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Open Spac e and
Conserv ati on El e me n t
HOME P AGE
OVERVI EW
Land devoted to recreation and open space is a key factor in sustaining a desirable and livable community.
As cities throughout the region face the increasing demands of population and economic growth, open space, groundwater, farmland, and other systems serve as essential infrastructure. The well -being of these natural systems indicates the importance cities place on the provision of basic services—clean air, available potable water, and power.
Menifee’s Open Space and Conservation Element provides direction on how to cultivate and manage these resources in the City. Taken together with the goals and policies presented elsewhere in this General Plan, particularly in the Land Use, Circulation, and Community Design elements, the City of Menifee can strengthen its already notable open space areas and protect their rich natural and cultural resources for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
PURPOSE OF ELEMENT
California state law requires that general plans set forth policies and programs to preserve open space for park and recreation purposes as well as address the comprehensive and long -range preservation of mountains, deserts, floodplains, and other open spa ce areas. In addition, general plans are required to provide guidance related to the protection of habitat and wildlife resources and the responsible conservation and use of minerals, energy, and water. This element provides policy direction for Menifee’s parks and open space areas, recreational trails, and the conservation, development, and utilization of the City’s natural resources with an overall goal of maintaining the high quality of life Menifee residents have enjoyed for generations.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan is guided by state law, regional plans, and local priorities that collectively aim to preserve natural resources, promote ecological health, and support sustainable management of environmental systems, Key statutes and policies include the following:
Quimby Act
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Government Code § 66477, known as the Quimby Act, allows cities and counties to require residential subdivisions to dedicate land or pay in-lieu fees for park and recreational purposes. These dedications or fees are then used to fund new park and open space development in consideration of population growth necessitating additional public open spaces.
Public Park Preservation Act
The Public Park Preservation Act (§5400–§5409) restricts the sale, lease, or disposal of public parkland unless a replacement of equivalent size and function is provided. This protects publicly accessible parks from being converted to non-recreational uses without due process and community benefit.
Senate Bill 1425 (2022) – Open Space Element: Updates
Senate Bill (SB) 1425 added Government Code §65565.5 to require that the Open Space Element prioritize the multi-benefit use of open spaces, particularly in underserved communities. The law directs jurisdictions to include plans and an action program in an update to address access to open spac e for all residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity, correlated with the environmental justice policies in the General Plan, address climate resilience strategies such as flood mitigation and cooling, and address rewilding opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Menifee’s parks and recreational facilities, meandering trails, rolling hills, and environmental resources are identifiable features of the community and work together to shape the small town character and lifestyle Menifee residents cherish. Until the City incorporated in October of 2008, Menifee’s parks, open space, and natural resources were planned for and managed by Riverside County. Now, through its Open Space and Conservation goals and policies, and in coordination with Valley -Wide Recreation and Par k District and the Riverside County Economic Development Agency (who provide park maintenance), the City can define how it wants its parks, open space, and natural resources to be expanded, preserved, and protected. Based on the City’s vision and values, Menifee can now chart its own course to best meet the recreation and open space needs of its current and future residents.
The Open Space and Conservation Element covers eight general topics: parks and recreation, recreational trails, natural landforms, energy and mineral resources, paleontological and cultural resources, agriculture, water resources, and biological resources. To provide context, a brief description of each of these topics is presented alongside the related goal and policies. For more detailed information on each of these issues, please review the Open Space and Conservation Background Document and Definitions.
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GENERAL PLAN E XH IB ITS
Exhibit OSC‐1: Proposed Recreational Trails
Exhibit OSC‐2: Significant Slopes
Exhibit OSC‐3: Mineral Resource Zones
Exhibit OSC‐4: Paleologic Resource Sensitivity
Exhibit OSC‐5: Agricultural Resources
Exhibit OSC‐6: Water Resources
Exhibit OSC‐7: Biological Resources
Exhibit OSC‐8: MSHCP Survey Areas
REFERENCE MATE R IAL
For detailed information related to Open Space and Conservation, please refer to the following reference materials. (Weblinks are available on the City’s General Plan website).
City Resources
Open Space and Conservation Background Document & Definitions General Plan Environmental Impact Report
Exhibit OSC‐b1: Existing and Proposed Recreation Areas
Exhibit OSC‐b2: Proposed Recreational Trails and Class I, II, and III Bike Routes City of Menifee Trails Committee Report
Exhibit OSC‐b3: City of Menifee Trails Committee Map
Archival Report for Cultural and Paleontological Resources
Additional Information
Valley Wide Recreation and Park District
Riverside County Economic Development Agency
Kay Cisneros Community Center
Sun City Civic Association
Riverside County Flood Control and Conservation District Lake Elsinore
Kabian Park
Diamond Valley Lake
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Eastern Municipal Water District
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GOALS AND P O LIC IE S
P ARKS AND RECREATI ON
Parks and recreational facilities provide a great number of benefits to the City of Menifee and its residents.
These benefits include: improved health, wellness, and quality of life; strong family and neighborhood connections; protecting open space areas and natural resources; enhancing air and water quality; providing and protecting wildlife habitat; attracting business relocation and expansion; contributing to a healthy and productive workforce; and attracting visitors and retirees and enhancing real estate values. Parks and recreational facilities also serve as community focal points and gathering places.
Goa l OSC1 : A comprehensiv e sy stem of high-quality parks and recreation programs that meets the diverse needs of the communit y.
Policies
OSC-1.1 Provide parks and recreational programs to meet the varied needs of community residents, including children, youth, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities, and make these facilities and services easily accessible and affordable to all users.
OSC-1.2: Require a minimum of five acres of public open space to be provided for every 1,000 City residents.
OSC-1.3: Locate and distribute parks and recreational facilities throughout the community so that most residents are within walking distance (one-half mile) of a public park or open space.
OSC-1.4: Enhance the natural environment and viewsheds through park design and site selection.
OSC-1.6: Make parks as safe as possible by promoting the latest developments in facility design and equipment technology.
OSC-1.7: Partner with school districts and other agencies and organizations for the joint-use, maintenance, and development of parks and recreational facilities and programs.
OSC-1.8: Ensure that parks and recreational facilities are well-maintained by the responsible agency.
OSC-1.9: Explore conventional and creative funding options for park and program development and administration.
OSC-1.10: Encourage all residents to participate in recreational programs regardless of age, economic status, disability, or other factor.
OSC-1.11: Promote accessibility and inclusivity in park facilities and programs through universal design and OPEN S P AC E AND CONSERV A T I ON ELEMENT P AGE 5 OF
diverse community-responsive activities.
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OSC-1.12: Develop a regional park of at least 25 acres within the City of Menifee.
RECREATI ONAL TR AILS
Menifee’s recreational trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use are important features of the City’s small town character. Recreational trails provide residents the opportunity to connect with each other and the natural environment while improving their health and quality of life. They provide many of the same benefits as parks and recreational facilities, but trails often require much less space. Trails can be easily incorporated into almost any sort of project or development using space that might otherwise go unused. Exhibit OSC-1 illustrates the City’s proposed recreational trails.
Goa l OSC-2: Establish acomprehensive network of hiking, biking, walking, running, and equestrian recrea tion tra ils tha t do not nega tively impa ct the na tura l and built environment.
Policies
OSC-2.1: Develop recreational trails for hiking, biking, walking, running, and equestrian use throughout the City, making them, to the extent feasible, accessible to people of different neighborhoods, ages, and abilities.
OSC-2.2: Locate and regulate recreational trails so that they do not negatively impact the City’s sensitive habitat, wildlife, natural landforms, and cultural resources.
OSC-2.3: Recognize flood control facilities as potential locations for recreational trails, and pursue these opportunities in coordination with the Riverside County Flood Control and Conservation District.
OSC-2.4: Explore new acquisition opportunities for abandoned railroad rights -of-way, natural waterways, flood control rights -of-way, public utility easements, and public lands for potential designation as recreational trails.
OSC-2.5: Equip trailheads and trail staging areas with adequate parking, restrooms, signage, or other facilities and amenities as appropriate.
OSC-2.6: Protect existing equestrian trails, including those in the City’s rural neighborhoods, and encourage connections to new trails in other parts of the City.
OSC-2.7: Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions to establish recreational trails that connect to other trail systems and major destinations found outside of the City, such as Lake Elsinore, Kabian Park, and Diamond Valley Lake.
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OSC-2.8: Ensure safety along recreational trails through appropriate lighting, signage, and other crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) strategies.
OSC-2.9: Work with developers and property owners to ensure that new developments provide trails that connect with a larger network where feasible.
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NATURAL LANDFORMS
The City of Menifee is a community with a dynamic topography; hills and small mountains can be found dispersed throughout the City alongside low-lying plains and waterways. The steepest slopes and largest cluster of hillsides can be found north of Menifee Lakes, traveling northward across McCall Boulevard. Quail Valley also has a number of steep hillsides that influence development patterns in the area. Menifee’s two tallest peaks— Quail Hill at 2,250 feet and Bell Mountain at 1,850 feet—are important landmarks in the City.
Menifee’s prominent natural hillsides are one of the City most identifiable features. Exhibit OSC-2 illustrates the City’s significant slopes.
Goa l OSC-3: Undisturbed slopes, hillsides, rock outcroppings, and other natural la ndforms that enhance the Cit y’s environmental setting.
Policies
OSC-3.1: Identify and preserve the view corridors and outstanding scenic vistas within the City.
OSC-3.2: Promote hillside development that respects the natural landscape by designing houses that fit into the natural contours of the slope.
OSC-3.3: Encourage the use of clustered development and other site planning strategies to facilitate the preservation of the City’s natural landforms.
OSC-3.4: Support the preservation of natural vegetation and rock outcroppings during and after the construction process.
ENERGY AND MIN E R AL
Most energy and all mineral resources are finite and limited. For this reason, the City of Menifee has a responsibility to address the conservation, diverse development, and thoughtful use and management of its energy and mineral resources. The City of Menifee is linked to energy and mineral production, from its early days when it attracted settlers due to its quartz deposits, to its more recent reputation as home to the Inland Empire Energy Center. Electric power and natural gas services; local renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and fuel cells; and mineral resources all play a part in defining Menifee’s future growth potential, and their preservation should be thoughtfully considered alongside new development opportunities. Exhibit OSC-3 depicts the City’s mineral resources.
Goa l OSC-4: Efficient and environmentally appropriate use and management of energy and mineral resources to ensure their a vailability for future generations.
Policies
OSC-4.1: Apply energy efficiency and conservation practices in land use, transportation demand management, and subdivision and building design.
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OSC-4.2: Evaluate public and private efforts to develop and operate alternative systems of energy production, including solar, wind, and fuel cell.
OSC-4.3: Advocate for cost-effective and reliable production and delivery of electrical power to residents and businesses throughout the community.
OSC-4.4: Require that any future mining activities be in compliance with the State Mining Reclamation Act, federal and state environmental regulations, and local ordinances.
OSC-4.5: Limit the impacts of mining operations on the City’s natural open space, biological and scenic resources, and any adjacent land uses.
PALEONTOLOGI CAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Paleontological and cultural resources are important for scientific, historic, and/or religious reasons to cultures, communities, groups or individuals. Menifee has a rich history dating back to the area’s first inhabitant 10,000 years ago. The City’s prehistoric and historic -period archeological resources, historic resources, and cultural resources enrich the community’s heritage and identity. Exhibit OSC-4 identifies the City’s paleontological resources.
Goa l OSC-5: Archa eologica l, historica l, and cultural resources that are protected and integrated into the Cit y’s built environment.
Policies
OSC-5.1: Preserve and protect significant archeological, historic, and cultural sites, places, districts, structures, landforms, objects and native burial sites, and other features, such as Ringing Rock and Grandmother Oak, consistent with state law.
OSC-5.2: Work with local schools, organizations, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, and other agencies to educate the public about the rich archeological, historic, and cultural resources found in the City.
OSC-5.3: Preserve sacred sites identified by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, such as tribal burial grounds, by avoiding activities that would negatively impact the sites through specific project design and other measures.
OSC-5.4: Establish clear and responsible practices in consultation with the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to identify, evaluate, and protect previously unknown archeological, historic, and cultural sites, following CEQA and NEPA procedure.
OSC-5.6: Maintain active communication and coordination with the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and OPEN S P AC E AND CONSERV A T I ON ELEMENT P AGE 10 OF
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.
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AGRICULTURE
Menifee has an agrarian tradition carrying back to the 1800s when settlers transitioned from quartz mining to farming as a more stable lifestyle. Although the amount of farmland within the City limits is less than it was several decades ago, the farms that do remain are important reminders of the City’s historically agrarian lifestyle. Exhibit OSC-5 illustrates significant farmland in the City.
Goa l OSC-6: High va lue a gricultura l lands available for long-term a gricultura l production in limited areas of the Cit y.
Policies
OSC-6.1: Protect both existing farms and sensitive uses around them as agricultural acres transition to more developed land uses.
W ATER
Availability of water resources has become increasingly limited in recent years, which in turn can have an effect on the amount and type of development that can be sustained in any city, including Menifee. As a result, it is critical for Menifee to work with its water providers to ensure that water resources are available to serve current and future residents and to employ water conservation strategies for residents and businesses in the City to protect this valuable natural resource. See Exhibit OSC -6 for an illustration of the City’s water resources.
Goa l OSC-7: A reliable and safe wa ter supply that effectively meets current and future user demands.
Policies
OSC-7.1: Work with the Eastern Municipal Water District to ensure that adequate, high -quality potable water supplies and infrastructure are provided to all development in the community.
OSC-7.2: Encourage water conservation as a means of preserving water resources.
OSC-7.3: Coordinate with the Eastern Municipal Water District to educate the public on the benefits of water conservation and promote strategies residents and businesses can employ to reduce their water usage.
OSC-7.4: Encourage the use of reclaimed water for the irrigation of parks, golf courses, public landscaped areas, and other feasible applications as service becomes available from the Eastern Municipal Water District.
OSC-7.5: Utilize a wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system that adequately serves the existing and long-term needs of the community.
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OSC-7.6: Work with the Eastern Municipal Water District to maintain adopted levels of service standards for sewer service systems.
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OSC-7.7: Maintain and improve existing level of sewer service by improving infrastructure and repairing existing deficiencies.
OSC-7.8: Protect groundwater quality by decommissioning existing septic systems and establishing connections to sanitary sewer infrastructure.
OSC-7.9: Ensure that high quality potable water resources continue to be available by managing stormwater runoff, wellhead protection, and other sources of pollutants.
OSC-7.10: Preserve natural floodplains, including Salt Creek, Ethanac Wash, Paloma Wash, and Warm Springs Creek, to facilitate water percolation, replenishment of the natural aquifer, proper drainage, and prevention of flood damage.
B IO LO G IC AL
Wildlife, including threatened or endangered species, may make their homes in urbanized, agriculturally productive, and open space areas. These areas support various native and nonnative wildlife species. The main general habitat types commonly encountered within the City of Menifee include grasslands, nonnative grasslands, coastal sage scrub, and wetland/riparian/woodlands. See Exhibit OSC-7 for an illustration of the City’s biological resources and Exhibit OSC-8 for a map of the MSHCP survey areas.
Goa l OSC-8: Protected biologica l resources, especia lly sensitive and specia l status wildlife species and their natural habitats.
Policies
OSC-8.1: Work to implement the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan in coordination with the Regional Conservation Authority.
OSC-8.2: Support local and regional efforts to evaluate, acquire, and protect natural habitats for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species occurring in and around the City.
OSC-8.3: Partner with non-profit agencies at the local, regional, state, and federal level to fulfill the obligations of the MSHCP to preserve and protect significant biological resources.
OSC-8.4: Identify and inventory existing natural resources in the City of Menifee.
OSC-8.5: Recognize the impacts new development will have on the City’s natural resources and identify ways to reduce these impacts.
OSC-8.6: Pursue opportunities to help the public understand and appreciate Menifee’s biological resources.
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OSC-8.7: Manage the recreational use of the City’s unimproved open space areas for compatibility with sensitive biological resources as well as MSHCP Conservation Areas.
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OSC-8.8: Implement and follow MSHCP goals and policies when making discretionary actions pursuant to Section 13 of the Implementing Agreement.
OSC-8.9: Implement urban rewilding to reintroduce natural processes, restore natural ecosystems, and promote biodiversity.
OSC-8.10: Prioritize rewilding in areas that enhance or create new habitat linkages and corridors for wildlife movement.
AIR QUALITY
Better indoor and outdoor air quality for Menifee and the air basin will improve the quality of life of residents, workers, and visitors. Improved air quality can also make the City a more desirable place to be and support long- term prosperity. Local air quality improvements can be achieved by minimizing pollution and particulate matter and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2006, the Governor of California signed Assembly Bill (AB) 32. The act requires that California cap its GHG emissions at 199 0 levels by 2020.
This legislation requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a program for statewide GHG emissions reporting, as well as monitor and enforce of that program. CARB is also required to adopt rules and regulations to achi eve the maximum technologically feasible and cost -effective GHG emission reductions. As a result, many communities identify strategies to minimize the effects of climate change and reduce GHG emissions.
Goa l OSC-9: R educed impa cts to a ir qua lity at the loca l level by minimiz ing pollution and particulate matter.
Policies
OSC-9.1: Meet state and federal clean air standards by minimizing particulate matter emissions from construction activities.
OSC-9.2: Buffer sensitive land uses, such as residences, schools, care facilities, and recreation areas from major air pollutant emission sources, including freeways, manufacturing, hazardous materials storage, wastewater treatment, and similar uses.
OSC-9.3: Comply with regional, state, and federal standards and programs for control of all airborne pollutants and noxious odors, regardless of source.
OSC-9.4: Support the Riverside County Regional Air Quality Task Force, the Southern California Association of Government's Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Air Quality Management Plan to reduce air pollution at the regional level.
OSC-9.5: Comply with the mandatory requirements of Title 24 Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and Title 24 Part 6 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards.
Goa l OSC-10: An environmenta lly a wa re community that is responsive to changing clima te conditions and a ctively seeks to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies
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OSC-10.1: Align the City's local GHG reduction targets to be consistent with the statewide GHG reduction target of AB
32. OSC-10.2: Align the City's long-term GHG reduction goal consistent with the statewide GHG reduction goal of Executive Order S-03-05.
OSC-10.3: Participate in regional greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives.
OSC-10.4: Consider impacts to climate change as a factor in evaluation of policies, strategies, and projects.
C LIMATE R E S IL IE N C Y
In response to increasing climate -related challenges, the City of Menifee recognizes that open space serves as a critical component of the community’s climate adaption and resil ience st rategy. Building upon the City’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) and the requirements established under Senate Bills 379 and 1425, this section integrates climate resiliency principles into the Open Space and Conserv ation E lement. The f ol lowi ng g oal and supporting policies establish a framework for strengthening climat e resilience through thoughtful open space preservation, restoration, and management.
Goa l OSC-11: Strengthen Menifee’s resilience to climate change by using open space as a natural system for hazard mitigation, heat reduction, and ecological health, while ensuring equitable access to clima te-resilient public spaces.
Policies
OSC-11.1: Prioritize the preservation and restoration of undeveloped open spaces and natural areas that multi-benefit climate services, including flood protection, carbon sequestration, heat reduction, and habitat connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
OSC-11.2: Support the development of vertical greenery, and other integrated green infrastructure that enhances biodiversity and reduces energy use.
OSC-11.3: Encourage the use of “green streets” that incorporate native vegetation, permeable surfaces, tree canopies, shaded areas, and stormwater features to enhance habitat and reduce runoff.
OSC-11.4: Prioritize the use of native, drought-tolerant, and climate-resilient vegetation in existing parks and landscaped open spaces to enhance habitat value, reduce water demand, and support pollinators.
OSC-11.5: Work with developers and property owners to establish and expand a trail network for biking, walking, and running to encourage alternative methods of transportation that reduce emissions and promote public health.
OSC-11-6: Utilize building materials and methods that will minimize energy and water usage including prioritizing local building materials.
OSC-11-7: Preserve open space to establish barriers and transitions between natural open space and the built environment.