Agenda packet — Escondido City Council, October 1, 2025 (part 2 of 3)

City staff provided translation services at one at-large community meeting. A total of 42 individuals attended across all four meetings.

Community Meetings/Venues
Staff presented and met with several community groups and interested individuals and groups during 2022. Staff conducted a total of 19 meetings with various organizations , groups, and individuals throughout Escondido, including but not limited to the Fire Safe Council of Southwest Escondido, San Pasqual High School and Orange Glen High School students, community members at the Park Avenue Community Center, the Healthy Escondido Coalition, and the National Latino Research Center. Included in these 19 meetings are two tribal consultations with requesting tribal governments, and three planning commission meetings (including tonight’s meeting). Community meetings involved a presentation from staff on the 2022 GPA work effort, questions and answers, and in some instances, discussion on potential policy, goals, and objectives for the environmental justice element . Translation services provided at community meetings only occurred if the group hosting the meeting provided such services.

Community Events
From June through December , City staff attended ten organized community events for the purposes of outreach. The goal of attending community events is to engage community members where they are in an effort to connect with a larger audience. Of the ten events attended, five included citywide crowds: Cruising Grand, National Night Out , the City’s Fire and Water Expo, Escondido PRIDE, and World Marketplace. Staff attended five community level event s which focused on crowds at a neighborhood or community level. These include d two community food distributions and a community health fair in order to reach more vulnerable communities, as well as the Escondido Library’s Succulent Swap, and a speaking opportunity at Trinity Episcopal Church. City staff provided translation services at some of the community events based on translation staff availability. In total across all ten events, 212 individuals interacted with the City’s activity board and questions activity, while another 36 5 individuals received written and/or oral information on the 2022 GPA work effort.

Print Outreach
In addition to the in- person outreach and engagement , City staff provided printed information through both the Spring/Summer 2022 Recreation Guide, and an opinion column in the Times Advocate. The print outreach was published in May 2022 and August 2022, respectively. The recreation guide advertisement for the 2022 GPA was printed in English and Spanish and, the Times Advocate article was printed in English only. The City’s Community Services Department distributes the recreation guide and noted the recreation guide has received 5,437 digital reads , and was mailed to 44,000 households within Escondido.

Next Steps
The draft Environmental Justice Communities are currently available on the project webpage for public review and comment. Additional analysis related to the environmental justice element is currently underway. The City is also working on draft policy language based on the feedback from the initial phase of community engagement. Once draft language is complete, staff will return to the community to request input on the drafted language. Initially, these community open houses were scheduled for October 2021; however, due to continued opportunities for community input on the general direction of draft policy, the meetings are now scheduled to occur in early 2023.

Attachments:
22 Item 2.

Attachment "1"
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2022 GPA Outreach and Engagement Reporting Update
January 10, 2023

Page 3 ends

1. 2022 GPA Outreach and Engagement Calendar
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Attachment 1: 2022 GPA Outreach and Engagement Calendar No. Date Meeting Location
Type of Outreach
(refer to Planning Commission
report)
1 12/14/2021 Planning Commission City Hall Community Meetings/Venues 2 1/7/2022 Community Member Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 3 2/15/2022 Healthy Escondido Coalition Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 4 2/22/2022 Escondido Community Housing Coalition Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 5 2/22/2022 Planning Commission City Hall Community Meetings/Venues 6 3/9/2022 Escondido Together Safe Leaders Hidden Valley Zen Center Community Meetings/Venues 7 3/24/2022 Escondido Young Democrats Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 8 4/13/2022 Community Member Phone Community Meetings/Venues 9 4/15/2022 Organized Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting Virtual Organized Project Meeting 10 4/20/2022 Organized Stakeholder Roundtable Meeting Virtual Organized Project Meeting 11 5/5/2022 Escondido Climate Advisory Group &
Sierra Club North County Group Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 12 Spring Recreation Guide Print Print Outreach
13 5/16/2022 San Pasqual High School (3 classes) San Pasqual High School Community Meetings/Venues 14 5/19/2022 Tribal Consultation with Requested Tribe Phone Community Meetings/Venues 24 Item 2.
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2022 GPA Outreach and Engagement Reporting Update
January 10, 2023
Attachment 1
15 6/16/2022 National Latino Research Center Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 16 6/18/2022 Community Food Distribution Neighborhood Health Care Community Events 17 6/23/2022 Community Food Distribution Farr Elementary Community Events 18 7/15/2022 CAFÉ Meeting Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 19 7/16/2022 Neighborhood Health Care Health Fair Neighborhood Health Care Community Events 20 7/16/2022 Succulent Swap Escondido Public Library Community Events 21 7/26/2022 Planning Commission City Hall Community Meetings/Venues 22 7/31/2022 Escondido PRIDE Kit Carson Park Community Events 23 8/2/2022 National Night Out East Valley Community
Center Community Events
24 8/4/2022 Times Advocate Print Print Outreach
25 8/7/2022 At-Large Community Meeting East Valley Community Center Organized Project Meeting
26 8/11/2022 At-Large Community Meeting Escondido Public Library Organized Project Meeting 27 8/12/2022 Cruising Grand
(in conjunction with Escondido Together) Cruising Grand Community Events 28 8/26/2022
World Marketplace
(in conjunction with Healthy Escondido
Coalition)
Escondido World
Marketplace Community Events
29 9/22/2022 Vista Community Clinic Smoke Free Coalition Virtual Community Meetings/Venues 2 25
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Attachment "1"
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2022 GPA Outreach and Engagement Reporting Update
January 10, 2023
Attachment 1
30 9/24/2022 City of Escondido Fire and Water Expo Kit Carson Park Community Events 31 9/27/2022 Tuesday Talk Park Avenue Community
Center Community Meetings/Venues
32 11/8/2022 Escondido Union High School District City Hall Community Meetings/Venues 33 11/10/2022 Fire Safe Council of Southwest Escondido City Hall Community Meetings/Venues 34 11/22/2022 Escondido Together – We Are One Gratitude Service Trinity Episcopal Church Community Events
35 12/5/2022 Orange Glen High School
(all government classes) Organ Glen High School Community Meetings/Venues

3 26
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Attachment “2”

COMMUNITY PROTECTION ELEMENT STRIKETHROUGH UNDERLINED DRAFT Planning Case No. PL22-0010

Due to the number of pages, Attachment 3, links have been provided for review of the following items:
https://www.escondido.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8307/Draft-Community-Protection-Chapter-PDF

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City of Escondido
2022 General Plan Amendment
Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary
May 1, 2025
Prepared for:

Planning Department
City of Escondido
201 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
P
repared by:

P
lanning + Design Division
5620 Friars Road
San Diego, CA 92110
Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 2 Table of Contents

1.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 Notification ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.0 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Presentation ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Open House .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

3.0 Input Summary ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Community Workshop Open House ............................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Stakeholder Open House ............................................................................................................................... 15

4.0 Key Themes ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 3

1.0 Background
The Community and Stakeholder Workshops (Workshops) for the City of Escondido 2022 General Plan Amendment (Project) were held in person in the Escondido City Hall Mitchell Room (201 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA, 92025). The Community Workshop was held on March 27th, 2025, from 6:00pm-7:00pm and the Stakeholder Workshop was held on April 11th, 2025, from 11:00am -12:00pm. Approximately thirteen (13) people attended the Community Workshop and approximately seven (7) people attended Stakeholder Workshop.

The purposes of the Workshops were as follows:
• Present the changes and updates to the Community Protection Element • Introduce the new Environmental Justice (EJ) section of the Community Health and Services Element and new goals and policies
• Provide an overview of the processes behind these updates, changes to City policy due to these updates, and discuss next steps
• Gather input from community members and interested groups and understand which new goals and policies, particularly of the EJ Section resonate most with the community

1.1 Notification
Community members and stakeholders were notiﬁed of the meeting through a series of City email blasts, social media posts and project website posts. The Project website includes links for community members to sign -up for project updates and provide feedback. The Project website is available here:
https://www.escondido.gov/248/2022-General-Plan-Amendment

2.0 Overview
Both Workshops followed the same format and were organized into two main components, 1) the presentation and 2) the open house. The components are outlined in the section below.

2.1 Presentation
Each Workshop commenced with a twenty-minute (20) presentation. The presentation discussed the purpose and Project, the updates to the Community Protection and Community Health and Services Elements conducted for the Project, and next steps. Spanish translation of the presentation was available.

The presentation outline is as follows:

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 4 • Introduction
• Update History
• Community Protection Element
o Integration with Related City/Regional
Documents
o Element Updates
• Community Health and Services Element
o Environmental Justice and SB 1000
o Environmental Justice Goals and
Policies
• 2022 General Plan Amendment Next Steps

2.2 Open House
Following the presentation, attendees were invited to visit the open house stations to learn more about the changes to the Community Protection and Community Health and Services Elements and interact directly with the project team, ask questions, and provide comments.

Workshop materials were provided in both English and Spanish. Open house stations included:
• Project Context (1 station)
• Community Protection Element Update – New Goals and Policies Overview (3 stations) • Community Protection Element Update – Evacuation Planning (1 station) • Environmental Justice – New
Goals and Policies Overview (1
station)
• Environmental Justice – SB 1000
and Priority Investment
Communities (1 station)
• Environmental Justice -
Environmental Justice
Communities (1 station)
Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 5

3.0 Input Summary
The open house stations contained several questions or activities designed to help attendees provide feedback on which Goal and Policy topics the City of Escondido should prioritize for both the Community Protection Element and Environmental Justice.

3.1 Community Workshop Open House
Community Protection Goal and Policy Boards
Participants were asked Which goals and/or policies do you think should be key priorities for the City of Escondido? They were given sticky dots to vote on their priority policies across ﬁve goal areas: Fire protection, Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Response, Flood Protection, Soils & Seismicity, and Climate Adaptation & Resiliency Goal and Policy Board #1

Attendees responded to each Fire Protection Policy, speciﬁcally voting for policies that support proactive ﬁre risk reduction through coordinated planning and updated regulations. They supported working closely with CAL FIRE, updating land use and building policies, and ensuring communities are better prepared for emergencies. One written comment was left on the Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 6 board, stating, “ Add language to protect Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & single -room occupancies. Ensure ﬁre safety requirements don’t become barriers”.

Goal and Policy Board 2:

Community members strongly prioritized planning, coordination, and infrastructure improvements that support Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Response. There was clear support for regularly updating hazard mitigation plans, improving evacuation strategies, and ensuring essential services like water and ﬁre ﬂow meet future needs.

Attachment "4" 213
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 7 Goal and Policy Board 3

Climate Adaptation & Resiliency is a new goal area to the Community Protection Element.

Attendees showed strong support for all new policies, and emphasized the need for proactive development standards, continued climate action plan implementation, and cross- agency coordination to prepare for climate risks like extreme weather, wildﬁre, and ﬂooding.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 8 Community Protection Evacuation Board
Participants were asked Where would you like to see emergency planning improvements happen? They were given pens and sticky notes to leave feedback and/or circle areas on the map.

There was a strong support for evacuation planning support among attendees. Comments left on the board iterated a desire for expanded evacuation procedures and improvements, particularly in District 1 and Kit Carson School Area.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 9 Environmental Justice Goals and Policies
Participants were asked Which goals and/or policies do you think should be key priorities for the City of Escondido? They were given sticky dots to vote on their priority policies across six policy areas: Reduce Pollution, Public Facilities, Physical Activity, Safe and Sanitary Homes, Food Access, Civic Engagement

Attendees showed support for all Environmental Justice Policy topics, focusing most strongly on pollution reduction policies and expanding food access. Comments left on the board emphasized a desire for increased green space, trees, parks, and language accessibility to work towards a more inclusive and equitable Escondido.

There are 84 sub-policies under the six Environmental Justice Policy Topics. The sub-policies were available as handouts at the workshop for attendees to review and place a mark (tally, star, sticker, etc.) next to the sub-policies they felt best reﬂected the most important needs or focus areas for Escondido.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 10 Pollution Sub-Policies

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 11 Civic Engagement Sub-Policies

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 12 Physical Activity Sub-Policies

Food Access Sub-Policies

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 13 Public Facilities Sub-Policies

Safe and Sanitary Housing Sub-Policies

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 14 Environmental Justice Communities
Participants were asked What is needed to support Environmental Justice in Escondido? They were given pens and sticky notes to leave feedback and/or circle areas on the map.

Feedback on the board highlighted a desire for more trees, green spaces, native landscaping, and public gathering spaces—particularly that are smoke-free. Together, these improvements would work to directly combat pollution, ﬂooding, impacts from climate change such as extreme heat, while fostering community interaction and engagement.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 15

3.2 Stakeholder Open House
Community Protection Goal and Policy Boards
Stakeholders were asked Which goals and/or policies do you think should be key priorities for the City of Escondido? They were given sticky dots to vote on their priority policies across ﬁve goal areas: Fire protection, Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Response, Flood Protection, Soils & Seismicity, and Climate Adaptation & Resiliency Goal and Policy Board #1

Feedback on the Fire Protection Policies emphasized the importance of fostering community engagement and proactive preparedness for wildﬁre events. This included strategies such as establishing and maintaining fuel breaks, promoting the creation of defensible space around properties, and encouraging public education initiatives to build local resilience and awareness.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 16 Goal and Policy Board #2

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Policies emerged as a top priority among stakeholders. There was strong support for policies that enhance community resilience through the development of emergency recovery plans, the identiﬁcation and maintenance of clear evacuation routes, and the preservation of adequate wa ter storage capacity to support future ﬁre suppression eﬀorts.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 17 Goal and Policy Board #3

During the workshop, stakeholders expressed strong support for Climate Adaptation and Resiliency policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and implementing the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). They prioritized strategies designed to safeguard th e community from Escondido’s most pressing climate-related hazards and natural disasters, such as extreme heat, drought, and wildﬁre risk.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 18 Community Protection Evacuation Board
Stakeholders were asked Where would you like to see emergency planning improvements happen? They were given pens and sticky notes to leave feedback and/or circle areas on the map.

Stakeholders marked th ree areas of limited evacuation concern on the board, all within the Sphere of Inﬂuence. T hese included: the northern area near Jesmond Dene Road; the southern area just south of Via Rancho Parkway; and the south -eastern area just south of Mountain View Park. The ﬁrst two areas of concern are identiﬁed as limited access on the Residential Parcels with Evacuation Constraints Exhibit. The area near Mountain View Park is not reﬂected on the exhibit, as it has at least two viable evacuation routes available.

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 19 Environmental Justice Goals and Policies
Stakeholders were asked Which goals and/or policies do you think should be key priorities for the City of Escondido? They were given sticky dots to vote on their priority policies across six policy areas: Reduce Pollution, Public Facilities, Physical Activity, Safe and Sanitary Homes, Food Access, Civic Engagement.

During the workshop, Stakeholders provided verbal feedback in strong support of environmental justice eﬀorts within Escondido. Tree plantings, park access, shade, and trash removal were key items Stakeholders felt the City should prioritize to make lasting positive impacts on the community, speciﬁcally in neighborhoods more vulnerable to pollution.

Ongoing engagement with the public, local businesses, and community organizations was also viewed as a priority, particularly in promoting transparency and inclusiveness in the City’s decision-making processes.

There are 84 sub-policies under the six Environmental Justice Policy Topics. The sub-policies were available as handouts at the workshop for stakeholders to review and place a mark (tally, star, sticker, etc.) next to the sub-policies they felt best reﬂected the most important needs or focus areas for Escondido.

Attachment "4"
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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 20 Pollution Sub-Policies

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 21 Food Access Sub-Policies

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 22 Safe and Sanitary Housing Sub-Policies

Public Facilities Sub-Policies

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 23 Environmental Justice Communities
Stakeholders were asked What is needed to support Environmental Justice in Escondido? They were given pens and sticky notes to leave feedback and/or circle areas on the map.

One comment written on the board stated, “Include low-income communities, we need their input. Education big time.” This reﬂected a strong stakeholder priority: ensuring that residents most impacted by environmental challenges have a meaningful voice in City decision-making.

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of regular workshops or engagement opportunities to gather ongoing input, particularly on issues related to environmental justice.

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2022 General Plan Amendment | Community and Stakeholder Workshops Summary | Page 24

4.0 Key Themes
Overall, community members and stakeholders emphasized the importance of community safety, emergency preparedness, and equitable access to environmental resources as top priorities for the City of Escondido.

Across both workshops, ﬁre protection and disaster preparedness were identiﬁed as critical focus areas for the Community Protection Element. Community members and stakeholders strongly supported policies that emphasized proactive measures, including the creation of defensible space, establishment of fuel breaks, regular updates to hazard mitigation plans, and enhanced coordination with CAL FIRE to reduce wildﬁre risk and improve emergency readiness.

For the Environmental Justice chapter to the Community Health and Services Element, policies targeting Pollution Reduction and Civic Engagement received strong support from both community members and stakeholders. Tree plantings, native landscaping, increased public gathering spaces, equitable park access, and managing the ratio of park space to residents were continuously iterated as action items the City should prioritize to promote environmental and social equity within Escondido. Additionally, promoting access to safe housing was voiced as a signiﬁcant component of environmental justice.

Civic engagement emerged as a cross-cutting theme. Community members and stakeholders called for more inclusive and transparent decision-making processes, particularly emphasizing the importance of involving low-income and marginalized communities. Suggestions included hosting regular public workshops, ensuring language accessibility, and building trust t hrough consistent outreach and education.

Attachment "4"
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ADDENDUM #4 TO THE 2012 GENERAL PLAN FEIR
Planning Case No. PL22-0010
Due to the number of pages, Attachment 5, links have been provided for review of the following items:
https://www.escondido.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8266/Draft-Fourth-Addendum-to-the-Final-EIR- PDF
The 2012 General Plan Final EIR and technical appendices may be reviewed at the following link:
https://www.escondido.gov/1208/2012-General-Plan-EIR
Attachment "5"
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Attachment "6"
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-112

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN

AMENDMENT TO THE ESCONDIDO GENERAL PLAN

COMMUNITY PROTECTION CHAPTER (SAFETY

ELEMENT), THE ADDITION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL

JUSTICE SECTION TO THE ESCONDIDO GENERAL PLAN

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SERVICES CHAPTER, AND

AN ADDENDUM TO THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT REPORT

WHEREAS, the State of California requires cities and counties adopt a comprehensive long -term General Plan for the social, physical, and economic development of the City; and WHEREAS, California Government Code section 65302(g) requires all city and county general plans to include a Safety Element, and further requires that the Safety Element be updated regularly to reflect current conditions and legal requirements; and
WHEREAS, the content of the Safety Element is mandated by the California Government Code, which also requires review by the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and California Geological Survey to determine compliance with State law; and WHEREAS, the draft Community Protection chapter (Safety Element) was approved by the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on May 13, 2025; and WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 1000 (2016) (SB 100 0), mandates that cities and counties incorporate environmental justice into their general plans , and is triggered when a city or county is adopting or revising two or more elements of its general plan simultaneously; and 234
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WHEREAS, the content of the environmental justice addition to the general plan is mandated by California Government Code Section 65302(h); and
WHEREAS, public participation in the development, adoption, and implementation of the safety element and environmental justice goals and policies is essential to effective health and safety planning and the City did as follows: host workshops for and engage with the community and local organizations, including disadvantaged communities, and comply with Government Code Section 65302(g) and 65302(h); and
WHEREAS, the City of Escondido ( “City”) is the lead agency, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations § 15000 et seq.), f or the updates to the Community Protection chapter (Safety Element) and the addition of an environmental justice chapter to the Community Health and Services chapter, together known as the 2022 General Plan Amendment; and WHEREAS, the 2022 General Plan Amendment is considered a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.; and WHEREAS, the 2022 General Plan Amendment is applicable to the General Plan Area as identified in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2012, the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact Report for the 2012 General Plan Update (SCH # 20100716054) (“FEIR”) for the 2012 Escondido General Plan Update, Downtown Specific Plan Update, and Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA, when taking subsequent discretionary actions in furtherance of a project for which an EIR has been certified, the lead agency is required to review any changed 235
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circumstances to determine whether any of the circumstances under Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15162 require additional environmental review; and WHEREAS, City staff evaluated the environmental impact of the proposed modifications to the Project in light of the standards for subsequent environmental review outlined in Public Resources Code section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines section 15162; and
WHEREAS, based on this evaluation, staff concluded that the EIR had fully analyzed and mitigated, where feasible, in compliance with CEQA, all potentially significant environmental impacts, if any, that would result from the Project modifications, that the impacts to the environment as a result of the modifications are consistent with and would no t create substantial new or increased impacts beyond those that were evaluated in the EIR, and that, therefore, no subsequent EIR or mitigated negative declaration is now required; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the proposed modifications to the Project, and to document staff’s evaluation of the environmental impact of said modifications, staff prepared a fourth addendum (“Addendum #4”) to the Final EIR pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15164; and WHEREAS, the Project relies on the previously adopted Addenda (Addenda 1 through 3) to the FEIR; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the amendments to the Community Protection and Community Services Elements and recommended the City Council approve the changes with minor text modification on July 22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, all evidence of records, the Community Protection and Community Health and Service Element Updates, staff reports, correspondence, and Addendum #4 are on file in the offices of the City of 236
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Escondido Planning Division and the offices o f the City Clerk and constitute the record for making the decision to approve the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Division studied the General Plan Amendment, performed necessary investigations, prepared a written report and hereby recommends approval of the 2022 GPA shown in Exhibit “B” and Exhibit “C” as substantiated in Exhibit “D” Findings of Fact, all of which are attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference as though fully set forth herein; and WHEREAS, approving the Project would modify the 2012 Community Protection chapter and adopt new text, graphics, and figures as shown in Exhibit “B;” and WHEREAS, approving the Project would modify the 2012 Community Health and Services chapter and adopt new text, graphics, and figures as shown in Exhibit “C;” and WHEREAS, prior to adopting or amending a General Plan, Government Code section 65355 requires the legislative body to hold at least one public hearing, notice of which shall be given p ursuant to Government Code section 65090 and in accordance with City and State public noticing requirements; and
WHEREAS, City staff provided public notice of the housing element update in accordance with City and State public noticing requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Division scheduled a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Project before the Planning Commission on July 22, 2025, at which interested persons were given the opportunity to appear and present their views with respect to said Project. Following said public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2025-07R, recommending that the City Council approve the Project with minor modification; and
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WHEREAS, on October 1, 2025, the City Council of the City of Escondido did hold a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law. At said hearing, this City Council received and considered the reports and recommendations of the Planning Commission and City staff, and gave all persons full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and testimony respecting said matter. Evidence was submitted to and considered by the City Council, including, without limitation:
a. Written information including plans, studies, written and graphical information, and other material, submitted as part of the Project; and
b. Oral testimony from City staff, interested parties, and the public; and c. The staff report, dated October 1, 2025 , with its attachments as well as City staff’s recommendation on the Project, which is incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein; and
d. Additional information submitted during the public hearing; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the information, findings, and conclusions contained in Exhibit “E” Addendum # 4, including without limitation the FINAL EIR and supporting documents; and
WHEREAS, an original copy of the 2012 Community Protection Element, 2012 Community Health and Services Element, Addendum #4, and all other related Project materials are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, with a copy of each document submitted to the City Council for its consideration. The City Clerk, whose office is located at 201 North Broadway, Escondido CA 92025, is hereby designated as the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the City 238
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Council's decision is based, which documents and materials shall be available for public inspection and copying in accordance with the provisions of the California Public Records Act.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Escondido, California , as follows:

1. That the above recitations are true.

2. That through reliance on the previously adopted Addenda to the Final EIR, all requirements of CEQA have been met.

3. That the Project satisfies the requirements of the state Planning and Zoning Law.

4. That the amendment to the General Plan is consistent with the Escondido General Plan because all General Plan Chapters were reviewed as part of the amendment drafting process to ensure consistency.

5. That, after consideration of all evidence presented, and studies and investigations made by the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council makes the substantive Findings of Fact and determinations attached hereto as Exhibit “D” relating to the information that has been considered.

6. That, considering the Findings of Fact and applicable law, the City Council hereby approves the 2022 General Plan Amendment to the Community Protection chapter (Safety Element) and Community Health and Services chapter, attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and Exhibit “C”, respectively, and relies on the Addendum #4 to the Final EIR, attached hereto as Exhibit “E” for the purpose of compliance with CEQA. 239
Item11.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "A"

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VI. Community Protection
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................... 1 The Community Protection Element’s Purpose .................. 2 Relationship to Other Elements in the General Plan ........... 2 A. Emergency Response and Protection .......................... 3 B. Fire Protection .............................................................. 7 C. Police Services ........................................................... 11 D. Code Compliance ....................................................... 14 E. Community Safety ..................................................... 15 F. Noise .......................................................................... 34 G. Community Protection Goals and Policies ................ 42 Introduction
An impo
rtant role of local government is the
protection of people and property from natural and
man-made hazards. The challenge of protecting
the community in times of emergency requires a
highly trained, organized, and dedicated staff that
is able to respond to incidents at a moment’s
notice. Additionally, in an environment that
values efficiency and a proactive approach to
problem solving, the ability to properly prepare
for emergencies is also critical for minimizing
losses to life and property.

Maintaining a safe envir onment for Esc ondido with
high quality emergency services is critical to ensuring the community’s quality of life. As Escondido
continues to grow and urban areas continue to intensify with taller buildings, new employment centers, and
additional traffic, the City’s emergency personnel will need to adapt to changing conditions within the
community.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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The Community Protection
Element’s Purpose
California State General Pl an Guidelines direct
agencies to incorporate a number of elements into
their General Plans including Safety.

Escondido’s Community Protection Element
addresses such issues as flood and fire hazards,
geologic and seismic activity, and hazardous
materials. Sections regarding Emergency
Response and Protectio n, and Police and Fire
service are also included. The Element also
includes a section addressing Noise, which is
required component for General Plans.

The City of Escondido prepared or participated in
the production of two other documents which
support and provide implementation measures for
the Goals and policies of the Community
Protection Element. The City's Climate Action
Plan provides a roadmap for reducing Green
House Gases and contains a Vulnerability
Assessment and Adaptation Report for the
purpose of reduci ng vulnerability to projected
climate change effects, increasing the local
capacity to adapt, and building resilience in the
city. Adaptation Measur es and Actions were
developed as part of th e Climate Action Plan
update process to address the City’s priority
climate impacts, which ha ve been incorporated
herein.
1 The second document is the Multi
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP)
which conducted a county wide and City of
Escondido Specific Risk Assessment, identifying
five primary hazards and developing a mitigation
strategy to reduce risk s associated with those
hazards.

The purpose of the Community Protection
Element is to identify and address the most
relevant public safety issues affecting the
community. In addition, the Element offers
possible solutions and establishes standards and
policies for proactively addressing threats to life
1 Incorporation by reference is an OPR recommended practice used to incorporate documents which demonstrate the lead agency is complying with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements
and property. The goals and policies established to
minimize dangers set forth the framework that
will regulate existing and proposed development
in hazard-prone areas.
.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Page VI-2 Escondido General Plan Community Protection

Relationship to Other Elements in
the General Plan
Integrating the goals and policies of the Community Protection Element requires coordination with other related components of the General Plan as well as compan ion master plans, codes, and ordinances. Other General Plan Elements that are affected by community protection include Land Use and Urban Form, Mobility and Infrastructure, as well as Na tural Resources a nd Open Space.

Policies established in the Community Protection Element affect how land uses and infrastructure are developed in areas prone to natural hazards. Recommendations for ev acuation and emergency access routes overlap with the City’s Circulation Plan. The proper coordination, development and maintenance of drainage infrastructure are essential for ensuring against flooding. Community protection is linked with natural resource and open space areas due to threats of erosion and wildfires that must be addressed.

Escondido’s Police and Fire
Headquarters Facility
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Escondido General Plan Community Protection Page VI-3

A. Emergency Response and
Protection
An emergency includes any unplanned event that can cause deaths or significant injuries, disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, or threaten the community’s reputation or revenue. Examples of emergencies the City has experienced in the past includes wildfires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Preparing for an emergency can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that can occur. An integrated approach to the management of emergency programs and activities promotes a sense of order and control when responding to emergencies.

The General Plan includes an emergency evacuation route to aid in the orderly and rapid movement of people away from a threat or actual occurrence of a hazard (Figure VI-1). Evacuation routes identified within the City include those identified by the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, specifically Interstate 15 and westbound State Route 78. Policies that minimize threats to public safety by preparing the City to a ddress potential emergencies with a coordinated response are included at the end of this element.

The ongoing effort to lessen the impact emergencies may have on people and property is critical to avoiding certain disasters. This includes such precautions as avoiding construction in high-risk areas, proper fuel modification in fire-prone areas, designing development to withstand earthquakes and flooding, and ensuring critical equipment supplies are available such as personal protection equipment (PPE). A critical component of preparing for emergencies involves being in a state of readiness to provide a ra pid emergency response, including training exercises and logistics. Minimizing loss of life, injury, and damage to property is vital in appropriately responding to emergencies.

After the emergency is over, the recovery process of resuming normal operations is important for ensuring community safety and stability

1. Emergency Preparedness
The City of Escondido’s Emergency Preparedness Division maintains an all-hazards Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that defines the actions and roles neces sary to provide a coordinated response within the Planning Area before, during, and following extraordinary emergencies associated with natural, manmade, and technological disasters. The plan has built-in flexibility to allow use in all emergencies and facilitates response and short-term recovery activities. It was developed in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Page VI-4 Escondido General Plan Community Protection

The EOP is also designed to integrate into and support the County of San Diego’s Operational Ar ea Emergency Plan for a more seamless multi-jurisdictional response to disasters. The EOP includes detailed sections related to: Hazard Profiles, Training and Exercises, Assignment of Responsibilities, Mutual Aid, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Em ergency Declarations, Public Information, Finance, and Logistic s. The City has an-always ready Emergency Operations Center and an alternate EOC for use, if necessary. In the event of a ma jor emergency, the EOC would be used to coordinate resources, assist in mitigating the emergency, and properly allocate emergency resources and relief aid.

The City of Escondido is include d in the County of San Diego’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitig ation Plan (MJHMP). The plan serves as both a countywide plan, as well as a plan for local jurisdictions, that identifies risks posed by natural and human-made disasters before a hazard event occurs. The MJHMP for Escondido was developed in conjunction w ith the County of San Diego and other jurisdictions in the County. The MJHMP was crafted in accordance with the Disaster M itigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and followed the Federal Emer gency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 2011 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. The
MJHMP, originally adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023,
incorporates a process whereby hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The
implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, invo lve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities

The Risk Assessment was conducted county-wide and can be found under the County Hazard Mitigation plan. The MJHMP is fully integrated into the Safety Element. The MJHMP's Risk Assessment identified the City’s top five hazards, which include wildland fires, earthquakes, dam failure/flood ev ents, drought, and extreme heat.

The City also maintains an Evacuation and Repopulation Plan. This plan provides an analysis of Escondido’s hazard profiles and provides feasibility of evacuation based on hazard scenarios.

Escondido’s Climate Action Plan (ECAP) includes a Vulnerability Assessment which identifies severa l climate change related effects including increased temperatures, extreme weather events, frequency and intensity of precipit ation, wildfire risk, flooding and landslides. The ECAP, referenc ed above and incorporated by reference in this element, outlines Adaptation Measures and Actions that will mitigate the potential effects of environmental impacts related to GHG emission and climate change.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Escondido General Plan Community Protection Page VI-5
CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Us ing the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not i mmediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

AB 2140

Passed in 2006, Assembly Bi ll No. 2140 (AB 2140) allows California counties and cities to be considered for additional state cost-share on eligible Public Assistance projects by adopting their current, FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) into the Safety Element of their General Plan. This adoption, along with other requirements, makes the county or city eligible to be considered for part or all of its local-share costs on eligible Public Assistance projects to be provided by the state through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA).

The City participated in the creation of a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan applicable and adopted by both the County of San Diego and the City of Escondido. The adoption of this document makes the local jurisdiction eligib le for federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) post-disaster funding, Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funding or Flood Management Assistance (FMA) funding.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Figure VI-1 - Emergency Evacuation Routes
Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2022
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Escondido General Plan Community Protection Page VI-7

B. Fire Protection
The Escondido Fire Department’s central operations are co-located with the Police Department in the City’s Police and Fire Headquarters located at 1163 North Centre City Parkway. The department also has seven fire stations wi th paramedic units lo cated throughout the community. The mission of the Escondido Fire Department is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. This is accomplished by identifying and mitigating hazards and by preparing for, responding to, resolving, and recovering from emergencies.

The Fire Department is the City’s lead agency responding to natural disasters such as earthquakes, fl oods, and storms, and for other emergencies related to fire, explosion, hazardous materials, rescue, and medical problems. The General Plan Fire Service Quality of Life Standard establishes thresholds for response times and staffing (Figure VI-2). The City maintains automatic and mutual aid agreements with fire departments in surrounding agencies in order to promote more efficient and thorough emergency coverage (Figure VI-3). Additional Fire Department definitions are located in Figure VI-19.

Figure VI-2

GENERAL PLAN
QUALITY OF LIFE STANDARD #3

FIRE SERIVCE
In urbanized areas of the City, an initial
response time of seven and one-half
(7½) minutes for all structure fires and
advanced life support (ALS) medical
incident calls and a maximum
response time of ten (10) minutes for
supporting companies shall be
maintained. A minimum of seven (7)
total fire stations each staffed with a
Paramedic Assessment Unit (PAU)
engine company shall be in place prior
to General Plan build-out. For outlying
areas beyond a five (5) minute travel
time or further than three (3) miles from
the nearest fire station, all new
structures shall be protected by fire
sprinkler systems or an equivalent
system as approved by the Fire Chief.

Travel time is the elapsed time from a
verbal or computerized
acknowledgment of the dispatch by the
responding unit at the moment of
departure from the station to its arrival
at the scene. Response time is the
elapsed time from receiving a call for
service to the responding unit’s arrival
at the scene.

In the case of single family residences
“arrival at the scene” shall mean at the
front door of the residence; for multi-
family residences “arrival at the scene”
shall mean at the street access to the
involved building. The Fire Department
intends to meet these times for no less
than 90 percent of all emergency
responses by engine companies.

Figure VI-2

GENERAL PLAN
QUALITY OF LIFE STANDARD #3
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Escondido is served by seven Fire Stations located strategically throughout our jurisdiction.

Fire Station #1 is located at 310 North Quince Street. Fire Station #1 has a fire museum, a training classroom, and a regional training facility including a four-story burn tower, a roof prop, a State Fire Marshal certified confined space training prop and a vehicle fire simulation prop. The training facility utilizes recaptured water that is stored in an underground cistern and pumped to the training center's fire hydrants. Station #1 is staffed 24/7 by ten personnel:
one Battalion Chief, two Fire Captai ns, two Engineers, four Firefighter Paramedics and one Parame dic/EMT. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Ladder Truck
 1 Type 6 Brush Patrol
 1 Rescue Ambulance
 1 Battalion Chief Command Unit
Fire Station #2 is located at 421 North Midway. Station #2 is staffed 24/7 by five personnel: one Fire Captain, one Engineer, two Firefighter Paramedics and one Paramedic/EMT. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Rescue Ambulance
 1 Cross Staffed Type 6 OES Brush Patrol
Fire Station #3 is located at 1808 Nutmeg Street. Station #3 is staffed 24/7 by five personnel: one Fire Captai n, one Engineer, two Firefighter Paramedics and one Paramedic/EMT. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Rescue Ambulance
 1 Cross Staffed Type 3 Brush Engine
Fire Station #4 is located adjacent to Kit Carson Park at 3301 Bear Valley Parkway. Station #4 is staffed 24/7 by three personnel: one Fire Captain, one Engineer, one Firefighter Paramedic. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Cross Staffed Type 3 Brush Engine

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Escondido General Plan Community Protection Page VI-9
Fire Station #5 is located 2319 Felicita. Station #5 is staffed 24/7 by five personnel: one Fire Captain, one Engineer, two Firefighter Paramedics and one Paramedic/EMT. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Rescue Ambulance
 1 Cross Staffed Type 3 Brush Engine

Fire Station #6 is located at 1735 Del Dios Road. Station #6 is staffed 24/7 by three personnel: one Fire Captain, one Engineer, one Firefighter Paramedic.

The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Cross Staffed Type 3 Brush Engine

Fire Station #7 is located at 1220 North Ash. Station #7 is staffed 24/7 by five personnel: one Fire Captain, one Engineer, one Firefighter Paramedic and two Paramedics. The facility is equipped with the following emergency response vehicles:
 1 Type 1 Fire Engine
 1 Rescue Ambulance

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Figure VI-3 - Fire Service Boundaries and Facilities
Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2023
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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C. Police Services
The Escondido Police Department’s central operations are co-located with the Fire Department in the City’s Police and Fire Headquarters located at 1163 North Centre City Parkway. The department maintains police officer patrol areas to provide law enfo rcement for the community. The County Sheriff provides law enforcement for areas outside Escondido’s corporate boundaries (Figure VI-5). While maintaining law and order, the Police and Sheriff Departments are also active in sponsoring a nd participating in community programs that promote a safe environment.

Demographic and economic conditions, as well as intensification of General Plan land uses will have tremendous influence on the demand for police services. Ch anges in popula tion, additional recreational facilities, increased traffic volumes, expanded City limits, and new businesses all increase the importance of maintaining and supporting law enforcement services. The General Plan Police Service Quality of Life Standard establishes thresholds for response times and staffing (Figure VI-4).

Figure VI-4

GENERAL PLAN
QUALITY OF LIFE STANDARD #4

POLICE SERIVCE
The city shall maintain personnel
staffing levels based on community-
generated workloads and officer
availability. Resources will be adjusted
to maintain an initial response time for
Priority 1 calls (crimes in progress or
life threatening) of no more than five
(5) minutes and an initial response
time for Priority 2 calls (serious calls
requiring rapid response but not life-
threatening incidents) of no more than
six and one-half (6½) minutes.

The Escondido Police standard
includes the measurement of elapsed
times from when the call is initially
processed by the communication
operator, the transfer of call
information to the police officer, and
the time of the field officer’s arrival at
the service call location. Resources
will be allocated to organize patrol
areas and involve community
members when appropriate to
achieve Community Oriented Policing
and Problem Solving (COPPS) efforts.

To the maximum economic extent
feasible, the Police Department will take
aggressive enforcement action against
crime trends, including maintenance
procedures and incorporating
community involvement and education
as a means to deter potential incidents.

Figure VI-4

GENERAL PLAN
QUALITY OF LIFE STANDARD #4
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Figure VI-5 - Police Service Boundaries and Facilities
Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2023
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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1. Strategic Planning
The Escondido Police De partment’s Management Team regularly engages in an ongoing strategic pl anning process to produce goals, objectives and strategies that are utilized to create an implementation plan which guides budgetary, operational, and organizational decisions.

Components of the strategic planni ng process directly support the Mission Statement defining the department’s pillars of Professional Conduct, Community Outreach, and Crime Reduction.

The department’s strategic plan is implemented, evaluated, and updated regularly. Every position on the management team has key responsibilities for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and updating of the specific action ite ms involved in the goals and objectives identified in the strategic planning process.

2. Strategic Priorities
The Police Department’s strategic priorities are of equal importance and are dependently interrelated. The following is a list of the Police Department’s strategic priorities.
 Community Outreach, Trust and Partnership
 Crime Reduction
 Employee and Organizational Professional Development and Conduct
 Fiscal Efficiency and Support Resources
 Growth Management
 Regional Partnerships
 Professional Service
 Safety Equipment and Technology
The Management Team is tasked with performance measurements to systematically evaluate their assigned strategic initiatives (referred to as “Project Updates”). Within th e review process, the department implements both qualitative and quantitative measures with outcome indicators or program results evaluated to gauge overall effectiveness.

The Escondido Police Department
K-9 Unit was established in 1985
with the goal of enhancing the
effectiveness of police officers in
searching for and apprehending
violent criminals, locating
evidence, narcotics, and
explosive devices. The police
service dogs also provide an
important com- munity outreach
function as the K-9 teams
demonstrate
their professionalism to schools
and community groups.
“To protect our community through
exception police service”

Escondido Police Department
Mission Statement

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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D. Code Compliance
During the 2012 General Plan public workshops, residents expressed a strong desire for improved comm unity aesthetics through property maintenance. Poorly maintained properties can lead to deteriorated conditions that can create a hazardous and unsafe situation. A proactive code compliance program ensures a higher rate of success in keeping properties maintained. Additionally, code compliance helps ensure the preservation of existing housing stock, health and safety code response, safe and fair business operations, vehicle abatement, and ensuring well- maintained properties.

Escondido’s Code Compliance Divi sion protects life, safety, and property with vigilance and a collaborative effort with the community, upholding codes a nd standards within the City. Maintenance and regulation of property, buildings, and structures in the City is a top priority. Additional responsibilities of the Division include business license compliance, mobile home park compliance and inspections, and the California State Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program.

General Plan policies focus on helping the community adhere to and maintain code requirements by providing state of the art code compliance division facilities, services, and staffing. Properties with public nuisance violations and deteriorated co nditions will not be permitted, and substandard or dange rous buildings must be either repaired or demolished. Effectiv e code compliance programs also involve communication with residents and businesses, which includes public outreach and educational programs that facilitate and encourage voluntary compliance with City ordinances.

Graffiti removal and property
maintenance code compliance
abatement actions
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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E. Community Safety
Minimizing property damage, disaster costs, injury, and deaths during emergencies is important for Escondido to enhance residents’ sense of security, reduce expenditures, and maintain a high quality of life.

Community safety is threatened by climate change projections indicating that Escondido could experience future climatic extremes including more intense rainfall events with associated flooding and erosion, and greater fire risk from increased temperatures and evaporation. Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing natural hazard risks such as floods, wildfires, and eros ion events, and appropriate safeguards must be considered to increase community resilience to natural hazards.

1. Fire Hazards
Fire is a natural part of Californi a’s diverse landscapes and is vital to many ecosystems across the state. Fire hazards can come in the form of both wildfires and urban fi res. California is recognized as one of the most fire-prone and consequently fire-adapted landscapes in the world. The combination of complex terrain, Mediterranean climate, and productive natural plant communities, along with ample natural ignition sources, has created conditions for extensive wildfires. The City’s environment consists of a broad mixture of urban settings, semi-urban settings, rural areas, and open space areas characterized by shrubs, native trees, and high fire fuel areas with steep topography. During the dry months, the wildfire risk in these open, vegetated areas can increase when exacerbated by occasional

Brush clearance for fire
suppression purposes
(above left)
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Santa Ana winds and high temperatures. Additionally, extreme weather conditions spurred by changing climate conditions, such as high temperatures, low humidity, and/or winds of extraordinary force, may cause an ordinary, loca lized fire to expand rapidly into one that is more intense and difficult to contain.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Fire and Resource Assessm ent Program (FRAP) maps fire threat potential throughout California. California law requires CAL FIRE to identify areas ba sed on the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in that area. These areas, or “zones,” are based on factors such as fuel, slope and fire weather. There are three zones, based on increasing fire hazard: moderate, high and very high. The most recent fire hazard severity zone maps can be found on the Office of the State Fire Marshall’s website2. Escondido is an established community with a developed urban center that is surrounded by large areas of rural land and open space. This land use pattern exposes residents to dangers from both urban and wildland fire risks. The comm unity’s varied building ages, construction styles, and densities lead to different urban fire profiles, depending on a variety of factors that create the potential to cause significant loss of life and property. These fires damage and destroy homes, schools, commer cial buildings, and vehicles.

Improvements in architecture, building design, and construction materials over the years have aided in emergency response efforts and reduced the likelihood of disasters.

Wildland Fire on
Escondido’s northern
boundary in 2008 (above)
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
Major wildfires pose a significant risk in the large open space hill- sides bordering Escondido. CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones maps (Local Responsibility and State Responsibility Areas) highlight areas of the community with the greatest risk for wildfire incidents. A wildland fire differs from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread out from its original source, its potential to change direction unexpectedly, and its ability to jump gaps such as roads, rivers, and fire breaks. Wildfires are of particular concern in commu nities that are located in the WUI. The “interface” WUI condition exists where development and/or structures are adjacent to wildland areas, in which there may be clear demarcation or a hard edge between developed and undeveloped areas. By contrast, an “intermix” WUI condition refers to areas in which structur es or semi-developed areas are mixed with wildland areas and vegetation, such as in rural, ex-urban, or large-lot semi-rural developed conditions. In the “occluded” WUI condition within an urban environment, st ructures may abut an island of wildland fuels, such as a community park, open space, greenbelt, or other natural area. A broader term that further describes conditions that may be adjacent to either the intermix or interface WUI is the “wildfire influence zone” which can be characterized by susceptible vegetation up to 1.5 miles from the WUI. Similarly, in areas where wildfires can occur under high-wind conditions ne ar urbanized areas, the “ember zone” can extend up to several miles into more densely-developed areas that are outside of the WUI or wildfire influence zone areas, in which new spot fires could occur far ahead of the main wildfire perimeter. The WUI continuum of wildland to urban densities is illustrated below (Figure VI-6).

Figure VI-6 - Continuum of Wildland to Urban Densities
Source: Community Planning Assistance for Wildlife and American Planning Association Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Past Occurrences of Wildfire
Since 1910, numerous wildfire events in the direct vicinity of the City and its Sphere of Influence have been recorded by CAL FIRE. These past fires, occurring in 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1919, 1927, 1938, 1943, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1962, 1965, 1967, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2013, burned within 5 miles of City.

Notable fires in the past 30 years located within the City (Figure VI- 5), or in close proximity, include:
 1993 Guejito Fire (east of Escondido): The Guejito Fire charred 20,000 acres and destroyed 18 homes. Ignition was attributed to electrical infrastructure.
 1996 Harmony Grove Fire: The Harmony Grove Fire burned 8,600 acres, from Harmony Grove west of Escondido to La Costa, destroying nearly 110 hom es and yielding one fatality.

The ignition was attributed to equipment use.
 1997 Wohlford Fire (northeast of Escondido): The Wohlford Fire burned 500 acres and destroyed seven houses. Ignition was attributed to arson.
 2003 Paradise Fire (northeast of Escondido): The Paradise Fire burned 56,427 acres and destroyed a total of 223 structures, with two fatalities. The ignition was attributed to arson.
 2007 Witch Creek-Guejito Fires : These two fires burned southeast to southwest, imp acting 197,190 acres, destroying 1,141 residences, with two fatalities.

This information excludes fires less than 10 acres. However, there have been multiple fires throughout inland North San Diego County of less than 10 acres. Rapid and overwhelming response to these fires has resulted in their c ontainment before they could grow to the size that would include them in Cal Fire’s database, called California All Incident Report System (CAIRS).

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Figure VI-7 - Notable Fires (past 30 years)
Source: SanGIS, City of Escondido FD. Last Updated 2022 Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (the State Board) is required to identify existing subdivi sions in the Stat e Responsibility Area (SRA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) without secondary egress routes that are at significant fire risk. The State Board must then provide recommendations to local governments to improve safety in the identifi ed subdivisions. This process is mandated to begin on or before July 1, 2021 and repeat every five years thereafter.

The list below shows the 10 identified residential subdivisions within the City’s Planning Area that contain more than 30 dwelling units located in the SRA or VHFHSZ without a secondary means of egress route pursuant to Public Resources Code 4290.5, along with recommendations for each subdivision by the State Board.

Recommendations by the State Board include, but are not limited to the following for identified subdivisions: 1) create a secondary access to the subdivisions 2) install refl ective evacuation route street signs 3 directing residents from their local roads to the nearest collector road(s) and/or arterial highway(s) 3) when side street parking narrows the road to a smaller width than the standards
4, during red flag
warnings or conditions of high fire danger, limit street parking so a wider pathway is available to s upport rapid evacuation 4) Conduct community-wide evacuations drills, 5) install reflective markers to indicate road edges or other areas of danger that might not be evident during periods of low visibility, and 6) install reflective addressing signs for structures and roads

5. State Board Identified Subdivision Pursuant to PRC 4290.5 No. Subdivision Name (ID) Responsibility
Area1 FHSZ2
1 La Honda (22-XSD-251C) LRA Very High
2 Lomas Serenas Drive (21-SXD-
E1DC)
LRA Very High
3 Quiet Hill Drive (21-MVU-6597) SRA Very High
4 Quiet Hill Drive (21-SXD-E9FC) LRA Very High
5 Kershawn Place (21-MVU-4600) SRA Very High
6 Sierra Linda (21-SXD-1AC4) LRA Very High
7 Cordrey Drive (22-MVU-67F0) SRA Very High
8 Purer Road (21-MVU-9064) SRA Very High
9 Via Solana (21-MVU-87F4) SRA Very High
10 Via Loma Vista (21-MVU-EBD4) SRA Very High
1 Responsibility Area is either Local Responsibility Area (LRA) or State Responsibility Area (SRA)
2 FHSZ – Fire Hazard Severity Zone

3 See California Highway Design manual for definitions, based on the standards for emergency management signing in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
4 Standards in 14 CCR § 1273.01
5 in conformance with 14 CCR § 1274.01, 1274.02, 1274.03, and 1274.04 and the California Fire code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 9
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In order to implement Emergency Services Policy 1.15 the City has identified all residential development in addition to those listed above lacking a secondary point of access pursuant to SB 99 (Figure VI-8).

The Office of the State Fire Marshall maintains an interactive map of the subdivisions identified above6. Figure VI-8 is meant to identify those residential parcels within the City’s Sphere of influence which less than two different emergency evacuation routes . In order to identify residential parcels that were only accessible by one private street, collector, or arterial (or a single pedestrian path), staff identified all parcels where two distinct points of vehicular or pedestrian access was possible. The remaining parcel s (and routes) represent parcels with only one egress route. St aff employed GIS to represent residential parcels, the existing circulation system, and manual visual inspection to determine if parcels met the limited access criteria.

The City maintains a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that identifies goals and objectives, collaborative communities and agencies, study area and current ri sk situation, as well as local preparedness efforts and recomm endations. The CWPP provides an overview of the Values at Risk on which significant wildfire would have an impact. These areas incl ude life safety, homes and property values, infrastructure, recreation and lifestyle, a nd environmental resources. Additionally, the City’s General Plan identifies existing and planned land uses within the City in the Land Use and Community Form Element, under Figure II-1 - Land Uses).

Water Supply
The City of Escondido provides water to most of the territory within the General Plan area. Portions of Rincon del Diablo, Valley Center, and Vallecitos Municipal Water Districts’ territories are included within the General Plan area as well. The City of Escondido’s Urban Water Management Plan identifies adequate water supplies are available to meet customer demands within the City. Additionally, according to the Urban Water Management Plans for those remaining servicing districts, adequate wate r supplies are available for their areas. This is especially important for ensuring adequate supplies are available for fire suppression needs within the City.

The City’s Water Master Plan documents the existing water system facilities and demands and identifies required improvements for build- out within the City’s service area, including requirements for system pressures, pipelines, water storage, pump stations, and fire flows.

6 Office of State Fire Marshall, OSFM Subdivision Review Map:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a045e9e9c01c4dd7abdf14ad30646eaf&center=- 13034239.8914%2C3912312.3749%2C102100&level=12
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Figure VI-8 – Residential Parcels with Evacuation Constraints Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2024

Resolution No. 2025-112
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2. Floods
Flood hazards related to storm events are typically expressed as a “100- year flood,” which describes the largest flood event that may be expected within a 100-year period. The event is considered a severe flood, but one that can be reason ably forecasted and therefore reasonably mitigated. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps indicate that the drainage areas along Escondido Creek and Reidy Creek are subject to flooding by the 100-year flood event (Figure VI-9). Escondido participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides coverage for properties affected by the 100- year flood. Participating agencies must recognize FEMA’s official flood boundaries and establish appropriate land use policies for flood zone areas in order to receive insurance benefits in the event of a flood.

To control flooding and surface runoff, prevention methods such as detention basins and on-site storm water features are required in development projects.

To further prevent flooding, the City maintains the condition of flood control channels and de tention basins through periodic cleaning, clearing, dredging, repa ir, and desilting, subj ect to approval from appropriate state and federal agen cies, to ensure they operate efficiently. To prevent more localized flooding due to pipe failure, the City inventoried and evaluated the integrity of all its corrugated metal pipe storm drain segments, and identified those needing replacement.

The inventory and evaluation incl uded identifying the responsible entity for replacement--either by the City and/or grant funded projects, or by nearby potentially affected private development, as it occurs.

Also refer to Stormwater Management in the Mobility and Infrastructure Element, and Water Resources in the Resource Conservation Element for information on flooding.

Lakes Wohlford and Dixon are located in Escondido’s northeastern planning area totaling approximately 266 surface acre s of water. A catastrophic dam failure at either of these facilities would likely result in extensive downstream flooding along Escondido Creek (Figure VI- 10). The areas below the dams are zoned for flood hazard on the FEMA maps. If one of these facilities fails, properties along Escondido Creek, and a significant portion of the valley floor area including downtown, could be inundated. Flood waters may move at rates that prohibit a significant number of persons from being evacuated in the wake of the initial flows, and signi ficant property damage would likely result.

Escondido staff, state, and federal officials regularly inspect these facilities to ensure that risks are minimized.

Local flooding
after rains in 2011
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Figure VI-9 - 100 Year Flood Hazard Zones Source:

FEMA DFIRM Database. Last Updated 2023
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3. Seismicity and Soils
The purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is to address the hazard of surface fault rupture through the regulation of development in areas near Holocene-active faults and seeks to prevent construction of structures for human occupancy across traces of active faults. The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act identifies no Holocene-active faults within Escondido; consequently, the risk of surface rupture is low. Several Holocene-active faults exist in Escondido’s vicinity, and the near est are the Rose Canyon Fault, located approximately 15 miles west under the Pacific Ocean and the Elsinore Fault located approximately 20 miles to the northeast. These Holocene-active faults are not considered a serious threat due to the distance and magnitude of past seismic activity. However, an earthquake large enough to result in moderate ground shaking is possible. Seismic risks are significantly higher in areas closer to the region’s major faults, and a moderate or major earthquake could result in potentially damaging ground shaking. The state continues to update its Earthquake Fault Zoning Maps. Given the proximity to fault lines in the Southern California region a Holocene-active fault near Escondido could be identified in the future.

Escondido’s topography includes a level valley at 650 Mean Sea Level (MSL) surrounded by hills and mountains ranging up to 2,200 MSL and has the potential for slope instability and landslides (Figure VI-14).

Certain soil types in Escondido’s Planning Area present difficulties for development because they cannot support roadways or foundations, are unacceptable for septic systems, and can easily erode. Soils generally found in Escondido’s Planning Area consist of well-drained, medium to coarse grained, often rocky sandy loams, commonly with

Repairing Lake Wohlford Road
after a landslide caused by
heavy rains in 2011
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clay loam substrata and underlying igneous and metamorphic bedrock.

Certain types of clay soils expand when they are saturated and shrink when dried. These are called expansive soils and can pose a threat to the integrity of structures built on them without proper engineering.

Collectively, expansive soils cover approximately 3,528 acres within Escondido’s Planning Area. Regulating development in steep slope areas relates to public health and safety by protecting against floods, erosion, landslides, and fire hazards. Slope instability is particularly acute in areas steeper than 25 percent that may be prone to surficial failures, mudflows, debris flows, rock falls, soil creep, and erosion.

Additionally, failures of man- made slopes pose a threat under the certain conditions such as satura tion caused by over irrigating or excessive rainfall.

As part of the City’s 2012 General Plan, regional faults and soil types were mapped as part of the General Plan’s environmental review process. Figures VI-11, VI-12, and VI-13 illustrate these attributes in the context of Escondido and are integrated into the Safety Element.

Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure VI-10 - Dam Failure Inundation Areas
Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2023
Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure VI-11 - Regional Faults
Source: City of Escondido General Plan and Final EIR (2012) Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure VI-12 - Soil Types
Source: City of Escondido General Plan and Final EIR (2012) Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure VI-13 - Expansive Soils
Source: City of Escondido General Plan and Final EIR (2012) Resolution No. 2025-112
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4. Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials represent a potential threat to those affected by its misuse and improper or accidental disposal. Establishments within Escondido involved with hazardous materials are regulated by the Hazardous Materials Division (H MD) of the San Diego County Department of Environment Health. The HMD regulates hazardous materials business plans and chemical inventories, hazardous waste permitting, underground storage tanks, risk management plans, and a listing of permitted hazardous materials users within the City. Risks associated with the cleanup of hazardous wastes and the handling and disposal of newly-generated wastes have long-lasting effects. Site contamination may impair the City’s ability to implement the General Plan by increasing the costs of development, requiring certain land use restrictions, and causing delays while necessar y cleanups are implemented.

Hazardous material inspection
photo taken at an Escondido
business in the Industrial Zone
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Figure VI-14 - Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Source: SanGIS, URS. Last Updated 2023
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5.Climate Adaptation and Resiliency
The City maintains a Climate Action Plan (“ECAP”) that identifies greenhouse gas inventory, projections, targets, and reductions strategies and measures. The ECAP was developed in 2013 and comprehensively updated in 2021. The ECAP assesses pot ential climate change impacts over time that may affect the City of Escondido and evaluates how these impacts would potentially affect the community’s population, functions, and structures.

The ECAP’s Vulnerability Assessment was conducted at the City level utilizing Cal-Adapt, and covers increased temperatures, extreme weather events, frequency and intens ity of precipitation, wildfire risk, and flooding and landslides. The implementation of the ECAP measures, which include both short- and long-term strategies, involves planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities. The ECAP is fully integrated into the Safety Element.

Resolution No. 2025-112
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F. Noise
Noise is unwanted sound that impacts quality of life by interfering with living, working, and enjoying daily life. Noise can threaten community safety and comfort, affect the general well-being of residents and contributes to annoyance and undue stress. Th e State of California recognizes the relationship between noise and noise-sensitive land uses. Noise measurement terminology is defined in Figure VI-16 and policies for addressing noise-related issues are included in this General Plan. Noise sources that impact the community are identified with the intent of minimizing the exposure to excessive noise levels through the application of policies and programs.

1. Noise Sensitive Land Uses
Land uses are located throughout the City in areas where the impact of noise could affect their operation or activity. Locations of certain noise- sensitive receptors and noise generators are identified in Figure VI-15 and also include:
 Residential Development and care facilities
 Schools, churches, and transient lodging
 Hospitals and health care facilities
 Libraries, museums, and cultural facilities
 Golf courses and passive recreational sites
Noise exposure levels for a variety of land uses are identified in Figure VI-17. Minimizing noise exposure to sensitive areas is important to ensure the proper function of land uses and to maintain quality of life.

Monitoring equipment measuring
traffic noise along a local roadway
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Figure VI-15 - Sensitive Receptors/Noise Generators
Source: City of Escondido. Last Updated 2022
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Under certain conditions, the City may require acoustical studies to accompany development proposals in order to establish appropriate noise mitigation meas ures. Guidelines fo r conducting noise measurements are included in Figure VI-14.

2. Community Noise Sources
Typical noise levels associated with common indoor and outdoor noise sources are depicted in Figure VI -17. There are a variety of noise sources in the community that affect land uses including:

a. Roadway Network
Escondido’s existing noise environment is dominated by traffic- related noise along the City’s roadway network, including Interstate 15 and State Highway 78. Variables that affect noise emission include speed, volume, and inclusion of heavy truck traffic. The Land Use and Community Form Element identifies mixed-use overlays and new employment areas where additional growth will be accommodated.

Increased traffic volumes in these areas represent where anticipated new major measurable noise sources will be generated.

b. NCTD Rail Line
The North County Transit District (NCTD) began operating its Sprinter commuter rail service in 2008 along an existing rail alignment previously used exclusively for periodic freight operations. The rail line parallels the State Highway 78 through Escondido with a station at the southwestern corner of Mission Road and Auto Park Way (Nordahl Station) and terminates at the Escondido Transit Station on the northern side of Escondido Creek, east of Interstate 15.

Land uses adjacent to the rail line through Escondido comprise non- noise sensitive commercial and in dustrial businesses. The nearest existing residential land use is approximately one-eighth mile south of the Escondido Transit Station, on the south side of Valley Parkway.

Consequently, rail noise is not a significant issue for current residents.

Opportunities for additional residential are within one-quarter mile east of the Escondido Transit Station in downtown and/or near the Transit Station Regional Attraction Targ et Area (see Land Use and Community Form Element).

Future plans for extending the NCTD Sprinter line from the Escondido Transit Station along Centre City Parkway to Westfield Shopping Town have been included in NCTD’s Master Planning efforts. This extension would be in close proximity to existing residential neighborhoods.

Figure VI-12
NOISE

TERMINOLOGY
Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL):

A measurement of ambient noise that
includes an Ldn with an additional 5 dBA
“penalty” for the evening hours between 7

p.m.. and 10 p.m.
dBA:

Measurement unit for “A-weighted
decibels,” for assessing environmental
and industrial noise and the potential
hearing damage associated with noise
health effects.

Equivalent Energy Noise
Level (Leq):

Constant noise level delivering the same
acoustic energy to the ear of a listener
as the actual time-varying noise would
deliver over the same exposure. No
“penalties” are added to any noise levels
during the exposure time; Leq would be
the same regardless of the time of day
during which the noise occurs.

Day-Night Average Noise
Level (Ldn):

A 24-hour average Leq with a 10 dBA
“penalty” added to noise levels during
the hours of 10p.m. to 7 a.m.. to
account for increased sensitivity for
nighttime noise. Due to the penalty, Ldn
is higher than its corresponding 24-hour
Leq (for example, a constant 60 dBA
noise over 24 hours would have a 60
dBA Leq, but a 66.4 dBA Ldn).

Sound Exposure Level or
Single Event Level (SEL):

Assesses the severity of short duration
sound events. SEL is a time averaged,
constant intensity, A-weighted sound
level over a one-second reference time
that would produce the same sound
exposure as the actual time-varying
sound over the actual exposure time.

SEL is usually applied in situations with
multiple sound events, each one having
its own characteristic SEL.

Figure VI-16
NOISE

TERMINOLOGY
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c. Firing Ranges
Two firing ranges oper ate within the Planning Area. The City’s municipal firing range on Valley Ce nter Road provides training opportunities for law enforcement personnel from a variety of local, state, and federal organizations. A private recreational firing range east of Lake Wohlford operated by The Escondido Fi sh and Game Association is available for members on a daily basis and with limited public use.

LAND USE

CATEGORY

COMMUNITY NOISE EXPOSURE
Ldn or CNEL, dBa

55 60 65 70 75 80 85
Residential-Single family,
Duplex, Mobile Home

Residential-Multi-Family,
Residential Mixed Use

Transient Lodging, Motels,
Hotels

Schools, Libraries, Churches,
Hospitals, Nursing Homes

Auditoriums, Concert Halls,
Amphitheaters

Sports Arena, Outdoor
Spectator Sports

Playgrounds, Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables,
Water Recreation, Cemeteries

Office Buildings, Business
Commercial, Professional

Industrial, Manufacturing,
Utilities, Agriculture

d. Commercial and Industrial Land Uses
Escondido’s development pattern primarily distributes commercial and industrial land uses in a north-south and east-west alignment along major transportation corridors in the urban core. Residential areas generally surround these commercial and industrial areas and establish potential noise conflicts dependent on factors including: type of activity, hours of operation, building orientation, and the site’s location relative to other land uses.

NORMALLY

ACCEPTABLE

CONDITIONALLY

ACCEPTABLE

NORMALLY

UNACCEPTABLE

CLEARLY

UNACCEPTABLE
Figure VI-15

LAND USE NOISE

EXPOSURE LEVELS
Specified land use is satisfactory,
based upon the assumption that
buildings involved are of normal
conventional construction, without
any special noise insulation
requirements.

New construction or development
should be undertaken only after a
detailed analysis of the noise
reduction requirements is made and
needed noise insulation features
included in the design. Conventional
construction, but with closed windows
and fresh air supply systems or air
conditioning will usually suffice.

New construction or development
should generally be discouraged. If
new construction or development
does proceed, a detailed analysis of
the noise reduction requirements
must be made with noise insulation
features included in the design.

New construction or development
should generally not be undertaken.

Figure VI-17

LAND USE NOISE

EXPOSURE LEVELS
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f. Other Noise Sources
e. Flight Operations
The County of San Diego is owne r and operator of McClellan- Palomar Airport, a public facility that accommodates smaller civil aircraft located approximately 12 miles west of Escondido. An Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) was adopted that identifies issues and provides guidance rega rding land uses surrounding the facility (also refer to Mobility and Infrastructure Element). A noise evaluation in the ALUCP indicates that the facility generates less than 60 dBA CNEL within Es condido’s airspace. However, because of Escondido’s proximity to the airport, real estate professionals are required to provide a disclosure statemen t notifying prospective property owners of the airport’s flight patterns and potential noise impacts.

Air ambulances transport unscheduled emergency patient deliveries via helicopter to Palomar-Pomerado Hospital. While there are noise implications regarding these flights there are no laws or regulations regarding the specific flight patterns of air ambulances because they are non-scheduled, fly in various directions transporting patients to and from hospitals, and must vary their path to adjust for other air traffic, tall buildings, and weather conditions.

Exterior Incremental Environmental Noise Impact Standards for Noise-Sensitive Uses (dBA)
Residences and Buildings Where
People Normally Sleepa
Institutional Land Uses with
Primarily Daytime and Evening Usesb
Existing Ldn
Allowable Noise
Increment
Existing Peak
Hour Leq
Allowable Noise
Increment
45 8 45 12
50 5 50 9
55 3 55 6
60 2 60 5
65 1 65 3
70 1 70 3
75 0 75 1
80 0 80 0
Noise levels are measured at the property line of the noise-sensitive use. a. This category includes homes, hospitals, and hotels where a nighttime sensitivity to noise is assumed to be of utmost importance.
b. This category includes schools, libraries, theaters, and churches where it is important to avoid interference with such activities as speech, meditation, and concentration on reading material.

SOURCE: Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise Impact and Vibration Assessment, May 2006

Figure VI-164
Noise Measurement
Guidelines:
1) Noise measurements in residential
areas should generally be applied at
ten feet from the backyard property
line. However, in certain cases such
as on estate lots where backyards
are typically very large, the 60 dBA
goal could be applied approximately
one half the distance between the
back of the main residential structure
and the rear property line.
2) The outdoor standard should not
normally be applied to balconies or
patios associated with residential
uses.
3) *Noise impacts of proposed projects
on existing land uses should be
evaluated in terms of potential for
adverse community response, based
on a significant increase in existing
noise levels. For example, if an area
currently is below the maximum
normally acceptable level, an
increase in noise up to the maximum
should not necessarily be allowed.

Projects increasing noise levels by 5
dB or greater should be considered
as generating a significant impact
and should require mitigation.

Figure VI-18
Noise Measurement
Guidelines:

Figure VI-19
Resolution No. 2025-112
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Both stationary and periodic noise levels within the community have a potential to disrupt quality of lif e, including but not limited to construction activity, schools, parks, playgrounds, churches, landscaping maintenance equipment, barking dogs and loud music, etc.

3. Community Noise Environment
Residential development densities in Escondido’s suburban areas that surround downtown are not proposed for intensification. Noise levels in these areas are not anticipated to change significantly. Development in mixed-use target areas includes es tablishing residential units along busy streets and/or in close proxim ity to non-residential uses where noise may be a factor. Future re sidential growth focused in the downtown, urban core, and mixed-use areas may need to incorporate noise reduction strategies as depicted in Figure VI-20 in order to reduce interior noise to acceptable levels as depicted in Figures VI-21.

Figure VI-21
Typical Noise Levels of Common Activities
Common Outdoor Activities Noise Level
(dBA) Common Indoor Activities
110 Rock Band
Jet Fly-over at 1,000 feet 100

Diesel Truck at 50 feet,
at 50 mph
90 Food Blender at 3 feet
80 Garbage Disposal at 3 feet
Noisy Urban Area, Daytime
Gas Lawn Mower at 3 feet 70 Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet
Commercial Area Normal speech at 3 feet
Heavy Traffic at 300 feet 60
Large Business Office
Quiet Urban Daytime 50 Dishwasher Next Room
Quiet Urban Nighttime 40 Theater, Large Conference
Room (background)
Quiet Suburban Nighttime
30 Library
Quiet Rural Nighttime
20 Bedroom at Night,
Concert Hall (background)
Broadcast/Recording Studio
10 Lowest Threshold of
Human Hearing 0 Lowest Threshold of
Human Hearing
Source: CALTRANS

Figure VI-186
Noise Reduction Strategies:
1) Site planning responsive to
topography.

Strategies:
 Increase distances between
noise sources and receivers;
 Place non-noise-sensitive
land uses such as utility areas,
parking lots, and maintenance
facilities between the source and
the receiver;
 Use non-noise-sensitive
structures such as garages to
shield noise-sensitive areas;
 Orient buildings to shield outdoor
spaces from a noise source.
2) Architecture responsive to
noise-sensitive spaces.

Strategies:
 Orient bedrooms away from
noise sources.
 Limit openings and penetrations
on portions of buildings impacted
by noise
3) Barriers responsive to reduce
noise levels.

Strategies:
 Ensure that line of sight is
interrupted between noise
source and the receptor when
constructing noise walls
 Apply noise insulation to walls,
roofs, doors, windows, and
other penetrations.

Figure VI-20
Noise Reduction Strategies:

Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure VI-22 - Noise Contours (2035)
Source: Atkins (2011), LLG (2011) (Traffic Data), ISE (2009) (Rail Data)

Resolution No. 2025-112
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The community noise environment can be described using contours derived from monitoring major sources of noise. Future noise contours have been estimated by incorporating information about both current and anticipated future land use development and traffic volumes that will be a basis for identifying potential noise issue areas (Figure VI- 22). A unique challenge will be the ability to achieve state mandated interior noise requirements for residential uses that are located within activity centers and high intens ity environments. Escondido will implement policies, guidelines, and standards to minimize the community’s exposure to excessive noise, with special emphasis on protecting residential areas.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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G. Community Protection Goals and
Policies
A complete list of the General Plan Goals is located in the Vision and Purpose. Specific goals and policies related to comm unity protection provided below are intended to guide development to meet the present and future needs, achieve a vibrant community, and enhance the safety of Escondido.

1. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
GOAL 1: A prepared and responsive community in the event of disasters and emergencies.

Emergency Services Policy 1.1
Provide for emergency response during and after catastrophic events.

Emergency Services Policy 1.2
Ensure a coordinated, interagency program for disaster preparedness by maintaining and upgrading the City ’s disaster response plans and continuing to participate in appropriate Mutual Aid Agreements that enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Emergency Services Policy 1.3
Conduct periodic emergency exer cises to test and improve jurisdictional and interdepartmen tal coordination and response to emergencies brought about by catastrophes such as fire, flood, earthquakes, public health crises, and hazardous spills to: 1) assess and project future emergency service needs; 2) identify deficiencies or practices requiring modification; 3) identify standards for ongoing services and training; 4) assess proficiency in implementing the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and 5) determine periodic updates needed based on outcomes.

Emergency Services Policy 1.4
Plan for the continued function of essential facilities such as hospitals, fire stations, and emergency command centers following a major disaster to facilitate post-disaster recovery.

Emergency Services Policy 1.5
Identify locations and facilities in the City to be used as shelters by the community during emerge ncy situations and establish programs to quickly enable operation of these shelters and comm unicate access information for residents during an event.

Figure VI-19
Fire Department
Definitions:

Travel Time:

The elapsed time from a verbal or
computerized acknowledgment of the
dispatch by the responding unit at the
moment of departure from the station
to its arrival at the scene.

Response Time:

The elapsed time from receiving a call
for service to the responding unit’s
arrival at the scene.

Arrival at the Scene:
1) Single family residences: at the
front door of the residence;
2) Multi-family & non-residential: at the
street access of the involved building.

Needed Fire Flow:

The water flow rate needed to control
a fire in a building or structure. Fac-
tors determining the Needed Fire
Flow are size of the building or
structure, type of construction
according to the California Building
Code, use or occupancy of the
building or structure, and proximity to
property lines, other structures and/or
hazards.

Standards of Response
Coverage (SORC):

Written policies and procedures
establishing the distribution and
concentration of the Department’s
fixed and mobile resources that
includes an analysis of risks and
expectations to assist in making
decisions on deployment issues.

Strategic Plan:

Written priorities and goals
addressing Planning Budgets, Life
Safety, Incident Stabilization, and
Property Conservation.

Figure VI-23
Fire Department
Definitions:

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Emergency Services Policy 1.6
Require minimum road and driveway widths and clearances around structures consistent with local and State requirements to ensure adequate emergency access.

Emergency Services Policy 1.7
Establish guidelines consistent with local and State requirements for adequate water storage and fire flow to meet current and future service needs of the City and to meet current and fu ture needs for fire suppression as defined in the City’s Water Master Plan (and the WMP standards).

Emergency Services Policy 1.8
Support the development and maintenance of Citywide emergency evacuation plans and regularly review and revise identified evacuation routes for the public’s use in the event of an emergency to ensure adequacy (Figure VI-1). Assess conditions and access of evacuation routes annually through routine street maintenance and City updates (Figure VI-1). Provide for adequate evacuation routes in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Z ones (HFHSZ and VHFHSZ), high potential for damn failur e, earthquakes, seiches, flooding, or other natural disaster/catastrophic events. Maintain adequate conditions and access on all evacuation routes to provide effective means of evacuation before and during natural disasters/catastrophic events.

a. Transportation routes that are designated on the General Plan Maps as interstates, freeways, highways, and other primary and major arterial r outes shall be considered
primary evacuation routes. Such routes provide the highest levels of capacity and conti guity and serve as the primary means for egress.
b. Transportation routes designated on the General Plan Maps as minor arterial or collector routes shall be considered secondary evacuation routes. These routes supplement the primary evacuation routes and provide egress from local neighborhood and communities.
c. Prioritize the creation and ma intenance of private road agreements on existing private roads to ensure emergency ingress and egress meets City and/or State road and
driveway standards and maintains these standards. Private road agreements shall include the assurance that emergency ingress and egress will be maintained.
d. Ensure City emergency evacu ation plans include methods for communicating emergency in formation to agricultural land uses/operations, as such uses/operations may require unique evacuation and traffic control information and/or shelter in place information, such as those with large animal stock or on-site farm-worker housing.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Emergency Services Policy 1.9
Ensure robust and efficacious community outreach and engagement to the community of related emergency service resources by:
 Promoting public awareness through the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) of possible natural and
man-made hazards and measures which can be taken to protect lives and property during and immediately after emergencies.  Developing and distributing educational materials to at-risk populations, residents and businesses on the standards and requirements for vegetation clearance, maintenance of
defensible spaces, reinspection requirements for property transfer, and existing and planned evacuation routes.
 Fostering collaborative relationships with Fire Safe Councils within the City’s Planning Area.

Emergency Services Policy 1.10
Maintain and periodically update a data base documenting wildfire, flooding, and seismic hazard areas and risks as inputs for the City’s Emergency Preparedness and Response programs. The database shall include debris manage ment operations and landfill diversion requirements for the safe and resp onsible removal and disposal of debris after an emergency that maximizes recycling and minimizes materials disposed in landfills.

Emergency Services Policy 1.11
Monitor pertinent studies and research regarding changes in wildland and flooding risks that may accrue with climate change and consider their implications in updating the City’s Emergency Response and Preparedness programs.

Emergency Services Policy 1.12
Protect the opportunities for use of the existing shooting range and other sites for public safety training.

Emergency Services Policy 1.13
Coordinate the designation of new evacuation routes with the City’s Traffic Engineering, Emergency Management, Fire, and Police Departments, as well as the County OES.

Emergency Services Policy 1.14
Emergency preparedness planning shall includ e recovery plans to support the people, services and environments affected by the emergency event.

Emergency Services Policy 1.15
To facilitate safe and efficient evacuation, and in collaboration with CAL FIRE, California’s Office of Emergency Services, and San Diego County adjacent jurisdictions and SANDAG, the City shall Resolution No. 2025-112
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identify and inventory all residential developments in hazard areas identified in the Community Prot ection chapter wher e at least two (2) emergency evacuation routes. Create recommendations and methods for improving safety in the identified residential developments.

Emergency Services Policy 1.16
The City of Escondido will continue to assess identified evacuation routes for viability, capacity, safety.

Emergency Services Policy 1.17
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan or Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan shall be periodi cally reviewed and updated and serve as the implementation program for the coordination of hazard planning and disaster response efforts within the City.

The Multi-Jurisdictional Hazar d Mitigation Plan, which is incorporated into this Element by reference and includes mitigation strategies for flooding, seismic ev ents, wildland fire, and other hazards, shall be reviewed, along with the City’s mutual aid agreements and related codes and ordinances to address the hazards of development annually, or as necessary, to ensure compliance with the California Building Standards Code and California Fire Code, as it exists or as may be amended.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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2. Fire Protection
GOAL 2: Protection of life and property through adequate fire protection and emergency medical services.

Fire Protection Policy 2.1
Regularly review and maintain the Standards of Response Coverage and the Fire Department Strategic Plan to address staffing, facility needs, and service goals.

Fire Protection Policy 2.2
Provide Fire Department response times for no less than 90 percent of priority emergency responses with engine companies by achieving the following service standard:
 Provide an initial response time of seven and one-half (7½) minutes for all structure fire and emergency Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls and a maximum response time of ten (10) minutes for supporting companies in urbanized areas of the City.

Fire Protection Policy 2.3
Provide a minimum total of seven (7) fire stations each sized and staffed with facilities, services, and equipment to meet current and anticipated needs including, but not limited to, engine and truck units and crews and Advanced Life Support (ALS) staff prior to General Plan build-out to the extent economically feasible.

Fire Protection Policy 2.4
Require new residential and non-r esidential development to be constructed consistent with local and State requirements. Encourage new residential and non-residential development to exceed local and State regulations for fire protection, especially when located in State Responsibility Areas and in High and Very Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Fire Protection Policy 2.5
Commit to the use of state-of-the -art equipment, technologies, and management techniques for fire prevention and suppression.

Fire Protection Policy 2.6
Require new development to contri bute fees to maintain fire protection service levels without ad versely affecting service levels for existing development.

Fire Protection Policy 2.7
Continue to include the Fire Department in the review of development proposals to ensure that projects are located, designed, and constructed to provide on-site fire protection and adequate defensibility to reduce the risk of structural loss and loss of life resulting from wildland fires.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Fire Protection Policy 2.8
Require provisions for adequate emergency access, including secondary public access when in High and Very Fire Hazard Severity Zones, driveway widths, turning radii, fire hydrant locations, visible street addresses and evacuation route signage, and adequate fire flow requirements in the review of all development applications to minimize fire hazards and their impacts.

Fire Protection Policy 2.9
Require mid- and hi gh-rise development to include fire suppression/protection systems and on-site fire suppression equipment and materials and be served by fire stations containing specialized equipment for fire and/or emergency incidents.

Fire Protection Policy 2.10
Establish and maintain an adequate fire flow in relation to structure, size, design, and require ments for construction and/or built-in fire protection.

Fire Protection Policy 2.11
Maintain and enhance an emergency vehicle traffic signal activation system to improve fire station se rvice area coverage in conjunction with planned improvements to the City’s major circulation system.

Fire Protection Policy 2.12
Maintain close coordination betw een planned roadway and other circulation improvements in the City to assure adequate levels of service and response times to all areas of the community.

Fire Protection Policy 2.13
Utilize Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid Agreements with other jurisdictions when appropriate to supplement fire station service area coverage and response times to all portions of the community.

WILDLAND FIRE HAZARDS

Fire Protection Policy 2.14
Require new development in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (HFHSZ and VHF HSZ) areas prepare a project- specific fire protection plan. These shall incorporate site and fire safe design, maintenance practices, defensible space from structures and roadways, and fuel modification to protect properties and reduce risks. The location and development of any road, or any other man- made structure that may act as a fuel break, will be done in consideration of its maximum benefit as a fuel break. The plan will cover the entire parcel(s) and incl ude measures for modifying fuel loading prior to development and a plan to maintain that protection over time.

Cleanup operations after
firefighting incident
(above)
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Fire Protection Policy 2.15
Continue to remove excessive/overgrown vegetation from City-owned properties and require private property owners to remove excessive/overgrown vegetation to the satisfaction of the Fire Department to prevent and minimi ze fire risks to surrounding properties.

Fire Protection Policy 2.16
Require incorporation of recomme nded risk reduction measures identified within fire protection plans for mitigation of potential grass and wildland fires within designated HFHSZ and VHFHSZ and other areas required by the Fire Department, that address the need for fire protection systems, water availability, secondary emergency access routes, construction requirements, fuel modification, and appropriate defensible space around structures.

Fire Protection Policy 2.17
Maintain programs to minimize impacts on sensitive biological habitat and species when suppressing wildland fires, when feasible.

Fire Protection Policy 2.18
Educate the public about wildland fire prevention techniques to minimize the potential hazards of wildland fires.

Fire Protection Policy 2.19
Develop policies and provide updates, as appropriate, that address recovery and redevelopment follow ing a fire with the intent to address the reduction of future vulnerabilities to fire hazard risks through site preparation, redevel opment layout design, fire resistant landscape planning, and fire retarding building design and materials.

Fire Protection Policy 2.20
Maintain adequate fuel breaks where feasible, and identify other methods, including maintaining, cl earing, and enhancing existing roadways to function as fuel breaks, to prevent and/or slow the spread of potential wildfires. Ensure adequate fuel clearance from roadways functioning as fuel break s to reduce potential for flame approach to the roadway to protect health, life, and safety of persons and property. Ensure the long-term maintenance of fire hazard reduction projects throughout the City.

Fire Protection Policy 2.21
Continue to work with CAL FIRE, California Office of Emergency Services and San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to:
a. Adopt by ordinance the most cu rrent Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map, adopt the most appropriate fire-resistant
building material standards and fuel
modification/vegetation management requirements for each Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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zone as a basis for project s ite plan review in accordance with Federal, state and local standards.
b. Address recommendations based on the Board’s
Subdivision Review Program for the identified subdivisions within the City’s Planning Area.

Fire Protection Policy 2.22
Conduct analyses to determine the existing potential residential (i.e., dwelling units) and nonresidential (i .e., FAR) development density and intensity located within the VHFHSZ. Utilizing such analyses, identify strategies to incentivize transferring that development potential away from the VHFHSZ into lower risk areas, consistent with applicable State laws and regulations.

Fire Protection Policy 2.23
Locate new critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency shelters, fire stations, police stations, civil defense headquarters, and emergency communication centers outside of HFHSZ and
VHFHSZ, as defined by CAL FIRE. If no other alternative site is available or feasible, require that critical facilities adhere to California Building Standards C ode and California Fire Code regulations when building in these areas.

Fire Protection Policy 2.24
Prioritize engagement with si ngle access neighborhoods to encourage home retrofits to meet current standards on structure hardening, proactively enforce defe nsible space standards, road standards, and conduct emergency preparedness trainings. Actively apply for funding to assist re sidents with retrofitting non- conforming development to contemporary fire safe standards.

Fire Protection Policy 2.25
Continue annual defensible space inspections and enforce clearance requirements on public and private property within the VHFHSZ, as dictated by CAL FIRE, in accordance with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Safe Regulations, and California Building Standards Code related to ongo ing maintenance of vegetation clearance on public and private roads, roadside fuel reduction plan, and defensible space clearances.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Figure VI-24 - Critical Facilities in SRA and LRA Fire Hazard Zones Source: CALFIRE, SanGIS, City of Escondido. Last Updated 2011 Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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3. Police Services
GOAL 3: Protection of life and pr operty, and enforcement of law that enhances personal safety in the community.

Police Services Policy 3.1
Regularly review and implement appropriate plans for police protection and services that address staffing, facility needs, and service goals to ensure that the community’s needs are met.

Police Services Policy 3.2
Maintain an initial response time for Priority 1 calls of no more than five (5) minutes and an initial response time for Priority 2 calls of no more than six and one-h alf (6½) minutes. Cons tantly review these standards to ensure their adequacy and appropriateness in consideration of resource availability.

Police Services Policy 3.3
Maintain adequate levels of sworn officers and civilian personnel to support law enforcement operations based on community needs in order to meet response time standards.

Police Services Policy 3.4
Commit to the use of state-of-the-art equipment, technologies, and management techniques to assure adequate levels of police protection.

Police Services Policy 3.5
Require new development to contri bute fees to maintain police facilities and equipment that meet the needs of the community.

Police Services Policy 3.6
Allocate resources to organize patrol areas, and regularly and effectively communicate--through the use of so cial media, website updates, and safety education booths at public events--with and involve community, school, and civic organizations to encourage community- based crime prevention efforts su ch as implementing Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) strategies.

Police Services Policy 3.7
Require that defensible space practices that contribute to personal and property safety and crime prevention (i.e., crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)) be incorporated into development projects, consistent with the City’s CAP, such as security and design features (e.g., site and building lighting, visual observation of areas, secured areas).

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Police Services Policy 3.8
Enhance crime prevention by workin g with human care agencies, recreational agencies, educational services, and community groups to:
a) Reduce victimization through educational tr aining opportunities organized by EPD;
b) Encourage recreational and educational opportunities for youth and other community members, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups; and
c) Maintain awareness of potential areas of concer n by effectively communicating internally, and with the general public via social media, website update s, and safety education booths at public events.

Police Services Policy 3.9
Educate the public, with an emphas is on engaging with vulnerable groups, such as youth and seniors, about crime prevention techniques through programs such as the Neighborhood Watch Program in residential neighborhoods and th e Business Watch Program in commercial and industrial areas.

Police Services Policy 3.10
Coordinate with other federal, State, County , and local law enforcement agencies to provid e assistance during emergency situations that require outside help as part of the State’s Mutual Aid Agreement.

4. Code Compliance Policies
GOAL 4: A safe and healthy environment through a
collaborative effort with the community.

Code Compliance Policy 4.1
Provide facilities and staffing to maintain a vigilant and environmentally conscious code compliance program to ensure that existing properties meet health and safety standards.

Code Compliance Policy 4.2
Ensure State and local health and safety statues and codes for safe business operations are adhered to with a goal of ensuring the safety of the general public.

Code Compliance Policy 4.3
Work with the community and property owners of properties with identified public nuisance violations, such as graffiti, abandoned and inoperative vehicles, and abandoned shopping carts, to eliminate or correct the violations.

Property maintenance violations
found at a code enforcement
investigation
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Code Compliance Policy 4.4
Require that structures be maintained to ensure a safe and healthy environment, preventing blight and deterioration resulting from deferred maintenance.

Code Compliance Policy 4.5
Require buildings that are identified as substandard or dangerous to be either repaired or demolished.

Code Compliance Policy 4.6
Conduct public outreach and educa tional programs wi th residents, businesses, and commun ity organizations to promote voluntary compliance with City ordinances.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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5. Noise
GOAL 5: Protection of the community from excessive noise exposure.

Noise Policy 5.1
Require development to meet acceptable exterior noise level standards as established in Figure VI-17 and use the future noise contour map (FigureVI-22) as a guide for evaluating the compatibility of new noise- sensitive uses with projected noise levels.

Noise Policy 5.2
Apply a CNEL of 60 dB or less for single family and 65 dB or less for multi-family as goals where outdoor use is a major consideration (back yards and single-family housing developments, and recreation areas in multifamily housing developments) as discussed in Figure VI-17 and recognize that such levels may not necessarily be achievable in all residential areas.

Noise Policy 5.3
Require noise attenuation for outdoor spaces in all developments where projected incremental exterior noise levels exceed those shown in Figure VI-19.

Noise Policy 5.4
Require noise attenuation for new noise-sensitive uses which include residential, daycare fa cilities, schools, church es, transient lodging, hotels, motels, hospitals, health care facilities, and libraries if the projected interior noise standard of 45 dBA CNEL is exceeded.

Noise Policy 5.5
Require construction projects a nd new development to ensure acceptable vibration levels at near by noise-sensitive uses based on Federal Transit Administrator criteria.

Monitoring equipment measuring
construction activities
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Noise Policy 5.6
Require the preparation of noise studies, as deemed necessary by the Planning Department, to analyze po tential noise impacts associated with new development which could significantly alter existing noise levels in accordance with provisions outlined in Figure VI-17.

Noise Policy 5.7
Encourage use of site and build ing design, noise barriers, and construction methods as outlined in Figure VI-20 to minimize impacts on and from new development.

Noise Policy 5.8
Require that mixed use and multi-family residential developments demonstrate that the design of the structure will adequately isolate noise between adjacent uses (orientation, window insulation, separation of common walls, floors, and ceilings, etc.).

Noise Policy 5.9
Require new mixed use developments to locate loading areas, parking lots, driveways, trash enclosures, mechanical equipment, and other noise sources away from the residential portion of the development, when physically feasible. Use construction standards to reduce noise between uses.

Noise Policy 5.10
Require development projects that are subject to discretionary approval to assess potential construction noise impacts on nearby sensitive uses and to minimize im pacts on these uses, to the extent feasible.

Noise Policy 5.11
Limit direct access from individual properties along Major Roads and Prime Arterials in residential areas in order to minimize gaps in noise barrier sound walls.

Noise Policy 5.12
Limit “through truck traffic” to designated routes to minimize noise impacts to residential neighborhoods and other noise- sensitive uses (see Mobility and Infrastructure Element).

Noise Policy 5.13
Limit the hours of operation for pa rks and active recreation uses in residential areas to minimize disturbance to residents.

Noise Policy 5.14
Coordinate among city, county, State and other agencies involved in noise abatement to reduce noise generated from outside the City.

Constructing masonry sound
attenuation wall to replace
wooden fences along
Washington Avenue

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Noise Policy 5.15
Coordinate with McClel lan-Palomar Airport to distribute property disclosure statements for areas within the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Noise Policy 5.16
Work with McClellan-Palomar Airp ort to monitor aircraft noise, implement noise-reducing operation measures, as necessary, and promote pilot awareness of noise-sensitive land uses.

Noise Policy 5.17
Periodically review the adopted noise ordinance to address changing conditions.

6. Flood Protection
GOAL 6: A safe community that is protected from potential flood hazards.

Flood Protection Policy 6.1
Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to maintain the City’s eligibility for flood insurance.

Flood Protection Policy 6.2
Require new and substantial improvements or upgrades of existing development within a flood hazard zone as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (100 and 500-year floodplains) to be constructed in accordance with City, state, and federal regulations (NFIP). These may include impl ementing construction or other methods to minimize flood damage.

Flood Protection Policy 6.3
Avoid or minimize flooding risks by limiting the type and intensity of new development within the 100-year flood plain to uses that do not involve habitable structures such as agriculture, outdoor recreation, and natural resource areas.

Flood Protection Policy 6.4
Maintain flood control channels, storm drains, and de tention basins through periodic dredging, repair, desilting, and clearing subject to approval from appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure they are operating efficiently.

Slope erosion in a residential
neighborhood after heavy
winter rains

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Flood Protection Policy 6.5
Require that all facilities within flood hazard zones storing, using, or otherwise involved with substantial quantities of on-site hazardous materials comply with applicable standards of elevation, anchoring, and flood proofing, and that haza rdous materials be stored in watertight containers.

Flood Protection Policy 6.6
Inspect the dams at Lakes Dixon and Wohlford periodically to ensure safe operation and maintenance to minimize the risk of failure.

Flood Protection Policy 6.7
Require new development located in identified dam inundation areas to be designed to minimize potential flood damage from dam failure.

Flood Protection Policy 6.8
Locate new critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency shelters, fire stations, police stations, civil de fense headquarters, and emergency communication centers outside of flood hazard zones, as defined by FEMA. If no other alternative site is available or feasible, require that critical facilities be designed to minimize potential flood damage if located within flood hazard zones.

Flood Protection Policy 6.9
Maintain the structural and operational integrity of critical facilities during flooding events.

Flood Protection Policy 6.10
Coordinate efforts with local, regional, state, and federal agencies to minimize flood hazards and improve flood protection. Continue to work with appropriate Federal, state, and local ag encies, and in particular, FEMA and NFIP in ma intaining the most current flood hazard and flood plain in formation as a basis fo r project site plan review.

Flood Protection Policy 6.11
Continue to inventory and evaluate the integrity of the City’s corrugated metal pipe storm drai n segments and identify those needing replacement by either City and/or grant funded projects or by nearby potentially affected private development as it occurs.

Detention basin in the
Escondido Research
Technology Center to manage
peak period water flows during
heavy rainfall events and to
enhance groundwater
recharging opportunities
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Flood Protection Policy 6.12
Implement development standards to ensure new construction does not result in increased peak ru n-off or flood potential. Avoid increases in downstream flooding pot ential by protecting natural drainage and vegetative patterns through project site plan review to 1) facilitate use of clustered development; 2) facilitate use of on-site retention or detention of storm water; 3) avoid stream channel modifications; and 4) avoid excessive areas of impervious surfaces.

7. Soils and Seismicity
GOAL 7: Minimization of adverse effects to residents, property, and critical facilities caused by geologic and seismic
hazards.

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.1
Ensure that new constr uction meets current structural and safety standards.
a. Regularly review, adopt, and enforce seismic and geologic safety standards, including the Uniform Building Code, in site design and building constructi on methods to protect public health and safety.
b. Continue to cooperate with the State Department of
Conservation – California Geological Survey, the State
Office of Emergency Services and other appropriate Federal, state, and local agencies and incorporate the most current data concerning the following as the basis for seismic and geologic safety standards applied to project site plan review.

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.2
Minimize development of public utilities in areas where geologic and seismic hazards exist to avoid ad ditional costs associated with installation, maintenance, and replacement.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.3
Require that development applications in areas where the potential for geologic and seismic hazards exist, such as slopes of 25 percent or greater, submit a site-specific ge otechnical analysis prepared by a certified geotechnical engineer to identify potential hazards and recommend measures to avoid or mitigate said hazards (see Resource Conservation Element).

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.4
Approve new development in areas identified with geologic or seismic hazards only after completion of a C ity-approved geotechnical report with appropriate mitigation of such hazards.

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.5
Avoid developing in areas that are susceptible to erosion and sediment loss. Where avoidance is not feasible, require the restoration of natural patterns of surface water runoff after grading to minimize erosion.

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.6
Encourage the upgrade, retrofitting, and/or relocation of existing critical facilities (hospitals, fire stations, police stations, etc.) that do not meet current building code standards and are susceptible to seismic or geologic hazards.

Soils and Seismicity Policy 7.7
The local earthquake preparedness plan shall be coordinated with regional plans for earthquake preparedness through the local and State Office of Emergency Services.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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8. Hazardous Materials
GOAL 8 A safe and healthy community and environment that is protected from the use, storage, and transport of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.1
Maintain and update Escondido’s Household Hazardous Waste Management Plan and c oordinate with the Coun ty of San Diego on periodic reviews and updates of the County’s Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.2
Coordinate with relevant agenci es to enforce applicable laws regulating the handling, use, production, storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials, and notify the appropriate city, county, state, and federal agency in the event of a violation.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.3
Maintain regulations requiring proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent leakage, potential explosion, fire, or the escape of harmful gases, and to prevent individually innocuous materials from combining to form hazardous substances.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.4
Encourage businesses and residents to utilize practices and technologies that will reduce the us e of hazardous materials and generation of hazardous wastes.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.5
Continue to provide frequent and convenient household hazardous waste collection options.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.6
Cooperate with appropriate regional, state and federal agencies to mitigate impacts associated with hazardous contaminants discovered in the groundwater.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.7
Maintain the Fire Department’s programs to safely and effectively respond to hazardous materials incidents by recognizing and isolating the hazard until the Hazardous Materials Incident Response Team can respond.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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Hazardous Materials Policy 8.8
Participate in the Hazardous Materials Incident Response Team Program, which is a countywide effort to address hazardous materials incidents.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.9
Continue the public education efforts regarding proper use, storage, and disposal of household hazardous wastes, including universal wastes.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.10
Require proponents of projects in known contamination areas to perform comprehensive soil and groundwater contamination assessments, in accordance with applic able regulations. If contamination exceeds regulatory levels, re quire the proponent to undertake remediation procedures consistent with county, regional, and state regulations prior to grading and development of the site.

Hazardous Materials Policy 8.11
Maintain strict land use controls, performance standards, and structure design standards for uses that generate, use, or store hazardous materials, including setbacks from sensitive uses (schools, residential homes, daycare facilities, etc.) to protect the health and safety of the community in concert with regional, state, and federal requirements for existing and proposed uses.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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9. Climate Adaptation and Resiliency
GOAL 9 A safe and healthy community and environment achieved through prioritization of climate adaptation and resiliency to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Policy 9.1
Utilize established met hods for projec ting the lifecycle carbon emissions of la nd use and transportati on investments. Begin prioritization of projects that have the greatest sustainability potential for future changes; changing weather-related emergencies; and climate hazards.

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Policy 9.2
Continue to implement the City’s Climate Action Plan (ECAP), including all relevant adopted measures and actions. Ensure such ECAP measures and actions are incorporated into the implementation of the Community Protection chapter so as to create consistency and provide for climate adaptation and resiliency throughout City actions.

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Policy 9.3
Ensure a coordinated, interagency program to fully anticipate, plan for, and mitigate the risks of climate change by maintaining and upgrading the City’s Adaptation Study.
a. Prepare to address environmental hazards and vulnerabilities that climate change is currently influencing and will influence in the future, such as extreme heat/cold, power outages, and, precipitation changes.
b. Identify within the existing safety hazards and vulnerabilities discussed in the mo st recent Multi-Juri sdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and Climate Action Plan which hazards and vulnerabilities are likely to be made worse by climate change and have the potential to negatively affect the people and the environment of Escondido. During the periodic future updates of the Safety Element, the hazards and vulnerabilities shall be reviewed, updated and new policies adopted to reflect the most current information available regarding climate change and strategies to reduce hazard risks compounded by climate change.

Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Policy 9.4
Identify, based on curren t and updated sc ience, strategies to foster resiliency to climate change in fluences in both the built and undeveloped lands, including mitigation measures, and update and implement development standards to ensure that ne w construction decrease the vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change, and to protect residents and businesses from increased risks of natural disasters, such as flooding, drought, severe weather events and wildfire.

Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "B"

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City of Escondido
Community Health and Services
Element
March 2025
Community Development Department
201 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92025
Resolution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "C"

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Community Health and Services E-2
Table of Contents

1. Introduction ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 4 Purpose ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Relationship to Other Elements in the General Plan ........................................................................ 6 Community Context.................................................................................................................................. 6 Community Outreach and Engagement .............................................................................................. 6

2. Community Health, and Services ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 7 What is Health (and Wellness)? .............................................................................................................. 7 What are Community Services? ............................................................................................................. 9

3. Environmental Justice ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 20 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 20 Legal Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 21 Scope/Content ......................................................................................................................................... 22 Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)/Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs) ................... 22 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................ 23 Priority Investment Neighborhoods (PINs) & the Escondido Climate Action Plan (E-CAP) .... 24 Relationships to other General Plan Elements ................................................................................ 28

4. Goals, Policies, and Actions ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 28 Community Health and Services Goals and Policies ...................................................................... 28 Library Services Policies .................................................................................................................................. 34 Environmental Justice Goals and Policies .......................................................................................... 41 List of Figures
Figure V-1 Components of a Health Community ............................................................................................ 8 Figure V-2 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #6 .................................................................................... 10 Figure V-3 Parks and Recreational Facilities ................................................................................................... 11 Figure V-4 Urban Park Examples ...................................................................................................................... 13 Figure V-5 Park Features ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Figure V-6 City Park, Open Space, and Facility Roster .................................................................................. 14 Figure V-7 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #7 .................................................................................... 16 Figure V-8 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #2 .................................................................................... 17 Figure V-9 School Service Boundaries ............................................................................................................. 18 Figure V-10 Community Gardens ...................................................................................................................... 19 Resolution No. 2025-112
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Figure V-11: Environmental Justice Communities ......................................................................................... 26 Figure V-12: Priority Investment Neighborhoods .......................................................................................... 27 Figure V-13: Certified Farmers’ Markets .......................................................................................................... 30 Figure V-14: Library Definitions ......................................................................................................................... 35 Figure V-15: Family Day Care Definitions* ...................................................................................................... 39 Figure V-16: Adult Residential Care Definitions ............................................................................................. 41 Resolution No. 2025-112
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1. Introduction
A healthy community provides opportunities for community members to make sound choices and work together to improve their environment for themselves and others. Healthy communities are built from sound and equitable policies and practices that benefit all community members. The way communities are developed directly impacts public health and environmental justice. To achieve a healthy community, City policies must consider a number of public health factors, such as opportunities for physical activity, safe and sanitary housing, and access to public facilities, civic engagement, and healthy foods, as well as pollution burden in communities. Identifying where in the City these public health factors may be present or may be needed, is essential when crafti ng and implementing local policies to create healthy communities.

A healthy community provides opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to engage in routine and safe daily physical activity, to access basic needs such as housing and healthy foods, and to promote self improvement and intellectual development for personal and economic growth. This serves to promote leadership opportunities, embrace diversity, and fosters a “sense of place” to ensure sustainability and a more livable community. Through strategic planning, community collaboration, and individual accountability, a healthy community connects people and resources resulting in an improved quality of life.

Purpose
It is widely understood that the quality, conditions, and design of the built environment directly affect and influence public health. Quality, conditions, and design of the built environment are the product of local, regional, and broader policies and programs. In certain instances, such policy and programming has negatively impacted certain communities, resulting in an adverse built environment and detrimental impacts to those living in that built environment. For example, those living adjacent to freeways suffer from worse air quality conditions than those farther removed from a high concentration of vehicles. Policy that allows for re sidential uses adjacent freeways may have negative public health impacts on those residing in such housing. The purpose of the Community Health, Services, and Environmental Justice Element is to establish policies that influence good land use planning in order to enhance community health and welfare, while seeking to remedy historic land use planning that has caused public health and environmental justice issues within Escondido. Policies supporting access to healthy foods, safe and sanitary housing, availability of parks, recreational opportunities, libraries, cultural services, and other public facilities, as well as promoting educational advancement and What is Environmental Justice?
The State of California defines
environmental justice as,
“the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of people of all races,
cultures, incomes, and national origins
with respect to the development,
adoption, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.”
Source: Office of Planning and Research,
General Plan Guidelines, 2020
What is Environmental Justice?
The State of California defines
environmental justice as,
“the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of people of all races,
cultures, incomes, and national origins
with respect to the development,
adoption, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.”
Source: Office of Planning and Research,
General Plan Guidelines, 2020
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civic engagement all aim to improve economic, physical, and social conditions for those that live, work, and play within Escondido.

Senate Bill (SB) 1000
In 201 6, the California Legislature passed SB 1000 (Government Code section 65302(h)), which integrates environmental justice principles into the planning process and seeks to improve public participation. Specifically, SB 1000 requires jurisdictions to include environmental justice related goals, policies, and objectives into their general plans. Jurisdictions must address environmental justice topics, including but not limited to reduction in pollution exposure, and the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, physical activity, and civic engagement. Senate Bill 1000 also requires jurisdictions to identify “disadvantaged communities” within their borders that such goals, policies, and objectives specifically target. For the purposes of the Community Health, Services, and Environmental Justice Element, which fulfils the requirements of SB 1000 for the City, “Environmental Justice Communities” are the term applied to what the State defines as “disadvantaged communities.”
Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code states,
“[DACs] shall be identified based on geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria, and may include, but are not limited to, either of the following:

1. Areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative public health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.

2. Areas with concentrations of people that are of low income, high unemployment, low levels of homeownership, high rent burden, sensitive populations, or low levels of educational attainment.’”
The Community Health, Services, and Environmental Justice Element promotes a community-based and private sector approach for establishing a sustainable and healthy community. The Element supports partnerships with neighborhood groups, private enterprise, and philanthropic and service agencies relying on government involvement to identify, assist, and enhance the health and wellbeing for all residents.

What is a “disadvantaged community”?
The State of California defines “disadvantaged communities” as, “an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low -income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.”
Source: Office of Planning and Research, General Plan Guidelines, 2020 Resolution No. 2025-112
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Element Organization
Relationship to Other Elements in the General Plan
The Community Health and Services Element is closely related to the Land Use and Urban Form, Community Protection, Mobility and Circulation, and Economic Prosperity Elements. How Escondido plans and develops land uses that accommodate facilities and services to promote public health and welfare will have a significant impact on residents. Community health is related to the Mobility Element because a developing a multi -modal transportation system will expand opportunities for access, lower dependence on automobile- oriented trips and reduce greenhouse gasses to enhance air quality. The Community Protection Element is related to Community Health and Services by ensuring a safe environment for community members thus allowing opportunities to socialize, volunteer, and participate in activities, which will strengthen a sense of community. The Economic Prosperity Element is related to Community Health by promoting educational and career - enhancement policies to raise median income which improves the general welfare.

Community Context
The City of Escondido is a vibrant and diverse community located in northern San Diego County.

Escondido is one of San Diego County’s oldest cities, and celebrates a rich history, lively arts and cultural presences, scenic open spaces, and tra ils. Escondido provides both rural and suburban living opportunities for residents and connects to other portions of the county by the SR -15 and I-

78. The City’s land use patterns reflect a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses, w ith pockets of older urban development in the central core and newer growth at the periphery. Several neighborhoods within Escondido meet the State definition of a Disadvantaged Community (DAC), experiencing disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards and limited access to health-promoting resources. Community needs vary by neighborhood, and these neighborhoods are identified in Figures V-11 and V-12 as those most in need of targeted resource and equity efforts. The Community Health and Services Element supports goals and policies that strive to promote equitable access to community facilities and services to help ensure that all residents can thrive in a healthy and livable environment.

Community Outreach and Engagement
Preparation of the Community Health and Services Element , specifically for Chapter 3.

Environmental Justice, included a focused and inclusive outreach effort . The City prepared an outreach and engagement plan in 2022, hosting a series o f workshops and events attracting stakeholders, local businesses, and community members between 2022 -2025. In an effort to promote inclusive participation, outreach materials were distributed in English and Spanish, with online feedback options available f or community members unable to attend events in person.

Outreach efforts were intentionally focused in communities with higher CalEnviroScreen scores and areas identified as disadvantaged per SB 1000 requirements. Feedback gathered from these engagement ac tivities informed the Element’s goals, policies, and implementation strategies, Resolution No. 2025-112
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especially those that prioritize equitable access to community services, healthy food, and clean environments. The City remains committed to continuing community engagement thr oughout the implementation of this Element to ensure policies remain responsive to evolving community needs.

2. Community Health, and Services
What is Health (and Wellness)?
Successful and appropriate land use development, distinctive amenities, convenient transportation, robust economic development, preserved natural resources, efficient governmental services, and an involved community will have a long -lasting beneficial effect on the community. Escondido’s General Plan policies aim to improve livability, enhance access to public amenities, promote physical activity, boost economic opportunities, and engage community involvement to improve public health and wellness. Because there are a variety of components that establish a healthy community a comprehensive approach must be considered in order to ensure its success (Figure V-1).

Ensuring an adequate number and placement of recreational facilities and programs for the community will enhance opportunities involving healthy physical activities. Encouraging community gardens, farmers markets and grocery stores with wholesome grocery choices enhances access to healthy foods. Promoting venues for intellectual growth including libraries, cultural facilities, educational institutions, technical schools and career dev elopment centers enhances the com - munity’s overall desirability as a place to establish and grow businesses that are seeking a more educated and informed workforce. Collaborating with health care providers and agencies involved in identifying health and wellness issues will solidify a community- based comprehensive approach that promotes a healthy lifestyle for all and aids residents most at risk, including the elderly and disabled while minimizing government intervention.

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Figure V -1 Components of a Health Community

Residents’ Health and Wellbeing
Community participation in the planning and sustaining of a healthy environment for residents builds trust and confidence in government. Engaging residents, agencies and organizations in identifying and prioritizing healthy development opportunities and constraints will contribute to a more robust and sustainable plan. Collaborating with health agencies and service organizations in assessing community needs will allow the city opportuni ty to quickly respond, if needed, thereby maintaining order and stability.

Civic Engagement
Civic engagement and volunteerism allow residents to take an active role in addressing local challenges which are important facets of a healthy community. Community members involved in local decision making are more likely to understand and appreciate the needs of all members of the community. Civic engagement includes volunteering in the community, and participating on committees, boards, or com- missions. Without volunteers the city would not be able to provide the Resolution No. 2025-112
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level of service required to reach all its community members who are in need. The General Plan promotes civic engagement and encourages residents to actively participate in Escondido’s future.

Childcare Services
Quality child care services are an important facet of a healthy community that also drives economic growth and establishes a foundation for success in school, life and work. Having available child care supports work/life balance, increases job loya lty and satisfaction and reduces absenteeism in the workplace. Strategically locating childcare facilities near transit increases transit ridership, reduces the number of vehicle trips in the community, and attracts other quality land uses. Privately owned and operated child care facilities also generate revenue and employment opportunities. Figure V - 13 provides a summary description of child care facilities.

Older Adults, Disabled and Disadvantaged Services
The city acknowledges that the older adult population of ages 50 and over is increasing faster than other age groups. Disabled and disadvantaged residents face challenges that require unique solutions. In recognition of the number and diversity of needs, the General Plan includes policies addressing the need for accommodating adequate services and programs to ensure the health and wellness, safety and protection of older adults, as well as disabled and disadvantaged residents. Figure V-14 provides a summary description of facilities that serve older adults, disable and disadvantaged residents.

What are Community Services?
Parks and Recreation
Historically, parks have been focal points for community activities and will continue to provide residents with abundant recreational options. The General Plan includes Quality of Life thresholds (FigureV-2) and policies to guide Escondido’s commitment to provide parks and recreation opportunities by establishing standards and the overall character of these facilities.

A Master Plan for Parks, Trails and Open Spa ce was adopted in response to the previous General Plan’s directive to prepare a long- range planning tool to serve as the basis for decisions regarding future parks, trails, and open space implementation efforts. Figure V -3 identifies the location of public parks that provide recreational opportunities within Escondido’s Planning area. The Resource Conservation Element contains information regarding Escondido’s open space and trails facilities.

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Figure V -2 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #6
Park System
The city shall provide a minimum of 11.8 acres of active and passive parkland per 1,000 dwelling units.

This parkland acreage shall involve a minimum of 5.9 acres of developed active neighborhood and community parks in addition to 5.9 acres of passive park land and/or open space for habitat preservation per 1,000 dwelling units. Urban recreational amenities such as exercise courses, urban trails, tree -lined shaded walkways and plazas, etc. shall be focused in high intensity downtown and urban areas. Priority shall be given to acquiring land to expand Grape Day Park north of Woodward Avenue and developing neighbor - hood parks in urban areas with the greatest need. School playground areas may be included as park acreage, pr ovided that neighborhood park amenities and facilities are accessible, approval is granted by the school district(s), and the facility is open to the public as determined by the City Council. Prior to buildout, the city shall provide a minimum of two (2) c ommunity centers. Other specialized recreation facilities shall be incorporated into the city’s Master Plan for Parks, Trails and Open Space.

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Figure V -3 Parks and Recreational Facilities
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Parks Facilities
The following park classifications and facilities are intended to guide decision makers in the placement and development of parks in the community as well as inform residents of the types of activities and services provided at city parks. Figure V-5 provides a list of features appropriate for the various park classifications in the General Plan Area. Prior to park development the city will conduct workshops to solicit community input regarding specific improvements for each site.

Regional Parks
Regional Parks (75+ acres) are distinguished by their expansive size and comprise the largest recreational facilities in the city’s inventory of parks with ample vehicle parking. Regional Parks are designed with the widest variety of activities incorporating unique and distinctive facilities large enough to serve areas beyond the planning boundaries. These may include large sports complexes, multiple lighted ball fields and sports courts to accommodate league competitions, as well as an array of passive uses including walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and open turf.

Community Parks
Community Parks (10-75 acres) are designed with features that serve all or portions of the community including lighted sports fields to accommodate evening play with sufficient parking to serve the intended on -site activities. Community Parks include ball fields and sports courts in fewer numbers than Regional Parks and smaller-scale Neighborhood Parks.

Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood Parks (2-10 acres) are designed to accommodate the daily recreatio n needs of residents in the immediate area. Typical facilities may include landscaped open turf areas, tot lots, sports fields, multipurpose ball fields with no lighting, and limited parking to facilitate access by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Urban Parks
Urban Parks (<2 acres and Linear Parks) respond to their surrounding urban environment by incorporating features that provide a sense of open space in a compact setting (Figure V- 4). Urban Parks include a high percentage of solid surface areas to compensate for a higher frequency of use. Features include a mix of active and passive features for all ages such as raised landscaping, water features, seating, picnic areas, tot lots, exercise courses, and areas for small- scale sports activities (e.g. horseshoes, volley ball, shuffleboard, etc.).

Community Centers
The General Plan Quality of Life standard calls for two Community Centers to be established prior to build out. Community Centers are intended to provide enclosed spaces for a variety of activities, (meeting rooms, indoor sports, etc.) and are recommended for clustering with other civic uses such as libraries, museums, and/or cultural facilities.

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Parks Acquisition and Development
Escondido’s status as an established, primarily built out community leaves l imited opportunity for acquiring significant properties in the urban core for large-scale parkland development. In recognition of this constraint, the General Plan focuses on developing recreational amenities in urban and smart growth areas that are more responsive to their established settings. These include Urban Parks, plazas, exercise courses, shaded urban trails and other places that provide recreational opportunities in more densely established areas.

During the General Plan workshops residents expressed a desire to focus the development of parkland in the urban core area and to expand Grape Day Park north of Woodward Avenue. The General Plan also proposes enhancing Escondido Creek as a linear park with features that promote passive and active recreation. Schools and their recreational facilities can serve as a focal point of neighborhood identity and activity. The General Plan supports joint use agreements between the city and school districts to cooperatively share athletic and playground improvements to enhance recreational opportunities.

Figure V-6 contains a roster of the city’s park and open space areas.

Recreational Programming
Ensuring a healthy community requires that appropriate activities be available for residents of all ages to satisfy their physical activity requirements. Polling residents on recreational preferences provides information that will match programs with interests. Coordinating recreational programming between city and private/non-profit sector entities ensures the efficient use of both public parkland and private commercial space to fulfill community needs while offering potential economic opportunities for private sector programs.

Open Space, Trail and Bicycle Facilities
Refer to the Resource Conservation Element information for the city’s open space and trails facilities.

The Mobility and Infrastructure Element contains information on Escondido’s bicycle facilities.

Figure V-4 Urban Park Examples

Purpose and Intent
 Creates a “sense of place” with interesting and aesthetic design  Enhances residents’ mental, physical and spiritual health  Improves social connections
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 Provides safe / accessible oppor- tunities for community interaction  Responds to the needs of users in the immediate area
Development Guidelines
 Reduced turf area, high percentage of trees / shrubs / hardscape  Small and compact, no off street parking; strong pedestrian access  Plenty of shade and seating
 Decorative water / art features
 Opportunities for exercise, play and interpretive displays

Figure V -5 Park Features
Typical features associated with various parks. Individual Park Master Plans will determine specific facilities. ● = Appropriate Use
○ = Provisional Use
Urban
(<2 acres, or linear)
Neighborhood
(2 - 10 acres)
Community
(10 - 75 acres)
Regional
(75 + acres)
Adjacent to Public Schools ● ● ● ●
Access Point on Collector Street ○ ● ●
Off-Street Parking ○ ● ● ●
Lighted Sports Fields / Facilities ● ● ●
Bike Paths ○ ● ● ●
Jogging Paths, Exercise Courses ● ● ● ●
Hiking Trails ○ ●
Passive Recreation ● ● ● ●
Child-Friendly Play Equipment ● ● ● ●
Multi-Purpose Turf Areas ○ ● ● ●
Multi-Use Court & Athletic Areas ○ ○ ● ●
Restrooms, Drinking Fountains ○ ● ● ●
Off-Leash Dog Facilities ○ ●
Wildlife Sanctuaries, Interpretive Centers ●
Equestrian Centers, Riding Trails ●
Camping Areas, Youth Camps ●
Multi-Use Recreation Buildings, Pools ● ●
Retreat Centers ●
Community Garden ○ ● ●

Figure V -6 City Park, Open Space, and Facility Roster
CITY PARK, OPEN SPACE, AND FACILITY ROSTER Developed
Acreage
Undeveloped
Acreage
Total
Acreage

A URBAN PARKS
1 Escondido Blvd. Mini Park 0.2 - 0.2
2 Escondido Creek Linear Park 10.0 10.0 20.0
Urban Park Total 10.2 10.0 20.2

B NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
1 El Norte Park 2.5 - 2.5
2 Grove Park 4.5 - 4.5
3 Avenida del Diablo Park - 2.5 2.5
4 Westside Park 2.3 - 2.3
5 11th Avenue Park - 2.0 2.0
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6 Lake Wohlford Picnic Area Park 2.5 - 2.5
Neighborhood Park Total 11.8 4.5 16.3

C COMMUNITY PARKS
1 Jesmond Dene Park 10.0 31.8 41.8
2 Rod McLeod Park 18.0 - 18.0
3 Washington Park 11.0 - 11.0
4 Mountain View Park 11.0 12.0 23.0
5 Grape Day Park 23.5 - 23.5
6 Francis Ryan Park 28.0 29.0 57.0
7 Dixon Lake Picnic / Play Area 10.0 - 10.0
8 Kit Carson Active Rec Area 100.0 10.0 110.0
9 Eagle Crest Park 32.0 - 32.0
10 Reidy Creek Community Garden 20.0 - 20.0
11 Mayflower Dog Park 6.4 - 6.4
12 Felicita County Park 52.0 - 52.0
Community Park Total 321.9 82.8 404.7

D SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
1 Elementary Schools (12) 60.0 - 60.0
2 Middle Schools (3) 30.0 - 30.0
3 High Schools (3) 30.0 - 30.0
School Playground Total 120.0 - 120.0
PARK/SCHOOL PLAYGROUND TOTAL 463.9 97.3 561.2

E REGIONAL OPEN SPACE AREAS
1 Daley Ranch (wilderness) 3,201.0 - 3,201.0
2 Lake Wohlford (wilderness) 912.0 - 912.0
3 Dixon Lake (wilderness) 328.5 - 328.5
4 Kit Carson (wilderness) 190.0 - 190.0
5 Bernardo Mt. (SDRVP wilderness) 330.6 - 330.6
6 SD County (wilderness) 344.5 - 344.5
Regional Open Space Total 5,306.6 - 5,306.6

F OTHER CITY OWNED OPEN SPACE
1 Palos Vista 63.5 - 63.5
2 Valley Center Rd Watershed 560.0 - 560.0
3 Various Misc. / Utility Areas 45.0 - 45.0
City Owned Open Space Total 688.5 - 668.5
TOTAL PARK & OPEN SPACE 6,459.0 97.3 6,556.3
G COMMUNITY CENTERS AND GOLF COURSES*
1 California Center for the Arts
2 Mathes Community Center
3 East Valley Community Center
4 Joslyn Senior Center
5 Oak Hill Activity Center
6 West Side Community Center
7 Reidy Creek Municipal Executive Golf Course
8 Vineyard Municipal Championship Golf Course
*Community Center Master Plans identify specific recreation features for each facility

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Library Services
Library facilities promote an informed, engaged, connected, literate and employable community, and have enhanced information, cultural, and education services that foster healthy life -styles for the community. The city’s library facilities have served as a community focal point and gathering place for over a century. Escondido maintains a centrally located downtown main library. A General Plan Quality of Life standard (FigureV-7) and policies guide Escondido’s commitment to provide library services.

The library offers a wide variety of print, media and online resour ces as well as public computers, community programs, and meeting space. Proposed improvements are geared towards expanding collection stock and staffing; providing additional space for computers; group study and parking; and continuing to expand the role o f technology in providing library services and resources. To accommodate anticipated growth, the General Plan recommends expanding the city’s existing library facilities to meet the needs of Escondido’s expanding population.

Figure V-7 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #7
Library Service
The public library system shall maintain a stock and staffing of two (2) collection items per capita and three (3) public library staff per 8,000 residents of the city of Escondido. The city shall provide appropriate library facilities with a minimum of 1.6 square feet of library facility floor area per dwelling unit of the city prior to build out of the General Plan where feasible. The city shall continue to expand the role of technology in providing library services and resources to Escondido residents.

School and Education
Although the city is not responsible for providing public and private education, residents recognize that successful schools are important for ensuring that Escondido remains a desirable place to live. A core focus of every school is to establish and maintain a safe learning environment with academic standards that provide options for students in their pursuit of higher education or a chosen profession. This is echoed in the General Plan Quality of Life Standard (Figure V-8). Our increasingly competitive world requires a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment with adequate space that allows students to focus on their future endeavors.

Public school districts serving the community include the Escondido Union Elementary (K-8); Escondido Union High School (9-12); San Pasqual Union (K-8); and portions of Valley Center-Pauma Unified (K-12) and San Marcos Unified (K -12) school districts (Figure V-9). In addition, s everal charter and private schools serve the community. Palomar Community College maintains a local campus on East Valley Parkway, and California State University, San Marcos is located five miles east of Escondido.

By virtue of their size and facility improvements, school sites also provide an opportunity for enhancing the community’s health and wellness. Through joint use agreements the city and school districts can mutually share their combined active recreational infrastructure in a manner that benefits the entire community. Strong partnerships between the city, school districts, and businesses create trust and accountability. These agreements work to stabilize the community by providing recreational benefits, opportunities for increasing job skills, and raising residents’ earning potential.

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Figure V-8 General Plan Quality of Life Standard #2
Public Schools
The community shall have sufficient classroom space to meet state - mandated space requirements and teacher/student ratios, with student attendance calculated on prescribed state and/or local school board standards.

Implementation of this standard shall be the responsibility of the school districts and other appropriate agencies.

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Figure V -9 School Service Boundaries
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Cultural Enrichment
Cultural enrichment plays an important role in fostering a healthy community by offering forms of expression that embody a com- munity’s spirit through public art displays and the performing arts.

Cultural enrichment helps shape the community’s quality of life by promoting a sense of pride and bringing people together. Public art enhances and complements the built environment; performing art offers social and educational opportunities.

Cultural enrichment’s role in enhancing community health pro- vides additional financial benefits by promoting tourism and economic revitalization. Escondido recognizes the benefits of public art and is home to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, as well as several wor ld-renowned sculptures and public art displays. General Plan policies support cultural enrichment in the community and the opportunity for artists to contribute their theatrical, conceptual and practical skills.

Healthy Lifestyles
Key to establishing and m aintaining a healthy community is the proper arrangement of land uses, facilities, and programs that promote sound decisions for residents to live healthy lifestyles. The General Plan supports the health and well -being of its residents with policies that f oster an active, inclusive community with responsive city leadership where healthy habits are encouraged by the built environment. By incorporating health considerations into Escondido’s policies, such as promoting community gardens (Figure 10) and Certified Farmers’ Markets (Figure 11) that enhance access to healthy foods, and implementing a more balanced transportation system that reduces reliance on the automobile, the General Plan promotes healthy lifestyles. These policies will enhance residents’ quality of life, reduce costs, and promote personal responsibility.

Figure V -10 Community Gardens
Definition
A Community Garden can be urban, suburban, or rural. It can grow flowers and / or, vegetables. It can be one community plot, or many individual plots. It can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be a series of plots dedicated to "urban agriculture" where the produce is grown for a market.

Community Garden Benefits
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 Improves the quality of life for people in the garden  Provides a catalyst for neighbor- hood and community development  Stimulates social Interaction
 Encourages self-reliance
 Beautifies neighborhoods
 Produces nutritious food
 Reduces family food budgets
 Conserves resources
 Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education  Reduces crime
 Preserves green space
 Creates income opportunities and economic development  Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots
 Provides opportunities for inter- generational and cross-cultural connections Source: American Community Garden Association
Healthcare Services
Local employers understand the economic benefit of hiring and retaining healthy employees in order to ensure worker productivity. Schools recognize the connection between healthy lifestyles and absentee rates, which impact the learning process as well as operating budgets that rely on attendance for revenue. Although the city is not responsible for providing healthcare, encouraging the efforts of local health care providers, employers and schools to promote wellness programs will convey support for a healthy community.

Many private and non-profit healthcare providers serve local residents. Palomar Pomerado Health district serves the North San Diego and South Riverside County areas with its primary hospital and trauma facility located in Escondido. In addition, Kaiser Permanente maintains a branch medical facility in the com - munity. Ensuring that healthcare facilities can be accessed in an expedient manner is important for maintaining a healthy community.

Fire stations throughout the community have trained staff to perform basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) services when responding to fire or injury response calls. Private ambulance companies have contracts to provide transporta tion services to local medical facilities. In cases of major emergencies, the Mercy Air Emergency Helicopter life flight program provides service to Palomar Hospital.

3. Environmental Justice
Introduction
Environmental Justice (EJ) is a movement aimed to address and improve wellness and fair treatment across communities that have disproportionally experienced greater environmental burdens and health hazards that affect their daily lives. The California Government Code (Section 65040.12) defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful participation of people of all Resolution No. 2025-112
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races, culture and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Examples of such policies that reflect EJ include enforcing pollutant discharge limitations geographically, so pollution is not being concentrated within communities of disadvantaged socioeconomic status. Environmental justice and social equity are the foundational priorities of the Community Health and Services Element.

Environmental justice means every citizen has the same degree of treatment and protection from environmental risks regardless of age, race, color, national origin, income, or other potential discriminatory factors. Social equity means ensuring that all communities are treated fairly and given an equal opportunity to participate in the planning and decision-making process.

Legal Requirements
In 2016, Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) amended Government Code Section 65302 t o focus on improving environmental health and justice throughout the state by requiring that cities and counties with Disadvantaged Communities (as defined below) incorporate an Environmental Justice Element into their General Plan, or integrate EJ related goals, policies and objectives throughout the other Elements. The purpose of the legislation is to address the “unique or compounded health risks” that have aggregated over time, and in concentrated areas that correspond to the location of long establishe d racial and ethnic communities, by decreasing pollution exposure, increasing community assets, and improving overall health. Various other tools and regulatory measures have also been set forth to address environmental disparities, such as the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen), a tool developed by CalEPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to identify communities disproportionately impacted by, or vulnerable to, environmental pollution and c ontaminants. Senate Bill 535 and Assembly Bill 1550 also work together to establish requirements for identifying and allocating funds to “Disadvantaged Communities” (DACs). These tools help agencies identify DACs and enact regulatory measures to facilitate a collaborative effort to remedy the social and economic inequalities that have aggregated over time and are concentrated geographically and categorically into DACs.

The City is responsible for adopting an Environmental Justice Element – either as a stand -alone Element or as goals and policies addressed within one or more other Elements - upon the adoption or next revision of two or more Elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018 (GC § 65302(h)(2)).

In this case, updates to the City of Escondido's ( City) Housing Element and Safety (Community Protection) Element triggered the need to incorporate environmental justice into the General Plan.

Although the Housing Element was completed in 2023, the effort to update the Community Protection Element and inc orporate EJ goals and policies was interrupted by a lack of resources.

However, project funding that was initially approved in 2021 through a Smart Growth Incentive Program from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) was re -validated for use and the project was officially reinitiated in October 2024.

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In 2025, the City updated both this Community Health & Services Element as well as the Community Protection Element to integrate a discussion, goals, and policies dedicated to EJ concepts, goals, policies and recommendations for implementation.

Scope/Content
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) guidelines for SB 1000 outline 6 key elements that must be addressed when addressing the needs of DACs: (1) Pollution Exposure and Air Quality; (2) Public Facilities; (3) Food Access; (4) Safe and Sanitary Homes; (5) Physical Activity; and (6) Community Civic Engagement. Additionally, the Element should include and prioritize improvement plans for DACs throughout the City. The 2025 adoption of this updated Community Health and Services Element reflects the regulatory requirements above and addresses them by using OPR recommended methods to identify areas of the city that meet the definition of a Disadvantaged Community (discussed below) and develop goals and policies, both new and existing, that prioritize these communities and build on the existing vision for the City. The City’s existing Community Health and Services Element serves as a foundation for additional EJ related goals and policies because the Community Health and Services Element addresses certain topics related to Environmental Justice, such as food access, promotion of physical activity, and civic engagement.

Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)/Environmental Justice
Communities (EJCs)
SB 1000 requires government entities to identify DACs in their General Plan and provide appropriate measures to promote improvements within these communities. Under SB 1000, a DAC is defined as “an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low-income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.”
Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code states,
“[DACs] shall be identified based on geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria, and may include, but are not limited to, either of the following:

1. Areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative public health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.

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Low-income thresholds outlined in SB 1000 are household incomes at or below 80% of the state’s median income, or household incomes at or below the Department o f Housing and Community Development’s list of state income limits adopted pursuant to Section 500093.

It is important to note why a DAC is considered “disadvantaged”. A key component of EJ is the context surrounding how certain communities ended up more burdened by environmental degradation and hazards than others. Policy (that is, the course of action adopted and implemented by an entity, such as local, state, and federal governments) established by various agencies throughout history have had direct and indirect impacts on communities. In many instances, such policy has directly disadvantaged certain communities over others. As communities were built in accordance with such policy, those policies may have directly or indirectly caused those environmental burdens. For example, the policy decision to allow certain land uses adjacent to a neighborhood, such as industrial uses, may directly negatively impact that residential neighborhood. Environmental justice within the General Plan seeks to understand where the environmental burdens and hazards are and remedy any negative impacts through new goals and policies but most importantly quantifiable measures and actions, many of which are included in the City’s Climate Action Plan (E-CAP), that have specific measures particularly addressing DACs. Although academic indicators would suggest that certain communities are experiencing disproportionate environmental degradation, the people living in those communities may not view their neighborhoods as “disadvantaged.” Th erefore, the City utilizes the term “Environmental Justice Community” (EJCs) as the name for those areas within the City that qualify under the State’s DAC definition.

Methodology
Many sources of information and input informed the preparation of the Envir onmental Justice section of the Community Health and Services Element.

Community Outreach
One of the most important pieces of environmental justice is the acknowledgment and effort to rectify the disproportionately high and adverse effects on the health a nd wellbeing of low -income communities and communities of color that transpired over the development of modern society, which is historically upheld by governments and corporations. To combat this, a Community Outreach and Engagement Plan was followed to identify the marginalization of EJCs perpetuated by the current systems in place, define a clear vision for rebuilding community strength and ownership, and establish engagement processes that are meaningful and equitable for these communities. This outreach was specifically focused on the EJCs, involving stakeholder roundtables, focus groups, open houses, and community workshops, with a variety of in-person and online notification tactics. These methods, along with general best practice methods, were used t o serve as the foundation guiding this Element’s goals and policies.

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CalEnviroScreen
CalEnviroScreen is the standard mapping tool put forth by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to identify communities most vulnerable to pollu tion effects. It uses environmental, health, and socioeconomic information to produce scores for every census tract in California. CalEnviroScreen has a cumulative score for which factor indicators from two different groups: pollution burden and population characteristics. Escondido EJCs were identified using CalEnviroScreen, social equity, and income indicators, which provide the basis for identifying and establishing policies in areas most impacted by injustices. Consultation with the E -CAP was also utilized to ensure regulatory consistency and inform climate resiliency and adaptation goals and policies towards DACs.

To identify DACs, a four-step approach is followed:

1. Use CalEnviroScreen to examine whether the planning area for the General Plan contains census tracts that have a combined score of 50% or higher.

2. Map the household median incomes by census tract in the planning area at or below statewide median income and examine for disproportionate pollution burden.

3. Map the household median incomes by census tract in the planning area at or below the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) state income limits and examine for disproportionate pollution burden.

4. These three methods are then overlapped to create a base for qualifying areas w ithin a jurisdiction, as shown in Figure V-11. Once the base is established, a jurisdiction can then incorporate and analyze community -specific data and examine for additional pollution burden and health risk factors.

It is worth noting that one tract, tract 202.13, has a pollution burden score of 49, a point below the 50-point threshold used for qualifying as a Priority Investment Neighborhood (defined below) under the E-CAP. However, it does meet both low -income thresholds. As shown in Figure V-11, it is also fully surrounded by qualifying tracts. Environmental justice issues are not defined by rigid boundaries and are not contained neatly within census tract borders. It is reasonable that if surrounding areas qualified as EJCs, there is a possibility that tract 202.13 may be experiencing similar issues. For these reasons, tract 202.13 is included as an EJC.

Priority Investment Neighborhoods (PINs) & the Escondido Climate Action Plan (E-CAP)
The City of Escondido has existing policy documents that include s ocial equity frameworks. The Escondido Climate Action Plan (E-CAP), updated in 2021, provides a robust examination of social equity and environmental justice through the climate adaptation planning lens and is limited to such.

Policies that are related to housing, economic opportunity, and access to public transportation are addressed in the goal and policies below. The E -CAP includes measures to improve the City’s Resolution No. 2025-112
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resilience to potential environmental risks and hazards that will be exacerbated by climate change, while seeking equitable climate change adaptation solutions for all residents, businesses, and other community members. The goals and policies within this Element address the need to reduce exposure to environmental risks, as well as the need for ec onomic opportunity, access to public transit, and the reduction of many non-climate associated inequalities that exist in EJCs as well.

The E-CAP’s Climate Adaptation Measure A -1.3 identifies the need to “hardwire social equity and environmental justice into new programs and projects.” To support this adaptation measure, the E- CAP utilized the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 data to create a Social Equity and Health Index Map intended to identify vulnerable neighborhoods needing additional focus and priority. These id entified tracts are labeled “Priority Investment Neighborhoods” (PINs) within the E -CAP (Figure V-12). Using the Social Equity and Health Index Map (i.e., CalEnviroScreen 3.0 scores), the City prioritized neighborhoods with a CalEnviroScreen 50 percent (50%) ranking for priority investments and early implementation of focused measures to support social equity and environmental justice. By focusing efforts on vulnerable neighborhoods and populations, the City seeks to provide equitable protection from environmental hazards and burdens.

The limitation of the Social Equity and Health Index Map is that it utilizes CalEnviroScreen data from a snapshot in time, but the data is continuously evolving so the City’s PINs are apt to change.

Therefore, to best facilita te equitable investment by the City, the E -CAP’s PINs will be reassessed based on the identified 50 percent ranking of the most recent available CalEnviroScreen data published by the OEHHA.

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Figure V -11: Environmental Justice Communities
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Figure V -12: Priority Investment Neighborhoods

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Relationships to other General Plan Elements
The EJ section of the Community Health and Services Element is closely related to several other General Plan Elements, in particular the Land Use, Safety, Circulation, and Housing Element.

Planning decisions related to types of land uses; location, density and intensity of land uses; safety from environmental and man -made hazards; transportation systems; and street design ha ve a profound impact on both public health and environmental justice. Consequently, the Environmental Justice Element is inextricably connected to the aforementioned Elements and other important Elements of the General Plan and thus should be read and cons idered in the context of other General Plan Elements. It should also be noted that there are topical areas (e.g., reduce pollution exposure, promote public facilities, and safe and sanitary homes) that are addressed in multiple Elements. However, unlike other General Plan Elements, the EJ section of the Community Health and Services Element will cover these topical areas from the vantage point of public health, the Environmental Justice Communities, and addressing such areas with a remedy in mind. Policies and implementation measures require coordination with other City departments, each with their own needs. The goal is to identify the needs of Environmental Justice Communities. Coordinating the installation of additional street canopy in areas with deficient levels requires coordination with both the Public Works Department and Development Services Department and is just one instance when EJ goals and policies relate with other General Plan goals and policies and require cross departmental collaboration.

4. Goals, Policies, and Actions
Community Health and Services Goals and Policies
A complete list of the General Plan Goals is located in the Vision and Purpose. Specific goals and policies related to community health and services policies provided below are in tended to guide development to meet present and future needs, and enhance the health and welfare of residents in Escondido.

Health and Wellness Policies
Goal 1: A healthy and livable Escondido complete with adequate and convenient access to community services and fresh food for all residents.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.1
Ensure adequate and convenient physical access to healthcare, parks, libraries, cultural arts, schools, childcare facilities, and services for all residents.

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Health and Wellness Policy 1.2
Encourage and promote public and private sector education, training and wellness programs designed to improve health and wellness for all residents.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.3
Pursue sources of federal, state, regional, and/or private resources that provide funding for education, training, preventative treatment, and other programs for enhancing community health and wellness.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.4
Ensure that health and human services facilities are easily accessible, distributed equitab ly throughout the city and are compatible with adjoining uses.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.5
Collaborate with health care providers and other community partners in identifying health and wellness issues and developing and implementing a community-based private sector approach for improving and maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.6
Encourage school districts to create opportunities for children to be active to promote health and wellness, as well as to curb obesity.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.7
Continue to provide city parks and recreation programs and support private recreational programs that provide opportunities for residents of all age groups to participate in activities as a means to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.8
Allow the creation and operation of community gardens, urban farms, and farmers’ markets that enhance the community’s access to healthy foods.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.9
Encourage private sector efforts that prioritize new sources of healthy and fresh food in underserved areas.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.10
Encourage school districts to establish and maintain nutritional standards for school lunches and to serve healthy foods.

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Health and Wellness Policy 1.11
Encourage the revitalization of existing urban areas to achieve improvements in overall public health by promoting a healthier living environment that includes walkable neighborhoods and access to recreation and open space, healthy foods, medical services, and transit.

Health and Wellness Policy 1.12
Coordinate with appropriate agencies to support pest/vector management strategies (e.g., mosquito control) and public education.

Figure V -13: Certified Farmers’ Markets
Definition: Certified Farmers Markets are licensed by the County Agricultural Commissioner, ensuring that the produce is being sold by the grower, is grown in California and meets all California quality standards. These criteria ensure that all consumers re -ceive the freshest produce for the righ t price. Farmers' Markets provide venues for farmers to sell directly to consumers and supports small farming operations.

Farmers’ Markets Benefits:
 Local produce is fresher, healthier
 Supports local farmers and locally grown produce
 Conserves resources by reducing transportation and storage impacts  Preserves food diversity by providing heirloom and “niche” products not widely grown  Creates income opportunities and economic development  Fosters community interaction
 Reduces family food budgets

Parks and Recreation Policies
Goal 2: A complete system of park and recreational facilities and programs to serve all users.

PARK STANDARDS POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.1
Regularly review and update park standards, facility plans and improvements, recreat ion services, funding programs, and other pertinent components of the Parks Master Plan.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.2
Provide an adequate system of neighborhood, community, urban, and regional parks and related recreational facilities/services for incorporation into the open space system.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.3
Provide a minimum of 5.9 acres of developed active Neighborhood, Community, and Urban parks in addition to 5.9 acres of passive park land/open space for habitat preservation and addi tional recreational opportunities totaling 11.8 active and passive acres per 1,000 dwelling units. School Resolution No. 2025-112
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playground areas can be included as park acreage if these facilities are approved by the school district(s) and open to the public as determined by the City Council.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.4
Require new residential development to contribute fees to finance acquisition and development of park and recreational facilities in compliance with the standards stipulated by Parks and Recreation Policy 2.3 . Allow credit for the on -site dedication of land or facilities to be used for public park purposes, consistent with city standards.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.5
Design and construct Urban, Neighborhood, Community, and Regional Parks consistent with the standards and guidelines in Figures V-4 and V-5.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.6
Maintain a minimum of two (2) community centers and consider opportunities for additional centers commensurate with population growth to accommodate specialized recreational functions, the recreational needs of special populations, and/or indoor recreational activities that include, but are not limited to:
a) Swimming pools;
b) Lighted or unlighted athletic facilities;
c) Classrooms, meeting rooms, etc.;
d) Facilities for child care, teens, and seniors;
e) Branch libraries;
h) Golf courses;
i) Community gardens; and
j) Equestrian centers.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.7
Consider the provision of development incentives for private commercial, office, and other non - residential developments to provide onsite usable open space that is accessible to the public such as green rooftop parks, public plazas, and pedestrian trails.

ACQUISITION AND FUNDING POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.8
Require no net loss of total park acreage or facilities for property purchased for use as a public park that is subsequently redeveloped for another use. Require that all revenues generated from the sale of the park land be used for park development.

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Parks and Recreation Policy 2.9
Consider the deve lopment of vacant and underutilized city lands as potential sites for parks and recreational facilities.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.10
Prioritize park acquisition in areas with the greatest need, including the northern expansion of Grape Day Park, and in urban areas within a reasonable walking distance from transit.

PARKS AND RECREATION IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.11
Undertake a parks acquisition and improvement program to accommodate future growth needs.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.12
Maintain existing and pursue additional agreements with Escondido school districts that enable city residents to jointly use school facilities for recreational purposes.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.13
Periodically review and revise park devel opment fees to assure that they adequately cover acquisition and development costs.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.14
Consider requiring new non-residential uses to contribute park development fees, as permitted and consistent with State nexus legislation.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.15
Periodically review and modify funding sources to assure their adequacy to cover the maintenance of parks.

REGIONAL FACILITIES POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.16
Assist in the coordinated planning, development, and m aintenance of unique regional amenities within and adjacent to the community, including Kit Carson Park, Daley Ranch, Lake Wohlford Regional Park, Lake Dixon Regional Park, San Dieguito River Valley Park and Felicita County Park.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.17
Improve Escondido Creek Trail as a linear park with amenities including but not limited to: shade and turf areas, community gardens, seating areas, exercise courses, and access to adjacent park and recreation facilities.

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Parks and Recreation Policy 2.18
Provide opportunities in Regional Parks for active and passive recreation offered in smaller Urban, Neighborhood and Community Parks as appropriate.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMING POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.19
Consult with residents to obtain input on park and recreational facility and program needs.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.20
Provide public and support private recreational programs that serve residents of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

NEW PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
Parks and Recreation Policy 2.21
Evaluate all development proposals larger than 5 acres for appropriateness of public park land dedication.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.22
Consider private dedication of land for use as a public park as part of a planned development, if the proposed site meets city criteria.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.23
Permit the redistribution and clustering of development that would otherwise have been built on a proposed park site within a planned development contingent on city standards.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.24
Consolidate new development onsite to accommodate parkland that is accessible to the public.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.25
Require park or recreation facilities constructed as part of a private development and intended solely for use by its residents to be considered a private park.

Parks and Recreation Policy 2.26
Consider alternate uses of public and private golf courses.

SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
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Parks and Recreation Policy 2.27
Incorporate energy and water efficient land development and maintenance practices, including the use of drought tolerant landscaping and reclaimed irrigation, in the design, development and operation of public parks and open space areas as appropriate.

Library Services Policies
GOAL 3: An educated and i nformed community through life - long learning opportunities and dissemination of information.

Library Services Policy 3.1
Regularly review and update, as necessary, a library master plan and implement the plan to the extent economically feasible.

Library Services Policy 3.2
Provide and maintain the following library facilities and services standards, where feasible:
a) A floor area of 1.6 square feet of library facilities per dwelling unit or 0.6 square feet per capita of the City of Escondido;
b) A ratio of three (3) public library staff per 8,000 residents or 2,300 dwelling units of the City of Escondido, including one librarian plus two paraprofessional staff within this staffing ratio; c) A ratio of total items in the Escondido library inventory of 2.0 items per capita of Escondido; and d) A ratio of one public access computer per 1,500 residents, or sufficient public access computers to meet an average wait time of no more than 15 minutes, whichever is less.

Library Services Policy 3.3
Concentrate resources on impro ving and maintaining adequate staffing; inventory of print; media and computer resources; and community library services and programs for all residents. Review periodically to ensure adequacy.

Library Services Policy 3.4
Strive to keep libraries open at le ast 60 unduplicated hours per week, supplemented by virtual accessibility to library collections and resources at all times where technically feasible (Figure V-12).

Library Services Policy 3.5
Maintain libraries to be conveniently accessible to pedestrians, public transit, and other modes of transportation.

Library Services Policy 3.6
Provide library facilities and programs appropriate for all members of the community and include services for those who cannot conveniently physically access a library.

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Library Services Policy 3.7
Consider incorporating other uses such as parks, schools, business districts, and coffee shops with library facilities.

Figure V-14: Library Definitions
Unduplicated Hours: Facility hours open to the public that do not overlap, whether in one or more locations.

Virtual Accessibility: Information resources accessed via the library web site available on-line 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Cultural Enrichment Policies
GOAL 4: Enhanced quality of life for all residents through the cultural arts.

Cultural Arts Policy 4.1
Promote a wide range of styles, materials, and types of public art in municipal locations accessible to the public, as well as at key entrances to the city and downtown area to se rve as suitable landmarks and entry features, and to reinforce municipal locations as focal points of social interaction and visual interest.

Cultural Arts Policy 4.2
Encourage the use of publicly owned facilities and spaces for the display of local art an d for other artistic and cultural events.

Cultural Arts Policy 4.3
Maintain guidelines for the placement of art works that considers public visibility, public safety, and community enjoyment.

Cultural Arts Policy 4.4
Require developers to provide art pieces or pay fees that can embellish/maintain an individual project as well as contribute to the appearance and vitality of the community.

Schools and Education Policies
GOAL 5: An educated and informed community through quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Schools and Education Policy 5.1
Encourage school districts’ efforts to accommodate sufficient teacher to student ratios with student attendance calculated on traditional school schedules.

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Schools and Education Policy 5.2
Include school districts in review of residential development applications to determine if there will be changes in enrollment, and if these changes are consistent with districts’ long -range master plans.

Schools and Education Policy 5.3
Include school districts in the review of development proposals larger than 10 acres to determine the potential suitability of school sites. Work with school districts in their efforts to acquire potential sites for school development.

Schools and Education Policy 5.4
Work with school d istricts to locate facilities based on each school district’s criteria, school siting guidelines of the State, and the city’s following location guidelines:
a) Centrally located within or adjacent to residential neighborhoods. b) Located an appropriate distance from potential natural and man - made hazards such as in floodplains and electric facilities.
c) Conveniently and safely accessible by pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. d) Located away from heavy traffic, excessive noise, and incompatible uses. e) School drop off locations that are compatible with existing residential neighborhoods.

Schools and Education Policy 5.5
Work with school districts to explore the use of existing smaller sites in urban areas to accommodate lower enrollments and/or higher intensity facilities (multi-story buildings, underground parking, and playgrounds on roofs, etc.).

Schools and Education Policy 5.6
Promote joint use of playgrounds, ball fields, and other recreational facilities at school sites, and provide open space and trail linkages between schools and residential neighborhoods to promote joint use.

Schools and Education Policy 5.7
Inform school districts of growth plans and capital improvement projects when feasible to enable districts to accordingly plan for future growth.

Schools and Education Policy 5.8
Periodically provide city demographic data to school districts to assist in their master planning efforts.

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Schools and Education Policy 5.9
Work with school districts and participate in programs that promote student safety.

Schools and Education Policy 5.10
Promote energy and water efficient land development practices, including the use of drought tolerant landscaping and reclaimed irrigation, in the design, development, and operation of school facilities as appropriate.

Schools and Education Policy 5.11
Promote East Valley Parkway as an area to locate higher education, career development, and vocational training facilities that provide additional opportunities for residents to enhance their job skills.

Schools and Education Policy 5.12
Promote partnerships and programs between the city, school districts and business community aimed at enhancing students’ options for seeking a college/university education or vocational training.

Schools and Education Policy 5.13
Encourage higher education institutions to strengthen their links with local K–12 school districts to facilitate the transfer of students into these institutions.

Schools and Education Policy 5.14
Cooperate with systems of higher education to explore the future possibil ity of a multi -university campus.

Schools and Education Policy 5.15
Encourage and support the development, expansion, and upgrade of higher education facilities such as the Palomar Colleges, California State University San Marcos, and private universities.

Schools and Education Policy 5.16
Support the growth of research and development businesses and organizations associated with universities that enhance the education and diversity of Escondido.

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Civic Engagement Policies
GOAL 6: An engaged and informed community with influence on policies and decisions at the local, state, and federal levels.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.1
Provide for the full inclusion of people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, age, gender, interests, languages, lifestyles, abilities, and socioeconomic status in programs at city facilities.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.2
Promote recreation and library programming, special events and venues, and educational opportunities which honor, interpret, and celebrate the diversity, history, cultural herit age, and traditions of Escondido.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.3
Encourage community volunteerism and participation in city events, commissions, boards and committees.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.4
Support developers’ efforts to initiate early and frequent communication with the community regarding project proposals.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.5
Collaborate with neighborhood associations and other similar organizations to address issues of concern in neighborhoods.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.6
Promote efforts that increase rates of participation in community events such as voting, youth activities, adult education, senior activities and family-oriented programs.

Civic Engagement Policy 6.7
Distribute information about community events to a wide range of communi ty organizations such as churches, senior facilities, and schools using existing city-sponsored platforms (e.g., city website and public access television).

Childcare Policies
GOAL 7: Convenient and accessible childcare facilities for all residents.

Childcare Policy 7.1
Allow small family day care facilities in all residential zones as a permitted use consistent with state law and local provisions.

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Childcare Policy 7.2
Allow large family day care facilities in all residential, commercial and professional zoning districts as a conditional use except where permitted by right pursuant to state law.

Childcare Policy 7.3
Prohibit family day care facilities in industrial zones due to potentially hazardous conditions.

Childcare Policy 7.4
Allow conveniently accessible childcare facilities near transit stops, schools, and parks, and within master-planned developments.

Childcare Policy 7.5
Support the use of public facilities, schools, churches, and space within other organizations to accommodate childcare facilities.

Childcare Policy 7.6
Encourage large employers to include childcare facilities on-site as appropriate.

Figure V-15: Family Day Care Definitions*
Family Day Care: Regularly provides care, protection and supervision of fourteen (14) or fewer children in the provider’s home, for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away.

Small Family Day Care: A home that provides family day care for eight (8) or fewer children, including children who reside at the home
Large Family Day Care: A home that provides family day care for nine (9) to fourteen (14) children, inclusive, including children who reside at the home
*Note: All family day care facilities require a state license to operate. Definitio ns are based on state law and are subject to change.

Older Adult, Disabled and Disadvantaged Services Policies GOAL 8: Adequate facilities and accessible services to meet the needs of older adults, disabled, and disadvantaged persons.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.1 Allow adult care facilities in all residential zones as a permitted use consistent with state law and local provisions.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.2 Prohibit adult care facilities in industrial zones due to potentially hazardous conditions.

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Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.3 Support the use of public facilities, schools, churches, and space within other organizations to accommodate services for older, disabled and/or disadvantaged residents.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.4 Encourage owners and operators of public, non -profit, and private facilities, particularly those related to health and human services, to develop or incorporate facilities and s ervices for older adults, disabled, and disadvantaged residents.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.5 Work with the County Health and Human Services Department to site facilities that meet basic needs of the city’s senior, disabled, and disadvantaged resident population such as access to healthcare, transit, housing, and also supportive services such as volunteer opportunities, mentorship, outreach, legal advice, advocacy, and case management.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.6 Work with appropriate agencies to address the community safety and personal protection of older adults, disabled and disadvantaged residents.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.7 Encourage the use of older adults as volunteer resources and partner with other agencies to provide mutually beneficial educational and volunteer opportunities.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.8 Encourage the coordination and monitoring of the community’s progress in identifying and meeting the needs of older, disabled, and disadvantaged residents based on possible risk factors such as, but not limited to: living status, income level, health status, ethnicity, and level of mobility.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.9 Cooperate with appropriate institutions and agencies who provide job opportunities for the economically, physically, and socially disadvantaged.

Older Adult, Disabled, Disadvantaged Services Policy 8.10 Support institutions and agencies that assist and provide necessary services for older adults who desire to “age in place.”

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Figure V-16: Adult Residential Care Definitions
Adult Residential Facility: Facilities that provide 24 -hour non -medical care for physicall y handicap -ped, developmentally disabled, and / or mentally disabled adults ages 18 through 59, who are unable to pro-vide for their own daily needs.

Community Care Facility: Provides 24 -hour non -medical resi -dential care to children and adults with developmental disabilities in need of personal services, super-vision, and/or assistance essential for self-protection or sustaining the activities of daily living.

Elderly Residential Care Facility: Provides services to persons 60 years of age and over (and persons under 60 with compatible needs). May also be known as “assisted living facilities,” “retirement homes,” and “board and care homes.”
Small Care Facility: A home that provides care for six (6) or fewer adults.

Large Care Facility: A home that provides care for seven (7) or more adults. *Note: There are several types of residential care facilities, all of which are not defined above. Definitions are based on state law and subject to change. All residential care facilities require a state license to operate.

Environmental Justice Goals and Policies
GOAL 1: Reduce disproportionate health and environmental impacts within Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs) and Priority Investment Neighborhoods (PINs) by augmenting the quality of the built and natural environment.

Pollution Policies
Environmental Justice Policy 1.1
Lower localized air pollution exposure near major roads by implementing the following actions:

1.1.1 Update the zoning ordinance to require the installation of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters in the ventilation systems of new reside ntial developments that are located within 500 -feet of interstate 15 (I -15) or state route 78 (SR -78). Filters shall be MERV 13 or better. Include standards to ensure long -term maintenance and replacement of the MERV 13 filters in the individual units.

1.1.2 At a minimum, as part of the seventh cycle Housing Element update, exclude parcels that are within 500-feet of an I-15 or SR-78 freeway lane and remove their eligibility as suitable inventory sites. Further, assess the feasibility of excluding sites within 50 0-feet of super prime arterials and super major roadways and consider expanding ineligibility of parcels to 1,000-feet around the I-15 and SR-78 freeways. Future determination of inventory and suitable sites shall prioritize sites outside these distances when determining suitability.

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1.1.3 Work with the California State Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to evaluate and designate heavy truck routes throughout the City that avoid residential areas and other sensitive land uses, especially in EJCs, where feasible.

1.1.4 In accordance with the California Air Resource Board’s recommended buffer distances, new residential development shall site all outdoor active -use recreational areas associated with development projects that are 500 -feet from the nearest lane of tra ffic on the I-15/SR-78 to the best extent feasible.

1.1.5 Encourage and collaborate with NCTD in siting bus stops in an effort to reduce riders’ exposures to traffic pollution1.

1.1.6 Consider updating the zoning ordinance to limit the development of sensitive uses within 1,000-feet of the I -15/SR-78. Ensure analysis on how such restriction could inhibit development of such uses (e.g., child care centers, schools, etc.) occurs.

1.1.7 Continue to prioritize the development of the City’s Urban Forestry Management Program so that trees in public places receive the maintenance and care needed to encourage vegetation maturity and avoid early replacement. Prioritize native and drought-tolerant trees while accounting for the right -tree in the right -place mindset to ensure long-term viability of the planted tree. Avoid planting non-native trees in proximity to a native tree in public spaces, where feasible.

1.1.8 Opportunities to create or augment existing tree canopy in the EJCs and PINs shall be prioritized to reduce the effects of Heat Vulnerability as described in the Climate Action Plan.

Environmental Justice Policy 1.2
Create healthy communities and remedy existing pollution inequities in EJCs through the following implementation actions:

1.2.1 In alignment with the Escondido Climate Action Plan (E-CAP), utilize EJ Communities (EJCs) and Priority Investment Neighborhoods (PINs) as a criterion for prioritizing capital improvements and program investment. Prioritize overlapping EJCs and PINs first, stand- alone EJCs second, and standalone PINs last.

1.2.2 City policies, programs, and ordinances shall be inclusive. Prior to City staff providing a recommendation to decision makers, an evaluation of how the proposed policy, program, and/or ordinance would impact EJCs/PINs shall be considered and included in staff’s recommendation to decision makers through the staff report, technical memorandum, or oral presentation process. To ensure staff understand equity concepts, provide equity and unconscious bias trainings as part of the City’s regularly scheduled staff trainings.

1 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/research-synthesis-17-03-reducing-near-roadway-exposure- air-pollution
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1.2.3 Encourage multifamily residential property owners to become smoke -free through education programs and outreach campaigns with community organizations to reduce second-hand and third-hand smoke death and disability.

1.2.4 Continue to enf orce the City’s Tobacco Retailer License program. Consider a future ordinance to require multifamily residential properties to be comprehensively smoke - free through incentivization without a criminal enforcement/penalization approach.

1.2.5 Develop a standard for siting stationary sources of localized air pollution within EJCs, such as through higher standards for findings of fact, setting intensity limitations, and/or separation requirements. Stationary sources of localized air pollution include, but are not limited to, gas service stations, auto body shops, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial air pollution sources.

1.2.6 Conduct a vegetation naturalization feasibility study of Escondido Creek as part of the City’s next comprehensive General Plan update. Su bsequently, develop a workplan to naturalize the Escondido Creek in accordance with the findings of the feasibility study and to the extent feasible under State and Federal regulations.

1.2.7 Develop and conduct an educational outreach program on solid waste an d litter reduction, with concerted engagement efforts in EJCs and PINs. Continue to support existing programs, such as the Adopt -a-Creek Trail Program. Continue to enforce State requirements on organics and recycling, with outreach prioritized in multifami ly and small businesses throughout the EJCs and PINs.

1.2.8 Prioritize adequate services that address solid waste, and human health of vulnerable communities such as unsheltered community members. This could include providing additional public trash and recyclin g receptacles, longer hours of operation for public restrooms, more public restrooms, and public handwashing stations, to provide more opportunities for people to conveniently dispose of waste in public areas such as parks and sidewalks and increase overall public health for all community members.

1.2.9 Coordinate with water service providers to ensure that sources of potable water are protected from contamination.

1.2.10 Implement the Comprehensive Active Transportation Strategy (CATS) throughout the City, with priority implementation within the EJCs, and PINs, to ensure these communities have access to alternative modes of transit outside of cars.

1.2.11 Create a comprehensive sidewalk inventory within the City so that areas in need of sidewalk infill can be adequately identified. Ensure a coordinated and systematic process is used for sidewalk infill, based on priorities outlined within this Element, the E-CAP, and CATS.

1.2.12 Continue to ensure compatibility of industrial uses in proximity to sensitive land uses.

Consider zoning regulations provide adequate distance separation and buffering for sensitive uses from industrial zones . The findings for such uses shall include specific Resolution No. 2025-112
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references to proximity to or environmental impacts to EJC’s and PINs and specific means of mitigating said impacts.

Public Facilities Policies
Environmental Justice Policy 1.3
Commit to equitably located and distributed public facilities and services to ensure easy and convenient access for residents by implementing the following actions:

1.3.1 Ensure City plans and programming allocate resources for public facilities (e.g., public childcare programs, parks and trails, etc.) and their maintenance in an equitable manner, with prioritization for phasing and implementation of EJCs and PINs, if feasible.

1.3.2 During annual budget formulation, utilize the specific environmental justice policies and actions from this Element, the Adaptation Measures and Actions in the Climate Action Plan, and the Multi -Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan to prioritize available gene ral funds, capital improvement budget, and grant funding.

1.3.3 Develop and implement training for City staff on how to integrate equity into decision making when evaluating and planning City programming and projects when funding is available.

1.3.4 Work toward converting City streets to complete streets, where feasible, through updates to long -range infrastructure plans. Incorporate elements of complete streets into upcoming infrastructure projects, to the extent feasible, such as inclusion of active transportation and green storm water infrastructure elements, prioritization of improvements that promote safety and comfort, and/or coordinate transit for the benefit of users.

1.3.5 Prioritize connections between EJCs and PINs and public facilities, especially City buildings, health care facilities, and parks with playgrounds for any City-initiated micro transit.

1.3.6 Prioritize the installation and access to public art within EJCs and PINs. Prioritize that art installations are created by artists from EJCs or PINs.

1.3.7 Evaluate existing City park amenities to determine whether all parks contain the same safety amenities, including adequate lighting, and access to drinking water. In the event park spaces are lacking a common amenity, install such amenity, where feasible.

1.3.8 In the EJCs and PINs, evaluate multi-modal access to park space within one quarter mile of existing parks. Prioritize infill active transportation projects to improve multi -modal access to parks for EJC residents.

1.3.9 Consider creating a park overlay zone within the EJCs and PINs to facilitate park creation at any scale within the areas where community members do not have any accessible park space within a quarter mile of their residence. Prioritize the evaluation to begin with open Resolution No. 2025-112
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space in the EJCs and PINs and prioritize addressing lacking amenities to address the deficiency.

Environmental Justice Policy 1.4
Provide equitable opportunities across all community aspects, including safety and resilience, in the EJCs by implementing the following actions:

1.4.1 Explore clean air centers, cooling centers, and resiliency hubs as part of future plans related to climate adaptation and resiliency. Ensure siting and ADA access to such centers account for multilingual outreach campaigns to inform residents on their presence, purpose, and locations.

1.4.2 Ensure emergency response methods robustly account for vulnerable communities, such as outdoor workers, elderly, and unsheltered individuals by incorporating specific and detailed actions/implementation measures that address t hese vulnerable communities into applicable emergency response plans and documents.

1.4.3 Prioritize and develop green storm water infrastructure in public and private development throughout the City, giving priority within EJCs and PINs, to support a sustainable approach to storm water, drainage, groundwater recharge, and landscaping.

1.4.4 Support and provide on -going, year -round access (as applicable) to public facilities located within EJCs and PINs that aid in extreme weather resiliency, such as public pools, and recreation centers. Ensure access is provided to those most in need, including seniors, the disabled, and unhoused populations by utilizing methods of outreach that directly connect with such communities.

1.4.5 Prioritize holistic design when developing public f acilities (e.g., parks, senior centers, libraries, recreation centers) within EJCs and PINs, specifically by assessing usability of the facility while considering surrounding demographics of such public facility.

1.4.6 Increase positive activity, such as increa sing park users through varied and culturally appropriate amenities, to deter drinking and drug use in parks and public open spaces.

By increasing users through varied amenities, more eyes are on the park space to deter such activity.

1.4.7 Continue to prioritize the reduction in extreme heat through various actions, including but not limited to increasing the City’s urban forest, utilizing green stormwater infrastructure, and support of green roofs and green space.

Food Access Policies
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Environmental Justice Policy 1.5
Evaluate and improve the location and distribution of access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food for those with limited access and high needs.

1.5.1 Work with NCTD to ensure transportation systems link customers to grocery stores and other sources of healthy foods by aligning routes and prioritizing healthy food access.

Examine any changes to existing transit routes for its potential to restrict or limit healthy food access to ridership and identify ways to offset potential impacts to riders who utilize such transit for health food access.

1.5.2 Focus business attraction efforts on grocery stores, food co-ops, and other healthy food retailers for underserved areas of the City.

1.5.3 Expand the “Food and Liquor” uses permitted in the commercial zones to better distinguish and analyze development of healthy food outlets, small neighborhood markets, farmers’ markets, and food cooperatives. Adopt flexible zoning standards to allow healthy food uses where appropriate.

1.5.4 Consider creation of a Healthy Food Zoning Overlay and allowing small -scale urban agriculture in specified areas of the City and as accessory uses, such as temporary on - site urban agriculture stands.

1.5.5 Identify and inventory p otential community garden/urban farm sites on existing parks, utility easements and rights of way, and prioritize site use as community gardens in appropriate locations. Analyze City-owned properties to develop equitable food-oriented development, urban agriculture, or other community-driven development.

1.5.6 Consider establishing restrictions for land uses that lead to public health concerns in high concentrations, such as fast -food establishments, and liquor stores. The established restrictions shall include m echanisms/policy design to ensure areas with existing high concentrations of such uses throughout the City are alleviated by ongoing implementation of such restrictions. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to placing intensity caps or utilize sep aration requirements on such uses within EJCs and PINs

1.5.7 Provide accessible information about the CalFresh program (SNAP) targeted to individuals within EJCs to increase food security. Identify local food retailers and farmers markets that do not currently accept EBT and motivate them to become SNAP-approved.

Incentivize SNAP purchases of nutritious foods through benefits or education programs within EJCs.

Environmental Justice Policy 1.6
Elevate healthy food education and access through community collabora tions, partnerships, and City-initiated events and programs.

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1.6.1 Prioritize providing healthy food and beverage options at City facilities and City - sponsored events, where feasible.

1.6.2 Encourage and support corner/convenience store conversion programs into markets/grocers in EJCs and PINs through economic development initiatives.

1.6.3 Work with community partners to distribute the best available educational information on healthy foods and food access through City newsletters and outreach channels, as applicable. Tailor nutrition education to consider cultural food preferences and dietary restrictions.

1.6.4 Support community networks that promote, educate, and/or provide access to healthy foods, such as community fridge networks, community land trusts, pop -up farmers markets, Community -Supported Agriculture (“CSA”) programs, mobile health food markets, and farm stands through the adoption of a community garden ordinance, as outlined in the E-CAP Measure A-2.1.

1.6.5 Encourage the retention, establishment, and growth of healthy f ood options. Support neighborhood-oriented specific sources of healthful foods, such as “edible school yards” and local outlets. Support food banks, pantries, and other sources that help provide federal food assistance to low-income residents so that all families, seniors, schools, and community-based organizations can access, purchase, and increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.

1.6.6 Explore ways to incentivize stocking of fresh and healthy foods in private development of convenience stores, specialty food markets, ethnic markets, food trucks, and liquor stores to increase healthy food access in underserved areas.

Physical Activity Policies
Environmental Justice Policy 1.7
Promote both public and private development patterns th at lead to increased opportunities for physical activity such as walking, biking, and hiking to reduce rates of chronic health issues.

1.7.1 Identify areas within EJCs and PINs as key opportunity nodes for retail services within one-quarter mile of predominantly residential-only areas to facilitate non-vehicular trips.

Consider reduced parking requirements for such key opportunity nodes to furt her incentivize alternative modes of transit.

1.7.2 Update the City’s Zoning Ordinance to eliminate any barriers to creating increased opportunities for physical activity. Prioritize removing any identified barriers that impact community members within EJCs and PINs first.

1.7.3 Prioritize public projects that facilitate passive and active physical activity, such as sidewalk connection projects, sport courts, and bike lanes.

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1.7.4 Consider designating the Harding Street medians (between Washington Avenue and Kent Avenue) into a public park space. Evaluate how such medians could be connected to El Norte Park for a linear park spanning multiple blocks.

1.7.5 Explore with NCTD ways to connect transit riders from bus lines along El Norte Parkway to Daley Ranch and Dixon Lake to unlock recreational areas for passive and active physical activity.

1.7.6 Adding where feasible and maintaining existing workout equipment associated with public parks and recreation centers, including instructions where necessary.

1.7.7 Develop accessible group fitness classes put on by the City to members of EJCs, elderly, and disabled people (i.e. community Zumba classes, yoga at the park, etc.). Ensure these classes are held during times of day when members of EJCs can attend and that they are located at a variety of venues in the city, prioritizing PINs.

Safe and Sanitary Homes Policies
Environmental Justice Policy 1.8
Housing and neighborhoods that enhance the safety, welfare, and lives of all people, regardless of age, income level, and cultural background.

1.8.1 Promote mixed-income development and inclusion of affordable housing units in all neighborhoods. Encourage the integration of market rate housing with affordable units at the project level, as well as at the neighborhood level. Affordable housing units should be located close to community and retail amenities such as parks, full -service grocery stores, local public transit stops, retail, and public services.

1.8.2 Support and encourage development of a range of housing types that meet the needs of all community members within the City, including seniors, large and small households, vulnerable populations, and people of all abilities.

1.8.3 In pursuit of safe and sanitary housing, support property owners of rental units in rehabilitating their properties, prioritizing those wit h deed -restricted affordable units, and housing within EJCs/PINs, to meet current building standards.

1.8.4 Prioritize implementation of the City’s current Housing Element. Allocate City resources and capacity to carrying out actions, establishing programs, and enforcing policies regarding Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.

1.8.5 Conduct periodic absentee owner outreach in EJCs/PINs to inform owners of their legal requirements to maintain and upkeep their rental properties. Written outreach efforts should be translated into Spanish, or other appropriate language, and tenants informed of these efforts.

1.8.6 Support means for reducing displacement of vulnerable populations within the City, including support for aging in place. Consider the effects of providing amenities i n the Resolution No. 2025-112
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EJCs/PINs, as well as low -income only areas (i.e., not an EJC/PIN but considered low - or very low-income) for their potential for displacing residents.

1.8.7 Support community workshops on financial literacy, credit counseling, and first -time homeownership. Collaborate with local community organizations to increase participation of low -income and vulnerable communities, including residents within EJCs/PINs.

1.8.8 Continue efforts to address those living unhoused within the community. Encourage non-congregate shelters within the City with an aim to support extremely vulnerable communities, such as those with disabilities, seniors, families, veterans and youth.

Coordinate with the County of San Diego and other community organizations to facilitate services and programs to address homelessness based on others that have proven to be effective and best available research.

1.8.9 Continue to provide support for programs and facilities that serve individuals without shelter and connect them to housing effectively and quickly.

1.8.10 Establish programs that work to remedy unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions throughout the City, with priority in the EJCs and PINs. Such programs ideas include, but are not limited to lead education and remediation, outreach/education campaigns to tenants about risks associated with lead -based paint, mold, and other contaminants as well as on their rights for reporting unsafe conditions, and organized trust building events with code compliance staff.

1.8.11 Conduct a City -specific impediments to fair housi ng assessment prior to the 7th cycle Housing Element to identify barriers to housing and incorporate recommendations into the 7th cycle housing programs, where feasible.

1.8.12 Support more comfortable and resilient homes and buildings to proactively adapt to changing weather -related emergencies and climate hazard events, as outlined in Measure A-2.2 of CAP Appendix F.

1.8.13 Ensure that City efforts surrounding Escondido’s agricultural industry prioritize farm workers in addition to owners and operators.

GOAL 2: Provide culturally competent and transparent City systems to promote involvement, collaboration, and deference in the decision-making process, especially for Environmental Justice Communities and Priority Investment Neighborhoods.

Civic Engagement Policies
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Civic Engagement Policy 2.1
Support equitable and inclusive improvements to City processes and operations that support community engagement through the following implementing actions:

2.1.1 Monitor the implementation of the environmental justice Element’s actions annually as a part of the General Plan annual progress report. Conduct spatial analysis concurrent with Housing and Safety Element updates to determine whether any new EJCs exist and update any necessary parts of this Element based on the results of the spatial analysis.

2.1.2 Where possible, the City shall prioritize spending of general funds for recreation, air quality and other environmental improvements, community programming, public infrastructure improvements in EJCs/PINs and fiscal decisions should be based on this priority.

2.1.3 Create a Language Access Plan to establish a comprehensive process for the City outlining the level of readability and how the City will engage with individuals who are non-English speaking or have limited English proficiency. A Language Access Plan consists of strategies and practices that help cities navigate the public participation process where there are language barriers. The Language Access Plan shall addr ess in detail the process for distributing City materials in languages other than English, as well as interpretation and translation at all public meetings.

2.1.4 Promote transparent governance by prioritizing clear and straightforward communication and informat ion sharing as a criterion for internal decision making, especially when considering process changes. Support creation of an open data portal that includes city budgets, engagement demographics, and tracking of equity metrics.

2.1.5 Ensure all City leaders and staff are competently trained on issues related to leadership and governance, as well as cultural principles of public engagement, as part of the City’s regularly scheduled training program.

2.1.6 Consider installing signage within EJCs/PINs to promote and adver tise City meetings, identify the council district/member the sign is located within, and other public announcements.

2.1.7 Support collaboration with the Escondido Union High School District in their ethnic studies curriculum creation, as well as relevant government or environmental related courses. Partner with the EUHSD on potential student projects as a direct result of the ethnic studies curriculum in an effort to increase youth education, engagement, and investment in local government and the City.

2.1.8 Ensure public meetings are available to community members with limited access to City Hall (or other public meeting location). Utilize accessible avenues for making all public meetings accessible to the community, such as hybrid meetings, and live streaming.

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2.1.9 Schedule meetings targeting outreach and engagement during times and at locations convenient for community members to attend, especially those within the EJCs/PINs, as well as populations that may be directly impacted by a particular decision. In the even t outreach and engagement meetings do not yield high turnout, consider a coordinated campaign to reach out to residents in the EJCs/PINs to identify what would incentivize their attendance.

2.1.10 Every five years, evaluate existing public meeting times and loc ations, such as council and commission meetings, to determine whether any changes to times/locations are needed to better serve marginalized community members.

2.1.11 Prior to large appointment cycles for City boards and commissions, conduct an outreach campaign (i.e. direct mailers, social media, door knockers, etc.) to specifically invite residents from EJCs/PINs to apply. Encourage direct outreach to such residents to apply for boards and commissions as openings occur on a rolling basis.

2.1.12 Annually invite EJC /PIN residents and community members, such as business owners, employees, etc. to City facilities, including City Hall, for open houses and tours. Ensure adequate translation is available for such open houses and tours to reduce barriers for marginalized community members and build community trust.

2.1.13 Support creation of an EJC/PIN advisory group consisting of residents and community members who live, work, and/or play within these City areas. The advisory group would offer updates and reflection to City sta ff on actual and perceived changes to their neighborhoods as a result of the environmental justice and Climate Action Plan implementation.

2.1.14 Develop and build capacity for a transparent and inclusive education and outreach processes and design a decision -making framework to achieve equitable access and other climate health-related goals, prioritizing members of EJCs, as outlined in Measure A-1.2 of the CAP Appendix F.

2.1.15 Elevate the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of Tribal Governments affiliated with the Escondido region to ensure the protection of tribal cultural resources. Provide training to staff on how to collaborate and consult with Tribal Governments on a regular schedule so that information provided by Tribes regarding sacred sites, cultural resources, and other traditional knowledge remains confidential. Listen and defer to Tribal Governments on Traditional Ecological Knowledge, including ways to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into decision-making processes, when feasible.

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EXHIBIT “D”
PLANNING CASE NOS. PL22-0010

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED / FINDINGS OF FACT

Environmental Determinations:

1. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 et. seq.) (“CEQA”), and its implementing regulations (14 C.C.R. § 15000 et seq.) (“CEQA Guidelines”), the City of Escondido (“City”) is the Lead Agency for the project (“Project”), as the public agency with the principal responsibility for approving the Project.

2. The 2022 General Plan Amendment (“Project”) relies on a previously adopted Addendum to the FEIR for the 2012 General Plan Update (“Addendums 1–3 of the FEIR”). The Final Environmental Impact Report for the 2012 General P lan Update (SCH # 20100716054) (“FEIR”) was certified on May 23, 2012. For the 2022 General Plan Amendment, only minor changes and additions to the FEIR were found to be necessary to address the project changes and no circumstances existed calling for the preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR. Therefore, the City prepared an Addendum (“Addendum #4”) to the FEIR in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15164, and in accordance generally with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resour ces Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”), the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations section 15000 et seq.) (“CEQA Guidelines”), and the City’s Environmental Review Guidelines (Article 47 of the Escondido Zoning Code).

Community Protection (Safety) Element Amendment Findings

1. The State of California requires that cities and counties adopt a comprehensive long-term General Plan for the physical, social, and economic growth of the agency (Government Code Section 65300). The Safety Element is one element of a community’s General Plan.

Following standard planning methodology, each element normally will consist of three parts: 1) an analysis of needs, resources, and constraints; 2) a declaration of goals and quantified objectives; and 3) programs addressing the needs and constraints and devised to achieve the goals and objectives.

The Safety Element is one of the required elements of the General Plan (Government Code section 65302(g)). Detailed requirements for the content of the Safety Element are included in Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, commencing with section 65302(g). Escondido’s Safety Element, referred to as the Community Protection Element, was last updated in 2012. All cities and counties are mandated to update the Safety Element in conjunction with any Housing Element update, and the City’s Housing Element was last updated in 2021 for the 2021 -2029 update (6th cycle) for jurisdictions in the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) region.

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2. The City’s 2012 Community Protection Element no longer satisfies statutory requirements and needs to be updated. To comply with the intent of the California Legislature, the Safety Element must address recent safety, emergency, evacuation, and hazards legislation.

Consistent with General Plan Review, required updates to the Safety Element pursuant to Government Code section 65302 provide substantial documentation that such amendment is appropriate for the general public welfare.

3. An effective Safety Element provides the foundation for protecting the community from natural and human-made hazards while enhancing resilience to future risks. The updates to the Community Protection Element provides compliance for the Safety Element with recent state legislation by addressing wildfire hazards, climate change impacts, and emergency evacuation planning. It incorporates the latest data and aligns with the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, ensuring a coordinated and proactive approach to hazard mitigation.

4. The revised Community Protection Element would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. The revised Community Protection Element will benefit the community by strengthening Escon dido’s ability to plan for and respond to natural hazards, including wildfire, seismic activity, flooding, and the effects of climate change. The update supports public safety through improved hazard mitigation policies, coordinated emergency response planning, and integration with the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Climate Action Plan.

5. The California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (“Board”) plays the critical role of reviewing every jurisdiction’s Safety Element to determine whether i t complies with State law and then submits written findings back to each local government. The Board’s approval is required before a local government can adopt its Safety Element as part of its overall General Plan pursuant to Government Code 65302.5(b). The Board approved the City’s revised Community Protection Element as drafted under Exhibit “B” to proceed to adoption during their Resource Protection Committee meeting held on May 13, 2025.

6. Once adopted, the revised Community Protection Element will have a binding effect on the City. Most other planning actions such as adoption of a specific plan or zoning ordinance, approval of a subdivision map, etc. must be consistent with the General Plan.

Known as the “consistency doctrine,” it gives the General Plan, including the Safety Element, the controlling force of law.

7. General Plan Consistency : The revised Community Protection Element includes amendments to the General Plan itself and is internally consistent with the rest of the City’s General Plan. The revise d Community Protection Element does not alter the General Plan’s policy framework, rather, includes additional goals and policies to support the General Plan’s vision for Escondido’s Community and respond to key legislative changes in the State. The propos ed additional goals and policies are structured to be consistent across other Elements and build on the foundational principles of the adopted 2012 General Plan, and do not modify existing land uses or policy direction.

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Addition of an Environmental Justic e Chapter to the Community Health and Services Element Findings

1. The State of California requires that cities and counties adopt a comprehensive long-term General Plan for the physical, social, and economic growth of the agency (Government Code Section 65300). SB 1000 requires cities and counties to adopt Environmental Justice Element, or integrate related goals, policies, and objectives within other elements.

Pursuant to Government Code section 65302(h), an Environmental Justice Element is required to consist of an identification and analysis of disadvantaged communitie s within the sphere of influence of a jurisdiction. The Environmental Justice Element must also establish objectives, goals, and policies to reduce health risks and promote civic engagement in these communities.

2. The Environmental Justice Element, or related goals, policies, and objectives within other elements, must be included within the General Plan upon the concurrent update to two or more elements (Government Code section 65302(h)). Detailed requirements for the content of the Safety Element are included in Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, commencing with section 65302( h). The inclusion of Environmental Justice in the City of Escondido’s General Plan was initiated as part of the concurrent updates to the Housing and Community Protection (Safety) Elements and has been incorporated as its own chapter within the existing Community Health and Safety Element.

3. To comply with the intent of the California Legislature, the Environmental Justice Chapter must identify objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by means that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of pollution exposure, including the improvement of air quality, and the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity, as well as identify objectives and policies to promote civic engagement in the public decision -making process, and identify objectives and policies that prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities. Consistent with General Plan Review, required updates to the Environmental Justice Chapter pursuant to Government Code section 65302 provide substantial documentation that such amendment is appropriate for the general public welfare.

4. An effective Environmental Justice Chapter provides the foundation for protecting the community from environmental and health burdens faced by disadvantaged communities.

The addition of a comprehensive Environmental Justice Chapter brings the City into compliance with recent state legislation by establishing goals and policies that address pollution reduction, public facilities, food access, civic engagement, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity . It incorporates the latest data from CalEnviroScreen (i.e.,

4.0), as well as local data provided by the City and interested parties, to identify Environmental Justice Communities to ensure an ongoing commitment to advancing equity and improving public health outcomes.

5. The addition of an Environmental Justice Chapter would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. The Environmental Justice 357
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Chapter will benefit the community by strengthening Escondido’s ability to address t he needs of Environmental Justice Communities, reduce environmental health vulnerabilities, and provide access to essential services. The Environmental Justice Chapter includes two goals, nine policies, and eighty -four sub-policies around a range of topics to satisfy the key elements outlined in SB 1000, as well as supports integration with the City’s Climate Action Plan.

6. Once adopted, the amended Community Health and Services Element , to include an Environmental Justice Chapter, will have a binding effect on the City. Most other planning actions such as adoption of a specific plan or zoning ordinance, approval of a subdivision map, etc. must be consistent with the General Plan. Known as the “consistency doctrine,” it gives the General Plan, including the Community Health and Services Element , the controlling force of law.

7. General Plan Consistency : The revised Community Health and Services Element to include an Environmental Justice Chapter includes amendments to the General Plan itself and is internally cons istent with the rest of the City’s General Plan. The Environmental Justice Chapter does not alter the General Plan’s policy framework, rather, includes additional goals and policies to support the General Plan’s vision for Escondido’s Community and respond to key legislative changes in the State. The proposed goals and policies are structured to be consistent across other Elements and build on the foundational principles of the adopted 2012 General Plan, and do not modify existing land uses or policy direction.

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2025

FOURTH ADDENDUM TO THE FINAL CERTIFIED

ESCONDIDO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE,

DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN UPDATE, AND

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT (SCH #2010071064)

TO AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN AND ADOPT THE COMMUNITY
PROTECTION ELEMENT UPDATE; AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

AND SERVICE ELEMENT UPDATE

CITY OF ESCONDIDO
Reslution No. 2025-112
Exhibit "E"

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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... i Purpose and Background ........................................................................................................................... i

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................1

1.1 Project Description .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 California Environmental Quality Act .................................................................................................. 4

1.3 Final EIR for the 2012 General Plan Update, Downtown Speciﬁc Plan Update, and Climate Action Plan ........................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.4 Lead Agency and Discretionary Approvals .......................................................................................... 5

1.5 Documents Incorporated by Reference .............................................................................................. 5

1.6 Document Availability ......................................................................................................................... 5

2.0 CEQA REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................5

2.1 Use of an Addendum .......................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Summary of Analysis and Findings ...................................................................................................... 8

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................ 10

3.1 Aesthetics .......................................................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Agricultural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 14

3.3 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................... 18

3.4 Biological Resources .......................................................................................................................... 22

3.5 Cultural Resources............................................................................................................................. 27

3.6 Energy ............................................................................................................................................... 30

3.7 Geology and Soils .............................................................................................................................. 32

3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................................... 36

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ..................................................................................................... 39

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality .......................................................................................................... 44

3.11 Land Use .......................................................................................................................................... 48

3.12 Mineral Resources ........................................................................................................................... 51

3.13 Noise ............................................................................................................................................... 54

3.14 Population and Housing .................................................................................................................. 58

3.15 Public Services ................................................................................................................................. 61

3.16 Recreation ....................................................................................................................................... 64

3.17 Transportation and Traﬃc ............................................................................................................... 67

3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................. 71 Reslution No. 2025-112
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3 .19 Utilities and Service Systems ........................................................................................................... 74

3.20 Wildﬁre ............................................................................................................................................ 79

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Signiﬁcance ................................................................................................ 82

4.0 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 85

4.1 Rationale for the Addendum............................................................................................................. 85

4.2 Findings from the Addendum ........................................................................................................... 85 Reslution No. 2025-112
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose and Background
This Fourth Addendum to the Final Certiﬁed Escondido General Plan Update, Downtown Speciﬁc Plan Update, and Climate Action Plan Environmental Impact Report (“Addendum”) has been prepared by the City of Escondido (“City”) in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) (“CEQA”), the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations section 15000 et seq.) (“CEQA Guidelines”), and the City’s Environmental Review Guidelines (Article 47 of the Escondido Zoning Code) to amend the General Plan, consisting of the following (collectively referred to herein as the “Project”):

1. A General Plan text amendment to update the City of Escondido’s Community Protection Chapter (which serves as both the Safety and Noise Elements for purposes of compliance with Government Code section 65302). The Community Protection Chapter, which is part of the City’s General Plan, is a policy document designed to provide the City possible solutions and establish standards and policies for proactively addressing threats to life and property. The Chapter addresses such issues as ﬂood and ﬁre hazards, geologic and seismic activity, and hazardous materials. Sections regarding Emergency Preparedness, Police and Fire service , and Noise are also included ; however, changes to this Chapter serve only to amend those policies that qualify for purposes of fulﬁlling Government Code section 65302(g) on requirements for the Safety Element. The City is able to meet its fair share of safety requirements through the required updates without many changes to the General Plan. Therefore, the Community Protection Chapter update is consistent with the basic planning assumptions that were utilized to prepare the General Plan.

2. A General Plan text amendment to update the Community Health and Services Chapter .

As part of its eﬀort to address environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives, the Community Health and Services Chapter of the General Plan would be amended to include additional policies to expand outreach eﬀorts to disadvantaged communities and target populations, particularly on issues that relate to social equity and health. Increased environmental justice provides an equitable and diverse perspective to inform future city policy and thus relates to all elements of the General Plan. Therefore, i ncreased environmental justice in and of itself is consistent with all othe r elements of the General Plan.

The purpose of this Addendum is to provide updated information to the Final Certiﬁed Escondido General Plan Update, Downtown Speciﬁc Plan Update, and Climate Action Plan Environmental Impact Report (“Final EIR”). Section 1 5164(a) of the CEQA Guidelines states that “[t]he lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously certiﬁed EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.” Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines provides that a subsequent EIR is required when (1) substantial changes are proposed in the Reslution No. 2025-112
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project or circumstances that will require major revisions of the prior EIR due to new signiﬁcant environmental eﬀects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identiﬁed signiﬁcant eﬀects; or (2) new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the prior EIR was certiﬁed, shows that (a) the project will have one or more signiﬁcant eﬀects not discussed in the prior EIR, (b) signiﬁcant eﬀects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the prior EIR, (c) mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more signiﬁcant eﬀects of the project but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative, or (d) mitigation measures or alternatives that are considerably diﬀerent from those analyzed in the prior EIR would substantially reduce one or more signiﬁcant eﬀects on the environment but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.

As discussed in the following sections, the new information and minor technical modiﬁcations are not considered “signiﬁcant” pursuant to CEQA. Speciﬁcally, the Addendum to the Final EIR ﬁnds that the impacts resulting from implementation of the 2012 General Plan Update and the Climate Action Plan as described in the Final EIR, as well as the Downtown Speciﬁc Plan Update, remain the same, aside from the Project’s proposed modiﬁcation, and the mitigation measures would remain unchanged and are still valid and enforceable. No considerably diﬀerent mitigation measures or feasible alternatives have been identiﬁed or are required. The Addendum to the Final EIR ﬁnds that the previously identiﬁed impacts and mitigation measures, as described in the Final EIR, are still applicable to the updated General Plan. Therefore, the Final EIR, as certiﬁed, remains adequate and complete.

The Housing Element is one of the mandatory elements of the General Plan and was required by State law to be updated for the 2021 -2029 planning period (also called the 6 th Cycle planning period). State law requires the Public Safety Element, which is another mandatory element of the General Plan, to be updated --in compliance with Government Code section 65302(g) --upon revision of the Housing Element. The City of Escondido prepared an update to the Housing Element in 2021, approved in 2023, which triggered the need to update the City’s Safety Element.

The Safety Element, which is housed within the Community Protection Chapter in the 2012 Escondido General Plan, addresses potential and existing hazards in the City, which are outlined in the following categories: Emergency Preparedness, Geological Hazards/Seismic Activity, Flood Hazards, Hazardous Mat erial and Mining Hazards, Public Safety Services and Facilities, Fire Hazards and Protection, and Severe Weather Hazards. Among updates to the Goals and Policies, an additional category for Climate Adaptation and Resiliency has been added, along with new and revised maps.

In addition, the City is also required by Government Code section 65302(h) to include environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives in the General Plan when two or more elements of the General Plan are updated concurrently. E nvironmental justice is deﬁned by the State of California as the “fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, Reslution No. 2025-112
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cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies” (California Government Code section 65040.12(e)). Inclusion of these goals, policies, and objectives may be accomplished through adoption of an Environmental Justice Element, or integration of related goals, policies, and objectives into other elements. Since approving the Housing Element, certain environmental justice goals and policies have been integrated into the City’s Community Health and Services Element in response to state requirements. The Community Health and Services Chapter of the 2012 Escondido General Plan is an optional element of the General Plan and includes goals and policies that inﬂuence good land use planning in order to enhance community health and welfare.

The chapter’s purpose is to support access to heal thy foods, availability of parks, recreational opportunities, libraries and cultural services, as well as promot e educational advancement and civic engagement to improve economic, physical, and social conditions . However, the existing Community Health and Services Chapter does not fulﬁll all requirements outlined in section 65302(h). As such, this Chapter serves as a good place for the addition of environmental justice context, goals, policies, and exhibits for compliance with state law.

All such draft str ategies and policies within both the Community Protection and Community Health and Services Chapters build upon, augment, or reﬁne existing strategies and policies of the current General Plan, and they introduce no new policies that would conﬂict with existing General Plan elements having the most direct relation to allowable use and development, such as land use, circulation, or safety element policies. Therefore, the Project may be approved as an activity covered within the scope of the Final EIR.

All other environmental analysis sections are not contained herein because the original Final EIR for those environmental areas are still applicable and do not require updated information. CEQA does not require that the original Final EIR be circulated w ith the Addendum, but the original Final EIR is available for public review from the City of Escondido upon request. The Final EIR can be found at the following link:
https://escondido.gov/1208/2012-General-Plan-EIR
Therefore, please refer to the original Final EIR for other environmental topics not contained in this Addendum.

Reslution No. 2025-112
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This section provides information related to CEQA and the revised analysis to the Final EIR, as it relates to the Community Protection and Community Health and Services Chapter updates. This section discusses the original Final EIR (SCH #2010071064), which was certiﬁe d in 2012 and provides background information on the need to provide updated information to the original analysis in reference to the General Plan amendment.

1.1 Project Description
Legal Context
Pursuant to Government Code section 65302(g), a Sa fety Element is required to consist of an identiﬁcation and analysis of hazards that could cause injury, death, property damage, or environmental damage. These hazards include earthquakes, ﬂoods, ﬁres, landslides, and climate change. The Safety Element must establish goals and policies to reduce the risk of these hazards.

Speciﬁcally, a Safety Element is required to contain the following:
• Identiﬁcation of primary hazards/issues
• Floodplain mapping
• Wildﬁre mapping and goals and policies to address wildﬁre hazards • Climate change impact, adaptation, and mitigation strategies • Identiﬁcation of evacuation constraints associated with residential developments • Updates concurrent with the Housing Element or local hazard mitigation plan • Inclusion of the ﬂoodplain management ordinance
Pursuant to Government Code section 65302(h), an Environmental Justice Element is required to consist of an identiﬁcation and analysis of disadvantaged communities (deﬁned below) within the sphere of inﬂuence of a jurisdiction. The Environmental Justice Element must establish objectives, goals, and policies to reduce health risks and promote civic engagement in these communities.

Speciﬁcally, an Environmental Justice Element is required to contain the following:
• Objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by means that include, but are not limited to:
o the reduction of pollution exposure, including the improvement of air quality, o the promotion of:
i) public facilities,
ii) food access,
iii) safe and sanitary homes,
iv) and physical activity
• Objectives and policies to promote civic engagement in the public decision -making process and prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Reslution No. 2025-112
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Senate Bill (SB) 1035, 379, 99, and Assembly Bill (AB) 747 SB 1035 (2018) requires counties to align Safety Element updates with Housing Element updates and/or Local Hazard Mitigation Plan revisions (LHMP). It amends the timing of updates related to the original bill language in SB 379 (2015), which required the Safety Element of a community’s General Plan to address the hazards created or exacerbated by climate chang e, including a vulnerability assessment and a set of goals, policies, and measures , to adapt and improve resiliency to anticipated changes by January of 2022.

AB 747 (2019) requires jurisdictions to review and update the Safety Element of their G eneral Plan as necessary to identify evacuation routes and evaluate their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios after January of 2022. Incorporating the L H M P, Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or another document that fulﬁlls these objectives by reference is acceptable to comply with AB 747. SB 99 (2020) requires cities, upon the next revision of the Housing Element on or after January 1, 2020, to review and update the Safety Element to include information identifying residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.

As a result of the 2021 Housing Element update, the City was required to consider these Bills and undertake a comprehensive update to the Community Protection Chapter (Safety Element).

SB 1000
SB 1000 (2016) requires cities and counties to integrate environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives into the General Plan upon the co ncurrent update to two or more elements when certain conditions within the jurisdiction exist. The Housing Element update of 2021 required the Safety Element to be updated , which triggered the Environmental Justice Element update . The proposed General Plan text amendment to the Community Health and Services Chapter, which is an optional element to the General Plan, directly relates to topics mandated for the environmental justice policies of the General Plan but does not go so far as to remedy environmental justice concerns for communities particularly impacted by such issues .

Environmental justice goals are achieve d when everyone in the City has the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards; a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work; and equal access to the decision- making process. The environmental justice policies contained within the Community Health and Services Chapter are aimed at reducing health risks, promoting civic engagement, and prioritizing the needs of disadvantaged communities with implementable actions that achieve them—thus fulﬁlling the requirements of Government Code section 65302(h) and SB 1000.

SB 1000 deﬁnes a disadvantaged community (DAC) as “an area identiﬁed by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low-income area that is disproportionately aﬀected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health eﬀects, exposure, or environmental degradation.” Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code states,
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Escondido City CouncilOctober 1, 2025

Escondido City Council
October 1, 2025