Agenda packet — Coachella City Council, June 15, 2026

City Hall Council Chamber
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502  www.coachella.org
AGENDA

OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE

CITY OF COACHELLA

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
June 15, 2026
4:30 PM
In-Person Meeting
Location:

City Hall Council
Chambers
1515 Sixth Street,
Coachella, California
If you would like to attend the meeting via Zoom, here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83499649627?pwd=05eTQCw8zTQgtytRrFnhayCGjK5dYo.1 One tap mobile : +16694449171,,83499649627#,,,,*882951# Or Telephone:

US: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 834 9964 9627
Passcode: 882951
Spanish: El idioma español está disponible en Zoom seleccionado la opción en la parte de abajo de la pantalla
 Public comments may be received by 12:00 P.M. either in person, via email, telephonically, or via Zoom with a limit of 250 words, or three minutes:
o In Real Time:

If participating in real time via Zoom or phone, during the Public Comment Period, use the “raise hand” function on your computer, or when using a phone, participants can raise their hand by pressing *9 on the keypad.
o In Writing:

Written comments may be submitted to the Commission electronically via email to [email protected]. Transmittal prior to the start of the meeting is required. All written comments received will be forwarded to the Commission and entered into the record.  The live stream of the meeting may be viewed online by accessing the city's website at www.coachella.org, and clicking on the "Watch Live & Council Meetings" tab located on the home page, and then clicking on the "live" button.
1 Agenda Youth Advisory Commission June 15, 2026

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CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

ROLL CALL:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

1. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2026 of the City of Coachella Youth Advisory Commission PRESENTATIONS:

2. City Department Overview: Finance

3. Smoke-Free Environments Ordinance

4. Commission Project Discussion: Conclusion of Project

NEW BUSINESS CALENDAR (LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE)
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
“The public may address the Commission on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda, but is within the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.” REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT:

Complete Agenda Packets are available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office at 53-462 Enterprise Way, Coachella, California, and on the City’s website www.coachella.org.

THIS MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 2 City Hall Council Chamber
1515 Sixth Street, Coachella, California
(760) 398-3502  www.coachella.org

MINUTES

OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE

CITY OF COACHELLA

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
March 09, 2026
4:30 PM
In-Person Meeting
Location:

Minutes Youth Advisory Commission March 09, 2026

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CALL TO ORDER:

Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade called the Youth Advisory Commission Regular Meeting of the City of Coachella to order at 4:33 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade led the Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL:

Present: Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade, Secretary Martinez, Commissioner J. Meza, Commissioner CabreraGutierrez, Chair Meza, Commissioner Aguirre, Honorary Commissioner Romero, Honorary Commissioner Flores-Rojas, Commissioner Castillo-Cabrera, Commissioner Avalos, Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Morales-Hinojosa

Absent: Honorary Commissioner Samano-Felix, Honorary Commissioner Antunez-Lopez APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“At this time the Commission may announce any items being pulled from the agenda or continued to another date or request the moving of an item on the agenda.”
Motion: To approve the agenda
Made by: Secretary Martinez
Seconded by: Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade
Approved: 12-0
AYES: Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade, Secretary Martinez, Commissioner J. Meza, Commissioner CabreraGutierrez, Chair Meza, Commissioner Aguirre, Honorary Commissioner Romero, Honorary Commissioner Flores-Rojas, Commissioner Castillo-Cabrera, Commissioner Avalos, Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Morales-Hinojosa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Honorary Commissioner Samano-Felix, Honorary Commissioner Antunez-Lopez APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

1. Regular Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2026 of the City of Coachella Youth Advisory Commission Motion: To approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2026 of the City of Coachella Youth Advisory Commission
Made by: Secretary Martinez
Seconded by: Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade
Approved: 12-0
4 Item 1.

Minutes Youth Advisory Commission March 09, 2026

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AYES: Vice Chair Juarez-Andrade, Secretary Martinez, Commissioner J. Meza, Commissioner CabreraGutierrez, Chair Meza, Commissioner Aguirre, Honorary Commissioner Romero, Honorary Commissioner Flores-Rojas, Commissioner Castillo-Cabrera, Commissioner Avalos, Commissioner Rodriguez, Commissioner Morales-Hinojosa
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Honorary Commissioner Samano-Felix, Honorary Commissioner Antunez-Lopez PRESENTATIONS:

2. Development Services Department Overview

3. Commission Project Discussion: 1-Day Junior High Leadership Conference

NEW BUSINESS CALENDAR (LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE)
NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS):
“The public may address the Commission on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda, but is within the subject matter jurisdiction thereof. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.” None
REPORTS AND REQUESTS:

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT:

Chair Meza adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
____________________________________
Celina Jimenez
Director of Economic Development
5 Item 1.

STAFF REPORT
6/8/2026
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Lincoln Bogard, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lincoln Bogard, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Show Me The Money – Basics of City Finance (Youth Commission Presentation)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

That the Youth Commission receive and discuss the accompanying staff presentation on the fundamentals of City of Coachella finance, including modified accrual accounting, governmental fund types and their purposes, General Fund revenue and expenditure structure, the role of public safety and staffing costs, grant funding achievements, and an overview of the Fiscal Year 2026– 2027 Capital Improvement Budget.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The City of Coachella manages a diverse portfolio of public funds totaling over $144 million in annual revenues across all funds. Despite this scale, the General Fund—the fund that finances most day-to-day city services—operates on approximately $40 million in annual revenues, leaving relatively little for discretionary spending once public safety and staffing obligations are met.

This presentation, titled “Show Me The Money,” is designed to demystify how city government finances work for Youth Commission members. It explains the modified accrual basis of accounting used in governmental funds, the purposes of different fund types, how the General Fund is structured, and how the City has leveraged grant funding to expand its capital investments.

The City’s FY 2026–2027 Capital Improvement Budget of approximately $60 million reflects significant infrastructure investment made possible in large part through grants and dedicated funding sources.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Coachella is a full-service charter city incorporated in 1946, located in the eastern Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California.
6 Item 2.

The City prepares an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and an Adopted Annual Budget, both of which are publicly available on the City’s website at www.coachella.org under the Finance Department. These documents provide detailed financial and statistical information about the City’s financial condition and are prepared in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Governmental accounting differs from private-sector accounting in important ways. Governments use a fund-based accounting system and apply the modified accrual basis of accounting to most governmental funds. Under modified accrual, revenues are recognized when they become both measurable and available (typically within 60 days of year-end), and expenditures are recorded when the related fund liability is incurred. This approach emphasizes fiscal accountability and compliance with legally adopted budgets rather than matching revenues to expenses as in private business.

The City maintains several fund types as required by governmental accounting standards:

1. General Fund – The primary operating fund that accounts for all financial resources not required to be accounted for in another fund. This is the fund from which most city services are financed.

2. Special Revenue Funds – Used to account for revenues legally restricted or committed for specific purposes, such as gas tax, Measure A transportation funds, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), development impact fees, and the City’s grant programs.

3. Debt Service Funds – Used to account for the accumulation of resources and payment of long-term debt principal and interest.

4. Capital Projects Funds – Used to account for financial resources dedicated to the acquisition or construction of major capital facilities.

5. Enterprise Funds (Proprietary Funds) – Used to account for activities financed and operated similarly to a private business, such as the City’s water and sanitary district operations.

6. Internal Service Funds – Used to account for the financing of goods or services provided by one City department to another.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:

The following summarizes the key financial topics covered in the accompanying presentation:

THE GENERAL FUND – WHERE THE MONEY GOES
The General Fund is the financial heartbeat of city operations. For FY 2024–2025, the City of Coachella budgeted General Fund revenues of approximately $37.3 million and projected a modest surplus of $628 with unrestricted reserves of $13.6 million. Looking ahead, FY 2025–2026 and FY 2026–2027 General Fund revenues are estimated to approach $40 million as the City’s tax base and intergovernmental revenues continue to grow.

While $40 million may sound like a large number, the competing demands on that revenue leave very little flexibility for new programs or initiatives:
7 Item 2.

Public Safety – The Largest Share
Police services, contracted through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, consume approximately one-third (roughly 33%) of the General Fund budget. When fire protection (through the Coachella Fire Protection District and Cal Fire contract), animal control, and emergency services are added, total public safety costs approach nearly half (approximately 45–50%) of General Fund expenditures. These costs have been rising steadily. In FY 2024–2025 alone, combined police and fire costs increased by approximately $1.59 million (10.29%) over the prior year, and the City anticipates continued annual increases as Riverside County shifts more of its cost recovery burden onto contract cities.

Staffing Costs
Personnel costs—salaries, benefits, and retirement contributions—represent another 30–40% of General Fund expenditures. City employees deliver the services residents rely on every day: public works maintenance, code enforcement, parks and recreation programming, planning and building review, finance, administration, and more. While staffing costs are substantial, they represent the people who make government services possible.

The Fiscal Reality
When public safety costs (nearly half the budget) and personnel costs (30–40%) are combined, the City has consumed most of its $40 million General Fund before a single park bench is repaired or a community event is planned. The fraction remaining for discretionary programs, maintenance, and new initiatives is genuinely small. This is why sound financial management, strategic grantseeking, and careful long-range planning are so critical.

GRANT FUNDING – PUNCHING ABOVE OUR WEIGHT
The City of Coachella has distinguished itself in the Coachella Valley for its ability to secure competitive grant funding from federal, state, and regional agencies. Grant revenues are tracked through the City’s Grants Fund (Fund 152) and the CDBG program (Fund 210), among others.

Successful grant programs have funded affordable housing, parks improvements, street rehabilitation, public safety enhancements, economic development initiatives, and more.

This grant success is not accidental. The City maintains a dedicated Grants Manager position and actively pursues opportunities from agencies including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and various regional transportation authorities. Grant funding effectively multiplies the impact of local tax dollars.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET – FY 2026–2027
The City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY 2026–2027 is approximately $60 million.

This represents a major investment in the City’s infrastructure and is made possible largely by non-General Fund sources: state and federal grants, Development Impact Fees, SB 1 road maintenance funds, Measure A transportation funds, water and sanitary district revenues, and Community Facilities District financing. The CIP includes projects across streets and transportation, parks, public facilities, water system upgrades, and sewer improvements. 8 Item 2.

This $60 million capital budget stands in stark contrast to the limited discretionary General Fund resources—and illustrates exactly why grant funding and dedicated fee programs matter so much.

Without these sources, the City would be unable to invest at this scale.

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER LEARNING
Youth Commission members are encouraged to explore the City’s financial documents directly:

1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) – Available at www.coachella.org/departments/finance/financial-statements

2. Adopted Annual Budget – Available at www.coachella.org/departments/finance/budgets

3. Capital Projects Information – Included in the Annual Budget document ALTERNATIVES:

1. Receive and file the presentation with no further action.

2. Direct staff to return with a follow-up presentation on a specific topic of interest (e.g., development impact fees, the Capital Improvement Program, or a specific fund in detail).

3. Request that the Youth Commission prepare a written report or recommendation to the City Council on a budget priority of the Commission's choosing.

4. Continue the item to a future meeting for additional staff preparation.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this informational presentation. The report is intended as an educational resource for Youth Commission members and does not commit the City to any expenditure or program change.

RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE(S):

Staff recommends Alternative No. 1: That the Youth Commission receive and file the presentation.

Staff further invites commissioners to engage with questions and to explore the City’s publicly available ACFR and Budget documents at www.coachella.org as a foundation for future Youth Commission discussions about City priorities.
9 Item 2.

SHOW ME THE MONEY
Basics of City Finance
City of Coachella Youth Commission
Presented by the Finance Department | www.coachella.org $40M
General Fund
Revenues
~47%
Public Safety
Spending
$66M
FY 26-27 Capital
Improvements
10 Item 2.

What We'll Cover Today
01 Why Government Finance Matters to You
02 Modified Accrual Accounting – How Government Tracks Money 03 Fund Types & Their Purposes
04 The General Fund – Follow the Dollar
05 Public Safety – The Biggest Slice
06 Staffing Costs – The People Behind the Services
07 Grant Funding – Coachella's Superpower
08 Capital Improvement Budget – $60M Invested 11
Item 2.

Why Government Finance Matters To You
It Funds YOUR Parks
City parks, recreation programs, and youth services are all financed through the budget.

It Pays for Safety
Police, fire, animal control, and emergency services keep your community safe every day.

Your Voice Matters
Youth Commissioners help shape priorities.

Understanding the budget means understanding what is
possible.

Future Taxpayer & Leader
Today's commissioners are tomorrow's voters, council
members, and decision-makers.
12 Item 2.

Modified Accrual Accounting
How government tracks money differently than a private business Private Business
(Full Accrual)
• Revenue recorded when EARNED
• Expenses matched to revenues
• Goal: measure profitability
• Long-term assets on books
• Focuses on income & net worth
City Government
(Modified Accrual)
• Revenue recorded when AVAILABLE (≤60 days)
• Expenditures = when liability incurred
• Goal: fiscal accountability & compliance
• Emphasis on budget vs. actual
• Focuses on current-period cash flow
VS
13 Item 2.

Fund Types & Their Purposes
Think of each fund as a separate bank account with rules about what it can be used for General Fund Day-to-day city operations — police, parks, admin, code enforcement Special Revenue Legally restricted funds: Gas Tax, Measure A, CDBG, Grants, Dev. Impact Fees Debt Service Set aside to pay bond principal & interest when due Capital Projects Finance construction & major infrastructure purchases (roads, facilities) Enterprise Funds Business-like operations: Water Authority, Sanitary District — self-supporting 14 Item 2.

The General Fund – Follow the Dollar

WHERE IT COMES FROM
Sales Tax (incl. Measure U) ~35%
Property Tax ~15%
Intergovernmental ~20%
Charges for Services ~10%
Licenses & Permits ~8%
Other (Fees, Interest) ~12%
~$40 Million
Estimated General Fund Revenue
FY 2026–2027
Sounds like a lot…
But once public safety (~47–50%) and staffing (30–40%) are covered, only a small fraction remains for everything else — maintenance, programs, equipment, and new initiatives.
15 Item 2.

Public Safety – The Biggest Slice
33%
15%
37%
15%
Police Services Fire / EMS / Animal Control
Staffing (City) Discretionary & Other
Police: ~33%
Contracted through Riverside County Sheriff. Increased

4.1% in FY24-25.

Fire/EMS/Animal: ~15%
Coachella Fire Protection District & Cal Fire contract.

Up 24.8% in FY24-25.

Combined: ~47-50%
Nearly HALF the General Fund before any other
service is funded.
16 Item 2.

Staffing Costs – The People Behind the Services
30–40% of the General Fund goes to salaries, benefits & retirement contributions Public Works / Streets / Parks 18%
Police & Neighborhood Services 24%
Planning, Building & Engineering 14%
Finance & Administration 16%
Parks & Recreation Programs 10%
All Other Departments 18%
💡 Staffing costs are high — but they represent the real people delivering every city service you use. 17 Item 2.

The Fiscal Reality: What's Left?
47% 35% 10% 8%
Public Safety Staffing (City Staff) Debt & Fixed Costs Discretionary (all else) On $40M in revenues, only ~$3.2M is available for discretionary spending Every new program competes against maintenance, emergencies, and cost increases Rising Riverside County contract costs eat directly into the discretionary margin This is why grants, fees, and special revenues matter SO much for Coachella 18 Item 2.

Grant Funding – Coachella's Superpower
The City punches well above its weight class when it comes to securing grant funding.

Grant Source What It Funds for Coachella
Federal (HUD/CDBG) Affordable housing, community development, infrastructure Caltrans / FHWA Street rehabilitation, active transportation, safety improvements State HCD Housing programs, homelessness prevention
SCAG / CVAG / RCTC Regional transportation and planning EPA / Water Resources Environmental programs, water quality projects Various Public Safety COPS grants, Homeland Security, emergency management ✓ Dedicated Grants Manager on staff | Multiple grant programs tracked in Fund 152 & CDBG Fund 210 19 Item 2.

Capital Improvement Budget – FY 2026–2027
~$66M
Capital Investment
FY 2026–2027
24 10
6 10
6 4
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Federal/State Grants
Measure A / SB1 / Gas Tax
Dev. Impact Fees
Water & Sewer Funds
CFA / Bonds
Other Local
Where Does the $60M Come From? ($M)
Streets, sidewalks & active transportation
Parks, trails & recreation facilities
Water system upgrades
Sewer & sanitation improvements
Public facilities & technology 20
Item 2.

For Every General Fund Dollar…
33¢ Police Services
15¢ Fire, EMS & Animal
37¢ City Staff (all depts)
7¢ Debt & Fixed Costs
8¢ Discretionary (left over)
Source: City of Coachella Adopted Budget FY 2024-25 | www.coachella.org 21 Item 2.

Key Takeaways
1 Government uses Modified Accrual accounting — focused on fiscal accountability, not profit. 2 Funds are separate accounts with legal restrictions on how they can be used. 3 The General Fund (~$40M) is the main operating budget but heavily obligated. 4 Public safety alone takes ~47–50% of the General Fund. Those costs keep rising. 5 Staffing (30–40%) represents the people who make city services happen every day. 6 Coachella excels at grants — multiplying limited local dollars into $60M+ in capital. 7 The FY 2026–27 CIP of ~$66M is built mostly on non-General Fund sources. 22 Item 2.

Questions & Resources
Explore City of Coachella Financial Documents:
📄 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
www.coachella.org/departments/finance/financial-statements 📊 Adopted Annual Budget (all funds & departments)
www.coachella.org/departments/finance/budgets
️ Capital Projects Information
Included in the Annual Budget document
🌐 City Finance Department
www.coachella.org/departments/finance
S H O W M E T H E M O N E Y City of Coachella Youth Commission | Finance Department 23 Item 2.
80237.00000\45032472.1

STAFF REPORT
6/15/2026
TO: Youth Advisory Commission
FROM: Kendra Reif, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Request for Youth Advisory Commission feedback and direction regarding a draft ordinance adding Chapter 8.65 (“Smoke-Free Areas”) to Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code to establish smoke-free areas intended to protect public health and the environment.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Youth Advisory Commission:

1. Receive and discuss the draft ordinance adding Chapter 8.65 (“Smoke-Free Areas”) to Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code; and

2. Provide feedback and policy direction regarding the proposed regulations establishing smoke-free areas within the City of Coachella.

SUMMARY:

The proposed draft Ordinance would add Chapter 8.65 (“Smoke-Free Areas”) to Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code, and bans smoking (including vape and cannabis) and the use of any tobacco product or cannabis product in designated areas, including but not limited to: sidewalks, plazas, parks, playgrounds, service lines, hospitals, health care and child care facilities, restaurants, business buildings, theaters and event spaces, and within 25 feet of entrances, air intakes, and operable windows. Multi-unit residential leases must include smoke-free provisions beginning January 1, 2027. Exemptions cover private residences not open to the public, private moving vehicles, traditional indigenous ceremonies, private smoking events, smoking on golf courses, and within specially designated smoking areas under certain circumstances. The measure protects public health, reduces litter and fire hazards, and improves air quality.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The City has prepared a draft ordinance establishing smoke-free regulations intended to protect public health, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and address environmental impacts associated with smoking-related waste. The proposed ordinance would add Chapter 8.65 (“SmokeFree Areas”) to Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code. 24 Item 3.
80237.00000\45032472.1
The proposed ordinance is intended to expand protections in public spaces and multi-unit residential settings by regulating smoking, tobacco products, cannabis products, and electronic smoking devices in designated locations throughout the City.

The draft ordinance was developed in response to continuing public health concerns associated with secondhand smoke exposure, smoking-related litter, and fire hazards, while also providing clear operational standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Under Health & Safety Code § 104495 and Government Code § 36900 et seq., the City may adopt stricter smoke-free rules than state law. The U.S. Surgeon General confirms no safe level of secondhand-smoke exposure, and tobacco waste harms the environment. City Attorney Ryan Guiboa prepared the final ordinance text to ensure legal consistency and enforceability.

DISCUSSION:

The draft ordinance includes proposed regulations and standards addressing the following:
 Prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco, cannabis products, and electronic smoking devices in designated public places and recreational areas;  Establishing smoke-free requirements for multi-unit residential properties;  Prohibiting smoking within specified distances from entrances, exits, windows, and ventilation systems;
 Regulating smoking during public events and in service areas;  Requiring property owners and operators to post signage and maintain compliance;  Establishing enforcement procedures and administrative authority; and  Providing limited exemptions for specific circumstances, including ceremonial Indigenous uses and certain private smoking events.

The ordinance is intended to provide consistent regulations that promote public health and environmental protections while balancing operational considerations for residents, businesses, property owners, and event organizers.

At this time, staff is seeking City Council feedback regarding the overall policy direction, scope of prohibited areas, proposed exemptions, enforcement provisions, implementation considerations, and any additional modifications the City Council may wish to consider prior to formal introduction of the ordinance.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

The proposed ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c), 15061(b)(3), and 15378 because the action does not constitute a project or, alternatively, can be seen with certainty that the ordinance would not have a significant effect on the environment. 25 Item 3.
80237.00000\45032472.1
FISCAL IMPACT:

There are no significant fiscal impacts anticipated with the adoption of this ordinance and resolution.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Provide Feedback and Direction on the Draft Ordinance

2. Direct Staff to Revise the Draft Ordinance

3. Take No Action
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE(S):

Staff recommends alternative #1.

Attachments:

1. Draft Ordinance No. XX (“Smoke-Free Areas”)
26 Item 3.

City of Coachella
Ordinance No. XX

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80237.00000\45032471.1
ORDINANCE NO. XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.65
(“SMOKE-FREE AREAS”) TO TITLE VIII OF THE

COACHELLA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ESTABLISHING

SMOKE-FREE AREAS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH

AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND DETERMINING THAT

THE PROPOSED IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO
CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378
WHEREAS, use of tobacco products causes death and disease and continues to be an urgent public health challenge; and
WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General has determined there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and approximately 70 that cause cancer; and WHEREAS, secondhand-smoke exposure can reach hazardous levels in outdoor areas depending on proximity, wind direction, and the presence of barriers or enclosures; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code section 104495 authorizes cities to enact restrictions on smoking that are more stringent than state law; and WHEREAS, discarded cigarette and cigar butts are non-biodegradable litter, toxic to wildlife, and a common cause of outdoor fires; and
WHEREAS, electronic smoking devices are not a safe alternative to smoking because they also contain high levels of toxic chemicals; and
WHEREAS, prohibiting the use of electronic smoking devices in designated areas also provides an identifiable public health benefit; and
WHEREAS, laws restricting smoking and the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, have recognizable benefits to public health; and WHEREAS, this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly; and WHEREAS, the City of Coachella City Council finds and determines that regulating smoking and the use of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, workers, and visitors. 27 Item 3.

City of Coachella
Ordinance No. XX

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80237.00000\45032471.1

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

SECTION 1. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS. The City Council hereby finds that all of the foregoing recitals presented herewith are true and correct and are hereby incorporated and adopted as findings of the City Council.

SECTION 2. CHAPTER 8.65 ADDED TO COACHELLA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE VIII.

Title VIII of the Coachella Municipal Code is amended to add Chapter 8.65 to read in its entirety as follows:

CHAPTER 8.65

8.65.010 – Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard the public health, comfort, and environment by regulating smoking, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, in public places and multi-unit residences.

8.65.020 – Definitions
A. “Administrator” means the City Manager or their designee.

B. “Cannabis ” means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, cannabis indica, or cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. “Cannabis” also means the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from Cannabis. “Cannabis” also means marijuana as defined by Section 11018 of the California Health and Safety Code. “Cannabis” does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination. For the purpose of this Chapter, “Cannabis” does not mean industrial hemp as that term is defined by Section 81000 of the California Food and Agricultural Code or Section 11018.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.”
C. “Cannabis product” means any product containing, made of, or derived from cannabis, natural or synthetic, that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, and any component or accessory of such a product.

D. “Electronic smoking device” means any device that can be used to aerosolize, vaporize, or otherwise deliver nicotine or any other substance to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an e-cigarette, vape pen, or electronic cigar, and any component, part, or accessory of such a device.

E. “Enclosed area” means an area in which outside air cannot circulate freely to all 28 Item 3.

City of Coachella
Ordinance No. XX

Page 3 ends

80237.00000\45032471.1
parts of the area, and includes an area that has either

1. any type of overhead cover whether or not that cover includes vents or other openings and at least three (3) walls or other vertical constraint to airflow including, but not limited to, vegetation of any height, whether or not those boundaries include vents or other openings; or

2. four (4) walls or other vertical constraints to airflow including, but not limited to, vegetation that exceed six (6) feet in height, whether or not those boundaries include vents or other openings.

F. “Multi-unit residence” means a property containing two or more residential units, including apartments, condominiums, townhomes, senior-living facilities, and long-term-care homes, regardless of ownership pattern.

G. “Public place” means any place, public or private, that is open and accessible to the general public, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, plazas, parks, recreational areas, outdoor dining areas, public buildings, public event venues, and service areas.

H. “Recreational area” means any park, playground, sports field, trail, or similar facility open to the public for recreational purposes; provided, however, that golfcourse grounds are excluded from this definition for purposes of this chapter.

I. “Service area” means any area where a service is offered or where one or more persons wait to obtain a service, whether or not such service includes the exchange of money, including but not limited to bus stops, rideshare pick-up zones, cab stands, ATM lines, and ticket or retail queues.

J. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco, cannabis, or other plant product intended for inhalation, whether natural or synthetic, and whether in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, or any other form. “Smoking” includes the use of an electronic smoking device.

K. “Tobacco product” means any product containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or nicotine, natural or synthetic, that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, and any component or accessory of such a product.

L. “Unenclosed area” means any area that is not an enclosed area.

8.65.030 – Prohibitions
Smoking and the use of any tobacco product or cannabis product are prohibited in the following locations and within twenty-five (25) feet thereof unless a greater distance is required by this chapter or state law:

A. All public places.

B. Any public place during a City-permitted special event or assembly.

C. All health care facilities and hospitals, as defined in Section 1250 of the California Health and Safety Code, including waiting rooms, public hallways and lobbies, smoking is prohibited, excluding any specially designated smoking areas.

D. All child care facilities, including those in private homes, during operating hours in rooms where children are present.

E. All public meeting rooms, hearing rooms, conference rooms, chambers and places of public assembly in which public business is conducted, when the public business 29 Item 3.

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requires or provides direct participation or observation by the general public.

F. All theaters, auditoriums, or other enclosed facilities which are open to the public for the primary purpose of exhibiting any motion picture, stage drama, musical recital, athletic events or any other performance or event, excluding any specially designated smoking areas.

G. All eating establishments, excluding any specially designated smoking areas.

H. All buildings and structures intended for use by business entities for professional services, excluding any specially designated smoking areas.

I. Within twenty-five (25) feet of any entrance, exit, operable window, or air-intake vent of any building, including a multi-unit residence.

J. Within any multi-unit residence in accordance with Section 8.65.060.

K. Any other unenclosed area that the Administrator designates as smoke-free to protect the public health.

8.65.040 – Smoking Waste
No person shall discard any tobacco product, cannabis product, ash, electronic smoking device, or other smoking waste in any public place or on any private property not the person's own except in a non-combustible, closed receptacle designed for that purpose.

8.65.050 – Exemptions
A. Unenclosed areas of single-family detached residences when such areas are not open to the public or being used for a business purpose.

B. A moving private passenger vehicle that is not parked or idling in a service area.

C. The ceremonial use of tobacco or other plant products by Indigenous persons as part of their traditional spiritual or cultural practices.

D. Outdoor areas of golf courses while the course is in use for the game of golf, provided that smoking waste is disposed of in non-combustible receptacles and no other smoking prohibition under state law applies.

E. Private Smoking Events. Smoking may occur solely within the boundaries of a private smoking event when all of the following requirements are satisfied. This exemption is self-effectuating and applies only if each condition is met at all times during the event.

1. Private, Invitation-Only Attendance. The event is not open to the general public. Attendance is by invitation or pre-registration only, with controlled access at all entry points.

2. Age Restrictions.
a) Cigar/Tobacco Events: All attendees must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, unless a higher minimum applies under state law. b) Cannabis Events: All attendees, workers, and vendors must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.

3. Location, Enclosure, and Visibility.
a) Smoking shall occur only within an enclosed or clearly barricaded event area delineated by temporary fencing, stanchions, walls, or equivalent barriers, with monitored entry points.
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participant area at ground level.

4. Odor, Ventilation, and Setbacks. The organizer shall implement measures sufficient to prevent detectable smoke or odor at the property line and to protect occupants of adjacent properties.

8.65.060 – Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Residences
A. All leases for units in multi-unit residences entered into on and after January 1, 2027 must contain the prohibitions set forth in this section.

B. Smoking and the use of any tobacco product or cannabis product is prohibited in every unit of a multi-unit residence, whether the unit is rented or owned.

C. Smoking and the use of any tobacco product or cannabis product is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor common areas of a multi-unit residence, including but not limited to hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms, parking areas, recreation rooms, pools, courtyards, balconies, patios, and porches.

D. Smoking and the use of any tobacco product or cannabis product is prohibited within twenty-five (25) feet of any doorway, window, opening, or vent of a multiunit residence.

8.65.070 – Property Owner and Operator Responsibilities A. Every property owner, manager, or controlling agent shall ensure compliance with this chapter on the premises under their control.

B. Required measures include, but are not limited to:

1. Removing all ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia from any area where smoking is prohibited;

2. Conspicuously posting "No Smoking" or "Smoke-Free Area" signs, at a minimum, at every primary entrance and in sufficient number to give reasonable notice; and

3. Providing tenants, employees, and event patrons with written notice of the prohibitions.

C. A property owner or operator may request the Administrator's written approval of a designated smoking area at a large outdoor venue, subject to conditions necessary to protect public health and prevent litter.

8.65.080 – Enforcement; Penalties
A. This chapter shall be enforced by any code enforcement officer or other authorized enforcement agent.

B. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any requirement of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any requirement is deemed guilty of an infraction in accordance with Chapter 1.08 of the municipal code.

C. The Administrator may adopt rules and regulations and approve forms to implement and enforce this chapter.

8.65.090 – Non-Retaliation
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No person shall discharge, refuse to hire, or in any manner retaliate against any individual who exercises any right under this chapter or who seeks to enforce its provisions.

8.65.100 – Severability
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 3. CEQA DETERMINATION. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. The State CEQA Guidelines provide that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if … the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).) Here, the Ordinance does not qualify as a “project” as defined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15378 for at least two reasons:

First, Section 15378 defines a project as an activity that “has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(a).) The proposed Ordinance adds commercial cannabis and retail cannabis regulatory permit definitions and updates to provisions regarding background checks and regulatory permit denials. These amendments merely clarify terminology and establish regulatory consistency with state law. Therefore, the proposed amendments are not a “project” subject to CEQA. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).) Second, Section 15378 explicitly excludes from the definition of “project” “[o]rganizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15378(b)(5).) This Ordinance is organizational in nature, as it simply updates definitions and standards to clarify the City’s cannabis regulatory permit procedures. These activities are administrative in nature and do not have any direct or indirect physical environmental impacts. Accordingly, they are not subject to CEQA.

Even if the proposed Ordinance was considered a “project” subject to CEQA, it would qualify for the “common sense exemption” set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). This exemption applies where “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” Here, the Ordinance does not authorize or directly result in any physical development or changes to the environment.

Instead, it serves to define terms and establish standards for cannabis business background checks and permitting, ensuring future compliance with applicable regulations. As a result, it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance will not have a significant environmental effect.

SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, or clause or phrase in this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the 32 Item 3.

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validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted each section irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid, or ineffective.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from its adoption.

SECTION 5. PUBLICATION. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it, or a summary of it, to be published in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published within the City of Coachella, pursuant to all legal requirements.

I hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Coachella on the XX day of XX, XXXX.

DR. FRANK FIGUEROA
MAYOR
ATTEST:

ANGELA M. ZEPEDA

CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

RYAN GUIBOA

CITY ATTORNEY
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE

CITY OF COACHELLA
)
) ss.
)
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. XX was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Coachella at a regular meeting thereof, held on this XX day of XX, XXXX by the following vote of Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________________
Delia Granados
Deputy City Clerk
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Coachella City CouncilJune 15, 2026

Coachella City Council
June 15, 2026