Hesperia City Council
July 15, 2025

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

CITY OF HESPERIA

5. Environmental Analysis

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be a value to
the region and the residents of the state?
X
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan?
X

a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the state?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that Hesperia has no identified valuable mineral resources, although further exploration of the Mojave River and Horsethief Canyon may reveal significant deposits.

Therefore, no impacts to known mineral resources were identified in the 2010 Certified EIR.

The Department of Conservation designates the City of Hesperia and SOI as MRZ -3 which may contain significant aggregate deposits and Mojave River is within MRZ-2b which contain discovered mineral deposits that are significant inferred resources as determined by their lateral extension from proven deposits (DOC 1993). Areas designated as MRZ -2b are designated/ zoned Summit Valley Specific Plan , Silverwood Specific Plan, Park/Recreation, and Agricultural under the Proposed Project. Because no changes to these zoning designations are being proposed as part of the Proposed Project, impacts of the Proposed Project would be remain as in the existing General Plan.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and residents of the state.
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the City of Hesperia did not identify any mineral resources that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State . Therefore, no impacts were identified in the 2010 Certified EIR.

As indicated in Impact 5.12.2 a), the Planning Area is designated MRZ -3 and MRZ-2b, and because there are no land use or zoning changes proposed under the Proposed Project, impacts would be the same as the existing General Plan.

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The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated in a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan.

5.12.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant mineral resources impacts , and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

5.13 NOISE

5.13.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR determined that with the implementation of the General Plan policies and implementation of Mitigation Measure N-1, as well as compliance with the City of Hesperia’s Municipal Code Section 16.20.125, impacts of short -term and long -term noise exceeding noise standards would be less than significant. Additionally, vibration impacts of the existing General Plan were determined to be less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation N -2 and compliance with the City of Hesperia’s Municipal Code Section 16.20.130. Moreover, the 2010 Certified EIR indicated that while the General Plan policies, future conditions of approval, and Mitigation Measure N-1 could reduce noise levels exceed 65 dBA CNEL, existing receptors that are in areas in excess of 3 dBA were determined to be significantly impacted, and impacts were determined to be significant and unavoidable. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that railroad noise would be less than significant with the implementation of the General Plan policies, and noise from stationary sources, as well as temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels would be less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure N-1 and the General Plan policies; Section 16.20.125(E)(3) of the City’s Municipal Code would also reduce impacts as a result of temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the existing General Plan would be consistent with the Hesperia Airport Land Use Plan by implementing three airport overlays within the City; impacts were determined to be less than significant.

5.13.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project result in:

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

CITY OF HESPERIA

5. Environmental Analysis

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels
in the vicinity of the project in excess of
standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
X
b) Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels? X
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
X

a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR found construction and operational noise impacts to be less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure N -1. Traffic noise increases were found to be significant and unavoidable at existing noise-sensitive uses.

Construction Noise
The Proposed Project would not result in a substantial increase in construction noise, compared to the existing General Plan , since the Proposed Project would involve similar types of construction equipment and construction techniques as the existing General Plan. Therefore, the magnitude of noise levels generated would be similar, and as with the existing General Plan, the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts with the implementation of Mitigation Measure N-1. The Proposed Project compared to the existing General Plan would not result in any new construction impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified construction noise impacts. Therefore, the preparation of a supplemental or subsequent EIR is not required by CEQA.

Operational Noise
The Proposed Project would result in an increase in 18,297 residents, however, there would be a decrease in 25 jobs and 879,349 square feet of non -residential uses, compared to the existing General Plan. The Proposed Project’s daily trips would range from a reduction of 200 trips to an increase of up to 2,400 trips on the studied

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

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5. Environmental Analysis
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roadway segments (Fehr and Peers 2024). The Proposed Project would generate an increase in total daily trips compared to the existing General Plan daily trips, specifically along Bear Valley Road, Mesquite Street, Maple Avenue, and Ranchero Road, and a decrease along Escondido Avenue. Traffic volume data for the new trips associated with the Proposed Project are provided by Fehr and Peers (Appendix C).

A project will normally have a significant effect on the environment related to traffic noise if it substantially increases the ambient noise levels for adjoining areas. Most people can detect changes in sound levels of approximately 3 dBA under normal, quiet conditions, and changes of 1 to 3 dBA under quiet, controlled conditions. Changes of less than 1 dBA are usually indiscernible. A change of 5 dBA is readily discernible to most people in an outdoor environment. Noise levels above 65 dBA CNEL are normally unacceptable at sensitive receptor locations such as residences, schools, and noise environments in these areas would be considered degraded. Based on this, a significant impact would occur if the following traffic noise increases occur relative to the existing noise environment or cause an exceedance of 65 dBA CNEL at noise sensitive uses.

Traffic noise increases are calculated using a version of the FHWA RD-77-108 Traffic Noise Prediction Model.

The traffic noise prediction model takes into account the following inputs: average daily traffic (ADT) volumes; vehicle mix; speeds; number of lan es; and day, evening, and night traffic splits. Model inputs associated with transportation noise were provided by Fe hr and Peers (2024) (see Appendix B). Traffic noise modeling does not account for existing masonry walls at adjacent residential property lines. Table 6 Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet, shows that the addition of Proposed Project trips would result in changes ranging from a reduction of 2 dBA to an increase of up to 3 dBA. Proposed changes to land uses, truck routes, and traffic patterns would cause decreases in daily trips as well as medium and heavy truck percentages because of the Proposed Project. However, the actual level of impact would depend on the presence and location of any existing or proposed land uses or barriers in relation to the traffic noise source.

Table 6 Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet Roadway
Segment Traffic Noise Increase in dBA CNEL
From To Existing
Cumulative
2050 With
Project Increase Residence
Bear Valley Road 2nd Avenue Hesperia Road 75 76 1 No
Bear Valley Road Mojave Fish Hatchery Road to the East 75 75 1 Yes Escondido Avenue Main Street to the South 72 73 1 Yes
Eucalyptus Street Mariposa Road Maple Avenue 58 59 2 Yes Mesquite Street Fuente Avenue Bandicoot Trail 59 60 1 Yes Maple Avenue Willow Street Main Street 65 66 1 Yes
Ranchero Road Lyons Avenue Oxford Avenue 66 70 3 Yes
Lemon Street Santa Fe Avenue E Avenue 61 62 <1 No
Lemon Street Choiceana Avenue to the East 40 41 2 Yes
Cottonwood Avenue Sequoia Street Bear Valley Road 68 69 2 Yes Cottonwood Avenue Willow Street Main Street 66 68 2 Yes

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

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5. Environmental Analysis

Table 6 Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet Roadway
Segment Traffic Noise Increase in dBA CNEL
From To Existing
Cumulative
2050 With
Project Increase Residence
Muscatel Street Malibu Avenue Escondido Avenue 64 61 -2 Yes Source: Fehr and Peers 2024
See Appendix B for modeling inputs and results.

As shown in Table 6, there are existing residences and sensitive receptors located along Ranchero Road that would be exposed to a 3 dBA increase and sensitive receptors are located where the sound level exceeds 65 dBA CNEL. Consistent with the analysis of the existing General Plan , the Proposed Project would result in potentially significant traffic noise impacts unless mitigated by implementing Mitigation Measure N-1. \. \ Stationary noise sources associated with the development of project sites in the Planning Area would include mechanical equipment such as HVAC , and recreational activities at outdoor common areas. Operational stationary noise from the Proposed Project would be similar to the impacts described in the 2010 Certified EIR as the Proposed Project would not change land use or zoning designations compared to the existing General Plan. The Proposed Project would include Mitigation Measure N -1, comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance, existing Noise Element policies, such as Policy 1.1, Policy 1.5, and Policy 1.9. Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on stationary noise impacts.
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?

No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the existing General Plan ’s construction and railroad vibration impacts would be less than significant after implementation of Mitigation Measure N-2. Construction vibration from future projects through the implementation of the Proposed Project would be similar to the impacts described in the 2010 Certified EIR since the Proposed Project would involve similar types of construction equipment and construction techniques as the existing General Plan . Therefore, the magnitude of vibration levels generated would be similar. As with the existing General Plan, the Proposed Project would result in potentially significant construction vibration impacts unless mitigated with the implementation of Mitigation Measure N-2. The Proposed Project would not result in any new construction vibration impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified construction vibration impacts already disclosed in the 2010 Certified EIR. The Burlington North Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroads operating on existing tracks may increase in the future, however, the location of operations would be the same as analyzed under the existing General Plan. There are no undeveloped residential zoned land uses along the existing rail lines and consequently, there would be no vibration impacts at residential and other sensitive receptors.

Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has

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no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on generating excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan determined that there were 18 residences located within the 60 dBA CNEL Hesperia Airport noise contour as an existing condition, and were not considered to be impacted by the existing General Plan . The 60 dBA CNEL airport noise contour extends approximately 350 feet east and west of the center of the runway and approximately 1,000 feet north and south from the ends of the runway. There are no proposed future noise sensitive uses planned within the 60 dBA CNEL airport noise contour. The Proposed Project would not expose people residing or working in the area to excessive noise levels. Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts.

Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on airport noise impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified airport noise impacts.

5.13.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The following mitigation measures were taken directly from the 2010 Certified EIR. Any modifications to the mitigation measures from the 2010 Certified EIR are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.

N-1 T o ensure that potential noise generated from individual, discretionary, site- specific development proposals within the Planning Area will not result in short -term or long -term noise levels in excess of City standards, the Community Development Director sh all review such proposals at the time of application submittal to determine if a project level noise study shall be required in order to evaluate project level impacts. If it is determined that noise generated from such proposal would cause short- term or long-term noise levels in excess of City standards, the project proponent shall provide mitigation, if necessary to reduce the short-term or long-term noise impacts to within the City noise level standards, as determined by the Community Development Director. Such mitigation shall be provided in proportion to an individual project’s impacts on noise and to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director.

N-2 To ensure that groundborne vibration generated from individual, discretionary, site- specific development proposals within the Planning Area will not result in excess of City standards, the Community Development Director shall review such proposals at the time of application submittal. If necessary, a project level groundborne vibration study may be required, as determined by the Community Development Director, in order to evaluate project level impacts. If it is determined that groundborne vibration generated from such proposal would

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

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5. Environmental Analysis

cause groundborne vibration levels in excess of City standards, the project proponent shall provide attenuation measures, if necessary to reduce groundborne vibration impacts to within the City standards, as determined by the Community Development Director. Such attenuation measures shall be provided in proportion to an individual project’s impacts on groundborne vibration and to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director.

5.14 POPULATION AND HOUSING

5.14.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR concluded that the existing General Plan would result in direct and indirect growth in the City and SOI , and would not necessitate the construction of replacement housing due to the substantial displacement of people or housing. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that growth under the existing General Plan would be a minimal increase from the 1991 General Plan. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that implementation of the General Plan goals and policies would minimize impacts from growth and displacement.

5.14.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
X

a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
No Impact. The existing General Plan proposed new residential, commercial, and industrial development, primarily along the I-15 corridor. The 2010 Certified EIR noted that despite the additional growth from the existing General Plan, the growth would be less than a one percent increase in population, employment, and

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residential units than the previous General Plan. The existing General Plan would result in a less than significant impact related to population growth.

As outlined in Section 3, Project Description, the existing General Plan assessed the impacts of fully building out the land use plan without specifying a specific horizon year. This assessment indicated a significant increase in growth compared to the conditions in 2010. In contrast, the Proposed Project aims to manage this growth through the year 2050 by updating the General Plan to comply with new State laws related to community health, environmental justice, climate adaptation, and resiliency. These updates would also adjust long -term growth projections to reflect current economic conditions and state requirements. Therefore, while the Proposed Project is expected to add 7,140 housing units and 18,297 residents, compared to the existing General Plan , these buildout increases are generally consistent with the buildout analysis in the 2010 Certified EIR.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan , Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on inducing substantial unplanned population growth in an area. b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would not displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.

The Proposed Project would result in changes to the allowable uses and density of the land use designations ; however, none of these land use revisions would result in physical map changes (i.e., land would not be redesignated from residential to nonresidential).

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on displacing substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.

5.14.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant population and housing impacts, and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

CITY OF HESPERIA FOCUSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADDENDUM

CITY OF HESPERIA

5. Environmental Analysis

5.15 PUBLIC SERVICES

5.15.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that while growth under the existing General Plan would be minimal, compared to the 1991 General Plan, additional development could increase the demand for fire and police services, as well as other public facilities. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that the City and County invest in infrastructure and equipment, and that development impact fees, and the General Plan goals and policies would reduce impacts on fire and police protection services, and other public facilities . The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that impacts on schools would be reduced through the payment of fees pursuant to Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) and implementation of the General Plan policies. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that the City would have more than the adequate amount of parkland and open space for residents under the existing General Plan, and implementation of the General Plan policies would minimize impacts.

5.15.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Result in substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times, or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services:

i) Fire protection? X
ii) Police protection? X
iii) Schools? X
iv) Parks? X
v) Other public facilities? X

a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain

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acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
i) Fire protection?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would result in an increased number of people in the City, thereby increasing the demand for fire services and facilities. To ensure the provision of adequate fire protection services, the City established a development impact fee to provide funding for services. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that adherence to the City’s General Plan policies would also be able to minimize impacts from the existing General Plan. The existing General Plan’s impacts on fire services were identified as less than significant.

The Proposed General Plan Policy SF-3.1 states that in cooperation with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the City shall ensure that fire services such as firefighting equipment and personnel, infrastructure, and response times are adequate for all portions of the City. In addition, new development in the City would be reviewed by the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to comply with requirements in effect at the time building permits are issued. Also, payment of the City’s development impact fees by future developments would ensure adequate fire protection facilities and equipment.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the need for new or physically alter fire protection facilities. ii) Police protection?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the buildout of the existing General Plan would increase demand for police protection services, which in turn would require the hiring of new staff and building of new facilities. Future projects would be reviewed by the City of Hesperia on an individual basis and required to comply with regulations in effect at the time building permits are issued (e.g., payment of development impact fees). The existing General Plan’s impacts on police services were identified to be less than significant.

Payment of the City’s development impact fees by future developments would ensure adequate police protection facilities and equipment.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the need for new or physically alter police facilities.

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iii) Schools?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that development under the existing General Plan would require payment of impact fees to the Hesperia Unified School District and Snowline Joint Unified School District for the construction of new schools. The 2010 Certified EIR also indicated that implementation of the General Plan policies would reduce impacts. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that impacts would be less than significant.

As with the existing General Plan, payment of development impact fees pursuant to Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) would ensure that the Proposed Project’s impacts on school facilities are less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the need for new or physically altered schools. iv) Parks?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the existing General Plan would increase the demand for parks and recreational facilities. The Hesperia Recreation and Park District (HRPD) provided 24.14 acres of park and open space per 1,000 residents, exceeding both the HRPD's requirement of 3 acres and the City's standard of 5 acres per 1,000. The 2010 Certified EIR also determined that the General Plan policies would reduce impacts. Therefore, the 2010 Certified EIR determined that impacts would be less than significant.

As described in Section 3, Project Description, the Proposed Project’s population buildout is greater than the 2050 population buildout of the existing General Plan; however, the General Plan’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) assessed a buildout scenario without a specific year and projected a higher population (243,465) than what is currently being analyzed for the Proposed Project (162,835). The Proposed Project would require an additional 91.5 acres3 based on the City’s standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents. However, the 2010 Certified EIR determined that the buildout under the existing General Plan of 243,465 residents and existing parkland would be adequate for meeting the parkland needs of the future residents; therefore since the Proposed Project would result in fewer people than the buildout of the 2010 Certified EIR , impacts can be assumed to be less than significant. Additionally, development under the Proposed Project would also comply with Chapter 17.52, Dedication of Land and/or Payment of Fees for Park and Recreation Purposes, to ensure compliance with park dedication and in-lieu fee regulations.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or

3 18,297 persons (growth) x 5 acres = 91,485 persons/acres 91,485 persons/acres ÷ 1,000 persons = 91.5 acres

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substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the need for new or physically altering existing park and recreational facilities. v) Other public facilities?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the buildout of the existing General Plan would increase demand for public or civic facilities in the City. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that review of future development, payment of impact fees, and implementation of the General Plan policies would reduce impacts to less than significant.

New residential development associated with the Proposed Project would result in an increased demand for public and civic facilities. However, new developments in the City would be reviewed to comply with requirements in effect at the time building permits are issued (e.g., payment of development impact fees).

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the need for new or physically alter existing library facilities.

5.15.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant public services impacts, and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

5.16 RECREATION

5.16.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR concluded that the existing General Plan would generate an additional demand for parks and recreational facilities. However, the 2010 Certified EIR indicated that even with the increased population, the City would exceed the minimum open space and parkland standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents and would provide 24.14 acres per 1,000 residents. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that the implementation of the General Plan policies and payment of development impact fees would further reduce impacts.

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5.16.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
X
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
X

a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that population growth associated with the existing General Plan buildout would increase the use of neighborhood and regional parks. However, implementation of the existing General Plan’s policies and the collection of development impact fees would ensure the development of the needed recreational uses and that the potential impacts of increased use of parks would be less than significant Therefore, recreational impacts were determined to be less than significant for the existing General Plan.

As described in Section 3, Project Description , the population buildout under the Proposed Project is more than the 2050 population buildout of the existing General Plan. However, the 2010 Certified EIR assessed a buildout scenario without a specific year and a projected higher population (243,465) than what is currently being analyzed for the Proposed Project (162,835). The Proposed Project would require an additional 91.5 acres 4 based on the City’s standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents. In addition, the 2010 Certified EIR determined that the buildout under the existing General Plan of 243,465 residents and existing parkland would be more than adequate to accommodate the park needs of future residents . Therefore, since the Proposed Project would result in fewer people than what the 2010 Certified EIR analyzed, impacts can be assumed to be less than significant. The Proposed Project would implement the existing policies outlined in the Open Space Element of the existing General Plan, ensuring that the policies from the 2010 Certified EIR remain applicable. Open

418,297 persons (growth) x 5 acres = 91,485 persons/acres 91,485 persons/acres ÷ 1,000 persons = 91.5 acres

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Space Element policies include Policy OS-5.2, which mandates the provision of parks and recreation facilities at a rate of five acres per 1,000 residents; Policy OS-5.3, which requires annual assessments of park needs in coordination with the Hesperia Recreation and Park District; and Policy OS-5.5, which emphasizes the development of adaptable recreation facilities that can accommodate changing demands and population.

Additionally, development under the Proposed Project would also comply with Chapter 17.52 , Dedication of Land and/or Payment of Fees for Park and Recreation Purposes, to ensure compliance with park dedication and in-lieu fee regulations.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on increasing the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would require new park and recreational facilities as a result of buildout. However, implementation of the existing General Plan ’s policies and the collection of development impact fees would ensure that potential impacts concerning construction or expansion of parks would be less than significant.

The Proposed Project would result in more residents than the existing General Plan’s 2050 population, which could result in the construction or expansion of recreation facilities. However, the 2010 Certified EIR assessed a buildout scenario without a specific year and a projected higher population (243,465) than what is currently being analyzed for the Proposed Project (162,835). The Proposed Project would require an additional 91.5 acres based on the City’s standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents. In addition, the 2010 Certified EIR determined that the buildout under the existing General Plan of 243,465 residents and existing parkland would be more than adequate to serve the park needs of future residents . Therefore, since the Proposed Project would result in fewer people than the General Plan EIR analyzed, impacts can be assumed to be less than significant. However, similar to the existing General Plan, development under the Proposed Project would need to comply with the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 17.52, Dedication of Land and/or Payment of Fees for Parks and Recreation Purposes, in regard to providing recreational sources . In addition, the Proposed Project would implement the existing policies outlined in the Open Space Element of the existing General Plan . The Open Space Element policies include Policy OS-5.2, which mandates the provision of parks and recreation facilities at a rate of five acres per 1,000 residents, Policy OS-5.3, which requires annual assessments of park needs in coordination with the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, and Policy OS-5.5, which emphasizes the development of adaptable recreation facilities that can accommodate changing demands and population.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially

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greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on requiring the construction or expansion of recreational facilities.

5.16.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant recreation impacts , and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

5.17 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC

5.17.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR Effective July 1, 2020, California Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) mandated specific types of CEQA analysis of a project’s transportation impacts. Before implementation of SB 743, CEQA transportation analyses of individual projects typically determined impacts on the circulation system in terms of roadway delay (i.e., congestion) and/or capacity usage at specific locations, such as street intersections or freeway segments. SB 743 required changes to the guidelines for CEQA transportation analysis. The changes incl ude the elimination of auto delay, LOS, and other similar measures of vehicular capacity or traffic congestion as a basis for determining transportation impacts. The purpose of SB 743 is to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses. Under SB 743, a project’s effect on automobile delay shall not constitute a significant environmental impact under CEQA. Therefore, level of service (LOS) and similar vehicle delay or capacity metrics may no longer serve as transportation impact metrics for CEQA analysis. The California Office of Planning and Research updated the CEQA Guidelines and provided a final technical advisory (December 2018), which recommends VMT as the most appr opriate measure of transportation impacts under CEQA. The California Natural Resources Agency certified and adopted the CEQA Guidelines, including the Guidelines section implementing SB 743. The changes were approved by the Office of the Administrative Law and are in effect.

The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that impacts to the roadway plan, goods movement, transit, non- motorized/alternative transportation, and regional transportation would be minimized with the implementation of the General Plan goals and policies. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that impacts on roadways as a result of an increase in LOS would be significant and unavoidable even with the implementation of Mitigation Measure TIA-1, which requires a traffic study for individual projects as deemed necessary by the Development Services Director.

The 2010 Certified EIR concluded that the existing General Plan would not substantially increase hazards and that all roadways would be designed consistent with Caltrans’ Highway Design Manual and would be reviewed by the City of Hesperia’s Public Works Department to ensure safe design features and adequate emergency access.

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5.17.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle, and
pedestrian facilities?
X
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)? X
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves
or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
X
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? X

a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs addressing the circulation system and that the General Plan policies support the use of alternative transportation; impacts were less than significant.

Since the 2010 Certified EIR, SCAG adopted the 2024 Connect SoCal. Connect SoCal serves as Southern California's regional transportation blueprint for reducing passenger vehicle emissions. Its core vision focuses on optimizing the transportation network for people and goods ; enhancing mobility options by clustering housing, jobs, and transit; and increasing investments in transit and complete streets. The City has a network of bicycle routes and bus stops and the existing General Plan included recommendations to develop areas with bicycle facilities and access to bus stops. The Proposed Project would support the use of active transportation and the goals of the 2024 Connect SoCal by implementing the following proposed policies:
 Policy LU-2.6: Require new development in areas planned for mixed use to incorporate high -quality and innovative design with walkable environments, human- scale, gathering spaces, and vibrant businesses that competitively attract consumers and consumer spending in the evolving retail sales and services market.
 Policy LU-6.1: Prioritize growth that furthers a regional balance of jobs and housing to reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase job opportunities and household income, and improve quality of life.

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 Policy H C-2.1: Create an integrated system of bike, trail, and pedestrian routes that connect neighborhoods, corridors, recreation, and other major facilities.  Policy HC-5.3: Work with the Victor Valley Transit Authority to establish, maintain, and increase the frequency of transit routes to all areas of the community.

Therefore, the Proposed Project would conform with the goals of the applicable plans, ordinances, or policies establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. As a result , the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on conflicting with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system.
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)? Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR/MND. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate transportation impacts using vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as a metric as a standalone threshold as this threshold was added after 2010.

The City of Hesperia adopted VMT thresholds in July 2020. VMT impacts are based on the Origin Destination (OD) method using VMT per service population.

Project VMT Threshold
The Project VMT Threshold was estimated using the Half Accounting and Full Accounting OD Methods. The analysis focused on three types of trips: (1) trips starting and ending within the Planning Area, (2) trips starting in the Planning Area and ending outside, and (3) trips starting outside the Planning Area and ending within the Planning Area. Trips that pass through the City were excluded. The Half Accounting Method, known as the Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC) method, is only included for informational purposes (see Appendix C). This method allocates 100 percent of the trip length with two trip ends within the Planning Area and 50 percent when only one end is in the Planning Area.

The Full Accounting Method evaluates 100 percent of trip lengths where one or both trip ends are within the Planning Area and was used to determine the Project VMT Threshold. A Project VMT impact is identified if the projected OD VMT per service population (SP) under the Proposed Project exceeds the OD VMT/SP for the existing General Plan for the year 2050.

As shown in Table 7, Project-Level VMT Assessment, the OD VMT/SP under the Cumulative Year (2050) Plus Project Conditions does not exceed the OD VMT/SP under Cumulative Year (2050) No Project Conditions.

The OD VMT/SP is projected to decrease under the Proposed Project (42.6 miles of travel per person) as

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compared to the existing General Plan (44.5 miles of travel per person), indicating that the population is expected to travel more efficiently.

Table 7 Project-Level VMT Assessment
Existing Year (2023) Existing General Plan
Cumulative Year (2050)

Proposed Project
Cumulative Year (2050)

City of Hesperia SOI OD VMT (Daily Total) 4,601,330 8,592,343 9,011,757 City of Hesperia SOI Service population 134,538 193,083 211,334 OD VMT per Service Population (OD VMT/SP) 34.2 44.5 42.6 Source: Appendix C
Service population is defined as population plus employment.

The improvement in travel efficiency is the result of people making fewer trips and/or traveling shorter distances due to increased availability of active modes of transportation and/or better accessibility to destinations by all modes of transportation. Projects such as the proposed Hesperia Commerce Center II provide local jobs and reduce the distance residents travel to similar employment opportunities. The proposed Brightline high-speed rail station also increases opportunities for commuters to shift to transit.

Cumulative VMT Threshold
A Cumulative VMT impact is identified if the cumulative year link-level boundary VMT/SP within the County of San Bernardino boundary increases under the Proposed Project as compared to the existing General Plan.

The boundary VMT was completed by selecting all roadway segments in the San Bernardino Transportation Analysis Model Plus (SBTAM+) within the San Bernardino County boundary and multiplying the number of trips on each roadway segment by the length of that roadway segment. Table 8, Cumulative-Level VMT Assessment, shows that the County of San Bernardino VMT/SP under the Proposed Project does not exceed the County of San Bernardino VMT/SP under the existing General Plan.

Table 8 Cumulative-Level VMT Assessment
existing General Plan
(2045)

Proposed Project
(2045)

County of San Bernardino VMT (Daily total) 92,225,013 90,116,044 County of San Bernardino Service Population 3,761,191 3,779,442 VMT per Service Population (VMT/SP) 24.5 23.8
Source: Appendix C
Service population is defined as population plus employment.

Additionally, the Proposed Project would result in lower VMT per capita as a result of policies designed to encourage mixed-use development and transportation demand management strategies. For example, Policy LU-

1.1 aims to maintain a balanced mix of residential, retail, employment, industrial, open space, and public facility land uses for a variety of lifestyle options and convenient access to shops, restaurants, services, and jobs; and Policy LU -2.6 requires new development in areas planned for mixed use to incorporate high -quality and innovative design with walkable environments, human-scale, gathering spaces, and vibrant businesses.

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The results of the VMT assessment indicate that, with the implementation of the Proposed Project, VMT/SP would be reduced by approximately 4 percent at the Project- Level and 3 percent at the Cumulative-Level (i.e., improves) compared to the existing General Plan . As a result, the Proposed Project would not conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b). Impacts would be less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan, and the Proposed Project does not identify or require the adoption of any further mitigation measures beyond those provided in the 2010 Certified EIR. No changes proposed by the proposed compared to the existing General Plan would result in any new or substantially more severe significant impacts with respect to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b). c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would not significantly increase hazards, as the circulation plan ensures that roadways would be built to meet the General Plan roadway standards and Caltrans' Highway Design Manual. The 2010 Certified EIR noted that the City’s Department of Public Works would review all roadway plans to avoid unsafe design features, prevent hazardous conditions.

Impacts were determined to be less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include facilities that would substantially increase hazards, nor would it construct incompatible uses. The Proposed Project would not result in physical land use or zoning designation changes compared to the existing General Plan. As with the existing General Plan, future development would be subject to the City’s Department of Public Works review process, Caltrans’ Highway Design Manual, and subsequent environmental review, if applicable, to ensure there would be no increase in circulation hazards. In addition, Title 12, Streets, S idewalks and Public Places, of the City’s Municipal Code ensures that streets, sidewalks, and public places are managed in a way that maintains order, safety, and functionality for all users.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on substantially increasing hazards due to a geometric design feature or incompatible use. d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that all development under the existing General Plan would be reviewed by the City ’s Department of Public Works and emergency service agencies to ensure adequate emergency access. Therefore impacts were less than significant.

As with the existing General Plan , the Proposed Project would need to ensure adequate emergency access to support future development. Future projects would be subject to the City Department of Public Works and applicable emergency service agencies’ review process, and subsequent environmental review to ensure there would be no significant impacts to emergency access. Future development may be subjected to conditions of

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approval which would include a review of ingress and egress points, as indicated in Section 16.12.120, Approval Requirements, of the City’s Municipal Code. In addition, Section 17.04.060, Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards, of the City’s Municipal Code, states that subdivision design shall provide for safe and ready access for fire and other emergency equipment and for routes of escape to safely handle evacuations .

The Proposed Project would also include Policy SF -3.9 which calls for coordinating with State and regional partners to ensure roadways in fire hazard zones meet current fire safety regulations to support effective evacuation and emergency vehicle access , and Policy SF-5.1 which requires new development of 30 units or more in Fire Hazard Severity Zones to have two ingress and egress routes to account for existing and proposed traffic evacuation volumes at buildout.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed i
n the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan . Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on inadequate emergency access.

5.17.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The following mitigation measures were taken directly from the 2010 Certified EIR. Any modifications to the mitigation measures from the 2010 Certified EIR are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underlined for new, inserted text.

TIA-1 To ens ure that traffic generated from individual, discretionary, site- specific development proposals within the Planning Area will not result in inadequate LOS for project intersections, the Development Services Director shall review such proposals at the time of application submittal. If necessary, a project level traffic study may be required, as determined by the Development Services Director, in order to evaluate project level impacts. If it is determined that traffic generated from such proposal would cause LOS failure, the project proponent shall provide, either through construction of improvements and/or monetary contribution, for improvements necessary to maintain an acceptable LOS, as determined by the Development Services Director. Such improvements and/or monetary contribution shall be provided in proportion to an individual project’s impacts on traffic and to the satisfaction of the Development Services Director. Mitigation required herein shall not require improvements to reduce LOS for those int ersections and segments for which this EIR has determined that impacts are significant, adverse, and unavoidable, beyond those improvements identified in the Circulation Element of the updated General Plan.

While impacts to LOS were considered significant and unavoidable, LOS is no longer applicable and is no longer a CEQA impact under SB 743.

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5.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

5.18.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate tribal cultural resources as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010. The 2010 Certified EIR did discuss tribal cultural resources-related issues under Section 5.5, Cultural Resources.

The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) performed a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search in the NAHC SLF inventory where it was determined that No Native American cultural resources were identified within a half -mile of the City boundaries; however, these are Native American resources in proximity to the City.

The 2010 Certified EIR concluded that portions of the City and SOI could include historic resources, and implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1a through CR-1d, which require deciding that no further cultural research is needed for areas with “low” cultural sensitivity, conducting a Phase I cultural resources survey for areas with “medium” or “high” cultural sensitivity, determining a structure’s historical significance, and avoiding or conducting a Phase III for impact significant historic resources, wou ld reduce impacts. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that portions of the City and SOI could include archaeological resources, and that implementation of Mitigation Measure CR- 2a and CR-2b, which require testing the significance of any resources that are found and either avoiding or preparing a Phase III for resources that would be impacted, would reduce impacts. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that while there is a possibility that ground-disturbing activities could uncover human remains, compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 would reduce impacts.

5.18.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Would the project cause a substantial
adverse change in the significance of a tribal
cultural resource, defined in Public
Resources Code § 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, or cultural landscape that is
geographically defined in terms of the size
and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or
object with cultural value to a California
Native American tribe, and that is:

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Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
X
ii) A resource determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and supported
by substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to criteria set forth
in subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the significance
of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.

X

a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and sc ope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate tribal cultural resources as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

The 2010 Certified EIR reported that the NAHC conducted a Sacred Lands File search which found no Native American cultural resources within a half mile of the City boundaries. However, the 2010 Certified EIR indicated that there could be Native American resources within close proximity of the City limits and within the SOI. Therefore, as with the existing General Plan, development under the Proposed Project could result in potential impacts resources listed in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k) for tribal cultural resources.

However, the 2010 Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measures CR -1a through CR-1d under Section 5.5, Cultural Resources, which would adequately reduce impacts on tribal cultural resources. In addition, the Proposed Project would implement the existing General Plan Policy CN-5.5 which states that through CEQA and other environmental procedures, the City shall notify appropriate Native American representatives of possible development and shall comply with all State and Federal requirements concerning the monitoring and

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preservation of Native American artifacts and places. The Proposed Project would adhere to M itigation Measures CR-1a through CR-1d, as identified in the 2010 Certified EIR , which would reduce impacts to less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan , and the Proposed Project does not identify or require the adoption of any further mitigation measures beyond those provided in the 2010 Certified EIR. Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified EIR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on tribal cultural resources. ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or New Information. The. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate tribal cultural resources as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 18 (SB 18), the City of Hesperia reached out to the California Native American tribes listed by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on May 21, 2024. Notification letters were sent to the Desert Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel responded on May 24, 2024, requesting consultation under SB

18. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation indicated that the Proposed Project is located within Serrano ancestral lands, and that future development under the Proposed Project may impact tribal cultural resources. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation requested additional information, including zoning changes, draft text, maps, a cultural report, and a draft of the Proposed Project to assess potential ground- disturbing developments that might allow by- right development that would preclude the Tribe from consultation pursuant to CEQA/Assembly Bill 52.

The City responded to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation on October 2, 2024, and indicated that project documents would be shared when available. The City provided an overview of the Proposed Project’s focus on implementing the adopted Housing Element programs aimed at expanding housing opportunities, noting that no changes would be made to existing land use designations or zoning. The City sent the Tribe the draft Land Use Plan maps for the Tribe’s review. The City indicated that the Proposed Project would not allow for any ground -disturbing activities that would preclude a project from going through the standard CEQA requirements; the Tribe concluded consultation on October 30, 2024.

Development under the Proposed Project could impact tribal cultural resources due to ground di sturbing activities. The Proposed Project would implement the existing General Plan Policy CN -5.5 which states that through CEQA and other environmental procedures, the City shall notify appropriate Native American

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representatives of possible development and shall comply with all State and Federal requirements concerning the monitoring and preservation of Native American artifacts and places. In the event that future development project s consistent with the Proposed Project impact previously undiscovered tribal cultural resources, Mitigation Measures CR-2a and CR-2b of the 2010 Certified EIR, which require testing the significance of any resources that are found and either avoiding or preparing a Phase III for resources that would be impacted, would reduce impacts.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan, and the Proposed Project does not identify or require the adoption of any further mitigation measures beyond those provided in the 2010 Certified EIR. The Proposed Project compared to the existing General Plan would not result in any new impacts or increase the severity of impacts with respect to tribal cultural resources.

5.18.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
Refer to Mitigation Measures CR-1a through CR-1d and CR-2a and CR-2b under Section 5.5, Cultural Resources.

5.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS

5.19.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the existing General Plan would require new and/or expanded treatment facilities to meet the increased demand for water and wastewater treatment. However, implementation of the General Plan policies and payment of development impact fees would reduce impacts.

The existing General Plan was determined to require the construction of new and/or expanded stormwater drainage facilities, and that, with compliance with State regulations (e.g., NPDES, SWPPP), BMPs, WQMP , payment of development impact fees, and the implementation of the General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that compliance with State regulations, payment of connection fees, and implementation of the General Plan goals and policies would reduce impacts on water supplies. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that additional solid waste would be generated; however, the Victorville Sanitary Landfill had a remaining capacity of approximately 99 percent; therefore, impacts are less than significant.

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5.19.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or storm water
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
X
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project and reasonably
foreseeable future development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
X
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider that serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project’s projected demand in
addition to the provider’s existing
commitments?
X
d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or
local standards, or in excess of the capacity
of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair
the attainment of solid waste reduction
goals?
X
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
X

a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR analyzed impacts on wet and dry infrastructure, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, electricity, and natural gas facilities under cumulative impact analysis . The 2010 Certified EIR determined that a less than significant impact would occur for wet and dry utilities with compliance with regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval.

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The Proposed Project would result in an increase of 7,140 housing units and 18,297 residents, and a decrease in 879,349 square feet of non -residential square uses compared to the existing General Plan which would change the development of the Planning Area.

Water
The primary source of water for the Proposed Project would be groundwater extracted by Hesperia’s Water District (District). The 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) included projections of water demand and supply for its entire service area. The current and projected water demands from the District’s 2020 UWMP are provided in Table 9, 2020 UWMP Current and Projected Water Demands for the City of Hesperia.

Table 9 2020 UWMP Current and Projected Water Demands for the City of Hesperia Use Type 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Total Water Demand 14,040 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420 AFY = Acre-feet/year
Source Appendix D.

The water demand shown in Table 9 was extrapolated to calculate a water demand of 19,465 acre-feet per year (AFY) for the year 2050 . The projected water demand with the implementation of the Proposed Project is provided in Table 10, Water Demand – Proposed Project.

Table 10 Water Demand – Proposed Project
Category Unit Water Demand
Rate Total Water Demand (gpd) Total Water Demand (AFY)
Single Family Dwelling Units 47,405 du 92 gpcd 13,083,689 14,654 Multi Family Dwelling Unites 14,166 du 92 gpcd 1,902,822 2,131 Commercial 386 acres 462.4 gpd/ac a 178,385 200
Industrial 713 acres 692.8 gpd/ac a 493,740 553
Office 65 462.4 gpd/ac a 30,091 34
Institutional 368 462.4 gpd/ac a 170,380 191
Parks 89 31.2 gpd/ac a 2,777 3
Water Losses - - 158,6188 1,777
Total - - 1,748,072 19,542
Du = dwelling unit; gpcd = gallons per capita per day; AFY = acre feet per year; gpd/ac = gallons per day per acre. a Includes reduction of 20 percent for commercial uses with compliance with CalGreen and MWELO requirements Source: Appendix D

As shown in Table 10, the water demand associated with the buildout of the Proposed Project is 19,542 AFY .

Therefore, the Proposed Project would result in a net increase in water demand of 77 AFY . However, it should be noted that UWMPs tend to overestimate future water demand. In addition, there is a long -term trend of declining per capita water demand due to the use of water -efficient devices in the residential and commercial sectors, so even as populations increase, the total water demand declines. It is assumed that the development rate would be constant over the 25-year buildout period. Additionally, the Proposed Project would result in an increase in residential use compared to the existing General Plan . The District began receiving recycled water

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as of May 2022, with a reliable supply of 89 AFY as of July 2023. The District has also conducted site surveys at multiple locations and would convert them to recycled water once supplies increase. The current 89 AFY supply of recycled water would be sufficient to accommodate the 77 AFY projected increase in water demand associated with the buildout of the Proposed Project.

Additionally, the Proposed Project would implement the existing policies in the Conservation Element of the existing General Plan, such as Policy CN-1.5, which emphasizes collaborating with local agencies to ensure a safe and reliable water supply, Policy CN-1.6, which promotes low-water consumption fixtures in homes and businesses, and Policy CN-1.7, which mandates that new developments incorporate advanced technologies and methods to reduce water usage. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded water systems..

Wastewater
The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) provides wastewater treatment for the City of Hesperia and surrounding jurisdictions. . The Proposed Project would result in an increase in residential use compared to the existing General Plan, which could result in the construction of new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities. However, the existing General Plan includes Policy CN-2.6 which states to coordinate City policies and activities with the VVWRA. In addition, future development would need to comply with Section

14.08.070, Sewer Connection, of the City’s Municipal Code, which requires authorization from the Hesperia Water District to construct sewer connections. Therefore, any additional construction or expansion would need to be reviewed and approved by the VVWRA. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded wastewater treatment.

Stormwater
The Proposed Project would result in an increase in residential use compared to the existing General Plan.

Compliance with the provisions as outlined in Section 8.30.200, Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control Program, of the City’s Municipal Code, would reduce impacts on stormwater drainage facilities. This Section mandates that the City maintain an updated construction project inventory, requires coverage under the Construction General Permit (CGP) for significant soil disturbances, mandates the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to minimize pollutant discharge, and stipulates that grading permits cannot be issued without proof of CGP coverage or a City-approved erosion and sediment control plan.

Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded stormwater systems.

Electricity and Telecommunication Facilities
The Proposed Project would result in an increase in residential use compared to the existing General Plan. As mentioned in Section 17.04.060. Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards, of the City’s Municipal Code, utility lines, including but not limited to electric, telephone, communications, street lighting, and cable television, within or directly serving each subdivision, shall be placed underground. As with the existing General Plan, any facilities required under the Proposed Project would be built using fees collected from utility providers and would necessitate the underground extension of electrical facilities, which would be coordinated with the providers to prevent any major disruptions to existing services. Therefore, the Proposed

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Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded electricity and telecommunication facilities.

Natural Gas
Natural gas is provided to the Planning Area by Southwest Gas Corporation (SGC 2024). As with the existing General Plan, future facilities under the Proposed Project would be constructed with fees collected by the utility providers. As individual developments within the Proposed Project are implemented, these developments would require extensions of natural gas facilities. These future extensions would be coordinated with Southwest Gas Corporation to avoid any notable disruptions to existing services. Impacts would be less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded utilities and service systems.
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would increase water demand, but the City’s 2005 UWMP and Water Master Plan outlined phased provisions for facilities and water sources through 2030 to accommodate future growth. In addition, the goals and policies in the General Plan focused on water conservation, reclamation standards, and monitoring surface water impacts. Impacts on water resources from the existing General Plan were expected to be less than significant.

The 2020 UWMP indicates that the District can meet the water demands of its customers in normal, single dry, and multiple dry years between 2025 and 2045, as shown in Table 11, 2020 UWMP – Normal, Single Dry, and Multiple Dry Year Supply and Demand.

Table 11 2020 UWMP – Normal, Single Dry, and Multiple Dry Year Supply and Demand 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Normal Year
Supply Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420
Demand Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Single Dry Year
Supply Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420
Demand Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Multiple Dry Year
First Year Supply Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420 Demand Totals 15,250 16,290 16,990 17,740 18,420
Difference 0 0 0 0 0

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Table 11 2020 UWMP – Normal, Single Dry, and Multiple Dry Year Supply and Demand 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Second Year Supply Totals 15,460 16,430 17,140 17,880 18,540 Demand Totals 15,460 16,430 17,140 17,880 18,540
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Third Year Supply Totals 15,670 16,570 17,290 18,020 18,660 Demand Totals 15,670 16,570 17,290 18,020 18,660
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Fourth Year Supply Totals 15,880 16,710 17,440 18,160 18,780 Demand Totals 15,880 16,710 17,440 18,160 18,780
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Fifth Year Supply Totals 16,090 16,850 17,590 18,300 18,900 Demand Totals 16,090 16,850 17,590 18,300 18,900
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Source: Appendix D

According to the District’s 2020 UWMP, the District has adequate supplies to serve 100 percent of its customers during normal, dry year, and multiple dry year demand through 2045. The UWMP’s extrapolated water demand of 19,465 AFY by 2050 is less than the amount projected for the buildout of the Proposed Project (19,542 AFY).

The District began receiving recycled water as of May 2022, with a reliable supply of 89 AFY as of July 2023.

The District has also conducted site surveys at multiple locations and would convert them to recycled water once supplies increase. The current 89 AFY supply of recycled water would be sufficient to accommodate the 77 AFY projected increase in water demand associated with the buildout of the Proposed Project. Therefore impacts would be less than significant.

Additionally, the Proposed Project would implement the existing policies in the Conservation Element of the existing General Plan, such as Policy CN-1.5, which emphasizes collaboration with local agencies to ensure a safe and reliable water supply, Policy CN-1.6, which promotes low-water consumption fixtures in homes and businesses, and Policy CN-1.7, which mandates that new developments incorporate advanced technologies and methods to reduce water usage.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan, and the Proposed Project does not identify or require the adoption of any further mitigation measures beyond those provided in the 2010 Certified EIR. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on the relocation or construction of new or expanded concerning water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry , and multiple dry years. Furthermore, future environmental review of development projects would ensure minimal impacts to water supplies.

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c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan ’s developments in undeveloped areas would increase the demand for wastewater services from the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA). To address this demand, the 2010 Certified EIR stated that new facilities and expansions of existing ones and enhanced treatment capacity would reduce overall treatment needs. Additionally, payment of development fees for sewer connections would help mitigate impacts. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that a less than-significant impact would occur.

The Proposed Project would result in increased residential uses compared to the existing General Plan, thereby potentially necessitating new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities. However, the existing General Plan includes Policy CN-2.6, which calls for coordination with the VVWRA. Additionally, any future development must comply with Section 14.08.070, Sewer Connection, of the City’s Municipal Code, which requires authorization from the District for sewer connections. Therefore, any new construction or expansion would require review and approval from the VVWRA. Consequently, the Proposed Project would not necessitate the relocation or construction of new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities, and impacts would be less than significant.

The Proposed Project would not include new or substantially greater significant impacts than those analyzed in the 2016 Certified EIR for the existing General Plan. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments. Furthermore, future environmental review of development projects would ensure minimal impacts to wastewater treatment.
d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would result in an increase in solid-waste disposal in the City. The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the designated landfill, Victorville Sanitary Landfill, has sufficient capacity to accept municipal solid waste associated with the existing General Plan and impacts would be less than significant.

The Victorville Sanitary Landfill has a maximum permit capacity of 93,400,000 cubic yards, a maximum permitted throughput of 3,000 tons per day, and a remaining capacity of 79,400,000 cubic yards as of March 31, 2020 (CalRecycle 2024a). The cease operation date for the facility is October 2047. As shown in Table 1, Focused General Plan Buildout, the Proposed Project would result in 162,835 residents by 2050.

The Proposed Project would result in an increase of 6,703 tons per year of solid waste compared to the existing General Plan. Therefore, the Proposed Project would result in approximately 167,575 tons by 2050 5, which is

5 CalEEMod default values for solid waste generation were applied for each land use type (regional shopping centers, single-family housing, and general office buildings) to calculate the total annual solid waste in tons. For further details and calculations, refer to Appendix A.

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less than one percent of the total remaining capacity of the Victorville Sanitary Landfill. As with the existing General Plan, the landfill is equipped to meet the future demands of the Proposed Project. As with the existing General Plan, the development consistent with the Proposed Project would be required to comply with all applicable state regulations regarding solid waste generation, such as the AB 939. Impacts would be less than significant.

Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on landfill s with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid -waste disposal needs. Furthermore, future environmental review of development projects would ensure adequate capacity for solid waste. e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that there would be a net increase in solid waste from buildout of the existing General Plan ; however, the Victorville Sanitary Landfill would adequately serve the Planning Area. In addition, the City complied with AB 939 which requires every California City and county to divert 50 percent of its waste from landfills. Impacts were less than significant.

As mentioned in Impact d) above, the Proposed Project would result in additional solid waste demand; however, the Victorville Sanitary Landfill would adequately serve the Planning Area. In addition, the City would continue to comply with existing regulations regarding diversion and disposal of municipal solid waste.

Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. Furthermore, future environmental review of development projects would ensure that solid waste reduction goals would be met.

5.19.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant utilities and service systems impacts, and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

5.20 WILDFIRE

5.20.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Program EIR The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate the wildfire as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

The 2010 Certified EIR did discuss wildfire-related issues under Section 5.9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials.

The 2010 Certified EIR determined that the City is not within a fire threatened community, and with the implementation of the CBC, CFC, State laws, and the General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. Additionally, the 2010 Certified EIR indicated that every proposed project in the City would be reviewed by the San Bernardino County Fire Department for compliance with the most recent version of the CFC.

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5.20.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan.?
X
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and
thereby expose project occupants to
pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
X
c) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power
lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate
fire risk or that may result in temporary or
ongoing impacts to the environment?
X
d) Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff,
post-fire slope instability, or drainage
changes?
X

a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact. The 2010 Certified EIR identified that the existing General Plan would not impair the implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, as development under the existing General Plan would be required to comply with the applicable emergency response and evacuation plans. The 2010 Certified EIR indicated that impacts would be less than significant.

The southern portion of the Planning Area is within a VHFHSZ for State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Area, according to CAL FIRE (CAL FIRE 2024b ). Future development under the Proposed Project could introduce new buildings and people into these areas. The City of Hesperia has a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that provides strategies and mitigation measures to address local fire hazards. Development under the Proposed Project would need to adhere to the adopted emergency response plan and emergency evacuation plan set by the San Bernardino County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), the City of Hesperia’s OES, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The Proposed Project, as with the existing General Plan, would not interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

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Buildout would not result in changes to the circulation patterns or emergency access routes in the Planning Area. Future development may be subjected to conditions of approval which would include review of ingress and egress points, as indicated in Section 16.12.120, Approval Requirements, of the City’s Municipal Code. As with the existing General Plan, the Proposed Project would be required to comply with all applicable regulations and plans governing emergency response and evacuation. In addition, the Proposed Project must comply with the existing emergency response and evacuation plans established by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, the City of Hesperia’s Office of Emergency Services, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department. In addition, as mentioned in Section 17.04.060, Subdivision Design and Improvement Standards, in the City’s Municipal Code, future development under the Proposed Project s hall provide for safe and ready access for fire and other emergency equipment and for routes of escape to safely handle evacuations.

The Proposed Project would also include Policy SF -3.9 which calls for coordinating with State and regional partners to ensure roadways in fire hazard severity zones meet current fire safety regulations; Policy SF -5.1 which requires that new development with 30 units or more in Fire Hazard Severity Zones to have two ingress and egress routes that account for existing and proposed traffic evacuation volumes at buildout; and Policy SF-

5.2 which calls for coordinating with emergency responders and Caltrans to maintain potential evacuation routes to ensure adequate capacity, safety, and viability of those routes in the event of an emergency, including making improvements to existing roads to support safe evacuations as needed.

Because the Proposed Project does not change the development pattern or areas evaluated in the 2010 Certified E
IR, there would be no new or substantially greater significant impacts. Therefore, the Proposed Project has no impact on the 2010 Certified EIR conclusions on substantially impairing an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
d) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or New Information. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate wildfire as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

While most of Hesperia is relatively flat, there are a few natural slopes in the City that could be vulnerable to landslides. The high desert experiences daily winds of 10.9 mph ; high winds and low humidity weather conditions can pose a greater risk of fire damage (Hesperia 2017). CAL FIRE mapped VHFHSZs in the southern portion of the Planning Area. The VHFHSZ includes areas potentially threatened by wildfires based on historical fire activity and prevalent vegetation types. Development associated with the buildout of the Proposed Project could result in new development in VHFHSZs.

To protect development in the VHFHSZ, the City requires adherence to a wide range of state and local codes, such as the CBC and CFC. Because development in these areas presents challenges for fire protection and suppression, development would be required to abide by the requirements of the CBC and CFC. Additionally, as outlined in Section 17.04.060 of the City’s Municipal Code, which covers subdivision design and improvement standards in hazardous fire areas, all flammable or combustible vegetation must be cleared from around structures following the Uniform Fire Code and where erosion is likely, slopes must be planted with fire-resistant ground cover. In addition, future development may be subjected to conditions of approval which

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would include a review of ingress and egress points, as indicated in Section 16.12.120, Approval Requirements, of the City’s Municipal Code.

Additionally, several policies in the proposed Health and Safety Element emphasize and require fire- safe development in the City. Proposed General Plan Policy SF-5.10 calls for locating new essential public and critical facilities, such as police stations, schools, and community centers, outside of mapped hazard zones, and if essential facilities must be located in these zones, site and design them to minimize the risk of damage and maintain their operational capacity during and after a hazard.

Adherence to these building practices, fire safety regulations, local regulations, and the Proposed Project’s policies would reduce the potential for exacerbating wildfire risks. Impacts would be less than significant. e) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or New Information. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate wildfire as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

The Proposed Project would result in structures and people compared to the existing General Plan which would require additional infrastructure, such as roadways and transmission lines. Some of this new infrastructure could be constructed in the areas classified in the VHFHSZ. These types of improvements would involve temporary construction and result in changes to the existing built environment. The installation and operation of new aboveground power transmission lines would create a higher risk of exacerbating wildfire risks compared to other infrastructure. However, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requ ires maintenance of vegetation around power lines, strict wire- to-wire clearances, annual inspections of aboveground power lines, and the preparation of fire prevention plans for aboveground power lines in high fire- threat districts (CPUC 2024). These measures would reduce the wildfire risks associated with the installation and maintenance of power lines. Any development or redevelopment in wildfire -prone areas of the Planning Area would also be required to comply with building and design standards in the CBC and CFC, which include provisions for fire- resistant building materials, the clearance of debris, and fire safety requirements during demolition and construction activities. Public Resources Code Section 4291 also requires vegetation around buildings or structures to maintain defensible space within 100 feet of a structure and an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of a structure (CAL FIRE 2024c). Section 14.02.090, District Connections Required, of the City’s Municipal Code, states that all new buildings intended for any human occupancy shall be connected to District water and sewer facilities and the general manger shall determine whether facilities are available. With the compliance with applicable regulations impacts would be less than significant.

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f) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or New Information. The 2010 Certified EIR did not evaluate wildfire as a standalone topic since the topic was added after 2010.

The southern portion of the Planning Area is within a VHFHSZ for State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Area according to CAL FIRE (CAL FIRE 2024b). Development under the Proposed Project could expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope, downstream flooding, landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. As with the existing General Plan, the Proposed Project could introduce new buildings and people into fire-hazard areas that may be impacted by slope- instability or flooding. The Proposed General Plan includes Policy SF-5.10 mandates locating new essential public and critical facilities outside mapped hazard zones, or if unavoidable, designing them to minimize risk and maintain functionality while requiring disaster response and evacuation plans for those within identified hazard areas such as flood, inundation, fire hazard, and landslide susceptibility zone.. In addition, future development would need to adhere to the most recent version of the CBC and CFC.

Following federal, state, and local requirements and the Proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant.

5.20.3 Mitigation Measures Identified in the EIR and Applicable to the Proposed Project
The 2010 Certified EIR did not identify significant wildfire impacts upon implementation of regulatory requirements, and therefore no mitigation measures were identified.

5.21 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat
of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-
sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a
plant or animal community, substantially
reduce the number or restrict the range of a
rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory?
X

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Environmental Issues
Condition 1:

Substantial
Change in
Project
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 2:

Substantial
Change in
Circum-
stances
Requiring
Major
Revisions
Condition 3:

New
Information
Showing New
or Increased
Significant
Effects
Less Than
Significant
Impact/No
Changes or
New
Information
Requiring
Preparation of
an EIR/MND No Impact
b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects,
the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects.)
X
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
X

a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Less Than Significant Impact/ No Changes or New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR/MND. T he geographic range and severity of impacts to biological resources , cultural resources, and tribal cultural resources resulting from the Proposed Project would be similar to those that would result from implementation of the existing General Plan, as the Proposed Project would not result in physical land use or zoning designation changes. The Proposed Project would incorporate all applicable mitigation measures and existing General Plan po licies identified in 2010 Certified EIR as discussed in Sections 5.4, Biological Resources ,

5.5, Cultural Resources, and 5.18, Tribal Cultural Resources, above. The Proposed Project would not result in any new impacts or substantially increase the severity of previously disclosed impacts related to biological, cultural resources, or tribal cultural resources . Therefore , preparation of supplemental or subsequent EIR is not required by CEQA.
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.)
Less Than Significant Impact/ No Changes or New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR/MND. Changes proposed by the Proposed Project compared to the existing General Plan would not result in any new cumulatively considerable impacts or substantially increase the severity of previously disclosed cumulatively considerable impacts. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15130 (b)(1), the information used in an analysis of cumulative impacts should come from one of two sources:

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1) A list of past, present, and probable future projects producing related cumulative impacts, including, if necessary, those projects outside the control of the agency; or 2) A summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document designed to evaluate regional or area-wide conditions.

The cumulative impacts identified in the 2010 Certified EIR used a combination of methods No. 1 and 2. The 2010 Certified EIR and this Addendum address the cumulative impacts of development in Hesperia. The Proposed Project would not result in impacts beyond what was previously analyzed in the 2010 Certified EIR.

Therefore, the Proposed Project would not generate a new cumulatively considerable impact. The preparation of supplemental or subsequent EIR is not required by CEQA. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
Less Than Significant Impact/ No Changes or New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR/MND. The Proposed Project is not expected to result in significant adverse impacts to humans, either directly or indirectly. While some impacts were identified that could potentially affect human health, as with the existing General Plan , implementation of mitigation measures related to air quality and noise would reduce impacts to a less- than-significant level . As a result, the implementation of these mitigation measures is anticipated to prevent significant adverse impacts on human health.

This analysis considers both long-term and short-term impacts, ensuring that all potential effects are mitigated to a less-than-significant level. Overall, any potential impacts are deemed less than significant when appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated..

July 2025 Page 117

6. List of Preparers

6.1 PLACEWORKS
Mark Teague AICP, Managing Principal
Jasmine Osman, Associate II
Jessica Mendoza, Project Planner
Nicole Vermilion, Principal
Lexie Zimny, Associate I
Chris Shields, Senior Associate II, Noise & Vibration

6.2 CITY OF HESPERIA
Ryan Leonard, Principal Planner

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CITY OF HESPERIA
Appendix
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7. References
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). 2023, April. 2022 California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Chapters. https://www.baaqmd.gov/plans-and-climate/california-environmental- quality-act-ceqa/updated-ceqa-guidelines.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 2004. West Mojave Plan. https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/lup/72544/97517/117675/wemo_plan_vol-1_2004.pdf California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2024, August 7 (accessed). California State Scenic Highway System Map.
https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f 1aacaa.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2024a. California Vegetation – WHR13 Types. https://gis.data.ca.gov/maps/CALFIRE-Forestry::california-vegetation-whr13-types/about ______.2024b. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/03beab8511814e79a0e4eabf0d3e7247/. ______. 2024c, August 7 (accessed). Defensible Space. https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 2024, August 7 (accessed). Tree Trimming and Vegetation Management Information. https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/safety/electric-safety-and- reliability-branch/electric-and-cip-audits-introduction/tree-trimming-and-vegetation-management- information
CalRecycle. 2024a, September 16 (accessed). SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/1870?siteID=2652. ______.2024b, September 16 (accessed). Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/General/Rates.

Department of Conservation (DOC). 1993. Mineral Land Classification of Concrete Aggregate Resources in the Barstow-Victorville Area.
https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/index.html?map=regulatorymaps ______. 2024, September 9 (accessed). California Important Farmland Finder. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/.

Department of Finance (DOF). 2024, September 5 (accessed). Table E-5: Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2020-2024.

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CITY OF HESPERIA
Appendix
June 2025
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-population-and-housing-estimates-for- cities-counties-and-the-state-2020-2024/.

Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC). 2024, September 5 (accessed). Envirostor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search?CMD=search&city=Hesperia&zip=&county=&c ase_number=&business_name=&FEDERAL_SUPERFUND=True&STATE_RESPONSE=True& VOLUNTARY_CLEANUP=True&SCHOOL_CLEANUP=True&CORRECTIVE_ACTION=Tru e&tiered_permit=True&evaluation=True&operating=True&post_closure=True&non_operating=Tr ue&inspections=True&inspectionsother=True.

Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2024, August 7 (accessed). SGMA Portal. https://sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/gsp/status.

Fehr and Peers. 2024, October. Draft Transportation Study for Hesperia General Plan.

Hesperia Water District (HWD). 2021. Hesperia Water District 2020 Urban Water Management. https://www.cityofhesperia.us/DocumentCenter/View/17573/Draft-2020-Urban-Water- Management-Plan?bidId=.

Hesperia, City of. 2010. July 20. Hesperia Climate Action Plan. https://www.cityofhesperia.us/DocumentCenter/View/1587/Climate-Action-Plan-7210?bidId= ______. 2017. Hazard Mitigation Plan. https://www.cityofhesperia.us/DocumentCenter/View/14830/2017- Hazard-Mitigation-Plan?bidId=
Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD). 2020, February. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Federal Conformity Guidelines.
https://www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8510/638126583450270000.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 2024a, August 7 (accessed). A Plan for a Brighter Future. https://scag.ca.gov/connect-socal.
______. 2024b. Connect SoCal. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/23-2987-connect- socal-2024-final-complete-040424.pdf?1714175547.

Southwest Gas Corporation (SCG). 2024. Maps. https://www.swgas.com/1409184639136/MAPS---Eff-May- 23-2024.pdf
State Water Resources Control Board. 2024, September 5 (accessed). Geotracker. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/?CMD=runreport&myaddress=hesperia.

United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2024, September 5 (accessed). Land Subsidence in the Mojave River and Morongo Groundwater Basins, Southwestern Mojave Desert, California, 2014–2019. https://ca.water.usgs.gov/mojave/mojave-subsidence-2014-2019.html.

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LU

LAND USE ELEMENT
Attachment 4

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-1

PURPOSE
The Land Use Element of the General Plan describes the general location, type, and intensity of development and identifies the distribution of land uses throughout the City of Hesperia. Land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open space, and public uses are planned to meet the needs of residents, support economic/fiscal goals, and provide for the orderly development of the City of Hesperia.

The Land Use Element contains a map and text depicting the City's long- range plans for development within its incorporated boundaries and sphere of influence areas. The land use map identifies the preferred distribution and extent of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space uses .

The text contains the City's land use goals and policies, on which the map designations are based, along with specific actions for implementing the City's land use objectives. Using maps and text, this Land Use section defines the distribution and intensity of development for residential neighborhoods, commercial and employment districts, industrial space, parks and other open spaces, and governmental and public uses of property in Hesperia. This section sets policy for land uses in the city and the sphere of influence, establishing the foundation for future development.

The purpose of this document and accompanying land use map is to comply with State requirements and to provide the City of Hesperia with a plan for future development which will implement the City's land use goals.

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LU-2 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

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LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-3

BACKGROUND

RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW
The Land Use Element for the City of Hesperia's General Plan has been prepared pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302, which requires that each city and county within the state adopt a general plan with seven mandatory elements, including land use . According to State law, the Land Use Element "designates the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories of public and private uses of land." The law also requires that the element specify the standards of population density and building intensity recommended for the various districts covered by the plan.

Section 65302(a) of the California Government Code requires that the Land Use Element address the following issues (to the extent it is relevant to the City):
 Distribution of housing, business, and industry
 Distribution of open space, including agricultural land  Distribution of natural resources
 Distribution of recreation facilities and opportunities  Location of educational facilities
 Location of public buildings and grounds
 Location of future solid and liquid waste facilities
 Location of greenways
 Identification of areas subject to flooding
 Standards of population density and building intensity  Other categories of public and private uses of land
 The impact of new growth on military readiness

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LU-4 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
The Land Use Element, including its Land Use Map, is the focal element for the other General Plan Elements . Because of its comprehensive discussion of all facets of the development, this Element informs and is informed by the other six elements . Thus, there are consistencies through the General Plan, each of which relate back, in some way, to the land use policies outlined in this Land Use Element.

Table LU-1 delineates the issues addressed in the Land Use Element and shows the interrelatedness of the other Elements.

T
ABLE LU-1

COORDINATION WITH OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
ISSUES
Circulation
Conservation
Housing
Noise
Open Space
Health and
Safety
Land Use
Density/Intensity X X X X X X
Land Use X X X X X X
Residential Development X X X X X
Agriculture X X
Commercial X X X X
Industrial X X X X
Public Land Use X X X X X X
Resource Conservation X X X
Recreation/Commercial X X X X
Specific Plan Designations X X X X X X
Land Use Overlays X X X X X X
Airport Overlays X X X X X
Sustainability X X X X
Community-wide Quality of
Life and Property X X X X X X

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-5

CITY DEVELOPMENT CODE
The City of Hesperia Development Code (Title 16 of the Municipal Code) provides specific standards for the development of property, such as building setbacks, parking, and allowable land uses. The land uses in the Hesperia Development Code are consistent with the uses established under the General Plan.

PREVIOUS GENERAL PLAN LAND USES
The City of Hesperia previously utilized a two-map system, with a separate Zoning and Land Use designation for each parcel. Many parcels throughout the city had conflicting designations and zoning, which required a General Plan amendment or Zone Change to resolve. The City has since transitioned to one-map system, which has been in use since 2010.

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
As City policy, the Land Use Element is directly applicable to the incorporated area within the adopted City boundar y. The element also includes the City's adopted sphere of influence, in accordance with Government Code Section 65300. The sphere of influence is shown on the General Plan Land Use Map (Exhibit LU -1). This element identifies the land use designations and descriptions applied within the City's sphere of influence which will serve 1) as a guide for City recommendations to San Bernardino County regarding development proposals within this area; 2) as a basis for pre- zoning of sphere areas prior to annexation, 3) as a guide to master planning of infrastructure within City and sphere areas and 4) as a means of planning for orderly annexation to and growth within the city.

EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Existing residential development within the City of Hesperia consists of predominantly single-family detached housing on lots of one -half acre or larger. Most of the existing residential lots are located within the core area of the town, generally bounded by Maple Avenue and the Mojave River, and by Bear Valley Road and Ranchero Road. Within this core area, the majority of residential lot sizes have traditionally ranged from 18,000 square feet to one acre.

The City of Hesperia has continued to grow in households and population since the last General Plan update in 2010. The household size for the City

LAND USE
LU-6 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

has remained relatively stable between 2010 and 2020, increasing slightly from 3.43 persons to 3.49. The 2020 Census reported Hesperia’s population to be 99,818 in 2020, an 11% increase over the City’s 2010 population.

Table LU-2, on the next page, shows the change in population, households and employment between the two most recent decennial censuses for both the City as well as the High Desert.

Single-Family Residential
Since incorporation, the City has approved and continues to receive subdivision applications to accommodate a diverse range of housing preferences and densities. This includes traditional subdivisions with lot sizes that are 7,200 square feet or larger, as well as small lot subdivisions with lot sizes that are below the traditional 7,200 square foot lots . These projects have generally been located in the areas west of Maple Avenue and east of the Interstate 15 freeway. Densities of four to six units per acre have been approved on several tentative tracts, with requirements for upgraded roads, water and sewer service, and contributions to fire, school and park facilities. In addition, subdivision applications with lot sizes that are 18,000 square feet or larger continue to be developed in the southern portion of the city, particularly south of Ranchero Road. These larger lots are often associated with estate-style homes, offering spacious living areas.

Large swathes within the core of the c ity were subdivided into half acre, one-acre and two-acre tracts in the 1950s. This area, located east of Maple Avenue, south of Bear Valley Road, north of Ranchero Road, and west of the Mojave River, forms the largest residential area in the c ity. It is characterized by larger homes, increased setbacks, animal keeping, and rural lifestyles. This area was sparsely developed for many years. As a result of two building booms, (in the 1980’s and the early 2000’s) developme nt has increased to over 90% in some neighborhoods. However, infill development continues to play a significant role in the growth of the c ity.

Large numbers of infill lots continue to be processed, reflecting ongoing demand for development. Infill lots remain an attractive option for developers who look to utilize existing roadways, utilities and public services, minimizing the need for new infrastructure.

In recent years, the City has seen an increase in the number of housing tracts with lots that are below the traditional 7,200 square foot lots. In the near term, it is anticipated that single family residential tracts of four to eight units per acre will be the predominant type of residential development,

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-7

largely driven by the buildout of the Tapestry Specific Plan in the southern portion of the city.

TABLE LU-2
POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND EMPLOYMENT 2010-2020
Jurisdiction 2010 2020
Numeric
Change
Percent
Increase
Avg.

Annual
Growth
Population
Hesperia 90,173 99,818 9,645 10.7% 1.0%
Victorville-Hesperia CCD 370,441 412,533 42,092 11.4% 1.1% Households
Hesperia 26,411 27,707 1,296 4.9% 0.5%
Victorville-Hesperia CCD 111,833 122,932 11,099 9.9% 1.0% Avg. Household Size
Hesperia 3.43 3.49 0.06 1.7% 0.2%
Victorville-Hesperia CCD 3.24 3.41 0.17 5.2% 0.5%
Median Age
Hesperia 30.8 32.8 2.0 6.5% 0.7%
Victorville-Hesperia CCD 31.8 34.1 2.3 7.2% 0.7%
Avg. HH Income
Hesperia $48,386 $54,149 $5,763 11.9% 1.2%
Victorville-Hesperia CCD $104,701 $112,877 8,176 7.8% 0.8% Notes:

The Victorville-Hesperia Census County Division (CCD) is a statistical summary area used by the United States Census Bureau and has no legal or governmental function. The boundary includes the incorporated cities of Hesperia, Adelanto, Apple Valley, and Victorville, as well as the unincorporated communities of Lucerne Valley, Phelan, and Oak Hills.

Multiple-Family Residential
Multiple family residential uses have been established in three general areas within the community – 1) along Sequoia Street (designated as R3) ; 2) in the area of the c ity generally located east of the railroad , south of Main Street, west of I Avenue, and north of Lime Street; and 3) in the township area of the city generally located north of Main Street, south of Willow Street, east of 3rd Ave and west of Hesperia Road.

LAND USE
LU-8 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

The C-2 (General Commercial) zone also allows for the development of multiple family residential uses , consistent with the standards of the Multiple Family Residential (R3) designation . The majority of parcels designated for C-2 exist on the south side of Bear Valley Road between Maple Avenue and the BNSF rail line, and on both sides of Hesperia Road running south from Bear Valley Road to Lemon Street.

Within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan (MSFCSP), the Medium Density Residential (MDR), High Density Residential (HDR), and Regional Commercial (RC) designations allow for the development of multiple-family residential uses. The MDR designation primarily covers an extensive area east of 3rd Avenue and south of Main Street, extending along C and G Avenues. Comparatively, the HDR designation covers a much smaller area located immediately to the north and to the west of Hesperia City Hall. Multiple family residential uses in the RC designation are limited to those parcels east of Interstate 15, stretching from the southwestern-most extent near the Oak Hill Road interchange and running north to Mojave Street.

Measure N
On November 3, 2020, Hesperia voters passed a ballot measure (Measure N) titled “Hesperia Sustaining Affordable Water Supply & Ensuring Responsible Growth Measure.” Among other things, Measure N introduces significant changes to residential development densities.

Key provisions of Measure N include reducing the maximum density for new single-family developments from 8 homes per acre to 3 homes per acre.

In addition, the minimum lot size would be increased to 14,520 square feet.

For multi-family developments, the maximum density would be reduced from 25 units per acre to 8 units per acre.

The changes to residential density, such as lowering the allowable density for single family homes from 8 units per acre to 3 units per acre (with a minimum lot size of 14,520 square feet), and for multi-family units from 25 to 8 units per acre, would not take effect until allowed by State law, which is currently January 1, 2030 (Government Code Section 65589.5) . Before Measure N can go into effect, the City will need to ensure that the new regulations comply with the State’s Housing Element requirements an d broader State laws governing housing development.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-9

Oak Hills Community Plan
The community of Oak Hills is located in the western portion of the City of Hesperia’s sphere of influence. Oak Hills is structured around the County Service Area 70, Zone J, a special district formed by the county in 1972 to provide water, sewer, and road maintenance services. In 2002, the Oak Hills Community Plan was adopted by the Hesperia City Council. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors also adopted the plan in 2003 and was updated in 2016.

SPECIFIC PLANS
Pursuant to state law, specific plans establish land use regulations for those areas covered by the specific plan. They also establish phasing and implementation plans for the development of both private land and public facilities within their boundaries.

Specific Plans consist of approximately 30% of the City’s land use designations. There are four Specific Plans currently in existence within the city: the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, the Tapestry Specific Plan ( now referred to as “Silverwood") , the Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan, and the Summit Valley Ranch Specific Plan.

Main Street and Freeway Corridor Plan
The Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan includes all freeway frontages within the city as well as the commercial and industrial areas parallel to the freeway corridor . In addition, it includes the commercial, industrial, and high- density residential properties adjacent to Main Street, as well as the area bounded by Lemon Street, Lime Street, Third Avenue, and I Avenue.

The Main Street/Freeway Corridor Specific Plan contains the majority of the commercially designated areas within the c ity, as well as the Civic Center complex (north of Main Street and west of Seventh Avenue), and a large portion of the Industrial area located between Santa Fe Avenue East and I Avenue. The goals, objectives, policies and development standards for this area are found in the adopted Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan. The land use categories and their acreage are detailed in Table LU-3 below.

LAND USE
LU-10 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-3

MAIN STREET AND FREEWAY CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN LAND USES Land Use Acres
Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan
Auto Sales Commercial (ASC) 314.5
Com/Ind Business Park (CIBP) 1,778.7
General Industrial (GI) 788.4
High Density Residential (HDR) 49.5
Low Density Residential (LDR) 1,444.9
Medium Density Residential (MDR) 1,038.8
Mixed Use (MU) 35.8
Neighborhood Commercial (NC) 774.4
Office Commercial (OC) 88.7
Office Park (OP) 197.3
Public/Institutional Overlay (PIO) 475.8
Planned Development (PPD18) 22.8
Regional Commercial (RC) 1,669.4
Rural Estate Residential (RER) 1,044
Very Low Density Residential (VLR) 45.4
TOTAL1 10,700.4
1 Total acreage includes approximately 132 acres of aqueduct, 101 acres of railroad corridor, 301 acres of utility corridor, 398 acres of major transportation corridors. Approximately 845 acres of roadway are included as part of Land Use polygon acreage. The aqueduct, railroad, utilities, and transportation corridor are identified under “Other” in Table LU-8- Land Use Designations and Acreage.

Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan
The Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan was originally adopted in 1990 and included approximately 9,858 acres of land with the intent of developing as a master planned community. Following the expiration of the Tentative Tract Map in 2003, the planning area sat untouched until 2016 when the Tapestry Specific Plan removed approximately 9,366 acres from the Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan. The 492 acres remaining under the Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan are zoned for a combination of open space and rural residential (2.5-acre minimum lot size), with an existing horse ranch being

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-11

the only use in the plan area. Any future development within the plan area would require the adoption of a new specific plan.

Summit Valley Ranch Specific Plan
Summit Valley Ranch was a 786.2-acre planned mixed use development that proposed to offer a variety of residential housing types. It was planned to include supporting commercial, office-professional uses, and recreational opportunities. The Specific Plan propose d up to 1,668 dwelling units and

9.8 acres of commercial and office area. The Specific Plan was approved for a 25- year entitlement period which expired in 2022. Any future development within the Specific Plan boundary will require preparation of new environmental documents and adoption of a new Specific Plan.

Tapestry Specific Plan (Silverwood)
The Tapestry Specific Plan, renamed to Silverwood in 2023, encompasses approximately 9,365.5 acres of land which was formerly part of the Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan . The Tapestry Specific Plan is a master planned community that is planned to be built in ten phases over a period of 20- 30 years. The Specific Plan originally proposed a maximum of 16,196 residential units with a mix of densities ranging from very low density to high density and mixed use; however, a settlement in 2017 reduced the unit total to 15,663. The majority of residential units would be low/medium density. The development would be separated into three distinct villages:

Mesa Village, Summit Valley Village, and Grass Valley Village. In addition to residential uses, the Specific Plan also proposes the following:
 Two mixed use town centers totaling approximately 94 acres with approximately 500,000 to 700,000 square feet of commercial and retail.
 Community parks, a sports park, neighborhood parks, view parks, and pocket parks totaling approximately 387 acres. Additional private HOA recreation areas would also be provided.
 59 miles of trails including multi-use and equestrian trails.  107 miles of paths including class 1 multi-use paths and paseos.  Eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools totaling approximately 263 acres.

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LU-12 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

 Public and civic facilities (e.g., post office, library branch, fire station, etc.).
 Open space including conservation areas and preserves totaling approximately 3,532 acres.
 Open space areas to protect sensitive biological and cultural resources including an approximately 523 acre conservation easement and 82 acre Serrano Heritage Preserve.

The distribution of land uses in the Tapestry (Silverwood) Specific Plan area is identified in Table LU-4. The goals, objectives, policies and development standards for this area are found in the adopted Tapestry (Silverwood) Specific Plan document.

T
ABLE LU-4

TAPESTRY (SILVERWOOD) SPECIFIC PLAN
Land Use Acres Dwelling Units
Residential Phases 1-4/6-10
Estate (E) 860.1 5331
Very Low (VL) 0.0 0
Low (L) 1,371.9 4,071
Low Medium (LM) 1,488.7 6,280
Medium (M) 180.4 1,362
High (H) 26.9 380
Mixed Use Commercial (MU) 94.4 425
Subtotal 4,022.4 13,051
Residential Phase 5 – Seniors Community
Low Medium (LM) 337.8 1,811
Medium (M) 107.3 1,020
High (H) 21.0 315
Subtotal 466.2 3,145
Total Residential 4,488.6 16,196
Schools
Elementary 90.2
Middle 53.0
High 118.5
Total 261.7
Facilities
Treatment Plant 11.1
Total 11.1
Parks
Parks 216.0

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-13

TABLE LU-4

TAPESTRY (SILVERWOOD) SPECIFIC PLAN
Land Use Acres Dwelling Units
Sports Park 43.9
Community Parks 127.6
Total 387.4
Open Space
Open Space 3,031.2
Serrano Heritage Preserve (not within
Conservation Easement)

8.4 Serano Heritage Preserve / Conservation
Easement

72.3 Conservation Easement 450.7
Landscape Lot (Arterial) 47.6
Total 3,610.2
Grand Total 9,365.5 16,196
Notes:

Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement dated May 1, 2017 the developer agreed to implement certain modifications to the later phases of the project, which will require future amendments to the Specific Plan. Among other things, the Settlement Agreement requires the removal of Phase 10 of the development, resulting in the loss of 860.1 acres designated for Estate (E) Residential and the elimination of 533 dwelling units. Following approval of the future amendments to the Specific Plan, the total number of dwelling units within the project will be reduced to 15,663 units.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Hesperia Water District
Hesperia’s water supply is provided by the Hesperia Water District. The water district is administered by the City’s Development Services Department and is a subsidiary of the City of Hesperia. It is organized pursuant to Section 30000 et seq. of the California Water Code.

The District has two powers allowed by law —water and sewer utility service. The District operates as a totally self -sustaining utility business enterprise, which means that virtually all of its income is generated from Water and Sewer Service Charges and facilities connection fees.

The water supply is obtained entirely from groundwater located in the Alto Sub-Basin of the Mojave River Watershed and groundwater aquifer. The City’s municipal water system extracts all of its water supply from the

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LU-14 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

underground aquifers through 15 active groundwater wells located throughout the city. Water is conveyed from the wells to the consumers via a distribution system with pipe sizes ranging between 4 and 24 inches in diameter. In December 2009, the City maintained 14 storage reservoirs within the distribution system with a total capacity of 64.75 million gallons.

Storm Water Drainage System
The City’s storm drain and flood control systems are built and maintained by Hesperia’s Public Works Department and Engineering Divisions. These facilities include storm drains, natural drainage courses, channels, and basins. The San Bernardino County Flood Control District manages flows in the unincorporated areas adjacent to the c ity, some of which are watersheds that flow into the city boundary. The purpose of these facilities is to intercept and convey flood flows through and away from the developed areas of the city and county.

Wastewater Facilities
Sewer collection lines, which are discharged to Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority’s (VVWRA) regional treatment facility, are maintained and operated by the Hesperia Water District . The Sewer Division of the Hesperia Water District ensures the delivery and continuous unobstructed flow of sewage to the regional plant located north of the city near Oro Grande. The quality of the effluent must meet the requirements of the VVWRA, a joint-exercise-of-powers agency comprised of Hesperia and other local area entities providing sewer service.

Over the years, VVWRA has completed treatment plant upgrades and several capacity increases. The regional treatment plant is currently capable of treating a portion of the flow to a tertiary level and the remaining flow to a secondary level for percolation. A majority of the highly treated wastewater is discharged into the Mojave River Basin and a small amount is currently used to irrigate landscaping at the treatment plant.

VVWRA has two subregional treatment facilities, one of which is located on the West side of Hesperia near Maple Ave. The facility has the capacity to produce up to one million gallons per day of recycled water, which can then be used for irrigation purposes. The City is working towards the construction of a distribution system to convey the recycled water to potential uses such as the Hesperia Golf Course, schools, and parks. Unlike the regional treatment facility, the subregional plant only processes wastewater. All solid waste is returned to sewer lines to be treated at the

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-15

main facility. The City recently installed purple pipe in the Civic Plaza and other areas to utilize this treated wastewater for irrigating landscaped areas.

The City is also requiring larger developments to install purple pipe to facilitate the ultimate use of reclaimed water.

PUBLIC SERVICES
Schools
The Hesperia Unified School District serves the City of Hesperia as well as portions of the Oak Hills Community Plan area . In addition, the Snowline Joint Unified School District also serves the west Oak Hills Community Plan area. Currently, Hesperia School District has three comprehensive high schools, two continuation high schools, three middle schools, twelve elementary schools, three choice schools, two alternative schools, one adult education school, and five charter schools. T he district also has a Pr e-K Academy, independent study program, and offers career and adult education programs.. Enrollment information within the public schools for the 2022- 23 school year is identified within Table LU-5.

T
ABLE LU-5

EXISTING SCHOOL FACILITIES AND STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Level of School Level
2022-23
Student
Enrollment
Elementary School (Grades K – 6) 12,508
Middle School (Grades 7 & 8) 3,347
High School (Grades 9 – 12) 8,077
Alternative 463
Community Day 30
Continuation 564
Nonpublic, Nonsectarian 17
Total 25,006

Construction of additional schools will be necessary to meet the number of students currently enrolled in the district, as well as future increases in student population.

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LU-16 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-17

Parks
The Hesperia Recreation and Park District is an independent special district within the City of Hesperia. The Hesperia Recreation and Park District maintains retention basins, public landscaping, streetlights, and parks within the c ity boundary. There are a total of 15 parks and recreational facilities throughout the city. Additional information on the Recreation and Park District is located within the Open Space.

Police Services
The City of Hesperia contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for police services. The Hesperia Police Department is located at 15840 Smoke Tree Street . This station is adjacent to the City Hall and Library, and the Hesperia Civic Plaza Park.

Fire Protection
The City of Hesperia and the Sphere of Influence are served by the San Bernardino County Fire Department . Currently there are four fire stations within the City of Hesperia: Stations, 302, 304, 305 and Station 306 and one station (Station 22) located just north of the city in the community of Spring Valley Lake. Fire station 306 is a temporary fire station that opened on November 30, 2024 to serve the Silverwood community (formally referred to as the Tapestry Specific Plan). The temporary fire station is currently located along Ranchero Road near the entrance to the Silverwood development. As the Silverwood development progresses, the temporary fire station will eventually be replaced by a new permanent station . In addition, San Bernardino County Fire is tentatively planning to construct a new fire station on the site where fire station 301 was once located along 11 th Avenue. Fire station 301 was shuttered in 2012 and later demolished in 2018.

Library
San Bernardino County provides library services for the City of Hesperia and its Sphere of Influence within the Hesperia Branch Library, located at the Civic Center Plaza, 9650 Seventh Avenue, Hesperia.

LAND USE
LU-18 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

UTILITIES
Natural Gas
Natural gas is administered by the Southwest Gas Corporation, located at 13471 Mariposa Road, Victorville. Southwest Gas has a special rate analysis service to help determine all rate options, giving each establishment its most beneficial rate.

Electricity
Electrical power is provided by Southern California Edison, located at 12353 Hesperia Road, Victorville. Economic Development rates are available to qualified industrial users.

Solid Waste
Sanitation services are administered by Advance Disposal, located at 17105 Mesa Street, Hesperia. Advance Disposal is contracted to collect solid waste within the c ity. Advance Disposal also operates a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) which has a capacity of 600 tons per day . The Company’s long-term plans are to expand the capacity of the facility to meet the need of the c ity and its sphere of influence, which is the company’s ultimate service area. Hazardous waste can be taken to the Hesperia Fire Station located at 17443 Lemon Avenue in Hesperia.

Internet Connectivity
Spectrum, owned by Charter Communications , and Frontier Communications are the primary internet service providers for the City of Hesperia. In addition to Internet, Spectrum also offers cable to residents of the city. The nearest Spectrum store is located at 19157 Bear Valley Road in adjacent Apple Valley. The nearest Frontier store is located at 1307 E Citrus Ave in Redlands.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-19

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LAND USE
LU-20 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

ISSUES
The State law mandating and regulating the adoption of General Plans identifies those issues which are to be discussed within the Land Use Element. These are:
 Land Use
 Density/Intensity
 Agriculture
 Education
 Flooding
 Forest/Timber
 Industrial Uses
 Public Buildings
 Recreation
 Scenic Resources
 Waste Facilities

LAND USE
The General Plan Land Use Map identifies land uses on a parcel -specific basis. The Land Use Map identifies the General Plan designation of lots and parcels within the city and its sphere of influence. The Map is incorporated herein by reference and identified as Exhibit LU -1. A map of land uses within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan is also included, as Exhibit LU -2, given the plan area’s size and significant potential for residential and non-residential development.

This section of the Land Use Element identifies each designation included in the Land Use Map, the allowable density or intensity, the intent of each designation, and examples of allowable uses within the designation.

Specific goals and Implementation Policies for each of those goals are also incorporated in this section.

Table LU -6, provided on the following page, identifies the proposed General Plan Land Use designations and the amount of acreage within the city for each designation.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-21

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LU-22 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-23

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LU-24 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-25

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LU-26 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025
5 DENSITY/INTENSITY
This Land Use Element sets policy for land uses in the city and the sphere of i nfluence, establishing the foundation for future development. It also addresses the permitted density and intensity of various land uses. Density and intensity are quantitative measures used to describe how much development may occur on a property.

Density. The term density generally deals with residential development and refers to the population and housing units placed upon a property. The Hesperia General Plan describes density in terms of the number of dwelling units allowed per gross acre (du/acre) . A gross acre includes streets and public rights-of-way serving the neighborhood/property being developed.

Intensity. Development intensity generally refers to non -residential development and addresses the amount of building square footage on a particular parcel or lot. Intensity can be described in many ways, including building height, total floor area, the percent of the lot the building occupies (lot coverage), or floor-area ratio (FAR).

The Hesperia General Plan uses floor-area ratio to measure non-residential intensity. The FAR defines the ratio of the total gross floor area of all buildings on a lot to the total area of the lot or parcel. Exhibit LU-2 provides examples of the calculation of the FAR on a specific piece of property . As an example, an 0.5 FAR could be either a one-story building covering fifty percent of the lot or a two-story building on twenty-five percent of the lot.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-27

Exhibit LU-2
Floor Area Ratio

0.25 FLOOR AREA RATIO 0.50 FLOOR AREA RATIO

LAND USE
LU-28 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025
5 DENSITY AND INTENSITY GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goals and implementation policies will help ensure appropriate density and intensity of private development within the city:

Goal LU-1
An arrangement of compatible land uses that
protects and maintains attractive and safe
neighborhoods while providing opportunities
for commercial and industrial uses.

Policy LU-1.1
Maintain a balanced mix of high quality residential,
retail, employment, industrial, open space, and public
facility land uses to ensure a range of lifestyle options and convenient access to shops, restaurants, services,
and well-paid jobs.

Policy LU-1.2
Require that new development is located, scaled,
buffered, and designed to minimize negative impacts
on existing conforming uses and adjacent
neighborhoods.

Policy LU-1.3
Prioritize undeveloped non- residential areas west of
Interstate 15 for commercial and industrial uses to
promote land use compatibility and maintain the
economic viability of the planning area.

Policy LU-1.4
Consider proposed development that is consistent with
the Land Use Plan (i.e., it does not require a change in Land Use Designations), to be generally compatible
and consistent with surrounding land uses and a
community’s identity. Other policies in the Ge neral
Plan and development standards in the Development
Code may require additional site, building, and
landscape design treatment to ensure compatibility.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-29

TABLE LU-6

LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND ACREAGE
General Plan Land
Use Designation Description Density/Intensity
Population per
Household/
Employee per
Acre
Total
Acreage
Percent of
Total City
Residential
A2 General Agriculture 0.0 - 0.2 du/ac 3.3 1,776.1 2.6% A1-2 ½ Limited Agriculture-2 ½ 0.21 – 0.4 du/ac 3.3 794.0 1.2% A1 Limited Agriculture-1 0.41 – 1.0 du/ac 3.3 4,147 6.0% Rural Residential
RR-2 ½ Rural Residential-2 ½ 0.0 – 0.4 du/ac 3.3 13,276.5 19.2% RR(SD) Rural Residential-Special Development 0.0 – 0.4 du/ac 3.3 10,985.4 15.9% RR-1 Rural Residential-1 0.41 – 1.0 du/ac 3.3 2,818.0 4.1% RR-20000 Rural Residential-20,000 1.1 – 2.0 du/ac 3.3 3,198.7 4.6% Residential
R1-18000 Single-Family Residence-18,000 2.1 – 2.4 du/ac 3.3 4,686.8 6.8% R1 Single-Family Residence 2.5 – 4.5 du/ac 3.3 705.8 1.0% R1-4500 Single Family Residence-4,500 4.6 – 8.0 du/ac 3.3 434.6 0.6% R3 Multiple Family Residential 8.1 – 30.0 du/ac 2.5 140.6 0.2%

LAND USE

City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-30

TABLE LU-6

LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND ACREAGE
General Plan Land
Use Designation Description Density/Intensity
Population per
Household/
Employee per
Acre
Total
Acreage
Percent of
Total City
Commercial
C1 Neighborhood Commercial 0.0– 0.5 FAR 10.08 71.5 0.1% C2 General Commercial 0.0 – 1.0 FAR
Up to 30 du/ac

10.08 2.5 415.6 0.6%
C3 Service Commercial 0.0 – 0.5 FAR 7.83 67.3 0.1%
Industrial
I1 Limited Manufacturing 0.0 – 1.0 FAR 7.83 268.5 0.4%
I2 General Manufacturing 0.0 – 1.0 FAR 7.83 495.5 0.7%
Public
P-School Public Schools 0.0 – 1.0 FAR - 155.5 0.2%
P-Govt Government Facilities 0.0 – 1.0 FAR - 110.6 0.2% P-Park/Rec Park and Recreation Facilities 0.0 – 1.0 FAR - 1,856.7 2.7% Specific Plan
SP-89-01 Rancho Las Flores Specific Plan - - 492.3 0.7% SP-91-003 Summit Valley Ranch Specific Plan - - 786.2 1.1%

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-31

TABLE LU-6

LAND USE DESIGNATIONS AND ACREAGE
General Plan Land
Use Designation Description Density/Intensity
Population per
Household/
Employee per
Acre
Total
Acreage
Percent of
Total City
SP-2013-01 Tapestry (Silverwood) Specific Plan - - 9,366.3 13.6% MSFC-SP Main Street / Freeway Corridor
Specific Plan - - 8,923.4 12.9%
Other
Airport Airport Use - - 20.6 0.0%
Rec-Com Recreation – Commercial - - 277.3 0.4%
RC Resource Conservation - - 314.8 0.5%
RRC Railroad Corridor - - 514.3 0.7%
AQ Aqueduct - - 598.3 0.9%
TC Transportation Corridor - - 398.0 0.6%
UC Utilities Corridor - - 946.7 1.4%
Totals 69,042.9 100.00%
Notes:

The total acreage for the Main Street Freeway Corridor Specific Plan (MSFC-SP) does not include the approximately 132 acres of aqueduct, 101 acres of railroad corridor, 301 acres of utility corridor, and 398 acres of major transportation corridors, and 845 acres in roadways that is included in the total identified in Table LU-4 Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan Land Uses. The acreages for the aqueduct, railroad corridors, utilities, and major transportation corridors are identified under “Other” in this table; roadways were included with the adjacent land use designation. Therefore, the total acreage identified in Table LU-4 of 10,637 acres is consistent with the total of the MSFC-SP and the aqueduct, railroad, utility, and transportation corridors.

LAND USE

City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-32

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-33

Land Use Designations
Residential Development
The General Plan Land Use Map establishes adequate areas for residential densities varying from one (1) unit per five (5) acres to thirty (30) units per acre, in order to meet the needs of projected population growth within the community. In addition, densities of up to thirty (30) dwelling units per acre are permitted within the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan area. Other Specific Plan areas may also identify alternative densities and are not bound by the densities identified on the General Plan Land use map.

Tables LU-7 through LU -15 detail the density, intent and uses allowed under the various residential designations . Each designation uses gross acreages to determine density . Net lots sizes may be smaller than the minimum as long as the overall density of the land use designation is not exceeded.

T
ABLE LU-7

RR-SD (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT)
Density 0.0-0.4 dwelling units per acre for subdivisions without a Specific Plan. Ultimate density for any specific plan will be based on the quality of the proposal, adherence to the General Plan and incorporation of sustainability principles into the development.

For all development within the RR-SD designation that is not within a Specific Plan or is not a single-family dwelling on an existing lot, a gross density of one dwelling unit per 2½ acres (0.0-0.4 dwelling units per acre) shall not be exceeded.

Upon preparation, review, and adoption of a comprehensive Specific Plan a higher density than 0.4 dwelling units per acre may be established based upon environmental, topographic, and infrastructural capacity of the land as defined by
supporting documentation. The maximum density of a
specific plan will be based on the quality of the proposal, adherence to the General Plan and incorporation of
sustainability principles into the development. Density transfers and clustering are acceptable and encouraged in order to increase open space preservation. Concurrent to approval of a Specific Plan, a Zone Change and General Plan

LAND USE
LU-34 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-7

RR-SD (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT)
Amendment shall be approved to conform the zoning and the land use designation to the Specific Plan.

Intent The Rural Residential-Special Development (RR-SD) designation is intended to include areas with minimal or no infrastructure or public services, exhibiting varying
topography, environmental sensitivity, or other developmental constraints. Areas designated RR-SD merit special planning attention and approaches which go beyond General Plan
policies at the city-wide scale. The RR-SD designation is placed upon areas within Summit Valley and Honda Valley that will require comprehensive planning prior to
development.

Specific Plans within this designation should:

Include a detailed implementation program including facility phasing and funding.

Carefully prescribe balancing of development and open space within a planning area in an economically feasible manner.

Provide special regulations that are responsive to unique local conditions.

Allow flexibility necessary for long range planned community projects.

Uses Rural residential uses are appropriate for this zone, as well as large animal uses. With the implementation of a Specific Plan, including necessary improvements, suburban residential, commercial and mixed uses would be permitted.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-35

TABLE LU-8
RR-2 ½ (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-2 ½)
Density 0.0-0.4 dwelling units per acre for subdivisions without a Specific Plan.

Up to 4.0 dwelling units per acre for Specific Plans
Areas within this designation may be developed at a
maximum gross density not to exceed 0.4 dwelling units per acre (one dwelling unit per 2½ acres), with adequate
infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development.

Intent The RR-2½ designation is intended to preserve rural residential uses. The majority of the RR-2½ designation is located in the Sphere of Influence within the Oak Hills Community Plan. It is intended to maintain the area’s existing rural lifestyle.

Uses The RR-2½ designation permits equestrian and other large animal uses. This designation is appropriate in areas
characterized by large lot sizes and sparse single family residential development, free from environmental constraints, which have been identified for protection of rural lifestyles.

TABLE LU-9
RR-1 (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-1)
Density 0.41-1.0 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at maximum gross densities between one dwelling unit per 0.41 acres and one dwelling unit per acre (approximately two and one-half acre to one acre lot sizes), with adequate infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development.

Intent The Rural Residential with a one acre minimum lot size (RR- 1) designation is intended for detached single family
residential uses. This designation is appropriate in areas characterized by rural residential uses on a minimum one acre lot size and is intended to protect large animal keeping.

Uses The RR-1 designation encompasses mostly existing single- family residential neighborhoods. Parcels within this

LAND USE
LU-36 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-9
RR-1 (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-1)
designation are or will be served with adequate infrastructure and public facilities to support this level of development.

Within areas which contain significant environmental or topographic constraints, clustering of residential uses may be encouraged to preserve natural resources and mitigate
environmental impacts.

TABLE LU-10
RR-20000 (RURAL RESIDENTIAL-20,000)
Density 1.1-2.0 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at maximum gross densities ranging from one dwelling unit per acre to two dwelling units per acre (approximately one acre to 20,000 square foot lot sizes), with adequate infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development.

Maximum permitted density will be determined through the development review process, based upon environmental and infrastructural conditions.

Intent The Rural Residential with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet (RR-20000) is intended for single family
residential uses with some large animal keeping, depending on lot size. The RR-20000 designation is intended to maintain a more rural lifestyle than the R1-18000 designation through allowing more animal keeping, including horses.

Uses Areas that are designated RR-20000 are almost entirely developed with existing single-family residences on 20,000 square foot or 30,000 square foot lots. New development within this area should be consistent with the existing surrounding neighborhood. Within areas which contain
significant environmental or topographic constraints,
clustering of residential uses may be encouraged to preserve natural resources and mitigate environmental impacts.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-37

TABLE LU-11
RI-18000 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE-18,000)
Density 2.1-2.4 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at a
maximum gross density of two dwelling units per acre
(approximately 18,000 square foot lot sizes), with adequate infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development. Maximum permitted density will be determined through the development review process, based upon
environmental and infrastructural conditions.

Intent The Single-family Residence with a minimum lot size of 18,000 square feet (R1-18000) is intended for single family residences that do not keep large animals. This designation is intended to generally limit equestrian uses and keeping of other large animals unless they are permitted through the lot size requirements identified in the Municipal Code.

Uses The Mesa forms the majority of the R1-18000 designation.

New development within this area should be consistent with the existing surrounding neighborhood. Within areas which contain significant environmental or topographic constraints, clustering of residential uses may be encouraged to preserve natural resources and mitigate environmental impacts.

TABLE LU-12

RI (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE)
Density 2.5-4.5 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at maximum gross densities ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 dwelling units per acre (minimum 7,200 square foot lot sizes to 18,000 square foot lots), with adequate infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development. Maximum permitted
density will be determined through the development review process, based upon environmental and infrastructural
conditions.

Intent The Single-family Residence designation is intended for detached single family residential uses characterized by a more suburban setting. Sewer will be required for all new

LAND USE
LU-38 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-12

RI (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE)
dwelling units developing within this density with lots smaller than 18,000 square feet in area.

Uses Equestrian and other large animal uses are not intended for this designation. Within areas which contain significant environmental or topographic constraints, clustering of residential uses may be encouraged to preserve natural
resources and mitigate environmental impacts.

TABLE LU-13
RI-4500 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE-4,500)
Density 4.6-8.0 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at maximum gross densities ranging from one dwelling unit per 0.21 acres to 0.125 acres (minimum 4,000 square foot lot sizes to less than 7,200 square foot lots), with adequate infrastructure and services needed to support this level of development.

Maximum permitted density will be determined through the development review process, based upon environmental and infrastructural conditions
Intent The Single-family Residence with a minimum average lot size of 4,500 square feet (R1-4500) is intended for single family residential uses and is characterized by lots smaller than the standard 7,200 square feet.

Uses Sewer will be required for all new dwelling units developing within this density. Development within this designation should offer a variety of lot sizes, housing types, and public amenities. Development in this area shall include amenities such as parks and pools for residents of the subdivision and are encouraged to work with other projects to create centrally located parks for multiple subdivisions. Equestrian and other large animal uses are not intended for this designation.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-39

TABLE LU-14
R3 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENCE)
Density 8.1-30.0 dwelling units per acre
Areas within this designation may be developed at maximum gross densities ranging from 8.1 to 30.0 dwelling units per acre. Maximum permitted density will be determined through the development review process, based upon environmental and infrastructural conditions.

Intent The Multiple Family Residence (R3) designation is intended for multiple family uses in an urban setting. Sewer will be required for all new dwelling units developing within this density.

Uses Housing types may include townhouses, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, apartments, or manufactured housing developments. Active recreational facilities such as
playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts,
clubhouses, and pools, spas and water parks shall be provided as well as passive recreational facilities including benches, barbeques, and water features and other non-recreational features such as entry statements and decorative walls shall be provided within new development. Horses and other large animal uses are not intended within this district.

Table LU-15 summarizes the densities allowed by each of the residential designations.

TABLE LU-15

RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES
Designation Legend
Dwelling Units
Per Acre
(DU/AC) Typical Lot Size1,2
Population
Density
(persons per
acre-ppa)3,4
Rural Residential-
Special
Development3
RR-SD 0.0-0.4 DU/AC

0.0-4.0 DU/AC
(with Specific Plan)
2 ½ acres1
Dependent upon Specific
Plan

0.7 ppa
Dependent
upon Specific
Plan
Rural3 Residential-
2½
RR-2½ 0.0-0.4 DU/AC Minimum 2½ acres1 0 to 1.3 ppa

LAND USE
LU-40 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-15

RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES
Designation Legend
Dwelling Units
Per Acre
(DU/AC) Typical Lot Size1,2
Population
Density
(persons per
acre-ppa)3,4
Rural3 Residential-
1 RR-1 0.41-1.0 DU/AC 1 acre to 2½ acres1 1.4 to 3.3 ppa Rural3 Residential-
20000
RR-20000 1.1-2.0 DU/AC ½ acre to 1 acre2 3.3 to 6.6 ppa Single-family3
Residence- 18000
R1-18000 2.1-2.4 DU/AC 18,000 square feet to 20,000
square feet2

6.9 to 7.9 ppa
Single-family
Residence3
R1 2.5-4.5 DU/AC 7,200 square feet to 18,000
square feet
2 8.3 to 14.9 ppa
Single-family3
Residence-4500
R1-4500 4.6-8.0 DU/AC 4,000 square feet to 7,200
square feet2

15.2 to 26.4
ppa
Multiple family
Residence4
R3 8.1-30.0 DU/AC 5 Acres5 26.5 to 99.4
ppa
1 Gross Lot Size is used for designations one acre or larger in size. 2 Net Lot Size is used for designations less than one acre in size. 3 Population density per acre based on 3.3 persons per household for single-family residence. 4 Population density per acre based on 2.5 persons per household for multiple-family residence. 5 Lot Size less than 5 Acres is allowed with the submittal of a proposed multi-family project.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-41

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT USES
Small-Lot Subdivisions
The City of Hesperia provides a variety of housing types, ranging from large-lot residential uses concentrated at the eastern portion of the c ity to small-lot subdivisions, generally located west of Maple Avenue. Single- family residential subdivisions with lots less than 7,200 square feet in size are considered small -lot subdivisions. City stakeholders have identified concerns about small -lot subdivisions providing adequate services for the new residents, including:
 Parks
 Schools
 Police
 Fire
Multi-Family Residential Lot Sizes
The City’s multifamily districts are generally located: 1) east of the railroad, south of Main Street, 2) immediately south of Bear Valley Road along Sequoia Street , and 3) between the Civic Plaza and the railroad (the Township Area). The township area includes a multitude of parcels that were subdivided into lots as small as 25 feet by 100 feet. While the majority of these lots have since been combined to widths of 50 or 100 feet, many still require consolidation prior to development in order to meet the City’s Development Code minimum setbacks . In addition, sewer does not completely service many of the areas and has limited the amount of development that may occur on these parcels.

The Multiple Family Residence designation permits development at a density of 8.0-30.0 dwelling units per acre, but has developed with single - family residences on one lot instead because the lack of infrastructure and lot size has limited the number of units per acre . Single-family residences are mixed in with duplexes and triplexes through most of this area .

Consequently, linear design and lack of open space or amenities characterize these developments.

LAND USE
LU-42 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Oak Hills Community Plan Area
Within the Oak Hills Community Plan area, residential densities are anticipated to remain fairly low due to existing parcel sizes, infrastructure, and community interest in maintaining a rural lifestyle . Many of these lots were created through sectional subdivisions approved by San Bernardino County. In many cases, these lots lack legal access over dedicated roadways, and some lots lack physical access as well. In the event that portions of the Oak Hills Community Plan area are annexed into the City of Hesperia, accessibility to parcels will need to be analyzed and provided prior to development.

Animal Uses
Under San Bernardino County Code regulations (as adopted by the City upon incorporation) animal uses on residential lots were a function of lot size, with lots of 20,000 square feet and over permitting equestrian and other large animal uses. Equestrian and rural animal uses have been established on larger lots throughout the city, both north and south of Main Street, and in the residential area east of I Avenue. As the community continues to become more urbanized, the continuation of these animal uses in a manner which is compatible with the increasing urbanization will need to be addressed. Recreational facilities such as equestrian trails and staging areas should be located within residential areas designated for continuation of animal uses, while other areas of the city desiring a more urban environment may continue to restrict large animal and livestock uses.

Spatial Issues and Aesthetics
With the introduction of small lot subdivisions to the c ity, bringing houses and residents in closer proximity to each other, issues arise which can create disharmony in the spatial as well as aesthetic qualities of these neighborhoods. Small lot subdivisions can potentially result in incompatible architecture, housing units too close to each other, inappropriate building mass on one property visually overwhelming another property, limited open space, and lack of adequate yard space for recreational and other uses which were, in the past, common on the larger residential properties of the c ity.

Appropriate land use regulations are necessary to deal with these issues.

In addition, older residential areas may, due to age and/or lack of appropriate property maintenance, fall into disrepair . Maintaining the integrity and soundness of these residential areas is necessary for the City to respect its history and to serve those who reside on those properties.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-43

RESIDENTIAL GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goals and implementation policies are incorporated to guide the City with respect to its residential development.

Goal LU-2
Residential development that is visually
pleasing and compatible with existing uses,
neighborhoods, and the natural desert
environment.

Policy LU-2.1
Plan for a variety of residential product types to
accommodate rural and suburban lifestyles and all
economic and demographic segments of the City's
population.

Policy LU-2.2
Require that new residential developments are
located, scaled, buffered, and designed so as to not
hinder the economic viability and continuity of areas
planned for nonresidential uses.

Policy LU-2.3
Enhance the sense of identity and increase the feeling
of pride among residents, business owners,
employees, and visitors by encouraging excellent
physical design and continual property maintenance
and improvements.

Policy LU-2.4
Encourage lot consolidation of multi -family
residential properties through creation of a lot
consolidation incentive program.

Policy LU-2.5
Permit density transfers and clustering as a means of
achieving more efficient housing construction and
providing areas of usable common open space, in
addition to payment of development impact fees.

LAND USE
LU-44 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy LU-2.6
Require new development in areas planned for mixed
use to incorporate high-quality and innovative design
with walkable environments, human-scale, gathering
spaces, and vibrant businesses that competitively
attract consumers and consumer spending in the
evolving retail sales and services market.

AGRICULTURE
As with residential land use designations, the agricultural land use designations specify a range of permitted densities (units per acre) within each designation . Actual densities obtained within each site are limited based upon the site or development’s capacity to accommodate roads and easements, drainage facilities, required setbacks, open spaces and amenities, infrastructure necessary to serve the proposed densi ty and seismic, noise, drainage or other hazards. Agricultural uses are intended for rural areas within the city that accommodate a larger range of animal uses.

The General Plan land use designations are as follows:

T
ABLE LU-16
A2 (GENERAL AGRICULTURAL)
Density 0.0-0.2 dwelling units per acre
The General Agricultural (A2) designation has a maximum gross density not to exceed 0.2 dwelling units per acre (one dwelling unit per five acres).

Intent The A2 designation is intended to protect agricultural uses. This designation is appropriate in areas characterized by large lot sizes, varying topography, proximity to the Mojave River, or distance from public services such as sewers.

Uses The A2 designation encompasses those uses which are customarily conducted in areas not yet suited for urban development or which should be permanently set aside for general agricultural purposes. This district provides areas for commercial agricultural operations, agricultural support services, livestock keeping, rural residential uses, and similar uses.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-45

TABLE LU-17
A1-2 ½ (LIMITED AGRICULTURAL – 2 ½)
Density 0.21-0.4 dwelling units per acre
The Limited Agricultural with a minimum 2½-acre lot size (A1- 2½) has a gross density range of 0.21 (one dwelling unit on less than five acres) to 0.4 dwelling units per acre (one dwelling unit per 2½ acres).

Intent This designation is intended to protect rural lifestyles within the city and sphere of influence.

Uses The A1-2½ designation encompasses mostly subdivided properties containing a single-family dwelling. Rural residential uses, livestock keeping, horses, and other large-animal uses are intended to be protected and preserved within this designation.

The amount of commercial agricultural uses and large animal uses allowed is dependent upon lot size and standards included in the Municipal Code.

TABLE LU-18
A1 (LIMITED AGRICULTURAL)
Density 0.41-1.0 dwelling units per acre
The limited agricultural with a minimum one-acre lot size (A1) has a gross density range of 0.41 dwelling units per acre (one dwelling unit on 2½ acres) to 1.0 dwelling unit per acre (one dwelling unit on one acre).

Intent This designation is intended to continue the current rural lifestyle for residents living in A1-and A1-2½ designated areas.

Uses The A1 designation encompasses mostly existing single-family residential neighborhoods. Residential uses, livestock keeping, equestrian, and other large-animal uses are suited for areas within this designation. The amount of commercial agricultural uses and large animal uses allowed is dependent upon lot size and standards included in the Municipal Code.

Table LU-19 summarizes the residential densities allowed under the various agricultural land use designations.

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LU-46 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-19

AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES
Designation Legend
Dwelling
Units Per
Acre
(DU/AC)
Typical Lot
Size1,2
Population
Density
(persons
per acre-
ppa)3,4
General
Agricultural2
A2 0.0-0.2
DU/AC
Minimum 5
acres1
0 to 0.7 ppa
Limited3
Agricultural-
2½
A1-2½ 0.21-0.4
DU/AC
2½ acres to 5
acres1

0.7 to 1.3 ppa
Limited3
Agricultural-1
A1 0.41-1.0
DU/AC
1 acre to 2½
acres1

1.4 to 3.3 ppa
1 Gross Lot Size is used for designations one acre or larger. 2 Population density per acre is based on 3.3 persons per household for single-family residential.

COMMERCIAL
The commercial designations are designed to permit a wide variety of neighborhood, general office, and retail uses. Commercial designations are intended to serve local neighborhood needs as well as regional and highway commercial needs, including opportunities for a wide range of services, retail, and wholesale functions . Specific uses permitted within each designation are listed in the underlying zone district.

Floor Area Ratio, or FAR, is included with each applicable non-residential designation. The FAR’s are given as an intensity range that all non - residential buildings shall fall between, depending upon designation. FAR determines the allowable building area based upon the lot size. Multiplying the FAR by the lot size results in the maximum allowable building square footage. The Floor Area Ratio should not be taken as a guarantee for building size; minimum development code standards such as height limitations, parking, landscaping, and internal access may also limit building size. Examples of the calculation of floor area ratios can be found within Exhibit LU-2 on Page LU-31.

Tables LU-20 through LU-22 detail the allowable intensity as well as the intent and uses for each of the commercial land use designations.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-47

TABLE LU-20

CI (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-0.5
Development within the Neighborhood Commercial
designation should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed

0.5. Businesses within the C1 designation should be smaller in floor area than the other commercial designations and should be less-intense in impacts such as traffic and noise due to the proximity of residentially designated properties.

Intent The Neighborhood Commercial (C1) designation is intended to meet the needs of local neighborhood residents.

Uses Neighborhood commercial properties should generally be located on sites of 15 acres or less, within or adjacent to residentially-designated areas and at intersections of collector or arterial streets. Uses within neighborhood commercial areas should include convenience-type goods and services intended to provide for the daily (short-term) needs of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Site design should incorporate effective internal circulation for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic as well as buffering from adjacent residential uses.

TABLE LU-21
C2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-1.0
Development within the General Commercial designation
should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 1.0.

Density Up to 30 du/ac
Intent The General Commercial (C2) designation is intended for goods and services of a general nature as well as professional offices that will meet both the short and long-term needs of the City’s population and to allow for multiple family uses in an urban setting. Sewer will be required for all new dwelling units developing within this designation.

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LU-48 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-21
C2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
Non-
Residential
Uses
General commercial uses should generally be located on sites a minimum of five (5) acres in size with access from arterial streets. It is recognized that many vacant properties,
particularly along Bear Valley Road, do not meet this
minimum site size. These properties are to be considered developable despite this deficiency. Site design within general commercial use areas should include effective internal
circulation designed to minimize traffic impacts on adjacent arterial streets. Consolidation of multiple lots is encouraged in order to create a cohesive retail center rather than multiple strip commercial stores.

Residential
Uses
Housing types may include townhouses, condominiums,
duplexes, triplexes, apartments, or manufactured housing developments. Active recreational facilities such as
playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts,
clubhouses, and pools, spas and water parks shall be
provided as well as passive recreational facilities
including benches, barbeques, and water features and
other non- recreational features such as entry statements and decorative walls shall be provided within new
development. Horses and other lar ge animal uses are not intended within this district.

T
ABLE LU-22
C3 (SERVICE COMMERCIAL)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-0.5
Development within the Service Commercial designation
should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 0.5.

Intent The Service Commercial (C3) designation is intended for utilization as a buffer between residential or commercial uses and industrial uses.

Uses Service commercial uses include business-to-business retail and wholesale sales and services. All business operations shall be conducted within an enclosed building, and no outdoor storage shall be permitted. Service Commercial properties should be located on arterial streets.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-49

Commercial Development Issues
Mixed Use
As residential and commercial patterns change and concern for climate appropriate sustainable developments grow, there is an increasing need for mixed use developments, specifically those combining residential and commercial uses. Because such uses are often incompatible, specific land use policies are needed to ensure the economic success as well as to allow both the residents and the commercial businesses to be able to coexist in harmony.

Incompatibility with Residential Uses
Commercial uses, by their nature, generate traffic, activities, light and noise which can be incompatible with adjacent residential uses. Through proper design of both the commercial and the residential developments these incompatibilities can be minimized if not eliminated.

Cooperation among Businesses and Property Owners
Commercial economic vitality requires a critical mass of commercial and service users within a combined geographical area in order to attract the necessary number of customers and clients for the success of all of the businesses. Such success is necessary for the financial and economic stability and growth of the city. To achieve this, cooperation among businesses and property owners to create areas which serve their existing and potential customers is desirable. The City’s land use policies should encourage and promote such cooperation.

Signs and Commercial Glare
The nature of commercial districts requires extensive use of signage, lighting and a variety of activities. When such aspects of a commercial district are in conflict, the economic vitality and financial base of the district can be threatened. Further, when such aspects spill over onto adjacent land uses, most specifically residential, it can diminish the quality of life and the economic value of these adjacent land uses. Thus, it is important for the City’s land use policies to help ensure that the vitality of the commercial areas is maintained, while protecting the adjacent residential areas from negative influences.

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LU-50 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Aesthetics
Due to the diverse number of properties, property owners and uses, commercial and other business structures adjacent to or in close proximity to each other can be incompatible in terms of massing, architecture and similar features. In addition, because commercial structures are intended to attract the interest of both pedestrians and motorists along the streets which front the commercial property, efforts to provide an attractive frontage are made, but often the sides and rears of the buildings are ignored aesthetically, even while they are visible from both rights -of-way as well as adjacent properties and their users. Such lack of adequate aesthetic effort can degrade not just the commercial district itself, but also those areas surrounding the commercial district.

Commercial Goals and Policies
The following are the Goals and Implementation Policies to regulate commercial development within the c ity. Other goals and policies appropriate to their specific areas can be found in the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, and the Tapestry Specific Plan..

Goal LU-3
Balanced and efficient commercial
development that is attractive, safe,
accessible, and strengthens the local
economy.

Policy LU-3.1
Maintain sufficient lands to provide a full range of
commercial services that meet the needs of current
and future residents.

Policy LU-3.2
Encourage a diverse mix of commercial and service
businesses that provide employment opportunities
and support the local tax base.

Policy LU-3.3
Promote the development of retail, restaurant, and
entertainment uses along Main Street to facilitate a
more pedestrian-friendly environment.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-51

Policy LU-3.4
Encourage the inclusion and beautification of on-site
pedestrian pathways, particularly connecting parking
lots to business entrances, through the use of
landscaping.

Policy LU-3.5
Require theme elements on all major commercial
developments to distinguish them from other centers,
foster individuality, and promote gathering
opportunities.

Policy LU-3.6
Require varied planes and textures and variety in
materials to provide superior architectural design on
commercial buildings.

Policy LU-3.7 Require delivery areas to be separated from pedestrian areas.

INDUSTRIAL
Industrial districts are appropriate for areas having or planned to have adequate sanitation, water, transportation, drainage, utilities, and public services available to meet the needs of this type of development. The industrial designations are not intended for general commercial uses, either of a retail or service nature that will attract non -industrial users, vehicular traffic, or incompatible uses into the industrial area.

When possible, industrial areas should be separated from single family residential areas by commercial or multiple family residential designations, natural or manmade barriers such as drainage courses, utility easements, railroad tracks, or major arterials . Adequate land use and design buffers to mitigate impacts of truck traffic, noise, emissions, dust, and other potential land use conflicts must be addressed through the design review process within the Industrial designations.

Tables LU-23 and LU-24 detail the intensity, intent and uses identified for the two industrial land use designations.

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LU-52 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-23
I-1 (LIMITED INDUSTRIAL)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-1.0
Development within the Limited Industrial designation should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 1.0.

Intent The Limited Industrial (I1) designation is intended to include lighter industrial uses along with ancillary commercial uses which are incidental to the primary industrial use of the property. Supportive service commercial uses may also be allowed.

Uses Wholesale or retail sale of industrial supplies, transportation equipment, building equipment and materials, indoor
manufacturing uses, and similar uses may be permitted in this district.

TABLE LU-24
I-2 (GENERAL INDUSTRIAL)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-1.0
Development within the General Industrial designation should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 1.0.

Intent The General Industrial (I2) designation is intended to permit the establishment of manufacturing and related uses within the city in areas which are protected from encroachment by
incompatible residential and retail manufacturing uses.

Uses This district permits the heaviest types of manufacturing and industrial uses with approval of a site plan or conditional use permit. Manufacturing, warehousing, and fabrication uses are all appropriate for this designation.

Industrial Development Issues
Adjacent Residential Areas
As with commercial land uses, industrial land uses can diminish both the quality of life as well as the value of adjacent residential land uses. While inherently incompatible when adjacent to each other, design techniques can

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-53

be used to minimize the conflicts between the two land uses. Adjacent residential areas should not limit the potential uses within industrial areas.

Adequate Infrastructure
Industrial uses require public infrastructure that adequately serves their needs. These include streets of sufficient size and design to handle trucks, adequate water supply and adequate sewage and other disposal and treatment. The City should adopt policies which provide not just for the expansion of existing industrial development but ones which encourage new industrial development to locate in the c ity by providing the infrastructure needed.

Aesthetics
Modern industrial areas provide a pleasing environment not just for the businesses and its workers, but compliment the general area, reducing its impact upon surrounding land uses. Through the use of various land use and building design techniques, the aesthetic nature of the industrial area can be assured.

Industrial Goals and Policies
The following are the Goals and Implementation Policies to regulate industrial development within the city.

Goal LU-4
Industrial development that expands the
City's tax base and provides a range of
employment activities while minimizing the
impacts to the community and environment.

Policy LU-4.1
Maintain sufficient lands to allow for a full range of
industrial businesses that serve the community and
surrounding areas.

Policy LU-4.2
Encourage a diverse mix of industrial businesses that
support the local tax base, are beneficial to residents, and support the economic needs of the community.

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LU-54 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy LU-4.3
Encourage the development of logistics warehousing
in areas designated Commercial Industrial Business
Park west of Interstate 15 to leverage direct and
convenient access to the freeways.

Policy LU-4.4
Explore opportunities to encourage industrial
development in the area north of Main Street,
between the railroad tracks and I Avenue. Pursue
grant funding to improve roadway and utility
infrastructure, as available.

Policy LU-4.5
Require architectural treatment on all street- facing
sides of a building, such as varied planes, textures,
and materials, to achieve high quality design.

Policy LU-4.6
Require landscape plantings into industrial projects
to define and emphasize building entrances, inclusive
of those areas along the front of the building facing a parking lot.

Policy LU-4.7 Require delivery areas to be separated from pedestrian areas.

PUBLIC LAND USES
The public land use designations are intended to identify land which is or will be utilized for public facilities or uses including community facilities, schools, parks, libraries, utility easements and substations, water and sewage facilities, hospitals, emergency services, fire stations, municipal buildings, and other uses serving a public interest . These designations are especially appropriate for land that is under ownership by a public agency.

Use of such publicly designated land shall be governed by the public entity controlling the land with approval of a public facility review for new construction or uses, pursuant to the Municipal Code, Title 16:

Development Code, or the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, Public Institutional Overlay zone.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-55

Tables LU-25 through LU-27 detail the intensity, intent and allowable uses on property with these public designations.

TABLE LU-25

P-SCHOOL (PUBLIC-SCHOOL)
Intensity None
Intent The Public-School (P-School) designation is intended to identify properties owned or leased by school districts.

Uses The P-School designation includes schools and properties of the Hesperia Unified School District and Snowline Joint Unified School District, including elementary schools, sixth-grade academies, middle schools, junior high schools, high schools and continuation schools, but not include charter schools, private or church schools.

TABLE LU-26

P-GOVT (PUBLIC-GOVERNMENT)
Intensity FAR: 0.0-2.0
Development within the Public-Government designation should occur at a Floor Area Ratio not to exceed 2.0.

Intent The Public-Government (P-Govt) designation is intended to identify properties owned or leased by government agencies.

Uses P-Govt designation includes city, county, state, and federal properties and uses such as City Hall, county, state, and federal administrative offices and other facilities, fire stations, police stations, and animal control offices.

TABLE LU-27
P-PARK/REC (PUBLIC –PARK/RECREATION)
Intensity None
Intent The Public -Park/Recreation (P -Park/Rec) designation is intended to encompass properties owned by the Hesperia
Recreation and Park District.

Uses The P -Park/Rec designation includes properties such as Hesperia Recreation and Park District’s office, public parks,

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LU-56 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-27
P-PARK/REC (PUBLIC –PARK/RECREATION)
recreational facilities, and trails. Some trails exist within utility corridors.

PUBLIC LANDS GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goal details the policy as it relates to designating land for public uses.

Goal LU-5
High quality public facilities that serve the
needs of the community through schools,
parks, open space, services, and utilities
and infrastructure.

Policy LU-5.1
Coordinate with the Hesperia Parks and Recreation
District to protect and improve public parks, trails,
open space areas, public plazas, historical assets, and public facilities to define and enhance the
community’s quality of life.

Policy LU-5.2
Manage the development of public facilities to assure
adequate levels of service, while remaining
compatible with existing and future land uses.

Policy LU-5.3
Encourage use of stealth design for wireless
communications facilities and other related facilities.

Table LU-28 summarizes the floor area ratios for the various non-residential land use designations, specifically those relating to commercial, industrial and public uses.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-57

TABLE LU-28

NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT INTENSITIES
Designation Legend Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Neighborhood Commercial C1 0.0-0.5
General Commercial C2 0.0-1.0
Service Commercial C3 0.0-0.5
Limited Industrial I1 0.0-1.0
General Industrial I2 0.0-1.0
Public- School P- School None
Public- Government P- Govt 0.0-2.0
Public- Park/ Recreation P- Park/Rec None

RESOURCE CONSERV ATION
Table LU-29 details the intent and uses for the land designated as Resource Conservation. Such land is found only in the Oak Hills Community Plan area, outside of the city boundary but within the sphere of influence . Land use regulations can be found in the Oak Hills Community Plan.

TABLE LU-29

RC (RESOURCE CONSERVATION)
Intent The Resource Conservation (RC) designation is intended to encourage limited rural development that maximizes preservation of open space, watershed, and wildlife habitat areas.

Uses This designation identifies areas where rural residences may be established on lands with limited grazing potential or substantial topography but which have significant open space values. In addition, the RC designation establishes areas where open space and non-agricultural activities are the primary use of the land, but where agriculture and compatible uses may co-exist.

Note: All RC designated property is located outside of the City of Hesperia but within the Oak Hills Community Plan. All development within this designation is regulated by the Community Plan.

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LU-58 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

RECREATION COMMERCIAL
The Recreation-Commercial land use designation is intended to provide for recreational uses within natural drainage courses and other similar areas. Table LU-30 details the intent and the uses allowed for these areas.

More specific goals and policies for these areas can be found in both the Conservation and the Open Space Elements.

T
ABLE LU-30

REC-COM (RECREATIONAL-COMMERCIAL)
Intent The Recreational-Commercial (Rec-Com) designation is intended to provide for areas of recreational opportunities within the Antelope Valley wash. This designation identifies areas of existing recreational activities (the golf course) as well as an area where recreational-commercial activities could occur in the future.

There are two overlay districts that effect this designation- the 100-Year Floodplain (FP) overlay, and the Dam Inundation (DI) overlay. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified a portion of this wash as Flood Way, which does not allow structures within this area.

A more thorough discussion of flood hazards and safety issues can be found in the Safety Element of this general Plan
Uses Allowable uses within this designation include active recreational uses such as golf courses, ball fields, fairgrounds, motorcycle parks, and archery and shooting ranges, passive recreational uses such as hiking and equestrian trails, as well as agricultural farming uses. Land within the Rec-Com designation should be protected from extensive grading that will alter the general landform of these areas.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-59

SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATIONS
The Specific Plan designation is intended for adopted Specific Plans within the city. Specific plans may be prepared for any area within the c ity but typically should be utilized for land with environmental constraints, lack of infrastructure, or unique land use concerns which require specific land use and/or design standards. Specific plans must be consistent with all elements of the General Plan . Once a Specific Plan is adopted, its standards and regulations govern the uses and development of properties w ithin the plan area.

Specific plans should:
 Include a detailed implementation program including facility phasing and funding.
 Carefully prescribe balancing of development and open space within a planning area in an economically feasible manner.
 Provide special regulations that are responsive to unique local conditions.
 Allow flexibility necessary for long range planned community projects.

Specific plans allow for greater design flexibility and planning than stricter standards in the Development Code may permit . The increased design flexibility within a comprehensive planning framework allows for density transfers, mixing of uses and building types, and use of special development standards and criteria which address the particular features and attributes of a site.

Planned residential communities within the SP designation shall include provisions for public and private open space, including neighborhood parks and paseos and community facilities including recreation centers and active recreational facilities such as pools, water parks, and gymnasiums as determined through the development review process . All commercial or industrial uses within a specific plan shall be adequately buffered and separated from existing or planned residential uses, both within and outside the specific plan area.

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LU-60 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

The City currently has four specific plans: the Main Street and Freeway Corridor, Tapestry (now referred to as Silverwood), Rancho Las Flores, and the Summit Valley Ranch Specific Plan.

LAND USE OVERLAYS
Overlays within the General Plan are intended to identify parcels that may be affected by natural or man -made hazards and that require special attention prior to development. There is an underlying base designation for all properties within an overlay . Developments consistent with the allowable uses and standards of the overlay and the designation are permitted. In the event the overlay district standards differ from those of the underlying designation, the more restrictive standards shall apply.

T
ABLE LU-31

OS/D (OPEN SPACE/DRAINAGE)
Intent The Open Space/Drainage (OS/D) designation identifies areas within the wash east of the Interstate 15 freeway that are planned to remain in a minimally developed or natural
condition because of environmental constraints, special visual qualities, available natural resources or the need for public open space. The OS/D designation is intended to protect, enhance, or maintain land for purposes of natural and cultural resource preservation, recreation, protection of sensitive environments, protection from natural hazard areas, or public uses. This designation is appropriate in areas which are unsuitable for development or which have been determined to have special value to the community in an undeveloped state. This
designation is similar to the Wash Protection Overlay District established by the Main Street and Freeway Corridor Specific Plan for the Oro Grande Wash.

Uses The allowable uses within this designation include limited recreational uses such as trails and natural preserve areas.

Typical permitted uses within the Open Space area would include recreational uses, horticulture, agriculture,
communication facilities, and similar uses which would not involve substantial grading or construction. In addition, a portion of the OS/D area will be needed for drainage purposes.

Grading should be strictly limited in this designation to preserve the existing natural state of the land and habitat.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-61

TABLE LU-31

OS/D (OPEN SPACE/DRAINAGE)
Residential properties required to dedicate land within the OS/D overlay may consider the gross lot size (prior to
dedications) to calculate allowable number of animals.

Goals and policies for lands with an Open Space/Drainage Overlay Designation can be found in both the Conservation and the Open Space Elements.

T
ABLE LU-32
FP (100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY)
Intent The 100-Year Floodplain (FP) overlay is consistent with the boundaries of the Federal Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA’s) 100-year floodplain boundaries. Properties within this overlay will have an underlying designation that will govern the land uses permitted on site, but shall also comply with FEMA’s standards for building within the 100-year
floodplain. The 100-year floodplain area is defined by FEMA by reviewing the long term average period between floods of a certain size and identifying the size of a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring during any given year (Safety Element Background Technical Report, ECI Consultants,
2010).

Uses All structures built within the FP overlay shall raise pad elevations one foot or more above the base flood elevation identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and shall not increase flood levels during the base flood discharge.

Goals and policies dealing with the 100 Year Floodplain Overlay areas can be found in the Safety Element.

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LU-62 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

TABLE LU-33

DI (DAM INUNDATION OVERLAY)
Intent The Dam Inundation overlay is intended to identify the potential area of flooding caused by a seismically induced inundation. This refers to the flooding that results when water retention structures such as dams fail due to an earthquake (Safety Element Background Technical Report, ECI
Consultants, 2010). The dam inundation area is the land that may be flooded due to failure of the Mojave Forks Dam and the Cedar Springs Dam.

Goals and policies dealing with the 100 Year Floodplain Overlay areas can be found in the Safety Element.

AIRPORT OVERLAYS
There are three airport overlays within the General Plan: the Airport Safety zone (AS); the Airport Approach and Transitional zone (AAT); and the Airport Notice area (AN). These overlays are consistent with the standards of the Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) required areas and imaginary surfaces.

T
ABLE LU-34

AS (AIRPORT SAFETY ZONE)
Restrictions The Airport Safety zone (AS) consists of the “Primary Surface” and the “Runway Protection Zone” (RPZ) (see
description below). The Primary Surface, which is
immediately around the runway, is an Object Free Area (no structures or vehicles). It is also recommended that no structures be allowed in the Runway Protection Zone. Very low density residential uses may be permitted as long as no portion of any structure encroaches within the Approach Surfaces (see discussion of this surface under “Airport Approach and Transitional Zone”). All development shall obtain a standard form of Avigation easement, as
recommended by the Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land
Use Plan.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-63

TABLE LU-35

AAT (AIRPORT APPROACH AND TRANSITIONAL ZONE)
Restrictions Properties within the Airport Approach and Transitional Zone (AAT) may be subject to additional height limitations
resulting from the FAA Approach and Transitional Surfaces as described in the Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan and summarized below. Structures that would
project within the FAA Approach and Transitional Surfaces should not be allowed.

The Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
recommends that new development intensity does not exceed one dwelling unit per acre (minimum of 1 acre lot sizes). All development shall obtain a standard form of Avigation
easement as recommended by the Hesperia Airport
Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Any construction or alteration of structures that are located within 9,200 feet of the Hesperia Airport runway and
encroach within an imaginary surface that extends upward at a slope with a ratio of 100 horizontal to 1 vertical from the nearest point of the runway shall submit an FAA Form 7460 to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for review. A determination of no hazard must be received prior to approval of any permit.

TABLE LU-36

AN (AIRPORT NOTICE AREA)
Restrictions The Airport Notice area (AN) may be subject to some noise impacts and low-flying aircraft. All development shall
provide an Avigation easement, as recommended by the
Hesperia Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which
acknowledges noise impacts and low-flying aircraft.

Goals and implementation policies for those areas with one of the three airport overlays can be found in the Noise Element.

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LU-64 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

SUSTAINABILITY
With the growing shortage of natural resources as well as the limits placed on such resources because of the geography and location of the city, it is imperative that the City adopt land use policies which ensure community wide sustainability. Such policies are also being mandated by both State and federal law and regulations.

Such sustainable practices are also needed to ensure the current and future quality of life for the residents of Hesperia and to ensure harmonious and cooperative relationships with surrounding communities and other public agencies.

Sustainability Goals and Policies
The following goal and implementation policies are incorporated in the Land Use Element.

Goal LU-6
A well designed, well maintained, and
sustainable community that enhances the
quality of life for residents, workers, and
visitors.

Policy LU-6.1
Prioritize growth that furthers a regional balance of
jobs and housing to reduce vehicle miles traveled,
increase job opportunities and household income, and
improve quality of life.

Policy LU-6.2 Encourage quality design in all new construction to further improve the built environment of the city.

Policy LU-6.3
Pursue code enforcement actions to advance proper
maintenance of residential, commercial, and
industrial properties in all areas of the city.

Policy LU-6.4
Continue the graffiti suppression and removal
program, and encourage neighborhoods to take an
active role in the program as well.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-65

Policy LU-6.5
Promote the use of green building standards and
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED), or other equivalent programs, in both
private and public projects.

COMMUNITY-WIDE QUALITY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY
The City has a responsibility to ensure that the community as a whole be developed and maintained in a manner which assures the quality of life for its residents as well as maintains the quality and value of the property within the city.

Community-wide Quality of Life and Property Goals and Policies

Goal LU-7
A balanced mix of land uses and
development types that results in fiscal
sustainability and support continuously
improving public facilities and services.

Policy LU-7.1
Require new development to pay its fair share of the
cost for on- and off-site capital improvements.

Policy LU-7.2
Approve development only when necessary
infrastructure and services will be available and
provided prior to or concurrent with occupancy.

Require that proposed development demonstrate it
will be adequately served without negatively
impacting existing capacities and levels of service.

Policy LU-7.3
Identify and pursue funding to improve those areas of
the city which may require additional attention due to
lack of infrastructure, maintenance, or substandard
structures.

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LU-66 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

LAND USE ELEMENT SUMMARY OF GOALS AND

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
Density and Intensity
Goal LU-1
An arrangement of compatible land uses
that protects and maintains attractive and
safe neighborhoods while providing
opportunities for commercial and industrial
uses.

Policy LU-1.1
Maintain a balanced mix of high quality residential,
retail, employment, industrial, open space, and public
facility land uses to ensure a range of lifestyle options and convenient access to shops, restaurants, services,
and well-paid jobs.

Policy LU-1.2
Require that new development is located, scaled,
buffered, and designed to minimize negative impacts
on existing conforming uses and adjacent
neighborhoods.

Policy LU-1.3
Prioritize undeveloped non- residential areas west of
Interstate 15 for commercial and industrial uses to
promote land use compatibility and maintain the
economic viability of the planning area.

Policy LU-1.4
Consider proposed development that is consistent
with the Land Use Plan (i.e., it does not require a
change in Land Use Designations), to be generally
compatible and consistent with surrounding land uses
and a community’s identity. Other policies in the
General Plan and development standards in the
Development Code may require additional site,

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-67

building, and landscape design treatment to ensure
compatibility.

Residential
Goal LU-2
Residential development that is visually
pleasing and compatible with existing uses,
neighborhoods, and the natural desert
environment.

Policy LU-2.1
Plan for a variety of residential product types to
accommodate rural and suburban lifestyles and all
economic and demographic segments of the City's
population.

Policy LU-2.2
Require that new residential developments are
located, scaled, buffered, and designed so as to not
hinder the economic viability and continuity of areas
planned for nonresidential uses.

Policy LU-2.3
Enhance the sense of identity and increase the feeling
of pride among residents, business owners,
employees, and visitors by encouraging excellent
physical design and continual property maintenance
and improvements.

Policy LU-2.4
Encourage lot consolidation of multi -family
residential properties through creation of a lot
consolidation incentive program.

Policy LU-2.5
Permit density transfers and clustering as a means of
achieving more efficient housing construction and
providing areas of usable common open space, in
addition to payment of development impact fees.

Policy LU-2.6 Require new development in areas planned for mixed use to incorporate high-quality and innovative design

LAND USE
LU-68 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

with walkable environments, human -scale, gathering
spaces, and vibrant businesses that competitively
attract consumers and consumer spending in the
evolving retail sales and services market.

Commercial
Goal LU-3
Balanced and efficient commercial
development that is attractive, safe,
accessible, and strengthens the local
economy.

Policy LU-3.1
Maintain sufficient lands to provide a full range of
commercial services that meet the needs of current
and future residents.

Policy LU-3.2
Encourage a diverse mix of commercial and service
businesses that provide employment opportunities
and support the local tax base.

Policy LU-3.3
Promote the development of retail, restaurant, and
entertainment uses along Main Street to facilitate a
more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Policy LU-3.4
Encourage the inclusion and beautification of on-site
pedestrian pathways, particularly connecting parking
lots to business entrances, through the use of
landscaping.

Policy LU-3.5
Require theme elements on all major commercial
developments to distinguish them from other centers,
foster individuality, and promote gathering
opportunities.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-69

Policy LU-3.6
Require varied planes and textures and variety in
materials to provide superior architectural design on
commercial buildings.

Policy LU-3.7 Require delivery areas to be separated from pedestrian areas.

Industrial
Goal LU-4
Industrial development that expands the
City's tax base and provides a range of
employment activities while minimizing the
impacts to the community and environment.

Policy LU-4.1
Maintain sufficient lands to allow for a full range of
industrial businesses that serve the community and
surrounding areas.

Policy LU-4.2
Encourage a diverse mix of industrial businesses that
support the local tax base, are beneficial to residents, and support the economic needs of the community.

Policy LU-4.3
Encourage the development of logistics warehousing
in areas designated Commercial Industrial Business
Park west of Interstate 15 to leverage direct and
convenient access to the freeways.

Policy LU-4.4
Explore opportunities to encourage industrial
development in the area north of Main Street,
between the railroad tracks and I Avenue. Pursue
grant funding to improve roadway and utility
infrastructure, as available.

LAND USE
LU-70 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy LU-4.5
Require architectural treatment on all street-facing
sides of a building, such as varied planes, textures,
and materials, to achieve high quality design.

Policy LU-4.6
Require landscape plantings into industrial projects
to define and emphasize building entrances, inclusive
of those areas along the front of the building facing a parking lot.

Policy LU-4.7 Require delivery areas to be separated from pedestrian areas.

Public Uses
Goal LU-5
High quality public facilities that serve the needs of
the community through schools, parks, open space,
services, and utilities and infrastructure.

Policy LU-5.1 Coordinate with the Hesperia Parks and Recreation District to protect and improve public parks, trails,
open space areas, public plazas, historical assets, and public facilities to define and enhance the
community’s quality of life.

Policy LU-5.2 Manage the development of public facilities to assure adequate levels of service, while remaining
compatible with existing and future land uses.

Policy LU-5.3 Encourage use of stealth design for wireless communications facilities and other related facilities.

LAND USE
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 LU-71

Community-wide Quality of Life
Goal LU-6
A well designed, well maintained, and
sustainable community that enhances the
quality of life for residents, workers, and
visitors.

Policy LU-6.1
Prioritize growth that furthers a regional balance of
jobs and housing to reduce vehicle miles traveled,
increase job opportunities and household income,
and improve quality of life.

Policy LU-6.2 Encourage quality design in all new construction to further improve the built environment of the city.

Policy LU-6.3
Pursue code enforcement actions to advance proper
maintenance of residential, commercial, and
industrial properties in all areas of the city.

Policy LU-6.4
Continue the graffiti suppression and removal
program, and encourage neighborhoods to take an
active role in the program as well.

Policy LU-6.5
Promote the use of green building standards and
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED), or other equivalent programs, in both
private and public projects.

Fiscal Sustainability
Goal LU-7
A balanced mix of land uses and
development types that results in fiscal
sustainability and support continuously
improving public facilities and services.

LAND USE
LU-72 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy LU-7.1 Require new development to pay its fair share of the cost for on- and off-site capital improvements.

Policy LU-7.2
Approve development only when necessary
infrastructure and services will be available and
provided prior to or concurrent with occupancy.

Require that proposed development demonstrate it
will be adequately served without negatively
impacting existing capacities and levels of service.

Policy LU-7.3
Identify and pursue funding to improve those areas
of the city which may require additional attention
due to lack of infrastructure, maintenance, or
substandard structures.

LU

HEALTH AND SAFETY

ELEMENT
Attachment 5

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-1

PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Health and Safety Element is a required element of the General Plan.

This element identif ies potential natural and human- caused hazards that could affect the City of Hesperia’s (City’s) residents, businesses, and services; establishes a framework that anticipates these hazards and impacts; and prepares the community to minimize exposure to these risks.

This element is also intended to improve the health of residents by incorporating healthy community policies and programs. These efforts are designed to reduce exposure to environmental pollution and improve air quality and address the need for healthy food physical activity, safe/sanitary housing, public facilities, and meaningful civic engagement. The Health and Safety Element seeks to protect life and property from impacts due to natural and human-made disasters as well as ensuring a healthy community.

To achieve these purposes, the Health and Safety Element: 1) identifies the potential hazards that can significantly affect Hesperia, 2) provides policies that, if implemented, can minimize the potential risk to residents, workers , and visitors; 3) provides policies that, if implemented, can reduce the losses to property resulting from a given disaster; 4) identifies procedures that the City can use to respond to emergency situations ; and 5) addresses contemporary planning issues of community health and wellness. Investing in both public safety and community healt h helps make Hesperia more sustainable, viable, healthy, and prosperous.

The Health and Safety Element provide s the public, decision makers , and City staff with policies that will help create a community that is minimally at risk from natural hazards ; that responds quickly, effectively , and efficiently to hazards; and that is healthier for residents. This involves the design, development , and maintenance of neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial districts as safe and healthy places to live, shop, work, and interact. It also involves the development and maintenance of essential facilities that remain fully functional after a disaster. This element identifies disaster preparedness, response, and recovery systems that can reduce loss of life, injury, damage to property and infrastructure, and economic losses and social dislocation, and in the process promote sustainability.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-2 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

BACKGROUND

RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW
Section 65302 of the State of California Government Code identifies seven mandatory elements in a general plan, including Health and Safety. Section 65302(g) of the Government Code requires that the Health and Safety Element contain background information and policies to address natural hazards, an analysis of vulnerabilities from climate change, policies to improve climate change adaptation and resilience, and an assessment of residential areas with evacuation constraints. Hesperia’s safety issues are:
 Seismic and geologic hazards
 Flood and inundation hazards
 Urban and wildfire hazards
 Hazardous waste and materials
 Emergency preparedness and response
 Climate change resilience
Section 65302(h) of the California Government Code also requires that a general plan include goals, policies, and objectives to further environmental justice when a city has a disadvantaged area within its jurisdiction. In that event, the general plan must address seven required topics:
 Reduction of pollution exposure
 Improvement in air quality
 Opportunities for physical activity
 Access to healthy food
 Affordable, safe, and sanitary homes
 Access to public facilities and services
 Increasing opportunities for resident involvement
This element includes a discussion for each health and safety issue and identifies goals and policies. This element is supported by the Safety and Healthy Community Background Reports (Appendix SF and EJ), which provide detailed information for each issue addressed in this element.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-3

CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
The Health and Safety Element provides policy direction that complements the policies of other General Plan elements , most notably the Land Use, Conservation, Circulation, Housing, and Open Space E lements. Crucial relationships exist between the Health and Safety Element and the other General Plan elements. How land uses are determined in areas prone to hazards, what regulations limit development in these areas, and how hazards are mitigated for development, are issues that tie the elements together.

For instance, the Open Space Element considers how hazards affect City parks and facilities but also recognizes that parks can provide strategies to reduce flood risks . T he Open Space Element strives to preserve and/or manage development in natural open space (e.g. washes, bluffs, ridges, etc.) that may cause damage to the built environment. The Housing Element is also closely tied to the Health and Safety and Circulation Elements because future d evelopment must be protected from hazards , be able to adapt t o climate change hazards, and have access to evacuation routes.

Table SF-1 identifies the issues discussed in this element and identifies other elements that include discussions that also address these issues.

T
ABLE SF-1

COORDINATION WITH OTHER ELEMENTS
ISSUES
Circulation
Conservation
Housing
Land Use
Noise
Open Space
Safety
Seismic and Geologic Hazards X X X
Flooding Hazards X X X X
Fire Hazards X X X X
Hazardous Materials X X
Emergency Preparation/Response X X X
Climate Change Resilience X X X X
Healthy Community X X X X X X

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-4 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER PLANS
The Health and Safety Element is also consistent with other local plans.

These include the Hesperia Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Emergency Operation Plan , Climate Action Plan , and various local regulations. This ensures that the City has a unified strategy to address the wide range of public safety and resilience issues affecting the community.

Hesperia Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Hesperia’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is prepared in accordance with the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) hazard mitigation assistance guidance.

Hesperia’s LHMP assesses hazard vulnerabilities from natural and human- caused hazards, including risk to people and facilities, and identifies short- term mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risks. Hazards evaluated in the LHMP include earthquake/geologic hazards, flooding, severe/extreme weather, dam failure/inundation, wildfire, human -caused hazards, and climate change. The current LHMP, as certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency , is incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference, as permitted by California Government Code Section 65302.6. It is available online at:
https://www.cityofhesperia.us/1307/Hazard-Mitigation.

Hesperia Emergency Operations Plan
The City of Hesperia’s Emergency Operations Plan is an all-hazard plan that describes how Hesperia will respond to large- scale emergencies and disasters in the City. The Emergency Operations Plan is used to implement operational procedures and protocols to protect public safety. T he Emergency Operations Plan includes a framework for emergency management activities along with responsibilities for the various City departments. T he Emergency Operations Plan is a collaborative effort among City departments with input from San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Hesperia Unified School District, healthcare entities, business es, and local stakeholders. More information about the plan can be found on the City’s website at: http://ca-hesperia.civicplus.com/1446/Emergency-Operations.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-5

Hesperia Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan describes a series of community -wide and municipal measures and actions that will aid the City in reducing GHG emissions to meet community goals. The Climate Action Plan outlines a course of action for the City government and the community of Hesperia to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to effects of climate change. It provides clear guidance to City staff regarding when and how to implement key provisions and sets an implementation and monitoring framework for its strategies. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the General Plan Update policies and Climate Action Plan strategies would reduce emissions to the reduction target. The Climate Action Plan is available online at: https://www.cityofhesperia.us/409/Hesperia-General-Plan.

Healthy Community Technical Report
Hesperia commissioned a Healthy Community Technical Report (Appendix EJ) to provide baseline information that could support the goals, policies, and programs for this general plan element. This report analyzed the health of Hesperia residents ; identified disadvantaged communities using state - and locally defined criteria in Government Code Section 65302; analyzed features of the City’s built and social environment that need to be improved based on a community survey; and concluded with an analysis of unincorporated disadvantaged communities to comply with state law.

The Healthy Community Technical Report documented significant health challenges facing residents of Hesperia, but conditions which are also prevalent in the High Desert as a whole. These include premature adverse health conditions among residents, high prevalence of risk factors that could be reduced, and links to the conditions of the built environment. Equally important, many of the City’s residential neighborhoods have lower resources and could therefore benefit from proactive programs that direct additional investments in infrastructure, housing, and services for them.

Vulnerability Assessment Technical Report
Under California law, the safety element is required to include a vulnerability assessment that looks at how people, buildings, infrastructure, and other key community assets may be affected by climate change. The City’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment analyzes how eight different climate-related hazards (air quality and smoke, drought, extreme temperatures, human health hazards, flooding, landslides, severe storms, and wildfire) may affect 4 8 different population groups and community

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-6 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

assets. Each population or asset received a score of low, medium, or high vulnerability for each climate-related hazard.

The Vulnerability Assessment indicates that Hesperia’s populations and assets are most vulnerable to wildfire, extreme temperatures, and severe storms. Populations are specifically most vulnerable to wildfire, extreme temperatures, and severe weather, which directly affect health. The most vulnerable population groups are persons with chronic illness and/or disabilities, seniors, households in poverty, linguistically isolated immigrant communities, and homeless persons. Hazards such as wildfire, extreme temperatures, and severe weather pose heightened risks to these groups due to socioeconomic and health factors, including lack of access to healthcare in the high desert region.

To increase community resilience and help lower vulnerability , the Health and Safety Element includes goals and policies, several of which are particular to the populations and assets that received a score of “high” in the Vulnerability Assessment. Hesperia’s Vulnerability Assessment is included in the Safety Element Background Report, Appendix SF to this element.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-7

ISSUES

SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Seismic and geologic hazards are caused by the movement of different parts of the earth’s surface. Seismic hazards include earthquakes and hazardous events caused by them. Geologic hazards involve land movements that are not linked to seismic activity but can inflict harm to people or property.

Seismic Hazards
Seismic activity occurs along boundaries in the earth’s crust, called faults.

Pressure along the faults builds over time and is ultimately released, resulting in ground shaking, commonly referred to as an earthquake.

Earthquakes can also trigger other hazards, including surface rupture (cracks in the ground surface), liquefaction (causing loose soil to lose its strength), landslides, and subsidence (sinking of the ground surface).

Earthquakes
Earthquakes present the greatest potential for loss of life or property and economic damage in Hesperia. Damaging earthquakes affect widespread areas and trigger many secondary effects that can overwhelm the ability of local jurisdictions to respond. Nearby faults include the San Andreas, North Frontal, Cleghorn, Cucamonga, Helendale, and San Jacinto faults. All of these faults have the potential to generate moderate to large earthquakes.

Southern California is known for the San Andreas Fault, a 400- mile-long fault running from the Mexican border to a point offshore west of San Francisco. The San Andreas Fault is the principal boundary between the Pacific and North American Plates. This fault is the “ master fault ” in Southern California because it has frequent large earthquakes and controls the seismicity of the area.

The closest zoned faults include the North Frontal Fault, which includes the Ord Mountains Fault , approximately two miles east of Hesperia ; the Ord Mountains Fault; and the San Andreas Fault, approximately four miles to the southwest at its closest point. The North Frontal Fault, given its location near Hesperia, has the potential to cause the most severe shaking in the City; loss estimation modeling indicates that a maximum magnitude 7.2 earthquake on this fault would be a worst-case scenario for the City.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-8 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

There are no Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in the City. Exhibit SF-1 shows the location of regional faults and Alquist-Priolo Fault Zones.

Earthquakes are likely to continue to occur on an occasional basis. A major earthquake along any of the nearby faults could result in substantial casualties and damage, although the greatest risk in Hesperia is from the North Frontal Fault and San Andreas Fault due to their proximity and high potential to cause a severe earthquake. A major earthquake on either fault could damage or destroy transportation infrastructure, such as I-15, SR-138, SR-173, SR-395, or bridges, limiting access in and out of the community.

Liquefaction
In addition to ground shaking, earthquakes may generate surface fault rupture and secondary ground failure in the form or liquefaction or slope failure. In addition to the physical damage from the motion of an earthquake, damage can result from liquefaction. Liquefaction happens primarily in saturated, loose, fine- to medium-grained soils in areas where the groundwater table is within 50 feet of the surface . Soils susceptible to liquefaction are typically found in low-lying, current, or former floodplains.

Geologically young, loose, unconsolidated sediments occur throughout the Hesperia area, but shallow groundwater occurs only within the Mojave River floodplain, where water has been recorded at depths of less than 30 feet Therefore, areas along the floodplains of Mojave River are likely to face liquefaction during an earthquake and li quefaction-related lateral spreads, which can occur adjacent to stream channels and deep washes.

Lateral spreads can cause extensive damage to pipelines, utilities, bridges, roads, and other structures.

Slope Failure
Slope failure is a common secondary effect of earthquakes. Although most of Hesperia is on terrain that is basically level or gently sloping, there are a few natural slopes in the southern portion of the City vulnerable to this hazard.

Seiches
Seiches due to seismic shaking could occur in Silverwood Lake, Hesperia Lake, and any recharge basin in the City that is filled with water at the time of the earthquake. In unlined lakes and basins, sloshing of water against the basin sides could result in erosion and surficial slope failures.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-9

Exhibit SF-1 Regional Fault Lines

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-10 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Geologic Hazards
Hesperia lies within the Mojave Desert Province, an arid region of overlapping alluvial fans, desert plains, dry lakebeds, and scattered mountain ranges. Hesperia is underlain by the informally named Victorville Fan, which is shed primarily from the San Gabriel Mountains, and whose composition reflects the rocks eroded by the various streams that enter the valley from the south. Deposition is ongoing, with the youngest alluvium filling drainage channels and the Mojave River floodplain.

Geologic hazards such as landslides, erosion, and subsidence depend on the geologic composition of the area. Landslides and rock falls usually occur in sloped areas, especially areas with steep slopes, and in loose and fragmented soil areas. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows occur continuously on all slopes—some processes act very slowly, others are sudden. Groundwater withdrawal is a major cause of subsidence because it can lead to compaction of fine-grained sediments like clay.

The foothills in southern Hesperia are in moderate to very high landslide susceptibility zones . Landslides pose the greatest geologic hazard in the City and are more likely in winter during heavy rainfall years. Exhibit SF- 2 illustrates areas in Hesperia that are most susceptible to landslides.

Climate change may result in heavier rainfall periods and drier dry periods, and rainfall may be concentrated in more intense precipitation events.

Heavy rainfall could increase the number of landslides or make landslides larger than normal. Increased w ildfire frequency can destabilize hillsides due to loss of vegetation and change s in soil composition, contributing to greater runoff and erosion. The combination of drier climate in the future, wildfires, and the occasional extreme downpour is likely to cause more mudslides and landslides.

Hesperia is also susceptible to hazards from erosion, which is the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces, such as water or wind, causing the soil to deteriorate. Eroded topsoil can be transported into streams and other waterways. Water erosion is when water removes soil and transports it elsewhere. Highly erosive soil can damage roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-11

Exhibit SF-2 Landslide Susceptibility Areas

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-12 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

The following goal and implementation policies aim to reduce the effects of seismic and geologic hazards in the City of Hesperia:

Goal SF-1
Minimize injury, loss of life, property
damage, and economic and social
disruption caused by seismic shaking and
other earthquake-induced hazards, and by
geologic hazards such as slope instability,
compressible and collapsible soils, and
subsidence.

Policy SF-1.1
Require preparation of geotechnical and
engineering geological investigations, prepared by
State-certified professionals (geotechnical
engineers and engineering geologists, as
appropriate) following the most recent guidelines
by the California Geological Survey and similar
organizations, as a condition of approval, for all
projects proposed in areas identified as within
geologic and/or seismic hazard zones (see Exhibits
SF-1 and SF-2). These reports shall provide
mitigation measures to reduce those hazards
identified at a site to an acceptable level. City staff that review geotechnical, geological, and structural
reports submitted by development applicants, and
that review grading operations, shall have the
necessary professional credentials and
certifications in their area of expertise to conduct
these reviews.

Policy SF-1.2
Require development to minimize grading and
other changes to the natural topography to protect
public safety and reduce the potential for property
damage as a result of geologic hazards.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-13

Policy SF-1.3
Require preparation of liquefaction assessment
studies, as a condition of approval, for all projects
proposed in areas identified by the California
Department of Conservation as potentially
susceptible to liquefaction. The studies shall be
prepared by State-certified professionals
(geotechnical engineers and engineering
geologists, as appropriate) following the most
recent guidelines by the California Geological
Survey.

Policy SF-1.4
Encourage owners of unreinforced masonry
buildings to assess the seismic vulnerability of
their structures and conduct seismic retrofitting as
necessary to improve the buildings’ resistance to
seismic shaking.

FLOODING HAZARDS
Flooding is when water rises and overflows onto normally dry land. Floods are one of the most frequent natural hazards in Hesperia and among the costliest natural disasters nationwide in terms of human hardship and economic loss. They cause substantial damage to structures, landscapes, and utilities as well as life and safety issues.

Floods prompt the second-greatest number of disaster declarations in the state and are a regular feature in Hesperia. To maintain flood insurance for properties throughout the City, Hesperia adopts and maintains Flood Hazard Protections Regulations as required by FEMA. On August 20, 2023, tropical Storm Hilary caus ed significant damage in San Bernardino County, including Hesperia, with initial estimates indicating repair costs could reach $26 million. The storm caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and water basins.

Like most of southern California, Hesperia is subject to unpredictable rainfall. Every few years, the region is subjected to periods of intense and sustained precipitation. Most of the flooding happens in the numerous washes, natural drainage courses, drainage easements, and floodways.

Construction of the Mojave Forks Dam in 1971 greatly reduced the impact of flooding along the Mojave River, although a few parcels adjacent to the river are still at risk. Most of Hesperia is on alluvial fans, flat to sloping

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-14 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

areas covered with sediment deposited by shallow, intermittent streams that spread out from their source in the mountains to the south. Alluvial fan flooding is unpredictable, and floodwaters can travel at dangerously high speeds, be highly erosive, and can carry large amounts of sediment and other debris. These characteristics make it difficult to assess the flood risk and develop reliable mitigations for alluvial fans.

Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are divided into 100- and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1 percent chance of experiencing a major flood in any given year, and a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2 percent chance of flooding in any given year. The 100- year floodplain in Hesperia is primarily along the Mojave River, Antelope Valley Wash , and Summit Valley, as shown on Exhibit SF-3.

Several structures in the Antelope Valley Wash area are in this zone. In the Summit Valley area, most homes are above the flood plain, but access to these homes can be cut off during severe flooding of the West Fork of the Mojave River. SR -138, SR -173, and several major roadways, including I Avenue, Rock Springs Road, and Ranchero Road, are within the 100-year flood zone. Owners of all structures in the 100-year flood zone are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage or home equity loan on that structure.

Though climate change may not change average precipitation levels significantly, it is expected to cause more years with extreme precipitation events, that is, more years with intense storm systems that drop substantial volumes of rain over a short period and cause flooding. Because of this, floods are expected to happen more often in Hesperia, and climate change may expand the parts of the City that are considered prone to flooding.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-15

Exhibit SF-3 Flood Hazard Zones

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-16 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Dam Failure
A dam failure is an uncontrolled release of water from a reservoir because of structural failures or deficiencies. Dam failures can range from minor to catastrophic, harming human life and property downstream. In addition, ecosystems and habitats can be destroyed by fast -moving floodwaters, debris, and sedimentation from the inundation. Failures are rare but not unprecedented; they can be caused by overtopping, foundation defects, piping and seepage failures, or conduit and valve failures. Many dam failures are the secondary result of other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and extreme storms.

Three dams can inundate portions of Hesperia if they fail —the Mojave Forks Dam, owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the Cedar Springs Dam; and Lake Arrowhead Da m, owned by the California Department of Water Resources. The Amethyst Basin Dam is to the north of the City limits, and the inundation area would not flood areas within Hesperia.

As shown on Exhibit SF-4, if these dams outside the City’s boundary failed, the inundation zone would generally be confined to land adjacent to the Mojave River along the City’s eastern border. Water released by the Mojave Forks Dam would be confined to the bed of the Mojave River, the mouth of Antelope Valley Wash channel, and several other smaller tributaries. Water released by the Cedar Springs Dam would flood a significant portion of eastern Summit Valley, an area that is mostly undeveloped except for SR- 173. Water from Lake Arrowhead Dam would most like ly be contained in the Mojave Forks reservoir.

As mandated by the National Dam Inspection Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the responsibility to conduct inspections of all dams under federal control, including Mojave Forks Dam. The purpose of these inspections is to check the structural integrity of the dam and appurtenant structures, ensuring protection of human life and property. Periodic inspections disclose conditions that might disrupt operation or dam safety.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Safety of Dams , inspects dams on an annual basis to ensure they are safe and perform as intended. DWR also reviews applications for dam construction, removal, alteration, or repair ; has inspection oversight over dam construction projects ; and periodically reviews the stability of dams and their critical related structures. The Division of Safety of Dams works closely with dam owners to identify and correct issues on an ongoing basis.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-17

Exhibit SF-4 Dam Inundation Areas

HEALTH AND SAFETY
HS-18 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

To reduce the impacts of flooding and dam inundation, the City will act on the following goal and implementation policies.

Goal SF-2
Minimize injury, loss of life, property
damage, and economic and social
disruption caused by flooding and
inundation hazards.

Policy SF-2.1
Require hydrological studies, prepared by a State-
certified engineer with expertise in this area, as a
condition of approval for all projects proposed in
the 100-year or 500-year floodplain, as shown on
Exhibit SF-3. These studies shall assess the impact
that the new development will have on the
flooding potential of existing development down-
gradient. The studies shall provide mitigation
measures to reduce this impact to an acceptable
level. Single-family homes shall be exempt,
except for infill lots with natural drainage courses,
washes, master plan of drainage are subject to
providing hydrology reports.

Policy SF-2.2
Participate in the National Flood Insurance
Program and require that all owners of properties
located within the 100-year floodplain and repeat-
flood properties in the 500-year floodplain
purchase and keep flood insurance for those
properties.

Policy SF-2.3
Maintain, and improve where needed, the storm
drain systems, with an emphasis on those areas
that flood repeatedly. This entails maintaining and
regularly cleaning the storm drains and other
flood-control structures in low-lying areas so
floodwaters can be effectively conveyed away
from structures. Explore the construction of
additional drainage channels where necessary.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-19

Policy SF-2.4
Coordinate with the Hesperia Recreation and Park
District to explore the use of floodplains as parks,
nature trails, equestrian parks, golf courses, or
other types of recreational facilities that can
withstand periodic inundation.

Policy SF-2.5
Encourage new development and existing property
owners to slow or absorb floodwaters, including
through installation of permeable pavements and
green infrastructure.

Policy SF-2.6
Coordinate with the Hesperia Recreation and Park
District and surrounding jurisdictions to conduct
habitat restoration projects in passive recreation
areas to improve the capacity of local ecosystems
to absorb or slow floodwaters.

Policy SF-2.7 Prepare to respond to a potential dam failure from dams shown in Exhibit SF-4.

FIRE HAZARDS
Fire hazards include wildfires, wildland-urban interface fires, and structural fires. The combination of complex terrain, climate, vegetation , and development patterns contributes to an elevated risk of wildfire.

Historically, the fire season extended from early summer through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months, although fires can occur year- round. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low moisture content in the air and plants, accumulation of vegetation, and high winds.

Wildfire
Wildfires are a necessary part of the natural ecosystem in southern California, but they become a hazard when they extend out of control into developed areas and cause loss of property, injuries, or loss of life.

Wildfires occur on mountains, hillsides, and grasslands. Fuel, weather, and topography are primary factors that affect how wildfires spread. Hesperia is in the lower Mojave section of the Southeastern Deserts Bioregion, an area characterized by isolated, steep -sided mountain ranges separated by broad alluvial basins. The predominant vegetation types in this area are desert

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HS-20 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

shrub, creosote bush shrub, and succulent shrub. Other important vegetation types include Joshua Tree woodland, shad- scale scrub, blackbrush scrub, and desert scrub-steppe. Approximately one-third of the desert floor in the Mojave section is devoid of vegetation, limiting the surface fuel loads available to burn. However, flammable vegetation exist s in the southern hillsides of Hesperia. The climate of Hesperia keeps the grass dry and more readily combustible during fire season.

Several historic wildfires have impacted Hesperia, shown on Exhibit SF-5.

On June 19, 2024, the Hesperia Fire burned 1,330 acres in southeastern Hesperia. An evacuation warning was ordered for the Lake Arrowhead Equestrian Estates neighborhood.

Changing climate is expected to increase the wildfire risk in and around Hesperia. Warmer temperatures brought on by climate change can exacerbate drought conditions, weakening plants and creating more fuel for wildfires. Increased winds result in more erratic fire behavior, making fires harder to contain. Warmer temperatures are also expected to last until later in the year, extending the wildfire season.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones, designated as moderate, high, or very high severity.

Incorporated areas such as Hesperia are considered local responsibility areas. Exhibit SF-6 shows the Fire Hazard Severity Zones in and around
Hesperia. California law requires propert ies in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or in a State Responsibility Area to be disclosed in real estate transactions. This is important because the relatively rapid turnover of home ownership can create an information gap; as a result, uninformed homeowners in fire hazard areas may attempt landscaping or other home modifications that could increase the risk of fire hazards.

Wildland-Urban Interface Area
In addition to the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone designation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection , the City has areas designated as Wildland-Urban Interface. The Wildland -Urban Interface is an area where buildings (e.g., housing) and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers and water supply facilities) mix with flammable wildland vegetation, allowing wildland fires to spread to buildings and structures easily. Exhibit SF-7 identifies the Wildland-Urban Interface in Hesperia.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-21

Exhibit SF-5 Historic Wildfire Perimeters

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HS-22 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Exhibit SF-6 Fire Hazard Severity Zones

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-23

Exhibit SF-7 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas

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HS-24 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Structural Fires
Hesperia is also at risk from structural fires. These fires burn in built-up environments, destroying buildings and other human- made structures.

Structural fires are often due to faulty wiring, mechanical equipment, or combustible construction materials. The absence of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems often exacerbates the damage associated with a structural fire. Structural fires are largely caused by human accidents, although arson causes some events. Older buildings lack modern fire safety features and may face greater risk of fire damage. A small number of structure fires are reported annually in Hesperia, but depending on the size, age , and occupancy of the structure, the economic and social losses can be substantial.

Fire Protection
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District provides fire prevention and suppression services in Hesperia on a contract basis . The County Fire Protection District also provides ambulance service to local High Desert hospitals . In addition to three fire stations near Hesperia, t he San Bernardino County Fire Protection District operates four fire stations in Hesperia (listed below):
 Hesperia Fire Station #302 at 17288 Olive Street
 Hesperia Fire Station #304 at 15660 Eucalyptus Street  Hesperia Fire Station #305 at 8331 Caliente Road
 Hesperia Fire Station #306 at 17801 Ranchero Road

Due to the increase in population and associated rise in traffic , emergency calls to the Fire Department have steadily risen . Response times are controlled by the distance between the responding fire station and the site; factors that may affect the response time include obstructions provided by the aqueduct and the railroad lines, multiple alarms, traffic congestion, and availability of personnel and equipment.

If needed, fire stations from nearby communities, such as Victorville and Apple Valley, can respond to emergency calls in Hesperia. All three cities are part of the San Bernardino County Operational Area , which allows for mutual aid agreements among jurisdictions. These agreements enable additional emergency resources to be deployed by unaffected members of the group, as needed.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-25

In addition to local resources, numerous local, state , and federal agencies are available to assist the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District depending on the nature of the incident. Emergency response across all jurisdictions in California adheres to the Standardized Emergency Management System , ensuring a coordinated and efficient approach to managing emergencies.

The following goal and policies aim to reduce fire hazards in Hesperia.

Goal SF-3
Minimize injury, loss of life, property
damage, and economic and social
disruption caused by wildland and urban
fires.

Policy SF-3.1
In cooperation with the San Bernardino County
Fire Protection District, ensure, to the maximum
extent possible, that fire services—such as
firefighting equipment and personnel,
infrastructure, and response times—are adequate
for all sections of the City.

Policy SF-3.2
Encourage new development outside of Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Development in the
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall
demonstrate compliance with applicable state and
local building and fire code regulations as well as
appropriate mitigation measures and design
considerations.

Policy SF-3.3
Require new developments in Very Fire Hazard
Severity Zones (see Exhibit SF-6, Fire Hazard
Severity Zones) to include the following, at a
minimum, in applicable permit applications:
 Site plan, planting plan, planting palette, and
irrigation plan to reduce the risk of fire hazards
and with consideration to site conditions,
including slope, structures, and adjacencies.

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HS-26 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

 Identification of defensible space for all
buildings and plans for maintenance plan of
defensible space.
 More than one point of ingress and egress to
improve evacuation, emergency response, and
fire equipment access and adequate water
infrastructure for water supply and fire flow
that meets or exceeds the standards in the
California Fire Safe Regulations. This
specifically includes two sections of the
California Code of Regulations, Title 14,
Division 1.5, Chapter 7: Subchapter 2, Articles
1–5 (commencing with section 1270, SRA Fire
Safe Regulations), and Subchapter 3, Article 3
(commencing with section 1299.01, Fire
Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and
Structures Regulations).
 Class A roof materials for new and
replacement roofs.
 Location and source of anticipated water
supply.
 Fire protection plans for long-term,
comprehensive fuel reduction and
management, consistent with California Fire
Code, Chapter 49. Fire protection plans shall
include a risk analysis, fire response
capabilities, fire safety requirements,
mitigation measures, design considerations for
nonconforming fuel modifications, and
wildfire education maintenance and
limitations.

Policy SF-3.4
All new development in the wildland-urban
interface or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
must comply with fire-resistant landscaping and
defensible space requirements. These standards
shall meet or exceed Title 14 of the California

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-27

Code of Regulations. This specifically includes
Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, Articles
1 to 5 (commencing with section 1270, SRA Fire
Safe Regulations), and Division 1.5, Chapter 7,
Subchapter 3, Article 3 (commencing with section
1299.01, Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings
and Structures Regulations). New development
shall also comply with the Public Resource Code
Section 4291 (State Defensible Space
Requirements), which requires the following:
 Create a defensible space of at least 100 feet
around the structure.
 Remove all dead plants, grass, weeds, and
other flammable vegetation from the
defensible space.
 Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet of
the chimney or stovepipe of the structure.
 Trim tree limbs that are within 6 feet of the
ground or within 10 feet of the structure.
 Remove all dead branches, leaves, and other
debris from roofs and rain gutters.
 Create horizontal and vertical spacing between
trees and shrubs to prevent the spread of fire.
 Space trees at least 10 feet apart from each
other.
 Maintain the defensible space throughout the
year, not just during fire season.
 Obtain any necessary permits from local fire
agencies before conducting any vegetation
management activities.
 Provide and maintain access to the property for
emergency vehicles.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HS-28 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy SF-3.5
Require development, including infrastructure, in
the wildland-urban interface or Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, as indicated on Exhibit
SF-6 and SF-7, to establish and maintain
vegetation management practices to reduce the
risk of wildfire ignition and spread. These
practices shall include fire-safe site planning,
home hardening, vegetation management, the use
of native drought-tolerant and fire-resistant
species, and defensible space consistent with State
and San Bernardino County Fire Protection
District regulations.

Policy SF-3.6
In coordination with San Bernardino County Fire
Protection District, require that new development
be located where fire and emergency services have
sufficient capacity to meet project needs, and
require existing development be upgraded to
provide necessary capacity as part of the proposed
development activities to ensure new development
has adequate fire protection.

Policy SF-3.7
Require new development to provide adequate
access for fire and emergency vehicles and
equipment that meets or exceeds State standards in
two parts of the California Fire Safe Regulations
(California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division

1.5, Chapter 7): Subchapter 2, Articles 1–5
(commencing with section 1270, SRA Fire Safe
Regulations), and Subchapter 3, Article 3
(commencing with section 1299.01, Fire Hazard
Reduction Around Buildings and Structures
Regulations).

Policy SF-3.8
Ensure that street and building address signage
support firefighting crews and emergency
response teams in their response to fire under low-
visibility conditions, including installation of high-
visibility signage for streets and building
addresses that meet or exceed the standards in the
California Fire Safe Regulations (California Code

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-29

of Regulations Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7,
Articles 2 and 3, Sections 1273 and 1274).

Policy SF-3.9
Coordinate with State and regional partners to
ensure roadways in fire hazard severity zones
comply with current fire safety regulations. The
City will maintain City-owned roadways to meet
current regulations to the extent feasible and given
the absence of other site constraints. These
regulations include standards for evacuation and
emergency vehicle access, vegetation clearance,
and other requirements of the California Fire Safe
Regulations in California Code of Regulations
Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7), specifically
Subchapter 2, Articles 1–5 (commencing with
section 1270, SRA Fire Safe Regulations), and
Subchapter 3, Article 3 (commencing with section
1299.01, Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings
and Structures Regulations).

Policy SF-3.10
Encourage owners of unsprinklered high-
occupancy structures to retrofit their buildings to
include automatic fire sprinklers.

Policy SF-3.11
Make available and share relevant educational and
outreach materials, rebate programs, and
incentives with the public to help residents
understand appropriate fire mitigation and
preparedness activities, such as vegetation
management, home hardening, defensible space,
evacuation routes, and emergency evacuation
procedures during a fire hazard.

Policy SF-3.12
Coordinate with CAL FIRE, San Bernardino
County Fire Protection District, and landowners to
ensure maintenance of existing fuel breaks,
vegetation clearance, and emergency access routes
for effective fire suppression on public and private
roads, especially evacuation routes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HS-30 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy SF-3.13
Develop programs and provide updates, as
appropriate, that ensure recovery and
redevelopment after a large fire and reduce future
vulnerabilities to fire hazard risks through site
preparation, redevelopment layout design, fire-
resistant landscape planning, and fire-retarding
building design and materials.

Policy SF-3.14
Coordinate with the Hesperia Water District to
maintain an adequate, long-term water supply for
fire suppression needs for the community.

Policy SF-3.15
Coordinate with San Bernardino County Fire
Protection District to provide resources to seniors
and physically disabled residents to assist in
maintaining defensible space around their homes.

Policy SF-3.16 Seek designation as a Fire Risk Reduction Community through CAL FIRE.

Policy SF-3.17
Work with the San Bernardino County Fire
Protection District to monitor Insurance Services
Office ratings for the City of Hesperia and the
sphere of influence.

Policy SF-3.18 Evaluate the feasibility of a fee structure to improve fire response services in the City.

Policy SF-3.19
Work with San Bernardino County Fire Protection
District to minimize risks to existing development
by identifying existing non-conforming
development and support San Bernardino County
Fire Protection District’s Ready, Set, Go, Fire
Program to assist property owners in upgrading
buildings and properties to current fire safe
standards, in terms of road standards and
vegetative hazard, requiring all development to
meet or exceed CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7,
subchapter 2, articles 1 -5 requirements (SRA Fire
Safe Regulations).

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-31

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials are substances that pose a significant risk to public safety, or human and environmental health. Hazardous materials are used every day in industrial, commercial, medical, and residential applications.

The primary concern associated with a hazardous materials release is the short- and/or long -term effect to the public from exposure to these substances.

Several State agencies monitor hazardous materials/waste facilities. The Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control monitor and document potential and known contamination sites. The leaking underground storage tank list produced by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database indicates 13 cleanup sites (all case closed) and 12 school investigation sites (no action required).

The most serious concern regarding hazardous materials sites in Hesperia is the potential for leaks and reactive chemical interactions as a result of an earthquake compromising their storage containers. H azardous materials spills have happened with past earthquakes, even when the building does not suffer significant damage.

Hazardous materials can also be released accidentally during transportation because of vehicle crashes. The release or spill of bulk hazardous materials could result in fire, explosion, toxic cloud, or direct contamination of water, people, and property . Transportation of m ost hazardous materials in the region occurs on truck routes along major roadways that pass through Hesperia, such as I-15, SR-138, SR-173, and SR-395. The most vulnerable areas along this route are considered the on- /off-ramps and interc hanges.

The State requires vehicles transporting hazardous materials to have placards to identify the chemicals they carry and whether they are corrosive, flammable, and/or explosive. The drivers must carry detailed “material data sheets” for each of the substances on board. These documents help emergency response personnel assess the situation immediately upon arrival at the scene of an accident and take the appropriate precautionary and mitigation measures.

In addition to major roadways , other hazardous materials are transported through Hesperia on the BNSF railway, which bisects the City from north to south. Hazardous materials are shipped via the railway, and though a rail accident in the City is unlikely, it could have devastating effects.

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HS-32 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

The California Department of Transportation regulates the transport of hazardous materials/wastes and explosives through the City. I-15, SR-138, SR-173, and SR -395 are open to vehicles carrying hazardous materials/wastes. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, and Hazardous Materials Division of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District are responsible for hazardous materials accidents at all locations in the City. If a hazardous material spill poses an imminent public health threat, the City will support local regulating agencies in notifying the public.

High-pressure gas and hazardous liquid pipelines also extend across the City. Pipeline operators are responsible for the continuous maintenance and monitoring of their pipelines. Excavations or drilling near pipelines should be conducted only after proper clearance by the appropriate utility agencies or companies. This is done locally by the Underground Services Alert of Southern California, or DigAlert.

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, which is the local Certified Unified Program Agency, manages hazardous materials and waste in Hesperia. The Certified Unified Program Agency consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the regulatory activities of several hazardous materials and hazardous waste programs, including Hazardous Materials Management, California Accidental Release Prevention, Hazardous Waste Management, Underground Storage Tanks, Aboveground Storage Tanks, and Emergency Response. All businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous or extremely hazardous materials are required to submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan to the local Certified Unified Program Agency . These businesses are also required to prepare Risk Management Plans, detailed engineering analyses that identify the potential accident factors present, and the mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce this accident potential.

The following goal and implementation policies are aimed at reducing the hazards of hazardous materials in Hesperia.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-33

Goal SF-4 Minimize the potential for hazardous
materials contamination in Hesperia.

Policy SF-4.1
In cooperation with the San Bernardino County
Fire Protection District, Hazardous Materials
Division, continue to enforce disclosure laws that
require all users, generators, and transporters of
hazardous materials and wastes to clearly identify
the materials that they store, use, or transport, and
to notify the appropriate city, county, state, and
federal agencies of a change in quantity or type of
materials, and in the event of a violation.

Policy SF-4.2
Identify roadways along which hazardous
materials are routinely transported and maintain
these roadways to prevent vehicle accidents and
the release of hazardous materials. If critical
facilities, such as schools, medical facilities,
childcare centers, or other facilities with special
evacuation needs are located along these routes,
the City, together with these facilities, will identify emergency response plans that can be
implemented in the event of a roadway accident
nearby that results in the release of hazardous
materials.

Policy SF-4.3
Continue to reduce or eliminate the use of
hazardous materials by using nontoxic, safer
alternatives that do not pose a threat to the
environment, or buying and using only the
smallest amount of a hazardous substance to get
the intended job done. Encourage residents and
businesses in the City to do the same.

Policy SF-4.4
Prohibit new facilities that will be involved in the
production, use, storage, transport, or disposal of
hazardous materials within identified hazard zones
or within 1,000 feet of existing land uses that may
be adversely impacted by such activities.

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HS-34 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Policy SF-4.5
Prohibit new sensitive uses within 1,000 feet of
existing facilities that are involved in the
production, use, storage, transport, or disposal of
hazardous materials or in identified hazard zones.

Policy SF-4.6
Prohibit any new facilities that use or store
hazardous materials in quantities that would place
them in the State’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
or Small Quantity Generators (SQG) databases to
be located in a natural hazard zone.

EMERGENCY PREPARATION AND RESPONSE
The California Office of Emergency Services defines a disaster as an event that causes significant disruption to a community or society, leading to severe danger and substantial losses to people and property. When a disaster occurs, the threatened community strives to protect its residents, care for victims, and restore basic services as soon as possible.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Fire Protection District conduct emergency preparedness activities in Hesperia. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department provides local police services and leads evacuation efforts in close cooperation with the Fire Protection District. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District provides fire prevention and suppression as a community-based, all- hazard emergency services provider. If needed, the Apple Valley Fire Protection District may respond to emergency calls in Hesperia.

The Town of Apple Valley and the City of Hesperia are part of the San Bernardino County Operational Area, which has mutual aid agreements allowing additional emergency resources to be deployed from unaffected members of the group as needed. Numerous other local, state, and federal agencies are available to assist the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District depending on the type of incident.

In response to a disaster , the community needs to respond quickly , dynamically, and as effectively as possible. P eople impacted by a disaster generally respond actively to the situation, seeking safety for themselves, their families, and others, improvising if necessary to respond to changing conditions. However, some basic level of preparedness can be very useful.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-35

Emergency managers realize the need to regularly educate and/or remind individuals, families, and businesses about potential hazards and urge them to be prepared. Agencies responsible for emergency response need to review and update their preparedness plans and emergency operations plan as new conditions and requirements develop, which is a continuous process.

Planning can help speed the response to an emergency while ensuring that the response is appropriate to the situation. Coordination between all levels of responders is critical. Direct, clear updates on the situation, provided in a timely manner by public officials, are important and prompt cooperation from the public. The City of Hesperia Alert Center hosts an online webpage for residents to view all alerts and emergencies in the City . Hesperia residents also use the Ready San Bernardino County app to help individuals prepare and plan for how to respond to a disaster in the area.

When an incident occurs anywhere in Hesperia, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office and/or the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is typically the first to arrive at the scene, where they secure the area and determine if other agencies need to be involved.

Emergency Shelters
Earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, and other disasters can render housing uninhabitable. Displaced households need alternative short -term shelter provided by family and friends, temporary rentals, or public shelters established by relief organizations such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army in facilities around the City.

Potential short-term shelter locations in Hesperia include parks, schools , and churches. These locations are generally ideal for short-term emergency shelters because they have open space where people can set up tents, restroom facilities and possibly kitchens, and large parking lots where displaced families can park their cars and recreational vehicles, which can be used for housing. Because not all of these facilities may be available or fully functional after a disaster, having several options is ideal. The selection of which sites to open during an emergency should be made after consideration of the hazard involved, and the potential for that hazard to progress (e.g., a northward-moving wildfire) into the area of a shelter. These are short-term shelter facilities to be used for a few hours to a few days.

Long-term alternative housing may require import of manufactured homes; occupancy of vacant units ; and eventually, the repair or reconstruction of new private and public housing.

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HS-36 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Emergency Evacuation
Evacuation refers to moving people that are at risk during a disaster to a safer location, using routes that do not pose a significant danger to the evacuees. The Sheriff’s Department typically serves as the lead organization in issuing and carrying out evacuations, supported by the Fire Protection District as appropriate. The Public Works department typically assists in identifying the best evacuation routes and barricading the evacuated areas.

With advanced warning, evacuation can effectively reduce injury and loss of life during a catastrophic event. Primary emergency access and evacuation routes include I-15, which intersects the City from north to south through the western portion of the City; SR-395, which intersects the City from north to south through the western portion of the City, and other local roadways that connect to these primary evacuation routes. In certain disaster situations, Hesperia may experience an influx of evacuees living in the mountains to the south and southwest of the City when emergencies, such as wildfires or severe weather events, threaten those mountain communities.

Exhibit SF-8 shows the results of an evacuation route analysis conducted through the Resilient IE project, illustrating the water crossings under potential evacuation routes identified by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. These are a critical concern because they can endanger lives during floods, delay and compromise evacuation and response efforts, and damage infrastructure. All evacuation routes in Hesperia face potential disruption from flooding or earthquake if they block roadways, damage the roadway surface, or collapse bridges and overpasses.

Exhibit SF-9 shows residential parcels with evacuation constraints in compliance with California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) , and evacuation routes identified by the City. Exhibit SF-9 identifies residential developments in any hazard area that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes , as well as parcels that are at l east a half mile from a designated potential evacuation route. The lack of multiple emergency access points may create difficulties if there is a need to evacuate.

The City is participating in the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s Emergency Evacuation Network Resilience Study, which will meet the requirements of California Government Code Section 65302.15 when completed. The Emergency Evacuation Network Resilience Study is anticipated to be completed in February 2026.

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-37

Exhibit SF-8 Evacuation Routes with Water Crossings

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HS-38 City of Hesperia General Plan 2025

Exhibit SF-9 Evacuation Constrained Residential Parcels

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City of Hesperia General Plan 2025 HS-39

Recovery
Many communities are well prepared for a disaster but ill prepared for recovery. They may hope that if their pre -disaster planning is effective, long-term damages will be small. However, some post -disaster recovery efforts are necessary to restore community life. This includes the re- establishment of essential services and the rebuilding and repair of damaged properties. Recovery is an opportunity to improve the community so that it becomes more sustainable and less likely to be impacted by a future, similar disaster. Having a recovery plan in place can help with the decision-making process of reconstruction and improve communication with other levels of government that were involved in the disaster response phase and now have a vested interest in the recovery process.

The following goal and implementation policies aim to make Hesperia more disaster resistant.

Goal SF-5
A community prepared to withstand and
recover from natural disasters and other
emergencies.

Policy SF-5.1
Consistent with Public Resources Code Section
4290.5, require new development of 30 units or
more in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as shown on
Exhibit SF-6, to have two ingress and egress
routes that account for existing and proposed
traffic evacuation volumes at buildout.

Policy SF-5.2
Coordinate with emergency responders and
Caltrans to maintain potential evacuation routes to
ensure adequate capacity, safety, and viability of
those routes in the event of an emergency,
including making improvements to existing roads
as needed to support safe evacuations.

Policy SF-5.3
Continue to participate in the countywide Ready
San Bernardino County emergency alert system
and Storm Ready Program with the National
Weather Service, issuing evacuation notices for