Agenda packet, regular meeting, first session — King City City Council, June 24, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

1. Organization and Background

1.1 Introduction
Under State law, cities are required to prepare and periodically update a "comprehensive, long-term General Plan for the physical development of the city..." which is to be an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of Implementation Policies." Per Government Code Section 65302, local governments must incorporate the following topics, or elements, into their general plans:
x Land use
x Circulation
x Housing
x Conservation (City combined with Open Space and Safety) x Open Space (City combined with Conservation and Safety) x Safety (City combined with Conservation and Open Space) x Noise
x Environmental Justice (Included in the Land Use Element) Jurisdictions may adopt optional elements. King City adopted an Economic Development Element.

The State has also adopted General Plan Guidelines that spell out the way a General Plan is to be prepared and adopted. Basic requirements are that a General Plan must consist of diagrams and text which establish the community's long-range goals and objectives regarding physical development. Both the statutes and the guidelines give broad flexibility to each community as to how these elements are to be organized.

The seven elements of the General Plan are to function as a sort of "constitution" for the community. A General Plan sets forth the direction of future growth and development over a long-term time horizon, typically about 20-years. The General Plan has taken on substantial legal significance in recent years, with enforceable requirements that local actions such as subdivisions, conditional use permits, and specific plans be consistent with the General Plan.

The Conservation, Open Space, and Safety Elements are often consolidated into one Element

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx because they address similar subject matter: natural and scenic areas; agricultural lands; water supply; and hazardous areas such as floodplains and areas of high fire hazard. The combined King City Conservation, Open Space, and Safety Elements address an area of 6,042 acres, which includes an area larger than the city limits. There are approximately 1,812 acres within the City's municipal boundary.

Table 1 contains the topics that are legally required to be included in Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements.

Table 1
Required Topics
Topic, Elements Conservation Open Space Safety
Agriculture Related In Statute Related
Air Quality N/A Related Related
Airports N/A Related Related
Bicycle/Pedestrian
Routes
N/A N/A Related
Climate Change
(Adaption)
Related Related Related
Density N/A N/A Related
Education N/A N/A Related
Social Equity Related Related Related
Environmental Justice N/A N/A Related
Fire N/A In Statute In Statute
Fisheries In Statute In Statute Related
Flooding In Statute N/A In Statute
Food Access N/A N/A Related
Forest/Timber In Statute In Statute Related
Health Related Related Related
Housing Related Related Related
Industrial Uses Related Related Related
Land Reclamation N/A N/A Related
Land Use In Statute Related In Statute

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Topic, Elements Conservation Open Space Safety
Military Compatibility Related Related Related
Minerals In Statute In Statute Related
Public Buildings Related Related In Statute
Railways and Yards N/A N/A Related
Recreation Related In Statute Related
Scenic Resources Related In Statute N/A
School Siting N/A Related In Statute
Seismic Hazards Related In Statute In Statute
Soil Conservation In Statute In Statute N/A
Soil Instability N/A N/A In Statute
Transportation Routes Related In Statute In Statute
Transportation
Terminals
In Statute N/A Related
Utilities/Easements Related In Statute Related
Waste Facilities N/A Related
Water Quality In Statute In Statute Related
Water Supply In Statute In Statute In Statute
Watershed In Statute In Statute Related
Waterways/Water
Bodies
In Statute In Statute Related
Wildlife In Statute In Statute N/A
The Conservation, Open Space and Safety Element was adopted in 1998 as part of the Comprehensive General Plan update. State Law requires that the Safety Element be reviewed for consistency with the new 2025 Housing Element. The 2025 amendments to the Conservation, Open Space and Safety Element are the result of this consistency review as well as a general update to address changes in the community and other factors. The 2025 amendments also incorporate the policies found in the newly adopted Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan.

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1.2 Regional Setting
King City is a major population center in the Salinas Valley and is an important agricultural area. Framed by the Santa Lucia Range in the west and the Gabilán Range in the east, the land immediately surrounding King City is comprised of agricultural fields intersected by the Salinas River—the largest river system on California’s central coast. The river flows northwesterly from its headwaters in eastern San Luis Obispo County, 175 miles through the Salinas Valley, and into Monterey Bay just north of the City of Marina. The river is an important wildlife corridor, provides irrigation for an immense agricultural industry, and is the main source for aquifer recharge in the valley.

From the west, Pine Canyon Creek drains a large area of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest. These mountains rise to elevations of over 5,000 feet and provide a rugged barrier between the Salinas Valley and the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Lucia Mountains are composed largely of metamorphic rock, with oak and pine woodlands and chaparral, giving way to grasslands in the foothills that shape the western edge of the Salinas Valley. To the east lie the Gabilan and Diablo Ranges, which is mostly privately owned with the singular exception of Pinnacles National Park. These mountains are primarily rolling, grass-covered foothills interspersed with chaparral and occasional vineyards.

The combination of deep soils and the mild climate of the Salinas Valley provide the basis for much of the economic base of Monterey County. Agriculture lays at the heart of the community's economic and cultural life in the City of King.

Figure 1, Regional Location Map, presents the location of the project area within the regional context of south Monterey County.

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1.3Historical Development Pattern
The City of King has benefited from a compact physical layout dating from its origin in the nineteenth century. The City was originally incorporated in 1911, with 699 residents. Today, with over 10,000 residents, the community has retained much the same "small town" character that has historically provided a high quality of life. In the late 1950's, when Highway 101 was upgraded to freeway status, it was decided by the State Highway Commission to continue to route the highway through the City of King rather than leave the route on the west side of the Salinas River. This key decision assured that the community would survive economically.

In recent years, visitor-serving and highway related development have added to the visibility of the community from Highway 101, shaped a new identity for the City, and provided an important contribution to the local economy. At the same time, the focus of commercial activity has shifted along Broadway Street and First Street. The East Ranch Business Park

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Specific Plan (ERBP SP) provides land for a range of industrial and business uses, including cannabis cultivation and manufacturing.

In the unincorporated area surrounding King City, Monterey County Land Use Implementation Policies have generally kept parcel sizes large to encourage continued agricultural uses. There are large agricultural parcels to the north and south of the City that now have land conservation easements.

1.4 Adopted Elements, Plans and Legislation
The first General Plan for the City of King was adopted in 1973, and it included the Conservation, Open Space, and Scenic Highways Elements along with Land Use and Circulation. Two years later, the Safety, Noise, and Seismic Safety Elements were adopted.

Comprehensive updates to the Land Use Element and Circulation Element were adopted in 1988. They are being updated with this Element. The City's Conservation, Open Space, and Safety Element was part of a comprehensive General Plan updated in 1998. The City updated the Conservation, Open Space and Safety Element in 2015 to reflect new requirements under State law. The 2024 changes incorporate policies adopted as part of the Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan and AB 2140.
x Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan: The Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan was prepared with a CalFire Grant (2021-2022 California Climate Investments (CCI) Fire Prevention Grant Program). The City through extensive outreach and environmental analysis prepared a plan to help mitigate wildfires along a portion of the Salinas River and San Lorenzo corridor focusing on the area shown on Figure 2 below. The Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan was adopted in 2024. The relevant mitigation measures have been incorporated into this Element.

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Figure 2 – Project Area Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan x Assembly Bill 2140 (AB 2140): AB 2140 allows cities to consider additional state cost-share on eligible Public Assistance projects by adopting their current FEMA approved local hazard mitigation plans (LHMPs) into the Safety Element. The adoption makes the city eligible to be considered for part or all its local-share costs on eligible Public Assistance projects to be provided by the state through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA). On August 9, 2022, the City Council adopted the 2022 Monterey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The 2022 Monterey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on September 14, 2022. The 2022 Monterey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is incorporated into this Element by reference.

1.5 Public Participation
The 2024 amended Conservation, Open Space and Safety Element incorporates policies from the adopted Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan. The Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan had extensive public outreach, which included:
x Stakeholder meetings
Figure 2
Project Area Riverbed
Wildfire Prevention Plan

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx x Two Community meetings
x Public review of the Mitigated Negative Declaration
x Planning Commission and City Council hearings
The updated Conservation, Open Space and Safety Element were distributed for public review and public hearings were conducted by the Planning Commission and City Council.

The 2022 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan has extensive public outreach from May 2019 to July 2023.

2. Resources of the Area
This section will provide background information on each of sub-topics that related to the conservation, open space, and safety issues within King City.

2.1 Climate and Climate Change
The effects of climate change are varied and include warmer and more varied weather patterns and temperature changes. Climate change will affect the people, property, economy, and ecosystems in the City and will exacerbate the risk posed by many of the hazards previously profiled in this Plan. Climate change will have a measurable impact on the occurrence and severity of natural hazards. Increasing temperatures will have direct impacts on public health and infrastructure. Drought, flooding, and wildfire will likely affect people’s livelihoods and the local economy. Changing weather patterns and more extreme conditions are likely to impact tourism and the local economy, along with changes to agriculture and crops, which are a critical backbone of the City’s economy.

2.2 Air Quality
Air quality is affected by the rate and location of pollutant emissions and by climatic conditions that influence the movement and dispersion of pollutants. Atmospheric conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature gradients, along with local and regional topography, influence the relationship between air pollutant emissions and air quality. King City is within the North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (air district or MBARD).

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Air quality is affected by the rate and location of pollutant emissions and by climatic conditions that influence the movement and dispersion of pollutants. Atmospheric conditions, such as wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature gradients, along with local and regional topography, influence the relationship between air pollutant emissions and air quality. King City is in the North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB), which is comprised of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. The climate is dominated by a semipermanent high-pressure cell over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, the dominant highpressure cell results in persistent west and northwest winds across the majority of coastal California. As air descends in the Pacific high-pressure cell, a stable temperature inversion is formed. As temperatures increase, the warmer air aloft expands, forcing the coastal layer of air to move onshore and producing a moderate sea breeze over the coastal plains and valleys.

Temperature inversions inhibit vertical air movement and often result in increased transport of air pollutants to inland receptor areas.

In the winter, when the high-pressure cell is weakest and farthest south, the inversion associated with the Pacific high-pressure cell is typically absent in the NCCAB. Air frequently flows in a southeasterly direction out of the Salinas and San Benito valleys. The predominant offshore flow during this time of year tends to aid in pollutant dispersal, producing relatively healthful to moderate air quality throughout most of the region. Conditions during this time are often characterized by afternoon and evening land breezes and occasional rainstorms.

However, local inversions caused by the cooling of air close to the ground can form in some areas during the evening and early morning hours. Winter daytime temperatures in the NCCAB typically average in the mid-50s, with nighttime temperatures averaging in the low 40s. Summer daytime temperatures typically average in the 60s, with nighttime temperatures averaging in the 50s. Precipitation varies in the region, but in general, annual rainfall is lowest in the coastal plain and inland valley, higher in the foothills, and highest in the mountains.

The climate is dominated by a semi-permanent high-pressure cell over the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, the dominant high-pressure cell results in persistent west and northwest winds across the majority of coastal California. As air descends in the Pacific high-pressure cell, a

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx stable temperature inversion is formed. As temperatures increase, the warmer air aloft expands, forcing the coastal layer of air to move onshore and producing a moderate sea breeze over the coastal plains and valleys. Temperature inversions inhibit vertical air movement and often result in increased transport of air pollutants to inland receptor areas.

However, local inversions caused by the cooling of air close to the ground can form in some areas during the evening and early morning hours.

Winter daytime temperatures in the NCCAB typically average in the mid-50s, with nighttime temperatures averaging in the low 40s. Summer daytime temperatures typically average in the 60s, with nighttime temperatures averaging in the 50s. Precipitation varies in the region, but in general, annual rainfall is lowest in the coastal plain and inland valley, higher in the foothills, and highest in the mountains.

MBARD operates a network of air quality monitoring stations throughout the NCCAB. The monitoring stations aim to measure ambient concentrations of pollutants and determine whether ambient air quality meets the state and federal standards. The monitoring station closest to the project site is the King City – 415 Pearl Street Station. According to the 2022 MBARD Annual Monitoring Network Plan, this station was relocated to the city center in 2007 and now serves as a population exposure/representative concentration site.

2.3 Geology
The Salinas Valley is the largest intermountain valley in the coastal ranges. Near the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line, the valley widens out sufficiently to permit the valley floor to be farmed from San Ardo to Monterey Bay. The agricultural lands produced run continuously from slightly south of San Ardo to Moss Landing on the north, where the Salinas River empties into the sea. The valley ranges from the width of three miles at San Ardo and

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Geological Survey Topographic Map for the King City area.

Figure 3 – U.S.G.S Topographic Map
The Salinas River is the largest submerged river in America and is one of the few northerly flowing rivers on the continent. It bisects the County, running northerly from San Luis Obispo County through Monterey County into Monterey Bay north of Marina. The principal tributaries are the Arroyo Seco, Nacimiento, and San Antonio Rivers from the Santa Lucia Range and San Lorenzo Creek which flows west from the Gabilan Range through the City of King. According to maps prepared by the California Department of Conservation (DOC) and the geotechnical investigation, the City is not within an Earthquake Zone of Required Investigation or within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The nearest fault is the San Andreas Fault, which is approximately 17 miles east of the project site (DOC 2016). However, Salinas Valley is considered to be one of the most seismically active regions in the United States.

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2.4 Soil Types
Approximately 108,000 acres of prime agricultural soils, as rated by the Soil Conservation Service, occur in the Central Salinas Valley (the area between Chualar and San Lucas). This area represents 56% of the prime farmlands in the entire County. The high quality soil in the valley results from the runoff from Santa Lucia and the Gabilan Ranges. The deep soils of the alluvial valley and particularly those drained by the Salinas, San Benito, Pajaro, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and Cuyama vary in texture from light sands to heavy clays. In some localities they are at the mercy of the high water tables or of the overflow from winter rains.

The major soils groups and the units within each group have been mapped by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS, now called. the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)).

Figure 4, Soils Units, is adapted from the SCS soils map for the King City area.

Almost all of the soils within the vicinity of King City are considered Class I or II in the SCS Land Capability Rating. They are generally flat, deep, and well-drained, and easily cultivated.

They have few or no limitations due to wind or water erosion, permeability, or soil structure.

It is these prime agricultural lands that form the backbone of the superlative agricultural economy of King City and the entire Salinas Valley.

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2.5 Native Vegetation
The natural vegetation in the King City area is influenced by climate and location of topographic features and may be divided into three general classifications. These classifications are as follows:
x Riparian Woodlands: This vegetation includes such tree species as sycamore, Fremont cottonwood, willow, and oaks as well as various shrubs that are dependent upon reliable water (both surface .and subsurface). Riparian woodlands occur along the banks of the Salinas River and in places along the corridor of San Lorenzo Creek.

This habitat is the most valuable community of plants and wildlife within the Planning Area in terms of the abundance and diversity of species. x Grassland: Grasslands occur in the foothills on either side of the Salinas River and typically provide forage for cattle or other livestock Over the past 100-150 years, the original native grasses (which were mostly deep rooted perennial species) have been

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These introduced annuals provide reasonably good forage, however, and also help hold soils on the steeper slopes in place but not as well as the perennial grass species that they replaced. Many ranchers, with assistance from NRCS and UC Cooperative Extension range specialists, have begun to replace non-native annual grasses with perennial species. The grasslands habitat is important in certain areas as habitat for the endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox, known to occur in the foothills of southern Monterey County.
x Oak Woodland/Chaparral/Savannah: This habitat type is relatively common throughout the foothills of the Gabilan and Santa Lucia ranges, although it has a very limited distribution within the King City area. The original distribution of this habitat type has, been reduced by the spread of agriculture (both grazing and row crops), and by urban development, including recreation uses such as the golf course.

Before its development as an urban area, natural vegetation of the King City area was probably dominated by grassland with scattered areas of oak savannah and chaparral.

Riparian woodland and streamside vegetation still occurs along the banks of the Salinas River and along San Lorenzo Creek. Much of this original habitat has been replaced or altered by urban or agricultural uses.

The City of King area is bisected by San Lorenzo Creek and bordered on the south and west by the Salinas River. Together, these two areas harbor a natural riparian ecosystem with seasonal and year- round wetlands. The City's Municipal golf course along San Lorenzo Creek manages most of the vegetation within the playing area, and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency maintains the floodway of the creek -- still in relatively natural condition.

At the confluence of San Lorenzo Creek and the Salinas River, native willows and other riparian vegetation are generally undisturbed by the nearby urban development, recreational uses, and cropland practices. While riparian vegetation is critical to the health and protection against channel erosion, drought and damming of normal winter heavy rainstorm flood flows have resulted in the periodic choking of the center of the channel with riparian species. Flood flows provide a natural way for reducing excessive vegetation in the

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx middle of channels. Since dams prevent the natural opening of channel floodways, occasional programs to address this issue are necessary. NRCS and the Resource Conservation District may provide farmers and agencies with assistance in addressing the proper management of the channels.

2.6 Wildlife
The riparian habitat of the Salinas River and its tributaries is also important for wildlife. Most of the remaining undisturbed natural habitat for fish and game is situated in the foothills and mountains to the north, south, west and east of the King City area. Native habitat is the key to abundance and well-being of all fish and wildlife species. Without proper habitat, these species could not exist naturally. Retention of habitat, therefore, is essential when planning for fish and wildlife.

Urban development and water reclamation or flood control projects often have a significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife habitat. In planning any alteration to the present environment, consideration must be given to the impacts on fish and wildlife. Even though most of this habitat is not in the City, it is vital to the valley and to the County as a whole. The original extent of riparian arid wetland habitat has been greatly reduced in the past, and these water-oriented habitats are now increasingly important.

In spite of the intense cultivation of the valley floor, wildlife habitat still occurs and provides shelter for a wide variety of small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Larger predators tend to avoid urban areas and cultivated fields, and these animals also lack sufficient cover in the open grasslands of the foothills. Significant populations of mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote are known to inhabit the mountainous areas of the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Ranges. Mule deer and wild boar are popular game animals in these mountains. Raptors are represented by large populations of red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture, and several owl species. Golden eagles and condors are less frequent but are known to occur.

Endangered or threatened species that rarely occur in or near the City include the San Joaquin kit fox, southern bald eagles (in the lakes area to the southwest), migrating steelhead in the Salinas River (during years of adequate river flow), California Condors and peregrine falcons, which have been sighted in the Pinnacles area.

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2.7 Mineral Resources
Primary natural resources within the area are petroleum and natural gas, extracted at fields near San Ardo, about 15 miles south of King City. In addition, sand and gravel resources are quarried from various sites surrounding King City, but not from any known locations the planning area. Historically, various minerals have been extracted from the general area, including bituminous sandstone, diatomite, feldspar, chromate, gold; stone, phosphate, and mineral water. The complex geology of the South County, caused by extensive faulting and deformation, often makes geologic investigations difficult and inconclusive.

2.8 Water Resources
An adequate supply of good-quality water is essential not only for continued urban growth of King City. To provide this supply, the South County area relies almost entirely on groundwater, particularly during the long dry season. The planning area is underlain by waterbearing geologic strata called an aquifer, which provides ready access to groundwater through shallow wells. The aquifer, in turn, recharged by seasonal and regulated runoff from the Salinas River. The valley has historically experienced numerous extended periods of both flooding and drought. For this reason, water conservation measures have become increasingly necessary, including the implementation of low water use fixtures and droughttolerant landscaping to address periods of drought and avoidance of construction in the floodways and floodplains to address periods of flooding.

The Salinas River is regulated through two major flood control and water conservation projects operated by Monterey County. These projects are the complex formed by the Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs located on either side of the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line. These two tributaries of the Salinas River, through the construction of the flood control and water conservation dams, have provided water storage and irrigation potential of immense proportions for the Salinas Valley and surrounding areas. The combined maximum storage is in excess of 700,000 feet.

The flow of the Salinas River at Bradley plus the runoff of the various tributaries below Bradley (including San Lorenzo and Pine Canyon Creeks) represent the total runoff to the valley floor. There is a total runoff into the area usually described by the general term

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx "Salinas Valley" estimated to be about 512,000 acre feet per year. Much of the valley area has groundwater of high quality. There has been a major problem, however, with seawater intrusion in the lower part of the valley.

The City of King’s water supply system is owned and operated by California Water Services (Cal Water). The city’s water is derived from six wells that draw from the Salinas Valley Upper Valley Aquifer Groundwater Subbasin. According to the Groundwater Basin Boundary Assessment Tool by the Department of Water Resources, the City lies within the Salinas Valley Upper Valley Aquifer Groundwater Subbasin.

2.9 Agricultural Lands
The City of King is situated in the upper half of one of the nation's richest agricultural areas, the Salinas Valley. Here, the soil, climate, and abundant groundwater supplies are ideal for row crop and wine grape production. Farmers in the valley and ranchers in the surrounding foothills are very experienced and skilled in the production of a wide variety of crops and livestock products. These include lettuce, wine grapes, broccoli, grapes, cattle, tomatoes, onions, garlic, barley, beans, alfalfa hay, sugar beets, spinach, corn, parsley, carrots, chili peppers, asparagus, and kohl. These agricultural pursuits are essential to the area's economic well-being, providing jobs and income to a large percentage of the city's labor force.

The area is in the heart of the rich Salinas Valley. Much of the area surrounding King City is devoted to agriculture. While tourism has become a larger part of the economy, agriculture is historically the main economic activity of the central Salinas Valley. Land of the Salinas Valley has been extensively irrigated whenever groundwater supplies permit. The irrigated area of the South County has increased to approximately 180,000 acres.

In 2023, Monterey County’s crop value was $4.35 billion, which was a 6.1% decrease from the previous year. The top valued commodities this year include strawberries which maintain the top spot with a gross production value of $903,791,000, a 5.7% decrease from 2022. Leaf lettuce, including Romaine and other leaf lettuce varieties, continued to be the 2nd most valuable crop at $782,134,000 with a decrease of 7.2%, and Head lettuce as the 3rd most valuable crop at $493,464,000 with a decrease of 9.8%. Broccoli remained in the

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx 4th place ranking with a 9.7% decrease to $468,871,000. Wine Grapes increased and ranked 5th in production value in 2023. Seed Crops and Livestock & Poultry also saw increases, while Field Crops remained steady.1 Figure 5 on the following page illustrates the area subject to the County's agricultural zoning and General Plan categories surrounding the City of King.

Figure 5
Protection of viable commercial farmland in the Salinas Valley is a critical issue to be resolved within this General Plan. The Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements provide a framework for several Implementation Policies that will address farmlands.

Additional Implementation Policies and programs may be found in the Land Use Element, which is also a part of this General Plan.

Agriculture and food processing are the economic lifeblood of the City of King and surrounding communities in southern Monterey County. Several Implementation Policies

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx and programs of the City's Land Use Element are also designed to encourage new agrelated industries that will meet the community's high standards to locate within the City of King. These include such sectors as warehousing and distribution, food-related packaging and export firms, emerging agricultural technologies, and business services.

2.10 Historic and Cultural Sites
The Native American Salinan people are the earliest inhabitants of the King City.

Archaeological sites have been identified east of the Salinas River ·and in the Pine Canyon area. Most of the area has not been surveyed for cultural resources, however, and it is not known whether any sites exist within the area. The County's map of archaeological sensitivity indicates that the entire Planning Area is in an area of "low" sensitivity; urban development or agriculture has probably disturbed or destroyed most of the cultural resources that might have been left by the native Salinan people. Before the construction of the dams, steelhead and Chinook salmon were plentiful on the Salinas River. While the salmon have disappeared from the River, steelhead are still migrating along the Salinas from streams in the upper watershed to the Pacific Ocean in Monterey Bay during wet years. The Salinas River and tributaries provided water and food sources for the ancient peoples who populated this area for over 10,000 years. Years ago, the River once had one of the largest populations of steelhead in California. Villages and campsites of the Salinan people were likely scattered along and near the River and tributaries. New development requiring use permits and other discretionary permits will be conditioned with measures to protect cultural resources.

One of the first Europeans to see the Salinas Valley was Don Gaspar de Portolá who, on September 26, 1769, led a party of explorers down from Jolon into the Salinas Valley. On route, they encountered a village of more than two hundred Native Americans. Portolá's party camped near the Salinas River at a site that would later become King City. The Salinas River was originally known as Rio Delfina (the Dolphin River) and Rio de Monterey (River of the King's Mountain), a name used by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1776 during his party's journey northward through the valley. The river was later renamed "Salinas." perhaps due to the salts near the mouth of the river north of Marina. Father Crespi, a chronicler for both

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx the Portolá's exploration party and the de Anza party, recorded the first names used for the river and environs. With Portola was Catholic Father Juan Crespi who kept a diary that described this area. Spain ruled the lands of California until 1822 when Mexico achieved independence from Spain and assumed jurisdiction over California. This led to the dividing of land into Ranchos. Rancho San Lorenzo was a 21,884-acre Mexican land grant given to Mariano and Feliciano Soberanes in the early 1840s during the Mexican rule of California and located in the King City area. Part of the Rancho San Lorenzo was located on the banks of the Salinas River where it is fed by San Lorenzo Creek from the east and Pine Canyon from the west. After 1850, when California became part of the United States, ownership of this Salinas Valley land changed hands several times. In 1884, Charles King, an Oakland capitalist, purchased 13,000 acres of Rancho San Lorenzo. At that time the Salinas Valley was a dry, windswept expanse of sand, tabbed on maps of the time as "the great Salinas desert.” The Salinas River ran bank to bank in wet years, a raging torrent that carried away all in its path in the winter. But in the summer, the river went underground, leaving only a skeletal course of rock and sand the length of the Valley. King saw the possibilities of growing wheat and soon proved his point. He set up ranch headquarters at what is now the Spreckels ranch north of the city. His first project was to plant 6,000 acres of wheat. King's neighbors had told him that wheat would never grow, that he was crazy to try it on what was only stock range, and not very good range most of the time at that. And, they said, if he did manage to make a crop he'd never get it to market. The only transportation in those days was by 10-mule teams to Monterey to transfer to sailing ships. But King fooled them. His wheat crops were bountiful and there was a clamor to lease land from King by farmers who wanted to grow wheat.

Railroad interests took note, looking toward shipments of grain. Southern Pacific had extended its line to Soledad and Collis P. Runtington, the renowned railroad magnet, became interested in pushing the tracks further south in quest of King's wheat. King City is known for its role as an agricultural center for the southern Salinas Valley. John Steinbeck used the backdrop of the City and surrounding region as the source for many of his novels. His father, J. Ernst Steinbeck, claimed to be the first City's resident. Today, this heritage is best represented in the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum in San Lorenzo

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At San Lorenzo Park, the City's agricultural roots are revealed in a working blacksmith shop, the restored Spreckels farmhouse (1897), and the one-room La Gloria schoolhouse (1887).

The 1886 Southern Pacific King City Train Depot was also relocated to this park. The Depot Baggage Room is used now as a conference and meeting room.

Within the developed area of the City, there are a few outstanding examples of early 20th Century commercial architecture along Broadway Street. City Hall itself is a contribution of Depression-era masonry and was financed (along with many public buildings in this era) by the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA). Its pleasant, one-story aspect is situated within wide expanse of lawn area that features several statues and memorials.

There are many beautiful historic buildings in the City. Within a few blocks of Historic Downtown is one of the west's finest examples of Art Moderne architectural style, the King City High School Auditorium, also known as the Robert Stanton Theater. The theater was built in 1939 with financial assistance from Works Progress Administration funding. The building was designed by architect Robert Stanton of Carmel, California, in partnership with noted artist Joseph Jacinto Mora, who designed and executed the building's extensive sculptural elements. The theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 23, 1991. There are numerous other interesting historical buildings in and around downtown. Programs to protect and enhance these buildings are included in the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan and Municipal Code Chapter 17.50.

2.11 Hazards and Development Constraints
Some of the issues that must be considered in siting new development are:
x Floods and Floodplains
x Geologic Conditions (e.g., seismic activity)
x High Fire Hazards
x Noise Exposure
Floods and Floodplains: Monterey County has experienced 10 significant flood events since 1995. This indicates an approximate 38% chance of a significant and damaging flood event in any given year, with a recurrence interval of 2.6 years. Smaller floods may occur more

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx frequently and are annual. The FEMA National Risk Index calculates an annualized frequency value for riverine and coastal flood hazards in Monterey County.

Flooding can result in economic losses through closure of businesses and government facilities, disrupt communications, disrupt the provision of utilities such as water and sewer service, result in excessive expenditures for emergency response, and generally disrupt the normal function of a community. The floodplain of San Lorenzo Creek and the Salinas River are the areas subject to the most significant hazard. The City and the County have regulated development within these floodplain areas for many years to prevent unsafe occupancy of the floodplain by residents or businesses.

FEMA flood zones were used to assess flooding risk. The floodplain of the San Lorenzo Creek and the Salinas River are the areas subject to the most significant hazard. Figure 6 shows the FEMA flood zones in the City. Table 2 summarizes population and property in the City in the 100-year and 500-year floodplain
Figure 6 - FEMA Floodplain Boundary Map

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Table 2
Population and Property Exposed to Flooding Risk
FEMA Flood
Zone
Population Residential Property Non-Residential Property No. Value No. Value
100-Year Flood
zone
2,124 53 $21,558,264 55 $8,515,990
500-Year Flood
Zone
9,168 1206 $344,066,446 743 $167,246,111
Source: Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Page F-7, Annex F Dam Failure
There is no population or property in the City located in the dam inundation zones of the Los Padres and Forest Lake dams. Table 3 summarizes population and property in the City exposed to spillway and dam failure of the Nacimiento and San Antonio dams.

Table 3
Population and Property Exposed to Dam Failure Risk by Dam and Failure Type in King City
Dam
Failure
Scenario
Population Residential Property Non-Residential Property No. Value No. Value
Nacimiento
Spillway
Failure
2,846 312 $105,249,593 51 $10,297,446
Nacimiento
Dam
Failure
4,683 537 $164,841,810 198 $68,499,071

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx San Antonio
Spillway
Failure 154
154 0 0 6 $255,399
San Antonio
Dam
Failure
4,683 533 $164,003,073 194 $68,100,945
Source: Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Page F-6, Annex F.

Based on Leveed Area from the US Army Corps of Engineers, National Levee Database, there is no population or property in the City exposed to levee failure risk. Many levees in the County protect important agricultural lands and a significant levee failure could have an indirect economic impact
New development will not be permitted in areas of significant hazard, such as floodways.

Structures will be constructed to meet seismic standards imposed by building code. Fire and safety measures identified in the Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan will be implemented.

Geologic Conditions: The Salinas Valley which is considered one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The City is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone as designated by the State of California. However, the entire population of the City is potentially exposed to direct and indirect impacts from earthquakes.

Whether directly impacted or indirectly impacted, the entire population will have to deal with the consequences of earthquakes to some degree. Business interruption could keep people from working, road closures could isolate populations, and loss of utilities could impact populations that suffered no direct damage from an event itself. Similarly, all property and critical infrastructure in the City is potentially exposed to earthquake risk.

According to Monterey County Assessor records, there are 2,772 residential and nonresidential buildings in the City, with a total value of $836,661,694. Since all structures in the City are susceptible to earthquake impacts to varying degrees, this represents the property exposure to seismic events. Additionally, liquefaction risk was assessed. Liquefaction is a

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx condition that may occur when areas of saturated soils are subject to seismic events, and can result in major damage to structural foundations.

Table 4 summarizes population and property in the City exposed to liquefaction risk.

Table 4
Population and Property Exposed to Liquefaction Risk
Liquefaction
Risk
Population Residential Property Non-Residential
Property
No. Value No. Value
High
Liquefaction
Susceptibility
2,609 219 $70,240,535 81 $7,626,927
Moderate
Liquefaction
Susceptibility
10,970 1754 $517,181,864 846 $268,108,291
Source: Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Page F-7, Annex F x High Fire Hazards. King City is at risk from potentially catastrophic wildfire, as designated by CAL FIRE’s 2019 Communities at Risk List.

2.12 Recreational Resources
King City serves as the gateways to the Los Padres National Forest in the Santa Lucia Range to the west and to Pinnacles National Park in the Gabilan Range to the east. These two areas provide substantial areas of mountain habitat and are ·quite popular for outdoor recreation such as bicycling, camping, photography, hunting, fishing; hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching.

The Pinnacles National Park attracts many hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The City is the primary gateway to both the West and East entrances to Pinnacles for visitors traveling from the south. A public-private collaboration has begun to work towards improving the appearance and land uses along the primary gateway corridors, including

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The City has approximately 85 acres of City parks and open space. (See Table 5 for a list of parks and open space.)
San Antonio Park, with ball diamonds, children play areas, and multipurpose fields was created as part of the Amstar annexation in the late 1980's. The Park includes ballfields, a soccer field, playground, a concession stand, and parking facilities.

The community also benefits from the County's San Lorenzo Regional Park with 200-acres just southwest of the City limits. That park accommodates the Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, with a working blacksmith shop, 19th Century schoolhouse and a historic farmhouse. The park also includes a gazebo, volleyball courts, soccer fields, softball areas, picnic and play areas, camping sites, and group facilities.

San Lorenzo Regional Park receives high visitor use, particularly in the spring and fall, and is also visited by various school groups from throughout South Monterey County to learn about the historic development of agriculture and the early days of the communities that have grown up in this rural area. Visitors also may venture onto the nearby levee to view the river; although access is limited to a streamside nature trail. The City plans to work with the County in promoting San Lorenzo Park for both visitors and City residents.

As part of the CreekBridge/Arboleda Specific Plan, all parks have been constructed. These include the CreekBridge Soccer Field and CreekBridge Soft Ball Park. The CreekBridge Linear Park is located on the north side of the CreekBridge/Arboleda Specific Plan and blends into the Mills Ranch Linear Park. The Linear Parks include a multiuse trail. The CreekBridge/Arboleda Specific Plan area includes approximately 12.59 acres of open space and recreational areas. The Mills Ranch Specific Plan area includes approximately

16.8 acres of open space and recreational areas. As of the adoption date of this Element, the Central Community Park has been constructed.

The City's recreation programs and facilities are open to non-residents for a fee. Currently, the facilities available to City appear to be adequate for the existing population. As additional growth occurs, new facilities will be needed to sustain current programs. Many of the· existing facilities will also require renovation or modernization.

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Bikeways and walkways, including trails and sidewalks, need to be developed around the City. The First Street Master Plan, Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan, Downtown Addition Specific Plan, West Broadway Master Plan, Arboleda Specific Plan, East Ranch Business Park Specific Plan, Mills Ranch Plan and other plans for the City recommend pedestrian and bike lane improvements along major streets and as part of trail systems that skirt the edges of the City (such as in the Arboleda, and within the Downtown Addition planning areas). These bike and pedestrian facilities will connect the future Multi-Modal Transit Center proposed near First Street, providing regional connections to areas north and south of the City.

The City is also working towards a 1.6 miles of paved bicycle and pedestrian path on San Antonio Drive that will connect pedestrians through a network of pedestrian and bicycle trails. Upon completion of this “road diet” project the pedestrian/bike path will deliver a 3.8 mile “health-loop” network that connects to fourteen (14) community destinations including schools, parks, healthcare services and residential neighborhoods.

The City’s goal is to create a multipath trail around the City, as shown on Figure 7.

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FACILITY LOCATION ACREAGE AMENITIES
City Park 401 Division Street 7.68 ac. Swimming Pool
APN: 026141001000 Rental Hall
Indoor Racquetball Courts
Little League Field
Softball Field
Play-Structure (2)
Horseshoe Pits (2)
Restrooms
Outdoor Equestrian Arena
______________________________________________________________________ Forden Park 309 Forden Drive 2.4 ac. Open Grass Area
APN: 026462028000 Play Structure
______________________________________________________________________ San Antonio Park San Antonio Dr. 9.38 ac. Play Structure Bedford Dr.

APN 02656101000 Basketball Court
Barbeque Area
Sand Volleyball Court
Soccer Fields
Softball Field
Restrooms
Covered Picnic Shelter
Skateboard Park
______________________________________________________________________ CreekBridge Park San Antonio Dr. @ 3.57 ac. Baseball/ Softball Field Baseball/Softball Mildred St. Basketball Court
APN: 026612061000 Restrooms
Play Structure
______________________________________________________________________ CreekBridge Park San Antonio Dr. @ 2.60 ac. Restrooms
Soccer Soccer Field
APN: 026616001000 Play Structure
______________________________________________________________________ King Street 0.19 ac Play Structure (2)
Pocket Park Half-court Basketball
APN 026517022000 Picnic Area
______________________________________________________________________ King City approximately 36 ac 9-hole Public Course
Golf Course 2,836 yards- Par 35
(Private concessionaire)
Tennis Courts (3)
______________________________________________________________________ CreekBridge Linear Park approximately 6.42 ac Multi-use Trail ______________________________________________________________________

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Mills Ranch Linear Park approximately 9.0 ac Multi-use Trail ______________________________________________________________________ Mills Ranch Central
Community Park 3.34 ac Restrooms/Maintenance Bldg
Basketball Courts (2)
Pickleball Courts (3)
Shade/Shelter Structure
Children’s Playground
Multi-use Trail/Turf Area
Picnic Area w/BBQs
Parking
Paths and Landscaping
_______________________________________________________________________ Mills Ranch Southeast
Community Park 4.46 ac Restrooms
Volleyball Court
Basketball Court
Parking
Paths and Landscaping
Youth Softball Field
_______________________________________________________________________ Downtown Plaza 0.46 ac Restrooms
APN 026195010000 Gazebo/Stage
APN 026195012000 Children’s Sensory Motor Play Features APN 026195022000 Landscaping/Benches
Parking
Mural
TOTAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE: Approximately 85 acres

SALINAS VALLEY FAIR GROUNDS
The following buildings are available to rent at the fairgrounds.

Facility Square Feet
x Orradre Building 12,000 square feet
x Expo Building 12,000 square feet
x Pavilion 7,000 square feet
x Cafeteria 1,400 square feet
x Topo 60,000 square feet
x Rava 55,000 square feet
The fairgrounds also lease approximately 3.59 acres of the City Park parcel for the use of the Stampede Stands/Arena.

2.13 Visual and Scenic Resources
The City is characterized by many tree-lined streets, creating a majestic greenspace that not

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx only beautifies the City but also provides shade for hot summers and beautiful walking opportunities throughout the City. Programs to expand this urban forest are proposed for the major entryways of the City and are important elements of visual enhancement programs for First Street and Broadway.

Most of southern Monterey County is considered scenic due to the beauty of the landscape and to its rural character and agricultural setting. A varied landscape surrounds the community, including the flat valley with its rolling river and row crops, framed by gently rolling hillsides. This landscape, together with the compact size of the urban area, assures a pleasant visual background for the community. The approaches to King City on Highway 101 are characterized by broad expanses. of cropland broken by occasional farmhouses, tall wind rows of eucalyptus, and the riparian forests along the Salinas River and its tributaries.

The high mountains of the Los Padres National Forest, to the west of the community, are bisected by Pine Canyon. The Santa Lucia Range provides a visual frame of reference for the entire community, particularly when blanketed by the frequent coastal fogs that wander back and forth over the top of the mountains during the summer months. To the east, the Gabilan Range is more distant and less dominating, but still provides a visual definition to the community and contributes to its "sense of place.”
Many of the historic buildings in the Historic Downtown were attractively designed and in 2018 to 2022 the majority of the buildings in the 300 Block of Broadway were restored through the City’s Façade Improvement Grant Program. New development should be attractively designed. The City of King presents a visual image to travelers on Highway 101 of a moderate-size community that serves as a retailing center for South Monterey County.

The traveler on Highway 101 does not see the residential neighborhoods of The City of King from the freeway, with the exception of the Royal Coach Park neighborhood and the Rio Plaza Mobile Home Park in the Forden tract.

2.14 Local Government Administration
Most emergency services in The City of King are administered by the municipal government.

King City (officially "City of King") was incorporated in 1911 as the City of King. The City is a Charter City, with a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council is composed of

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx five Council Members who are elected at large for four-year terms. One Council Member is appointed Mayor for a two-year term by the Council. The City's administrative staff consists of the City Manager, Community Development Director, Police Chief, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Fire Assistant and related clerical and accounting personnel. The City contracts for a finance director and building official. Most of the City's functions are situated in the City Hall building on South Vanderhurst Avenue. The Police Department and Fire Station are located nearby on Bassett Street between Russ and Vanderhurst Avenues.

The City's corporation yard is located on Industrial Way.

2.14.1. Economy and Tax Base
The City's economic base is largely dependent upon agriculture with food processing and packing the primary sources of employment. The agricultural industry is a major economic drive in the City. Mee Memorial Hospital and Casey Printing typify other sectors of the business community, and nearby Fort Hunter Liggett also plays a role in the local economy (located 26 miles southeast of the city). The City is development friendly, and through an ambitious economic development strategy that includes expedited permit approvals, continues to attract new businesses and residential housing projects that improve the quality of life in the community.

2.14.2. Public Safety Infrastructure
In order to make sound decisions about safety issues, it is important to set out the current status of public safety services in King City. This section presents a brief summary of the local, State, and Federal agencies that provide police, fire protection, and emergency services to the City of King. For locations of the various safety and infrastructure facilities discussed in this section, please see Figure 8.

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Figure 8 - Safety Facilities
The County of Monterey also administers safety services, particularly the Sheriff's Department. The seat of County government is in Salinas, approximately 50 miles to the north. The State of California and the U.S. government also provide fire safety services to their respective jurisdictions in the wildland areas around King City.

King City contracts with the County Office of Emergency Services for "911" emergency cans and dispatching service. This agency has an enhanced computerized screening facility that

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx enables the dispatcher to deter- mine immediately the origin of the can. This computer-aided dispatching system is now in the process of being updated to improve its speed and reliability.

Ambulance service for the City of King is provided by American Medical Response under contract with the County's Emergency Medical Services Agency. The agreement specifies performance standards for the ambulance services provider with penalties that are enforced if response times exceed certain limits within the County. The current contract was initiated in February, 2010 and provides advanced life support (ALS) systems with a paramedic and EMT I onboard with each unit. The contracted ambulance services provider provides up to 19 ambulances serving most of the county; one of these units is at a fixed base in the City of King.

In addition, the County has an agreement for air ambulance/ALS services through CALSTAR, which is based in Salinas. Mercy Air is another air ambulance service frequently used within the County’s EMS system, based out of Paso Robles. The California Highway Patrol also has a helicopter based in Paso Robles airport. Although the CHP helicopter has a primary law enforcement mission, it is also available for medical emergencies and can often lift patients from incident scenes in southern Monterey County. Lastly, Fort Hunter Liggett offers its air ambulance for mutual aid use, and they contract with REACH for their services. Air ambulances are often utilized to either expedite the transport of critical patients far away from the closest hospital or ensure that patients requiring specialty care services are seen at a hospital with specific capabilities.

2.14.3. Police Protection
The City's Police Department provides primary public safety services within the city limits, and backup to the County Sheriff in nearby unincorporated areas. The City's Police Department is headquartered in an 8,000 square foot facility adjacent to City Hall. Currently, the police force includes eighteen sworn staff including the Police Chief, Captain, five sergeants, eleven police officers, and four support staff.

The County Sheriff serves the unincorporated area around the City of King from a headquarters facility located within the general County offices on Franciscan Way.

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Additional service is provided by the California Highway Patrol, with headquarters on Broadway Circle. The CHP provides law enforcement on all unincorporated roadways and State highways.

2.14.4. Fire Protection/Vegetation Management
a. King City Fire Department
The King City Fire Department (KCFD) has 22 members – it has 3 Type 1 Pumpers – I Type 6 Wildland Rig – 1 Quint 75-foot Ladder Truck – 1 Utility Truck. The ISO ratting for KCFD is a 4. KCFD has 1 full time Adm Asst,1 Chief ,2 Asst Chiefs, 1 Chief Engineer, 7 Engineers , 11 Fire Fighters also the engineers are considered FF if they are not driving an apprentice.

The City is rated a "4" by the Insurance Services Office on a scale of 1 to 10. (The lower the number the better the service.) The Department had adequate facilities, equipment, and personnel to sustain this rating and to serve the community's future growth, As with the Police Department, Ordinance #490 provides impact mitigation funding for the KCFD from new development. This funding is dedicated exclusively to the purchase of capital equipment and facilities.
b. CAL FIRE
CAL FIRE is responsible for fire protection of Monterey County’s State Responsibility Areas (SRAs). The San Benito-Monterey Unit (BEU) of CAL FIRE includes 2.1 million acres of SRA, one of the state’s largest state responsibility jurisdictions. The San BenitoMonterey Unit is operationally divided into seven battalions offering a wide variety of programs which includes: Fire Prevention, Resource Management, Law Enforcement, Air Attack, Helitack, Conservation Camp, Emergency Command Center (communications), and Cooperative Fire Protection (CAL FIRE 2022). The CAL FIRE King City Station 30 San Benito-Monterey Unit is located at 743 Reich Street, King City, CA. c. U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Monterey Ranger District has jurisdiction in the Los Padres National Forest to the west of King City. USFS provides wildland fire suppression

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx across national forest lands within Monterey County and participates in mutual aid. A ranger station is located in King City at 406 S. Mildred St, King City, CA. d. Mutual Aid
KCFD and surrounding agencies participate in mutual aid and automatic aid agreements.

Automatic aid is a contractual agreement between agencies or fire districts, and aid is dispatched to all first alarms. Mutual aid agreements differ from automatic aid in that outside assistance typically is provided when the agreement is activated, and aid is requested by the primary responding agency. Fire agencies in Monterey County participate in a countywide mutual aid agreement.
e. Vegetation Maintenance
x King City’s Public Works Department
The City Public Works Department is responsible for vegetation management on city property. The department currently possesses chainsaws, pole saws, and weed whackers necessary for creating and maintaining the recommended fuel break. While the city has two Exmark zero-turn mowers, Exmark recommends against using these on slopes greater than 15 degrees (26.8% grade). Equipment that can handle levee slopes and brush will need to be acquired to maintain a fuel break. x Resource Conservation District of Monterey County
The RCDMC is an invaluable partner in vegetation management for the riverbed area.

The agency works with landowners, cities, and other stakeholders throughout the Salinas Valley on a variety of land management activities. From a fire perspective, the RCDMC’s vegetation management actions are critical for the riverbed area. King City should seek further partnership with the RCD to target invasive species through mechanical removal, grazing, and prescribed fire, combined with revegetation of native species.

2.14.5 Wildfire History
In the past five years, three fires have ignited and spread through the project area, a fourth fire ignited west of the project area as listed on Table 6. Figure 9 outlines the fires.

The three fires are in the Salinas Riverbed. CALFIRE provided the City with a grant to

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx prepare a Wildfire Prevention Plan (WPP), which was adopted by the City Council on March 11, 2025. Recommendations from the WPP are incorporated into the Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements.

The King Fire (BEU-00002925) started on May 25, 2022, behind the KFC on Broadway Circle. The fire prompted evacuations and spread to 90 acres before forward progress was stopped on May 27. One person was found dead from the fire, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Some of the people living in the riverbed were temporarily sheltered at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds following the fire. CAL FIRE has indicated that the cause of the fire was arson and that the investigation is ongoing at the time of the RWPP’s publication. The fatality underscores the necessity of fire mitigation efforts in the riverbed area. It also points to the need for affordable housing in the area.

Table 6
Historic Fires
Year Name Incident Number Cause
2020 Circle Fire BEU-00004978 Playing with fire
2021 Jolon Fire BEU-00004312 Equipment use
2022 King Fire BEU-00002925 Arson causing one
death; case is
ongoing
2024 Broadway Fire BEU-00007168 Cooking fire escape
from encampment

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3. CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE, AND SAFETY ELEMENT GOALS AND

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
The Conservation, Open Space, and Conservation Element establishes a comprehensive vision for the future management of natural resources within and around the City. This section will set forth the goals, Implementation Policies and Programs to achieve that vision.

Section 1 presents Goals, Implementation Policies, and Programs specifically pertaining to the Conservation Element of the General Plan. This will include such matters as water resources, agricultural resources, mineral resources, and energy resources. Section 2 presents the goals, Implementation Policies, and programs which relate to the Open Space Element of the General Plan. This will include such matters as environmentally sensitive areas, riparian habitat, farmland protection, scenic re- sources and landscape protection, historical and archaeological sites, and parks and recreational facilities. Section 3 will then present goals, Implementation Policies, and programs with respect to the Safety Element of the General Plan. This will include such matters as floodplain management, hazard prevention, and public safety facilities.

3.1 Water Resources
GOAL COS 1: PRESERVE AND ENHANCE SURFACE WATERWAYS, WATERSHEDS AND AQUIFERS.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

3.1.1. The City will work with Monterey County, CalWater and special districts to help preserve and protect all groundwater recharge areas from sources of pollution.

Development of prime groundwater recharge areas shall be restricted to land uses that do not cause groundwater contamination.

3.1.2. When considering new development, the City shall protect existing open spaces, natural habitat, floodplains, and wetland areas that serve as groundwater recharge areas.

PROGRAM

3.1.2.1. The City shall work with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB) and other regulatory agencies to identify areas of groundwater recharge,

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IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

3.1.3. In known or identified groundwater recharge areas, the predominant land use and resources activities should be designed to promote recharge of the groundwater basin and protection of groundwater quality at a level superior to standard development practices.

3.1.3. The City will work to develop policies wherein full build-out of this general plan is not expected to significantly impact the long-term estimated supply of groundwater resources.

3.1.4. The City shall continue to require Storm Water Management Programs for developments and implement recommendations.

3.2 Habitat Conservation
GOAL COS 2: PROTECT WILDLIFE HABITATS THAT SUPPORT VARIOUS PLANTS, MAMMALS AND OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES ALONG THE SAN LORENZO CREEK AND SALINAS RIVER.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

3.2.1. The City will utilize nature-based solutions whenever possible to balance the protection of habitat and using engineering devices.

PROGRAM

3.2.1.1 The City will encourage the preservation of the integrity of significant native vegetation and/or habitat value such as riparian habitat areas, creek corridors, wetlands, and sensitive wildlife habitat that supports biological resources.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

3.2.2 Encourage the creation, maintenance and protection of open space areas that provide strategic wildlife corridors and vital connectivity between habitat areas.

3.2.3. Encourage development to incorporate native vegetation materials into landscape places and prohibit the use of species known to be invasive according to the California Invasive Plan Inventory.

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3.2.4. Minimize damage associated with wind and fire related hazards and risk and address climate change and urban heat island effects through proper and appropriate landscaping, plant and tree sections and replacement and planting and vegetation management.

3.3 Mineral Resources
GOAL COS-3: CONSIDER HOW LOCAL MINERALS CAN BE USED TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS AND

ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

3.3.1. The City shall consider how new technology such as carbon capture and storage can be used to reduce greenhouse gases and promote new green jobs.

PROGRAM

3.3.1.1 The City will explore with Lawrence Livermore National Labs the possibility of the safe use of carbon capture and storage to extract CO2 from the area, combine with local mining tailings and store in rocks to reduce greenhouse gases.

3.4 Energy Resources
GOAL COS-4: ENCOURAGE THAT ALL ACTIVITIES OF THE CITY, INCLUDING THE APPROVAL OF NEW

DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS, DO NOT GENERATE, NOR UNNECESSARILY CONTINUE, WASTEFUL USES OF NONRENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

3.4.1. The City shall encourage energy-efficient designs within new homes, commercial and industrial buildings, and public facilities.

3.4.2. The City shall encourage the development land utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind generation, and biomass technologies.

PROGRAMS

3.4.2.1. The City shall coordinate with the State Energy Commission and the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency to seek reasonable ways to conserve energy resources

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3.4.2.2. The City will continue to work on the development of the Multi-Modal Transit Center to provide an effective and convenient connection for passenger rail, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian alternatives to the automobile and reduce dependence on use of carbon fuels.

3.4.2.3 The City will continue to develop bike lanes, bikeways, sidewalks and trails to encourage the use of bicycles and walking as enjoyable and functional ways to reduce the use of carbon fuels.

4. OPEN SPACE ELEMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

4.1 Agricultural Resources
GOAL COS-2.1: CONSERVE, FOR THE PROTECTION OF THIS VALUABLE RESOURCE, AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS; AND TO PRESERVE VIABLE, PRIME AGRICULTURAL LANDS WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA WHICH ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR FUTURE URBAN GROWTH.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

4.1.1 The City shall preserve agricultural land uses on prime farmland designated as Agricultural in the Land Use Element.

4.1.2 The City shall encourage agriculture as an industry by preserving agricultural land wherever possible, and by accommodating industries and service enterprises that help to package, process, transport, and market agricultural products.

4.1.3. Within its Industrial and Commercial districts, the City shall encourage agriculture as an industry by accommodating industries and service enterprises that help to package, process, transport, and market agricultural products.

4.1.4. The City shall continue to encourage farmworker housing to provide for the workers (and their families) who work on local and nearby farms and ranches, in support of agricultural operations. Said housing will be designed with attractive housing and amenities to serve the residents.

4.1.5. The City may, as needed to address impacts between uses, require that new, non-

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx agricultural development proposals adjacent to agricultural operations incorporate buffer areas or other legally permissible conditions to minimize incompatibilities, and to mitigate against the effects of agricultural operations on adjacent land uses.

PROGRAM

4.1.5.1. As part of its review of discretionary projects and the Development Code, the City shall require that buffer areas be provided as part of any non-agricultural development located adjacent to agricultural land uses. These buffer areas shall be of sufficient size to protect residential development from any significant adverse effects of agricultural operations, including noise, dust, and pesticide applications.

4.2 Environmentally Sensitive Lands
GOAL COS-2: PROTECT ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO THE ECOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE PLANNING AREA; AND TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.2.1. The City shall ensure that environmentally sensitive lands which are unique, limited, and fragile natural areas are protected and preserved wherever possible.

PROGRAM

4.2.1.1. The City shall work with Monterey County, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies to identify environmentally sensitive habitat areas; and shall promote the conservation of these habitat areas in conjunction with private landowners, other public agencies, and non-profit organizations.

4.3 Riparian Habitat
GOAL COS-2.3: PRESERVE RIPARIAN HABITAT AREAS FOR GENERAL FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS, AND PARTICULARLY FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.3.1. The City shall strive to preserve and restore wherever possible the riparian habitat of the Salinas River and San Lorenzo Creek, within its Planning Area.

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PROGRAMS

4.3.1.1. The City shall require biological investigations of any proposed development that could significantly impact the riparian habitat of the Salinas River or of San Lorenzo Creek. Such investigations shall assess. the significance of natural habitat within the project site, and the degree of any adverse impacts of the proposed project upon the habitat. The City shall require that significant adverse impacts· be fully mitigated wherever possible.

4.3.1.2. Proposed recreational facilities for the City, including golf course fairways or public trails, shall be designed and located to protect riparian and wetland habitat.

4.3.1.3. The City will encourage programs that coordinate the periodic restoration and maintenance of the Salinas River and San Lorenzo Creek with organizations such as NRCS and the RCD of Monterey County. Said programs, which may include programs that ensure proper functioning of the streams and rivers, will be sensitive to the restoration of habitat and use methods that are environmentally sound. Any such program will also be coordinated with applicable permit agencies such as State Fish and Wildlife Department, Federal Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps, CCRWQCB and other agencies as appropriate.

4.4 Scenic Resources and Landscape Protection
GOAL COS-4: TO ENCOURAGE NEW DEVELOPMENT THAT DOES NOT DESTROY OR SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIR THE CITY'S SCENIC RESOURCES.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.4.1. In reviewing proposed plans for new development proposed along major thoroughfares, particularly entrances to the City of King, the City shall encourage appropriate site planning, design, building materials, landscaping, and signage to enhance the scenic quality of these thoroughfares.

PROGRAMS

4.4.1.1. The Planning Commission shall evaluate site plans, elevations, and landscaping plans of new development proposals visible from major thoroughfares, including

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx Highway 101, Broadway Street, San Antonio Road, First Street, and Metz Road. This evaluation shall consider, but not be limited to, appropriate innovative site design and architecture, setbacks, open space buffers, landscaping, screening techniques, exterior colors and materials, street furniture, and other amenities.

4.4.1.2. The City will encourage property owners of poorly maintained buildings and properties to upgrade the appearance of their buildings and to improve the landscaping including, but not limited to, the addition of drought tolerant trees and shrubs, removal of debris, painting of faded or pealing surfaces, repair of structures and other improvements and maintenance.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.4.2. The City shall set an example of high-quality design and construction in its own signs, public buildings and infrastructure, particularly in key entries to the City and in areas visible from Highway 101.

PROGRAMS

4.4.2.1. The City shall require design review by the City Planning Commission and/or another appointed body of the plans for any capital improvement project proposed by the City, including park facilities and signage. This review shall seek to protect scenic values and to project the City’s rural character through consistently good municipal design, and shall be exercised particularly for those new facilities that are visible from Highway 101, Broadway Street, Canal Street, River Road, San Antonio Road, or First Street.

4.4.2. The City shall seek to have input on the planning and design for City and County projects that are visible from Highway 101, particularly in the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds property.

4.4.2.3. The City will create a well-designed entryway and wayfinding sign program for major roadways and Highway 101. A system of well-designed directional signs along Highway 101 will be coordinated with Caltrans. Directional signs, informational kiosks, public banners attached to streetlights, and public murals that describe the history and resources within and near the City will be encouraged.

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4.5 Historical and Archaeological Sites
GOAL COS-5: TO ENCOURAGE NEW DEVELOPMENT THAT DOES NOT DESTROY SIGNIFICANT EXAMPLES

OF THE HISTORY OR PRE-HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY, AND TO ENCOURAGE PRESERVATION AND RESPECT FOR HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN AND AROUND THE CITY OF KING.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.5.1. The City shall strive to identify, and where known to protect, significant archaeological sites within its jurisdiction.

PROGRAMS

4.5.1.1. For new development, where it is known or suspected that archaeological resources may be present, the City shall require the applicant to document the location and significance of its archaeological resources.

4.5.1.2. Archaeological resource information shall be incorporated into the environmental impact assessment for the project(s) and impacts upon archaeological resources shall be mitigated to the extent feasible.

4.5.1.3. The City shall pursue all available and reasonable measures to protect archaeological sites, including purchase of archaeological easements, dedication to the City or County, tax relief, purchase development rights, and consideration of reason- able project alternatives.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.5.2. The City shall strive to identify, and where known to protect, significant historical sites and structures within its jurisdiction.

PROGRAMS

4.5.2.1. The City shall encourage and assist eligible property owners to submit applications to qualify appropriate properties and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and/or the State Landmark Program.

4.5.2.2. The City shall work with property owners to mitigate impacts upon historical buildings wherever feasible, by supporting tax incentives, historic easements, code modifications, and other methods mutually agreeable between the City and landowner.

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4.5.2.3. The City shall promote interpretation of the local and regional history through activities and services at San Lorenzo Regional Park.

4.6 Parks and Recreational Facilities
GOAL COS-6: ASSURE THAT ADEQUATE PARK LAND AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE CITY'S POPULATION, AND FOR THE SURROUNDING UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.6.1. The City shall plan and maintain a park system that serves the residential, commercial, and industrial segments of the community.

PROGRAMS

4.6.1.1. The City shall coordinate park development with population increases and areas of significant new growth within the city.

4.6.1.2. Consideration shall be given to development of recreational facilities, consistent with the riparian habitat of San Lorenzo Creek. These may include a recreational trail that could ultimately connect the Municipal Park to San Lorenzo Regional Park along the edges of San Lorenzo Creek and the Salinas River.

4.6.1.3. The City will encourage the development of trails and interpretive centers along the Salinas River to help the public understand the importance of river systems and natural resources.

4.6. 1.4. Work with the Parks and Recreation Department staff and volunteers to develop and maintain park and recreational programs to serve the population of the Planning Area and its surrounding area.

4.6.1.5. The City will coordinate with the operators of San Lorenzo Regional Park and Pinnacles National Park as well as local organizations to promote usage of these parks by visitors and residents. Programs may include the provision of directional/wayfinding signs, public banners on light poles, outreach brochures, publications, website information and other similar programs.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

4.6.2. Consistent with applicable law, the City shall continue to require that new subdivisions

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx dedicate park land and/or park in-lieu fees that enable the purchase of park land, and/or to provide recreational facilities.

4.6.3. Where appropriate, the City' shall encourage large new commercial and industrial developments to provide open space and recreational opportunities for their employees to minimize the demand for public open space and recreational facilities

4.6.4. The City shall provide a level of funding to maintain and enhance the best park system the City can afford.

PROGRAMS

4.6.4.1. Consistent with applicable law, the City shall continue to require the dedication of land· and/or payment of in-lieu fees from new subdivisions; and. should re-evaluate the ordinance to require fees from new discretionary developments where appropriate.

4.6.4.2. The City shall solicit state open-space, park and recreation, and access grants to acquire park land and/or to expand and develop the City's existing park facilities.

4.6.4.3. Volunteer efforts and private financial resources should be promoted and used in combination with public funds for enhancement, acquisitions, maintenance, and operation of park and recreational facilities. The Recreation Commission and/or Parks and Recreation Director should solicit volunteer efforts and private financial resources.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.6.5. The City shall encourage schools to make recreational areas and facilities available for use during non-school hours.

PROGRAMS

4.6.5.1. The City shall coordinate with local schools to provide reasonable access to school facilities by the general public for recreational purposes. This information shall be made available to the public as part of the city's park and recreation system.

4.6.5.2. The City shall make its own recreational facilities available to the school districts on a reasonable basis, consistent with the City's operational plans for public facilities.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

4.6.6. Park and recreation areas shall be planned, developed, and used in a manner which is compatible with adjacent land uses.

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PROGRAMS

4.6.6.1. Locate and. design park and recreation areas to provide for ease of access to pedestrians and bicyclists by incorporating trails, paths, sidewalks, and/or bicycle lanes.

This program should be incorporated into a master park and recreation plan.

4.6.6.2. Wind breaks shall be considered for new park and recreational projects in areas determined to be susceptible to prevailing wind. Design and siting of windbreaks shall be reviewed and approved during the development review process.

5. SAFETY ELEMENT GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

5.1 Flood Plain Management
GOAL COS-3.1: PROTECT RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF KING FROM UNDUE RISKS OF FLOODS, AND TO REDUCE DAMAGES TO PROPERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FLOODING.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

5.1.1. Proposed development in floodplain areas shall be approved only if adequate measures are provided to avoid or substantially reduce potential flood hazards.

PROGRAMS

5.1.1.1 Require conformance with the City's floodplain regulations as stated in the Zoning Ordinance for any project within the 100-year floodplain.

5.1.1.2. New development, except for bridges and necessary public improvements, will be prohibited within floodways and discouraged within Floodplain fringe areas as defined by FEMA, especially when the proposed development or fill may increase potential flooding or nearby areas. Further, for developments in the area impacted by flooding downstream from any dam or impounded water, as defined in CWC Section 6000, and designated by the State of California as areas of “potential flooding in the event of sudden or total failure of any dam...[that] would result in death or personal injury” should it fail (California Government Code [CGC], Section 8589.5(a), said developments shall include provisions for the protection of lives and structures from said dam failure.

5.1.1.3. The City will work with applicable organizations and public agencies to ensure

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\\ckc-chsrv-001\data\Community Development Department\6 - PROJECTS, INDEX\General Plan\General Plan Conservation Open Space Safety Element Update 2025\City of King CONSERVATION (Draft May 15 2025).docx that creek and river floodways are properly maintained, while also protecting and restoring the riparian habitat within the channels. Coordination with agencies such as NRCS and the RCD of Monterey County is encouraged.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

5.1.2. The City shall work with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency on management of new or existing flood control facilities to protect individual properties.

Where the City is involved in development or expansion of any flood control facilities, such work shall not be permitted to increase significantly the flood or erosion hazards on other properties.

PROGRAM

5.1.2.1. The City shall require a hydrological analysis to assess the potential impacts of new or improved flood control facilities on adjacent downstream properties and on the identified flood plain.

5.2 Hazard Prevention
COS-3.2: REDUCE THE RISKS FROM FIRE HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND SEISMIC EVENTS TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

5.2.1. The City shall continue its efforts to maintain existing mutual aid agreements or establish additional agreements to assure that the best combination of fire protection services are available to the community.

PROGRAM

5.2.1.1: The City shall implement the recommendations of the 2024 Riverbed Wildfire Protection Plan.

5.2.2. The City shall seek to coordinate training, dispatching services, and other emergency services with the County and State wherever such arrangements may be found to be mutually beneficial.

PROGRAM

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5.2.2.1: The City shall implement the recommendations of the 2022 Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

5.2.3. The City shall exercise land use controls to assure that City fire personnel are aware of risks involved in use, storage, and processing of any hazardous materials within the Industrial or Commercial zones of the City.

5.3 Public Safety Facilities
GOAL COS 3.3: PROVIDE POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES AT LEVELS ADEQUATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

5.3.1. The City shall encourage the development of land for public safety facilities such as police, fire, and emergency services facilities. These facilities shall be conveniently located in or near the are.as they a. re intended to serve.

PROGRAM

5.3.1.1. The City shall develop an annual report on the status of public and quasi-public services and facilities within the City. The report shall identify the need for new City facilities based on existing and anticipated demand and set forth an acquisition and funding program. The City may acquire private land as necessary to develop new facilities.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

5.3.2. All public safety facilities shall be designed so that their scale, character and siting will be compatible the surrounding land uses.

PROGRAM

5.3.2.1. Through the design review process, condition new public and quasi-public service facilities to be visually compatible with the City's desired character. and surrounding land uses.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

5.3.3. The City shall maintain the police station and related facilities located adjacent to City

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5.3.4. The City shall financially support, personnel, facilities, equipment, and training to the Police Department.

5.3.5. The City shall financially support , personnel, facilities, equipment, and training to the Fire Department

PROGRAMS

5.3.5.1. The City shall make it a top priority to utilize funds acquired through fire protection impact mitigation fees to purchase new engines and other needed· fire suppression equipment.

3.3.5.2. Maintain the existing mutual aid agreement with County Service Area #61 and the California Department of Forestry.

IMPLEMENTATION POLICY

5.3.6. The City shall require that all new development proposals and/or changes in land use be referred to the Fire Department for safety evaluation.

PROGRAMS

5.3.6.1. As a part of standard permit processing, the Community Development Department shall refer discretionary projects to the Fire Department for review and comment prior to final decisions on projects.

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-5051

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KING IN THE

COUNTY OF MONTEREY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A

RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE KING CITY GENERAL

PLAN CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE AND SAFETY ELEMENT
WHEREAS, the City of King (“the City”) has the authority, under its police power, to enact regulations for the public peace, morals, and welfare of the City, California Constitution Article XI, section 7; and
WHEREAS, the City has a compelling interest in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens, residents, visitors and businesses, and in protecting the appearance, economic health of the community and condition of neighborhoods for overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Government Code § 65302 requires local government to adopt seven mandated elements into the general plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has consolidated into one Chapter the Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements; and
WHEREAS, the original Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements were adopted in 1998 and amended in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 amendments to the Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements incorporate policies found in the adopted Riverbed Wildfire Prevention Plan, and addresses AB 2140, and incorporates policies from the adopted 2022 Monterey County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies the current FEMA flood zones along the San Lorenzo and Salinas River properties exposed to flooding, dam failure and geologic risks, and includes updated information on parks, open space and public safety infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the amendments may be exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) which states that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential to cause significant impact on the environment; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2025, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the amendment to the General Plan Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements and accepted public comments, and public testimony and evidence, both written and oral, after which public testimony was closed and recommended the City Council amend the King City General Plan Conservation, Open Space and Safety Elements, attached as Exhibit 1.

EXHIBIT 2
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of King does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. The above recitals incorporated are hereby by reference.

SECTION 2. The Resolution is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it will have a significant effect on the environment and merely provides for ministerial regulations and procedures. (CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).) Therefore, no further action under CEQA is required.

This resolution was passed, approved and adopted by the City Council on the 24 th day of
June 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

APPROVED:
_____________________
Mike LeBarre, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________
Erica Sonne, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________
Roy Santos, City Attorney
Item No. 11 (A)

REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: JUNE 24, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER
BY: PATRICK MATHEWS, GENERAL MANAGER AND ELIA ZAVALA,

CONTRACTS AND GRANTS ANALYST, SALINAS VALLEY SOLID

WASTE AUTHORITY
RE: CONSIDERATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT FRANCHISE

AGREEMENT EXTENSION
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended the City Council: 1) adopt a Resolution rescinding the new Franchise Agreement with USA Waste of California (DBA Waste Management, hereinafter “WM”) adopted May 27, 2025 and approving a 3-month extension of the current 2017 Franchise Agreement and rates to allow additional time for further contract revisions and a proposition 218 public hearing process; and 2) approve and direct staff to distribute the Proposition 218 public hearing notice.

BACKGROUND:

The City’s current franchise agreement (Agreement) with WM for the subject services was approved in January 1996, with several minor amendments since then, the latest on June 27, 2017. The term end of the Agreement expires June 30, 2025.

In anticipation of the current Agreement expiration, the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA), as the designated contract administrator, began working with the City of King and the other three South Monterey County Cities in 2022 to plan for a new service agreement. SVSWA solicited proposals from consultants to conduct the new franchise hauler procurement for the Cities. After no proposals were received, the Cities authorized the Authority to administer the procurement process. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for waste hauler services was released on March 17, 2023. On June 30, 2023, SVSWA received proposals from three companies (GreenWaste Recovery, LLC, Recology, Inc., and WM).

CITY COUNCIL

CONSIDERATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

EXTENSION
JUNE 24, 2025
PAGE 2 OF 4
The proposals were reviewed and analyzed by the RFP evaluation team (made up by SVSWA and South County Cities’ staff). The proposals’ rates were compared to the equivalent services at the current contract rates and resulted in significantly higher costs. The proposal rates ranged from an average of 33% to 55% increase in certain customer service rates, with some services reaching almost 100% increase. As a result, in October 2023, the Cities reject all proposals and directed SVSWA to enter discussions with the two current South Monterey County franchise haulers for a potential contract extension. Based on the City’s direction, SVSWA contacted Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling Service, Inc., the waste hauler for Cities of Greenfield, Soledad, and Gonzales about the possibility of including King City in their contract extension, but the company owner declined.

SVSWA and City staff have since been working with WM to finalize the proposed Agreement. A final agreement was reached and presented to the City Council on May 27, 2025, and approved. However, after approval of the new Franchise Agreement by the City Council, the City was notified that there were new issues raised by the corporate office regarding the term of the agreement which prevented their approval.

DISCUSSION:

It is staff’s understanding that there have been changes in WM leadership, which resulted in the refusal to approve the terms previously agreed to. The previously agreed upon term was 10 years plus 2 optional 5-year extensions at the City’s sole discretion.

They have instead proposed one 5-year term, one 5-year extension if mutually agreed upon, and two optional 5-year extensions at the City’s sole discretion. WM would have to notify the City no later June 30, 2027 of the first term if they do not intend to exercise the first extension in which case the agreement would terminate on June 30, 2030. This initial notification requirement provides adequate time (3 years) for the City to secure another hauler in the event WM does not wish to exercise the first 5-year extension. The overall length of the agreement would remain a maximum 20 years.

In exchange for consideration of this late change to the agreement, the City Manager and SVSWA staff proposed a number of additional conditions to the agreement:

1. The first 5-year extension would require mutual agreement by both the City and WM.

2. Either party must notify the other no later than June 30, 2027, if it does not intend to exercise the first 5-year extension. If no notice is given, the first 5-

CITY COUNCIL

CONSIDERATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

EXTENSION
JUNE 24, 2025
PAGE 3 OF 4
year extension automatically goes into effect with all terms and conditions of the agreement remaining unchanged and the new termination date becomes June 30, 2035, unless further extended at the City’s sole discretion.

3. The required signing fee will be increased from $10,000 to $25,000 to compensate for the additional administrative work required.

4. An early termination fee of $50,000 will be required if the franchisee does not extend the Franchise Agreement in its current form for the second 5-year term.

5. The City will conduct a Proposition 218 public notice process for the new Agreement and Rate setting, and WM will be responsible for distributing the notice to all property owners by July 11th for notice of a public hearing on August 26, 2025.

6. The effective date of the new Franchise Agreement and rate increases will be postponed until October 1, 2025 and facilitated through a 3-month extension of the current agreement and existing rates. The cost impact of the delay in the rate increase will not be a later pass-through cost to the customer.

The City Attorney has advised that a Proposition 218 public hearing now be held for the proposed rate increases due to recent court cases that may apply Proposition 218 requirements to refuse and recycling collection rates provided under a franchise agreement. The public hearing is scheduled for the August 26th Council meeting, which must allow rate payers who oppose the rate increase to submit a “protest vote.” If less than 50% of the rate payers submit protest ballots, then the proposed refuse and recycling collection rate increases will take effect on October 1, 2025.

By law, the notice must include the following: 1) the proposed amount of the rate increase; 2) the basis for determining the proposed increase; 3) reasons for the proposed rate increase; and 4) the date, time and location of the public hearing. A copy of the proposed notice is attached as Exhibit 1. It will be distributed in both English and Spanish to all property owners and customers.

COST ANALYSIS:

The extension of the current agreement will allow for the revisions to be made in the new Franchise Agreement and to conduct a proposition 218 hearing as part of the approval process for the agreement and rate setting methodology.

RESOLUTION NO. 5052

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KING

RESCINDING THE APPROVAL OF THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE

CITY OF KING AND USA WASTE OF CALIFORNIA (WASTE MANAGEMENT) FOR

SOLID WASTE, RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION AND PROCESSING SERVICES APPROVED MAY 27, 2025 AND APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 FOR

A THREE-MONTH EXTENSION TO THE CURRENT REVISED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT FOR SUCH SERVICES AND CONTINUANCE OF THE EXISTING 2024-25 RATES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
WHEREAS, the City of King (City) contracted for solid waste, recycling, and organic waste collection and processing services through a Franchise with Waste Management on May 27, 2025, to be effective July 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, soon after the approval of the Franchise Agreement by City Council, Waste Management submitted a request to change the term of the Agreement from an initial 10- year term with 2 optional 5-year extensions to an initial 5-year term with 1 mutually agreed upon 5-year extension and 2 optional 5-year extensions at the City’s sole discretion; and WHEREAS, the City has requested additional terms in exchange for revising the Agreement term, including deferring the adjustment to the Customer Rates Caps until October 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of the current contract expiration on June 30, 2025, the City and Waste Management hereby desire to extend the current Agreement through September 30, 2025 and establish a new revised Agreement with revised terms prior to September 30, 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of King hereby rescinds its May 27, 2025 approval of the new Franchise Agreement with Waste Management until additional requested revisions are complete and the new agreement and Rate Setting methodology has been considered in compliance with Proposition 218 hearing requirements; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of King hereby approves Amendment No. 1 to the current 2017 Revised and Restated Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Collection and Processing between the City of King and Waste Management attached hereto and marked “Exhibit A” and authorizes the City Manager to execute said Amendment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the current Customer Rate Caps (Appendix B to the Franchise Agreement), attached hereto and marked “Exhibit B”, and by this reference incorporated herein, are hereby approved to continue in effect through September 30, 2025.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 24th day of June, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

APPROVED:
________________________________
Mike LeBarre, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Erica Sonne, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
Roy Santos, City Attorney

King City City CouncilJune 24, 2025

King City City Council
June 24, 2025