Norco City Council
October 21, 2026

202 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |203 Chapter 10 NOISE ELEMENTA. IntroductionThe purpose of the Noise Element is to promote a healthier, more livable environment by ensuring that noise is managed effectively in the planning and development process. The Noise Element sets goals and policies to address noise and vibrations within the city. While excessive noise can be unwelcome, it is an unavoidable part of everyday life in an established community. Urban areas are naturally noisy because they are full of people, machines, and the activities of modern life. Noise comes from many sources—cars and trucks, community events, celebrations with family and friends, live music, and even sounds from animals and livestock in agricultural, animalkeeping communities such as Norco. The Noise Element ensures noise and vibration are managed effectively, creating quiet areas to sleep, relax, recharge, and live. Noise from cars, trucks, and planes have become the norm, so the city’s design must provide spaces where residents and visitors can escape noise and vibrations. Achieving this balance requires thoughtful land use and noise policies. It also means providing places for people to make noise and enjoy activities that enrich their lives. As Norco continues to grow, noise and vibration may increase, making quiet, reflective spaces even more important. This Element will help identify and differentiate between good noise and disruptive noise. Creating areas of good noise gives people choices about what they live near, while limiting disruptive noise improves overall quality of life.

B. Legal RequirementsCalifornia law requires a General Plan include an Element that addresses noise. This Chapter was prepared to meet the requirements of Government Code Section 65302(f) and address noise and vibration. As required, it identifies community noise from a variety of sources and supports land use patterns designed to minimize exposure of residents to excessive noise. It includes possible solutions to address existing and foreseeable noise problems and establishes areas where more noise may be acceptable.1. FederalUnited States Clean Air Act. Title 42 of the United States Code addresses the protection of public health, social welfare, and civil rights. Within Title 42, Chapter 85 addresses Air Pollution Prevention and Control (commonly known as the Clean Air Act). Subchapter IV of Chapter 85 addresses Noise Abatement requirements, which apply to activities conducted or overseen by Federal departments or agencies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control provides valuable analysis and guidance to local and State agencies to address noise effects. This guidance can assist jurisdictions with understanding and applying noise regulations within their jurisdiction in compliance with Federal requirements.2. StateCalifornia Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. California Government Code § 65302(f) identifies requirements for the preparation of a General Plan Noise Element. The key components required in this Element include:
■ Identification and appraisal of noise problems in the community ■ Current and projected noise levels for major roadways, thoroughfares, air transport activities, uses, and developments that generate high levels of noise
■ Development of noise contours to help establish land use patterns that minimize the exposure of community residents to excessive noise
■ Provision of policies and implementation actions to address existing and future noise issues and to serve as a guide for compliance with the local and State requirements California Health and Safety Code, Division 28, Noise Control Act. The California Noise Control Act of 1973 recognizes excessive noise as a serious hazard that can result in physiological, psychological, and economic damage to public health and welfare. Recognizing that noise in urban, suburban, and rural settings continues to increase, the State has a responsibility to assist communities in the control, abatement, and prevention of unwanted and hazardous noise. The goal of this law is to provide an environment where noise does not jeopardize residents’ health or welfare. State activities would be required to adhere to the provisions of this law, as well as local requirements where applicable. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In 2020, Caltrans published an updated version of the Transportation and Construction Vibration Manual that provides general guidance on vibration issues associated with construction and operation of projects in relation to human perception and structural damage. The manual can be viewed on the Caltrans website.

Traffic along the I-15 Freeway is one of the primary sources of environmental noise affecting Norco.

204 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |205 Chapter 10 NOISE ELEMENTC. Noise Solutions1. Noise DefinedSound intensity is measured and expressed by decibels (dB), with an adjustment referred to as the A-weighted measure (dBA) to correct for the relative frequency response of the human ear. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, representing points on a sharply rising curve. For example, a noise level of 10 decibels is 10 times more intense than one decibel, 20 decibels represent a noise level 100 times more intense, and 30 decibels represents a noise level 1,000 times more intense. A sound as soft as human breathing is about 10 times greater than a zero-decibel level. The decibel system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. A 10-decibel increase in sound level is perceived by the human ear as only doubling of the loudness of the sound. Most sounds are not harmful to a person’s health, however, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85dB can affect hearing and have other health issues. Usually, changes in noise less than 3 dBA are not noticeable. Ambient sounds in the urban environment generally range from 30 dBA (very quiet) to 100 dBA (very loud), as indicated in Figure 10.1 | Typical Sound Levels. Situation is everything when it comes to noise. For instance, sensitivity to noise and vibration increases during the evening and nighttime hours, when people are resting and sleeping. Accordingly, noise regulations should adjust allowable limits to account for variations in sensitivity throughout the day and night.

2. Potential SolutionsOne of the greatest challenges in reducing noise is that most solutions rely on separating or excluding the people who generate and experience it. Noise is a line-of-sight energy, which means if you can see the source, you can likely hear it. Noise naturally dissipates over distance, so a simple solution would mean an increase of the distance between people and noise sources. This isn’t always practical in an urban or residential setting, where space itself can be limited or already developed. In previous years, the standard solution was some type of physical barrier, such as a sound wall, between the noise source and the people it could affect, regardless of how unattractive or disruptive. While these barriers generally will block noise, they also obstruct views for residents in and out of neighborhoods and other areas of the city. This can cause additional problems, as barriers may interrupt the overall design and aesthetics of Norco’s lifestyle. These barriers can also create problems by interrupting or even inhibiting the connections of trails, sidewalks, and people, affecting access to parts of the city.

FIGURE 10.1 | TYPICAL SOUND LEVELS

3. LocalCity of Norco Noise Regulations. Chapter 9.07 of the Norco Municipal Code addresses Noise Regulations. This Chapter helps regulate noise emanating from uses and activities within the city. A key portion referenced during the development process is Section 9.07.040, which includes a table that identifies sound level standards by land use designation (see Table 10.1 | City of Norco Noise Standards (Municipal Code)). These standards allow the City to determine maximum decibel levels permitted for daytime and nighttime, depending on the land use and development proposed.

TABLE 10.1 | CITY OF NORCO NOISESTANDARDS (MUNICIPAL CODE)Section Title9.07.010 Purpose, intent and findings.9.07.020 Exemptions.9.07.030 Definitions.9.07.040 General sound level standards.9.07.050 Sound level measurement methodology.9.07.060 Special sound sources standards.9.07.070 Alternative noise prohibition.9.07.080 Violations and penalties.9.07.090 Duty to cooperate.

This Element recognizes that noise levels will vary across the city based on the distinct uses and types of activities in each area. For example, major streets and roadways may expose pedestrians to elevated noise levels, while neighborhood streets are expected to provide a quieter, more relaxing environment. To address this, noise regulations may need to vary by context to achieve the greatest desirable outcomes. For example, accepting greater exterior noise level thresholds along busy corridors, commercial and industrial areas, and active retail centers, could eliminate the need for obtrusive barriers along busy roadways. The same outcome could be achieved in residential neighborhoods by restricting land uses that create excessive noise levels that could potentially eliminate the need for unsightly walls and barriers. In addition, not all outdoor space is utilized the same way. Secondary outdoor areas, such as parking lots, front lawns, or other features that face a busy street (e.g., trails), could be expected to have a higher level of acceptable noise than primary outdoor spaces, such as backyards, stables, corrals, parks, and other recreation areas. Because of the higher noise levels in these secondary outdoor spaces, people tend to spend more time in the primary outdoor areas, and therefore greater noise levels could potentially be acceptable in, and near, these secondary outdoor spaces. That being said, since one of the primary noise generators along streets is vehicular traffic—and the faster vehicles travel, the greater the noise levels—slowing traffic speeds is an important way to reduce noise along these secondary outdoor areas, particularly along Norco's trails.

Source: Shutterstock.

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TABLE 10.2 | NOISE COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS FOR PEOPLEType of Development Exterior Noise Standard (CNEL) Interior Noise Standard (CNEL) Low Density Residential (single family, duplex, mobile-home) 60 45Medium or High Density Residential (multi-family, apartments) 65 45Lodging (motels/hotels) 65 45 Mixed-Use/Infill Development 70 45
Schools, Libraries, Community Centers, Religious Institutions, Hospitals, Nursing Homes 70 45 Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters 70 N/A
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks 70 N/A
Outdoor Recreation (Commercial and Public) 75 N/A
Commercial (Office/Retail) 70 60
Industrial, Manufacturing, and Utilities 75 70
D. Noise Standards and Land UseThe State of California establishes standards and guidelines to ensure that new development minimizes exposure to excessive noise and maintains acceptable levels of interior and exterior sound for residents and visitors. California’s noise insulation standards are codified in the Code of Regulations, Title 24, Building Standards Administrative Code, Part 2, California Building Code. These standards are applied to all new construction projects. Ambient noise is considered as the existing noise level at a given location, often averaged over time. Noise standards, called Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), are a weighted average of noise level over time. Both of these levels—ambient and CNEL—can be determined by a noise study and must be prepared when a project seeks to place people near major transportation noise sources (e.g., major roadways, I-15 Freeway, etc.), and where such noise sources create an exterior noise level of 60 dBA CNEL or higher (e.g., SilverLakes, Ingalls Event Center, etc.).Project plans and design must demonstrate that structures have been built to limit interior noise in habitable rooms to meet the Noise Compatibility Standards set forth in Table 10.2 | Noise Compatibility Standards for People.This table provides a tool to gauge the compatibility of designated land uses, relative to the already existing and future noise levels. These standards can be modified for areas that already have higher noise, such as festivals, markets, and outdoor performances. Generally, there is more flexibility for outdoor noise than indoor, and design features, such as berms, walls, windows, and setbacks, will be factored into the project.

E. Noise Impacts and Land UseFuture development accommodated under the General Plan's envisioned growth has the potential to expose new land uses to roadway noise. To evaluate this potential, future roadway noise levels associated with traffic generated by the General Plan's envisioned growth were compared to existing roadway noise conditions. The analysis indicates that changes in roadway noise levels would range from no measurable increase along several roadway segments to a maximum increase of approximately 2.5 dBA CNEL. Because changes of less than 3 dBA CNEL are generally not perceptible to the human ear, the projected increase in roadway noise would not represent a substantial increase over existing conditions. Accordingly, implementation of the General Plan, consistent with the Municipal Code and applicable Noise Element policies, is not expected to substantially increase roadway traffic noise levels relative to existing conditions.F. Types of NoiseNoise within Norco can originate from a variety of sources and can reach levels that affect both residents and visitors. Land use designations generally reflect the purpose of an area and the anticipated noise exposure associated with it. For example, SilverLakes hosts large crowds during music festivals and concerts, and the combination of attendees, amplified sound, and vibration can generate noise levels that may affect nearby residents. Other areas of the city, such as the many horse trails and pedestrian pathways, are designated and located with the intention of creating areas for relaxation and minimal noise. The City has identified areas susceptible to higher noise levels than those of the surrounding community. As shown in Figure 11.2 | Noise Contours, most of these areas can be found adjacent to, or intersected by, major roadways and the I-15 freeway corridor. These identified locations are generally considered the greatest noise concern in the city.The following is a list of the various types of noises, vibrations, and the areas in which these noise generators are located: 1. Freeway NoiseNorco is divided in half by the I-15 Freeway, a major transportation route carrying over 300,000 daily trips. Even at a distance of 50 feet away from the freeway, traffic generates average noise levels ranging from 70 to 80 dB.2. Animal-KeepingAs an agricultural, animal-keeping community, the majority of Norco consists of large lots with single-family dwellings, where horses, pigs, chickens, and other livestock are kept. These animals generate noise, which can affect daily life. A pig's squeal can reach 115 dB, a rooster’s crow is approximately 90 dB, and a horse can easily generate noise above 67 dB.3. Special EventsSpecial events, such as the large outdoor concerts held at SilverLakes, can generate noise ranging from 90 to 120 dB. The Ingalls Event Center, where annual rodeos are held, can generate noise between 100 and 130 dB. These special events easily generate noise at 80 dB, where prolonged exposure can lead to hearing damage.

208 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |209 Chapter 10 NOISE ELEMENT4. Industrial/Commercial UsesIndustrial and commercial uses can sometimes generate noise associated with the operation of the business. Some examples of these sound generators include heavy machinery, large transport trucks and trailers, or various smaller vehicles and equipment operating as part of daily business.5. Residential StorageOften, communities with large lots, like Norco, have property owners operating businesses or undertaking activities that require storage and/or use of vehicles and equipment that can generate noise. These activities can be considered a nuisance and may benefit from the introduction of noise attenuation improvements. Noise generated by these types of conditions may involve the movement of equipment and/or vehicles on or off the property or the use of the equipment or machinery as part of a home-based business.6. Motor VehiclesMotor vehicles are a major source of noise within any city. In the case of Norco, much of the area identified as noise impacted (see Figure 11.2 | Noise Contours) is along major roadways. Cars, moving even at only 30 mph, generate noise at 70 dB. As vehicle speed increases, so does the sound generation (e.g., at 70 mph, sound levels can increase to nearly 90 dB). Major thoroughfares, such as Hamner Avenue, Sixth Street, and River Road, see large volumes of traffic daily.7. AircraftPortions of the city are located within the Corona Municipal Airport influence area; however, the city is generally outside primary flight paths and noise contours for this facility. In addition, Norco is outside the influence areas of nearby regional airports (Chino Airport, Riverside Airport) and large international airports (Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, John Wayne Airport). While overflights to and from these airports can occur depending on regional weather and flight patterns, aircraft are typically at altitudes where the resulting noise creates only temporary disturbances with little impact in most cases. 8. ConstructionAlthough considered temporary, construction noise can significantly disturb the community. Its duration can range from a few hours to several years for larger projects. Most construction noise comes from heavy equipment and machinery, which can easily exceed 70 dB. When used for prolonged periods, this equipment can produce potentially harmful noise levels. Fortunately, construction activity is regulated and restricted to normal operating hours within the city. Over 300,000 cars pass through Norco on the I-15 Freeway. Special events can reach up to 130 dB.

9. VibrationVibration is mechanical energy that travels through structures as wave-like motion and is closely related to noise, as vibrating objects create pressure waves perceived as sound. Ground vibration can result from natural events, such as earthquakes and landslides, as well as human activities, including construction, heavy equipment operation, roadway traffic, and rail movement. In residential areas, typical background vibration levels are about 50 VdB, with most people beginning to perceive vibration around 65 VdB and clearly noticing it near 75 VdB. Levels approaching or exceeding 100 VdB may cause minor damage to more fragile structures.Outdoor vibration is commonly generated by construction activities, trains, and vehicles traveling over rough surfaces. Construction-related vibration may be short-term (blasting or impact pile driving), continuous (vibratory pile drivers, compressors, or generators), or random (jackhammering or pavement breaking). While brief vibration events may be minor, prolonged or repeated exposure can disturb occupants, contribute to sleep disruption and reduced quality of life, and in some cases weaken nearby structures over time. Table 11.3 | Noise Compatibility Standards for People summarizes typical human responses to varying levels of ground vibration.

TABLE 10.3 | NOISE COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS FOR PEOPLEVibration-Velocity Level Human Reactions65 VdB Approximate threshold of perception.75 VdB Approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible. Many find transportation-related vibration at this level is unacceptable. 85 VdB Vibration acceptable only if there are an infrequent number of events per day.

VdB = vibration decibels referenced to 1 micro inch per second and based on the root-mean-square (RMS) velocity amplitude.

10. Land Use ConsiderationsWhen planning for land use, noise concerns primarily focus on residential areas, with the objective of minimizing residents' exposure to elevated noise levels for extended periods, both inside and outside their homes. However, other land uses, such as parks, schools, historical sites, cemeteries, and recreational areas, are also sensitive to increased noise, particularly exterior noise. Similarly, places of worship, transient lodging, and spaces where low interior noise is crucial, are likewise considered noise sensitive. In addition, all these land uses, as well as commercial and industrial buildings, can be affected by vibrations, which may disrupt operations, even at levels below those that typically cause disturbance. The following goals aim to reduce the effects of noise and vibrations for Norco, its residents, and visitors.

210 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |211 Chapter 10 NOISE ELEMENTG. Goals and PoliciesGOAL N-1: BALANCED NOISE AND VIBRATION MANAGEMENT. The City will work to ensure that noise and vibration levels support the daily activities and variety of uses without disrupting quality of life for residents, business, and visitors.POLICIESN-1.1 Community Noise Protection. Ensure outdoor noise levels are safe and comfortable to protect residences, animal-keeping, and small-plot agriculture uses in the community.

N-1.2 Noise Ordinance Updates. Periodically update the noise ordinance of the Municipal Code to regulate the effects of noise on residential neighborhoods and Norco’s lifestyle.

N-1.3 Noise Compatibility. Minimize the noise impact conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators.

N-1.4 Off-Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition. Prohibit the use of motorized vehicles within the City's trails and pathways, along with undeveloped and/or vacant land.

N-1.5 Construction Noise Standards. Ensure noise standards are in place and periodically updated, to minimize noise effects from construction sites and equipment use adjacent to residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.6 Quiet Construction Equipment. All construction equipment should be equipped with the manufacturer's noise attenuation features.

N-1.7 Construction Hours Regulation. Regulate the hours of operation for construction areas, including haul routes in conformance with the Municipal Code, and make special provisions, if necessary, for projects adjacent to residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.8 Freeway Noise Attenuation Coordination. Coordinate with Caltrans on the construction of noise attenuation projects along the 1-15 freeway corridor.

N-1.9 Excessive Vehicle Noise Control. Regulate the operation of motor vehicles that generate excessive noise on city streets, especially within or adjacent to residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.10 Stationary Equipment Noise Control. Regulate the operation of stationary equipment that generates excessive noise, especially within or adjacent to residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.11 Special Event Noise Management. Locate, plan, and time outdoor special events to minimize potential noise impacts to nearby residential areas and/or sensitive uses.

N-1.12 Commercial and Industrial Noise Mitigation. Require developments in commercial and industrial zones near residential areas and/or sensitive land uses to incorporate noise mitigation improvements, such as sound walls and/or landscaping along adjacent property lines, site design and building orientation, restricted hours of operation, site access locations, and truck route designation.

N-1.13 Existing Noise Source Reduction. Monitor existing excessive noise generators, and encourage the installation of additional buffering and noise reduction mechanisms to lessen impacts on residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.14 Loading and Storage Noise Mitigation. Minimize noise impacts from loading/unloading activities and stock storage containers in commercial and industrial zones near residential areas and/or sensitive land uses.

N-1.15 Transportation Noise Mitigation. Ensure noise mitigation strategies, such as reduced traffic speeds, roadway use restrictions, and sound attenuation amenities, are incorporated into roadway improvement and expansion projects where noise-sensitive land uses are located.

N-1.16 Excessive Noise Impact Reduction. Identify existing areas of excessive noise impact to noise sensitive land uses, and consider future measures and the necessary funding mechanisms to reduce impact.

N-1.17 Interior Residential Noise Standards. Ensure that construction standards require the reduction of interior residential noise levels on new residential development from outside sources to 45 dBA or lower.

N-1.18 Noise Attenuation for New Housing. Require new residential development in areas already impacted by noise levels of 65 dBA or greater to incorporate additional noise attenuation measures to effectuate an interior noise level of 45 dBA or lower.

N-1.19 Site Design Noise Mitigation. Mitigate exterior noise levels using landscaping, site layout, building placement, and design elements to reduce noise impacts.

N-1.20 Animal-Keeping Noise Control. Consistent with the Norco Municipal Code, control noise impacts in residential zones from overly intensive animal-keeping activities.

FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |213 Chapter 11IMPLEMENTATIONIn This Chapter
A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214B. Implementing Plans, Programs, and Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215C. Implementation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215D. Monitoring and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218E. Budgeting and Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218F. Work Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Implementation

CHAPTER

214 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |215 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONA. IntroductionIt is often said that a plan is only as good as its implementation. With this adage in mind, the goals and policies of Norco’s General Plan have been crafted to be fiscally and technically feasible, considering the City’s resources, obligations, and priorities. To facilitate timely, thorough, and consistent implementation of the General Plan, and to provide City departments, decision-makers, and the community at-large with a basis for gauging progress toward implementation, a Work Plan has been prepared to specify actions the City will pursue to enact the policies and achieve the goals spelled out in the General Plan. It is recommended that the Work Plan be reevaluated regularly and that changes be authorized by the Planning Commission and City Council through a public process.The Work Plan affords community members with a means of holding the City accountable for making a good faith effort to realize the General Plan. At the same time, the Work Plan serves as an adaptable tool that allows the City to adjust its approach to General Plan implementation as circumstances warrant.1. Goals, Policies, and ActionsThe General Plan Implementation Chapter is organized around the tools and mechanisms the City will use to translate the General Plan’s vision, goals, and policies into meaningful outcomes. Understanding the relationship between goals, policies, strategies, and actions is essential to effectively implementing the General Plan over time. Together, these terms establish a framework that connects the community’s desired future conditions with the decisions, programs, investments, and initiatives necessary to achieve them.The following key terms are used throughout the General Plan and Implementation Chapter to describe the relationship between the General Plan’s intended outcomes and the means by which they are achieved. These terms are also defined in the Introduction Chapter for reference and consistency.

B. Implementing Plans, Programs,
and Regulations
Implementation of the General Plan relies on State-mandated measures as well as discretionary actions that local jurisdictions choose to take in response to the unique needs and preferences of their communities. Statemandated measures include the adoption and administration of specific plans, zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, building codes, and other regulatory instruments. Discretionary actions include funding mechanisms, capital improvements, programs, incentives, and partnerships. Mandated and discretionary actions should be mutually reinforcing and carried out as an integrated program. Actions should be specific enough to implement the goals of the General Plan and yet flexible enough to address future conditions, opportunities, and challenges.Local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt a wide range of regulations that directly or indirectly support implementation of the General Plan. Reflecting the “police power” granted to local jurisdictions by the State, these regulations commonly address business activities, health and sanitation, revenue and finance, civil conduct, utilities, vehicles and traffic, noise, cultural resources, and other issues that fall within the legal jurisdiction of local government. Local regulations lend significant support to General Plan implementation by outlining basic expectations for both local government and those governed by it. C. Implementation Tools Implementation of the General Plan will be supported by a variety of resources, plans, regulations, and initiatives. It is critical that these tools be recognized, coordinated, and deployed as the collective means of fulfilling the City's commitment to implementing the General Plan. Maintaining a "Big Picture" view of how these tools work together to achieve a common purpose will provide for a coherent, efficient, and self-reinforcing implementation process. Key implementation tools are described below and the relationship of these tools to the General Plan are illustrated in Figure 11 | Key Implementation Tools. 1. Environmental Impact ReportThe Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the General Plan identifies and evaluates the potential environmental impacts stemming from the growth and change anticipated under the General Plan. The EIR includes a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) that outlines mitigation measures for specific impacts, assigns responsible parties, and establishes estimated time frames for completion. These mitigation measures typically serve as conditions of approval for new development and capital improvements. The Community Development Department is generally responsible for ensuring that the MMRP is completed in a thorough and timely manner, with support from other disciplines involved in the review of proposed development and City-initiated projects. 2. Regulatory DocumentsThe State of California and the City of Norco establish regulatory requirements that guide land use, development, building construction, public improvements, and municipal operations. State codes and regulations establish requirements that the City must implement, while the City's regulatory documents establish local standards, procedures, and requirements consistent with State law and the General Plan. These documents are periodically updated to reflect changes in State law, General Plan policies, and evolving community priorities.

Key TermsThe General Plan is built around goals and policies, which guide City decisions, and the strategies, actions, and standards used to implement them. Key terms include:
■ Goal. A clear statement of intended outcomes for each General Plan Element. Goals reflect community values, priorities and, in some cases, State law. Goals clearly describe the “what” and “why.” ■ Policy. A specific direction used by the City Council, commissions, committees, and City departments when reviewing development proposals and considering other actions. Policies describe the “how” and convey the City’s commitment to a particular outcome or course of action. ■ Action. A specific program, procedure, project, or other action that carries out the General Plan’s goals and policies. Implementation actions identify clear timelines, responsible parties for executing the goal or policy, and measurable outcomes. ■ Strategy. A non-regulatory concept, idea, or approach to further Norco’s vision, goals, core values, and community priorities.

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a. Municipal CodeThe Norco Municipal Code establishes the City's local laws and regulations governing municipal operations, public health and safety, public works, environmental protection, and a wide range of community activities. The Municipal Code serves as a primary implementation tool for many General Plan goals and policies by providing enforceable regulations and administrative procedures. Responsibility for implementing and administering the Municipal Code is shared among all City departments based on their respective areas of responsibility, with the City Manager providing overall administrative oversight and the City Attorney providing legal guidance. b. Zoning CodeThe Zoning Code implements the Land Use and Community Character Element by regulating land uses, development intensity, site planning, and development standards throughout the City. The Zoning Code establishes zoning districts, permitted and conditionally permitted uses, development regulations, subdivision requirements, parking standards, landscaping requirements, and procedures for discretionary review. The Zoning Code also includes regulations that preserve and reinforce Norco's core values, including standards applicable to animal-keeping, equestrian amenities, and community design. The Community Development Department is primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the Zoning Code, with support from the Building and Safety Division, the Public Works and Engineering Department, and other City departments during the development review process. c. Objective Development StandardsThe City's Objective Development Standards (ODS) provide clear, objective, and measurable design and development requirements for new construction, additions, and site improvements. The standards establish expectations for building design, site layout, landscaping, parking, lighting, signage, and other site development features to ensure that new development is compatible with the City's vision and enhances community character. The Community Development Department is generally responsible for administering the Zoning Ordinance and Equestrian Landmark Ordinance, with the department, Planning Commission, and City Council serving as review authorities. d. Specific PlansAs defined by State law, specific plans translate General Plan guidance into site-specific policies, regulations, and implementation actions for a defined geographic area. The City's General Plan calls for the preparation of specific plans for the Norconian Resort and Wyle Laboratories sites to ensure that future change in these areas aligns with the community vision and associated priorities. These plans will identify appropriate land uses and development types, provide for new and upgraded infrastructure, and establish design standards that support visual quality and compatibility with surrounding areas. Specific plans are typically prepared by consultants under the supervision of the Community Development Department. Once adopted, these plans will be administered by City staff primarily through the entitlement review process and the Capital Improvement Program. 3. Operational Plans and ProgramsOperational plans and programs are ongoing administrative, management, and implementation tools that translate the General Plan’s long-term vision, goals, and policies into specific strategies, procedures, standards, and activities. While the General Plan establishes the community’s desired direction and framework for future growth and development, operational plans and programs provide the detailed guidance needed to carry out day-today decision-making, coordinate City services, prioritize investments, and manage public resources. These plans address specific topics, such as infrastructure, transportation, public safety, resource management, and community services, and are periodically updated to reflect changing community needs, regulatory requirements, funding opportunities, and best practices.Operational plans and programs support General Plan implementation by establishing priorities, identifying responsible agencies and departments, coordinating implementation activities, and providing measurable approaches for evaluating progress. Many of these plans are implemented through annual budgeting, capital improvement planning, development review, public facility and infrastructure improvements, service delivery programs, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement efforts. Implementation is typically a collaborative effort involving multiple City departments, partner agencies, and community stakeholders, with each entity responsible for carrying out actions within its area of expertise and authority.4. Strategic PlanThe City's Strategic Plan establishes the City Council's organizational priorities and provides a framework for guiding municipal decision-making, budgeting, service delivery, and organizational performance. The Strategic Plan identifies directions, goals, and actions that align City operations and resource allocation with the community's long-term vision. The Strategic Plan complements the General Plan by translating broad policy direction into actionable work programs and measurable outcomes, while helping to ensure accountability and coordination across City departments. The City Manager is primarily responsible for implementing and monitoring the Strategic Plan, with support from all City departments and divisions through annual work programs, budget development, and performance reporting to the City Council.

FIGURE 11.1 | KEY IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS

218 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |219 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIOND. Monitoring and Reporting As a Charter City, Norco is not subject to State requirements for annual reporting on General Plan progress. However, it is recommended that the City establish a monitoring and reporting protocol that supports internal coordination, keeps stakeholders informed on General Plan progress, and provides opportunities for public inquiry and input. This effort could include the development and maintenance of an online dashboard that charts progress toward implementation and showcases programs and projects that further General Plan goals and policies.The Work Plan can serve as a tool for monitoring and reporting on progress toward General Plan implementation. Formatted as a spreadsheet, the Work Plan lends itself to status updates, identification of opportunities and constraints, and consideration of next steps. The City could also choose to use other tracking software, including applications already being utilized for other purposes.To ensure that the allocation of fiscal resources aligns with the General Plan and the actions necessary to implement it, the City can link General Plan implementation directly to the budgeting process, requiring that all expenditures be tied to General Plan goals and policies. This approach can help to keep General Plan implementation top-of-mind even as the City deals with day-to-day operations and other demands.As the City has taken a whole-of-government approach to General Plan implementation, it is essential that all responsible City departments actively monitor and report on their respective progress on their assigned implementation actions.E. Budgeting and StaffingThe updating of the General Plan signals a renewed commitment to assembling and allocating the resources needed to turn intentions into reality. The implementation of the General Plan will require significant fiscal and operational capacity, requiring the City to consistently factor General Plan goals and policies into its budgeting and staffing decisions. Fortunately, the updated General Plan enhances the City's eligibility and competitiveness for grant funding and technical support. It is important that the City initiate implementation promptly, while the General Plan is "fresh" and attuned to current State and regional priorities. As part of the annual budgeting process, all responsible City departments should submit funding requests that explicitly cite which General Plan goals and policies would be advanced by proposed projects and programs. At the same time, disciplines should report on progress on previously funded efforts that contribute to General Plan implementation. In addition to providing essential funding for implementation, the budgeting process can also serve as a means of documenting implementation status and progress.The City should consider pursuing a third-party assessment of staffing resources necessary for successful General Plan implementation. Staffing resources can include new staff as well as partial or full reassignment of existing staff. Additionally, the Community Development Department should develop an effective process that promotes, organizes, and documents implementation.

F. Work PlanThe following Work Plan outlines specific actions designed to implement the General Plan and bring the vision for Norco’s future to fruition. These actions are tied to and designed to enact General Plan policies. Given their specificity, not all General Plan policies require supportive actions.The Work Plan identifies the City department(s) responsible for implementing each action and implementation time frames, all of which can be adjusted over time as necessary.1. Implementation Time FrameActions are categorized in terms of the below implementation time frames.

Category DescriptionNear Term Actions expected to be undertaken within three years of General Plan adoption
Mid Term Actions expected to be undertaken within four to six years of General Plan adoption
Long Term Actions expected to be undertaken within seven to 10 years of General Plan adoption
Ongoing Current and new actions conducted on a regular basis Opportunistic Implementation is contingent upon circumstances that may or may not materialize over the planning horizon
These time frames are determined by a number of factors, including community priorities, State law, available resources (e.g., staffing, funding, training), coordination with other agencies and organizations, and, in some cases, the proper sequencing of actions. The time frames for implementing actions should be construed as estimates and not hard deadlines. Moreover, these time frames should be seen as subject to modification in response to new information, unforeseen changes, and/or shifting priorities. In some cases, actions listed as Near Term may ultimately require more time to implement, due to factors beyond the City’s control. Conversely, actions listed as Long Term or Opportunistic may prove to be implementable sooner than anticipated, should new funding sources or other opportunities arise. It is thus important that the chronology of the Work Plan be periodically revisited. Collaborative Implementation. While the Work Plan emphasizes the City’s role in General Plan implementation, it is important to note that realizing Norco’s vision for its future will require a concerted effort involving City departments, government agencies, residents, businesses, land owners, developers, and other stakeholders. Indeed, many of the actions listed in the Work Plan call upon the City to engage and form partnerships with other organizations to address common concerns, exchange information, and share resources. The more inclusive and collaborative the General Plan implementation process is, the more effective it is likely to be.

220 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |221 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONGeneralThe following actions establish the organizational, financial, and administrative framework necessary to implement the General Plan, monitor progress, coordinate City departments and partner agencies, secure funding, and advance citywide initiatives that support the General Plan’s long-term vision.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingGEN-A1 — Monitoring & Reporting. Establish and maintain a General Plan implementation monitoring process using the Work Plan as the implementation tracking matrix to monitor action status, timelines, progress, funding, constraints, and recommended adjustments. Prepare an annual progress report for the Planning Commission and City Council documenting implementation progress, evaluating the General Plan consistency of the proposed Capital Improvement Program, and identifying recommended General Plan amendments, updates, or implementation adjustments as needed.

Community
Development
Near Term
GEN-A2 — Staffing Assessment. Evaluate City staffing and organizational capacity needed to effectively implement the General Plan and identify staffing, consultant, or other resource needs as appropriate.

All
Departments
Near Term
GEN-A3 — Budget Integration. Incorporate General Plan implementation priorities and identified funding needs into the City's annual budgeting, Capital Improvement Program, and long-term financial planning processes.

All
Departments Ongoing
GEN-A4 — Departmental Plan and Policy Integration. Incorporate applicable General Plan policies and implementation priorities into City department plans, operational plans, master plans, programs, procedures, and other ongoing work efforts. Departments will periodically review and update applicable plans and processes to maintain consistency with the General Plan and reflect changing conditions, priorities, and available resources.

All
Departments Ongoing
GEN-A5 — Coordinated Implementation. Implement General Plan goals, policies, and actions through coordinated City decision-making, departmental work programs, capital improvement planning, budgeting, development review, interagency coordination, and applicable administrative, regulatory, and operational activities.

All
Departments Ongoing
GEN-A6 — Funding and Resource Development. Identify and pursue grants, regional, State, and Federal funding, partnerships, revenue sources, financing mechanisms, and other resource opportunities to support implementation of General Plan goals, priorities, policies, and actions.

All
Departments Ongoing
GEN-A7 — Public Engagement and Communications. Implement ongoing public engagement and communications to inform the community about General Plan priorities, implementation activities, opportunities for participation, and progress, using appropriate City communication channels and community outreach efforts.

Communications Ongoing
GEN-A8 — Technology, Data and GIS. Maintain and enhance technology, data, GIS, and other digital tools to support General Plan implementation, monitoring, decision-making, public information, and coordination across City departments.

Information
Technology Ongoing
Land Use and Community Character Element The following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 4 | Land Use and Community Character Element by guiding development, protecting Norco’s unique character, supporting economic vitality, and promoting compatible land use and community design.

Implementation Action Lead Dept Timing
LUCC-A1 — Land Use Framework. Review and update the City's land use designations, land use map, and related land use procedures, as necessary, to maintain consistency with the 2050 General Plan and protect Norco's established land use pattern and community character.Related Policies: LUCC-1.1, LUCC-1.7 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A2 — Development Regulations and Standards. Review and update the City's Zoning Code, Objective Development Standards, and other development regulations and standards to implement the General Plan's land use, community character, placemaking, animal-keeping, architectural, landscaping, lighting, signage, connectivity, and other development objectives.Related Policies: LUCC-1.2, LUCC-1.4, LUCC-1.5, LUCC-1.6, LUCC-2.1, LUCC-2.2, LUCC2.4, LUCC-2.5, LUCC-2.6, LUCC-2.7, LUCC-2.8, LUCC-2.10, LUCC-2.11, LUCC-2.12 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A3 — Development Review and Permitting. Establish and update administrative development review, application, completeness, technical study, and digital permitting procedures to provide clear, efficient, and consistent processing of development applications.Related Policies: LUCC-2.1, LUCC-2.5, LUCC-2.6, LUCC-2.7 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A4 — Animal-Keeping Standards. Evaluate and update regulations governing Animal-Keeping Areas (AKAs) and Primary Animal-Keeping Areas (PAKAs) through a Zoning Code Update, including minimum space requirements and site configurations, based on animal welfare best practices.Related Policies: LUCC-1.2, LUCC-1.5, LUCC-1.6 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A5 — Small-Plot Agriculture. Develop objective development standards, guidance, and other resources to support appropriate agricultural activities on residential properties.Related Policies: LUCC-1.2, LUCC-4.3 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A6 — Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation. Evaluate funding sources, incentives, partnerships, and adaptive reuse opportunities to facilitate preservation, rehabilitation, and reinvestment in existing housing, including qualifying affordable and veteran housing opportunities.Related Policies: LUCC-3.3, LUCC-3.4, LUCC-3.5 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A7 — Development Opportunity Site Database. Develop and maintain a publicly accessible online database and map of available and underutilized properties with economic development potential, including site and development information for prospective businesses and developers.Related Policies: LUCC-4.1, LUCC-4.4, LUCC-4.6, LUCC-4.15 Community
Development
Near Term

222 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |223 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingLUCC-A8 — Beacon Hill Development. Work with private landowners and developers to identify compatible development and opportunities for open space preservation and trail improvements while protecting the area's historical and visual significance.Related Policies: LUCC-10.1 Community
Development
Near Term
LUCC-A9 — Equestrian Lot Consolidation. Evaluate expedited permitting services for voluntary consolidation of vacant or fragmented residential lots with adjoining animal-keeping properties, including opportunities for shared animalkeeping areas.Related Policies: LUCC-1.3, LUCC-1.6 Community
Development
Mid Term
LUCC-A10— Dark-Sky Lighting Standards. Evaluate and, if appropriate, adopt outdoor lighting regulations incorporating dark-sky principles related to light direction, intensity, timing, and color.Related Policies: LUCC-2.12 Community
Development
Mid Term
LUCC-A11 — Economic Development Strategy. Develop and periodically update an Economic Development Strategy to guide business attraction, retention, expansion, and investment, strengthen the local economy and tax base, and support General Plan priorities.Related Policies: LUCC-4.1, LUCC-4.4, LUCC-4.6, LUCC-4.11, LUCC-4.12, LUCC-4.13, LUCC-4.16 Community
Development
Mid Term
LUCC-A12 — Commercial Corridor Public Realm. Prepare and implement a coordinated public realm and streetscape improvement program for Hamner Avenue and applicable portions of River Road addressing sidewalks, trails, landscaping, tree canopy, lighting, wayfinding, public art, gateway features, and other thematic streetscape elements.Related Policies: LUCC-5.1, LUCC-5.2, LUCC-5.3, LUCC-5.4 Community
Development
Mid Term
LUCC-A13 — Sixth Street Placemaking and Public Realm. Prepare and implement a coordinated placemaking and public realm plan for Sixth Street addressing priority locations and improvements for infill, adaptive reuse, streetscape, traffic calming, tree canopy, equestrian amenities, safe crossings, branding, shared access, parking, and other public realm improvements.Related Policies: LUCC-6.1, LUCC-6.2, LUCC-6.3, LUCC-6.4, LUCC-6.5, LUCC-6.6, LUCC-6.7, LUCC-6.8, LUCC-6.9, LUCC-6.10 Community
Development
Mid Term
LUCC-A14 — North Hamner Gateway Planning. Pursue a public-private partnership framework to develop a Specific Plan to coordinate property improvements, shared parking, streetscape investments, events, marketing, equestrian connections, potential mixed-use development, and potential relocation of Clark Field.Related Policies: LUCC-7.1, LUCC-7.2, LUCC-7.3, LUCC-7.4, LUCC-7.5 Community
Development Long Term
Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingLUCC-A15 — General Plan Implementation and Development Review. Apply the General Plan, Municipal Code, Objective Development Standards, and other City requirements through routine planning, permitting, and project review to maintain consistency with Norco's land use pattern, community character, lifestyle, and development objectives.Related Policies: LUCC-1.4, LUCC-1.5, LUCC-1.6, LUCC-2.1, LUCC-2.2, LUCC-2.4, LUCC-2.5, LUCC-2.6, LUCC-2.7, LUCC-2.8, LUCC-2.10, LUCC-2.11, LUCC-3.1, LUCC-3.2, LUCC-3.6, LUCC-3.7, LUCC-3.8, LUCC-4.7 Community
Development Ongoing
LUCC-A16 — Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Maintenance. Continue coordinated code enforcement efforts addressing safety hazards, visual blight, public nuisance conditions, and other property maintenance issues.Related Policies: LUCC-2.3, LUCC-2.9, LUCC-2.11, LUCC-3.8 Community
Development Ongoing
LUCC-A17 — Economic Development and Business Support. Maintain ongoing business engagement, business retention and expansion efforts, streamlined business licensing, economic development partnerships, and recruitment of community-supported businesses, industries, services, and visitor-serving uses.Related Policies: LUCC-4.2, LUCC-4.3, LUCC-4.5, LUCC-4.8, LUCC-4.9, LUCC-4.10, LUCC-4.11, LUCC-4.12, LUCC-4.13, LUCC-4.14, LUCC-4.16 Community
Development Ongoing
LUCC-A18 — Regional and Community Partnerships. Maintain partnerships with community, business, educational, agricultural, equestrian, government, and regional agency partners to advance community character, economic development, agritourism, and visitor-serving opportunities.Related Policies: LUCC-2.13, LUCC-4.3, LUCC-4.5, LUCC-4.13, LUCC-4.14, LUCC-4.16 Community
Development Ongoing
LUCC-A19 — Commercial Lot Consolidation. Encourage voluntary consolidation of underutilized and fragmented commercial parcels when opportunities arise to create viable development sites, attract private investment, and improve the functionality and appearance of commercial corridors.Related Policies: LUCC-4.15 Community
Development Opportunistic
LUCC-A20 — Norconian Resort and Wyle Laboratories Site Planning. Work with private landowners and developers to prepare comprehensive Specific Plans for the Norconian Resort and Wyle Laboratories sites when circumstances warrant, addressing land use, development, open space, historic preservation, infrastructure, circulation, trails, and community benefits.Related Policies: LUCC-4.6, LUCC-8.1, LUCC-8.2, LUCC-9.1 Community
Development Opportunistic
Land Use and Community Character Element (continued) Land Use and Community Character Element (continued)

224 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |225 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONCirculation ElementThe following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 5 | Circulation Element by improving mobility, expanding multimodal connections, supporting equestrian transportation, and managing traffic and freight movement.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingC-A1 — Complete Streets Standards. Adopt Complete Streets and contextsensitive design standards for roadway and development projects, addressing pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle, vehicle, lighting, landscaping, and other multimodal improvements.Related Policies: C-1.3, C-1.7, C-2.2, C-2.5, C-2.8, C-2.9, C-2.10 Public Works Near Term
C-A2 — Transportation Project Prioritization. Establish and periodically update a prioritized transportation improvement program identifying roadway, trail, safety, active transportation, transit, and evacuation projects based on need, safety, connectivity, system performance, community priorities, and funding opportunities.Related Policies: C-1.1, C-1.4, C-1.8, C-2.1, C-2.3, C-3.3, C-3.5, C-5.4 Public Works Near Term
C-A3 — Development and Traffic Review Procedures. Update development and roadway project review procedures to establish consistent requirements for traffic impact analysis, multimodal improvements, trail dedications, Complete Streets improvements, and transportation mitigation.Related Policies: C-1.5, C-1.6, C-1.7, C-1.8, C-2.4 Public Works Near Term
C-A4 — Transportation Safety Program. Establish a recurring safety program that uses collision data and the High Injury Network to identify, prioritize, and pursue improvements at high-risk intersections, crossings, and roadway segments, including context-sensitive speed management.Related Policies: C-3.1, C-3.3, C-3.4 Public Works Near Term
C-A5 — Truck Route and Freight Management. Review and maintain the City's truck route network, signage, enforcement, loading, truck parking, freight access, and related freight management practices to improve goods movement while reducing impacts on residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, and equestrian areas, and support appropriate clean freight and local delivery strategies.Related Policies: C-4.1, C-4.2, C-4.3, C-4.4, C-4.5, C-4.6, C-4.7, C-4.8, C-4.9, C-4.10, C-4.11, C-4.12 Public Works Near Term
C-A6 — Trail & Active Transportation Implementation. Update and coordinate the City's pedestrian, bicycle, and trail operational plans to identify priority network gaps, crossings, connections, and improvements for implementation.Related Policies: C-1.1, C-1.2, C-2.1, C-2.3, C-3.2, C-5.2, C-5.4 Public Works Mid Term
Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingC-A7 — Commercial Corridor Transportation Funding. Evaluate existing transportation funding mechanisms and complete a nexus study, as appropriate, to update the City’s transportation fee program and identify additional funding mechanisms to support transportation, parking, streetscape, and shared mobility improvements in commercial corridors.Related Policies: C-1.4, C-2.9 Finance Mid Term
C-A8 — Emergency Evacuation Improvements. Incorporate designated evacuation routes into transportation capital planning and prioritize improvements necessary to maintain their safety, accessibility, and emergency functionality.Related Policies: C-3.5 Community
Operations
Mid Term
C-A9 — Safe Routes to School. Coordinate with the Corona-Norco Unified School District and other partners to pursue funding and implement priority school-area safety improvements and programs.Related Policies: C-2.3, C-3.2, C-3.3 Public Works Mid Term
C-A10 — Transportation Asset Maintenance. Maintain a recurring program for roadway, trail, crossing, signage, and related transportation infrastructure maintenance, with priority needs incorporated into annual budgeting and capital improvement programming.Related Policies: C-1.1, C-2.11, C-3.5 Public Works Ongoing
C-A11 — Regional Transportation Coordination & Funding. Coordinate with SCAG, RCTC, RTA, Riverside County, and other regional partners to advance Norco's transportation priorities, pursue grant and regional funding opportunities, and improve regional transit connections.Related Policies: C-1.4, C-3.5, C-5.5, C-5.6 Public Works Ongoing
C-A12 — Special Event Transportation Management. Coordinate transportation, traffic control, parking, transit, and emergency access planning for highattendance special events, including temporary traffic management plans, business and community coordination, seasonal detours, and event-specific transit and wayfinding measures.Related Policies: C-1.9, C-1.10, C-1.11 Community
Operations Ongoing
C-A13 — Circulation Policy Integration. Incorporate applicable Circulation Element policies into the City's capital improvement program, annual work programs, development review, roadway and trail projects, maintenance and operations, and other applicable City programs and procedures.Related Policies: C-2.6, C-2.7, C-5.1, C-5.2, C-5.3, C-5.7, C-5.8, C-5.9, C-5.10 Public Works Ongoing
Circulation Element (continued)

226 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |227 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONInfrastructure and Facilities ElementThe following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 6 | Infrastructure and Facilities Element by coordinating infrastructure investments, maintaining high-quality public facilities and services, and ensuring that capital improvements remain consistent with the City's long-term vision.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingIF-A1 — Capital Planning and General Plan Consistency. Integrate General Plan infrastructure and facilities priorities into the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), capital budgeting, facility standards, and applicable development impact fee and nexus studies, and annually evaluate CIP consistency with the General Plan.Related Policies: IF-1.3, IF-1.4, IF-2.3, IF-3.3, IF-4.2, IF-6.2, IF-7.6 Community
Operations
Public Works
Near Term
IF-A2 — Infrastructure Asset Management. Maintain and enhance the City's GIS-based infrastructure asset management system to track utility, roadway, trail, and facility conditions, maintenance and capital needs, and planned improvements to support long-term infrastructure planning and investment.Related Policies: IF-1.2, IF-2.2, IF-6.1, IF-6.2 Community
Operations
Public Works
Near Term
IF-A3 — Utility Infrastructure Coordination. Coordinate with water, wastewater, stormwater, energy, and telecommunications providers and regional agencies to plan for infrastructure capacity, maintenance, reliability, regulatory requirements, and future service needs.Related Policies: IF-1.1, IF-2.1, IF-2.4, IF-3.1, IF-4.1, IF-4.3, IF-4.4, IF-4.5, IF-5.1, IF-5.2, IF-5.3 Public Works Near Term
IF-A4 — Parks and Facilities Master Plan. Prepare and maintain a Parks and Facilities Master Plan identifying facility conditions, community needs, priority improvements, funding opportunities, maintenance needs, and long-term investment priorities.Related Policies: IF-7.1, IF-7.4, IF-10.5 Community
Operations
Near Term
IF-A5 — Infrastructure and Facilities Planning Needs Assessment. Evaluate the City's infrastructure and facilities planning needs and identify gaps in existing master plans, studies, and operational plans. Prioritize development or updates to needed plans based on existing conditions, service needs, community priorities, available resources, and General Plan priorities.Related Policies: IF-1.1, IF-1.3, IF-2.1, IF-2.3, IF-3.1, IF-3.3, IF-6.1, IF-7.1, IF-10.5 Community
Operations
Public Works
Near Term
IF-A6 — Equestrian and Event Facility Improvements. Implement priority improvements to City-owned equestrian, recreational, and event facilities identified through capital planning and facility assessments, including arenas, stables, staging areas, parking, supporting infrastructure, and agrarian design elements.Related Policies: IF-7.4, IF-8.1, IF-8.2, IF-8.3, IF-8.4, IF-8.5, IF-8.6, IF-8.7 Community
Operations
Mid Term
Implementation Action Lead Dept Timing
IF-A7 — Water Conservation and Reuse. Coordinate with applicable agencies to advance water conservation, recycled water, and water reuse opportunities through infrastructure planning, public education, and incentive programs.Related Policies: IF-1.5, IF-2.4 Public Works Mid Term
IF-A8 — Stormwater and Water Quality Management. Coordinate stormwater infrastructure maintenance and improvements, NPDES compliance, waterquality education, and sustainable agricultural practices through the City's drainage and stormwater management programs.Related Policies: IF-3.2, IF-3.4, IF-3.5, IF-3.6 Public Works Mid Term
IF-A9 — Sustainable Recreation and Event Operations. Maintain financially sustainable recreation and event programs that align with the City's core values through community-responsive programming, efficient use and shared use of facilities and programs where appropriate, revenue opportunities, and ongoing evaluation of participation, service needs, and available resources.Related Policies: IF-10.1, IF-10.2, IF-10.3, IF-10.4, IF-10.5 Community
Operations Ongoing
IF-A10 — Public Service Coordination and Resource Development. Coordinate with educational institutions, County agencies, regional service providers, and community organizations to support educational, recreational, facility, and other community-serving opportunities; identify opportunities to share resources and services; and pursue funding and partnerships that address community needs and avoid duplication of services.Related Policies: IF-7.5, IF-9.1, IF-9.2, IF-9.3, IF-9.4, IF-11.1, IF-11.2, IF-11.3, IF-12.1, IF-12.2 Community
Operations Ongoing
IF-A11 — Solid Waste and Organics Diversion. Support waste reduction, recycling, organics diversion, manure management, public education, and appropriate processing capacity through City programs and coordination with service providers and regional agencies.Related Policies: IF-13.1, IF-13.2 Public Works Ongoing
IF-A12 — Civic Campus Master Plan. Develop a master plan for the Community Center, Riley Gym, Scout House, and surrounding City-owned properties to evaluate opportunities for civic use consolidation or relocation, recreation and cultural facilities, community gathering spaces, parking, revenue generation, adaptive reuse of the historic Community Center, and trail connections.Related Policies: IF-7.2 Community
Operations Opportunistic
IF-A13 — Strategic Facility and Infrastructure Opportunities. Pursue major infrastructure, facility, utility, and public-private partnership opportunities when funding, development, agency coordination, property availability, or other circumstances create opportunities to advance General Plan priorities, including opportunities for strategic facility relocation or redevelopment.Related Policies: IF-1.1, IF-2.1, IF-3.1, IF-4.1, IF-4.3, IF-5.2, IF-7.2, IF-7.3, IF-8.1, IF-8.3, IF-8.4 Community
Operations
Public Works
Opportunistic
Infrastructure and Facilities Element (continued)

228 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |229 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONOpen Space and Conservation ElementThe following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 8 | Open Space and Conservation Element by protecting natural and cultural resources, managing open spaces and trails, and promoting sustainable stewardship and conservation.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingOSC-A1 — Resource Protection Standards. Update development review procedures and standard conditions of approval to address the protection and appropriate treatment of archaeological, tribal, paleontological, geologic, scenic, and natural resources identified through development review.Related Policies: OSC-1.1, OSC-2.1, OSC-2.4, OSC-4.1, OSC-4.2, OSC-4.4, OSC-4.5, OSC-5.1, OSC-7.3, OSC-8.1, OSC-11.1, OSC-11.6, OSC-16.1, OSC-16.2, OSC-16.3, OSC-16.4, OSC-17.2, OSC-18.1, OSC-19.1, OSC-19.2 Community
Development
Near Term
OSC-A2 — Historic Resources Inventory. Update the City's inventory of potentially significant historic resources and establish a process for maintaining the inventory as new information becomes available.Related Policies: OSC-6.1 City Clerk Near Term
OSC-A3 — Historic Preservation Program. Establish a local historic resource recognition and preservation program that provides information and guidance for the rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and compatible treatment of identified historic resources.Related Policies: OSC-6.2, OSC-6.3, OSC-6.4, OSC-6.5, OSC-6.6, OSC-6.7, OSC-6.8 City Clerk Mid Term
OSC-A4 — Open Space and Trail Stewardship. Develop and implement a coordinated stewardship program for City-owned and designated open space and trail resources, prioritizing habitat restoration, invasive species management, trail maintenance, wayfinding, scenic enhancement, and coordination with landowners, agencies, and community organizations.Related Policies: OSC-1.2, OSC-1.3, OSC-1.4, OSC-1.5, OSC-2.2, OSC-2.3, OSC-2.5, OSC-3.1, OSC-3.3, OSC-3.4, OSC-4.6, OSC-4.7, OSC-7.1, OSC-7.2 Community
Operations
Mid Term
OSC-A5 — Regenerative Agriculture Program. Develop and promote a regenerative agriculture program supporting sustainable land stewardship practices that improve soil health, conserve water, reduce dust, enhance habitat, and strengthen climate resilience, in coordination with agricultural, conservation, and educational partners.Related Policies: OSC-20.1 Public Works Mid Term
OSC-A6 — Santa Ana River Regional Coordination. Coordinate with the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, resource conservation districts, and other applicable partners to advance protection, restoration, recreation, water quality, and habitat objectives for the Santa Ana River corridor.Related Policies: OSC-1.3, OSC-1.5, OSC-7.1, OSC-9.1, OSC-11.1, OSC-11.2, OSC-17.1, OSC-17.2 Community
Operations
Mid Term
Implementation Action Lead Dept Timing
OSC-A7 — Conservation and Sustainability Programs. Continue to implement applicable water conservation, stormwater management, energy efficiency, renewable energy, air quality, and sustainable land management programs through existing City operations, regulatory programs, public education, and coordination with responsible agencies.Related Policies: OSC-9.1, OSC-10.1, OSC-10.2, OSC-11.1, OSC-11.2, OSC-11.3, OSC-11.4, OSC-11.5, OSC-12.1, OSC-12.2, OSC-12.3, OSC-13.1, OSC-13.2, OSC-13.3, OSC-13.4, OSC13.5, OSC-14.1, OSC-14.2, OSC-14.3, OSC-15.1, OSC-15.2, OSC-15.3, OSC-15.4, OSC-15.5, OSC-15.6, OSC-15.7, OSC-15.8, OSC-15.9 Public Works Ongoing
OSC-A8 — Open Space and Conservation Policy Integration. Incorporate applicable Open Space and Conservation policies and resource protection measures into development review, capital projects, maintenance and operations, property management, environmental review, public programs, and other applicable City processes and procedures.Related Policies: OSC-3.2, OSC-4.1, OSC-4.2, OSC-4.3, OSC-4.4, OSC-4.5, OSC-5.1, OSC-7.3, OSC-8.1, OSC-8.2, OSC-11.6, OSC-16.1, OSC-16.2, OSC-16.3, OSC-16.4, OSC18.1, OSC-19.1, OSC-19.2 Community
Operations
Public Works
Ongoing
OSC-A9 — Resource Conservation Opportunities. Pursue open space conservation, restoration, habitat enhancement, scenic improvements, historic preservation, and related partnerships when funding, property availability, development proposals, agency coordination, or other opportunities arise.Related Policies: OSC-1.5, OSC-2.5, OSC-4.6, OSC-6.2, OSC-7.1, OSC-8.2, OSC-11.2 Community
Operations Opportunistic
OSC-A10 — Beacon Hill Open Space Planning. Evaluate opportunities to preserve and enhance natural open space, scenic resources, and compatible equestrian and recreational trail connections at Beacon Hill with future development, consistent with the area's natural and visual character.Related Policies: OSC-4.1, OSC-4.2, OSC-4.3, OSC-4.5, OSC-4.6 Community
Development Opportunistic
OSC-A11 — Wyle Site Open Space Planning. Coordinate open space and habitat planning for the Wyle Laboratories Site in conjunction with future development, including designation and management of the existing creek and undevelopable slopes as natural open space and opportunities for habitat restoration and trail connections.Related Policies: OSC-1.5, OSC-2.5, OSC-3.2, OSC-3.3, OSC-3.4, OSC-4.1, OSC-4.2, OSC-4.6 Community
Development Opportunistic
OSC-A12 — Lake Norconian Ownership and Stewardship. Explore opportunities to work with the U.S. Navy to transition ownership of Lake Norconian and its surrounding landscape to the City or another appropriate long-term steward and, if ownership transitions, evaluate opportunities to integrate the lake into the site's long-term vision as a scenic open-space amenity.Related Policies: OSC-6.9 Community
Development Opportunistic
Open Space and Conservation Element (continued)

230 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |231 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONSafety ElementThe following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 9 | Safety Elementby reducing risks from natural and human-caused hazards, strengthening emergency preparedness and response, and improving community resilience.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingS-A1 — Emergency Management Planning & Training. Periodically update the City's Emergency Operations Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan implementation priorities, and coordinate emergency preparedness training and exercises for City staff, volunteers, and public safety partners.Related Policies: S-5.1, S-5.2, S-5.3, S-5.4, S-5.5, S-5.10, S-6.1, S-6.2 City Manager Near Term
S-A2 — Public Safety Service Assessment. Conduct a comprehensive public safety service assessment to evaluate current and projected fire and emergency service needs, including service demand, response times, geographic coverage, facilities, staffing, and apparatus. Identify deficiencies and recommend appropriate future fire stations, apparatus, and emergency response resources.Related Policies: S-2.1, S-2.2, S-2.24, S-5.1, S-5.2 City Manager Near Term
S-A3 — Evacuation Planning & Access. Use the City's Evacuation Assessment and other hazard information to periodically review evacuation zones and routes, identify priority emergency access improvements, and coordinate evacuation planning, training, and outreach, including animal evacuation procedures.Related Policies: S-6.1, S-6.3, S-6.4, S-6.5, S-6.7, S-6.8, S-6.9, S-6.10, S-6.11 City Manager Near Term
S-A4 — Safety Development Review Standards. Update development review procedures and standard conditions of approval, as needed, to incorporate applicable fire, seismic, flood, airport, hazardous materials, emergency access, and public safety requirements.Related Policies: S-1.1, S-1.2, S-1.3, S-1.4, S-1.5, S-1.6, S-2.4, S-2.5, S-2.6, S-2.7, S-2.12, S-2.13, S-2.14, S-2.15, S-2.16, S-2.20, S-2.21, S-2.22, S-2.23, S-2.25, S-2.27, S-3.1, S-3.2, S-4.2, S-4.3, S-4.4, S-4.6, S-4.8, S-4.9, S-5.6, S-5.7, S-5.8, S-5.9, S-6.6, S-7.7, S-7.9, S-7.10, S-7.11 Community
Development
Near Term
S-A5 — Seismic Vulnerability Assessment. Evaluate and maintain an inventory of seismically vulnerable structures and identify priority mitigation measures to improve the City's seismic resilience.Related Policies: S-3.3, S-3.4 Community
Operations
Near Term
S-A6 — Wildfire Risk Reduction Program. Develop and implement a coordinated wildfire risk reduction program addressing vegetation management, fuel breaks, defensible space, home hardening, fire-adapted landscaping, and other measures to reduce wildfire risk in Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the Wildland Urban Interface.Related Policies: S-2.4, S-2.5, S-2.8, S-2.9, S-2.11, S-2.17, S-2.18, S-2.19 City Manager Mid Term
Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingS-A7 — Post-Fire Recovery Procedures. Establish procedures for post-wildfire re-entry, structure assessment, debris removal, permitting, and rebuilding that address secondary hazards and support safer, more resilient recovery.Related Policies: S-2.26 Community
Development
Mid Term
S-A8 — Critical Facility Hazard Resilience. Assess the vulnerability of existing critical facilities and emergency equipment to wildfire, seismic, flood, and other identified hazards and incorporate priority protection, relocation, hardening, redundancy, or other mitigation measures into capital planning.Related Policies: S-2.16, S-3.5, S-3.6, S-4.5, S-4.6, S-5.1, S-5.3, S-5.4 Community
Operations
Mid Term
S-A9 — Public Safety Service Coordination. Coordinate with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside County Emergency Management Department, neighboring jurisdictions, and other public safety partners to maintain effective emergency services, mutual aid, response capabilities, and resource coordination.Related Policies: S-2.1, S-2.2, S-2.3, S-2.24, S-5.1, S-5.2, S-5.5 City Manager Ongoing
S-A10 — Community Emergency Preparedness. Maintain and expand public information and education programs addressing emergency preparedness, wildfire prevention, earthquake safety, evacuation, extreme heat, and other hazards, tailored to residents, businesses, and at-risk populations.Related Policies: S-2.10, S-2.11, S-3.7, S-5.11, S-6.9, S-7.8 Communications Ongoing
S-A11 — Flood Hazard Management. Coordinate with responsible flood control and water management agencies to monitor flood and dam inundation risks, maintain applicable hazard information, and identify and prioritize flood protection and mitigation improvements.Related Policies: S-4.1, S-4.5, S-4.7 Public Works Ongoing
S-A12 — Climate Resilience and Emerging Hazards. Prepare and periodically update a climate action and resilience plan addressing climate hazards, adaptation, emissions reduction, and implementation priorities. Coordinate with regional and State partners and integrate measures into City planning and programs.Related Policies: S-7.1, S-7.2, S-7.3, S-7.4, S-7.5, S-7.6, S-7.8, S-7.9, S-7.10, S-7.11, S-7.12, S-7.13 Community
Development Ongoing
S-A13 — Hazard Mitigation Projects & Funding. Pursue grants, partnerships, and other funding opportunities to implement priority hazard mitigation, emergency access, wildfire, flood, and critical facility improvements identified through City plans and assessments.Related Policies: S-2.17, S-2.18, S-2.20, S-2.24, S-3.3, S-3.6, S-4.1, S-4.5, S-4.7, S-5.3, S-5.4, S-6.7, S-6.8, S-7.6 City Manager Opportunistic
Safety Element (continued)

232 | 2050 GENERAL PLAN | CITY OF NORCO, CA FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED FOR REVIEW ONLY - NOT ADOPTED ADOPTION DRAFT | OCTOBER 2026 |233 Chapter 11 IMPLEMENTATIONNoise ElementThe following actions provide a framework for implementing the goals and policies of Chapter 10 | Noise Elementby reducing excessive noise, protecting noise-sensitive uses, and addressing existing and potential noise impacts.

Implementation Action Lead Dept TimingN-A1 — Noise Source and Sensitive Land Use Inventory. Establish and periodically update an inventory of major noise generators, noise-sensitive land uses, and areas of excessive noise impact to identify priority locations for monitoring, enforcement, and future mitigation.Related Policies: N-1.1, N-1.3, N-1.13, N-1.16 Community
Development
Near Term
N-A2 — Noise Ordinance and Enforcement Standards. Review and update the Norco Municipal Code and related permitting and enforcement procedures to provide clear, enforceable standards for excessive noise, including quiet hours, measurement methods, motor vehicle and stationary equipment noise, animalkeeping activities, and special events.Related Policies: N-1.1, N-1.2, N-1.4, N-1.9, N-1.10, N-1.11, N-1.20 Community
Development
Near Term
N-A3 — Development and Operational Noise Standards. Establish and maintain clear noise review and compliance requirements for development, construction, commercial, industrial, loading, storage, and equipment-related activities, including noise studies, operating hours, attenuation, site and building design, and mitigation measures for noise-sensitive uses.Related Policies: N-1.3, N-1.5, N-1.6, N-1.7, N-1.12, N-1.14, N-1.17, N-1.18, N-1.19 Community
Development
Near Term
N-A4 — Community Noise Mitigation Program. Develop a program to identify priority existing noise impacts and evaluate feasible mitigation measures, including buffering, landscaping, site improvements, traffic speed or roadway measures, sound attenuation, and potential funding mechanisms.Related Policies: N-1.8, N-1.13, N-1.15, N-1.16 Community
Development
Mid Term
N-A5 — Freeway Noise Coordination. Coordinate with Caltrans and other applicable agencies to pursue feasible noise attenuation improvements along the I-15 corridor and incorporate noise mitigation opportunities into applicable transportation projects.Related Policies: N-1.8, N-1.15 Public Works Mid Term
N-A6 — Noise Complaint Monitoring and Enforcement Coordination. Track noise complaints by location, time, and source; identify recurring problem areas; and coordinate enforcement roles and response among applicable departments.Related Policies: N-1.2, N-1.9, N-1.10, N-1.13, N-1.16, N-1.20 Community
Development Ongoing
Housing ElementChapter 7 | Housing Element is not included in the 2050 General Plan Update because State law requires Housing Elements to be updated on a separate eight-year cycle. Norco’s current 2021–2029 Housing Element, adopted by the City Council on October 6, 2021, remains in effect separately from this General Plan Update and includes goals, policies, and implementation actions addressing the City’s housing needs and State housing requirements. The following actions implement the Housing Element by maintaining compliance with State housing law, monitoring progress toward meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), and ensuring the Housing Element remains current and consistent with the General Plan 2050.

Implementation Action Lead Dept Timing
H-A1 — Housing Element Maintenance. Maintain the Housing Element in compliance with State law and complete required Housing Element updates in accordance with the State-mandated housing element cycle, including preparation of the 7th Cycle Housing Element.

Community
Development Ongoing
H-A2 — Annual Housing Element Reporting. Prepare and submit the Annual Progress Report (APR) to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as required by State law, documenting progress toward meeting the City’s RHNA obligations during the planning period.

Community
Development

DRAFT PEIR
City of Norco
2050
General Plan Update
Program Environmental Impact Report
SCH No. 2024110840
Prepared for:

City of Norco
Community Development Department
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, California 92860
Prepared by:

Meridian | A Trinity Company
374 Poli Street, Suite 200
Ventura, California 93003
www.meridianconsultantsllc.com
August 2026

PAGE i

DRAFT PEIR
ES Executive Summary...................................................................... ES.1

1. Introduction .....................................................................................1.1

2. Project Description .........................................................................2.1

3. Environmental Setting ....................................................................3.1

4. Environmental Impact Analysis ....................................................4.1

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DRAFT PEIR

5. Alternatives......................................................................................5.1

6. Other CEQA Considerations..........................................................6.1

7. Preparers..........................................................................................7.1

8. References.......................................................................................8.1

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DRAFT PEIR
List of Appendices
Appendix 1.0 Notice of Preparation and Comment Letters
Appendix 4.4 CNDDB Search
Appendix 4.7 Norco General Plan Safety Element, Existing Conditions Memo Appendix 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emission Calculation Worksheets Appendix 4.9 Hazards

4.9-1 EnviroStor Search

4.9-2 GeoTracker Search
Appendix 4.11 City of Norco Land Use/Community Character Assessment Appendix 4.13 Noise Calculation Worksheets
Appendix 4.16 Transportation

4.16-1 City of Norco Circulation and Mobility Analysis

4.16-2 Evacuation Assessment

4.16-3 Transportation Study
Appendix 4.17 Tribal Consultation

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DRAFT PEIR
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Regional Location.....................................................................................2.3 Figure 2-2 Local Vicinity ........................................................................................... 2.4 Figure 2-3 Land Use Map.......................................................................................... 2.9 Figure 2-4 Roadway Classifications........................................................................2.13 Figure 2-5 Pedestrian-Equestrian Trail Network..................................................2.14 Figure 2-6 Community Roadmap ............................................................................ 2.17 Figure 2-7 Areas of Conservation .......................................................................... 2.20 Figure 2-8 Areas of Preservation ............................................................................2.21 Figure 2-9 Areas of Enhancement ......................................................................... 2.22 Figure 2-10 Focus Areas ........................................................................................... 2.23 Figure 4.1-1 Existing Street, Park, Trail, and Open Space Network .....................4.1.3 Figure 4.1-2 Equestrian Historic District .................................................................4.1.6 Figure 4.1-3 Equestrian Landmark ...........................................................................4.1.7 Figure 4.2-1 Farmland Mapping ............................................................................... 4.2.3 Figure 4.4-1 Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types..................................... 4.4.3 Figure 4.4-2 Potential Jurisdictional Waters.......................................................... 4.4.7 Figure 4.4-3 WR-MSHCP Cores and Linkages......................................................... 4.4.8 Figure 4.5-1 Equestrian Historic District ................................................................4.5.11 Figure 4.5-2 Equestrian Landmark .........................................................................4.5.12 Figure 4.7-1 Norco Seismic Hazards........................................................................ 4.7.3 Figure 4.7-2 Norco Liquefaction Zones................................................................... 4.7.4 Figure 4.9-1 EnviroStor ............................................................................................. 4.9.3 Figure 4.9-2 GeoTracker............................................................................................4.9.4 Figure 4.9-3 Corona Municipal AIA...........................................................................4.9.9 Figure 4.10-1 FEMA Flood Hazard Zones .................................................................4.10.5 Figure 4.10-2 Dam Inundation Zones .......................................................................4.10.6 Figure 4.11-1 Regional Setting ...................................................................................4.11.3 Figure 4.11-2 Local Setting........................................................................................ 4.11.4 Figure 4.11-3 Land Use Map.......................................................................................4.11.5 Figure 4.12-1 Mineral Resource Zones in the City of Norco..................................4.12.3 Figure 4.15-1 Library and Schools ............................................................................4.15.3

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DRAFT PEIR
Figure 4.15-2 Parks.....................................................................................................4.15.6 Figure 4.15-3 Recreational Facilities ........................................................................4.15.7 Figure 4.15-4 Trail Network..................................................................................... 4.15.10 Figure 4.16-1 Roadway Classifications.....................................................................4.16.3 Figure 4.16-2 Primary Evacuation Routes................................................................4.16.7 Figure 4.16-3 Public Transportation and Transit .................................................. 4.16.10 Figure 4.16-4 Existing Bicycle Network Map ..........................................................4.16.11 Figure 4.16-5 Pedestrian-Equestrian Network...................................................... 4.16.12 Figure 4.16-6 Truck Routes...................................................................................... 4.16.15 Figure 4.19-1 Fire Hazard Severity Zones................................................................4.19.3 Figure 4.19-2 Historic Fire Perimeters .....................................................................4.19.4 Figure 4.19-3 Norco Resilient IE Evacuation Routes ............................................ 4.19.13 Figure 4.19-4 Fire Evacuation Scenario.................................................................. 4.19.14 Figure 5-1 Norconian Resort Site Existing Context ................................................5.7 Figure 5-2 Norconian Resort Site Concept ............................................................. 5.8 Figure 5-3 Norco PA VMT/Resident Map................................................................5.21 Figure 5-4 Norco OD/VMT SP Map......................................................................... 5.22 List of Tables
Table ES-1 Summary of Project Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Level of Impact After Mitigation—Norco General Plan Update PEIR.............ES.4 Table 1-1 Norco General Plan 2050–Projected Growth........................................ 1.3 Table 2-1 Land Use Designation Standards ...........................................................2.7 Table 2-2 Norco General Plan 2050–Projected Growth......................................2.10 Table 4.3-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards........................................................... 4.3.2 Table 4.3-2 Air Quality Monitoring Summary ...................................................... 4.3.20 Table 4.3-3 SCAQMD Air Quality Significance Thresholds................................. 4.3.22 Table 4.3-4 CARB Land Use Siting Constraints................................................... 4.3.24 Table 4.8-1 Description of Identified GHGs........................................................... 4.8.3 Table 4.8-2 Atmospheric Lifetimes and Global Warming Potentials ................. 4.8.6 Table 4.8-3 Estimated Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in the 2022 Scoping Plan................................................................................4.8.8

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DRAFT PEIR
Table 4.8-4 Major Climate Legislation and Executive Orders Enacted since the 2017 Scoping Plan ................................................................................4.8.9 Table 4.8-5 California GHG Inventory................................................................... 4.8.33 Table 4.8-6 City of Norco Inventory ......................................................................4.8.41 Table 4.8-7 Locally Applicable Project-Specific Efficiency Threshold ............ 4.8.42 Table 4.8-8 Forecasted Communitywide GHG Emissions..................................4.8.44 Table 4.8-9 City of Norco 2050 GPU Consistency with Applicable GHG Reduction Plans, Policies, and Regulations.......................................................4.8.47 Table 4.9-1 Open/Active Hazardous Materials Sites............................................ 4.9.5 Table 4.13-1 Existing Roadway Noise Levels (2019)..............................................4.13.4 Table 4.13-2 FHWA Noise Design Levels.................................................................4.13.8 Table 4.13-3 Noise Compatibility Standards for People.......................................4.13.9 Table 4.13-4 Sound Level Standards..................................................................... 4.13.10 Table 4.13-5 Future Roadway Noise Levels ......................................................... 4.13.16 Table 4.14-1 2000–2020 Population Trends .......................................................... 4.14.1 Table 4.14-2 Housing Units in Norco.......................................................................4.14.2 Table 4.14-3 Norco Population, Housing, and Employment .................................4.14.3 Table 4.14-4 Norco 6th Cycle RHNA Allocation.......................................................4.14.5 Table 4.14-5 SCAG and 2050 GPU Forecasted Growth.........................................4.14.9 Table 4.15-1 CNUSD Schools in Norco....................................................................4.15.2 Table 4.15.2 City of Norco Owned and Operated Facilities .................................4.15.4 Table 4.16-1 Current Roadway Classification System of the City of Norco 2000 General Plan.........................................................................................4.16.4 Table 4.16-2 Intersection Level of Service.............................................................4.16.6 Table 4.16-3 2018 CTMP Trail System Classification .......................................... 4.16.13 Table 4.16-4 Top Workplace Destinations of Norco Residents (2020)............. 4.16.16 Table 4.16-5 Full Accounting Method VMT Results.............................................4.16.29 Table 4.16-6 Half Accounting (RTAC) Method VMT Results...............................4.16.30 Table 4.16-7 Boundary Method VMT Results .......................................................4.16.30 Table 4.17-1 SB Consultation Response..................................................................4.17.1 Table 4.18-1 Projected Water Supplies...................................................................4.18.2 Table 4.18-2 Normal Water Year Supply and Demand Comparison....................4.18.2 Table 4.18-3 Retail: Multiple Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison...................4.18.3

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DRAFT PEIR
Table 4.18-4 Annual Solid Waste Disposal per Capita – Norco.........................4.18.29 Table 4.19-1 Evacuation Routes in the City of Norco ......................................... 4.19.12 Table 5-1 Norco 2010 General Plan Projected Growth......................................... 5.4 Table 5-2 Norco 2050 General Plan Projected Growth.........................................5.5 Table 5-3 Norconian Resort Site Land Uses.......................................................... 5.6 Table 5-4 Norconian Resort Site Alternative Projected Growth......................... 5.9 Table 5-5 Comparison of Project Alternatives to the Proposed Project ......... 5.24 Table 5-6 Comparison of Project Alternatives to Project Objectives .............. 5.25

PAGE ES.1

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
ES. Executive Summary
This document is a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) with respect to the proposed Norco 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) and has been prepared by the City of Norco (City) to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

CEQA requires that projects subject to an approval action by a public agency of the State of California, and that are not otherwise exempt or excluded, undergo an environmental review process to identify and evaluate potential impacts. Section 15050 of the CEQA Guidelines states that environmental review shall be conducted by the Lead Agency, defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15367 as the public agency with principal responsibility for approving a project. The project is subject to approval actions by the City, which is therefore Lead Agency for CEQA purposes.

In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15123, this section of the PEIR provides a brief description of the project; identifies significant effects and proposed mitigation measures or alternatives that would reduce or avoid those effects; and describes areas of controversy and issues to be resolved.
a. Project Objectives
Most development projects have focused objectives that reflect a need for the provision of new development, such as a school, a shopping center, or an office building; or the objectives reflect a landowner’s goals for developing to the “highest and best use.” In the case of the proposed 2050 GPU, no individual development projects are being evaluated. Rather, the 2050 General Plan is a comprehensive set of objectives to guide the growth and development of the city over the next 25 years. In a broad sense, the objectives of the project can be broken down as follows:
• Keep Norco “Norco;”
• Preserve Norco’s small-town character;
• Support and attract businesses;
• Establish a more prominent downtown environment;
• Position Norco as a prime visitor destination;
• Create safe streets and trails; and
• Expand and enhance Norco’s amenities and services.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
ES.1 Introduction
ES.2 Overview of the Proposed Project

PAGE ES.2

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
More detailed objectives of the 2050 GPU are reflected in the numerous Goals and Policies of the General Plan. These statements are referenced and listed throughout Section 4.0 (Subsections

4.1 through 4.19) of this PEIR.
b. Project Location
Norco lies approximately 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles within the northwest corner of Riverside County, near the confluence of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. The growing urban areas of San Bernardino County lie to the north and connect directly with Norco via the Interstate 15 (I-15) freeway. Orange and Los Angeles Counties lie to the west and connect to Norco via the 91 and 71 Freeways. The majority of Riverside County lies directly to the east, connecting to Norco via State Route (SR) 91 just south of the city and SR 60 approximately five miles to the north. To the south lies the rapidly urbanizing area of southwestern Riverside County that connects to Norco via the I-15 freeway. Norco is bordered by the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley to the north, Corona to the west and south, and Riverside and unincorporated Riverside County to the east. c. Project Characteristics
The City is preparing a comprehensive update of the City of Norco General Plan in response to changes in conditions in the city and new State laws enacted since the preparation of the current General Plan, such as Assembly Bill (AB) 1358 (Complete Streets), Senate Bill (SB) 99 (Evacuation Analysis), SB 379 (Climate Adaptation), SB 932 (Safe Systems), SB 1241 (Wildfire Hazards), and SB 1000 (Environmental Justice).

The 2050 General Plan includes updates of the following elements required by State Planning and Zoning Law: (1) Land Use and Community Character, including the Land Use Map; (2) Open Space; (3) Public Facilities and Services; (4) Mobility and Access; (5) Resource Conservation and Management; (6) Safety; and (7) Noise. The updates to these elements address environmental justice in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302. The City’s 2021–2029 Housing Element was certified in 2022, and no update is proposed at this time.

The 2050 General Plan includes goals, policies, and implementation actions developed based on community outreach to advance the City’s vision and community priorities. The city is largely developed at this time with equestrian-oriented, large-lot, residential neighborhoods with a rural and agricultural atmosphere. Commercial uses in the city are primarily located along Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE ES.3

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
Table ES-1, Summary of Project Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Level of Impact After Mitigation—Norco General Plan Update PEIR presents a summary of environmental impacts and any associated mitigation measures.
a. No Project/Existing General Plan Alternative
The No Project Alternative is required to discuss the existing conditions at the time the notice of preparation is published and evaluate what would reasonably be expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the proposed project is not approved (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126.6(e)).

Pursuant to CEQA, this Alternative is also based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services. Therefore, the No Project/Existing General Plan Alternative assumes that the proposed 2050 GPU would not be adopted. b. Norconian Resort Site Alternative
This alternative would implement the Norco 2050 GPU, as evaluated in this PEIR, with additional land uses on the Norconian Resort Site. It should be noted that the Norconian Resort Site Alternative would implement all the same Goals and Policies outlined in the 2050 General Plan.

The additional growth that would occur under this alternative would be associated with the Norconian Resort Site, once one of the nation’s premier destinations with a rich and layered history.

There are no areas of known controversy and no issue to be resolved. In accordance with AB 52 and SB 18, the City has consultation scheduled and is ongoing with the Pechanga Band of Indians.

ES.3 Summary of Environmental Impacts and
Mitigation Measures
ES.4 Alternatives to the Proposed Project
ES.5 Areas of Known Controversy and Issues
to be Resolved
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE ES.4

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
TABLE ES-1, SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION—

NORCO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PEIR
Future development projects will be required
to conform with applicable policies and
Municipal Code regulations, such as the Norco
Municipal Code Chapter 18.41 “Architectural
Review,” which includes design review that
assesses the extent to which the proposed
development project considers and protects
visual resources. Therefore, potential impacts
to public views or scenic vistas associated
with buildout of the 2050 GPU would be less
than significant.

The I-15 is designated as an eligible State
scenic highway that travels in a generally
north-south direction and provides views of
the Equestrian Historic District and
Equestrian Landmarks within the city, which
serve to preserve the City’s animal-keeping
and equestrian heritage. Notwithstanding,
the City would implement the Land Use and
Community Character and Conservation
policies in the 2050 General Plan to ensure
that impacts to scenic resources are reduced.

Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Aesthetics
a) Would the project have a Less than Significant Impact. substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista?
b) Would the project Less than Significant Impact.
substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not
limited to, unique mature
trees, unique rock
outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic
highway?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

PAGE ES.5

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
TABLE ES-1, SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION—

NORCO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PEIR
Although visual character would change
throughout the city with new development,
the change would be consistent with or
enhance existing surroundings and would
not be degraded. As future projects are
planned, they would adhere to the applicable
policies and regulations. Therefore, potential
impacts to visual character associated with
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Environmental Impact
c) Would the project
substantially degrade the
existing visual character or
quality of public views of the
site and its surroundings
(Public views are those that
are experienced from publicly
accessible vantage point.) If
the project is in an urbanized
area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning
and other regulations
governing scenic quality; or
d) Would the project create a
new source of substantial light
or glare which would
adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less than Significant Impact.

Less than Significant Impact.

All future development projects would be
required to comply with 2050 General Plan
policies and regulations that concern light
and glare, including lighting standards for
each zoning designation provided in the City
Municipal Code. In addition to guidance
provided by the 2050 General Plan Goals and
Policies, the City's Municipal Code Chapter

15.12 "Security and Safety Standards"
provides lighting standards regulating energy
efficiency, position, maximum illumination,
and other parameters of lighting fixtures
throughout the city.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

PAGE ES.6

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
TABLE ES-1, SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION—

NORCO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PEIR
Environmental Impact
a) Would the project convert
Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance, as
shown on the maps prepared
pursuant to the FMMP of the
California Resources Agency,
to non-agricultural use?
No Impact.

Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Agricultural Resources
There are no lands classified as Prime
Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance within the Planning
Area, there would be no impact to lands
classified as Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance following buildout of the 2050
GPU.
b) Would the project conflict with Less Than Significant Impact. existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act
contract?
c) Would the project conflict with
existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as
defined in Public Resources
Code Section 12220(g));
timberland (as defined by
Public Resources Code
Section 4526); or timberland
zoned Timberland Production
According to the California Department of
Conservation Williamson Act contract map,
there are no active Williamson Act contracts
within the city. Therefore, there would be no
conflict with an existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act contract.

No Impact.

There is no Timberland Production or
equivalent zoning district in the City of Norco,
nor are there any zoning districts in the city
that allow timber production as a use by
right. Therefore, there is no component of
the proposed 2050 GPU that has the
potential to conflict with zoning for, or cause
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
No Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

No Impact.

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Environmental Impact
(as defined by Government
Code Section 51104(g))?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
rezoning of, "forest land," "timberland," or
lands zoned Timberland Production.
d) Would the project result in the No Impact.
loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to
non-forest use?
e) Would the project involve
other changes in the existing
environment which, due to
their location or nature, could
result in conversion of
Farmland to non-agricultural
use or conversion of forest
land to non-forest use?
The City of Norco does not contain any forest
land areas within city limits, therefore, there
would be no loss of forest land because of
the proposed 2050 GPU buildout. Further,
Riverside County provides a map of forestry
resources within the County in the
Multipurpose Open Space element of their
general plan. According to the Riverside
County General Plan, the City of Norco is
designated "Cities" and does not contain
forestry resources.

No Impact.

There are no forest lands present within the
City of Norco. Therefore, buildout of the 2050
GPU would not result in significant adverse
impacts to the conversion of forest land to
non-forest use
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
No Impact.

No Impact.

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Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Air Quality
a) Would the project conflict with Less Than Significant Impact. or obstruct implementation of Future development facilitated by the 2050 the applicable air quality plan? GPU would continue to be subject to b) Would the project result in a
cumulatively net increase of
any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is nonattainment under an
applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard?
applicable SCAQMD regulations, the Norco
Municipal Code, and project-specific
environmental review, as appropriate.

Accordingly, the 2050 GPU would not conflict
with or obstruct implementation of the AQMP
or other applicable regional air quality
planning efforts. Therefore, impacts would be
less than significant.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Future discretionary development projects
facilitated by the 2050 GPU would continue
to undergo project-specific review and would
be required to comply with applicable
SCAQMD regulations. Through
implementation of the 2050 General Plan's
land use framework, Goal C-7 and associated
Air Quality Element policies, and applicable
regulatory requirements, the 2050 GPU
would support regional efforts to attain
applicable air quality standards and would
not result in a cumulatively considerable
contribution to regional criteria pollutant
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Future development projects with the
potential to expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations would
continue to be evaluated during projectspecific environmental review and would be required to comply with applicable SCAQMD
regulations and other regulatory
requirements. Through implementation of
Goal C-7, associated Air Quality Element
policies, and applicable regulatory
requirements, exposure of sensitive
receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations would be minimized.

Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant.

Future development projects would continue
to be subject to applicable SCAQMD
regulations, the Norco Municipal Code, and
project-specific review processes intended to
minimize nuisance conditions and land use
compatibility conflicts. Because odorgenerating emissions associated with future development would generally be localized,
Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
emissions. Therefore, impacts would be less
than significant.
c) Would the project expose Less Than Significant Impact. sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant
concentrations?
d) Would the project result in Less Than Significant Impact. other emissions (such as
those leading to odors)
adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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intermittent, and subject to existing
regulatory controls, implementation of the
2050 GPU would not result in odor impacts
affecting a substantial number of people.

Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant.

As future development is planned, it must
also adhere to applicable 2050 GPU policies
and regulations; the intent of which is to
provide the protection and conservation of
sensitive natural communities and species.

Adherence to these and other policies would
ensure that riparian habitats are maintained,
and impacts are minimized. Impacts to
Environmental Impact
a) Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect,
either directly or through
habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the CDFW
or USFWS?
b) Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect on
any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional
plans, policies, and
regulations or by the CDFW or
USFWS?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Biological Resources
Less Than Significant Impact.

As future development is planned, it must
also adhere to applicable 2050 GPU policies.

Adherence to 2050 GPU policies would
ensure that sensitive species are protected
and impacts to these sensitive species would
be less than significant.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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sensitive vegetation communities and
riparian habitat associated with development
facilitated by the 2050 GPU would be less
than significant.

Future developments would be required to
comply with applicable Federal, State, and
regional laws and regulations that concern
the preservation of significant wildlife
movement corridors, including the WRMSHCP, MBTA, and CEQA. As future projects are planned, they must adhere to applicable
2050 General Plan policies and regulations,
which would ensure that land use and
development regulations are applied to
reduce developmental impacts to sensitive
biological areas such as wildlife movement
Environmental Impact
c) Would the project have a
substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands
as defined by Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (including,
but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or
other means?
d) Would the project interfere
substantially with the
movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with
established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Direct impacts would require a Section 404
permit for impacts to U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional waters, and a
Section 1602 Streambed Alteration
Agreement for impacts to CDFW jurisdictional
waters, and a Section 401 Water Quality
Certification for impacts to RWQCB
jurisdictional waters.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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corridors. Accordingly, impacts to wildlife
corridors would be less than significant.

All future development would be required to
undergo project-specific environmental
review pursuant to CEQA, which requires an
evaluation of impacts with respect to conflict
with the WR-MSHCP and mitigation for
significant impacts. As future projects are
planned, they must adhere to applicable
2050 General Plan policies. Therefore, future
development would not conflict with the WRMSHCP, and impacts associated with growth forecast under the 2050 GPU would be less
than significant.

Environmental Impact
e) Would the project conflict with
any local policies or
ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as
tree preservation
policy/ordinance?
f) Would the project conflict with
the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or
state habitat conservation
plan?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Development facilitated by the 2050 GPU
would adhere to Conservation Element
Policies of the 2050 General Plan, which would
ensure that potential impacts to biological
resources within the city are taken into
consideration and reduced or minimized in
conjunction with future development.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Cultural Resources
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Conformance with specific 2050 General Plan
policies would ensure that new development
would preserve and take into consideration
historical resources, such as the City’s
Equestrian Historic District and Equestrian
Landmark, and Beacon Hill, when proposed.

Therefore, potential impacts to historical
resources associated with growth
accommodated by the 2050 GPU would be
less than significant.

No mitigation measures
are required.

All development facilitated by the 2050 GPU
would be required to adhere to existing
regulations regarding the treatment of
human remains. Thus, impacts on human
No mitigation measures are
required.

Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
a) Would the project cause a Less than Significant Impact. substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical
resource pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines §15064.5?
b) Would the project cause a
substantial adverse change in
the significance of an
archaeological resource
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
§15064.5?
Less Than Significant Impact.

Accordingly, while future development
facilitated by the 2050 GPU could result in
impacts to archaeological resources, such
impacts would be addressed through projectlevel environmental review, regulatory compliance, and implementation of the Goals
and Policies of the 2050 General Plan.

Therefore, impacts on archaeological
resources would be less than significant.
c) Would the project disturb any Less Than Significant Impact. human remains, including
those interred outside of
dedicated cemeteries?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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remains, including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries, would be less than
significant.

The 2050 GPU would accommodate future
growth within the city's existing boundaries
while promoting renewable energy
development, energy efficiency,
electrification, active transportation, and
efficient utility planning. As a result,
implementation of the 2050 GPU would
support, rather than obstruct, the objectives
Environmental Impact
a) Would the project result in a
potentially significant
environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of
energy resources, during
project construction or
operation?
b) Would the project conflict with
or obstruct a state or local
plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Energy
Less Than Significant Impact.

Although implementation of the 2050 GPU
would increase overall energy demand as a
result of planned growth within the city, the
increase would be consistent with projected
population, housing, and employment growth
and would occur within a framework of
energy-efficient land use planning, renewable
energy development, utility infrastructure
planning, building electrification, active
transportation improvements, and
mandatory State energy efficiency
requirements.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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of applicable State and local plans related to
renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Therefore, the 2050 GPU would not conflict
with or obstruct a State or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency, and
impacts would be less than significant.

As future projects are planned and
developed, they will be required to adhere to
the 2050 General Plan policies and applicable
State laws and local regulations. Therefore,
potential soil erosion impacts associated with
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Projects in areas with known potential for soil
erosion would be required to prepare a sitespecific geotechnical investigation and soils report, per Policy C-8.1, as well as adhere to
the grading and other recommendations to
minimize impacts associated with erodible
soils. As future projects are planned and
Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Geology and Soils
a) Would the project directly or Less Than Significant Impact. indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving
rupture of a known
earthquake fault; strong
seismic ground shaking;
seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction; or
landslides?
b) Would the project result in Less Than Significant Impact. substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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developed, they will be required to adhere to
the 2050 General Plan policies and applicable
State laws and local regulations. Therefore,
potential soil erosion impacts associated with
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Environmental Impact
c) Would the project be located
or occur on a geologic unit or
soil that is unstable, or that
would become unstable as a
result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or offsite landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction, or collapse?
d) Would the project be located
on expansive soil, as defined
in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994), creating
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Projects in areas with known geologic
instability conditions would be required to
prepare a site-specific geotechnical
investigation and soils report, per Policy C-8.1,
as well as adhere to the grading and other
recommendations to minimize impacts
associated with unstable soils. This would
ensure that potential site-specific liquefaction
hazards are identified and properly mitigated
prior to development. As future projects are
planned and developed, they will be required
to adhere to the 2050 General Plan policies
and applicable State laws and local
regulations. Therefore, potential geologic
instability impacts associated with the 2050
GPU would be less than significant.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of 2050 General Plan policies,
compliance with the CBC, City ordinances and
established development and engineering
standards and codes, as well as conformance
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
substantial direct or indirect
risks to life or property?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
to the recommendations of a site-specific
geotechnical report, would help minimize
risks in conjunction with future development
related to expansive soils. Therefore,
potential expansive soil impacts associated
with growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU
would be less than significant.
e) Would the project have soils Less Than Significant Impact. incapable of adequately Ref See discussion in Threshold c), above. supporting the use of septic
tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not
available for the disposal of
water?
f) Would the project directly or
indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic
features?
Less Than Significant Impact.

Future development could result in direct
impacts on paleontological resources should
grading occur in areas of high paleontological
sensitivity. Construction activities such as
grading and excavation may result in
accidental destruction or disturbance of
paleontological resources. Buildout of the
2050 GPU would implement Policy OSC 18. 1,
which requires paleontological resource
assessments for development projects in
areas with moderate to high paleontological
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
a) Would the project generate
GHG emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the
environment?
b) Would the project conflict with
an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the
emissions of GHGs?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
sensitivity, and implement appropriate
measures to avoid, minimize, document, and
preserve significant paleontological resources
and unique geologic features discovered
during construction, consistent with
applicable State regulations and professional
standards.

Mitigation Measures
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Less Than Significant Impact.

Growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU
would result in GHG emissions from
transportation, residential and commercial
energy use, solid waste disposal, and water
conveyance associated with an increase in
households, employment, and population
through 2050. However, as demonstrated
below, these emissions would not result in a
significant impact on the environment.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Growth forecast under the 2050 GPU would
not conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A
conflict with a GHG reduction plan occurs
when a project creates conditions under
which the goals of the applicable plan, policy,
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
a) Would the project create a
significant hazard to the
public or the environment
through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
or regulation could not be achieved. As
demonstrated below, the GPU's land use
policies, General Plan Goals and Policies, and
the City's continued participation in
applicable regional and subregional
programs support, rather than obstruct, the
GHG reduction goals established in the 2022
CARB Scoping Plan.

Mitigation Measures
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Less Than Significant Impact.

Future development would be required to
comply with applicable Federal and State laws
and regional regulations pertaining to the
transport, use, disposal, and accidental
release of hazardous materials, including but
not limited to CERCLA, RCRA, Title 22 of the
California Public Health and Safety Code, the
UFC, and Chapter 15.09 of the City's Municipal
Code which requires adherence to State fire
laws and the Fire Chief regarding the storage,
use, and handling of hazardous materials.

Adherence to the 2050 General Plan policies
listed above would ensure that all hazardous
materials transported through the city are
along designated routes and avoid sensitive
land uses. As future projects are planned and
developed, they must adhere to the 2050
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
b) Would the project create a
significant hazard to the
public or the environment
through reasonably
foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving
the release of hazardous
materials into the
environment?
c) Would the project emit
hazardous emissions or
handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within
one-quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
General Plan policies and applicable Federal
and State laws and local regulations.

Therefore, potential hazardous materials
impacts associated with the 2050 GPU would
be less than significant.

Less Than Significant Impact.

See discussion in Threshold a), above.

Less Than Significant Impact.

All future development would be required to
comply with applicable Federal and State laws
and regional regulations. Compliance with
requirements of the HMMS and existing
applicable Federal, State, and regional
regulations, as well as adherence to
applicable policies of the 2050 General Plan,
would minimize the risks associated with
exposure of sensitive receptors within
schools to hazardous materials. Accordingly,
impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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As future projects are planned and
developed, they must adhere to the 2050
General Plan policies and applicable Federal
and State laws and local regulations
discussed above. Therefore, potential
impacts of development of a site included on
a list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 associated with the 2050 GPU would
be less than significant.

No mitigation measures are
required
While the Planning Area is within the AIA for
the Corona Municipal Airport, development
facilitated by the 2050 GPU would adhere to
the requirements of the Corona Municipal
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, as well
as other applicable Federal and local
regulations which ensure public safety.

Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant.

Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
d) Would the project be located Less Than Significant Impact. on a site which is included on
a list of hazardous materials
sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result,
would create a significant
hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) Would the project be located
within an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not
been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or
public use airport, resulting in
a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the
project area?
f) Would the project impair
implementation of or
physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response
Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Future development would be reviewed and
approved by the Riverside County Fire
Department prior to issuance of building
permits to ensure that it would not preclude
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
a) Would the project violate any
water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements
or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground
water quality?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
or interfere with emergency access or fail to
comply with fire department standards.

Adherence to Resilient IE and 2050 General
Plan policies would ensure that the City's
emergency response plan and City
ordinances are updated regularly to reflect
current evacuation and emergency
procedures.

Hydrology
Less Than Significant Impact.

The NPDES General Construction permit
requires preparation and implementation of
SWPPP and WQMP, which must include
erosion and sediment control BMPs that
would meet or exceed measures required by
the NPDES General Permit, as well as BMPs
that control hydrocarbons, trash and debris,
and other potential construction-related
pollutants. Chapter 15 of the City Municipal
Code also provides regulations for
stormwater management and discharge
control, including proof of compliance with
the NPDES permits prior to the issuance of
grading, development, or occupancy permits.

As future projects are planned, they must
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
b) Would the project
substantially decrease
groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such
that the project may impede
sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?
c) Would the project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or
area, including through the
alteration of the course of a
stream or river, or through
the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which
would:
i. Result in substantial erosion
or siltation on- or off-site?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
adhere to the 2050 General Plan policies and
regulations.

Less Than Significant Impact.

As future projects are planned, they must
adhere to the 2050 General Plan policies and
applicable local, State, and Federal
regulations and requirements. Therefore,
potential impacts to groundwater recharge
associated with growth accommodated by
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Future development projects would be
required to comply with applicable laws and
regulations that concern stormwater runoff
and protection of drainage patterns,
including the City Municipal Code. Chapter 17
of the City's Municipal Code controls the
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Future development projects would be
required to comply with applicable laws and
regulations that concern flooding, including
the Municipal Code. As future projects are
planned, they must adhere to 2050 General
Plan policies and regulations. Therefore,
potential impacts relative to impeding or
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance Mitigation Measures Level of Significance Environmental Impact Before Mitigation After Mitigation development of drainage facilities. As future
projects are planned, they must adhere to
the 2050 General Plan policies and
regulations. Therefore, potential impacts
associated with the 2050 GPU would be less
than significant.
ii. Substantially increase the Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are Less Than Significant rate or amount of surface
runoff in a manner which
See discussion in Threshold i), above. required. Impact. would result in flooding onor off-site?
iii. Create or contribute runoff Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are Less Than Significant water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or
See discussion in Threshold i), above. required. Impact. planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide
substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
iv. Impede or redirect flood Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are Less Than Significant flows? required. Impact.

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redirecting flood flows associated with the
2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Environmental Impact
d) Would the project result in
flood hazard, tsunami, or
seiche zones, risk release of
pollutants due to project
inundation?
e) Would the project conflict with
or obstruct implementation of
a water quality control plan or
sustainable groundwater
management plan?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

In addition to compliance with mandatory
California Building Code requirements,
implementation of Goals and Policies of the
2050 General Plan would help ensure proper
siting and design in accordance with the
California Building Code requirements, which
would be constructed to minimize risk of
pollutant release due to project inundation,
as well as provide adequate stormwater
infrastructure for flood control.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Construction and operation of the
development envisioned under the 2050
GPU would not violate any water quality
standards or waste discharge requirements
or otherwise substantially degrade water
quality. Implementation of projects under the
2050 GPU would be restricted to projects for
which sufficient water supplies have been
secured and approved.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
a) Would the project physically
divide an established
community?
b) Would the project cause a
significant environmental
impact due to a conflict with
any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental
effect?
a) Would the project result in the
loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would
be of value to the region and
the residents of the state?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Land Use and Planning
Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mineral Resources
Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of the proposed 2050
General Plan would not result in the loss of
availability of a known mineral resource that
would be of value to the region or the
residents of the State, nor would it result in
the loss of availability of a locally important
mineral resource recovery site. The proposed
2050 General Plan would allow future mineral
resource extraction activities that are
compatible with surrounding land uses.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Because implementation of the 2050 GPU
would continue to require compliance with
the City’s Municipal Code and applicable Noise
Element policies intended to reduce
Environmental Impact
b) Would the project result in the
loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a
local general plan, specific
plan or other land use plan?
a) Would the development
facilitated by the project result
in exposure of persons to
noise levels in excess of
applicable noise standards?
b) Would the project result in
exposure of persons to or
generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

See discussion in Threshold a), above.

Noise
Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU
would continue to require future
discretionary development projects to
comply with the City's Municipal Code, Noise
Element policies, and applicable development
review procedures intended to evaluate and
reduce stationary noise impacts. Through
implementation of these policies and existing
regulatory requirements, the 2050 GPU
would minimize the potential for substantial
stationary noise conflicts between future
development and existing noise-sensitive
land uses.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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groundborne noise and vibration impacts,
exposure of persons to excessive
groundborne noise or vibration levels would
be less than significant.

Future discretionary development projects
implemented under the 2050 GPU would
continue to undergo project specific review
to evaluate potential operational noise
impacts and ensure consistency with the
City’s Municipal Code and General Plan Noise
Element policies. Therefore, implementation
of the proposed 2050 GPU would not result
in a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels above levels existing
without the project, and impacts would be
less than significant.

Environmental Impact
c) Would the project result in
substantial permanent
increase in ambient noise
levels above levels existing
without the project?
d) Would the project result in a
substantial temporary or
periodic increase in ambient
noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of the Municipal Code
requirements and Noise Element policies
would reduce the potential for substantial
temporary or periodic increases in ambient
noise levels associated with future
development under the 2050 GPU. In
addition, future discretionary development
projects with the potential to generate
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance Mitigation Measures Level of Significance Environmental Impact Before Mitigation After Mitigation substantial temporary construction noise
would continue to undergo project specific
review to evaluate potential impacts and
identify feasible mitigation measures, where
necessary.
e) For a project located in an Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are Less Than Significant airport land use plan or, Future discretionary development projects required. Impact. where such a plan has not located within airport influence areas will been adopted, within two continue to undergo project specific review miles of a public airport or for consistency with applicable airport landpublic use airport, would the use compatibility requirements and noise project expose people standards. Through compliance with the residing or working in the Riverside County ALUCP, the City's Municipal project area to excessive Code, and applicable Noise Element policies, noise levels? implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU
would not expose people residing or working
within the project area to excessive airport
related noise levels. Therefore, impacts would
be less than significant.

Population and Housing
a) Would the project induce Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are Less Than Significant substantial unplanned As the 2050 GPU includes a more required. Impact. population growth in an area, conservative population and housing growth either directly (for example, by forecast compared to SCAG 2050 projections, proposing new homes and implementation of the 2050 GPU would not businesses) or indirectly (for result in substantial unplanned population

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Environmental Impact
example, through extension
of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Would the project displace
substantial numbers of
existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction
of replacement housing
elsewhere?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
growth or a substantial increase in housing
demand beyond what is anticipated and
planned for within the city. Further, the
acreage of residential land uses designated
by the 2050 GPU is consistent with State
requirements that a general plan provides
appropriately designated land to
accommodate future housing demand.

Less Than Significant Impact.

The 2050 GPU does not propose any largescale public works projects, such as new roadways, airports, reservoirs, utilities, or
other infrastructure that would result in the
displacement of existing housing. Given that
the Norco 2050 GPU includes Goals and
Policies to increase overall housing in the city
and that there are no current plans for
displacement of housing, it is not known
when or where construction of replacement
housing would occur so it cannot be
determined what project-specific
environmental impacts would result from the
construction and operation of replacement
housing. As potential residential development
or redevelopment projects are identified,
additional project-specific environmental
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Adherence to the proposed 2050 General
Plan Goals and Policies would ensure that
future development incorporates adequate
fire protection infrastructure, emergency
access, water supply capacity, and emergency
response planning to reduce potential
impacts related to fire protection services.

Environmental Impact
a) Would the project result in
substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically
altered government facilities,
need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities,
the construction of which
could cause significant
environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times,
or other performance
objectives for any of the
public services:
i. Fire protection?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
analysis, as necessary, would be completed at
that time.

Mitigation Measures
Public Services and Recreation
Less Than Significant Impact.

No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Therefore, impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered fire
protection facilities would be less significant
with implementation of General Plan policies.

No new police facilities are specifically
proposed as part of implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan. However, future
growth accommodated by the proposed
2050 General Plan could increase demand for
police protection services and may require
additional staffing, equipment, facility
improvements, or expanded emergency
response capabilities over time. Adherence to
the Goals and Policies of the proposed 2050
General Plan would ensure impacts
associated with the provision of new or
physically altered police facilities would be
less than significant.

Potential environmental impacts associated
with future school facility construction would
be evaluated on a project-specific basis, as
applicable. Future development would also
continue to comply with applicable State
requirements regarding school impact fees
Environmental Impact
ii. Police protection?
iii. Schools?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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and school facility planning. Implementation
of the proposed Goals and Policies would
support coordination with the Corona-Norco
Unified School District to plan for future
educational facility needs. Impacts would be
less than significant.

No new library or public facilities are
specifically proposed as part of the proposed
2050 General Plan. Because the proposed
2050 General Plan is a program-level planning
document, the precise timing, location, and
design of future public facilities are not
known at this time. Future public facility
improvements would be evaluated on a
specific basis, as applicable. Impacts would
be less than significant.

Because the proposed 2050 General Plan
includes policies intended to maintain and
expand recreational resources while planning
for future growth, implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not result
in substantial deterioration of existing
recreational facilities or create significant
adverse physical environmental effects
Environmental Impact
iv. Other public facilities?
b) Would the project increase
the use of existing
neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be
accelerated?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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associated with new or expanded
recreational facilities. Therefore, impacts
related to parks and recreation would be less
than significant.

Implementation of policies requiring traffic
impact studies, Complete Streets design,
multimodal connectivity, transit coordination,
and context-sensitive street design would
support an integrated circulation system
serving all travel modes. Implementation of
these policies, together with future projectlevel transportation analysis and review, would ensure that future development
remains consistent with applicable circulation
system plans, ordinances, and policies.

Therefore, the proposed 2050 General Plan
would not conflict with an applicable
Environmental Impact
c) Does the project include
recreational facilities or
require the construction or
expansion of recreational
facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the
environment?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

See discussion in Threshold b), above.

Transportation
a) Would the project conflict with Less Than Significant Impact. a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the
circulation system, including
transit, roadway, bicycle, and
pedestrian facilities?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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program, plan, ordinance, or policy
addressing the circulation system. Impacts
would be less than significant.

Implementation of the proposed Circulation
Element policies would further support
reductions in VMT by promoting mixed-use
and transit-supportive development patterns,
expanding bicycle and pedestrian
connectivity, improving access to transit
services, and encouraging alternatives to
single-occupancy vehicle travel. Policies
related to active transportation, future
mobility corridors, regional transit
coordination, and vehicle miles reduction
would support long-term transportation
efficiency and reduce reliance on automobile
travel throughout the city. Compliance with
these policies, combined with
implementation of future transportation
Environmental Impact
b) Would the project conflict or
be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines§ 15064.3,
subdivision (b)?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

The Transportation Study found that the
RIVCOM predicts VMT/SP to decrease in the
future due to improved development and
transportation patterns, and the proposed
2050 General Plan is expected to produce
VMT at a rate that would not result in a
significant impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

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improvements and development review
procedures, would help ensure consistency
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3,
subdivision (b).

Therefore, based on the findings of the
Transportation Study and implementation of
the proposed 2050 General Plan Goals and
Policies supporting multimodal
transportation and VMT reduction, the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not
conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3,
subdivision (b). Impacts related to vehicle
miles traveled would be less than significant.

Although future development accommodated
by the proposed 2050 General Plan may
incrementally increase traffic and modify
portions of the circulation network,
compliance with applicable roadway design
standards, implementation of proposed 2050
General Plan policies, and project-level review
procedures would ensure the proposed 2050
General Plan would not substantially increase
hazards due to a geometric design feature or
incompatible uses. Impacts would be less
than significant.

Environmental Impact
c) Would the project
substantially increase hazards
due to a geometric design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Compliance with applicable roadway design
standards, coordination with CAL
FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, and
implementation of evacuation planning and
roadway improvement strategies identified in
the Evacuation Assessment would support
continued emergency access and evacuation
operations throughout the city. Therefore,
while future development facilitated by the
proposed 2050 General Plan may
incrementally increase travel demand within
the circulation system, implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not
substantially impair emergency response or
evacuation capabilities. Impacts would be less
than significant.

Conformance with specific 2050 General Plan
policies would ensure that new development
would preserve and consider historical
resources, such as the City’s Equestrian
Historic District and Equestrian Landmark,
and Beacon Hill, when proposed. Therefore,
potential impacts on historical resources
Environmental Impact
d) Would the project result in
inadequate emergency
access?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

Tribal Cultural Resources
a) Is the project listed as eligible Less Than Significant Impact. No mitigation measures are for listing in the California required.

Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources
as defined in Public Resources
Code Section 5020.1 (k)?
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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associated with growth accommodated by
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Environmental Impact
b) Is the project a resource
determined by the lead
agency, in its discretion and
supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth
in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section
5024.1? In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision
(c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to
a California Native American
tribe.
a) Would the project require or
result in the relocation or
construction of new or
expanded water, wastewater
treatment or storm water
drainage, electric power,
natural gas, or
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Pursuant to SB 18 and AB 52, Native
American tribes were contacted early in the
2050 GPU process to ensure that tribal
resources were adequately considered. No
sacred uses/tribal cultural resources have
been identified in Tribal communications. As
future projects are planned, they must
adhere to applicable 2050 General Plan
policies and regulations; therefore, potential
impacts to tribal cultural resources
associated with growth accommodated by
the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Utilities
Less Than Significant Impact.

Water. Based on the City's 2020 UWMP, which
demonstrates that available water supplies
would substantially exceed projected
demand under normal, single-dry, and
multiple dry-year conditions, and with
implementation of the proposed 2050
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact
telecommunications facilities,
the construction or relocation
of which could cause
significant environmental
effects?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
General Plan policies related to water supply
reliability, conservation, infrastructure
maintenance, and regional coordination, the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not
require new or expanded water treatment
facilities beyond those already planned.

Adequate water supplies would be available
to serve the implementation of the proposed
2050 General Plan and reasonably
foreseeable future development.

Wastewater Treatment. Sufficient treatment
capacity is expected to remain available to
serve projected growth. As discussed above,
average daily wastewater flows are projected
to increase from approximately 1.8 MGD to
approximately 2.1 MGD under buildout
conditions, representing an increase of
approximately 0.3 MGD. Even with this
increase, projected flows would remain below
the city's available treatment capacity of 2.7
MGD and conveyance capacity of 2.5 MGD,
utilizing approximately 78 percent and 84
percent of those capacities, respectively.

Stormwater Drainage. Implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not
require new or expanded stormwater
drainage facilities that would result in
Mitigation Measures
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation

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Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
significant environmental effects, and impacts
would be less than significant.

Electric Power. With implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan Goals and
Policies related to system maintenance,
demand management, and energy efficiency,
impacts associated with the need for new or
expanded electric power facilities would be
less than significant.

Natural Gas. SoCalGas would be able to
accommodate the projected increase in
demand associated with implementation of
the proposed 2050 General Plan, and impacts
related to natural gas infrastructure would be
less than significant.

Telecommunication Facilities. Through
implementation of the proposed 2050
General Plan policies related to
telecommunications facility siting,
undergrounding, infrastructure sharing, and
public safety, adequate telecommunications
infrastructure would be available to serve
future development, and impacts related to
telecommunications facilities would be less
than significant.

Mitigation Measures
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation

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Environmental Impact
b) Would the project have
sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project
and reasonably foreseeable
future development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry
years?
c) Would the project result in a
determination by the
wastewater treatment
provider, which serves or may
serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve
the project's projected
demand in addition to the
provider's existing
commitments?
d) Would the project generate
solid waste in excess of state
or local standards, or in
excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise
impair the attainment of solid
waste reduction goals?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

See discussion in Threshold a), above.

Less Than Significant Impact.

See discussion in Threshold a), above.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Because the amount of solid waste that
would be generated from implementation of
the proposed 2050 General Plan would
remain below the permitted daily capacity of
the El Sobrante Landfill, and the proposed
2050 General Plan contains a goal and policies
intended to promote recycling, organics
diversion, and waste reduction, impacts
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

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Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
related to landfill capacity and solid waste
disposal would be less than significant.
e) Would the project comply with Less Than Significant Impact. federal, state, and local
management and reduction
statutes and regulations
related to solid waste?
a) Would the project
substantially impair an
adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
See discussion in Threshold d), above.

Wildfire
Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of the proposed 2050
General Plan would facilitate additional
development within areas of the city,
including locations in or adjacent to Very High
Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the wildlandurban interface. However, the proposed 2050 General Plan includes policies intended to
improve emergency access, evacuation
planning, and emergency response
coordination. In addition, future development
projects would be required to comply with
applicable fire and building code
requirements and would be subject to review
by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire
Department to ensure adequate emergency
access and evacuation capabilities are
maintained.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

PAGE ES.43

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
TABLE ES-1, SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION—

NORCO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PEIR
Environmental Impact
b) Would the project due to
slope, prevailing winds, and
other factors, exacerbate
wildfire risks, and thereby
expose project occupants to
pollutant concentrations from
a wildfire or the uncontrolled
spread of a wildfire?
c) Would the project require the
installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure
(such as roads, fuel breaks,
emergency water resources,
power lines or other utilities)
that may exacerbate fire risk
or that may result in
temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
Less Than Significant Impact.

Implementation of the proposed 2050
General Plan would facilitate future
development within areas of the city,
including areas located in or adjacent to Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the
wildland-urban interface. However, the
proposed 2050 General Plan includes policies
requiring fire-safe development standards,
defensible space, vegetation management,
emergency preparedness planning, and
coordination with CAL FIRE/Riverside County
Fire Department. In addition, future
development would be required to comply
with applicable fire and building code
requirements intended to reduce wildfire
risk.

Less Than Significant Impact.

Compliance with applicable regulations,
including the California Fire Code, Public
Resources Code Sections 4290 and 4291,
and other fire safety standards, would reduce
potential wildfire and environmental impacts
associated with infrastructure installation and
maintenance. As discussed above, the
proposed 2050 General Plan includes policies
requiring fire-safe development standards,
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.

No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

Less Than Significant
Impact.

PAGE ES.44

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
TABLE ES-1, SUMMARY OF PROJECT IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION—

NORCO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PEIR
Compliance with applicable regulations,
including building and fire codes, would
reduce potential risks associated with postfire flooding, erosion, debris flows, and slope instability. Therefore, implementation of the
proposed 2050 General Plan would not
expose people or structures to substantial
risks associated with post-fire conditions, and
impacts would be less than significant.

Environmental Impact Level of Significance
Before Mitigation
vegetation management, fuel modification
measures, and coordination with CAL
FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

Compliance with these policies and
regulations would reduce potential impacts
associated with infrastructure improvements
and maintenance activities.
d) Would the project expose Less Than Significant Impact. people or structures to
significant risks, including
downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a
result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage
changes?
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are
required.
@~iBJm CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Level of Significance
After Mitigation
Less Than Significant
Impact.

PAGE 1.1

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction

1. Introduction
The City of Norco is the Lead Agency responsible for preparing this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed City of Norco 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) Project. This section provides information on the background of the 2050 GPU; the environmental review process being conducted by the City of Norco for the 2050 GPU; and the organization and content of this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR).

As Lead Agency, the City has determined that a PEIR shall be prepared for the Project, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section 15168). In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15168, a PEIR may be prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project, including future development of public and private projects, to the extent it contemplates and adequately analyzes the potential environmental impacts of each subsequent action. Additionally, the CEQA Guidelines identify the following advantages to preparing a PEIR for a project that meets the criteria described above:
1) Provide an occasion for a more exhaustive consideration of effects and alternatives than would be practical in an EIR on an individual action,
2) Ensure consideration of cumulative impacts that might be slighted in a case-by case analysis,
3) Avoid duplicative reconsideration of basic policy considerations, and 4) Allow the lead agency to consider broad policy alternatives and program wide mitigation measures at an early time when the agency has greater flexibility to deal with basic problems or cumulative impacts, (5) Allow reduction in paperwork (Section 15168[b]).

This PEIR is an informational document that provides decision-makers, public agencies, and the public with detailed information about the potential significant adverse environmental impacts of the project. By recognizing the environmental impacts, decision-makers will have a better understanding of the physical and environmental changes that would accompany the approval of the 2050 GPU.

The 2050 GPU includes goals, policies and associated implementation programs that would serve to reduce potential environmental impacts from future development consistent with the General Plan.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

1.1 Program Environmental Impact Report

PAGE 1.2

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
As part of the PEIR and included as Section 6, Alternatives to the proposed land use and circulation changes associated with the 2050 GPU. These alternative development scenarios may further reduce or avoid significant impacts associated with the 2050 GPU.

A general plan is a State-required legal document (Government Code Section 65300) that guides decisions of local elected and appointed officials (decision-makers) when making determinations about the allocation of resources and the future physical form and character of development in cities and counties. It is the official statement of a jurisdiction regarding the extent and types of development needed to achieve a community’s vision for physical, economic, social, and environmental goals. State law requires that the general plan includes an integrated and internally consistent set of goals, policies, standards, programs, and diagrams. State law and guidelines require that general plans should be maintained and amended or updated periodically as conditions and needs change.

The following provides a general summary of the location of the 2050 GPU, a minor project description, and project growth due to the 2050 GPU.
a. Project Location
The City of Norco is located in Western Riverside County, approximately 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles along the Interstate 15 freeway between Interstate 60 and State Route 91. Norco is bordered by the Santa Ana River and the Cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley to the north, by the City of Corona to the west and south, and the City of Riverside and unincorporated Riverside County to the east. The City of Norco is approximately 9,000 acres or 14 square miles in area. b. Project Description
The City is preparing a comprehensive update of the Norco General Plan in response to changes in conditions in the city and new State laws enacted since the preparation of the current General Plan, such as Assembly Bill (AB) 1358 (Complete Streets), Senate Bill (SB) 99 (Evacuation Analysis), SB 379 (Climate Adaptation), SB 932 (Safe Systems), SB 1241 (Wildfire Hazards), and SB 1000 (Environmental Justice).

The 2050 General Plan includes updates of the following elements required by State Planning and Zoning Law: (1) Land Use and Community Character, including the Land Use Map; (2) Circulation ; (3) Infrastructure and Facilities(4) Open Space and Conservation; (5) Safety; and (6) Noise. The updates to these elements address environmental justice in accordance with California Government Code Section 65302. The City’s 2021–2029 Housing Element was certified in 2022, and no update is proposed at this time.

The 2050 General Plan includes goals, policies, and implementation actions developed based on community outreach to advance the City’s vision and community priorities. The city is largely fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

1.2 Overview of 2050 General Plan Update

PAGE 1.3

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
developed at this time with residential agricultural neighborhoods with a rural, equestrianoriented atmosphere. Commercial uses in the city are primarily located along Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road.
c. Projected Growth
The 2050 General Plan addresses growth projected through 2050 for the city as presented below which includes individual development projects that have been approved but not developed and future growth that could occur by the year 2050 on vacant and underutilized parcels land in the city. Table 1-1, Norco General Plan 2050–Projected Growth represent the anticipated growth to occur under full development of the 2050 GPU.

TABLE 1-1, NORCO GENERAL PLAN 2050–PROJECTED GROWTH
Based on community input, the General Plan Goals and Policies focus on maintaining the existing character of the city’s residential neighborhoods, establishing a more prominent downtown that is consistent with the character of the community, maintaining and enhancing the city’s parks and community facilities, continuing to conserve the city’s natural open space, particularly along the Santa Ana River and Norco Hills, and enhancing Norco as a destination offering equestrian and agricultural experiences, including events that celebrate Norco’s heritage and Western traditions.

The scope of analysis for this PEIR was determined by the City of Norco through preliminary review and a scoping and public outreach process. The NOP was distributed for a 30-day public review period which occurred from November 20, 2024, to December 20, 2024. The City of Norco held a scoping meeting in conjunction with the NOP to present the project and solicit feedback from the public and agency representatives. The scoping meeting was held December 3, 2024 between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Norco Council Chambers Through the input provided by the City of Norco in these scoping activities, it was determined that the 2050 GPU would have the potential to result in significant environmental impacts in the following issue areas:
• Aesthetics • Land Use and Planning
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Scenario City Area Households Jobs Population (acres)
Existing Conditions 9,808 7,147 15,006 25,389
Growth from Proposed Land Use Plan 0 +1, 110 +1,794 +3,106 Projected Total by Year 2050 9,808 8,257 16,800 28,495

1.3 Purpose and Legal Authority

PAGE 1.4

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
• Air Quality • Noise
• Biological Resources • Population and Housing
• Cultural Resources • Public Services and Recreation
• Energy • Transportation
• Geology and Soils • Tribal Cultural Resources
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Utilities and Service Systems • Hazards and Hazardous Materials • Wildfire
• Hydrology and Water Quality
CEQA requires that the Lead Agency provide the public and other public agencies with the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft PEIR. The City is providing a 45-day period for review and comment on this Draft PEIR, starting August 14, 2026 and ending on September 28, 2026.

This Draft PEIR have been submitted to the State Clearinghouse for reivew by State agencies, responsible agencies, other public agencies, and to all interested parties that have requested notice and copies of the Draft PEIR.

The Draft PEIR is also available for review at the following locations:
• City of Norco Community Development Department, 2870 Clark Avenue, Norco, California, 92860
• Norco Community Library, 3240 Hamner Avenue, Suite 101B, Norco, California, 92860 In addition, the Draft PEIR is available on the City’s website at:

Written comments on the Draft PEIR may be submitted to:

City of Norco
Community Development Department
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, California 92860
Attention: Colby Cataldi, Community Development Director Agency responses should include the name of a contact person within the commenting agency.

After the public review and comment period, written responses to all comments pertaining to environmental issues will be prepared and incorporated into the Final PEIR. As required by CEQA, responses to comments submitted by responsible public agencies will be distributed to fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

1.4 Environmental Review Process

PAGE 1.5

DRAFT PEIR

1. Introduction
those agencies for review 10 days prior to consideration of the Final PEIR by the appropriate decision-making body. The Planning Commission will review and consider the PEIR in draft or final form and make recommendations concerning the 2050 General Plan. The City Council will consider certification of the the Final PEIR and adoption of the 2050 General Plan.

A description of the organization of this PEIR and the content of each section is provided below.

The Draft PEIR is organized as follows:
• Executive Summary presents a concise summary of the environmental information, analysis, and conclusions in this PEIR.
• Section 1.0, Introduction provides information on the background of the proposed Project, the environmental review process, and organization of the PEIR. • Section 2.0, Project Description presents a description of the proposed Project, which addresses the location of the Project, the objectives of the proposed Project, the characteristics of the proposed Project, and the approvals being requested from the City. • Section 3.0, Environmental Setting describes the existing physical setting of the Project Site and the surrounding area.
• Section 4.0, Environmental Impact Analysis contains information and analysis of the potential for the proposed Project to result in significant environmental effects for each of the topics evaluated in this PEIR.
• Section 5.0, Alternatives discuss alternatives to the proposed Project that have been developed and analyzed to provide additional information on ways to avoid or lessen the impact of the proposed Project.
• Section 6.0, Other CEQA Considerations contains a discussion of other topics required by the CEQA Guidelines to be included in the PEIR, including the potential for the proposed Project to induce additional growth and a discussion of any potential, significant irreversible environmental changes that could result from the proposed Project. • Section 7.0, Report Preparers identifies persons involved in the preparation of this PEIR or who contributed information incorporated into this PEIR. • Section 8.0, References identify the principal documents, reports, maps, and other information sources referenced in this PEIR.
• Appendices to this PEIR include technical information and other materials prepared to support the analysis in this PEIR.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

1.5 Organization of the Program EIR

PAGE 2.1

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description

2. Project Description
The project analyzed in this Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) is the proposed City of Norco 2050 General Plan Update, herein referred to as, "2050 General Plan Update (GPU)” or “proposed Project.” This section of the PEIR describes the key characteristics of the proposed 2050 GPU, including the location and geographic extent of the plan area, project objectives, and the intended uses of this PEIR.

A general plan is a State-required legal document (Government Code Section 65300) that guides decisions of local elected and appointed officials (decision-makers) when making determinations about the allocation of resources and the future physical form and character of development in cities and counties. It is the official statement of a jurisdiction regarding the extent and types of development needed to achieve a community’s vision for physical, economic, social, and environmental goals. State law requires that the general plan includes an integrated and internally consistent set of goals, policies, standards, programs, and diagrams. State law and guidelines require that general plans should be maintained and amended or updated periodically as conditions and needs change.

The Norco 2050 General Plan is proposed to guide the city’s growth and development through 2050. Like all California cities, Norco periodically updates its General Plan to respond to changing conditions and community needs. Shaped by community input, the General Plan identifies Norco’s shared vision and priorities, which focus on maintaining the existing unique character of Norco, while supporting a stronger local economy and the tax revenue needed to sustain Norco’s lifestyle and services.

The Norco 2050 General Plan establishes goals, policies, and strategies addressing a range of topics, including land use and community character; economic development; transportation; parks, trails, and natural open space; natural resources conservation; safety; air quality; noise; and infrastructure. It also provides an implementation program to guide how and when these Goals and Policies will be pursued and which City departments are responsible for implementing them. The Plan will also support the City’s pursuit of grants to fund important public improvements and community benefits.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

2.1 2050 Norco General Plan Update

PAGE 2.2

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
City of Norco
Community Development Department
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, California 92860
Colby Cataldi, Community Development Director
Norco lies approximately 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles within the northwest corner of Riverside County, near the confluence of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. Figure 2-1, Regional Location, and Figure 2-2, Local Vicinity illustrate the location of Norco.

The growing urban areas of San Bernardino County lie to the north and connect directly with Norco via the Interstate 15 (I-15) Freeway. Orange and Los Angeles Counties lie to the west and connect to Norco via the 91 and 71 Freeways. The majority of Riverside County lies directly to the east, connecting to Norco via State Route 91 just south of the city and State Route 60 approximately five miles to the north. To the south lies the rapidly urbanizing area of southwestern Riverside County that connects to Norco via the I-15 Freeway. Norco is bordered by the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley to the north, Corona to the west and south, and Riverside and unincorporated Riverside County to the east.

In accordance with Section 15124 of the CEQA Guidelines, an EIR must present a statement of objectives sought by the proposed project. A description of the project’s objectives defines the project’s intent and facilitates the formation of project alternatives. Specifically, Section 15124 (b) of the CEQA Guidelines states the following requirement:
“A statement of the objectives sought by the proposed project. A clearly written statement of objectives will help the lead agency develop a reasonable range of alternatives to evaluate in the EIR and will aid the decision makers in preparing findings or a statement of overriding considerations, if necessary. The statement of objectives should include the underlying purpose of the project.”
Most development projects have focused objectives that reflect a need for the provision of new development, such as a school, a shopping center, or an office building; or the objectives reflect a landowner’s goals for developing to the “highest and best use.” In the case of the proposed 2050 GPU, no individual development projects are being evaluated. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

2.2 Project Proponent / Lead Agency

2.3 Project Location

2.4 Statement of Objectives

Los Angeles
County
Riverside
County
Orange
County
San Bernardino
County
Norco
FIGURE
SOURCE: Google Earth – 2024
Project Site

APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES
0 2.5 5
N
10 FIGURE 2-1, REGIONAL LOCATION

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
SOURCE: Google Earth – 2024. PAGE 2.3
fil~ lft]® CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Fifth St
Sixth St
California Ave
Temescal Ave
Norco Dr
Seventh St

RIVER DR
Fourth St
Third St
Third St

NORCO HILLS RD
Second St
Santa Ana River
River Rd
Parkridge Ave
Hamner Ave
First St
Eastvale
Corona
Silverlakes
Sports
Complex
Ingalls
Event
Center
Fifth St
Corydon Ave Corydo
n Ave
Van derm o len DrV
an derm o len Dr
Jurupa Valley
Riverside
Pedley Ave
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
City Limit
County Boundary
Legend
Source: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning (2026)
N
SOURCE: City of Norco, Sargent Town Planning - 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.4
FIGURE 2-2, LOCAL VICINITY
CITY Of NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 2.5

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
Rather, the General Plan is a comprehensive set of objectives to guide the growth and development of the city over the next 25 years. In a broad sense, the objectives of the Project can be broken down as follows:
• Keep Norco “Norco;”
• Preserve Norco’s small-town character;
• Support and attract businesses;
• Establish a more prominent downtown environment;
• Position Norco as a prime visitor destination;
• Create safe streets and trails; and
• Expand and enhance Norco’s amenities and services.

More detailed objectives of the Project are reflected in the numerous Goals and Policies of the General Plan. These statements are referenced and listed throughout Section 4.0 (subsections

4.1 through 4.20) of this PEIR.

The Norco 2050 General Plan is organized into twelve chapters, including Introduction, Context, and Community Vision and Priorities sections, eight General Plan Chapters addressing topics required by California General Plan law, and a General Plan Implementation chapter. A description of each chapter is provided below:

Chapter 1 – Introduction. This chapter describes the purpose of a General Plan, the reasons for updating it, the relationship to State general plan requirements, how Norco’s General Plan is organized, and how it will be implemented.

Chapter 2 – Context. This chapter addresses Norco’s history, existing physical context, and overview of Norco’s core values.

Chapter 3 – Community Vision and Priorities. This chapter presents the community’s vision and priorities for Norco’s future and explains how these apply to each of Norco’s geographic areas— all with the fundamental objective to keep Norco “Norco” by preserving, protecting, and promoting Norco’s core values. This chapter also identifies focus areas where change is anticipated or prioritized, or where a site’s historic or environmental significance warrants more detailed guidance.

Chapter 4 – Land Use and Community Character Element. This chapter ensures that future private development and public improvements are planned, coordinated, and designed in a manner that preserves Norco’s lifestyle—including the development patterns, design character, land uses, activities, and services that support it—for current and future generations. It also fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

2.5 General Plan Organization and Content

PAGE 2.6

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
establishes Goals and Policies to preserve and strengthen Norco’s defining qualities through the built environment, prioritizing maintenance, preservation, enhancement, improvement, and targeted placemaking in key areas so Norco can evolve while remaining true to its core values.

The City of Norco was incorporated to preserve its agricultural, animal-keeping lifestyle and rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere, which continue to define its physical character and community identity. As the surrounding region continues to urbanize, preserving Norco’s unique physical and cultural identity becomes increasingly important.

The Land Use and Community Character Element establishes Goals and Policies to preserve and strengthen Norco’s defining qualities through the built environment, prioritizing maintenance, preservation, enhancement, improvement, and targeted placemaking in key areas so Norco can evolve while remaining true to its core values. It reflects what Norconians value and provides direction to ensure the City’s core values remain central to decision-making.

The purpose of the General Plan Land Use Map is to guide the general distribution, location, and extent of the various types of land uses in the city. Figure 2-3, Land Use Map depicts the land use designations from the 2004 General Plan. In addition, Table 2-1, Land Use Designation Standards provides a summary of the allowed range of uses, development intensities, and intended physical design characteristics for each designation and overlay. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 2.7

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
TABLE 2-1, LAND USE DESIGNATION STANDARDS
Residential Agricultural (RA) To provide for the development of agricultural and animal-keeping oriented living areas that maintain contiguous undeveloped open land on each and every residential lot. 2.0 DUA 2.5 stories or 35 feet Residential: Single-Family
Agricultural: Animal Keeping, Nurseries, Greenhouse, Orchards, Horticultural Operations
Hillside Areas (HS)
To provide for the development, subject to the preparation of a specific plan, of agricultural, open space, recreational, and/or low-density residential uses in a manner that recognizes the unique character and challenges of hillside development, including minimizing mass grading.

2.0 DUA 2.5 stories or 35 feet
Residential Low Density (RL) To maintain the single-family residential character of residential lots. 4.4 DUA 2.5 stories or 35 feet Residential: Single-Family Commercial General (CG) To support a wide range of community- and regional-serving commercial and hospitality uses that take advantage of highway proximity. 0.75 FAR 2 stories or 35 feet; 4 stories or 50 feet with CUP Commercial: Retail, Restaurant, Cafe, Service, Office, Hospitality Commercial Community (CC) To support local, community-serving commercial uses, especially those supporting Norco’s agricultural, animal-keeping lifestyle. 0.6 FAR 2 stories or 35 feet
2 stories or 25 feet within 20
feet of A-1 Zone
Commercial: Retail, Restaurant, Cafe, Service, Office, Hospitality Industrial (I)
To provide areas for light manufacturing, warehousing, research, and related activities that strengthen Norco’s economy, and to ensure development is compatible with surrounding uses and consistent with Norco’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

1.0 FAR
M-1 and M-2 Zones: 35 feet; 40
– 50 feet with CUP
M-3 Zone: 35 feet; 40 feet to
hide rooftop equipment; 20
feet within 75 feet of Pacific
Avenue
Industrial: Light Industrial, Manufacturing
Commercial: Office, Research and Development, Business Services, Commercial Services that support primary uses
Open Spaces (OS)
To conserve Norco’s natural and riparian areas to protect ecological health, enhance recreational opportunities, preserve scenic quality, and maintain a balanced relationship between the built and natural environments; to ensure the provision of land for parks, athletic fields, recreational facilities, equestrian recreation areas, and event venues that support a full range of indoor and outdoor activities, from passive recreation to active community and regional events; and to promote the preservation and enhancement of the trail network within Norco’s open space areas to provide recreational access, strengthen connectivity, and support continuous equestrian circulation throughout the community.

Natural Open Space: 0.01 FAR
Parks & Recreation:

0.05 FAR
Regional
Recreation/Sports Complex:

0.15 FAR
No requirements
Public: Parks and recreation uses, including recreation facilities (playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, paths, trails, fitness equipment); natural features (open green spaces, water features); and community amenities (shelters, pavilions, benches, seating, public restrooms, dog parks, outdoor event spaces, indoor gyms, visitor center buildings)
Public Facilities (PF)
To support the development of public facilities owned and operated by government, quasi-government, and public utility agencies with uses that serve the general public, and to identify locations for public utility infrastructure (e.g., electrical substations, sewer lift stations, storm drain conveyance channels).

0.6 FAR 35 feet Public: Government or quasi-public buildings or facilities, active and passive recreational facilities, schools, public utility facilities Housing Development Overlay
(HDO)
To enable the introduction of new multi-family housing in standalone and mixed-use configurations on vacant or underutilized sites where multi-family housing is not permitted by the underlying land use designation.

Residential: 30 DUA2
+
Commercial:

0.3 FAR
4 stories or 48 feet,
whichever is less3
Residential: Multi-family in freestanding or mixed-use configuration Commercial: Retail, Restaurant, Cafe, Services, Office, Hospitality Public: Parks and Recreation
Preservation and Development
(PAD)
To manage the development through a specific planning process of large sites in a way that protects and highlights Norco’s unique natural landscapes, open spaces, and historical buildings.

0.6 FAR 35 feet
Commercial: Retail, Restaurant, Service, Office, Research and Development, Business Services, Hospitality, Resort
Public: Parks and Recreation
'@~[tlJ- CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Standards
Designation Intent
Maximum Density Maximum Height1 Allowed Land Uses

PAGE 2.8

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
TABLE 2-1, LAND USE DESIGNATION STANDARDS
Preservation and Development
- Norconian (PAD-NOR)
To manage the development of the Norconian Resort Site through a specific planning process in a way that protects and highlights the site’s unique topography and historical buildings and landscapes.

Residential: 20 DUA
Commercial:

0.6 FAR
3 stories or 40 feet,
whichever is less3
Commercial: Retail, Restaurant, Service, Office, Research and Development, Business Services, Hospitality, Resort
Residential: Single-Family, Multi-Family
Public: Parks and Recreation
Specific Plan (SP)
To govern master-planned development governed by an adopted specific plan that establishes land use and development regulations, circulation and infrastructure requirements, and implementation measures. Applies to areas governed by the Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan (NRRSP) and Norco Hills Specific Plan (NHSP).

NRRSP: 0.6 DUA
NHSP: 0.9 DUA 35 feet
Residential: Single-Family
Public: Parks and Recreation
DUA = Dwellings Units per Acre
FAR = Floor Area Ratio
CUP = Conditional Use Permit
Overall
2 Density bonus may permit up to 35 DUA (Norco Municipal Code, Chapter 18.65 | Residential Density Bonus Provisions). 3 In the HDO, the maximum height may only be reached at least 100 feet from the project site boundary. Maximum height shall be further limited within 100 feet of site edges per the Objective Development Standards (ODS).

Designation
Abbreviations
Intent
Notes
building height shall be regulated by the number of stories above the adjacent sidewalk and the height in feet measured from adjacent sidewalk level to the top of the uppermost cornice or parapet of any building or structure.

Maximum Density
'@~[tlJ- CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Standards
Maximum Height1 Allowed Land Uses

Open Space Designations
OS (Open Space)
Legend
Residential Designations
Commercial Designations
Special Designations
RA (Residential Agricultural)
RL (Residential Low Density)
CG (Commercial General)
CC (Commercial Community)
HDO (Housing Development Overlay)
PAD (Preservation and Development)
Boundaries
Norco City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Specific Plan Boundary
Industrial Designations
I (Industrial)
SP (Specific Plan)
HS (Hillside Areas)
Public Facilities Designations
PF (Public Facilities)
PAD-NOR (Preservation and Development - Norconian)
Source: City of Norco, Sargent Town Planning (2026)
N
SOURCE: City of Norco, General Plan. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.9
FIGURE 2-3, LAND USE MAP
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
■
••• ■
■ ■
■ ■
■ Bl- ~
■ ~

PAGE 2.10

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
Norco has a Year 2026 population of 25,401. Norco is currently growing at a rate of 0 percent annually and its population has increased by 0.01 percent since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 25,398 in Year 2020. The 2050 GPU will address growth projected through 2050 for the city is presented in Table 2-2, Norco General Plan 2050–Projected Growth.

The projected growth includes pipeline projects (specific projects that have been entitled for development but not yet built), and future growth (development that could occur by the year 2050 on some of Norco’s vacant and underutilized parcels). This PEIR analyzes impacts based on the growth projections presented in Table 2-2.

TABLE 2-2, NORCO GENERAL PLAN 2050–PROJECTED GROWTH
Chapter 5 – Circulation Element. This Element establishes the framework for a multimodal transportation network that is uniquely Norco, including roadways, pedestrian-equestriantrails, bike facilities, sidewalks, and truck and transit routes on selected streets. It also establishes Goals and Policies that address congestion management, improved traffic flow, and enhanced safety outcomes for all modes, while preserving the unique character of Norco’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

The functional classification of roadways is designed to support Norco’s unique rural, equestrianoriented atmosphere while ensuring efficient mobility for all users. The roadway network consists of a hierarchy of streets, including urban arterials, major arterials, collectors, and local streets, each serving a specific function in accommodating traffic flow, access, and multimodal travel.

Figure 2-4, Roadway Classifications, illustrates the varying functional classifications of roadways within the City of Norco.

Non-motorized travel encompasses walking, cycling, and equestrian activities, all of which are central to Norco’s lifestyle. Improvements to facilities for these modes can help to achieve speed reduction and safety objectives, thereby rebalancing and improving the overall performance of the transportation network. Enhancing the non-motorized travel network includes expanding pedestrian-equestrian trails, improving pedestrian and cycling connections, and integrating pedestrian-equestrian trails into the overall circulation framework. As the heart of Norco’s nonmotorized system and an integral component of its overall circulation network, the city’s extensive pedestrian-equestrian trail network, as shown in Figure 2-5, Pedestrian-Equestrian Trail Network, reflects its identity. This interconnected system of trails provides safe, accessible, fil~ltf]mr CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Scenario City Area Households Jobs Population (acres)
Existing Conditions 9,808 7,147 15,006 25,389
Growth from Proposed Land Use Plan 0 +1, 110 +1,794 +3,106 Projected Total by Year 2050 9,808 8,257 16,800 28,495

PAGE 2.11

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
and convenient routes for equestrians, linking residential areas, parks, commercial centers, and regional open spaces.

Chapter 6 – Infrastructure and Facilities Element. This Element guides the provision of essential utility infrastructure (water, reclaimed water, wastewater, stormwater, energy, and telecommunications), public facilities and services, parks, recreational amenities, and event facilities. This Element also establishes Goals and Policies that address the maintenance, improvement, and, where necessary, expansion of utility infrastructure. It addition, it addresses the management, maintenance, and enhancement of parks, recreational and event facilities, and the programming offered within them, as well as the provision of schools, libraries, solid waste and recycling services, and other public services necessary to serve the community.

Chapter 7 – Housing Element. This Element analyzes Norco’s housing needs. It also establishes Goals and Policies to meet current and future housing demands for all members of the community, including low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. It is the only Element that must be approved (“certified”) by the State of California and is updated on a separate eight-year cycle. The current 2021–2029 Housing Element was certified in October 2022.

Chapter 8 – Open Space and Conservation Element. In accordance with Government Code Section 65302(d), the Open Space and Conservation Element addresses the conservation, development, and sustainable use of natural resources, including but not limited to water, soils, natural gas, fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and mineral deposits. Strategies to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change are also discussed. In addition, this element provides guidance to enhance and protect cultural, historic, and tribal cultural resources as well as Norco’s natural open space and trails, and sensitive biological resources that are fundamental components of Norco’s environment.

Chapter 9 – Safety Element. This Element establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community from natural and human-caused hazards. It guides land use planning, infrastructure investment, and community preparedness to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience, and support effective emergency response and recovery.

Consistent with California Government Code requirements, it addresses hazardous materials, airport hazards, wildland and urban fires, seismic and geologic risks, flooding, emergency management, evacuation routes, and emerging hazards related to weather and climate change.

It also establishes Goals and Policies to safeguard critical facilities and infrastructure, emphasize proactive risk reduction, ensure adherence to State and Federal standards, coordinate with regional agencies for an integrated approach to emergency management, and guide future development in reducing hazard exposure.

Regarding seismic and geologic hazards, as required by California State Government Code Section 65302 (g), each city and county must provide a draft of its safety element or amendment fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

PAGE 2.12

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
of its safety element to the California Geological Survey of the Department of Conservation prior to adoption, for review to determine if all known seismic and other geologic hazards are addressed (Gov. Code 65302.5(a)).

Chapter 10 – Noise Element. This Element promotes a healthier, more livable environment by ensuring that noise is managed effectively in the planning and development process. It identifies existing and potential noise sources, including traffic, industrial activities, outdoor events, and construction). It also establishes Goals and Policies for noise and vibration throughout the city, supports effective noise management, and reduces exposure to excessive noise through measures such as updated zoning regulations, sound barriers, and building code enforcement.

As required by Government Code Section 65302(f), the Noise Element evaluates community noise levels, provides a noise and land use compatibility matrix, and provides existing and future noise levels from major noise sources in the community including traffic. Future development accommodated under the General Plan's envisioned growth has the potential to expose new land uses to roadway noise. To evaluate this potential, future roadway noise levels associated with traffic generated by the General Plan's envisioned growth were compared to existing roadway noise conditions.

Chapter 11 – Implementation. This chapter provides a Work Plan for City departments to carry out the implementation actions in the General Plan.

Other required topics:

Air Quality. Because land use and transportation are the primary generators of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the content of this required Element is integrated throughout the General Plan in the relevant Element that addresses the root causes of air pollution: Land Use and Community Character Element, Circulation Element, Open Space and Conservation Element, and Safety Element.

Environmental Justice. This topic is addressed through Goals and Policies woven throughout the General Plan to promote more equitable living, working, shopping, and recreation environments for all residents of Norco.
fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

Ingalls Event Center
Norco College
Schools
Major Arterial 4E
Urban Arterial
Freeway
Freeway Ramps
Legend
Local Streets
Collector Streets
Major Arterial 2E
Major Arterial 4 Norco City Boundary
SilverLakes
Source: City of Norco

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY

SANTA ANA RIVER
N
SOURCE: City of Norco – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

2. Project Description

DRAFT PEIR
PAGE 2.13
FIGURE 2-4, ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS I I I 0

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Schools
Bridle Trails
Backyard Trails
Norco Hills Trails
Soft Shoulder Trails
Entry Point
Legend
Norco College
Ingalls Event Center
Source: Comprehensive Trail Master Plan (2018)
Staging Areas
Norco City Boundary

RIVERSIDE

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
CORONA

SANTA ANA RIVER
N
SOURCE: Comprehensive Trail Master Plan – 2018. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.14
FIGURE 2-5, PEDESTRIAN–EQUESTRIAN TRAIL NETWORK
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
■

PAGE 2.15

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
The fundamental purpose of the 2050 GPU is to function as a policy document to guide land use decisions within the city’s planning area through the year 2050. The vision for the city through 2050 was developed with extensive community input. Based on this input and in recognition of the State’s planning priorities, a vision and community roadmap were developed. a. Community Vision and Priorities

1. Community Character
Norco’s all-American ambiance, large-lot properties, and picturesque views feel refreshingly removed from congestion or chaos, and residents enjoy over 400 acres of open space, 15 Cityowned parks with indoor and outdoor amenities, and one of the largest networks of horse trails in the nation, earning the nickname, which evolved into an official trademark, Horsetown USA. ®
Norco’s large-lot design with fewer homes per acre results in a lower tax base and, therefore, limited revenue to address increasing costs of services, aging infrastructure, and maintenance of streets, trails, parks, facilities, and amenities. Norco’s spacious properties afford residents opportunities to enhance their quality of life, but they also present financial challenges for the City as a service provider.

The General Plan is intended to safeguard Norco’s distinctive lifestyle for future generations while identifying innovative strategies to generate sustainable revenue to support essential amenities and services.

2. Community Vision
The following Vision Statement was developed through an extensive community outreach process that included surveys, public meetings, community outreach booths at various events, and open houses:

Norco will be a premier community for animal-keeping and small-plot agriculture— a community that is guided by its core values, celebrates its rich, rooted heritage, takes pride in its small-town character, supports its local businesses, and preserves a rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Southern California.

3. Community Priorities
Together with the Vision Statement, the following Community Priorities, developed through the community outreach process, guide the General Plan’s objective to preserve, protect, and promote Norco’s core values and introduce new revenue-generating uses and activities. • Ensure Norco remains authentic and is guided by its core values: the preservation, protection, and promotion of Norco’s agrarian heritage; all-American, small-town fil~~~ml' CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

2.6 General Plan Update Strategy

PAGE 2.16

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
character; agricultural, animal-keeping lifestyle; and rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.
• Ensure that all new development and public improvements are designed to complement Norco’s small-town scale, character, equestrian amenities, and agrarian architecture. • Support and retain essential local businesses that align with Norco’s agricultural, animalkeeping lifestyle, and attract new businesses and events that enhance offerings and generate sustainable revenue that supports essential amenities and services. • Establish a destination for Norco’s residents and visitors that complements and leverages Norco’s character and offers unique opportunities for shopping, dining, and socializing. • Expand Norco’s unique equestrian and agricultural events and introduce more visitor experiences that celebrate and promote Norco’s agrarian heritage and Western traditions.
• Improve Norco’s street and trail networks to enhance equestrian access, support safe and comfortable travel for all modes and abilities, and better support Norco’s character and atmosphere.
• Expand and enhance Norco’s parks, open spaces, facilities, and services in ways that uphold its core values, while providing safe and convenient equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle access to these amenities.
• Promote and support youth-based equestrian, agricultural, athletic, and arts programs and experiences to sustain Norco’s lifestyle for future generations. b. Community Roadmap
The various elements of the General Plan translate the vision and priorities into goals, policies, and implementation actions to provide a “roadmap” that embodies the spirit of Norco’s core values and adapts to the needs of future generations. This section describes the community’s vision and priorities for each of Norco’s geographic areas, indicating where change is anticipated and where existing conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged. Key components illustrated in Figure 2-6, Community Roadmap include:
• Areas of Conservation. Norco’s parks, trails, and natural open spaces. • Areas of Preservation. Norco’s residential lots are zoned for residential agriculture and designed to support farming, gardening, food production, and animal-keeping. • Areas of Enhancement. Norco’s commercial corridors (Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road), event centers (Ingalls Event Center and SilverLakes), and employment areas. • Focus Areas. Areas where change is anticipated or prioritized—the North Hamner Gateway, the Fourth Street and Hamner Avenue area, the Second Street and River Road area, and the Sixth Street Corridor—or where a site’s historic or environmental significance warrants more detailed guidance—the Norconian Resort Site and the former Wyle Laboratories Site.
fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

CORONA
Sphere of Influence
Source: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Sixth St
Fifth St
Fourth St
First St
Second St
Santa Ana River
Norco
Hills
Lake
Norconian
Corydon
Hamner Ave
River Rd Ave
Seventh St
California Ave
Norco Dr
North Dr

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
Legend
Areas of Conservation
Areas of Preservation
Areas of Enhancement
Placemaking Priority Areas
Special Planning Areas
Norco City Boundary Open Space Outside City Focus Areas Existing Trails
Areas not under direct City
control (schools and public
facilities)
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.17
FIGURE 2-6, COMMUNITY ROADMAP
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2050 G
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PAGE 2.18

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description

1. Areas of Conservation: Parks, Trails, and Open Space Areas of Conservation, illustrated in Figure 2-7, Areas of Conservation, consist of Norco’s parks, trails, and natural open space areas, such as the Santa Ana River and undeveloped areas of the Norco Hills. These spaces provide residents with areas to ride horses, hike, and recreate. In addition, Norco’s extensive trail network is an integral, linear component of the open space network, connecting virtually all residences to Norco’s parks and natural open spaces. In addition, these open spaces shelter wildlife and help cleanse stormwater before it percolates into the water table or into the Santa Ana River. Through the General Plan, the City of Norco will continue to conserve parks, trails, recreation facilities, equestrian amenities, and natural open spaces.

2. Areas of Preservation: Neighborhoods
Areas of Preservation, illustrated in Figure 2-8, Areas of Preservation, include Norco’s neighborhoods; the places where residents live, ride horses, farm, raise animals, and run homebased businesses. Strategies for preserving and enhancing Norco’s distinctive neighborhood character and atmosphere include:
• Preserve existing equestrian trails and fencing along Norco’s neighborhood streets in keeping with the Equestrian Historic District and Equestrian Landmark and introduce missing trail segments in conjunction with new development. • Retain existing land use classifications and development standards, especially those requiring on-site animal-keeping areas, such as the dedicated Primary Animal Keeping Areas (PAKA).
• Ensure that new homes built on vacant parcels and owner-initiated improvements and additions to private homes, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), maintain required animal-keeping areas and preserve the right to keep animals. • Balance Norco’s lifestyle with State housing requirements by requiring residential development site plans to identify designated animal-keeping areas, access to animalkeeping areas, and locations for proposed or future ADUs, ensuring the right to keep animals and engage in small-plot agriculture is preserved for future property owners. • Refine existing property maintenance standards to ensure street-facing building facades and front yards contribute to and do not detract from Norco’s established character. • Update the city’s land use standards to clarify the types of small businesses allowed on residential properties and how those businesses may be advertised along the street. • Calm and discourage cut-through traffic along neighborhood streets. • Maintain and improve Norco’s extensive road and trail network, parks, and recreational facilities.
fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

PAGE 2.19

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
Neighborhood land use and community character Goals and Policies are described in Chapter 4, Land Use and Community Character Element. Neighborhood street and trail Goals and Policies are described in Chapter 5, Circulation Element and Chapter 9, Open Space and Conservation Element.

3. Areas of Enhancement: Corridors and Event Centers
Areas of Enhancement, illustrated in Figure 2-9, Areas of Enhancement, include Norco’s commercial corridors and employment areas where targeted improvements are needed to strengthen visual quality and economic performance. These areas often have aging or inconsistent building design, business mixes that do not fully meet community needs or economic goals, and fragmented streetscape character, which reduces appeal to residents, visitors, businesses, and investors.

Priority improvements include upgraded streetscapes, stronger agrarian architectural standards that better reflect Norco’s core values, a broader mix of businesses, and improved visitor experience along key routes to destinations.

The principal areas of enhancement include:
• Commercial Corridors: Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, River Road • Event Centers: Ingalls Event Center, SilverLakes
• Employment Areas: South Hamner Employment District

4. Focus Areas
The General Plan identifies six focus areas, shown in Figure 2-10, Focus Areas, within the city where change is anticipated or prioritized, or where a site’s historic or environmental significance warrants more detailed guidance. This summarizes key opportunities, priorities, and strategies for each area and provides the foundation for related goals, policies, and implementation actions in subsequent chapters. These focus areas fall into one of two categories: “Placemaking Priority Areas” or “Special Planning Areas.”
Placemaking Priority Areas (PPAs) include four opportunity areas where the potential value of coordinated public and private improvements is especially high and closely aligned with community priorities. For each PPA, a clear vision and strategic direction is defined to help identify catalytic actions and guide future investment. These areas include:
• North Hamner Gateway. This area was the original town site of Rex Clark’s Downtown.

This area holds significant potential for transformation into the vibrant, walkable, and authentic downtown environment that the community desires. fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

Areas of Conservation
Existing Trails
Norco City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Source: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Sixth St
Fifth St
Fourth St
First St
Second St
Santa Ana River
Norco
Hills
Lake
Norconian
Corydon
Hamner Ave
River Rd Ave
Seventh St
California Ave
Norco Dr
North Dr

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
Open Space Outside City
Legend
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.20
FIGURE 2-7, AREAS OF CONSERVATION
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Areas of Preservation
Source: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Sixth St
Fifth St
Fourth St
First St
Second St
Santa Ana River
Norco
Hills
Lake
Norconian
Corydon
Hamner Ave
River Rd Ave
Seventh St
California Ave
Norco Dr
North Dr

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
Open Space Outside City
Legend
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.21
FIGURE 2-8, AREAS OF PRESERVATION
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2050 GENERAL PLAN
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Ingalls Event Center
River Road Corridor
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3 2
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5 Areas of Enhancement
Norco City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
South Hamner Employment Area
Source: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Sixth St
Fifth St
Fourth St
First St
Second St
Norco
Hills
Lake
Norconian
Corydon
Hamner Ave
River Rd Ave
Seventh St
California Ave
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3 2
1 4
5 6
North Dr

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
Natural Open Space Outside City
Legend
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.22
FIGURE 2-9, AREAS OF ENHANCEMENT
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North Hamner Gateway
Second Street and River Road
Sixth Street
5 Norconian Resort Site
4 2
1 Placemaking Priority Areas
Wyle Laboratories Site
3 Fourth Street and Hamner Avenue
6 Special Planning Areas
Natural Open Space
Areas of Enhancement
Sphere of Influence
Norco City Boundary
Source: City of Norco, Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Sixth St
Fifth St
Fourth St
First St
Second St
Santa Ana River
Norco
Hills
Lake
Norconian
Corydon
Hamner Ave
River Rd Ave
Seventh St
California Ave
Norco Dr
5 4
1 3
6 2
North Dr

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
Legend
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
PAGE 2.23
FIGURE 2-10, FOCUS AREAS
-
• •
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® CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
\
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PAGE 2.24

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
• Sixth Street. Sixth Street is an important focal point of Norco’s built environment. Central to Norco’s lifestyle, it features a range of essential businesses that supportthe daily needs of residents, including feed and tack shops, veterinary services, and other specialty businesses.
• Fourth Street and Hamner Avenue. Vacant land subject to the Housing Development Overlay (HDO) near the intersection of Fourth Street and Hamner Avenue provides an opportunity for new housing, businesses, and community amenities that can both satisfy State housing requirements and maintain neighborhood patterns and forms that celebrate and bolster Norco’s atmosphere.
• Second Street and River Road. Vacant land subject to the Housing Development Overlay (HDO) at Second Street and River Road offers an opportunity for new housing and a small neighborhood-serving retail center designed to respect the scale and character of surrounding single-family neighborhoods while helping meet State housing requirements.

Special Planning Areas (SPAs) are sites that require focused, comprehensive planning beyond citywide policy guidance. Due to size, historic significance, environmental conditions, and/or redevelopment complexity, these areas should be guided by a Specific Plan or comparable detailed planning document. These areas include:
• Norconian Resort Site. The Norconian Hotel opened in 1929 as one of the nation’s premier resort destinations. It was later converted and expanded during World War II into a Naval hospital, and, in the early 1960s, it became a State prison. Today, the site offers an opportunity to rehabilitate and adaptively reuse its historic resources while introducing new development and open space consistent with the community’s vision and priorities.
• Wyle Laboratories Site. The former Wyle Laboratories Site, located in the Norco Hills, is a unique part of Norco’s built and natural environment. Formerly an aerospace rocket testing facility that operated from 1957 to 2004, the site is now largely undeveloped, much of which is natural open space. With its “Preservation and Development” designation and zoning, any future development or substantial reuse of this site must be guided by a Specific Plan consistent with the community priorities of the General Plan.

The Norco City Council would need to take the following discretionary actions in conjunction with the proposed Project:
• Certification of the Final Program EIR
• Adoption of the proposed General Plan
fil~~~ml' CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

2.7 Intended Use of this Program EIR

PAGE 2.25

DRAFT PEIR

2. Project Description
The City’s zoning may also be subsequently updated to implement the General Plan amendments, consistent with the procedures outlined in Government Code 65850 et seq., including Section 65860(c).

Responsible Agencies include public agencies other than the Lead Agency which have discretionary approval power over the project. The City has not identified any Responsible Agencies at this time.

Trustee agencies include public agencies with jurisdiction over certain resources held in trust for the people of California, which do not have legal authority over approving or carrying out a project. These agencies and their roles, summarized below, may include:
• The State Geologist is responsible for the review of the City’s program for minimizing exposure to geologic hazards and for regulating surface mining activities. • The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has responsibility for approving future improvements to the State highway system, including I-15. • The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has responsibility for issuing take permits and streambed alteration agreements for any projects with the potential to affect plant or animal species listed by the State of California as rare, threatened, or endangered or that would disturb waters of the State.
fil~~~® CITY OF NORCO
2050GENERALPLAN

PAGE 3.1

DRAFT PEIR

3. EnvironmentalSetting

3. Environmental Setting
The project analyzed in this Program EIR (PEIR) is the proposed City of Norco 2050 General Plan Update, herein referred to as, "2050 General Plan Update (GPU)” or the “proposed Project.” This section of the PEIR describes the key characteristics of the General Plan, including the project proponent/lead agency, the geographic extent of the plan area, project objectives, required approvals and types and extent of development forecasted under the City of Norco General Plan.

An updated draft of the General Plan has been prepared and is the subject of the analysis in this PEIR.

Norco lies approximately 50 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles within the northwest corner of Riverside County, near the confluence of Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange Counties.

The growing urban areas of San Bernardino County lie to the north and connect directly with Norco via the 1-15 Freeway. Orange and Los Angeles Counties lie to the west and connect to Norco via the 91 and 71 Freeways. The majority of Riverside County lies directly to the east, connecting to Norco via State Route 91 just south of the city and State Route 60 approximately five miles to the north. To the south lies the rapidly urbanizing area of southwestern Riverside County that connects to Norco via the 1-15 Freeway. Norco is bordered by the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley to the north, Corona to the west and south, and Riverside and unincorporated Riverside County to the east
The region is framed by the San Gabriel, San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains, rising more than 10,000 feet in elevation to the north, northeast and east of the city, respectively. The Santa Ana Mountains to the south and the Chino Hills to the west complete the framework and restrict the climatic influence of the Pacific Ocean upon the region. It is between these two obstructions that the Santa Ana Canyon passes as it enters Orange County. Potential floodwaters are held above the canyon by the Prado Dam, whose capacity includes a riparian basin and perennial wetlands. In Orange County, the Santa Ana River channel meets the sea about 120 miles from its headwaters near Mt. San Gorgonio, Southern California’s highest peak. a. Geographic Setting
The bluffs overlooking the Santa Ana River define the northeastern to southwestern physical edge of the city. A north-south chain of hills defines the eastern physical edge. The City of Norco fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

3.1 Regional Setting

3.2 Physical Setting

PAGE 3.2

DRAFT PEIR

3. EnvironmentalSetting
contains three particular landscape features: its hills, its position on the Santa Ana River, and Lake Norconian.

The most visually dominant of these features are the eastern hills of Norco. Much of the town rests between the Beacon Hill complex and the larger hills on Norco’s eastern border with La Sierra, a district of the City of Riverside. Approximately 2,000 acres of the La Sierra Hills lie within Norco’s boundary. These shrub and grassland-covered hills occupy a large portion of the viewshed of the city. The second most prominent landscape feature of Norco is the Santa Ana River. It courses along the northern boundary of the city, providing views from the eroded bluffs of Norco’s steep banks. Attractions on the far side include Prado Basin County Park, Rivertrails Park rental horse facility, and portions of Santa Ana River Regional Park. The third, Lake Norconian, a manmade improvement in the landscape that is primarily closed to the public and visually secluded by the surrounding topography, which includes Beacon Hill and the highsecurity land uses at the Naval Weapons Fleet Analysis Center and CRC, between which the lake sits. Within the lake lies an island so densely vegetated it appears impenetrable, and which serves as a wildlife sanctuary protected by the California Department of Fish and Game. Beacon Hill in the north central portion of the city is another major landmark. It is currently vacant with the exception of the lower slopes where some of the lots have been developed.

The city, as a small plot agricultural community, does not have the range of land uses that are typical for most other cities. There are approximately 9,808 acres of land within the incorporated boundaries of Norco. While large-scale commercial agriculture does exist, many residences partake in a small plot agricultural lifestyle, reflective of the relatively low-density atmosphere of the city. In addition, domestic commercial agriculture, including the keeping of horses and other animals, is widely practiced on many of the larger parcels.

Residential development in Norco has primarily occurred in zones where the lots are 20,000 square feet and over. Such large lot residential zoning now comprises almost half of the incorporated land area in Norco (approximately 46 percent). However, about twenty percent of the lots in this land use category are less than 20,000 square feet. Currently, 13.3 percent of the city’s area is used for commercial and industrial activities and for such public institutions as schools and parks.
b. Existing Land Uses
Most land in Norco is designated and zoned for low-density agricultural-oriented residential uses. A central component of the large lot zoning is the open areas reserved for large animal keeping and small plot agricultural uses and – for newer development – a recorded Primary Animal Keeping Area (PAKA), which governs the minimum area of a site that must be devoted to animal keeping and/or agricultural uses and kept clear of structures, except for structures that facilitate animal keeping and agricultural uses, provided they do not cover more than 40 percent of the PAKA.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

PAGE 3.3

DRAFT PEIR

3. EnvironmentalSetting
Commercial uses are concentrated along Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road, with pockets along California Avenue and North Drive. Industrial uses are accommodated in the area south of Fifth Street along Horseless Carriage Drive and Town and Country Drive and south of Second Street.

The Norconian Site and the former Wyle Laboratories site are designated and zoned Preservation and Development, which provide for the coordinated development of planned commercial projects in a manner that preserves significant natural landscape features, open lands, and historical buildings.
c. Topography and Water Features
The city lies in the Corona North area, part of the larger Corona–Riverside Basin. The topography is generally flat to gently rolling, with some elevation changes near the edges of the city. The USGS Corona North topo map shows a broad, open basin with scattered low hills and drainage patterns typical of Riverside County. The area is underlain by sedimentary deposits, with some alluvial fans and minor fault-related uplifts.

There are two water bodies in the city—Lake Norconian and the Santa Ana River—which are not utilized for consumption and are categorized as “other resources.” These water bodies are used primarily for aesthetic and recreational purposes. Lake Norconian is located at the Naval Warfare Assessment Center (NWAC), which is primarily off-limits to the public; and the Santa Ana River runs along the northern boundary of the city.

Lake Norconian is a manmade lake that was created for recreational purposes with the Norconian Hotel back in the 1920s. In the early 1950s the Navy began using the site for military research, testing, and weapons development, where, as the Naval Surface Warfare Center, it continues to support defense-related research, testing, evaluation, and technical operations. In the 1960s, the state converted the hotel building into a drug rehabilitation and incarceration center, which is now closed, and since that time, the lake has had little public use. Some fishing still occurs with a local fishing license obtained at the NWAC facilities office. Over the years, the lake has become an important riparian habitat for birds.

The Santa Ana River forms the northern boundary of the city and is a naturally occurring element in the landscape, though it has been changed greatly through human intervention. The river now contains year-round flow derived primarily from treated wastewater effluent that is continuously discharged into the river channel. The river itself is not used for potable water supplies but serves an important function in the regeneration of ground water aquifers, especially in Orange County. The function of the river for recreational purposes is limited to the aesthetic values for riverside trails (equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle) and parks. As a riparian habitat, the river supports numerous species including plants, animals, fish, and fowl both for habitat and foraging.
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3. EnvironmentalSetting
d. Climate and Air Quality
The Southern California region lies in the semi-permanent high-pressure zone of the eastern Pacific. As a result, the climate is mild, tempered by cool sea breezes. The usually mild climatological pattern is interrupted infrequently by periods of extremely hot weather, winter storms, or Santa Ana winds. The extent and severity of the air pollution problem in the Air Basin is a function of the area's natural physical characteristics (weather and topography), as well as man-made influences (development patterns and lifestyle). Factors, such as wind, sunlight, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and topography, affect the accumulation and dispersion of pollutants throughout the Air Basin, making it an area of high pollution potential. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4. Environmental Impact Analysis

4. Environmental Impact Analysis
This section examines the potential adverse environmental impacts that may result from the implementation of the proposed project. Discussion is focused on the identification of changes that may be considered to be environmentally significant (a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in the environment). Analysis of each environmental issue is organized within the following five subsections:

Environmental Conditions – A description of existing conditions, prior to implementation of the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU), and a discussion of the policy and technical background necessary for analysis of potential impacts. The Existing Conditions Analysis Report was the first technical document prepared for the 2050 GPU. It provided a solid foundation of information and understanding of the community as it is, upon which plans can be developed to guide the community's future growth and development. This information is intended to provide the community and all participants in the General Plan process with a shared understanding of the existing community, as well as the opportunities and conditions that may shape its future. This documents serves as the basis for the “Environmental Setting” section for each environmental topic analyzed in this Program EIR (Section 4.0).

Thresholds of Significance – The thresholds by which the project components are measured to determine if a project would cause a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in the existing environmental conditions.

Impact Analysis – An analysis of the beneficial and adverse effects of the project, including where appropriate, assessments of the significance of potential adverse impacts relative to established criteria and thresholds (relative to existing conditions per CEQA).

Mitigation Measures – Wherever significant adverse impacts relative to existing conditions are identified in the Environmental Impacts section, appropriate and reasonable measures are recommended to avoid or minimize impacts to the extent feasible.

Level of Impact After Mitigation – A discussion of whether adverse impacts would still be significant after mitigation (unavoidable significant adverse impact) or reduced to a level of less than significant or no impact after mitigation.
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4.1 Aesthetics
This section describes the current visual conditions in and around the City of Norco and evaluates the potential effects of the proposed 2050 General Plan Update (GPU), on scenic vistas, scenic resources, and visual character and quality, as well as impacts related to light and glare conditions.
a. Existing Conditions
The city is physically defined by natural features along its northwest side, including the Santa Ana River and Beacon Hill, and along the eastern boundary the Norco Hills separate the city from adjoining communities. The city is bordered by the City of Corona on the south.

1. Scenic Resources
The Santa Ana River, the Norco Hills, Beacon Hill, and the nearby San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and Santa Ana mountain ranges are the features of the natural environment within and near Norco that spatially frame the city and provide visual interest. The bluffs overlooking the Santa Ana River define the northeastern to southwestern edge of the city. The Norco Hills, a northsouth chain of hills, defines the eastern edge of the city. While broad vistas of the Santa Ana River are not available from many locations in the community, it is a notable visual feature.

The rolling hills located throughout Norco divide the city into a number of small and discrete areas. The most dramatic of these is the Lake Norconian basin. In addition, the hillside area between Norco and Riverside on the eastern edge of the city is a visually defined area developed with residential neighborhoods.

The Corydon Staging Area on Corydon Avenue, located east of Corydon Avenue and south of Fifth Street, as well as other trails in the city provide scenic views of the Santa Ana River and equestrian and other recreational areas. Similarly, the Pumpkin Rock Trail, located atop the Norco Hills behind the Ingalls Event Center provides scenic views of open space adjacent to the eastern boundary of the city, as well as recreational areas. Figure 4.1-1, Existing Street, Park, Trail, and Open Space Network provides the existing open space and recreational areas within the city.

2. Visual Character
The City maintains an open and rural appearance through implementation of a rural standard street design that includes equestrian trails and fencing, and large single-family lots. The numerous trees along with the equestrian trails add a rustic quality that is associated with the animal-keeping lifestyle. The addition of hitching posts and watering troughs, with the extensive system of equestrian trails, supports Norco’s animal-keeping lifestyle.

Further, the City implements strategies for preserving and enhancing Norco’s distinctive rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere, such as retaining existing land use classifications and LUJ'fW' CITY or NORCO
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development standards, especially those requiring on-site animal-keeping areas on all singlefamily residential lots.

3. Built Environment
Interstate 15 (I-15) freeway, designated as an eligible State scenic highway, roughly splits the city into eastern and western halves.

Features that contribute to Norco’s aesthetic character include Beacon Hill, Lake Norconian, the Norconian Hotel, the Norco Community Center, gateway elements along North Hamner Avenue, public art at the Ingalls Event Center, parks, including Neal Snipes Park, Pikes Peak Park, equestrian trails and fencing, and the city’s tree canopy.

Situated between Norco Drive and Fifth Street to the west of Hamner Avenue, Beacon Hill is a prominent natural landmark. While areas around the base of the hill been developed, the steeper portions are natural open space.

Lake Norconian is a man-made waterbody sustained by piped well water, located in the western portion of the city. Although it is a man-made waterbody, Lake Norconian includes wetland and riparian habitat that supports a variety of bird species.

The former Norconian Hotel, located on Lake Norconian, is a large Spanish/Mediterraneaninfluenced building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Norconian Hotel opened in 1929 and was purchased by the United States Navy in 1941 and commissioned as the United States Naval Hospital in Corona.

The 429-acre Wyle Laboratories property, located in the southwestern portion of the city, is a former aerospace rocket testing facility that is largely undeveloped, with most of the original buildings removed from the site. This property includes an ephemeral stream and upland habitat areas.

Commercial Corridors
The commercial corridors within the city are located along Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road.

The visual characterisitics of these corridors are described further below:
• Sixth Street. Sixth Street is one of Norco’s character-defining areas, lined by agrarianstyle buildings that are set back fro the street, typically behind or next to parking lots. A number of original single-family houses remain, particularly east of Corona Avenue, some of which have been converted to businesses. The red, white, and blue street striping, equestrian trails, adjacent white, split-rail fencing, and large canopy trees on both sides of the street are an important visual component of Norco’s character.

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Temescal Ave
Hillside Ave
Fifth St Temescal Ave
Fourth St
Third St
Second St
Hillside Ave
Hamner Ave
Crestview Dr
Pedley Ave
California Ave
Norco Dr
Santa Ana River
Corydon Ave
River Rd
Parkridge Ave
Vine Ave
ȴ
Third St
Mountain Ave
Sixth St
River Dr
First St
Seventh St
Norco City Boundary
Pedestrian-Equestrian Trails
Missing Trails
Parks
Event Centers
Open Space
Legend
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY

RIVERSIDE
Sphere of Influence
Source: City of Norco, Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

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PAGE 4.1.3
FIGURE 4.1-1, EXISTING STREET, PARK, TRAIL, AND OPEN SPACE NETWORK J - -
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• Hamner Avenue. Although Hamner Avenue is Norco’s principal commercial corridor, it generally lacks the visual characteristics associated with Norco, mainly due to its substantial width, buildings set back from the street behind large surface parking lots, and the general absence of streetscape. Some components of Hamner Avenue provide some sense of Norco’s character, including Beacon Hill, Neal Snipes Park, a handful of houses that have been convereted to businesses, and localized streetscape. • River Road. River Road embodies many defining elements of the City’s character, including the equestrian trail and fencing along the north side of the street, as well as the agrarian-inspired architecture of the Norco Village Shopping Center. b. Regulatory Setting

1. State
Caltrans Scenic Highways
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) defines a scenic highway as any freeway, highway, road, or other public right-of-way, that traverses an area of exceptional scenic quality.

Suitability for designations as a State scenic highway is based on the vividness, intactness, and unity of their view corridors, as described in Caltrans’ Scenic Highway Guidelines (Caltrans 2008):
• Vividness is the extent to which the landscape is memorable. This is associated with the distinctiveness, diversity, and contrast of visual elements. A vivid landscape makes an immediate and lasting impression on the viewer.
• Intactness is the integrity of visual order in the landscape and the extent to which the natural landscape is free from visual intrusions (e.g., buildings, structures, equipment, grading).
• Unity is the extent to which development is sensitive to and visually harmonious with the natural landscape.

2. Local
Equestrian Historic District
Adopted in October 2021, the Equestrian Historic District celebrates and preserves Norco’s agrarian heritage, while ensuring that its distinct character and enduring animal-keeping lifestyle are protected for future generations. A Historic District is a demarcated area with properties that share a common theme. Most of the residentially zoned neighborhoods in Norco share a variety of elements pertinent to an Equestrian Historic District, including equestrian trails, equestrian trail fencing, parks with equestrian amenities, large lots (typically a half-acre or larger), and animal-keeping areas. Approximately 6,000 residential properties, encompassing every property within the City’s various animal-keeping zones, are included in the Equestrian Historic District, as shown in Figure 4.1-2, Equestrian Historic District.. Additionally, the Equestrian fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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Historic District includes commercial properties lining Sixth Street from Sierra Avenue to California Avenue because they reflect the equestrian-oriented atmosphere that is prized in Norco. Additionally, the Equestrian Historic District does not impose any new requirements or obligations on property owners beyond existing zoning regulations.

Equestrian Historic Landmark
Designated in November 2025, the Equestrian Landmark further elevates the recognition of Norco’s profound heritage by preserving the tree elements that are necessary to be recognized as an equestrian community: 1) large lots, 2) equestrian trails, and 3) open space. The Equestrian Landmark, as shown in Figure 4.1-3, Equestrian Landmark, includes: 1) all residential properties in the existing Equstrian Historic District , 2) all residential properties in the City of Norco that have a zoning designation that allows animal-keeping byright, 3) all trails in the City of Norco, and 4) all open space in the City of Norco. Animal-keeping is allowed by right under certain property conditions, which are defined in the Norco Municipal Code. The Equestrian Historic District and Equestrian Landmark complement each other while supporting the City’s mission to keep Norco “Norco,” without impacting residents’ ability to improve their property. c. Methodology
The assessment of aesthetics impacts involves qualitative analysis that is informed by the goals of the General Plan and generally accepted, industry-wide design standards. Different viewers react to views and aesthetic conditions differently, and this analysis considers the existing character of the city and the goal to weave together the visual character of the landscape, the current development, and new development to account for the visual aspects of Norco that make it unique and draw residents and visitors.

This section evaluates the anticipated changes to the city’s visual environment that could result from the proposed 2050 GPU, based on the proposed Goals and Policies. The proposed 2050 GPU does not contain specific development proposals, but defines the Goals and Policies that will guide projects as they are conceived, proposed, and implemented. This analysis, therefore, focuses on land use changes envisioned under the 2050 GPU, and the aesthetic impacts on the city in terms of the arrangement of built and open space, density and development, and height, massing, and other key aspects that define aesthetic environmental concerns according to the thresholds of significance below.
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Norco City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Pedestrian-Equestrian Trails
Area Subject to Equestrian Historic District
Legend
Area Outside Equestrian Historic District
This figure is for illustrative purposes only.

See Norco Municipal Code Chapter 20.50
to view properties located within the
Equestrian Historic District.

Source: City of Norco (2026)
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

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PAGE 4.1.6
FIGURE 4.1-2, EQUESTRIAN HISTORIC DISTRICT
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
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Legend
This figure is for illustrative purposes only.

See Resolution No. 2025-69 and Ordinance
No. 1136 for requirements of properties
located within the Equestrian Landmark.

Norco City Boundary
Sphere of Influence
Pedestrian-Equestrian Trails
Area Subject to Equestrian Landmark
Area Outside Equestrian Historic District
Source: City of Norco (2026)
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

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4.1 AESTHETICS
PAGE 4.1.7
FIGURE 4.1-3, EQUESTRIAN LANDMARK
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
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4.1 Aesthetics
d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds of significance are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. For purposes of this Program EIR, implementation of the 2050 GPU may have a significant adverse impact if it would:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, unique mature trees, unique rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway; c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality; or d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU does not specifically propose activities that would impact public views or scenic vistas. Scenic resources are not formally designated within the city, and the City does not promote formal designation of these resources to prevent potential constraints on new development. However, scenic resources, such as public views of the Santa Ana River and Norco Hills, are present. Future development consistent with the 2050 GPU would allow for development of currently undeveloped parcels and intensification of other areas, which has the potential to impact public views.

Although the development of new buildings and/or structures in the city has the potential to disrupt views of the surrounding natural landscape, conformance with the proposed Open Space and Conservation Element Goals and Policies below would ensure that impacts to public views and scenic vistas are taken into consideration in conjunction with future development:

GOAL OSC-4: LANDFORM AND SCENIC VISTA PRESERVATION. The City will protect and enhance distinctive landforms, scenic vistas, ridgelines, and natural landscapes, including Beacon Hill, the Norco Hills, and the Santa Ana River corridor, while ensuring that development, signage, landscaping, and public improvements preserve the visual character, historical significance, and unique sense of place that define the community.
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POLICIES
OSC-4.1 Landform and Scenic Vista Preservation. In areas not already designated for permanent open space in the Land Use Element, land development should be done in such a manner that the city’s primary land forms and scenic vistas are protected.

OSC-4.2 Landform Protection. Ensure that development occurs consistent with the city’s land form resources, preserving to the greatest extent possible the city’s most identifiable natural landmarks (e.g., Beacon Hill, Norco Hills) that help give the community its sense of uniqueness.

OSC-4.3 Beacon Hill Protection. Protect and recognize Beacon Hill as a historically significant feature of the city’s landscape. Work with neighboring property owners to create a balanced development plan that incorporates trails and open space.

OSC-4.4 Billboards and Freestanding Signage. Prohibit billboards within the city and limit the scale of freestanding signage within view corridors.

OSC-4.5 Ridgeline Preservation. Discourage the placement of buildings on prominent ridgelines.

OSC-4.6 Restoration of Native Upland Vegetation. Consider restoration of Riversidean sage scrub and other native upland vegetation as a means of enhancing the visual quality of local hillsides.

OSC-4.7 Views of Santa Ana River. Utilize existing and planned public amenities to improve and expand views of the Santa Ana River.

All future development would be required to comply with 2050 GPU policies and regulations addressing the protection of public views or scenic vistas, as well as minimizing development in areas where there is potential to obstruct views of the city’s scenic resources. Further, all development within city limits would be required to adhere to the 2050 GPU development requirements, which includes limits on development intensity/density and form and character for all land use types, which would ensure that views from key viewing areas, such as the trail networks along the Santa Ana riverfront to the north, are maintained.

All future development projects will be required to conform with applicable policies and City Municipal Code regulations, such as the Norco Municipal Code Chapter 18.41 “Architectural Review,” which includes design review that assesses the extent to which the proposed development project considers and protects visual resources.1 Therefore, potential impacts to 1 City of Norco. “Chapter 18.41: Architectural Review.” Norco Municipal Code. Accessed April 2026. https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Norco/#!/Norco18/Norco1841.html. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
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4.1 Aesthetics
public views or scenic vistas associated with buildout of the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, unique mature trees, unique rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate development and activities that have the potential to impact scenic resources, including trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings. Future development consistent with the 2050 GPU has the potential to result in impacts to scenic resources should construction result in the physical demolition, relocation, or alteration of a scenic resource.

Scenic resources in the city include the Santa Ana River, the Norco Hills, Lake Norconian, the Pumpkin Rock Trail, and other recreational trails along the perimeter of the city. Within the built environment, features that contribute to Norco’s animal-keeping and equestrian-oriented atmosphere include, but are not limited to, the Norconian Hotel, the Norco Community Center, and commercial corridors along Sixth Street, Hamner Avenue, and River Road. However, as mentioned above, scenic resources are not formally designated and the City does not promote formal designation of these resources to prevent potential constraints on new development.

Although no State-designated scenic highways occur in the Planning Area, the I-15 is designated as an eligible State scenic highway that travels in a generally north-south direction and provides views of the Equestrian Historic District and Equestrian Landmarks within the city, which serve to preserve the City’s animal-keeping and equestrian heritage. Notwithstanding, the City would implement the following Land Use and Community Character and Open Space and Conservation policies to ensure that impacts to scenic resources (the Santa Ana River, the Norco Hills, Lake Norconian, Pumpkin Rock Trail, I-15, Equestrian Historic District, Equestrian Landmarks, and commercial corridors) are reduced and minimzed in conjunction with future development:

GOAL LUCC-2: COMMUNITY CHARACTER. New development in the city should be designed to contribute to Norco’s small-town scale, character, and agrarian architectural stlye.

POLICIES
LUCC-2.1 Agrarian Development Standards. Maintain and update, as needed, objective development standards for the different areas of the city, that guide the design of fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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4.1 Aesthetics
buildings that highlight Norco’s agrarian architectural style and consider surrounding development and land use.

LUCC-2.2 Agrarian Architectural Design. New development in the city should incorporate agrarian architectural features and building style, the level of which will be determined based on the location of a building, the type of construction, and the use of a building.

GOAL LUCC-5: COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS. Corridors bearing the Commercial General (CG) Designation will feature pedestrian-scaled site and building design that embody, celebrate, and further Norco’s core values and are consistent with the City of Norco’s Objective Development Standards.

POLICIES
LUCC-5.1 Building and Site Design Standards. Design new development along Hamner Avenue and applicable parcels along River Road in accordance with the City of Norco’s Objective Development Standards to ensure new buildings, and their siting and landscaping, are consistent with Norco’s agrarian architectural style.

LUCC-5.3 Monumental Art. At gateway locations, provide iconic buildings, landscape, monumentation, signage, and public art installations that announce entry into the city and highlight Norco’s core values.

LUCC-5.4 Public Realm Improvements. Introduce public realm improvements that promote Norco’s character along Hamner Avenue and River Road. Key components include:
• Missing Sidewalks. Require that new development introduce missing sidewalks along the length of the parcel’s frontage along the street. • Missing Trails. Require that new development introduce missing pedestrianequestrian trails through the development and/or along the length of the parcel’s frontage along the street.
• Thematic Streetscape Elements. Display thematic imagery that celebrates and reinforces Norco’s core values (e.g., lighting, shade structures, kiosks, paving, banners, wayfinding signage, painted utility cabinets, public art). • Tree Canopy. Expand the tree canopy along Hamner Avenue and River Road, both in the public right-of-way and on private property.

GOAL LUCC-6: SIXTH STREET CORRIDOR. The City will preserve Sixth Street’s distinctive character and continue to attract businesses that support the day-to-day needs of Norco residents. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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POLICIES
LUCC-6.1 Placemaking Priority Areas. Infill vacant parcels and continue to evolve naturallyoccurring concentrations of neighborhood- and lifestyle-supporting businesses, services, and amenities along Sixth Street into more defined, active, and walkable environments that enable new and existing businesses to leverage the value of their proximity to one another and their exposure to high daily traffic volumes along the corridor.

LUCC-6.2 Preservation of Sixth Street’s Visual Character. Preserve and enhance Sixth Street’s character-defining pedestrian-equestrian trails, white split-rail fences, large canopy trees, and red, white, and blue street striping.

LUCC-6.3 Building and Site Design Standards. Design new development along Sixth Street in accordance with the City of Norco’s Objective Development Standards to ensure new buildings and their siting and landscaping are consistent with Norco’s character.

LUCC-6.6 Adaptive Reuse of Single-Family Houses. Continue to promote adaptive reuse of existing single-family houses for commercial purposes on commercially zoned lots that face Sixth Street and side streets. As practical, integrate single-family houses that accommodate restaurants, coffee shops, retail, and similar businesses into Sixth Street Placemaking Priority Areas.

LUCC-6.7 Expanded Tree Canopy. Preserve, maintain, and enhance Sixth Street’s existing tree canopy, planting new trees in accordance with the City’s Urban Forest Specifications and Standards where gaps in the canopy exist, particularly at Placemaking Priority Areas.

LUCC-6.8 Public Realm Improvements. Introduce traffic calming, streetscape, branding, and other public realm improvements along the Sixth Street to improve safety outcomes, attract new neighborhood and lifestyle-supporting business, and enhance Sixth Street’s equestrian-oriented public realm character.

GOAL OSC-4: LANDFORM AND SCENIC VISTA PRESERVATION. The City will protect and enhance distinctive landforms, scenic vistas, ridgelines, and natural landscapes, including Beacon Hill, the Norco Hills, and the Santa Ana River corridor, while ensuring that development, signage, landscaping, and public improvements preserve the visual character, historical significance, and unique sense of place that define the community.
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POLICIES
OSC-4.1 Landform and Scenic Vista Preservation. In areas not already designated for permanent open space in the Land Use Element, land development should be done in such a manner that the city’s primary land forms and scenic vistas are protected.

OSC-4.2 Landform Protection. Ensure that development occurs consistent with the city’s land form resources, preserving to the greatest extent possible the city’s most identifiable natural landmarks (e.g., Beacon Hill, Norco Hills) that help give the community its sense of uniqueness.

OSC-4.3 Beacon Hill Protection. Protect and recognize Beacon Hill as a historically significant feature of the city’s landscape. Work with neighboring property owners to create a balanced development plan that incorporates trails and open space.

OSC-4.4 Billboards and Freestanding Signage. Prohibit billboards within the city and limit the scale of freestanding signage within view corridors.

OSC-4.5 Ridgeline Preservation. Discourage the placement of buildings on prominent ridgelines.

OSC-4.6 Restoration of Native Upland Vegetation. Consider restoration of Riversidean sage scrub and other native upland vegetation as a means of enhancing the visual quality of local hillsides.

OSC-4.7 Views of Santa Ana River. Utilize existing and planned public amenities to improve and expand views of the Santa Ana River.

GOAL OSC-6: PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC RESOURCES. The City will identify and incentivize the preservation and restoration of significant historic resources that embody Norco’s heritage, character, and lifestyle.

POLICIES
OSC-6.1 Historic Resource Inventory. Update the 2012 inventory of potentially significant historic buildings, in accordance with criteria established by the National Register of Historic Places and the California Office of Historic Preservation.

OSC-6.2 Restoration and Adaptive Reuse. Pursue the restoration and adaptive reuse of older, character-defining buildings, such as the Norconian Hotel, the North Corona Land Company and Orange Heights Water Company building in the North Hamner Gateway, and the Community Center, as part of placemaking efforts. Where preservation in place is not feasible, incorporate appropriate mitigation measures through the environmental review process.
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OSC-6.3 Compatible Land Use Around Historic Resources. Ensure that land use designations and development regulations surrounding historic structures support their continued preservation and use, and do not diminish the economic viability of maintaining such resources.

OSC-6.4 Compatible Development Adjacent to Historic Structures. Ensure that new development in proximity to historic structures does not impede the integrity of the historical structure, either through inappropriate design, building mass, landscaping mass, setbacks, etc.

OSC-6.5 Historic Structure Demolition Review. Prohibit the demolition of any historical structure until an assessment of the cost of rehabilitation of the existing structure has been submitted to the City.

OSC-6.6 Alternatives to Demolition. Encourage the adaptive reuse of historic buildings as an alternative to demolition and replacement.

OSC-6.7 Sensitive Rehabilitation of Historic Structures. Maintain the integrity of historic structures by avoiding inappropriate additions or alterations and ensuring that their preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction complies with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

OSC-6.8 Local Historic Building Recognition Program. Establish and maintain a Local Historic Building Recognition Program to identify, acknowledge, and promote buildings and structures that contribute to Norco’s historical, cultural, and architectural heritage.

OSC-6.9 Lake Norconian Conservation and Stewardship. Support the long-term conservation, stewardship, and enhancement of Lake Norconian through collaborative planning that preserves its scenic, natural, and historic character, protects its visual quality and ecological functions, and encourages restoration activities that reinforce the lake’s role as a prominent community landmark and defining element of Norco’s identity and sense of place.

GOAL LUCC-10: BEACON HILL. The City will preserve the historical and visual significance of Beacon Hill while guiding compatible land use, open space, and trail planning that balances development opportunities with the protection of the area’s natural character.

POLICY
OSC-10.1 Beacon Hill Land Use Planning. Ensure that future development and land use planning within the Beacon Hill area directs open space preservation and equestrian and recreational trail improvements to areas designated for open space, while concentrating residential and commercial development within areas designated for residential and commercial uses, in a manner that protects and fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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recognizes the historical and visual significance of Beacon Hill in the city’s landscape.

GOAL OSC-5: SCENIC ELEMENTS WITHIN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT. The City will identify and promote the maintenance and enhancement of scenic elements within the built environment, including distinct buildings, landscape, and public art.

POLICY
OSC-5.1 Design Strategies. Employ a range of design strategies to maintain and enhance the scenic value of the built environment, such as site planning that considers the surrounding context, articulated building form and materials, streetscape design, undergrounding and screening of utilities, and equestrian-sensitive design.

Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU policies would ensure that scenic resources, including those within the city’s built environment, are preserved and would allow opportunities for enhancement of scenic resources that contribute to reinforcing the city’s agrarian atmosphere. Conformance with these policies would ensure that impacts to historic and scenic resources are less than significant.

All future development would be required to comply with 2050 GPU policies and regulations that concern the preservation of scenic resources. Conformance with specific 2050 GPU policies would ensure that new development would preserve and take into consideration significant resources, such as the Santa Ana River and the City’s Equestrian Historic District and Equestrian Landmark, when proposed. As future projects will be required to conform with applicable 2050 GPU policies. Therefore, potential impacts to scenic resources associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold c. Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings (Public views are those that experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would facilitate development that would alter the visual character of the Planning Area. The 2050 GPU Vision chapter identifies Areas of Enhancement in the city where growth and development is expected to occur. Several areas, fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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primarily along the I-15 corridor, are planned for strengthened visual quality and economic performance.

While enhancements are proposed as part of the 2050 GPU, the 2050 GPU states that a crucial goal is to preserve Norco’s unique physical and cultural identity through preservation of its smallplot agriculture, animal-keeping, and equestrian-oriented atmosphere. While the character of new projects would differ somewhat from older, existing development, the design and style would be in keeping with various ordinances and design guidelines that regulate urban design in the community. These address massing, scale, architectural style, signage, setbacks, and other areas important to the visual quality of the project. Along with new commercial and mixed-use developments, the 2050 GPU contains policies to enhance older developments for economic development and to provide unique, vibrant experiences for residents and visitors.

For these reasons, new development allowed by the 2050 GPU would not have a substantial adverse effect on visual character or quality. To the contrary, it would support enhancements to the built environment in keeping with the existing character, that would ultimately make Norco a more cohesively designed community, with distinct agrarian characteristics in its visual environment. Moreover, it is anticipated that the gradual redevelopment of infill properties would improve the visual quality of the city’s built environment.

The I-15 corridor primarily consists of commercial designations to the west and residential designations to the east. Enhancements to the commercial corridor along I-15 corridor would provide the city with a wide range of employment opportunities. These changes would be subject to several policies in the 2050 GPU, which are tailored to preserve the existing form, while incorporating enhanced design that connects all neighborhoods, and weaves new growth areas together with established Norco neighborhoods. Further, while the intensity of development may increase, urban form in the city would be retained, by preserving scenic resources as discussed above and adhering to 2050 GPU policies, which promote development consistent with the hilly land landscape that the City currently maintains, and incorporating native and naturalized plant material into new development projects.

The following goals policies would ensure that impacts to the visual character of the Planning Area are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development. These policies would promote the beautification of the Planning Area and ensure that future development is compatible with the existing and planned visual character:

GOAL LUCC-1: LIFESTYLE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION. The City will maintain a coordinated land use pattern that balances the relationship between existing agricultural, animal-keeping residential areas and future housing and commercial development. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
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