition was added to designate that this term means the Fire Chief of Riverside County whenever the wording appears in the California Fire Code or this Ordinance. This is to distinguish obligatory authority to the Fire Chief or any of the designated representatives for fire prevention measures and declarations in enforcing this Ordinance.

CFC Chapter 3 - General Requirements
Section 308.1.7: This section is carried over from previous adoption. This section is amended to prohibit sky lanterns and similar devices. The California State Fire Marshal's office issued Information Bulletin 12-005 indicating that there is a serious fire and safety hazard associated with sky lanterns, which include the potential to start an unintended fire on or off the property from which they are released. They are known to travel significant distances from the point of release.

The National Association of State Fire Marshals Resolution 2013-3 recommends imposing State level bans on their sale and use. Multiple fires have been reported to be linked to the use of sky lanterns including, but not limited to, a recycling plant fire in Smethwick, England which caused approx. $9M in damage and a wildfire in Shell Beach on the mountain above Pirates Code in San Luis Obispo County, CA. This is similar to the existing amendment by Orange County Fire Authority.

CFC Chapter 5 – Fire Service Features
Section 503.1.2.1: This is a new section added to be consistent with the operational needs where two points of fire access are required as identified in the Riverside County Fire Department – Commercial Access Guidelines and is consistent with Appendix D of the International Fire Code.

Section 503.2.1: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This correlation of the fire code is necessary for minimum fire apparatus access widths for firefighter operations and consistency throughout Coachella. This modification has no change in regulatory effect.

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Section 503.2.2: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This section is enhanced to specify who has authority to designate Fire Lanes/Fire Apparatus Access Roads and modify minimum widths.

Section 503.6.1: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This section provides fire department and other emergency responders more rapid access to facilities with motorized gates.

Underwriters Laboratory (UL) “determined that fires today are more dangerous and pose more risks than in the past. Fire propagation is faster, and time to flashover, escape times and collapse times are all shorter” (UL Fire Safety Journal Issue 1). Placing our first responders on scene sooner or without disruption will provide for greater occupant and firefighter safety, and assist in property protection and medical emergencies.

Section 503.7: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This section provides additional width for apparatus access roads where utilized for loading/unloading or passenger drop off/pick up to prevent interference with operational access needs.

Section 507.5.7: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This section provides for the size and quantities of outlets for residential standard, super hydrant standard, and super hydrant enhanced fire hydrants and that they shall be required as determined by the Fire Code Official.

Section 507.5.8: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. The section provides direct references to Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines for specific requirements for the installation of blue reflective markers for fire hydrants.

Sections 508.1, 508.1.1, and 508.1.3: These sections are carried over from the previous adoption.

These sections have been amended to require fire command centers for structures larger than 300,000 square feet in size. To put into context, the Fire Command Center would be triggered when the buildings are approximately 2.5 times the typical Costco Warehouse store and approximately two times the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter. Large structures of this size pose numerous challenges to emergency responders due to the large amounts of fuel loads from the storage, manufacturing and/or processing of flammable/combustible commodities and other processes within the building. Challenges include wide distribution of smoke throughout the structure, difficulty for firefighters to locate and reach the fire and difficulty in search and evacuation of the public, employees and firefighters. These structures typically require numerous fire protection, early suppression and detection systems that may include, but are not limited to, fire pumps, multiple fire sprinkler systems, advanced fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, and refrigeration gas detection system(s). During a fire, the incident commander must have the ability to readily identify the status of the various suppression and detection systems and have access to other building information details that may include, but are not limited to, building floor plans, high-pile/rack storage details, smoke control/ventilation systems, fire sprinkler zoning details, mechanical refrigeration equipment and piping details, and hazardous materials data sheets along with quantities and storage/use locations. A fire command center provides a centralized location for the incident commander to review details about the building and the incident and to effectively coordinate emergency responders and suppression activities with increased efficiency and speed. The Riverside County Fire Department has experienced several incidents in buildings with and without Fire Command Centers. Incident Commanders found that having detailed

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information on built in fire protection systems and controls, building schematics and hazardous materials storage plans were vital towards mitigating the event. When this information was not available, firefighting personnel were forced to operate upon assumptions and much less information. In addition, this increased efficiency and speed results in facilities returning to operation more expeditiously after incidents or false alarms thereby reducing loss of revenue for the business.

Section 509.2.1: This section is carried over from previous adoption. This section encompasses other exterior fire protection water supply appliances such as Fire Department connections, and other exterior fire protection system control valves, or any other exterior fire protection system component that may require immediate access.

CFC Chapter 6 – Building Services and Systems
Section 608.11.1.2: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. This section specifies the location of manual crossover valves when manual operation is required by the Fire Code Official. The amendment specifies that the manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately outside of the machinery room, in a secure metal box or equivalent and marked as Emergency Controls. This is to ensure that the valves are in readily accessible location(s) for access during an emergency.

CFC Chapter 9 – Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems Section 903.2: This section is carried over from the previous adoption with modification.

Modifications have been made to provide certain exemptions including, but not limited to, fueling canopies and agricultural and greenhouse Group U structures constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and specific shade structures. An additional sprinkler requirement has been added to include changes in use to existing structures greater than 3,600 sq. ft., and additions to existing structures where the new square footage is greater than 3,600 sq. ft.

The existing amendment provides a base square footage requirement for all new commercial, industrial, and residential occupancies other than one- and two-family dwellings. Though the amendment includes a reference to the requirement for one- and two-family dwellings, the authority for residential fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies resides in Title 24, Part

2.5 [2025 California Residential Code].

Automatic sprinkler systems have been successfully used to protect industrial and commercial buildings and their occupants for more than 100 years. Historically the place which has offered the least amount of fire protection to occupants was and still is their own home. This was brought to light in 1973 by the Report of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, America Burning. At the time of the report approximately 8,000 people died in structure fires every year in the United States. Nine out of ten of those victims died in their home.

However, the U.S. Fire Administration report “Fire in the United States 2004–2013 17th edition” reflects that nonresidential fire losses are costly. “National estimates of nonresidential building fires and losses, from 2004 to 2013, annually accounted for only 7 percent of fires, 2 percent of

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deaths, and 8 percent of injuries. These properties, however, accounted for a disproportionately large annual dollar loss, 21 percent. Trends in nonresidential buildings showed a 14 percent decrease in fires, a 9 percent increase in deaths, a 7 percent increase in injuries, and a 10 percent decrease in dollar loss from 2004 to 2013.”
The same report concluded “…that, overall, the fire problem in the U.S. continues to improve.

Ten-year fire loss rates are down. It is likely that several factors continue to contribute to these trends:…” which includes; "fire sprinklers, which quickly combat incipient fires, especially in nonresidential and multifamily buildings, and fire codes, which have been strengthened.” Furthermore, the report reflects that the nonresidential building category includes industrial and commercial properties, institutions (such as hospitals, nursing homes and prisons), educational establishments (from preschool through university), mobile properties, and storage properties. On average, about 89 percent of nonresidential structure fires, 88 percent of deaths, 91 percent of injuries, and 92 percent of dollar losses reported to National Fire Incident Reporting System from 2004 to 2013 occurred in nonresidential buildings.

Aside from firefighter and explosion fatalities, there has never been a multiple loss of life in a fully sprinklered building due to fire or smoke. All fire protection features have a reliability factor.

Walls and shafts can be breached by means of poke-throughs and building alterations. Exit doors can be blocked or locked.

The California Residential Code requires that all one and two family dwellings be protected by sprinklers. It is still imperative, based on the geographical, topographical, climatic diversity of Coachella, to continue to protect all structures greater than 3,000 sq. ft. by fire sprinklers, to ensure faster fire suppression/control to those occupancies that would not normally be required to be protected which would exhaust a number resources including water which climatically is so precious to our environment as a whole. It will provide for less run off into ground water due to suppression activities and less pollutants into the environment. It will reduce the risk of a structure fire extending outside of the structure and potentially igniting a wildland fire.

Mobile homes are a part of the American landscape. In 2007 alone, more than 95,000 manufactured homes were shipped nationwide. Manufactured housing also accounts for approximately 10 percent of the single-family structures in the United States. The National Fire Protection Association reports in 2007-2011, 11,400 structure fires per year were reported in manufactured homes, with associated losses of; 206 civilian deaths, 434 civilian injuries, and $179 million in direct damage per year nationally. Despite the fact that we drive by them, respond to medical calls in them, and sometimes live in them, we often overlook mobile homes when it comes to training and pre-fire planning. However, as the deaths of two firefighters in Craigsville, West Virginia, showed, mobile homes can pose significant, and sometimes deadly, challenges. The burning mobile home is a less-than-stable platform, making search and possible rescue of occupants even more dangerous. The exterior walls are not as structurally sound when compared with those of most site-built homes. The narrow halls complicate search. The roof burns through more quickly than a typical residential roof and is not safe for firefighters. Mobile home fires can quickly grow out of control, because there's not as much wallboard and drywall, and there are fewer walls to keep the fire from spreading. If the first-due engine pulls up and the mobile home is burning from end to end, the firefighting strategy has already been decided. The fire must be

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knocked down in order to move in. If the home is in a mobile home park, again, protecting exposures is vital. Radiant heat can ignite the homes nearby. Fire sprinklers can prevent the flashover from occurring and in many cases put the fire out and save valuable resources in the process, such as water, personnel, and environmental cleanup, limited displacement into City and County shelter(s), and less inconvenience to the family. The mobile home, because of its construction, requires fast water.

The record for automatic fire sprinklers is based on the simple fact that there has never been a multiple death of building occupants from a fire developing in a building protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system properly installed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards (NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, and NFPA 25).

AWWA Research Foundation has published the following report: Impact of Fire Flow on Distribution System Water Quality, Design, and Operation. This report concludes the following:
“Water-efficient fire suppression technologies exist that use less water than conventional standards. In particular, the universal application of automatic sprinkler systems provides the most proven method for reducing loss of life and property due to fire, while at the same time providing faster response to the fire and requiring significantly less water than conventional fire-fighting techniques. It is recommended that the universal application of automatic fire sprinklers be adopted by local jurisdictions.”
Consider the benefits: a single firefighter using a normal 1-1/2” fire hose can be applying between 175-400 gallons of water per minute when attempting to extinguish a fire. On the other hand, a single fire sprinkler will be flowing only 18- to 40- gallons of water per minute. This means that over a 5-minute period, the following quantities of water are used:

Fire-fighter with 1-1/2” hose:
175 gpm x 5 minutes = 875 gallons of water
400 gpm x 5 minutes = 2,000 gallons of water
Fire sprinkler system:
18 gpm x 5 minutes = 90 gallons of water
40 gpm x 5 minutes = 200 gallons of water
Section 903.3.5.3.3: This section is carried over from the previous adoption. The section limits all hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems to not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.

The 10% buffer in hydraulic calculation is a common engineering business practice that gives some flexibility to account for system water pressures that may decrease as additional demands are placed on the water system from additional construction or as the system ages.

Section 904.2.2.1: This is a new section added to the Fire Code to require that all new hood and duct commercial kitchen extinguishing systems are monitored by a central station or remote supervising station to ensure that the fire department is notified and able to respond to a fire.

CFC Chapter 32 – High-Piled Combustible Storage

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Section 3206.4.2: This section is carried over from the previous adoption and relocated to the automatic sprinkler section within Chapter 32 of the Fire Code. By requiring client leased or occupant owned warehouses to have a technical report completed by a registered engineer, it will minimize problems concerning commodity and sprinkler protection. By having an engineer complete a technical report for the proposed or existing building it will provide greater certainty that adequate protection for the commodities that are proposed will be sufficient. By not having adequate sprinkler protection, it could be detrimental to the building and could also cause loss of life in the event of a fire. Geographically this can be a significant problem due to the seismic activity that Coachella experiences. The Engineer can assess the adequate protection for the correct commodity classifications, ensure the correct seismic provisions are in place for the type of system to be installed, and provide a professional assurance to a very volatile type of occupancy. It takes a vast number of resources to extinguish a fire of this type. By adding this requirement, it will ensure an added level of safety. Modifications have been made to provide clarification that certain reference documents are not required.

CFC Chapter 49 - Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas Section 4904.2.1: This section has been deleted and is covered by the provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as adopted and amended.

CFC Chapter 41 – Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations Section 4107: A new Section 4107, including Sections 4107.1 through 4107.2.3 is added to the Fire Code to provide the fire department with the authority to inspect Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles during special events. This section was removed from the CFC due to conflict in regulations, however HCD agrees that there would be an expectation for fire marshals to have jurisdiction over safety inspections (especially for fire protection equipment and systems’ inspections, testing and maintenance), for participating SPCM MFF during special events requiring CFC 105.6 operational permits (such as Carnivals and Fairs, Exhibits and Trade Shows, or local codified “Special Events” …). See BSC TP-106 (Rev. 10/20) Initial Statement of Reasons June 21, 2021 Rulemaking File SFM 06/21 – Part 9 – 2021 Triennial Code Cycle.

CFC Chapter 56 – Explosives and Fireworks
Section 5608.1: A new amendment to correctly update an existing amendment of this section from another Coachella municipal code. Amendment language has been cleaned up to avoid any confusion on what may or may not be permitted.

Section 5608.2: A new Section 5608.2 is added to the Fire Code to establish a minimum required radius of the fallout area for aerial shells to be 100 ft/in. (22 m/25 mm) of the internal mortar diameter of the largest aerial shell to be fired, unless otherwise approved. This is necessary due to the climatic wind conditions within Coachella.

CFC Appendix B – Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings

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Section B103.2.1: A new Section B103.2.1 is added to the Fire Code to establish the minimum fire flow for any new subdivision or tract constructed within a Wildland-Urban Interface Area to be 1,500 gallons per minute to ensure that adequate fire-flow is provided.

Table B105.2 of Appendix B: This amendment is carried over from the previous adoption. This allows the fire department to still have adequate fire flow mitigation with sprinkler protection and not jeopardize main distribution systems by inadequately under sizing them and have costly upgrades for future projects. With the geographical diversity that Coachella has it is important that this requirement be added to ensure adequate water in the event of a fire.

CFC Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution Section C103.1 of Appendix C: This provision is carried over from the previous adoption. This provision is to clarify the additional location of fire hydrants to be at intersections. This requirement has been standard policy within Coachella and Riverside County.

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2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC) Amendments California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 require that the modification or change be expressly marked and identified as to which each finding refers. Therefore, the City Council finds that the following table sets forth the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code sections that have been modified and the associated local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions described above supporting the modification. 2025 CWUIC

CODE SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I, II, III
102.4.1.1 Application of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Administrative
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department Administrative 104.2 Determination of Compliance Administrative
104.8 and 104.8.1 Liability Administrative
105.2 Permits Required Administrative
108.2 Schedule of Permit fees Administrative
108.7 Cost Recovery Administrative
109.3.7 Violation and Penalties Administrative
202 Fire Chief Administrative
302.1.1 Designation of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Administrative 501.1 Scope I, II, & III
602.1 General I, II, & III
602.3.2 Final Fire Protection Plan I, II, & III
603.1 General I, II, & III
603.3 Landscape and Fuel Modification plans I, II, & III 603.3.1 Contents I, II, & III
604.1 General I, II, & III
604.3 Requirements I, II, & III
604.3.1 Retroactivity I, II, & III
604.6 Clearance of brush, vegetative growth, and combustible material from improved parcels I, II, & III
604.7 Clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures I, II, & III 604.7.1 Structures I, II, & III
604.7.2 Timing for New Buildings and additions to Existing Buildings I, II, & III
604.7.3 Photovoltaic Systems I, II, & III
604.8 Defensible Space clearance zones and requirements I, II, & III 604.8.1 Requirements I, II, & III
604.8.2 Zone 0 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.2.1 Non-Combustible Zone 0 for New Buildings, additions to Existing Buildings, and new or replacement landscape I, II, & III 604.8.2.2 Additional requirements in Zone 0 I, II, & III 604.8.2.3 Zone 0 requirements for Existing Buildings I, II, & III 604.8.2.3.1 Zone 0 restrictions I, II, & III

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2025 CWUIC

CODE SECTION TITLE/SUBJECT FINDINGS I, II, III
604.8.3 Zone 1 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.3.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4 Zone 2 purpose and location I, II, & III
604.8.4.1 Requirements and allowable items I, II, & III 604.8.4.2 Spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5 General requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.1 Dead and dying vegetation I, II, & III
604.8.5.2 Mulch and wood chips within Zones 1 and 2 I, II, & III 604.8.5.3 Firewood I, II, & III
604.8.5.4 Clearance from chimney, stovepipe I, II, & III 604.8.5.5 Trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.1 Tree spacing I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.2 Ground clearance of trees I, II, & III
604.8.5.5.3 Ground cover under tree canopy I, II, & III 604.8.5.6 Continuous tree canopies I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.1 New Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.6.2 Existing Structures I, II, & III
604.8.5.7 Grasses I, II, & III
604.9 Fire protection equipment and utilities I, II, & III 604.10 Planting vegetation under or adjacent to energized electrical lines I, II, & III
604.11 Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.1 Scope I, II, & III
604.11.2 New Fencing I, II, & III
604.11.3 Existing Fencing I, II, & III
607.1 General I, II, & III
607.1.1 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
607.2 Storage for off-site use I, II, & III
608.1.1 Restricted development setbacks I, II, & III
608.2 General I, II, & III
608.2.1 Setback reduction I, II, & III
609.2.7.1 Greenbelts I, II, & III
609.2.7.2 Access to Greenbelts I, II, & III
A102.1 General I, II, & III
A105.1 General I, II, & III
A105.4 Combustible Materials I, II, & III
2025 CWUIC Local Amendment Justification/Statement of Reason Building Standards Law allows local amendments in accordance with the following:

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For purposes of this subdivision, a city may make reasonably necessary modifications to the requirements, adopted pursuant to the Health and Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, contained in the provisions of the code and regulations on the basis of local conditions.

CWUIC Chapter 1 – Administration:

Section 102.4.1.1: A new section added to the CWUIC to clarify that where a conflict exists between the provisions of the Riverside County Fire Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

Section 104.1.1: Similar to the existing Ordinance 747 amendment to the Fire Code, this section ensures that enforcement capability be disseminated to other law enforcement entities within the Riverside County area because of its vast topography and diversity. This gives the Riverside County Fire Department greater enforcement capabilities due to the presence of these other agencies across the County of Riverside.

Section 104.2: New amendment to Section 104.2 to clarify that “Guidelines” may be created to render interpretations of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code and shall be enforceable as part of the code.

Section 104.8 and 104.8.1: This amended section is the same as in the Fire Code carried over from the existing previous adoption to resolve any conflict between state law and the fire code provisions.

Section 105.2: This new amendment to CWUIC Section 105.2 adds an additional permit item for “Landscape and Fuel Modification Zones.”
Section 108.2: This amended section is similar to the previous adoption for the Fire Code. This amendment is necessary to identify that fees are in accordance with Coachella fee schedule.

Section 108.7: This new section is similar to the previous adoption for the fire code. This section is maintained in accordance with the Health and Safety Code 13009 and 13009.1, and Government Code 53150, et seq. for cost recovery.

Section 109.3.7: This amended section is similar to the previous adoption for the fire code provisions. Previous adoption requires punishments and penalties for violations to be in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.

CWUIC Chapter 2 – Definitions:

Section 202: This new amendment is similar to the previous adoption for the Fire Code. This definition was added to designate that this term means the Fire Chief of Riverside County whenever the wording appears in the California Fire Code or this Ordinance. This is to distinguish

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obligatory authority to the Fire Chief or any of the designated representatives for fire prevention measures and declarations in enforcing this Ordinance.

CWUIC Chapter 3 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas:

Section 302.1.1: New amendment designating the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The Coachella City Council has adopted the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal made pursuant to Government Code section 51178 and designated those areas within Coachella as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as shown on the Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps published by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Maps have been adopted by Coachella as required by statute.

CWUIC Chapter 5 – Special Building Construction Requirements:

Section 501.1: A new amendment clarifying that for the purpose of the special building construction requirements in Chapter 5, a wildland-urban interface area shall be defined as a geographical area identified by the state as a “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, and other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, and shall include those areas designated as moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones based on recommendations from the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

CWUIC Chapter 6 – Fire Protection Requirements:

Section 602.1: A new amendment to Section 602.1 to clarify when a Fire Protection Plan is required. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 602.3.2: A new amendment to Section 602.3.2 to clarify the items required in a Final Fire Protection Plan. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 603.1: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to include a reference to replacement landscaping. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 603.3: A new amendment to Section 603.1 to require Landscape and Fuel Modification Plans for any project in a Wildland-Urban Interface Area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

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Section 603.3.1: A new amendment to Section 603.3.1 adding the requirement for the delineation of the 5-foot (1524 mm) (Zone 0), 30-foot (9144 mm) (Zone 1) and 100-foot (30 480 mm) (Zone 2) fuel management zones from all structures as part of the landscape plans. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.1: A new amendment to Section 604.1 to delete references to State Responsibility Areas (SRA) to include the defensible space requirements within the local responsibility area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.3: A new amendment to Section 604.3 to include a reference to Appendix A of the CWUIC and Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines.

Section 604.3.1: A new Section 604.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to add a requirement that when required, by the Fire Code Official, or State Law, existing Defensible Space/Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) shall require retrofitting, including thinning and/or removal of plants, trees, and vegetation, to meet this Code or State Law. Upon notification by the Fire Code Official, and when approved, work to bring an existing Defensible Space and FMZ into compliance with this Code, may be done over a two to four (2-4) year period as determined by the Fire Code Official. A compliance plan prepared by the property owner may be requested for review and approval by the Fire Code Official. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.6: A new Section 604.6 is added to the CWUIC requiring that all improved parcels declared a Public Nuisance shall be cleared entirely of combustible material. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.7: A new Section 604.7 is added to the CWUIC to require clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.7.1: A new Section 604.7.1 is added to the CWUIC to specify the requirements for clearance of vegetation around structures located in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.7.2: A new Section 604.7.2 is added to the CWUIC to provide a timeline for the clearance of fuels or vegetative growth from structures. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.7.3: A new Section 604.7.3 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the vegetation clearance requirements around freestanding photovoltaic systems in the wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

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Section 604.8: A new Section 604.8 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the three defensible space zones. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.1: A new Section 604.8.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the code sections for the defensible space requirements. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.2: A new Section 604.8.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the purpose and location of Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.2.1: A new Section 604.8.2.1 is added to the CWUIC to delineate the Zone 0 requirements for all new buildings, additions to existing buildings, installation of new landscape, and refurbishment of existing landscape areas. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.2.2: A new Section 604.8.2.2 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the vegetation and landscape requirements in Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.2.3: A new section heading 604.8.2.3 is added to the CWUIC for the Zone 0 requirements for existing buildings. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.2.3.1: A new Section 604.8.2.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to clarify the Zone 0 requirements applicable to existing buildings with landscape installed prior to January 1, 2026.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.3: A new Section 604.8.3 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.3.1: A new Section 604.8.3.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 1. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.4: A new Section 604.8.4 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the purpose and location of Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.4.1: A new Section 604.8.4.1 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the requirements and allowable vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

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Section 604.8.4.2: A new Section 604.8.4.2 is added to the CWUIC to indicate the spacing requirements for trees and vegetation in Zone 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5: A new section heading 604.8.5 is added to the CWUIC for the general requirements for Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the removal of all dead or dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and tree needles within Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.2 is added to the CWUIC requiring the use of combustible mulch and wood chips shall be in accordance with the requirements of Riverside County Fire Department Guidelines within Zones 1 and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.3 is added to the CWUIC indicating the requirements for firewood within Zones 0, 1, and 2 are found in Section 607 of the code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.4: A new Section 604.8.5.4 is added to the CWUIC requiring that any portion of a tree or shrub that extends within 10 feet horizontally or vertically of a chimney outlet or stovepipe outlet shall be removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.5: A new Section 604.8.5.5 is added to the CWUIC requiring that new trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree’s drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet from any combustible structure within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.5.1: A new Section 604.8.5.5.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring the horizontal distance between crowns of new trees and crowns of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet in Zone 1 and not less than 10 feet in Zone 2 and separation distance may be increased for slopes exceeding 20 percent with the required spacing measured between trees at maturity. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.5.2: A new Section 604.8.5.5.2 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground clearance requirements for trees within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.5.3: A new Section 604.8.5.5.3 is added to the CWUIC addressing the ground cover under tree canopies within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

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Section 604.8.5.6: A new section heading 604.8.5.6 is added to the CWUIC to address continuous tree canopies within Zone 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.6.1: A new Section 604.8.5.6.1 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting continuous tree canopies adjacent to new structures within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.6.2: A new Section 604.8.5.6.2 is added to the CWUIC to address the requirements for continuous tree canopies adjacent to existing structures within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.8.5.7: A new Section 604.8.5.7 is added to the CWUIC requiring that natural or annual grasses shall be mowed to a maximum height of 4-inch stubble with clippings removed within Zones 0, 1, and 2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.9: A new Section 604.9 is added to the CWUIC addressing defensible space requirements around communication site towers and their support buildings; required fire protection water supplies, including water tanks, water supply pumps, and pump houses; and any other utility structure as required by the Fire Code Official within a wildland-urban interface area.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.10: A new Section 604.10 is added to the CWUIC prohibiting vegetation planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that, at maturity, will grow within 10 feet of the energized conductors within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.11: A new section heading 604.11 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.11.1: A new Section 604.11.1 is added to the CWUIC to address fencing requirements within Zone 0 in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.11.2: A new Section 604.11.2 is added to the CWUIC to require new fencing and gates to be constructed of a non-combustible material in a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 604.11.3: A new Section 604.11.3 is added to the CWUIC to allow fencing installed prior to January 1, 2026 in a wildland-urban interface area to remain, except the entire fencing not parallel and within 5 feet of the building, including gates within the fencing, shall be constructed of a non-combustible material when any portion of the existing fencing within 5 feet is replaced.

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This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 607.1: A new amendment to Section 607.1 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood within Zone 0. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 607.1.1: A new Section 607.1.1 is added to the CWUIC requiring combustible materials, other than vegetation, stored within Zones 1 and 2 shall not be stored so as to pose a hazard to any building and that piles shall not exceed 100 square feet of area and a maximum height of 10 feet and shall be separated by a minimum of 20-foot clear area when located within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 607.2: A new amendment to Section 607.2 of the CWUIC to prohibit the storage of firewood and combustible materials not for consumption on the premises within Zones 0, 1, and

2. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 608.1.1: A new Section 608.1.1 is added to the CWUIC with restricted development setbacks for new structures and additions to existing structures located less than 100 feet from any protected habitat within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 608.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2 of the CWUIC expanding the applicability of the required 30-foot setback to new tract and parcel maps, new buildings, and additions to existing buildings within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 608.2.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.1 of the CWUIC deleting the exception of complying with the special building construction requirements as a setback reduction within a wildland-urban interface area, since the structures would already be subject to those requirements.

This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 609.2.7.1: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.1 of the CWUIC addressing the approval of greenbelt locations within a wildland-urban interface area. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section 609.2.7.2: A new amendment to Section 608.2.7.2 of the CWUIC addressing the access points to proposed greenbelt locations for subdivisions and other developments within a wildlandurban interface area to allow for on-going maintenance and firefighter access. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

CWUIC Appendix A – General Requirements:

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Section A102.1: A new amendment to Section A102.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for vegetation control to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section A105.1: A new amendment to Section A105.1 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the storage and use of materials to Chapter 6 of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella.

Section A105.4: A new amendment to Section A105.4 of the CWUIC adding a reference for the outside storage and use of combustible materials to the applicable fire code sections. This amendment is necessary due to climatic, topographical, and geological conditions in Coachella. 2025 EXISTING

BUILDING CODE

SECTION

TITLE/SUBJECT

FINDINGS/

JUSTIFICATIONS
105.1 Definition of Structural Damage Administrative

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