STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
PH 3
2/10/2026
TN
Date:February 10, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From:Patti Garibay, Director - Community Development
Jocelyn Swain, Senior Planner
Shannon Edwin, Planner
Subject:Open Space Element & Conservation Element Updates, General Plan Amendment No. 25-005
Recommendation:
1. Adopt Resolution No.____:
a. Approving General Plan Amendment No. 25-005 to adopt the updates to the Open Space and Conservation Elements; finding that the project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and no further environmental review is necessary and authorizing staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Background:
The purpose of the updates to the Open Space Element and Conservation Element is to comply with recent State legislation, specifically Senate Bill (SB) 1425 and Assembly Bill (AB) 1889. SB 1425 requires the Open Space Element to be updated to address equitable access to open space and climate resilience. AB 1889 requires the Conservation Element to be updated to address wildlife connectivity. Minor changes have been made to these two elements to bring them into compliance with state legislation. These changes include enhanced policies and actions to support the provision of more parks and open space and opportunities to support wildlife connectivity throughout the City. Many of the policies and actions added to the elements reflect actions that the City is already implementing or exploring. These include the following:
2 2
9 9
Open Space Element
Explore opportunities for more park and open space in areas that are generally lacking. Encourage use of park and open space facilities by all age groups via marketing efforts of recreation programming and incorporation of amenities in parks, such as play and exercise equipment.
Protect users’ health and safety, especially in relation to extreme heat and poor air quality, including more shade opportunities, seating, water fountains, water recreation, and utilize lighting to allow for evening use of park space. Education, programming, and community cleanup opportunities to discourage illegal dumping or littering in parks and open space areas.
Encourage the use of parks with local vendors and for community events.
Conservation Element
Coordinate with CDFW to pursue Joshua Tree Delegation Agreements, which would authorize the City to process take permits in certain instances. Complete a count of all Joshua trees within the City limits Incorporate design options that account for wildlife connectivity in biologically sensitive areas, such as lighting, permeable fencing, wildlife crossings, and promoting infill development to preserve natural open space.
Develop a Habitat Conservation Plan and/or Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Evaluate existing roadway networks and their impacts on wildlife movement. Programming to provide education about local and rare wildlife and encourage best management practices.
No specific development is proposed as a result of these updates.
SE/vm
Attachments:
A. Resolution No.
B. PC Staff Report Package, January 26, 2026