MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL:
Jaculin "Jackie" Peterson
Mayor (District 2)
Linda Krupa
Mayor Pro Tem (District 5)
Connie Clark
Council Member (District 1)
Tom Lodge
Council Member (District 3)
Joe Males
Council Member (District 4)
Mark Prestwich
City Manager
Steven Graham
City Attorney
John P. Maier
City Clerk
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Jacob Beamesderfer
Chair
Claudia Barahona
Commissioner
Dana Hill
Commissioner
Gabriel Viramontes
Commissioner
John Wuerth
Commissioner
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY OF HEMET, CALIFORNIA
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Hemet Public Library, Second Floor
300 E. Latham Ave., Hemet, California 92543
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AT 5:30 P.M.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber: In-person participation is limited in the Council Chamber in order to maintain social distancing room capacity.
Live Stream: This meeting will be live-streamed on the City's website at hemetca.gov/agenda.
Public Comments: Members of the Public who wish to comment on matters before the Council, in lieu of attending in person, may submit comments on or before 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting by using the following link: Online Comment Form. Comments will be recorded in the official meeting record.
Teleconference: POTENTIAL USE OF AB 2449’S JUST CAUSE OR EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES PROVISIONS - In the event a City Councilmember joins the meeting virtually under AB 2449, then members of the public can utilize the number below to participate via teleconference. If all participating Councilmembers are physically present, then the call-in feature will be unavailable, but the meeting can still be viewed at the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84282621227
Webinar ID: 842 8262 1227
Passcode: 745765
Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Notice Regarding Americans with Disability Act
In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting or if you need agenda documents provided in an alternate format, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (951) 765-2395 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II)
Page
1. SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
2. CALL TO ORDER
3. ROLL CALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - RULES OF DECORUM, RESOLUTION NO. 4545
At this time, members of the public may only comment on an item appearing on the Closed Session agenda. Please adhere to the following when addressing the Council:
Comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less.
Comments should be directed to the Council as a whole and not directed to individual Council Members. Please follow the adopted rules of decorum: Resolution No. 4545.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS (CITY COUNCIL ACTION)
5.A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Paragraph (1) of Subdivision (2) of Section 54956.9 David Baxter v. City of Hemet; et al.; USDC Case No. 5:21-cv-01331
5.B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8
Property: Vacant Land Approximately 400 acres West of Simpson Park (APNs on File w/ City Clerk)
Agency Negotiator: Mark Prestwich, City Manager or Designee Under negotiation: Price and Terms
5.C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION
Significant Exposure Pursuant to Paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9
Number of Cases (1)
6. ADJOURNMENT OF CLOSED SESSION
7. SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 P.M.
8. CALL TO ORDER
9. ROLL CALL
10. INVOCATION
11. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
12. CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
12.A. City Attorney’s Report regarding Closed Session
Recommendation: Information Only
13. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Welcome to a meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Hemet Anyone who wishes to speak during public comment or on a particular item will be required to fill out a speaker slip and turn it into the City Clerk. Each request will cover one speaker. There is a 3-minute-per-person time limit for all general public comments on non-public hearing items. All who wish to speak, including Council members and staff, need to be recognized by the Mayor before speaking.
Members of the public shall comply with the adopted Rules of Decorum, Resolution No. 4545. A copy of which can be requested through the City Clerk’s Office.
You may also fill out a form and submit your comments online at www.hemetca.gov. Submittals must be received before 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
Please state your name and the item you are commenting on before speaking.
13.A. Public Comment for Items Listed on the Agenda
14. PRESENTATION
14.A. Presentation of Hemet Historic Theater Expansion Project Concepts; Appointment of City Council Downtown Theatre Ad Hoc Committee Staff Report #25-290 - Pdf
Recommendation:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Receive, discuss, and file a presentation of Hemet Historic Theater Expansion Project Concepts; Consider appointment of City Council Downtown Theatre Ad Hoc Committee.
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15. DISCUSSION - ACTION ITEM (CITY COUNCIL ACTION)
15.A. Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the Fire Code of the City of Hemet Staff Report #25-291 - Pdf
Recommendation:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Adopt an Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the Fire Code of the City of Hemet. 9 - 20
16. ADJOURNMENT
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, John Paul Maier, MMC, City Clerk for the City of Hemet, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall located at 445 E. Florida Ave., the Hemet Public Library located at 300 E. Latham Ave., Hemet, CA, and the City Website.
Date & Time: August 26, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Schedule: The City Council of the City of Hemet regularly meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Closed and Special Sessions will be duly noticed as needed.
Council Agendas: Agendas for Regular Meetings are available for public review on the City’s website at hemetca.gov and in the City Clerk’s Office, 445 E. Florida Ave., typically by 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the meeting, but no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Agendas for Closed and Special Sessions are made available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting when possible, but no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Livestream: Regular City Council Meetings are available for viewing during the meeting at hemetca.gov.
Use of Equipment: Please contact the City Clerk’s Office if requesting to use the chamber equipment as part of a scheduled presentation 24 hours prior to the meeting at (951) 765-2395.
Disclosure of
Campaign
Contributions (Levine
Act – Government
Code Section 84308):
Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, members of the Hemet City Council are disqualified and not able to participate in any agenda item involving contracts (other than competitively bid contracts, labor contracts, or personal employment contracts with City of Hemet employees), franchises, discretionary land use permits and other entitlements if the Councilmember received more than $500 in campaign contributions from the applicant or contractor, an agent of the applicant or contractor, or any financially interested participant who actively supports or opposes the City’s decision on the agenda item in the previous 12 months. Members of the Hemet City Council who have received, and applicants, contractors, or their agents who have made, campaign contributions totaling more than $500 to a Councilmember in the previous 12 months are required to disclose that fact for the official record of the subject agenda item and shall not make, participate in making, or in any way attempt to use their official position to influence the subject agenda item.
Disclosures must include the amount of the campaign contribution and identify the recipient Board member and may be made either in writing to the City Clerk prior to the subject hearing or by verbal disclosure at the time of the hearing.
City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Joint Special City Council Meeting - Aug 28, 2025 Department: City Attorney
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Steven Graham, City Attorney;
☐ Receive and File ☐ Consent Calendar ☒ Business Item ☐ Public Hearing
TITLE:
Presentation of Hemet Historic Theater Expansion Project Concepts; Appointment of City Council Downtown Theatre Ad Hoc Committee
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Receive, discuss, and file a presentation of Hemet Historic Theater Expansion Project Concepts; Consider appointment of City Council Downtown Theatre Ad Hoc Committee.
BACKGROUND:
The first theater was built in Hemet in 1913 by William Martin on Florida Avenue. In 1918, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on the San Jacinto fault caused significant damage to the original theater, along with most buildings in downtown Hemet. Mr. Martin decided to rebuild the theater on the north side of Florida in its current location, and in doing so, he utilized reinforced concrete. That construction has stood the test of time, and the newly rebuilt theater, completed in 1921, remains a fixture in downtown Hemet today.
The theater has been renovated twice: once in the 1940s and again in the 1960s when the pointed marquee was replaced with the current flat version. The theatre remained in operation under the watchful eye of Harold Martin (William’s son) through the 1970s. In 2000, the Martin family sold the property to David Bernal and Emerson Bixby.
Once the oldest continually run single-screen movie theater in the nation, the business closed in January 2010 when a fire destroyed the adjacent storefronts. Water damage from the firefight leaked into the auditorium, leaving a musty smell that lingered for a year. Fortunately, the treasured landmark suffered no structural damage because of the reinforced concrete construction that Martin had used for the building. This sturdy construction also has a major benefit for any restoration plans.
The movie house is one of only a few local buildings of that era that can be restored without major earthquake retrofitting.
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In 2013, the Historic Hemet Theatre Foundation negotiated a five-year lease/option to purchase the theatre. The Foundation returned the facility to full operation as a Community Arts Center and began raising funds for the purchase and restoration of this important downtown Hemet landmark. In March 2018, the Foundation secured the purchase of the building with financing provided by the previous owners. The “Century Club” campaign was established to raise funds for the theatre's renovation.
In May 2024, the City purchased two properties, each adjacent to the Hemet Theater, which could allow for a future partnership between the City and the Theater on a Theater Expansion Project.
ANALYSIS:
The Hemet Theatre has been a community magnet for over a century. Founded during the golden age of movies it was the primary year-round attraction for most of its life. As the film industry and delivery of this medium modernized, viewership migrated to streaming services as the preferred mode. Through this evolution, the Hemet Theatre transitioned to live entertainment which has included Broadway snippets, dance, competitions, magic, and tribute performances. Today, the Theatre's live entertainment attracts tourism dollars to downtown Hemet nearly every weekend throughout the year. These patrons, with their disposable income, have boosted the recently established food truck festival on event nights.
Limitations of the century old theatre prevent any capacity beyond the current capabilities. The current stage, built in front of the movie screen, does not meet the requirements of most live productions. These mainstream productions have many requirements, some of which are flyways, dressing rooms, and a loading dock. Current seating of nearly 400 seats is often sold out but are too few to support popular productions. Productions have a higher budget and require on average 1200 seats to keep prices reasonable. Landlocked in all directions, the Theatre has not been able to expand its footprint.
In 2024, the real estate to the east and west were both listed for sale at the same time. This opportunity has not happened in recent history. A strategic opportunity for the downtown was discussed between the City and the Theatre. In review of economic drivers in downtown Hemet, the City Council requested staff to bring forward the opportunity to purchase both properties. One impediment emerged as the parcel to the east was listed above market value. The Hemet City Council requested the Theatre offset this cost. In agreement, the Hemet Theatre board worked with local donors to provide the funding to offset this cost. Both properties were unanimously approved for purchase and the closing of both properties occurred.
Involvement from the community has accelerated with this exciting news. Advertising in the Theatre’s annual program and the Annual Tribute fundraiser broke records in 2024. Currently, a new roof with solar is in the final planning process at the City, a new LED marquee designed in the style of the original marquee is planned for installation this fall, and an upgraded sound and light system is designed and quoted for installation.
The Theatre retained Thirtieth Street Architects from Newport Beach to prepare three design concepts to expand and improve the theatre's programming capabilities that include use of the adjacent City-owned properties. These concepts were required to maintain the historical image of the theatre, expand the seating and production area, provide community space, and include different entertainment venues. Complementing the concepts were various office, restaurant, housing and/or hotel designs.
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DISCUSSION:
Currently, a feasibility study is in process that will include:
Market Analysis
•Target Audience: Local residents, tourists, event promoters •Competitive Landscape: Other nearby entertainment venues •Demand Projections: Attendance growth potential, new program offerings (e.g., film series, concerts, live theatre, rentals), community interest and support
Financial Feasibility
• Cost Estimates: Construction, design, permitting, fixtures, furniture, equipment (FF&E) Soft costs (consultants, insurance, contingencies).
• Funding Sources: Grants (e.g., NEA, state cultural agencies), public-private partnerships, capital campaigns or philanthropy, City investment or redevelopment support • Revenue Forecasts: Ticket sales, concessions, rentals, sponsorships/naming rights Operating Budget Projections: Staff, maintenance and utilities, programming, break-even Analysis & ROI
Economic and Community Impact
•Local job creation during construction and operation
•Downtown revitalization and tourism boost
•Enhancement of local arts and culture
•Multiplier effects on nearby businesses (restaurants, retail)
Site and Technical Feasibility
•Zoning and permitting review
•Structural assessment of the historic building
•Expansion options and constraints (e.g., lot size, adjacent parcels) •Parking availability
•Accessibility and code compliance
Risk Assessment
•Construction delays or cost overruns
•Fundraising shortfalls
•Competition or underutilization
•Economic downturn impacts
Stakeholder Engagement
•Input from local residents, city officials, arts groups •Letters of support or MOU from community partners
•Public meeting summaries or surveys
Project Timeline
•Milestones from design through construction
•Phasing strategy if needed to keep the theatre partially operational
Conclusion and Recommendations
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•Go/no-go recommendation
•Key conditions for success
•Suggested next steps (e.g., fundraising strategy, architectural plans, City approvals)
The Theatre's feasibility study is expected to be completed in 90 days.
To facilitate continued collaboration on the proposed theatre expansion project, the City Manager is recommending the appointment of a Downtown Theatre Ad Hoc Committee.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
The City Council authorized the City Manager to purchase adjacent properties to the Historic Hemet Theatre at their meeting of June 25, 2024 to facilitate the Theatre's expansion.
STRATEGIC PLAN INTEGRATION:
GOAL ONE: QUALITY OF LIFE:
To ensure that Hemet is safe, clean, attractive and comfortable for all who live, work, and visit.
Objective 1: Enhance the visual appearance of the community to make it attractive and reduce blight.
Objective 2: Explore and implement homelessness solutions for the City of Hemet.
Objective 3: Increase Public Safety visibility and response.
GOAL TWO: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
To ensure that Hemet is a hub, with access to quality jobs, shopping options, and a varied and sustained tax base.
Objective 1: Develop business practices that welcome new development by streamlining processes.
Objective 2: Provide resources for new businesses to enhance the customer service experience.
GOAL FOUR: PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION
To pursue partnerships that will increase the opportunities available to the community, including our businesses, unemployed, and youth populations.
Objective 1: Develop concepts and programs to increase opportunities for youth recreation.
Objective 2: Develop concepts and programs to enhance the quality of life services.
Objective 3: Develop programs to offer support to the community's businesses
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable
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City of Hemet
City Council Meeting
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: Joint Special City Council Meeting - Aug 28, 2025 Department: Fire Department
Submitted by: Mark Prestwich, City Manager
Ryan Webb, Deputy Fire Chief;
☐ Receive and File ☒ Consent Calendar ☐ Business Item ☐ Public Hearing
TITLE:
Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the Fire Code of the City of Hemet
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council:
Adopt an Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Hemet, California, Amending the Fire Code of the City of Hemet.
BACKGROUND:
Hemet typically updates its construction and fire-safety regulations on the State’s three-year code- adoption calendar, with the next full update scheduled for January 2026.
ANALYSIS:
This year, however, Assembly Bill 306, enacted on July 1, 2025, as part of the State budget, fundamentally changed the playing field. AB 306 imposes a six-year moratorium, beginning October 1, 2025, on any new or amended residential building standards unless they:
1. Are enacted and filed with the Building Standards Commission by September 30, 2025,
2. Relate specifically to wildfire home-hardening, or
3. They are adopted as an emergency measure to protect public health and safety.
If Hemet waits for the regular 2026 cycle, the City’s proposed residential fire-code enhancements would be frozen out until 2031. To avoid that outcome, and to preserve local control over fire-safety standards, the attached ordinance is presented as an off-cycle urgency measure for immediate adoption.
DISCUSSION:
15.A.
In particular, the ordinance updates the requirements for the establishment of design standards to clarify fire-related access and site design requirements, granting the Fire Chief authority to inspect all businesses and premises other than single-family residential dwellings, and to collect fees for these inspections in accordance with the fee schedule.
Adopting the ordinance as an urgency measure serves two purposes. First, it allows for the continuation of the City’s residential amendments approved before AB 306’s September 30 filing deadline, ensuring they remain legally enforceable through the 2026 triennial cycle and beyond.
Second, the urgency findings establish that the amendments are, by their nature, wildfire-mitigation standards—placing them squarely within AB 306’s express exception for home-hardening and emergency measures.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
City Council adopted the 2022 Fire Code on September 27, 2022.
STRATEGIC PLAN INTEGRATION:
GOAL ONE: QUALITY OF LIFE:
To ensure that Hemet is safe, clean, attractive and comfortable for all who live, work, and visit.
Objective 1: Enhance the visual appearance of the community to make it attractive and reduce blight.
Objective 3: Increase Public Safety visibility and response.
GOAL TWO: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
To ensure that Hemet is a hub, with access to quality jobs, shopping options, and a varied and sustained tax base.
Objective 2: Provide resources for new businesses to enhance the customer service experience.
GOAL THREE: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
To connect and participate in a constant dialogue between members of the community, City staff, and elected officials to promote togetherness and positivity.
Objective 2: Increase transparency for the public.
GOAL FIVE: ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
To identify the work needed inside the City organization to effectively provide services to the community and ensure financial stability.
Objective 5: Streamline fire prevention coordination efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1 - Hemet Fire Code Update Ordinance
15.A.
CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 1
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CITY OF HEMET
HEMET, CALIFORNIA
ORDINANCE NO. xxxx
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEMET, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE
FIRE CODE OF THE CITY OF HEMET
WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution authorizes the City of Hemet ("City") to enact ordinances to protect the public peace, health, and safety; and
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Law (Health & Safety Code §§ 18901 et seq.) and the State Housing Law (Health & Safety Code §§ 17910 et seq.) authorize cities to adopt building and fire‐safety regulations more restrictive than those contained in the California Building Standards Code when reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, provided the City Council makes express findings thereof; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 306 ("AB 306") generally prohibits cities, from October 1, 2025, through June 1, 2031, from adopting new or amended residential building standards unless such standards are, among other things, substantially equivalent to pre‐existing local amendments, necessary emergency standards to protect health and safety, and related to home hardening; and WHEREAS, by this Ordinance, the City of Hemet adopts local amendments that fall within one or more exceptions under AB 306; and
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 2
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WHEREAS, the City of Hemet is situated within a very‐high fire‐hazard severity zone characterized by steep slopes, canyons, Santa Ana wind events, prolonged drought, and combustible native vegetation, all of which create unique and significant risks of catastrophic wildfire threatening life, property, and critical infrastructure; and WHEREAS, recent wildfires in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and nearby jurisdictions demonstrate the clear and present danger posed to Hemet residents, requiring enhanced fire‐safe construction standards beyond those contained in the existing Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, in light of these local conditions, the City Council finds and determines that the adoption of certain amendments to the Fire Code of the City of Hemet is reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Hemet residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council may adopt an urgency ordinance by a four‐fifths (4/5) vote where necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety; and
WHEREAS, because of the imminent threat of wildfire, the need to ensure new residential construction incorporates safe materials and design features, and because AB 306 will otherwise bar new residential amendments as of October 1, 2025, the City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance as an urgency measure is necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA as it contains no provision that may cause a reasonably foreseeable direct or indirect physical change in the environment and thus is not a "project."
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 3
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEMET DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Title.
This Ordinance shall be known as the "2025 Hemet Fire Code Update." SECTION 2. Municipal Code Amendment.
A. Hemet Municipal Code Section 14-76 is hereby amended to add subsection 104.1.1, which reads as follows:
Section 104.1.1 of Chapter 1 of the California Fire Code has been added to read as follows:
104.1.1 Design Standards. For the purpose of clarifying fire-related access and site design requirements, the fire code official is hereby authorized to establish design standards. These standards shall be made available to members of the public and shall be updated as required to remain in compliance with current adopted codes.
B. Hemet Municipal Code Section 14-76 is hereby amended to add subsection 108.2, which reads as follows:
Section 108.2.3 of Chapter 1 of the California Fire Code has been added to read as follows:
108.2.3 Applications for Permits; Fees. The fire code official may establish a schedule of fees, as approved from time to time by resolution of the City Council in accordance with Government Code section 66016, to be charged and collected for plan checking, required inspection services, and for the issuance of permits pursuant to CFC Section 105. A copy of the fee schedule shall be kept in the office of the City Clerk and shall be available for public inspection.
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 4
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C. Hemet Municipal Code Section 14-76 is hereby amended to add subsection 108.2.4, which reads as follows:
Section 108.2.4 of Chapter 1 of the California Fire Code has been added to read as follows:
108.2.4 Required Inspection - Other Than Dwellings. The fire code official is hereby authorized to inspect all buildings and premises other than single-family residential dwellings at least annually to identify and order the correction of hazardous conditions that may exist in violation of this Code. For purposes of these inspections, the Fire Chief is authorized to enter such buildings and premises at any reasonable hour, and in accordance with the provisions of CFC Section 104.3.
SECTION 3. Findings of Fact—Local Conditions
The City Council hereby finds that each amendment in this Ordinance is reasonably necessary due to the following local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions:
1. Climatic Conditions:
The City of Hemet is located in southern California and in northern Riverside County. This part of the County is subject to high temperatures, high velocity wind conditions which may reach or exceed 70 m.p.h., and extended periods with little to no precipitation. These dry climatic conditions and high winds cause drying of vegetation and building materials and contribute to rapid spread of fires leading to a need for increased levels of protection.
After many years of drought there are times when significant rainfall can affect the City. The runoff from this rainfall can cause flooding and mudslides putting lives and
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 5
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property at risk and cause emergency response delays. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagrations) which necessitates rapid identification, locating, and extinguishment of all fires in the smallest stage possible. In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles, will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene.
Water demand in densely populated Southern California far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation, and although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million residents over the next quarter of a century, with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features.
2. Topographical Conditions:
Traffic and circulation congestion, along with limited access routes to certain areas, contribute to increased response times to emergencies. These conditions increase response times and makes it necessary to require additional life safety requirements to protect lives and property.
3. Geological Conditions:
The City of Hemet is located in an area of substantial seismic activity. Several faults, including the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Elsinore Fault, are located near the
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 6
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City. These faults can be expected to have a major impact on the City of Hemet and pose a threat to lives and property. Buildings vary in susceptibility, dependent upon construction and the types of soils on which they are built. Earthquakes destroy power and telephone lines, gas, sewer, or water mains, which in turn may set off fires and/or hinder firefighting or rescue efforts. Ground shaking may occur in areas 65 miles or more from the epicenter (the point of ground surface about the focus). Ground shaking can change the mechanical properties of some fine-grained, saturated soils, whereupon they liquefy and act as a fluid (liquefaction). Damage to building construction, bridges, gas lines, water, and sewer lines would have a catastrophic impact on the community, and City resources would be taxed beyond capabilities.
Previous earthquakes in southern California have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings.
Road circulation features located throughout the County of Riverside and City of Hemet also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County and the City of Hemet are major roadways, highways, and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street, and storm drain design, accompanied with occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and landslides, and at times may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Riverside County that naturally have extended emergency times that exceed our
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response time goal.
The foregoing conditions, individually and collectively, create a unique hazard to life and property and justify the local amendments adopted herein.
ALL CHANGES IN SECTION 2 ABOVE ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY MARKED AND IDENTIFIED AS BEING SUBJECT TO FINDINGS 1, 2, AND 3 ABOVE.
SECTION 4. Urgency Declaration.
The City Council declares that the adoption of this Ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety. This declaration is based on the findings set forth in the recitals above, which are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 5. CEQA Findings.
The City Council finds that this Ordinance is (i) categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines §§ 15307 and 15308 and (ii) not a "project" under Guidelines § 15378 because there is no possibility that the activity in question may cause a reasonably foreseeable direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
SECTION 6. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. Codification.
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 8
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The City Clerk is authorized and directed to cause the provisions of this Ordinance to be codified into the Hemet Municipal Code. The City Manager is authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the intent of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. Effective Date.
This Urgency Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by at least a four‐fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council.
SECTION 9. Certification & Publication.
The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted in the manner required by law.
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CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 9
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INTRODUCED at the joint special meeting of Hemet City Council on August 28, 2025.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 28th day of August, 2025.
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Jackie Peterson, Mayor
ATTEST:
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John Paul Maier, City Clerk
15.A.
CITY OF HEMET ORDINANCE NO. XXXX 10
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State of California )
County of Riverside )
City of Hemet )
I, John Paul Maier, City Clerk of the City of Hemet, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance is the actual Ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Hemet and was passed at a joint special meeting of the City Council on the 28th day of August, 2025.
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
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John Paul Maier, City Clerk
15.A.