Agenda — Norco City Council, October 21, 2026 (part 6 of 8)

PAGE 4.10.14

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
The 2050 GPU would facilitate development that could result in the generation of runoff pollutants, such as sediments, oils and grease, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, trash and debris, oxygen demanding substances, and bacteria and viruses associated with residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial land uses. In addition, new development would result in greater vehicular use of roadways, which could potentially increase contaminants that would be carried in runoff and discharged into receiving waters. Therefore, nonpoint-source pollutants would be the primary contributors to potential water degradation as a result of development and growth forecasted under the 2050 GPU. Non-point-source pollutants would be washed by rainwater from rooftops, landscaped areas, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces into drainage systems. Significant impacts would occur if future growth would substantially increase pollutant loading levels in the sewer system or in groundwater underlying the Planning Area, either directly, through the introduction of pollutants generated by industrial or manufacturing land uses, or indirectly, through stormwater pollution.

The following Infrastructure and Facilities and Open Space and Conservation Element policies of the GPU would ensure that water quality protection measures are implemented and that impacts to water quality are reduced or minimized in conjunction with future development:

GOAL IF-1: WATER SYSTEM. The City will maintain its water system to meet the needs of the Norco community, in coordination with State and regional water agencies.

POLICY
IF-1.2 Infrastructure Maintenance. Continue to maintain, improve, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure the reliable provision of service to the community.

GOAL IF-3: STORMWATER SYSTEM. The City will design and maintain storm drain and flood control facilities that protect the community from flooding and safeguard sensitive streams and watercourses.

POLICIES
IF-3.5. NPDES Public Awareness. Continue to work with co-permittees of the NPDES permit to promote public awareness of water quality issues.

IF-3.6 Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Work with the agricultural community to reduce or eliminate surface and groundwater contamination due to agricultural activities.

GOAL OSC-11: WATER QUALITY AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT. The City will continue to implement and enforce all applicable water quality and stormwater management policies, regulations, and protocols as promulgated by Federal, State, and regional agencies.

POLICIES
OSC-11.1 Water Resource Protection. Protect water resources from pollutants through enforcement of the Clean Water Act with the issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for new development, as applicable, fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 514 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.15

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
including Storm Water Pollution Protection Plans (SWPPP) during construction, and Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP) post construction.

OSC-11.5 Animal-Keeping Impacts on Water Quality. Maintain public information campaigns that educate residents regarding the importance of following proper manure storage and disposal best practices in order to minimize pollutant runoff and nutrient leaching into groundwater and surface waters.

In addition to 2050 GPU policies, all future development projects would be required to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations concerning the protection of water quality, including the Federal Clean Water Act, and the City Municipal Code. 3 The Federal Clean
Water Act requires a Section 401 water quality certification for all projects requiring a Federal permit and a NPDES General Construction Permit for construction activities. 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 adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and regulations. Therefore, potential impacts to water quality associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold 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? Less than Significant Impact. Development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would result in the intensification of land uses and the development of vacant land or underutilized properties, which may increase the overall demand on groundwater supplies. Furthermore, growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would allow for additional development, thereby decreasing the amount of infiltration of water into the groundwater basins with an associated reduction of groundwater recharge.
3 City of Norco. “Chapter 15.70 City of Norco Stormwater/Urban Runoff Management and Discharge Controls.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026.
https://ecode360.com/48453351?highlight=quality&highlight=water&searchId=155372680710861#48453351. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 515 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.16

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
The following Infrastructure and Facilities and Open Space and Conservation Element policies of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts to groundwater recharge are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized to the fullest extent possible in conjunction with future development.

POLICIES
OSC-18.1 Riparian Soil Protection. Preserve natural soils and riparian vegetation within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat function, and flood management.

OSC-18.2 River Corridor Infiltration. Ensure development near the Santa Ana River corridor incorporates setbacks, biofiltration, and low-impact development techniques to maintain natural infiltration capacity.

All future developers would be required to comply with applicable State and local regulations that concern groundwater recharge, including the City Municipal Code, 4 which provides
stormwater management practices to minimize runoff and increase infiltration to recharge groundwater and improve water quality. As future projects are planned, they must adhere to the 2050 GPU 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.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold i. Would the project result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
Threshold ii. Would the project substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? Threshold iii. Would the project create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 4 City of Norco. “§ 18.55.20 Storm Management and Rainwater Retentions.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48457828?highlight=groundwater&searchId=159608353952945#48457828. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 516 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.17

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Less than Significant Impact. Development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would allow for grading and construction in previously undeveloped areas, which may alter drainage patterns and/or result in an increase in impervious surfaces, thereby potentially increasing stormwater runoff.

Increased stormwater runoff would have the potential to result in erosion or siltation or exceed the capacity of the storm drain system and result in flood hazards on surrounding lands. Impacts to water quality as a result of runoff are discussed above.

The 2050 GPU includes goals, policies, and programs to ensure that future development is reviewed for potential risks from altered drainage patterns, stormwater runoff, and stormwater management and design. The following Infrastructure and Facilities and Open Space and Conservation Element of the 2050 GPU would require that future development be consistent with existing topography and drainage patterns, and ensure that new systems are properly designed to address stormwater drainage in conjunction with new development:

GOAL IF-3: STORMWATER SYSTEM. The City will design and maintain storm drain and flood control facilities that protect the community from flooding and safeguard sensitive streams and watercourses..

POLICIES
IF-3.1 Agency Coordination. Coordinate with regional, State, and Federal flood control agencies to mitigate flood risk in the city.

IF-3.2 Infrastructure Maintenance. Continue to maintain, improve, and replace aging storm drain infrastructure to safeguard the community from flooding and reduce the costs of repairing erosion damage.

IF-3.3 Funding. Ensure that adequate funding is available to maintain and upgrade existing storm drain facilities and construct new infrastructure as needed.

IF-3.4 NPDES Compliance. Ensure project developer compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements.

IF-3.5 NPDES Public Awareness. Continue to work with co-permittees of the NPDES permit to promote public awareness of water quality issues.

IF-3.6 Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Work with the agricultural community to reduce or eliminate surface and groundwater contamination due to agricultural activities.

POLICIES
OSC-11.1 Water Resource Protection. Protect water resources from pollutants through enforcement of the Clean Water Act with the issuance of National Pollutant fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 517 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.18

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for new development, as applicable, including Storm Water Pollution Protection Plans (SWPPP) during construction and Water Quality Management Plans (WQMP) post construction.

OSC-11.3 Best Management Practices. Employ best management practices and sustainable stormwater control measures in capital improvement projects, as appropriate.

OSC-11.4 Constructed Wetlands. As an alternative to conventional storm drainage facilities, design and manage constructed wetlands that mimic natural wetlands and contribute to the filtration and cleansing of stormwater.

OSC-11.6 Groundwater Extraction Overlay. In those areas where groundwater extraction occurs, consider applying a groundwater protection overlay zone that places restrictions on land uses with the potential to contaminate groundwater, restriction on the use of certain fertilizers and pesticides, well management protocols, and secondary containment standards.

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 development of drainage facilities.5 As future projects are planned, they must adhere to the 2050 GPU policies and regulations.

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

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold iv. Would the project impede or redirect flood flows? Less than Significant Impact. Areas primarily along the northwest to northeast boundary of the city, along the Santa Ana River, are located within Special Flood Hazard Areas subject to a 100- year flood. Flood hazard mapping in the 2050 GPU is consistent with the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer mapper.6 Smaller areas throughout the city are mapped as Special Flood Hazard Areas subject to a 100-year flood with designations such as Low Density Agricultural, Specific 5 City of Norco. “Title 17 Subdivisions.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48453528#48453528.
6 FEMA. “National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Viewer.” Accessed May 2026. https://hazardsfema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8b0adb51996444d4879338b5529aa9cd. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 518 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.19

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Plan, and Hillside Agricultural. Low Density Agricultural and Hillside Agricultural designations would allow for residential development, therefore, housing may be located within the Special Flood Hazard Area subject to a 100-year flood. Structures that encroach on a floodplain, such as bridges, may narrow the width of stream channels and obstruct flows, increasing the potential for upstream flooding.

The 2050 GPU would adhere to Chapter 15.60 “Floodplain Management” of the Norco Municipal Code, which contains requirements such as anchoring to prevent floatation and new construction containing at least one foot above the base flood elevation from the lowest floor and requirement of a development permit to be obtained before construction or development begins within a Special Flood Hazard Area.7 The application for a development permit is reviewed by the City Floodplain Administrator and would ensure that all new construction and substantial improvements would be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage.

Further, the 2050 GPU includes a range of policies intended to reduce risks of flooding, including design review of storm drain and flood control facilities, restricted development within floodplains, and regularly updated hazards mapping. The following Open Space and Conservation Element, Infrastructure and Facilities Element, and Safety Element of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts relative to flooding are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized to the fullest extent feasible in conjunction with future development:

GOAL IF-3: STORMWATER SYSTEM. The City will design and maintain storm drain and flood control facilities that protect the community from flooding and safeguard sensitive streams and watercourses.

POLICIES
IF-3.1 Agency Coordination. Coordinate with regional, State, and Federal flood control agencies to mitigate flood risk in the city.

GOAL OSC-18: RIVER CORRIDOR PROTECTION. The City will protect and enhance the soil and hydrologic functions of the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat integrity, and flood management.
7 City of Norco. “Chapter 15.60: Floodplain Management.” Municipal Code. Accessed May 2026. https://ecode360.com/48453057#48453057.
fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 519 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.20

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
POLICY
OSC-18.1 Riparian Soil Protection. Preserve natural soils and riparian vegetation within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River corridor to support groundwater recharge, habitat function, and flood management.

GOAL S-4: FLOOD HAZARDS. The City will work with partners to reduce or minimize flood impacts.

POLICIES
S-4.1 Flood Control. Construct flood control facilities to reduce or prevent property damage and loss of life.

S-4.2 Flood Plain Development. Ensure any construction of structures built within floodprone areas incorporate flood proofing flood mitigation design elements.

S-4.3 Development Evaluation. Evaluate all developments proposed in flood-prone areas to minimize the risks to life or property.

S-4.5 Critical Facility Protection. Relocate or protect existing critical facilities located in flood-prone areas.

S-4.6 Critical Facility Location. Prohibit the placement of critical facilities in flood-prone areas where feasible. If a facility must be in these areas, it should only be permitted if adequate flood protection measures are taken.

S-4.7 Facility Construction. Encourage the continued construction of flood control facilities to protect areas threatened by inundation, emphasizing underground channels or facilities that give the appearance of natural water courses.

S-4.8 Floodplain Development Design. Permit development in a floodplain only if it possesses minimal risk to lives and property and is adequately designed so that all structures are elevated above the base flood elevation.

S-4.9 Places of Assembly. Discourage the construction of schools and other places of public assembly in flood-prone areas subject to inundation events.

All future development projects would be required to comply with applicable laws and regulations that concern flooding, including the City Municipal Code. As future projects are planned, they must adhere to 2050 GPU policies and regulations. Therefore, potential impacts relative to impeding or redirecting flood flows associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 520 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.21

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Threshold d. Would the project result in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? Less than Significant Impact. The City of Norco lies approximately 32.5 miles from the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, which provides sufficient distance and protection from tsunamis.

A seiche is a surface wave created when a body of water is shaken, usually by earthquake activity.

Seiches are of concern relative to water storage facilities because inundation from a seiche can occur if the wave overflows a containment wall, such as the wall of a reservoir, water storage tank, dam, or other artificial body of water. The severity or magnitude of seiche is limited by the volume of water in the waterbody. Deeper and larger waterbodies contain more water which, in turn, can produce taller and more voluminous waves. Lake Norconian is a relatively small and shallow waterbody and would not produce seiche events large enough to result in substantial damage. Further, the majority of the areas adjacent to the Santa Ana River would be designated as Open Space under the 2050 GPU. Areas designated as Open Space would not be developed with residential housing or other structures that would increase risk of pollutant increase in the case of project inundation. Thus, within these areas that would be designated as Open Space, the 2050 GPU would not risk release of pollutants due to project inundation. The 2050 GPU includes a range of policies intended to reduce risks of flooding, including design review of storm drain and flood control facilities, restricted development within floodplains, and regularly updated hazards mapping, which would minimize potential impacts due from a seiche event.

The following Open Space and Conservation Element, Infrastructure and Facilities Element, and Safety Element of the 2050 GPU would ensure that impacts relative to flooding from a seiche event are taken into consideration and reduced or minimized to the fullest extent feasible in conjunction with future development:

GOAL IF-3: STORMWATER SYSTEM. The City will design and maintain storm drain and flood control facilities that protect the community from flooding and safeguard sensitive streams and watercourses.

POLICIES
IF-3.1 Agency Coordination. Coordinate with regional, State, and Federal flood control agencies to mitigate flood risk in the city.

Page 521 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.22

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality

GOAL S-4: FLOOD HAZARDS. The City will work with partners to reduce or minimize flood impacts.

POLICIES
S-4.1. Flood Control. Construct flood control facilities to reduce or prevent property damage and loss of life.

S-4.2. Flood Plain Development. Ensure any construction of structures built within floodprone areas incorporate flood proofing flood mitigation design elements.

S-4.3. Development Evaluation. Evaluate all developments proposed in flood-prone areas to minimize the risks to life or property.

S-4.5. Critical Facility Protection. Relocate or protect existing critical facilities located in flood-prone areas.

S-4.6. Critical Facility Location. Prohibit the placement of critical facilities in flood-prone areas where feasible. If a facility must be in these areas, it should only be permitted if adequate flood protection measures are taken.

S-4.7. Facility Construction. Encourage the continued construction of flood control facilities to protect areas threatened by inundation, emphasizing underground channels or facilities that give the appearance of natural water courses.

S-4.8. Floodplain Development Design. Permit development in a floodplain only if it possesses minimal risk to lives and property and is adequately designed so that all structures are elevated above the base flood elevation.

S-4.9. Places of Assembly. Discourage the construction of schools and other places of public assembly in flood-prone areas subject to inundation events.

In addition to compliance with mandatory California Building Code requirements, implementation of Goals and Policies of the 2050 GPU 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. As future projects are planned, they must adhere to 2050 GPU policies and regulations. Therefore, potential impacts relative to impeding or redirecting flood flows associated with the 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 522 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.23

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold e. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
Less than Significant Impact. Development envisioned under the 2050 GPU would affect water quality and groundwater supply through construction and operational activities. This analysis refers to the Santa Ana River Basin Plan (Basin Plan),
8 the City of Norco 2020 UWMP, and
Ordinance No. 1007. The 2050 GPU includes Goals and Policies to ensure adequate water resource for existing and future development, promote water conservation, enforce water quality regulations, and implement sustainable stormwater management practices. Therefore, potential impacts related to conflicts with a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan would be less than significant. The following Open Space and Conservation Element and Infrastructure and Facilities Element of the 2050 GPU would ensure such impacts are considered and minimized to the fullest extent feasible in conjunction with future development:

GOAL IF-1: WATER SYSTEM. The City will maintain its water system to meet the needs of the Norco community, in coordination with State and regional water agencies.

POLICIES
IF-1.1 Agency Coordination. Work with the Arlington Desalter Facility, the Chino Basin Desalter Authority, and the City of Riverside to ensure an adequate supply of domestic water facilities to sustain existing and projected water needs.

IF-1.2 Infrastructure Maintenance. Continue to maintain, improve, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure the reliable provision of service to the community.

IF-1.3 Funding. Ensure that adequate funding is available to maintain and upgrade existing water facilities, construct new infrastructure as needed, manage water assets, and promote water use efficiency programs and education resources.

IF-1.4 New Development. Require new development to provide adequate water infrastructure to serve the development.

Development envisioned by the 2050 GPU would increase the demand for water, most of which would derive from groundwater sources. Mandatory compliance with the Norco Municipal Code and the Santa Ana RWQCB post-construction requirements for stormwater management would minimize the interference with groundwater recharge. In addition, compliance with relevant water quality regulations, BMPs, and policies of the 2050 GPU would reduce the risk of water 8 Santa Ana Regional Water Board. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin. Accessed April 2026. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/water_issues/programs/basin_plan/docs/2025/chp4_object.pdf. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 523 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.10.24

DRAFT PEIR

4.10 HydrologY AND Water quality
degradation from soil erosion and other pollutants related to construction and operational activities. Therefore, 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. Accordingly, implementation of the 2050 GPU would not interfere with sustainable groundwater management planning efforts. Impacts related to sustainable groundwater management would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 524 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.1

DRAFTPEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
This section describes the existing land use characteristics in the City of Norco, including the overall land use pattern and the distribution of existing and planned land uses throughout the city. This section also evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan, including consistency between land use designations, goals, policies, and development focus areas identified throughout the City’s Planning Area. The consistency of the proposed 2050 General Plan with applicable local and regional land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects is also evaluated. Information contained in this section is based on the proposed 2050 General Plan and associated technical data prepared in support of the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU).
a. Existing Conditions
The City of Norco Land Use/Community Character Assessment (Appendix 4.11) describes the regional setting, local setting, and existing land uses within the city. Information from this assessment is incorporated throughout this section.

1. Regional Setting
As shown in Figure 4.11-1, Regional Setting, the City of Norco is located within the western portion of Riverside County. The city is located approximately 45 miles east of the City of Los Angeles, and approximately 12 miles from Ontario Airport. The City of Norco borders the cities of Corona, Riverside, Eastvale, and Jurupa Valley, and unincorporated Riverside County.

2. Local Setting
Figure 4.11-2, Local Setting, illustrates the City of Norco’s local setting, including the city limits and Sphere of Influence (SOI). The city encompasses approximately 9,800 acres (about 14.5 square miles) within western Riverside County. In addition, roughly 56 acres lie within the City’s SOI as adopted by the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

Norco’s physical boundaries are largely defined by natural landforms. Bluffs overlooking the Santa Ana River create a prominent edge along the northeastern to southwestern portion of the city, while the Norco Hills form a distinct boundary to the east. These features contribute to the city’s rural and semi-rural character and influence development patterns throughout the community.

The city’s built environment is shaped by major infrastructure and institutional land uses.

Interstate 15 traverses the community and generally divides the city into eastern and western portions. Major institutional uses within the city occupy substantial land areas, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) and the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC). The CRC property includes the historic Norconian Hotel, a Spanish/Mediterranean-style structure listed fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.11 Land Use and Planning

Page 525 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.2

DRAFTPEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
on the National Register of Historic Places. These large facilities represent significant land use components that influence the pattern of surrounding development.

3. Existing Land Use and Community Character
Land uses within the City of Norco are characterized by low-density residential neighborhoods, equestrian-oriented atmosphere, commercial corridors, industrial uses, institutional facilities, open space areas, and undeveloped land, as reflected in Figure 4.11-3, Land Use Map. The City maintains a distinct rural and equestrian-oriented atmosphere that is reinforced through equestrian trails, equestrian trail fencing, parks with equestrian amenities, large lot (typically a half-acre or larger), and animal-keeping areas.

Residential development within Norco is characterized by relatively large lot sizes and agricultural-oriented land use patterns. A substantial portion of residential parcels are 20,000 square feet or greater, accounting for nearly half of the city’s incorporated land area (46 percent).

The remaining residential lots comprise approximately 20 percent of the land area. Residential development has also occurred within hillside areas, where neighborhoods extend into sloping terrain.

The majority of land within the city is designated and zoned for low-density residential and agricultural-oriented uses that support large lot development and animal-keeping activities. A key component of the City’s zoning framework includes requirements for Primary Animal Keeping Areas (PAKAs), which establish minimum areas on residential lots that must remain available for animal-keeping and small-scale agricultural uses. Community character features throughout residential neighborhoods include equestrian trails, split-rail fencing, landscaped setbacks, and rural streetscape design elements.

Commercial businesses are generally concentrated along Hamner Avenue, the city’s primary north–south corridor and most heavily traveled roadway. Additional neighborhood-serving and animal-keeping-related commercial uses are located along Sixth Street, reflecting the city’s equestrian identity and rural community character. Industrial and light industrial uses are primarily concentrated south of Fifth Street and within the Gateway area west of Interstate 15.

Several areas within the city are governed by adopted specific plans, including the Gateway Specific Plan, Auto Mall Specific Plan, Norco Hills Specific Plan, and Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan, which establish tailored land use and development standards applicable to those areas.

Public and institutional land uses within the city include schools, parks, the NSWC, and the CRC.

Open space areas, trails, and recreational facilities are also located throughout the city and contribute to Norco’s equestrian-oriented atmosphere and rural community character. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 526 of 848 ends

Source: Google (2023); Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Norco
N
FIGURE 4.11-1, REGIONAL SETTING

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
SOURCE: Google Earth Pro – 2023; Sargent Town Planning – 2026. PAGE 4.11.3 Glendale Pasadena
-
QI Alhambra
Arcadia -.. - V: Azusa
,,
Covina
El Monte West Covina
@
Rancho
Claremont Cucamonga
-
fil~ lft]® CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
QJ
@ @
San Bernardino
Fontana
v .... Colton
Los Angeles ~ I
® Pomona Ontario ~ ~ Redlands
Inglewood
I
Hawthorne
Gardena
rmosa
eac;h
Torrance '
G)
\l
I
' Downey
@) ® Cityof
V Industry
Whinier
u Norwalk
I
Brea
Compton
• Lakewood Cerritos
...l...
•
Fullerton
® --
Anaheim
(if)
Garden Grove
'@
Rancho
lo·s Verdes
ijl;; Long Beach
Terminal
Island G) Santa Ana
Fountain
Valley
Humington
Beach
@
Newport
Beach
®
Irvine
Chino
Chino Hills
Chino Hills
State Park
f133) ij p
,@ Corona
-,
,
I
'
~ · Trabuco ~ Canyon ''
Lake Forest
Mission Viejo
ffp - @ Higngrove
Jurupa Valley
River,side
$) ijp
Moreno Valley
March Air
Woodcrest Reserve Base
Lake Mathews Mead Valley
Estelle
Mountain
Reserve Perris
Nu
Canyon Lake
Lake Elsinore
Menifee
t akeland
Village
Wildomar E9 _ ........ _....._ ________ ~ ~-- ~

Page 527 of 848 ends

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (2022); Sargent Town Planning (2026) Norco Hills
Santa Ana River
2 1
3 4
5 Legend
City Limit
County Boundary
Santa Ana River
Hills
Naval Surface Warfare Center
California Rehabilitation Center
Norco College
Beacon Hill
Former Wyle Laboratories Site
1 2
3 4
5 San Bernardino County
Riverside County
N
SOURCE: U.S. Geological Survey – 2022; Sargent Town and Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
PAGE 4.11.4
FIGURE 4.11-2, LOCAL SETTING
-
• • • • •

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
"'".-. -- k J •. ~;- .. ,.,•'?(" .. ,, . - .:~"~~ ~ ...... ~\ ~ ----./ "'!
j
" ½
" ' ',, ~
· ~

Page 528 of 848 ends

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; Sargent Town and Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
PAGE 4.11.5
FIGURE 4.11-3, LAND USE MAP
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
■
••• ■
■ ■
■ ■
■ Bl- ~
■ ~

Page 529 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.6

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
An extensive undeveloped property remains in the southeastern portion of the city, the approximately 429-acre former Wyle Laboratories Site, which operated as an aerospace rocket testing facility until 2003. The site represents one of the largest remaining development opportunity areas within the city.
b. Regulatory Setting

1. Regional
Southern California Association of Governments
SCAG is a council of governments representing Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. SCAG is the Federally recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for this region, which encompasses more than 38,000 square miles. SCAG is a regional planning agency and a forum for addressing regional issues concerning transportation, the economy, community development, and the environment. SCAG is also the regional clearinghouse for projects requiring environmental documentation under Federal and State law. In this role, SCAG reviews proposed development and infrastructure projects to analyze their impacts on regional planning programs. As the southern California region’s MPO, SCAG cooperates with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and other agencies in preparing regional planning documents. SCAG has developed regional plans to achieve specific regional objectives.

SCAG is also responsible for the designated Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), including its Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS; together, RTP/SCS) component pursuant to Senate Bill 375. The primary goal of the RTP is to increase mobility for the region’s residents and visitors, as well as for commerce and goods movement. The SCAG 2024 Connect SoCal RTP/SCS is a longrange regional planning document that integrates transportation, land use, housing, and sustainability strategies to support mobility, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and resilient communities throughout Southern California. The RTP/SCS establishes a framework for coordinating regional growth and transportation investments while advancing State planning objectives under Senate Bill 375.

Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) The Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is responsible for overseeing boundary changes, including annexations and amendments to municipal SOI boundaries within Riverside County. LAFCO establishes SOI boundaries for cities and special districts and reviews proposals for annexation to ensure orderly growth, efficient service provision, and avoidance of urban sprawl. Any annexation of lands within the City of Norco’s SOI would require LAFCO review and approval.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 530 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.7

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING

2. Local
City of Norco General Plan
The City of Norco General Plan establishes the community’s long-term vision for land use, development patterns, infrastructure planning, resource conservation, and community character. The General Plan includes land use designations, goals, and policies that guide growth and development within the city. The currently adopted General Plan serves as the baseline planning framework against which the proposed 2050 General Plan is evaluated.

City of Norco General Plan Land Use Element
The City of Norco 2009 General Plan Land Use Element established the City’s overall land use framework and includes Goals and Policies intended to preserve Norco’s rural, equestrianoriented atmosphere while guiding future growth and development within the city. The 2009 Land Use Element includes the land use plan shown in Figure 4.11-3 with associated policies that establish a pattern of land use in the city and set standards and guidelines for the development of land uses.

City of Norco Zoning Code
The City of Norco Municipal Code, including the Zoning Ordinance, implements the General Plan by establishing zoning districts, permitted uses, development standards, and regulations governing lot size, building placement, height, and animal-keeping requirements. Zoning regulations, including provisions for PAKAs, ensure that development remains consistent with the city’s equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

Specific Plans
Several areas within the city are governed by adopted specific plans, which provide detailed land use regulations and development standards tailored to defined geographic areas. These include the Gateway Specific Plan, Auto Mall Specific Plan, Norco Hills Specific Plan, and Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan. In addition, the former Wyle Laboratories Site is subject to a proposed specific plan intended to guide future redevelopment of that property. Specific plans function as implementation tools of the General Plan and may include land use maps, circulation plans, infrastructure plans, and development standards.
c. Methodology
The land use and planning analysis describes existing regional and local plans and policies and is intended to fulfill the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(d). The analysis evaluates potential inconsistencies and conflicts between implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan and applicable land use plans and policies. The proposed 2050 General Plan is considered consistent with applicable plans if it meets the general intent of the identified regional and local planning documents.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 531 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.8

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
A proposed project need not be in perfect conformity with every policy or land use designation to be considered consistent with an applicable plan. Therefore, the analysis below provides a summary of the most relevant plans, policies, and development standards from applicable planning documents, while consistency determinations are based upon the planning documents as a whole. Furthermore, any inconsistency would need to result in a physical environmental effect not otherwise addressed in other resource chapters of this Program EIR (PEIR) to result in a significant environmental impact.
d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G to the CEQA Guidelines. For the purposes of this PEIR, impacts related to Land Use and Planning are considered significant if implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would:
a) Physically divide an established community; or
b) 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.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project physically divide an established community? Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not physically divide the City of Norco as currently established. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would primarily occur through infill development, redevelopment of opportunity sites, and incremental growth within and adjacent to existing developed areas of Norco. Future development anticipated under the proposed 2050 GPU would remain integrated with the city’s existing circulation network, neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and community facilities.

The proposed 2050 General Plan Land Use and Community Character Element includes Goals and Policies intended to maintain connectivity between existing and future development areas, preserve cohesive neighborhood and corridor development patterns, and support interconnected circulation and trail networks throughout the city. Relevant policies include:

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.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 532 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.9

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
POLICY
LUCC-5.4. Public Realm Improvements. Introduce public realm improvements that promote Norco’s all American, small-town 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, especially in the Focus Areas, introduce missing 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.

POLICIES
LUCC-6.5 Equestrian Amenities. Facilitate equestrian access to Sixth Street businesses and require the provision of trail-adjacent public equestrian amenities on these sites (e.g., hitching posts, corrals).

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

LUCC-6.10 Safe Street Crossings. Introduce enhanced crossing facilities for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists along Sixth Street, including high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian/equestrian-prioritized crossing signal push-buttons that minimize wait times for crossing Sixth Street.

GOAL LUCC-7: NORTH HAMNER GATEWAY PLACEMAKING PRIORITY AREA. The City will work with property owners and developers to create a new, authentic, walkable downtown area that provides expanded shopping, dining, hospitality, entertainment, and cultural experiences and offerings to residents and visitors of Norco.

POLICY
LUCC-7.4 Equestrian Amenities. Require equestrian access to the North Hamner Gateway by providing linkages to the surrounding pedestrian-equestrian trail network and providing equestrian amenities, signage, and split-rail fences that clearly delineate equestrian areas from those dedicated to pedestrians and vehicles. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 533 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.10

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
GOAL LUCC-8: NORCONIAN RESORT SITE. The City will encourage the preservation, conservation, and development of the Norconian Resort Site in a way that protects and highlights Norco’s unique natural, cultural, and historic resources.

POLICIES
LUCC-8.1 Norconian Resort Site Specific Plan. Guide new development on the Norconian Site with a Specific Plan that establishes development standards requiring the following placemaking strategies:
• Land Use. Introduce new uses that are well-suited to the historic structures and natural topography of the site.
• Interconnected Public Realm and Trail Network. Introduce an interconnected street, trail, and open space network, including filling missing gaps in Norco’s trail network.
• Required Community Benefits. Fund, in-part or in-whole, high-priority community benefits, including, but not limited to:
− The preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, especially the historic Norconian Hotel, and any eligible and unlisted buildings to the National Register of Historic Places
− The provision of new open space, recreational, agricultural and/or equestrian amenities that provide significant value to the community.

LUCC-8.2 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-9: WYLE LABORATORIES SITE. The City will facilitate and encourage the development and conservation of the Wyle Laboratories Site in a way that protects open space and highlights Norco’s unique rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

POLICY
LUCC-9.1 Wyle Laboratories Site Specific Plan. Guide new development on the Wyle Laboratories Site with a Specific Plan that establishes development standards requiring the following placemaking strategies:
• Land Use. Introduce new uses that are well-suited to the natural open space and topography of the site.
• Limited Development. Limit development to the flatter portions of the site with less topography and natural features, and maintain open space buffers between any new development and adjacent neighborhoods. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 534 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.11

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
• Preservation and Restoration of Existing Landforms and Natural Habitat.

Preserve and restore valuable site features, including the existing creek and hillside areas as natural open space, ceding a minimum of 150 acres to an open space and habitat conservancy.
• Expansion of Norco Hills Trail Network. Create new trails along the creek connecting to the Norco Hills trail network.

Collectively, these Goals and Policies promote integrated development patterns, interconnected circulation and trail networks, and coordinated planning that maintains connectivity throughout Norco rather than creating physical barriers between established neighborhoods. Future development under the proposed 2050 GPU would generally occur within established growth areas, along existing corridors, and within identified opportunity and focus areas already connected to the city’s existing roadway and trail network.

Additional development is anticipated within areas in the city including the Sixth Street Corridor, North Hamner Gateway area, Norconian Resort Site, and Wyle Laboratories Site, implemented through coordinated planning efforts and specific plans intended to integrate new development with surrounding neighborhoods, circulation systems, open space areas, and community amenities. In addition, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not require construction of major infrastructure features, such as new freeways or rail corridors, that would physically separate or isolate established neighborhoods or disrupt community connectivity.

Therefore, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not physically divide the City of Norco as currently established, and impacts 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 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? Less than Significant Impact. Several regional and locally adopted land use plans, policies, and regulations are relevant to the proposed 2050 GPU. These include the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)/Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), and the City of Norco General Plan. These plans include policies adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. The proposed 2050 GPU’s consistency with these plans and policies is discussed below. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 535 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.12

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) RTP/SCS The SCAG RTP/SCS establishes a long-range regional framework to accommodate projected population growth while reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), improving air quality, and promoting sustainable land use patterns. The RTP/SCS integrates transportation, land use, and housing strategies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets and other environmental objectives.

As discussed in Section 4.14, Population and Housing, the proposed 2050 GPU forecasts approximately 26,720 residents and 8,000 households by 2050, which is generally consistent with the SCAG regional growth projections evaluated in Section 4.14. The proposed 2050 GPU includes Goals and Policies that encourage efficient development patterns, including coordination of land use and transportation, promotion of connectivity between land uses, and support for regional mobility and goods movement, which are consistent with the objectives of the RTP/SCS, which are to increase mobility for the region’s residents and visitors, as well as for commerce and goods movement. The SCAG 2024–2050 RTP/SCS is a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals.

Both the proposed 2050 GPU and the SCAG RTP/SCS promote coordinated land use and transportation planning intended to accommodate projected population growth while supporting regional mobility, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and encouraging efficient development patterns. The proposed 2050 GPU would direct future development toward existing developed areas, opportunity sites, commercial corridors, and mixed-use areas while maintaining connectivity and compatibility between land uses through updated land use and community character policies.

The proposed 2050 General Plan Land Use and Community Character Element includes Goals and Policies that support compatible development patterns, coordinated circulation and trail networks, pedestrian-oriented design, and context-sensitive redevelopment. Policies related to neighborhood compatibility, interconnected circulation systems, adaptive reuse, mixed-use design standards, preservation of community character, and coordinated development of opportunity sites would support the regional objectives of the RTP/SCS while minimizing potential land use conflicts and environmental effects.

Accordingly, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would be consistent with the SCAG RTP/SCS and would not conflict with applicable regional land use plans adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

City of Norco Proposed 2050 General Plan
The proposed 2050 GPU includes updated land use designations, goals, and policies intended to guide future development within the city, while preserving Norco’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere. The proposed 2050 GPU has been developed as a comprehensive and internally fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 536 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.13

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
consistent planning document in which land use, circulation, community character, and infrastructure policies work together to support coordinated growth, compatibility between land uses, and connected development patterns. The proposed Land Use and Community Character Element includes Goals and Policies intended to preserve cohesive neighborhoods, maintain compatibility between existing and future land uses, support interconnected circulation and trail networks, and reinforce Norco’s small-town and equestrian-oriented atmosphere . Relevant policies include:

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.

POLICIES
LUCC-1.1 Residential Agricultural Preservation. Existing Residential Agricultural (RA) designated parcels shall not be redesignated or rezoned for higher intensity residential uses, except for parcels subject to the Housing Development Overlay (HDO).

LUCC-1.4 Commercial-Residential Separation. Keep commercial development and traffic routes as separate as possible from single-family residential neighborhoods.

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 style.

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 buildings that highlight Norco’s agrarian architectural style and consider surrounding development and land use.

LUCC-2.3 Neighborhood Blight and Nuisance Conditions. In coordination with community members, enforce against safety hazards, visual blight, and public nuisance conditions as defined in the Norco Municipal Code.

LUCC-2.5 Commercial-Residential Buffering. Commercial development proposed in areas that adjoin residential development shall provide adequate buffering by landscaping, screening, or open space. Height limits, as established in the Norco Municipal Code and Objective Development Standards, shall be implemented in all non-residential zones so as to protect the privacy and solar access on adjacent residential lots.

Page 537 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.14

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
further Norco’s core values and are consistent with the City of Norco’s Objective Development Standards.

POLICY
LUCC-5.4 Public Realm Improvements. Introduce public realm improvements that promote Norco’s all American, small-town 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, especially in the Focus Areas, introduce missing pedestrian-equestrian 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.

POLICIES
LUCC-6.1 Placemaking Priority Areas. Infill vacant parcels and continue to evolve naturally occurring 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-6.9 Shared Vehicular Access and Parking. Allow and promote consolidated shared vehicular access to properties and shared parking areas. Shared parking should comply with the provisions of the Norco Municipal Code.

Page 538 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.15

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING

POLICIES
LUCC-7.1 North Hamner Gateway Planning. Guide the evolution of the North Hamner Gateway into Norco’s authentic downtown through the preparation of a Specific Plan that is consistent with the community’s vision and economic development goals.

LUCC-7.2 North Hamner Gateway Management and Promotion. Intentionally manage improvements within the North Hamner Gateway area through a public-private partnership between the City, local businesses, and property owners, including the management of shared parking facilities, coordination of streetscape and site improvements, and planning and promotion of special events.

GOAL LUCC-8: NORCONIAN RESORT SITE. The City will encourage the preservation, conservation, and development of the Norconian Resort Site in a way that protects and highlights Norco’s unique natural, cultural, and historic resources.

POLICY
LUCC-8.1 Norconian Resort Site Specific Plan. Guide new development on the Norconian Site with a Specific Plan that establishes development standards requiring the following placemaking strategies:
• Land Use. Introduce new uses that are well-suited to the historic structures and natural topography of the site.
• Interconnected Public Realm and Trail Network. Introduce an interconnected street, trail, and open space network, including filling missing gaps in Norco’s trail network.
• Required Community Benefits. Fund, in-part or in-whole, high-priority community benefits, including, but not limited to:
− The preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, especially the historic Norconian Hotel, and any eligible and unlisted buildings to the National Register of Historic Places
− The provision of new open space, recreational, agricultural and/or equestrian amenities that provide significant value to the community.

Page 539 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.16

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
POLICY
LUCC-9.1 Wyle Laboratories Site Specific Plan. Guide new development on the Wyle Laboratories Site with a Specific Plan that establishes development standards requiring the following placemaking strategies:
• Land Use. Introduce new uses that are well-suited to the natural open space and topography of the site.
• Limited Development. Limit development to the flatter portions of the site with less topography and natural features, and maintain open space buffers between any new development and adjacent neighborhoods. • Preservation and Restoration of Existing Landforms and Natural Habitat.

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
LUCC-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 recognizes the historical and visual significance of Beacon Hill in the city’s landscape.

Collectively, the proposed 2050 General Plan Land Use and Community Character Element Goals and Policies would support compatible land use patterns, preserve neighborhood character, maintain connectivity between existing and future development areas, and minimize potential land use conflicts. The proposed policies include requirements for compatible transitions between residential and non-residential uses, interconnected trail and circulation networks, context-sensitive development standards, preservation of open space areas, coordinated redevelopment of key opportunity sites, and land use planning that protects historical, visual, and natural character of areas such as Beacon Hill. These policies are intended to guide future growth in a manner that maintains community character, protects adjacent neighborhoods, and avoids physical and operational land use conflicts. Accordingly, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not conflict with applicable plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 540 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.11.17

DRAFT PEIR

4.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING
As discussed above, the proposed 2050 GPU would be consistent with applicable regional and local land use plans, policies, and regulations. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not conflict with such plans in a manner that would result in a significant environmental impact.

Therefore, impacts related to land use consistency would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 541 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.1

DRAFTPEIR

4.12 mineral resources
This section addresses potential impacts to mineral resources associated with implementation of the proposed City of Norco 2050 General Plan Update (GPU). The information presented in this section is based on the State of California Mining and Geology Board, the California Geologic Energy Management Division, and other applicable agencies. a. Existing Conditions

1. Mineral Resources
Mineral extraction is an important component of the region’s economy. The region has extensive deposits of clay, limestone, iron, sand, and aggregates. Mineral deposits support a variety of industries, including construction, transportation infrastructure development, and chemical processing. The value of mineral deposits within the region is often enhanced by their proximity to urban areas, where demand for construction aggregate materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock is high. However, continued urban development can also limit access to these resources as land is converted to residential, commercial, and other urban uses.

Because mineral deposits are nonrenewable resources, their management requires careful planning to ensure efficient use and minimize unnecessary loss of valuable materials. Regional planning efforts seek to balance the conservation of significant mineral resource areas with compatible land uses and environmental protection while allowing for the safe and orderly operation of mining and extraction activities where appropriate.

2. Mineral Resource Zones
The State Mining and Geology Board has defined Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) for consideration in land use planning. The zones are established based on the presence or absence of significant sand and gravel deposits, and crushed rock resource areas. According to the California Geological Survey Mineral Resources Mapping Program, mineral resources within the city are classified using Mineral Resource Zones, MRZ-1 to MRZ-4. Subcategories may be used to further distinguish resource certainty.

The MRZ classifications include:
• MRZ-1: Areas where available information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where little likelihood exists for their presence. • MRZ-2: Areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where there is a high likelihood of their presence. • MRZ-3: Areas containing mineral deposits, the significance of which cannot be determined from available data.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.12 Mineral Resources

Page 542 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.2

DRAFTPEIR

4.12 mineral resources
• MRZ-4: Areas where available information is inadequate to assign any other MRZ classification.

These classifications assist State and local agencies in land use planning decisions to ensure that significant mineral resources are considered and protected where feasible.

The City of Norco has two mineral resource zone designations within city limits as shown in Figure 4.12-1, Mineral Resource Zones in the City of Norco. Based on the State Report 165, Mineral Land Classification of the Temescal Valley Area, much of the City of Norco is designated MRZ-3a, which is described as areas containing known mineral deposits that may qualify as mineral resources. Within the city, these resources primarily consist of construction aggregate materials such as crushed rock associated with the Norco Hills and surrounding hillside area, and the Lake Norconian area, including Beacon Hill.

Although mineral resource zones have been identified in portions of the city, much of the hillside area has been approved for residential development or designated for open space uses, limiting the availability of these areas for future mineral extraction. As a result, mineral resource extraction opportunities within the city are limited.

In addition to the City’s MRZ-3a designation, a small area of MRZ-2b occurs near the edge of the city near the intersection of Hamner Avenue and Parkridge Street, which forms part of a larger mineral resource zone extending into the City of Corona along the Temescal Wash. MRZ-2b is described as areas underlain by mineral deposits where geologic information indicates that significant inferred resources are present. The primary mineral resources associated with this area are sand and gravel materials used for construction purposes. However, only a small portion of this zone occurs within city limits, and portions of the area have already been developed, further limiting the potential for mineral extraction within the city.

The State’s mineral resource classifications are intended to provide information to local jurisdictions regarding the location and significance of mineral resources for long-term land use planning purposes. Although mineral resources have been identified within portions of the city, substantial areas have already been developed, designated for open space uses, or otherwise constrained by surrounding urban development. As a result, opportunities for future mineral extraction within the city are limited.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 543 of 848 ends

FIGURE 4.12-1, MINERAL RESOURCE ZONES IN THE CITY OF NORCO

DRAFT PEIR

4.12 MINERAL RESOURCES
SOURCE: City of Norco. PAGE 4.12.3
fil~ lft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
LEGE D
- RZ.JaZone
- IIIRZ•2b Zone
··-j No Zon'"9 Clan-.foca1oon

Page 544 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.4

DRAFT PEIR

4.12 mineral resources
b. Regulatory Framework

1. State
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)
The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) (Public Resources Code Section 2710 et seq.) establishes a Statewide framework for regulating surface mining operations and ensuring mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition. SMARA is administered by the California Department of Conservation and implemented locally through lead agencies such as counties or cities with approved reclamation programs. The Act requires operators of surface mining operations to obtain permits, prepare reclamation plans, and provide financial assurances to ensure that mined lands are restored following the completion of mining activities.

SMARA also encourages the production and conservation of mineral resources while minimizing adverse environmental effects associated with surface mining activities.

Mineral Resources and Mineral Hazards Mapping Program
The California Geological Survey (CGS) administers the Mineral Resources and Mineral Hazards Mapping Program pursuant to SMARA. Under this program, the State Geologist classifies lands according to the presence or absence of significant mineral resources using Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs).

California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) The California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), formerly known as the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), regulates the drilling, operation, maintenance, and abandonment of oil, gas, and geothermal wells in California. CalGEM operates within the California Department of Conservation and is responsible for ensuring that energy resource development activities are conducted in a manner that protects public health, safety, and the environment.

2. Regional
There are no regional regulations related to mineral resources that would be applicable to the proposed 2050 GPU.

3. Local
City of Norco General Plan
The City of Norco General Plan establishes the community’s long-term vision for land use, development patterns, infrastructure planning, resource conservation, and community character. The General Plan includes land use designations, goals, and policies that guide growth and development within the city. The currently adopted General Plan serves as the baseline planning framework against which the proposed 2050 GPU is evaluated. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 545 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.5

DRAFT PEIR

4.12 mineral resources
City of Norco General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element The City of Norco’s General Plan 2014 Open Space and Conservation Element provides direction to the city regarding the preservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. Natural resources discussed in this element include water, energy, soils, minerals, and wildlife. The 2014 Open Space and Conservation Element addresses mineral resources through identification of MRZ-designated areas within the city. The Open Space and Conservation Element recognizes the presence of construction-related aggregate resources, but notes that existing residential development and open space designations limit the feasibility of future mineral extraction activities within the city.
c. Methodology
The analysis in this section considers land uses proposed by the 2050 GPU relative to MRZs in the Planning Area and mineral resource areas identified by the City. d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. An impact is considered significant if the 2050 GPU would:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the State; or
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold 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?
Threshold 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?
Less than Significant Impact. As discussed above in Section 4.12, a. Existing Conditions, mineral resources within the City of Norco are primarily classified as MRZ-3a, indicating areas that contain known mineral deposits that may qualify as mineral resources. These resources generally consist of construction aggregate materials, including sand, gravel, and crushed rock associated with the Norco Hills and surrounding hillside areas used for construction purposes.

A limited area of MRZ-2b is also present near the city’s boundary; however, only a small portion of this designation occurs within the city limits.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 546 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.6

DRAFT PEIR

4.12 mineral resources
Although mineral resources have been identified in portions of the city, many areas containing these resources have been developed with residential uses or designated for open space, which limits the availability and feasibility of future mineral resource extraction. As a result, opportunities for mineral resource recovery within the city are limited under existing conditions.

The existing City of Norco 2050 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element identifies mineral resource areas within the city while recognizing that much of the land containing mineral resources has already been developed or designated for residential and open space uses, limiting the feasibility of future extraction activities.

The proposed 2050 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element contains Goals and Policies addressing potential future mineral resource extraction activities. While implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU could result in future development within areas containing mineral resources, the proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies intended to guide and accommodate the responsible mineral resource extraction activities that are compatible with surrounding land uses and environmental protection requirements.

Open Space and Conservation Element Goals and Policies
GOAL OSC-11: RESPONSIBLE MINERAL RESOURCE EXTRACTION. The City will balance the economic development potential for mineral resource extraction with other City priorities, placing emphasis on public health and safety, environmental quality, community character, and quality of life, in the event mineral resources are identified and extraction operations are proposed.

POLICIES
OSC-11.1 Evaluation of Mineral Resource Extraction Proposals. Evaluate proposals for mineral resource extraction to ensure that potential economic benefits are carefully balanced with the protection of public health and safety, environmental quality, community character, and overall quality of life.

OSC-11.2 Compatibility and Impact Management. Require mineral resource extraction activities to demonstrate compatibility with surrounding land uses and incorporate measures that avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts related to noise, air quality, traffic, visual character, and other environmental effects.

These policies would ensure that any future mineral resource extraction proposals are evaluated for compatibility with surrounding land uses and incorporate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential environmental impacts. Implementation of these policies would require future extraction proposals to address potential impacts related to noise, air quality, traffic, visual character, and public health and safety, while ensuring appropriate reclamation and restoration of disturbed areas, as applicable.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 547 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.12.7

DRAFT PEIR

4.12 mineral resources
Therefore, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU 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 GPU would allow future mineral resource extraction activities that are compatible with surrounding land uses and environmental protection requirements. Therefore, impacts related to mineral resources would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant without mitigation. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 548 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.1

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
This section evaluates potential noise impacts associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) through the year 2050. Specifically, this section addresses potential impacts related to noise exposure, increases in ambient noise levels, and temporary construction related noise and vibration from both stationary and mobile sources. The analysis also evaluates potential roadway traffic, railroad, and airport related noise exposure. Supporting modeling data for existing and future noise levels are provided in Appendix 4.13. a. Existing Conditions
Noise is defined in this analysis as unwanted sound that disturbs human activity. Noise level (or volume) is generally measured in decibels (dB) using the A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA).

The A-weighting scale is an adjustment to the actual sound pressure levels to be consistent with that of human hearing response, which is most sensitive to frequencies around 4,000 Hertz (about the highest note on a piano) and less sensitive to low frequencies (below 100 Hertz).

Sound pressure level is measured on a logarithmic scale with the 0 dBA level based on the lowest detectable sound pressure level that people can perceive (an audible sound that is not zero sound pressure level). Based on the logarithmic scale, a doubling of sound energy is equivalent to an increase of 3 dBA, and a sound that is 10 dBA less than the ambient sound level has no effect on ambient noise. Because of the nature of the human ear, a sound must be about 10 dBA greater than the ambient noise level to be judged as twice as loud. In general, a 3 dBA change in the ambient noise level is noticeable, while 1-2 dBA changes generally are not perceived. Quiet suburban areas typically have noise levels in the range of 40-50 dBA, while areas adjacent to arterial streets are typically in the 50-60+ dBA range. Normal conversational levels are usually in the 60-65 dBA range, and ambient noise levels greater than 65 dBA can interrupt conversations.

Noise levels typically attenuate (or drop off) at a rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance from point sources (such as industrial machinery). Noise from lightly traveled roads typically attenuates at a rate of about 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise from heavily traveled roads typically attenuates at about 3 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures; generally, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 4.5 dBA, while a noise barrier typically reduces noise levels by 5 to 15 dBA (Federal Transit Administration [FTA]). The manner in which homes in California are constructed generally provides a reduction of exterior-to-interior noise levels of about 20 dBA with closed windows.

One of the most frequently used noise metrics that considers both duration and sound power level is the equivalent noise level (Leq). The Leq is defined as the single steady A-weighted level that is equivalent to the same amount of energy as that contained in the actual fluctuating levels over a period of time (essentially, the average noise level). Typically, Leq is summed over a oneLUJ'fW' CITY or NORCO 2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.13 Noise

Page 549 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.2

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
hour period. Lmax is the highest RMS (root mean squared) sound pressure level within the measuring period, and Lmin is the lowest RMS sound pressure level within the measuring period.

The time period in which noise occurs is also important since noise that occurs at night tends to be more disturbing than that which occurs during the day. Community noise is usually measured using Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which is the 24-hour average noise level with a 10-dBA penalty for noise occurring during nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) hours, or Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), which is the 24-hour average noise level with a 5 dBA penalty for noise occurring from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and a 10 dBA penalty for noise occurring from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Noise levels described by Ldn and CNEL typically do not differ by more than 1 dBA.

In practice, CNEL and Ldn are often used interchangeably.

The relationship between peak hourly Leq values and associated Ldn values depends on the distribution of traffic over the entire day. There is no precise way to convert a peak hourly Leq to Ldn. However, in urban areas near heavy traffic, the peak hourly Leq is typically 2-4 dBA lower than the daily Ldn. In less heavily developed areas, such as suburban areas, the peak hourly Leq is often roughly equal to the daily Ldn. For rural areas with little nighttime traffic, the peak hourly Leq value will often be 3-4 dBA greater than the daily Ldn value (SWRCB 1999). The project site is located in a suburban area; therefore, the daily Ldn value would be equal to the peak hourly Leq value.

Vibration is sound radiated through the ground. The rumbling sound caused by the vibration of room surfaces is called groundborne noise. Groundborne vibration is almost exclusively a concern inside buildings and is rarely perceived as a problem outdoors. Groundborne vibration related to human annoyance is generally related to root mean square (RMS) velocity levels expressed in vibration decibels (VdB). Based on the FTA’s Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment vibration levels decrease by 6 VdB with every doubling of distance.

1. Existing Noise and Vibration Sources
Noise 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.

As an agricultural and animal-keeping community, portions of Norco have large lots with singlefamily 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. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 550 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.3

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
Special 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.

Industrial 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.

Often, 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.

Motor vehicles are a major source of noise within any city. In the case of Norco, much of the area identified as noise impacted, is along major roadways. Cars, moving even at only 30 miles per hour (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.

Portions 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.

Although 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.

Vibration 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 fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 551 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.4

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
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.

2. Existing Roadway Noise Levels
Norco is divided in half by the I-15 Freeway, a major transportation route carrying over 300,000 daily trips. Traffic along the freeway represents one of the dominant source of noise within the city and generates average noise levels ranging from approximately 70 to 80 dB at a distance of 50 feet from the roadway.

Table 4.13-1, Existing Roadway Noise Levels (2019) presents the existing roadway noise levels throughout the city. As shown therein, roadway noise levels range from a low of 49.6 dBA CNEL along Valley View Avenue between Corydon Avenue and Bluff Street to a high of 67.9 dBA CNEL along Hamner Avenue between Fourth Street and Second Street. The elevated noise levels along Hamner Avenue are generally associated with higher traffic volumes and commercial land uses located along the corridor.

TABLE 4.13-1, EXISTING ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS (2019)
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment ADTVolume Roadway
(2019) Noise Levels
(dBA, CNEL)
Norco Drive to River Ridge Drive 598 50.9
Alhambra Street
River Ridge Drive to Acacia Avenue 15,740 65.1
River Road to Vine Street 2,288 56.8
Bluff Street
Vine Street to Corydon Avenue 1,197 54.0
Branding Iron Lane Dapplegray Lane to Wild Horse Lane 1,872 55.9 Fifth Street to Sixth Street 1,881 55.9
California Avenue Sixth Street to Seventh Street 10,452 63.4 Seventh Street to North Drive 11,660 63.8
Fifth Street to Bluff Street 8,186 62.3
Corydon Avenue
Bluff Street to River Road 5,721 60.7
Crestview Drive Arlington Avenue to Seventh Street 1,881 55.9

Page 552 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.5

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-1, EXISTING ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS (2019)
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment ADTVolume Roadway
(2019) Noise Levels
(dBA, CNEL)
Seventh Street to Sixth Street 1,881 55.9
Sixth Street to East Street 1,435 54.7
East Street to Wild Horse Lane 979 53.1
Wild Horse Lane to Valley Drive 609 51.0
Detroit Street Valley View Avenue to Hamner Avenue 7,143 61.7 Hillside Avenue to Dogwood Way 2,919 57.8
El Paso Drive Dogwood Way to Hidden Valley 1,346 54.5
Parkway
Corydon Avenue to Norconian Drive 7,667 62.0
Norconian Drive to Hamner Avenue 2,680 57.5
Fifth Street Hamner Avenue to Corona Avenue 4,735 59.9
Corona Avenue to Hillside Avenue 2,988 57.9
Hillside Avenue to California Avenue 2,584 57.3
Parkridge Avenue to Hamner Avenue 9,230 62.8
First Street Valley View Avenue to Corona Avenue 321 48.2 Corona Avenue to Hillside Avenue 2,411 57.0
Clark Avenue to Valley View Avenue 5,291 60.4
Fourth Street
Valley View Avenue to Hillside Avenue 2,594 57.3
North City Limit to Sixth Street 27,940 67.6
Sixth Street to Fifth Street 26,728 67.4
Fifth Street to Fourth Street 27,250 67.5
Hamner Avenue
Fourth Street to Second Street 30,011 67.9
Second Street to First Street 23,780 66.9
First Street to South City Limit 21,959 66.6
Hamner Avenue to 4000' east of 1-15 19,478 66.1
Hidden Valley Parkway 4000' east of 1-15 to El Paso Drive 21,457 66.5 El Paso Drive to Norco Hills Road 22,144 66.6
First Street to Second Street 4,191 59.4
Hillside Avenue
Second Street to Third Street 2,668 57.4

Page 553 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.6

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-1, EXISTING ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS (2019)
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment ADTVolume Roadway
(2019) Noise Levels
(dBA, CNEL)
Third Street to Fourth Street 2,421 57.0
Fourth Street to Fifth Street 2,738 57.5
Fifth Street to Sixth Street 1,897 56.0
Hamner Avenue to First Street 8,264 62.3
Mountain Avenue
First Street to Second Street 3,866 59.0
Hamner Avenue to Alhambra Street 3,869 59.0
Norco Drive
Alhambra Street to Fifth Street 3,420 58.5
Norco Hills Road Hidden Valley Parkway to Valley Drive 3,405 58.5 Norconian Drive Fifth Street to Norco Drive 155 45.1
North Drive California Avenue to East City Limit 12,439 64.1 Parkridge Avenue Second Street to South City Limit 4,023 59.2 Seventh Street to Sixth Street 1,363 54.5
Pedley Avenue
Sixth Street to Fifth Street 1,743 55.6
North City Limit to Corydon Avenue 27,101 67.5
River Road Corydon Avenue to Second Street 24,980 67.1
(SCL)
Rock Springs Avenue First Street to Thoroughbred Lane 2,652 57.4 River Road to Mountain Avenue 9,513 63.0
Mountain Avenue to Hamner Avenue 13,184 64.4
Second Street
Hamner Avenue to Corona Avenue 9,127 62.8
Corona Avenue to Hillside Avenue 7,886 62.1
Valley View Avenue to Corona Avenue 3,082 58.1
Seventh Street Corona Avenue to Hillside Avenue 3,196 58.2 Hillside Avenue to California Avenue 3,047 58.0
Fifth Street to Sixth Street 4,369 59.6
Sierra Avenue
Hamner Avenue to Valley View Avenue 22,036 66.6
Valley View Avenue to Hillside Avenue 19,364 66.0
Sixth Street Hillside Avenue to California Avenue 15,740 65.1 California Avenue to Crestview Drive 2,792 57.6

Page 554 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.7

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-1, EXISTING ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS (2019)
b. Regulatory Setting

1. Federal
The Environmental Protection Agency has established guidelines for other agencies when noise regulations are necessary, but they are not mandatory requirements and are provided for informational purposes only. These are based on the relationship between noise levels and human responses.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed noise standards that are applied when highway projects are proposed, or where housing is proposed and FHWA or Caltrans are responding agencies for environmental input and recommendation.

The FHWA standards are not directly applicable for development in Norco since most of the residential zones adjacent to the freeway are already developed. They do, however, indicate the standards that one agency of the Federal government has determined are acceptable for residential development, and the circumstances when noise impacts should be a consideration.

The FHWA design goal for highway development in residential areas is an Leq level of 67 dBA for exterior yard areas, and 52 dBA for interior levels. This is based on general assumption that standard wood frame housing provides an automatic 10 dBA reduction from exterior to interior noise levels with the windows open, and a 20 dBA reduction with the windows closed almost all ~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment ADTVolume Roadway
(2019) Noise Levels
(dBA, CNEL)
Valley View Avenue to Hamner Avenue 3,758 58.9
Third Street Hamner Avenue to Campus Avenue 13,931 64.6 Campus Avenue to 2700' West 3,584 58.7
Thoroughbred Lane El Paso Drive to Sedona Lane 550 50.6 Valley Drive Country Club Drive to Fresian Street 1,873 55.9 Detroit Street to Seventh Street 5,296 60.4
Valley View Avenue Fifth Street to Detroit Street 2,740 57.5 Third Street to Second Street 4,906 60.1
Corydon Avenue (N) to Bluff Street 439 49.6
Vine Street Bluff Street to Corydon Avenue (S) 1,241 54.1 Branding Iron Lane to Cavaletti Lane 1,364 54.5
Wild Horse Lane
Cavaletti Lane to Crestview Drive 1,197 54.0
Source: Refer to Appendix 4.13 for Roadway Noise Worksheets.

Page 555 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.8

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
of the time (basically non-opening windows). The FHWA has come up with general categories of land uses that are appropriate under various noise settings as shown in Table 4.13-2, FHWA Noise Design Levels.

TABLE 4.13-2, FHWA NOISE DESIGN LEVELS

2. State
The 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 Noise Level
Activity
Category
When
determining
appropriate
design levels,
either the Leq
orthe L 10
scales are
used, but not
both. L 1 O
means that
not more than
10% of
occurrences
will exceed the
stated noise
level
57 Leq
60 (L 10)
A
(exterior)
Where quiet
serves an
important
public need to
preserve a
specific
intended land
use
Amphitheaters,
Specific parks
(or), Portions of
parks, Open
spaces, Historic
districts
67 Leq
70 (L 10)
B
(exterior)
Public areas
where the need
to maintain
quiet is not as
critical as for
those in
Category A
Recreation
areas,
Playgrounds,
Public parks,
Private parks,
Residences,
Motels &
hotels, Meeting
rooms, Schools,
Churches,
Libraries,
Hospitals
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
72 Leq 52 Leq
75 (L 10) 55 (L 10)
C D E
(exterior) (interior)
Developed Undeveloped
lands, lands
properties,
and
activities not
already
included in
Categories A
&B
Activities
No specific Noise Interiors of:
activities abatement is Residences,
listed not required Motels &
unless hotels,
development is Schools,
imminent and Churches,
the cost or Meeting
difficulty of rooms,
incorporating Libraries,
abatement Hospitals,
measures later Auditoriums
would be
prohibitive

Page 556 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.9

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
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 4.13-3, 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.

TABLE 4.13-3, NOISE COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS FOR PEOPLE

3. Local
Municipal Code
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, as shown in Table 4.13-4, Sound Level Standards. These standards allow the City to determine maximum decibel levels permitted for daytime and nighttime, depending on the land use and development proposed.

Type of Development
Low Density Residential (single family, duplex, mobile home) Medium or High Density Residential (Multifamily, Apartments) Lodging (Motels/Hotels)
Mixed Use/Infill Development
Schools, Libraries, Community Centers, Religious Institutions, Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks
Outdoor Recreation (Commercial and Public)
Commercial (Office/Retail)
Industrial, Manufacturing, and Utilities
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Exterior Interior
Noise Noise
Standard Standard
(CNEL) (CNEL)
60 45
65 45
65 45
70 45
70 45
70 N/A
70 N/A
75 N/A
70 60
75 70

Page 557 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.10

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-4, SOUND LEVEL STANDARDS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Land Use Land Use Designation Density Maximum Decibel Level Name 8a.m.-10 10 p.m. -8
p.m. a.m.

Estate-Density Residential 2 ac 55 45
Very-Low-Density Residential 1 ac 55 45
Low-Density Residential 1 /2 ac 55 45
Medium-Density Residential 2-5 55 45
Medium-High-Density 5-8 55 45 Residential
High-Density Residential 8-14 55 45
Very-High-Density 14- 20 55 45 Residential
Highest-Density Residential 20+ 55 45
Retail Commercial 65 55
Office Commercial 65 55
Community Development Tourist Commercial 65 55
Community Center 65 55
Light Industrial 75 55
Heavy Industrial 75 75
Business Park 65 45
Public Facility 65 45
Specific Plan - Residential 65 45
Specific Plan - Commercial 55 55
Specific Plan - Light 65 55 Industrial
Specific Plan - Heavy 75 55 Industrial
Rural Community Estate-Density Residential 2 ac 55 45
Very-Low-Density Residential 1 ac 55 45
Low-Density Residential 1/2 ac 55 45
Rural Residential 5 ac 45 45
Rural Rural Mountainous 10 ac 45 45
Rural Desert 10 ac 45 45

Page 558 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.11

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-4, SOUND LEVEL STANDARDS

4. City of Norco General Plan
When 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 and Policies aim to reduce the effects of noise and vibration for Norco, its residents, and visitors:

GOAL 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.

POLICIES
N-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.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Land Use Land Use Designation Density Maximum Decibel Level Name 8a.m.-10 10 p.m. -8
p.m. a.m.

Agriculture Agriculture 1 O ac 45 45
Conservation 45 45
Conservation Habitat 45 45
Open Space Recreation 45 45
Rural 20 ac 45 45
Source: City of Norco Municipal Code, Ord. 979 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1116 Sec. 1, 2024.

Page 559 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.12

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
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 I-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. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 560 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.13

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
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 noisesensitive 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. c. Methodology
Sound propagation (i.e., the passage of sound from a noise source to a receiver) is influenced by several factors. The most notable is the decrease in noise as the distance from the source increases. In general, sound from a small, localized source (i.e., a point source) radiates uniformly outward in a spherical spreading and attenuates (or drops off) at a rate of 6 dB(A) for each doubling of distance. Sound from line sources such as roads radiates outward in cylindrical spreading and attenuates at a rate of 3 dB(A) per doubling of distance. Other factors include ground absorption and atmospheric effects, as well as shielding by natural and/or manmade features (such as buildings, hills, etc.).

1. Roadway Noise
Traffic noise occurs adjacent to every roadway and is directly related to the distance from the roadway, traffic volume, speed, and vehicle mix (motorcycles, sedans, trucks, semis, etc.).

Existing (Year 2019) and Future (Year 2050) traffic volumes were obtained from the traffic study (refer to Appendix 4.16). For all roadways, vehicle mix was modeled based on traffic counts taken during the existing conditions noise measurements.

Modeling conservatively assumes flat topography with no intervening terrain between sensitive land uses and roadways. Resulting noise levels represent a worst-case scenario; topography, fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 561 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.14

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
buildings, and other obstructions along the roadways would shield distant receivers from the traffic noise. Parameters used to model traffic noise are included in Appendix 4.16.

2. Construction Noise
No specific construction or development is proposed under the 2050 General Plan at this time, but construction would occur with future development. Construction noise would be generated by construction equipment used for site preparation and grading, removal and demolition of existing structures and pavement, loading, unloading, and placing materials and paving.

Under load conditions, diesel engine noise levels may be 85 to 90 dB(A) at a distance of 50 feet from the equipment. Construction equipment noise is approximated as a point source at the center of construction activities. Based on standard distance attenuation rates, a noise level of 85 dB(A) at 50 feet from a noise source would be 79 dB(A) at 100 feet, and 73 dB(A) at 200 feet from the source.

During excavating, grading, and paving operations, equipment moves to different locations and goes through varying load cycles, and there are breaks for the operators and for non-equipment tasks. Although maximum noise levels may be 85 to 90 dB(A) at a distance of 50 feet during most construction activities, hourly average noise levels would be 82 dB(A) at 50 feet from the center of construction activity when assessing the loudest pieces of equipment working simultaneously.

3. Groundborne Noise and Vibration
Groundborne noise and vibration was assessed following the publications by the FTA and Caltrans. Caltrans guidelines recommend that a standard of 0.2 inch per second (inch/sec) peak particle velocity (PPV) not be exceeded for the protection of normal residential buildings and that 0.08 inch/sec PPV not be exceeded for the protection of old or historically significant structures. With respect to human response within residential uses (i.e., annoyance, sleep disruption), FTA recommends a maximum acceptable standard of 80 vibration decibels (VdB). d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds of significance are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. For the purposes of this Program EIR (PEIR), implementation of 2050 GPU may have a significant adverse impact if it would:
a) Result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies;
b) Result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels;
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 562 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.15

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
c) Result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels above levels existing without the project;
d) Result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project; e) For a project located in 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, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise; or
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold f with regards to effects of a private airstrip is discussed in Section 4.9, Hazards. All other thresholds are discussed below.

Threshold a. Would the development facilitated by the 2050 GPU result in exposure of persons to noise levels in excess of applicable noise standards? A significant impact would occur if future development consistent with the 2050 GPU would expose persons to noise levels that would exceed acceptable levels, as established in the 2050 General Plan or exceed the noise level limits established in the City Municipal Code. Noise compatibility criteria vary by land use as shown in Table 4.13-4.

Traffic Noise
Less than Significant Impact. Future development consistent with the 2050 GPU may include new land uses that could be exposed to noise exceeding the acceptable range. Potential areas of concern include land uses adjacent to major roadways.

The proposed 2050 GPU would be generally consistent with applicable Noise Element policies related to roadway traffic noise. Specifically, Policies N-1.1 and N-1.3 seek to protect residential neighborhoods, animal-keeping uses, and other noise sensitive land uses from excessive noise exposure and minimize conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators.

Policies N-1.15 and N-1.19 further encourage incorporation of noise attenuation measures, roadway design considerations, landscaping, and other site planning strategies to reduce roadway noise impacts in areas containing sensitive receptors. In addition, Policies N-1.17 and N1.18 require future residential development exposed to elevated exterior noise levels to incorporate building design and attenuation features capable of achieving acceptable interior noise standards.

Future roadway noise conditions were evaluated by comparing existing year 2019 roadway noise levels to forecasted year 2050 conditions under both the No Project and 2050 GPU Project fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 563 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.16

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
scenarios. The No Project scenario represents future traffic conditions without implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU, whereas the 2050 General Plan Project scenario reflects anticipated traffic volumes associated with buildout of the proposed 2050 GPU. These comparisons were used to evaluate potential increases in roadway noise exposure throughout the city.

Table 4.13-5, Future Roadway Noise Levels displays the forecasted 2050 noise levels for all major roadways in the city. Comparison of existing year 2019 roadway noise levels to the future year 2050 No Project forecast indicates changes ranging from no increase along several roadway segments to a maximum increase of 5.4 dBA CNEL along Fifth Street between Norconian Drive and Hamner Avenue. Comparison of existing year 2019 roadway noise levels to the future year 2050 General Plan Project forecast indicates changes ranging from no increase along several roadway segments to a maximum increase of 2.5 dBA CNEL along the same roadway segment.

Under the future 2050 General Plan Project scenario, roadway noise increases would remain below the 3 dBA CNEL threshold typically considered perceptible to the human ear. Although the No Project scenario would result in a perceptible increase along portions of Fifth Street, the 2050 General Plan Project scenario would not substantially increase roadway noise levels relative to existing conditions.

As discussed above, implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not result in substantial increases in roadway noise levels relative to existing conditions. Although the future No Project scenario would result in localized increases in roadway noise levels along portions of Fifth Street, the future 2050 General Plan Project scenario would not result in perceptible increases in roadway noise levels. Furthermore, future development facilitated by the proposed 2050 GPU would continue to be subject to the City’s Noise Element policies, Municipal Code requirements, and project-specific review to ensure compatibility between future land uses and roadway noise exposure. Therefore, the proposed 2050 GPU would remain consistent with applicable Noise Element policies related to roadway traffic noise.

TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
Norco Drive to 50.9 52.3 51 .6 +1.4 +0.7
River Ridge Drive
Alhambra Street River Ridge Drive to 65.1 66.4 65.7 +1 .3 +0.6 Acacia Avenue
River Road to Vine 56.8 56.8 56.8 0.0 0.0
Street
Bluff Street Vine Street to 54.0 54.0 54.0 0.0 0.0
Corydon Avenue

Page 564 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.17

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
Branding Iron Dapplegray lane to 55.9 57.2 56.5 +1.3 +0.6 Lane Wild Horse Lane
Fifth Street to Sixth 55.9 55.9 55.9 0.0 0.0
Street
California Sixth Street to 63.4 65.2 64.6 +1 .8 +1 .2
Avenue Seventh Street
Seventh Street to 63.8 65.4 64.9 +1 .6 +1 .1
North Drive
Fifth Street to Bluff 62.3 63.1 62.4 +0.8 +0.1
Street
Corydon Avenue
Bluff Street to River 60.7 61 .6 60.7 +0.9 0.0
Road
Arlington Avenue 55.9 57.2 56.5 +1 .3 +0.6
to Seventh Street
Seventh Street to 55.9 57.2 56.5 +1.3 +0.6
Sixth Street
Sixth Street to East 54.7 56.0 55.3 +1 .3 +0.6
Crestview Drive Street
East Street to Wild 53.1 53.1 53.1 0.0 0.0
Horse Lane
Wild Horse Lane to 51.0 52.3 51.6 +1.3 +0.6
Valley Drive
Valley View Avenue 61 .7 63.0 63.5 +1 .3 +1 .8
Detroit Street to Hamner Avenue
Hillside Avenue to 57.8 59.1 58.4 +1 .3 +0.6
Dogwood Way
El Paso Drive Dogwood Way to 54.5 55.8 55.0 +1 .3 +0.5
Hidden Valley
Parkway
Corydon Avenue to 62.0 62.5 62.0 +0.5 0.0
Norconian Drive
Fifth Street
Norconian Drive to 57.5 62.9 60.0 +5.4 +2.5
Hamner Avenue

Page 565 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.18

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
Hamner Avenue to 59.9 60.4 60.8 +0.5 +0.9
Corona Avenue
Corona Avenue to 57.9 58.2 58.6 +0.3 +0.7
Hillside Avenue
Hillside Avenue to 57.3 57.3 57.3 0.0 0.0
California Avenue
Parkridge Avenue 62.8 64.5 64.4 +1 .7 +1 .6
to Hamner Avenue
Valley View Avenue 48.2 49.5 48.9 +1.3 +0.7
First Street to Corona Avenue
Corona Avenue to 57.0 59.1 59.4 +2.1 +2.4
Hillside Avenue
Clark Avenue to 60.4 61 .0 60.4 +0.6 0.0
Valley View Avenue
Fourth Street
Valley View Avenue 57.3 57.5 57.3 +0.2 0.0
to Hillside Avenue
North City Limit to 67.6 69.0 68.5 +1.4 +0.9
Sixth Street
Sixth Street to Fifth 67.4 68.4 67.7 +1 .0 +0.3
Street
Fifth Street to 67.5 67.6 67.5 +0.1 0.0
Fourth Street
Hamner Avenue
Fourth Street to 67.9 67.9 67.9 0.0 0.0
Second Street
Second Street to 66.9 68.2 67.5 +1 .3 +0.6
First Street
First Street to 66.6 66.6 66.6 0.0 0.0
South City Limit
Hidden Valley Hamner Avenue to 66.1 67.9 66.9 +0.8 +0.8 Parkway 4000' east of 1-15
4000' east of 1-15 66.5 67.7 67.5 +1 .0 +1 .0
to El Paso Drive
El Paso Drive to 66.6 67.9 67.2 +1 .3 +0.6
Norco Hills Road

Page 566 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.19

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
First Street to 59.4 60.2 60.4 +0.8 +1.0
Second Street
Second Street to 57.4 58.7 58.0 +1 .3 +0.6
Third Street
Third Street to 57.0 58.3 57.6 +1 .3 +0.6
Hillside Avenue Fourth Street
Fourth Street to 57.5 59.7 58.6 +1 .8 +1 .1
Fifth Street
Fifth Street to Sixth 56.0 57.3 56.5 +1.3 +0.5
Street
Hamner Avenue to 62.3 64.3 63.4 +2.0 +1 .1
Mountain First Street
Avenue First Street to 59.0 60.4 59.2 +1.4 +0.2
Second Street
Hamner Avenue to 59.0 62.1 61.1 +3.1 +2.1
Alhambra Street
Norco Drive
Alhambra Street to 58.5 59.7 59.4 +1 .2 +0.9
Fifth Street
Hidden Valley 58.5 61 .7 60.5 +2.0 +2.0
Norco Hills Road Parkway to Valley
Drive
Fifth Street to 45.1 46.4 45.7 +0.6 +0.6
Norconian Drive Norco Drive
California Avenue 64.1 65.6 65.2 +1 .1 +1 .1
North Drive to East City Limit
Parkridge Second Street to 59.2 60.5 59.8 +0.6 +0.6
Avenue South City Limit
Seventh Street to 54.5 55.8 55.1 +0.6 +0.6
Sixth Street
Pedley Avenue
Sixth Street to Fifth 55.6 56.9 56.2 +0.6 +0.6
Street

Page 567 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.20

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
North City Limit to 67.5 67.8 67.5 0.0 0.0
Corydon Avenue
River Road
Corydon Avenue to 67.1 67.7 67.1 0.0 0.0
Second Street (SCL)
Rock Springs First Street to 57.4 58.7 58.0 +0.6 +0.6
Avenue Thoroughbred
Lane
River Road to 63.0 63.8 63.7 +0.7 +0.7
Mountain Avenue
Mountain Avenue 64.4 65.6 64.9 +0.5 +0.5
to Hamner Avenue
Second Street
Hamner Avenue to 62.8 62.8 62.8 0.0 0.0
Corona Avenue
Corona Avenue to 62.1 62.1 62.6 +0.5 +0.5
Hillside Avenue
Valley View Avenue 58.1 59.4 58.6 +0.5 +0.5
to Corona Avenue
Corona Avenue to 58.2 59.5 58.8 +0.6 +0.6
Seventh Street Hillside Avenue
Hillside Avenue to 58.0 59.3 58.6 +0.6 +0.6
California Avenue
Fifth Street to Sixth 59.6 60.9 60.2 +0.6 +0.6
Sierra Avenue Street
Valley View Avenue 66.6 68.4 67.7 +1 .1 +1 .1
to Hillside Avenue
Hamner Avenue to 66.6 68.4 67.7 +1 .8 +1 .1
Valley View Avenue
Sixth Street
Hillside Avenue to 66.0 67.5 66.9 +1.5 +0.9
California Avenue
California Avenue 57.6 58.9 58.2 +1 .3 +0.6
to Crestview Drive

Page 568 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.21

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
TABLE 4.13-5, FUTURE ROADWAY NOISE LEVELS
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Stationary Noise
Less than Significant Impact. Future development consistent with the proposed 2050 GPU could introduce new land uses in proximity to existing stationary noise sources or introduce new stationary noise sources near existing residential neighborhoods and other noise sensitive land ~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Name Segment Existing Future Future Difference Difference (2019) (2050) No (2050) (No (Project -
Project Project Project - Existing)
Forecast Forecast Existing)
Valley View Avenue 58.9 60.2 59.5 +0.6 +0.6
to Hamner Avenue
Hamner Avenue to 64.6 65.8 64.8 +0.2 +0.2
Third Street Campus Avenue
Campus Avenue to 58.7 60.0 59.3 +0.6 +0.6
2700'West
Thoroughbred El Paso Drive to 50.6 51 .9 51 .2 +1 .3 +0.6 Lane Sedona Lane
Country Club Drive 55.9 57.2 56.5 +1.3 +0.6
Valley Drive to Fresian Street
Detroit Street to 60.4 61.7 61.0 +1.3 +0.6
Seventh Street
Valley View Fifth Street to 57.5 58.8 58.1 +1 .3 +0.6
Avenue Detroit Street
Third Street to 60.1 61.4 60.7 +1.3 +0.6
Second Street
Corydon Avenue 49.6 50.9 50.2 +1.3 +0.6
(N) to Bluff Street
Vine Street
Bluff Street to 54.1 56.5 55.6 +2.4 +1.5
Corydon Avenue (S)
Branding Iron Lane 54.5 55.8 55.1 +1.3 +0.6
to Cavaletti Lane
Wild Horse Lane
Cavaletti Lane to 54.0 55.2 54.5 +1.2 +0.5
Crestview Drive

Page 569 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.22

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
uses. However, the 2050 GPU includes several Noise Element policies intended to minimize land use compatibility conflicts and reduce stationary noise exposure throughout the city.

Specifically, Policy N-1.1 seeks to ensure outdoor noise levels remain safe and comfortable for residential neighborhoods, animal-keeping uses, and small plot agriculture uses. Policy N-1.3 encourages minimizing conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators, while Policies N-1.10, N-1.12, N-1.13, and N-1.14 provide direction for regulating stationary noise generating equipment and minimizing operational noise impacts from commercial and industrial activities located near sensitive receptors. These policies encourage incorporation of noise attenuation features, including sound walls, landscaping, site design considerations, building orientation, operational restrictions, buffering, and other noise reduction measures where appropriate. Policies N-1.17, N-1.18, and N-1.19 further require future residential development exposed to elevated exterior noise levels to incorporate noise attenuation strategies capable of achieving acceptable interior and exterior noise standards.

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. Therefore, impacts associated with stationary noise sources would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold b. Result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.

Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU could expose nearby land uses to temporary groundborne noise and vibration associated with future construction activities, including grading, excavation, hauling, and operation of heavy equipment.

Groundborne vibration levels generated by construction activities would vary depending on the type of equipment used, distance to nearby receptors, and duration of construction activities. In addition, future development facilitated by the 2050 GPU could introduce new sensitive land uses in proximity to existing sources of groundborne noise and vibration, including major roadways and rail operations.

The City’s Municipal Code and 2050 General Plan Noise Element policies provide regulatory mechanisms intended to minimize groundborne noise and vibration impacts. Specifically, Policy fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 570 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.23

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
N-1.3 seeks to minimize conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators, while Policy N-1.5 requires noise standards to minimize impacts from construction activities adjacent to residential neighborhoods and sensitive land uses. Policy N-1.6 requires construction equipment to utilize manufacturer recommended noise attenuation features, and Policy N-1.7 regulates construction hours and haul route operations in accordance with the Municipal Code.

In addition, Policies N-1.15 and N-1.19 encourage incorporation of noise attenuation and site design measures to reduce noise related impacts to nearby receptors.

Future development projects facilitated by the 2050 GPU would continue to be subject to the City’s Municipal Code requirements regulating construction activities, including allowable construction hours and operational standards intended to minimize excessive noise and vibration exposure. Furthermore, future discretionary projects with the potential to generate substantial groundborne noise or vibration would undergo project-specific environmental review, as appropriate, to evaluate potential impacts and identify feasible mitigation measures where necessary.

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

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold c. Result in substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels above levels existing without the project.

Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU could result in long term increases in ambient noise levels associated with future roadway traffic, commercial activities, industrial operations, and other urban development accommodated under the 2050 GPU. Permanent increases in ambient noise levels would primarily occur in areas experiencing increased traffic volumes or intensified land use activity associated with future growth through the planning horizon year 2050.

As discussed previously, the roadway noise analysis compared existing year 2019 roadway noise levels to future year 2050 No Project and 2050 General Plan Project conditions. Under the future 2050 General Plan Project scenario, roadway noise increases would range from no increase along several roadway segments to a maximum increase of 2.5 dBA CNEL along Fifth Street between Norconian Drive and Hamner Avenue. These increases would remain below the 3 dBA CNEL fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 571 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.24

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
threshold typically considered perceptible to the human ear and would not represent a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels.

In addition, future development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would continue to be subject to the City’s Municipal Code and applicable Noise Element policies intended to minimize long term noise exposure and maintain compatibility between noise generating uses and sensitive receptors.

Specifically, Policies N-1.1 and N-1.3 seek to protect residential neighborhoods, animal-keeping uses, and other sensitive land uses from excessive noise exposure and minimize conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators. Policies N-1.10, N-1.12, N-1.15, and N1.19 further encourage regulation of stationary noise sources and incorporation of noise attenuation measures, including site planning, landscaping, roadway design considerations, and sound barriers where appropriate. Policies N-1.17 and N-1.18 also require future residential development exposed to elevated exterior noise levels to incorporate building design and attenuation features capable of achieving acceptable interior noise standards.

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.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold d. Result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project.

Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would facilitate future development and infrastructure improvements throughout the city that could result in temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels associated with construction activities.

Construction related noise would primarily result from grading, excavation, paving, building construction, hauling activities, and operation of heavy equipment. Noise levels associated with construction activities would vary depending on the type of construction activity, equipment usage, duration of construction, and proximity to nearby sensitive receptors.

Future construction activities facilitated by the 2050 GPU would continue to be subject to the City’s Municipal Code requirements regulating construction related noise, including restrictions on allowable construction hours and operational standards intended to minimize temporary fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 572 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.25

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
noise exposure to nearby residential neighborhoods and other sensitive land uses. In addition, the 2050 General Plan includes several Noise Element policies intended to reduce temporary and periodic noise impacts associated with construction activities.

Specifically, Policy N-1.5 requires noise standards to minimize impacts from construction sites and equipment use adjacent to residential neighborhoods and sensitive land uses. Policy N-1.6 requires construction equipment to utilize manufacturer recommended noise attenuation features, while Policy N-1.7 regulates construction hours and haul route operations in conformance with the Municipal Code. Policy N-1.15 further encourages incorporation of noise attenuation measures and roadway design strategies to minimize noise impacts where sensitive land uses are present.

Implementation of these 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 substantial temporary construction noise would continue to undergo project specific review to evaluate potential impacts and identify feasible mitigation measures, where necessary. Therefore, temporary and periodic noise impacts associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold e. For a project located in 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, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.

Less than Significant Impact. The City of Norco is located within the airport influence area associated with Corona Municipal Airport, a public use general aviation airport located northwest of the city. Portions of the city may also experience occasional aircraft overflight activity associated with regional aviation facilities, including Riverside Municipal Airport. Airport related noise exposure within the city is regulated through the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP), which establishes compatibility criteria intended to minimize conflicts between airport operations and surrounding land uses.

Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would not introduce new airport operations or substantially alter existing airport activity within the region. Future development facilitated by the 2050 GPU would continue to be subject to applicable airport land use compatibility fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 573 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.13.26

DRAFTPEIR

4.13 Noise
requirements, the Riverside County ALUCP, the City’s Municipal Code, and applicable Noise Element policies intended to minimize noise exposure and land use compatibility conflicts.

Specifically, Policy N-1.1 seeks to ensure outdoor noise levels remain safe and compatible with residential neighborhoods and other sensitive land uses, while Policy N-1.3 encourages minimizing conflicts between noise sensitive land uses and noise generators. Policies N-1.17 and N-1.18 further require future residential development exposed to elevated exterior noise levels to incorporate noise attenuation measures capable of achieving acceptable interior noise standards.

In addition, future discretionary development projects located within airport influence areas would continue to undergo project specific review for consistency with applicable airport land use compatibility requirements and noise standards. Through compliance with the Riverside County ALUCP, the City’s Municipal Code, and applicable Noise Element policies, 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.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 574 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.1

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
This section addresses potential population and housing impacts associated with the growth forecast under the 2050 General Plan Update (GPU). The existing population and housing conditions, forecast growth, and housing projections are described, and the potential impacts to substantial population growth and displacement are analyzed. The City’s Housing Element Update, adopted in October 2021, is also a source of information for this section. a. Existing Conditions

1. Population, Housing, and Employment Trends
In coordination with its member counties and cities, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the regional agency responsible for preparing population, housing, and employment projections for the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. The information below is based on the data provided by SCAG, including the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) figure for the City, the U.S. Census Bureau, the California Department of Finance (DOF), and the City’s Housing Element Update 2021-2029.

Population
Norco, which was incorporated as a General Law City in 1964 and a Charter City in 2003, was founded in 1923 with an economy based on small, self-sustaining farms and ranches. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Norco experienced more growth, resulting from the population explosion occurring throughout the Southern California metropolitan area. However, unlike many cities in Riverside County, Norco has maintained its population size with minimal growth over the past few decades, in part due to the limited amount of available land for new residential construction, as well as the historically above-median home prices.

According to the California DOF 2020 Population and Housing Estimates, the population was approximately 27,063 persons in 2010 and experienced a steady increase to 27,564 persons in 2020, resulting in an annual average growth rate of approximately 1.8 percent. Based on data from the California DOF, Norco experienced a compound annual average growth rate of approximately 0.66 percent between 2000 and 2020, when the population grew from 24,157 to 27,564. Table 4.14-1, 2000–2020 Population Trends shows population growth in the city since census year 2000.

TABLE 4.14-1, 2000–2020 POPULATION TRENDS
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.14 Population and Housing
Year Population Growth Percentage
2000 24,157
2010 27,063 12.03%

Page 575 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.2

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
TABLE 4.14-1, 2000–2020 POPULATION TRENDS
Housing
The Census defines a household as all persons occupying a housing unit. Families are a subset of households and include all persons living together who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Single households include persons living alone in housing units, but do not include persons in group quarters such as convalescent homes, dormitories, or rehabilitation facilities.

Other households are unrelated people living together, such as roommates.

The 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) estimated that Norco had 7,119 households, with an average household size of 3.34 persons per household, higher than the Riverside County average of 3.14 persons per household.

Housing Units
The Census Bureau defines a housing unit as a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied (or, if vacant, is intended for occupancy) as separate living quarters. In 2010, the Census estimated that the City of Norco had 7,594 total housing units. Between 2010 and 2019, the total amount of housing units decreased 75 units, or -1 percent. The majority of housing units in Norco are single-family detached units. Multi-family housing with five (5) or more units constituted 2.7 percent of total units, according to the ACS.

Single-family and other multi-unit housing (2-4 units) round out the city’s housing stock with 1.8 percent of total units in the city.

Most of the city’s current housing stock was constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, with approximately 50 percent of all housing in the city constructed between 1960 and 1980. There has been very little housing construction since 2010, with only 35 new units developed. Table

4.14-2, Housing Units in Norco shows the growth in the number of housing units in Norco for the years 2010 and 2019.

TABLE 4.14-2, HOUSING UNITS IN NORCO
Year Population Growth Percentage
2020 27,564 1.85%
Source: SCAG. "Demographics and Growth Forecast." Final Connect SoCa/ 2024. Accessed March 2026. https:/ /scag.ca .gov/connect-soca I.
2010 2019
Year
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
No. of Units Percent of Total No. of Units Percent of Total Single-Family
Detached 7,228 95.2% 7,153 95.7%

Page 576 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.3

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
TABLE 4.14-2, HOUSING UNITS IN NORCO
Employment-Housing Ratio
The employment-household ratio in a jurisdiction is an overall indicator of job availability within the area. A balance of jobs and housing is considered beneficial as it has the potential to provide residents with an opportunity to work locally and avoid employment commutes to other places in the region.

The existing (2024) employment in Norco is estimated to be approximately 10,598.1 Based on this employment estimate and the city’s estimated households, the city’s job-housing ratio was approximately 1.42 jobs per household in 2019. As the County had approximately 847,000 jobs in 2019, Norco’s jobs-housing ratio was greater than the County’s job-housing ratio of 1.17 jobs per household in 2019.2
Table 4.14-3, Norco Population, Housing, and Employment, below, presents 2010 and 2020 estimates regarding population, housing, and employment for the City of Norco.

TABLE 4.14-3, NORCO POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT 1 United States Census Bureau. Selected Economic Characteristics. Accessed May 2026. https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2010.DP03?q=Norco+city,+California+employment&t=Housing:Populatio ns+and+People.
2 SCAG. “Demographics and Growth Forecast.” Final Connect SoCal 2024. Accessed May 2026. https://scag.ca.gov/connect-socal.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
2010 2019
Year
No. of Units Percent of Total No. of Units Percent of Total Attached 102 1.3% 88 1.2%
Multifamily
2-4 Units 40 0.5% 32 0.4%
5+ Units 201 2.7% 179 2.3%
Mobile Homes 23 0.3% 20 0.3%
Other Unit Types 0 0% 0 0%
Total Housing Units 7,594 100% 7,472 100%
Vacant Units 507 6.7% 353 4.7%
Source: 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates; City of Norco. General Plan 2021-2029 Housing Element. October 2022. 2010 2019-2020
Population 27,063 27,564

Page 577 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.4

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
TABLE 4.14-3, NORCO POPULATION, HOUSING, AND EMPLOYMENT b. Regulatory Setting

1. State
State Housing Element Statutes
State housing element statutes (Government Code Sections 65580-65589.9) mandate that local governments adequately plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The law recognizes that in order for the private market to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. As a result, State housing policy rests largely upon the effective implementation of local general plans and in particular, housing elements. Additionally, Government Code §65588 dictates that housing elements must be updated at least once every eight years.

2. Regional
Southern California Association of Governments Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
California’s Housing Element law requires that each county and city develop local housing programs to meet their “fair share” of future Statewide housing growth needs for all income groups, as determined by the California Department of Finance (DOF). The regional councils of government, including SCAG, are then tasked with distributing the State-projected housing growth need for their region among their city and county jurisdictions by income category. This fair share allocation is referred to as the RHNA process. The RHNA represents the minimum number of housing units each community is required to plan for through a combination of: 1) zoning “adequate sites” at suitable densities to provide affordability; and 2) housing programs to support production of below-market rate units. Norco’s allocation from the 6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan, distributed among the four income categories shown in Table 4.14-4, Norco 6th Cycle RHNA Allocation.
~~117'"'•
2010 2019-2020
Housing(# of units) 7,594 7,472
Employment 11,252 12,102
Jobs/Household Ratio 1.48 1.62
Source: SCAG. "Demographics and Growth Forecast." Final Connect SoCa/ 2024. Accessed March 2026. https://scag.ca .gov/connect-socal.; United States Census Bureau. Selected Economic Characteristics.

Accessed March 2026.
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDPSY201 0.DP03?q=Norco+city,+California+employment&t=Housing:Po pulations+and+People.

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 578 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.5

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
TABLE 4.14-4, NORCO 6TH CYCLE RHNA ALLOCATION
As noted in Government Code 65589.5(a), the legislature has concluded that “the lack of housing, including emergency shelters, is a critical problem that threatens the economic, environmental and social quality of life in California.” As further acknowledged by the legislature, the lack of housing can result in reduced mobility, urban sprawl, excessive commuting, and air quality deterioration. The General Plan contains State-mandated policies and analysis to ensure that the city “facilitate[s] the improvement and development of housing to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the community. More specifically, the Legislature’s stated intent is “to assure that counties and cities recognize their responsibilities in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goal… to assure that counties and cities will prepare and implement housing elements which… will move toward attainment of the state housing goal.”

3. Local
The 2021 to 2029 Norco General Plan Housing Element contains the following Goals and Policies addressing housing:

GOAL 1: Promote and maintain the City’s small-plot agricultural and animal-keeping lifestyle while ensuring that all residents have decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing regardless of income.

POLICIES

1.1 Animal-Keeping Policy. Housing programs and subsequent projects and regulations will be evaluated on the basis of protecting and enhancing an animal-keeping and small-plot agricultural lifestyle.

1.2 Public Service Policy. Ensure that the level of public services to residential areas of the City is based on anticipated population projections with the goal of protecting the environment.

GOAL 2: Remove or reduce constraints on the development of housing. ~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
City of Norco Riverside County
Income Group RHNA RHNA
Allocation Percent of Total Allocation Percent of Total Very Low 145 32% 41,995 25%
Low 85 19% 26,473 16%
Moderate 82 18% 29,167 16%
Above Moderate 142 31% 69,716 42%
Total 454 100% 167,351 100%
Source: SCAG. 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment. Accessed April 2026. https://scag.ca.gov/rhna.

Page 579 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.6

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing

POLICIES

2.1 Remove or mitigate constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of affordable housing as is feasible and in conjunction with the Land Use Element of the General Plan, and the goals of the community.

2.2 Ensure that the water and sewer providers are aware of the City’s intentions for residential development throughout the City and State law for prioritizing services for affordable housing.

2.3 Provide developer incentives, such as a density bonus or flexibility in development standards, to facilitate the development of quality housing that is affordable to lower and moderate-income households.

2.5 When feasible, consider reducing, subsidizing, or deferring development fees and offering faster permitting time periods to facilitate the provision of affordable housing.

2.6 Support innovative public, private, and non-profit partnership efforts for the development of affordable housing.

GOAL 3: Preserve and improve the City’s existing housing stock.

POLICIES

3.1 Monitor and enforce building and property maintenance code standards in residential neighborhoods.

3.2 Seek methods of preserving and enhancing existing neighborhoods within the city through capital improvement planning and development programs.

3.3 Encourage property owners to maintain and make improvements to their properties by taking advantage of programs offered by the City and County.

3.4 Assist in the preservation of all units “at risk” of converting from affordable housing to market rate.

3.5 Encourage energy-efficient design in existing and new residential units and promote sustainability upgrades in existing and proposed residential complexes.

GOAL 4: Provide adequate housing in the City for all economic segments of the community.

POLICIES

4.1 Identify and monitor suitable sites to accommodate the City’s 2021-2029 RHNA allocation and encourage the construction of new affordable housing by advertising vacant and underdeveloped parcels to developers.

4.2 Encourage public-/private-sector partnerships and cooperation in developing and implementing solutions to affordable housing, and special housing needs.

4.3 Seek Federal, State, and local funding to help provide and subsidize low-cost housing. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 580 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.7

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing

4.4 Ensure that environmental, public infrastructure, and traffic constraints are adequately addressed with regard to new residential development.

4.5 Support innovative public, private, and non-profit partnership efforts for the development of affordable housing.

4.6 Provide developer incentives, such as a density bonus or flexibility in development standards, to facilitate the development of quality housing that is affordable to lower-and moderate-income households.

4.7 Encourage residential infill within existing neighborhoods to better utilize existing services and utilities and to reduce infrastructure development costs.

GOAL 5: Provide equal housing opportunities for all residents of the community.

POLICIES

5.1 Promote equal housing opportunities that do not discriminate against any person due to age, race, sex, marital status, ethnic background, income, or any arbitrary factors.

5.4 Affirmatively further fair housing and promote equal housing opportunities for persons of all socioeconomic segments of the community.

GOAL 6: Encourage energy conservation activities in all residential development.

POLICIES

6.1 Provide an adequate supply of housing to ensure sufficient affordable housing for a full range of income groups, reducing long commutes in search of affordable housing.

6.2 Adopt higher densities and promote infill and compact development patterns to encourage housing, affordability, maximize existing land resources, reduce pressure to convert agricultural resources, and conserve habitat and environmentally sensitive areas. c. Methodology
Population and housing trends in the city were evaluated by reviewing the most current data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, DOF, the current 2013 Norco General Plan, and 6th Cycle RHNA Plan.
d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G to the CEQA Guidelines. For the purposes of this Program EIR (PEIR), impacts related to population and housing are considered significant if implementation of the 2050 GPU would:
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 581 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.8

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure); or
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
For purposes of this analysis, “substantial” population growth is defined as growth exceeding SCAG population forecasts for the City of Norco. “Substantial” displacement would occur if allowed land uses would displace more residences than would be accommodated through growth accommodation by the project. If it is determined that the proposed project would induce substantial unplanned population growth to the area, there would also need to be an additional physical impact on the environment from the construction of new facilities that have not already been addressed as part of the buildout of the General Plan, for impacts to be considered significant.

Threshold a. Would the project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU proposes new land use designations and policies that may either directly or indirectly induce population growth.

Direct Growth
The 2050 GPU would directly influence the city’s population by providing land use designations that would accommodate a forecasted 8,000 total households in 2050. This increase in households would result in a projected population of 26,720 by 2040, based on the assumed average household size of 3.34. This population increase represents a slight increase compared to the 2050 population projection of approximately 22,539 developed by SCAG.3 The SCAG projections illustrate an annual average growth rate of approximately 0.48 percent between 2019 and 2050, however, there would be a negative (-) 0.67 percent growth rate between 2020 and 2050. Similarly, the population projections developed for the 2050 GPU involve a compound annual growth rate of approximately negative (-) 0.10 percent between 2020 and 2040, which is close to SCAG projections, but slightly higher. Population growth forecasted by the adopted 2021–2029 Housing Element under the 2050 GPU would be above forecasts under SCAG, as shown in Table 4.14-5, SCAG and 2050 GPU Forecasted Growth. 3 SCAG. “Demographics and Growth Forecast.” Connect SoCal 2024. Accessed May 2026. https://scag.ca.gov/connect-SoCal-2024.
fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 582 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.9

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
TABLE 4.14-5, SCAG AND 2050 GPU FORECASTED GROWTH
As the 2050 GPU includes a more conservative population and housing growth forecast compared to SCAG 2050 projections, implementation of the 2050 GPU would not result in substantial unplanned population 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 provide appropriately designated land to accommodate future housing demand. The residential land use designations in the 2050 GPU provide adequate housing capacity to meet the City’s RHNA of 454 additional residential units for SCAG’s Sixth RHNA Cycle.

In conclusion, the 2050 GPU would allow population growth through the new development of residential land uses. The growth facilitated by the 2050 GPU is within regional forecasts; therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Indirect Growth
Indirect growth inducement may result from the intensification of employment generating land uses as well as the designation of new land uses that create new sources of employment.

Increases in employment opportunities in the city can result in an increase of people seeking to live in the city. Growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU is estimated to result in a total of 22,500 jobs in the city by 2050.4 The approximately 6,300 new forecasted jobs would be accommodated for by increased housing, as the City projects approximately 1,100 households to be added in the city by the year 2050. This scenario assumes that all new jobs would be filled by new residents, and not by residents currently residing in the city. The total number of households would meet housing demand generated by new employees.

Indirect growth could also be generated through infrastructure or service improvements that allow for additional development. The City is not expected to experience indirect growth inducement beyond the growth forecast for the 2050 GPU through infrastructure improvements, as the city is already served by other essential public services, including fire protection, police protection, parks and recreational facilities, schools, and solid waste; an 4 SCAG. “Demographics and Growth Forecast.” Connect SoCal 2024. Accessed May 2026. https://scag.ca.gov/connect-SoCal-2024.

SCAG Forecasted 2050 2050 GPU
Unit 2019-2020 Avg. Annual Avg. Annual No. Growth(%) No. Growth(%) Housing 7,472 8,000 0.23 8,000 0.23
Population 27,564 22,539 -0.67 26,720 -0.10
Notes: Avg. = Average; No. = Number; SCAG = Southern California Association of Governments; GPU = General Plan Update
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 583 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.10

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
extensive network of utility/service systems, including water, wastewater, electricity, and natural gas; and other infrastructure necessary to accommodate growth. Because future roadway improvements identified in the 2050 GPU are intended to accommodate future population growth, roadway system improvements would not induce additional development that would increase population.

The growth anticipated under the 2050 GPU would be consistent with the city’s status as a largely built-out community with limited remaining developable land, further constraining the potential for substantial new population increases. Future development would occur incrementally and would be subject to project level review, infrastructure capacity constraints, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that growth remains within planned levels. Therefore, such growth would not result in any adverse effects associated with population growth in the city. Impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.

Threshold b. Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
Less than Significant Impact. The 2050 GPU would accommodate new housing opportunities in the city to accommodate future growth. The additional housing would be provided through new development as well as redevelopment. The 2050 GPU does not include new specific development projects, nor does it provide direct development rights for new housing projects.

Each new project proposed in the city would be subject to review by the City on a case-by-case basis and would be required to obtain the appropriate development permits. Construction and growth accommodated by the 2050 GPU would not all occur simultaneously, but rather over the course of the 20-year planning period.

Furthermore, compliance with the City Program Action 3.1 “Code Enforcement Program,” Action

4.9 “Incentives for Large Multifamily Units (Protecting Existing Residents from Displacement), and Action 5.1 “Fair Housing Program (Protecting Existing Residents from Displacement)” would ensure impacts from displacement and relocation of residents are less than significant.5 The 2050 GPU does not propose any large-scale 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 2050 GPU includes Goals and Policies to increase overall 5 City of Norco. 2021-2029 Housing Element. Accessed May 2026. https://www.norco.ca.us/departments/planning/general-plan-elements-zoning-maps/housing-element-update. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 584 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.14.11

DRAFT PEIR

4.14 Population and housing
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 analysis, as necessary, would be completed at that time. Therefore, impacts related to displacement of housing would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measure is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts are less than significant.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 585 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.1
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
This section evaluates potential impacts of the proposed 2050 General Plan growth forecast to public services, facilities, and recreation. Public services are those functions that serve residents on a community-wide basis. These functions and facilities include parks and recreation, libraries, schools, and fire and police protection. Public services and facilities information was acquired through consultation with City departments and review of public documents, including the City General Plan Land Use Community Character Assessment and department websites. a. Existing Conditions

1. Fire Protection and Emergency Services
The City of Norco contracts with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department for fire protection and emergency medical services, and the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department for natural disaster preparedness services. Three fire stations serve the City of Norco: Fire Station 47, located east of the I-15 Freeway at Sixth Street and Hillside Avenue, Fire Station 57, located west of the freeway along Corydon Avenue south of Fifth Street, and Fire Station 14, located west of the freeway along Hamner Avenue between Second Street and First Street. Other services provided by the fire department include a safe baby site (a designated location where parents unable to care for their infants can leave their child with an employee) and sandbag distribution. In coordination with the County of Riverside Office of Emergency Management, the fire department also provides all-hazards emergency response, disaster preparedness, public education, and community outreach focused on wildfire, flood, seismic, extreme heat, and other hazards that may affect Norco. These services support the City’s ongoing efforts to build community resilience, protect life and property, and ensure a rapid and effective response to emergencies.

2. Police Protection
The City of Norco contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) for law enforcement services. The Sheriff’s Office maintains a substation of the Riverside County Sheriff's Jurupa Valley Station in Norco City Hall, located at 2870 Clark Avenue. In addition to 24/7 law enforcement patrol services, Norco contracts with RSO for dedicated traffic enforcement deputies, special enforcement team deputies, and community services officers to serve the community.

Law enforcement services in the City of Norco include patrol operations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, emergency response coordination, neighborhood watch support, and community outreach programs. The City continues to coordinate with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office to assess staffing, resource allocation, and service needs to maintain adequate law enforcement protection for residents, businesses, and visitors. These efforts support public safety, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness throughout the community. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.15 Public Services and Recreation

Page 586 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.2
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION

3. Schools
The Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) provides public education services and facilities to residents of Norco, Corona, Eastvale, Temescal Valley, and a portion of Jurupa Valley.

The District’s offices are located within Norco adjacent to City Hall, at 2820 Clark Avenue. CNUSD administers six elementary schools, one intermediate school, and two high schools within the city, as shown in Table 4.15-1, CNUSD Schools in Norco and Figure 4.15-1, Library and Schools, below. Norco is also home to three independent Christian schools and Norco College. CNUSD provides educational services to the broader regional population and plays an important role in supporting the community’s educational, recreational, and civic needs.

Norco College is one of three colleges in the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), which in turn is part of the larger California Community Colleges System. Established in 1991, Norco College is known for its focus on technology, engineering, and career education programs, particularly in game development, logistics, and manufacturing.

TABLE 4.15-1, CNUSD SCHOOLS IN NORCO
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
School Name Public/ Private Grades 2024-2025
Enrollment
Norco High Public 9-12 2,032
Kennedy Middle College High Public 9-12 694
Norco Intermediate Public 7&8 726
Highland Elementary Public K-6 573
Norco Elementary Public K-6 609
Riverview Elementary Public K-6 327
Sierra Vista Elementary Public K-6 395
George Washington Elementary Public K-6 861
Source: Corona-Norco Unified School District. School Directory. Accessed March 2026. https://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/about_us/school_directory.

Page 587 of 848 ends

1 8
3 2
4 5
6 7
2 1
3 7
5 6
8 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
4 Highland Elementary Norco College
Riverview Elementary
Sierra Vista Elementary
Norco Elementary
Norco Intermediate School
JFK Middle College High School
Norco High School
Public K-12 Schools State College
Legend
Norco City Boundary
Public K-12 Schools 9 Norco Branch Library
Library
9 Norco College Property
1/2 Mile Radius from School

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

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

DRAFT PEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
PAGE 4.15.3
FIGURE 4.15-1, LIBRARY AND SCHOOLS
I - -
I
■
■
-,
I
• • • • • • •
\
•
•
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
\
EB

Page 588 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.4
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION

4. Libraries
Norco has one library, the Norco Public Library, which is operated by the Riverside County Library System (RCLS) and located at 3240 Hamner Avenue, #101b, as shown in Figure 4.15-1.

In addition to providing access to physical and digital publications, the library system also offers meeting and study rooms, public internet access, public computers, children’s programs, literacy programs, online career education, and printing services.

5. Parks and Recreation
Parks and Athletic Fields
The City of Norco contains an extensive network of parks, athletic fields, recreational facilities, and event centers designed to enhance the well-being and quality of life of its residents. These spaces support a variety of activities ranging from sports and arts to specialty classes and other physical activities, including equestrian, sports, and community-oriented recreational activities that reinforce the city’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

The City owns and maintains 15 community parks and athletic field facilities, as shown in Figure

4.15-2, Parks, and Table 4.15-2, City of Norco Owned and Operated Facilities. These parks and fields provide a range of amenities including: play structures, hitching posts, horse corrals, equestrian arenas, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, fitness tracks, and picnic shelters. Integrated with Norco’s extensive trail network, the parks system supports both everyday recreation and community gatherings while providing convenient access for residents throughout the city.

TABLE 4.15-2, CITY OF NORCO OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITIES Many local jurisdictions throughout the country seek to provide parks and other recreational facilities within a ½-mile walking distance (or 10-minute walk) of all residents. This standard is Basin Park Arena Pacer Park
Clark Field Parmenter Park
Community Center Park Pikes Peak Park
Hawks Crest Park Ridge Ranch Park
Kips Korner Park Sundance Park
Neal Snipes Park Ted Brooks Park
Norco Hills Park Wayne Makin Shearer Sports Complex
Other Facilities
River Trails Park and Santa Ana River Silverlakes
Source: City of Norco. "Land Use/Community Character Assessment." 2050 General Plan. November 13, 2023.

Appendix 4.11.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 589 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.5
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
promulgated by the National Recreation and Park Association, the National League of Cities, the Trust for Public Land, and many other professional and advocacy organizations. As shown in Figure 4.15-2, most Norco residents are located within a ½-mile walking distance of a park or recreational facility. Those residing in hillside areas and the neighborhoods north of Fifth Street and west of Pedley Avenue are the most removed from these amenities. Additionally, steep terrain, disconnected streets, and other physical barriers impede access to the City’s parks and recreational facilities. The City may continue to improve park accessibility through future park development, trail connectivity improvements, and potential joint-use opportunities with school facilities. In addition, many residents have access to fields and playgrounds on nearby school sites, and Norco’s parks, recreational, and equestrian facilities are well connected by Norco’s extensive trail network.

Recreational Facilities
The City of Norco hosts a variety of recreational facilities which support a variety of equestrian, athletic, educational, and community-oriented activities. Figure 4.15-3, Recreational Facilities and Event Centers shows the city’s existing recreational facilities and event centers.

Equestrian Staging Areas. The City of Norco owns and operates the Corydon Staging Area, which provides horse trailer parking, an arena, hitching posts, a restroom building and access to 25 miles of trails along the Santa Ana River. The City-owned Ingalls Event Center also provides equestrian staging facilities. Riverside County owns and operates a third staging area in the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area.

Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center. A City-owned and operated facility, the Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center, alongside its adjacent senior garden, supports the health, educational, and social needs of Norco’s older adult residents. The center offers special interest classes, exercise programs, congregate meal programs, information regarding County resources, social services, and transportation assistance.

Community Center and Scout House. City-owned and operated facilities used for youth programming, community activities, and specialty classes.

Riley Gymnasium. A City-owned and operated facility that accommodates youth and adult basketball, volleyball, pickleball, through City-run programs and private recreational programming.

Wayne Makin Shearer Sports Complex. This City-owned facility hosts basketball, softball, soccer, tournaments, and other recreational activities throughout the year and serves as an important community athletic facility.

Other recreational facilities within and adjacent to the City of Norco include the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, operated by Riverside County, and the Hidden Valley Golf Club, a privately operated 18-hole golf course with associated recreational and event facilities. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 590 of 848 ends

3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 13
14 2
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
2 4
3 13
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 14
Legend
Norco City Boundary
Parks
Event Centers
Open Space
Existing PedestrianEquestrian Trails
Kips Korner Park
Neal Snipes Park
Norco Hills Park
Pacer Park
Parmenter Park
Pikes Peak Park
Ridge Ranch Park
Sundance Park
Ted Brooks Park
City Owned / Operated Parks
Clark Field
Community Center Park
Hawks Crest Park
15 12
1 12
15 River Trails Park and
Santa Ana River
Wayne Makin Shearer
Sports Complex
1 Basin Arena

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
1/2 Mile Radius
from Park
Sphere of Influence
Source: City of Norco, Sargent Town Planning (2026)
Other City Boundaries
N
SOURCE: City of Norco; Sargent Town and Planning – 2026. FIGURE 2-3

DRAFT PEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
PAGE 4.15.6
FIGURE 4.15-2, PARKS
r - -
I
/ II I ~ , /.
\ /
/ .,, \
-
■
■
r-: ✓
/
,/

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
~ - - - J
I
\
./\.._ ______ _
:-... _ 0
\\
E9
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Page 591 of 848 ends

1 3
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
2 1
2 3
Legend
Norco City Boundary
Parks
Event Centers
Open Space
Existing Pedestrian-Equestrian Trails
Norco Community Center, Riley
Gymnasium, and Scout House
Corydon Staging Area
City Owned and Operated Facilities
6 7
8 Hidden Valley Golf Club
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
Pumpkin Rock and
Norco Hills Trails
Other Recreational Facilities
7 8
6 4 Ingalls Event Center
City Owned and Privately
Operated Facilities
5 4
5 SilverLakes
Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

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

DRAFT PEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
PAGE 4.15.7
FIGURE 4.15-3, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND EVENT CENTERS I
- -1
■
■
■
✓
• • • •
•
• • •

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
~ - - - J
I
ffi

Page 592 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.8
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Event Centers
City of Norco’s event centers, including the Ingalls Event Center and SilverLakes, host a range of equestrian, agricultural, athletic, entertainment, and community events that serve residents and visitors.

Ingalls Event Center. A City-owned and operated event center with multiple venues that hosts equestrian events, agricultural shows, conferences, trade shows, concerts, festivals, and community events.

SilverLakes. A privately operated sports and event facility that hosts athletic tournaments, concerts, and private events.

Trails
The City of Norco was incorporated to preserve an animal-keeping and rural, equestrianoriented atmosphere. One of the most important contributors to this atmosphere is Norco’s nearly 100-mile pedestrian-equestrian trail network, which introduces linear open space along virtually all of Norco’s streets. To support this objective, the City adopted an Equestrian Historic Landmark in 2025 to safeguard the city’s distinctive equestrian heritage through the conservation of natural open space and the protection of large lots, pedestrian-equestrian trails, equestrian-friendly parks, and animal-keeping practices.

Trail Network
The City’s trail network, as depicted in Figure 4.15-4, Trail Network, accommodates equestrians, pedestrians, and cyclists on unmotorized bicycles. Motorized vehicles, such as golf carts, e-bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are prohibited from using Norco’s trails and must use the street.

Trails line the majority of the city’s streets, providing most residential lots with direct access to the trail system and the opportunity to navigate through the community and into natural areas, such as the Santa Ana River and Norco Hills. Existing gaps in the trail network occur in limited areas of the city, including portions west of Hamner Avenue and along major roadway crossings.

Other Services
Additional services provided by the City of Norco include:

Community Events
The City organizes a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year that cater to attendees of all ages. These events embody Norco’s core values, foster community engagement, celebrate local culture, provide recreational opportunities, and honor the contributions of Norco’s veterans and first responders. In addition, the City supports longstanding volunteer-run events and partners with local organizations to promote programs and workshops that align with Norco’s core values.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 593 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.9
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Military and Veterans Services
The City offers a variety of military and veterans services dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served, including the Military Banner Program, Military Brick Program, and complimentary shuttle service for veterans. At the heart of this commitment is the George A.

Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza, featuring a 70‑foot flagpole, the “Circle of Honor” recognizing veterans nationwide, and the solemn “Lest We Forget” wall honoring Norco’s fallen heroes, and the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument providing a place of permanence for Norco’s military families to gather and call their own. Located at the Ingalls Event Center, the plaza provides a meaningful place for remembrance, community events, and ongoing programs that ensure the sacrifices of service members and their families are never forgotten.

Animal Services
The City of Norco owns and operates the Norco Animal Shelter, which provides comprehensive services including animal adoption programs, licensing, housing and care of animals, disease prevention and control protocols, rescue operations, and vaccination services.

Homeless Services
The City of Norco collaborates with the Housing and Homeless Solutions Corona–Norco Region Partnership, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and other regional organizations to implement a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness and delivering comprehensive support services to individuals in need.
b. Regulatory Framework

1. Federal
Fire Protection
Disaster Mitigation Act (2000-Present)
Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) requires a state mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance. There are two different levels of state disaster plans: “Standard” and “Enhanced.” States that develop an approved Enhanced State Plan can increase the amount of funding available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Act has also established new requirements for local mitigation plans.

National Fire Plan 2000
The National Fire Plan was developed under Executive Order 11246 in August 2000, following a landmark wildland fire season. Its intent is to actively respond to severe wildland fires and their impacts to communities while ensuring sufficient firefighting capacity for the future. The plan addresses firefighting, rehabilitation, hazardous fuels reduction, community assistance, and accountability.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 594 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.10
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
FIGURE 4.15-4, TRAIL NETWORK
Legend
- Norco City Boundary
- • - Other City Boundaries
-····· Sphere of Influence
Existing Pedestrian-Equestrian Trails
--Potential New Trails
Parks
1/2 Mile Radius from Park
■ Event Centers
Natural Open Space
■ Potential Future Development
0 Santa Ana River
f) Norco Hills Trails
e Corydon Staging Area
0 Ingalls Event Center
8 Si lverlakes
e North Hamner Gateway Site Avenue
8 Fourth Street and Hamner Site
0 Second Street and River Road Site
0 Norconian Resort Site
~ Wyle Laboratories Site
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 595 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.11
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION

2. State
Fire Protection
California Fire Plan
The Strategic California Fire Plan is the State’s roadmap for reducing the risk of wildfire. The plan was updated in 2012 and directs each CAL FIRE unit to prepare a locally specific Fire Management Plan. In compliance with the California Fire Plan, individual CAL FIRE units are required to develop Fire Management Plans for their areas of responsibility. These documents assess the fire situation within each of CAL FIRE’s 21 units and six contract counties. The plans include stakeholder contributions and priorities and identify strategic areas for pre-fire planning and fuel treatment as defined by the people who live and work with the local fire problem. The plans are required to be updated annually.

California State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (2023)
The purpose of the State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) is to significantly reduce deaths, injuries, and other losses attributed to natural and human-caused hazards in California. The SHMP provides guidance for hazard mitigation activities emphasizing partnerships among local, State, and Federal agencies as well as the private sector. The California Office of Emergency Services (OES) prepares the SHMP. The SHMP identifies risks and includes vulnerability analysis and a hazard mitigation strategy. The SHMP is Federally required under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 in order for the State to receive Federal funding. The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires a state mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance.

Wildland-Urban Interface Building Standards
On September 20, 2007, the building Standards Commission approved the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s emergency regulations amending the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, known as the 2007 California Building Code (CBC). These codes include provisions for ignition resistant construction standards in the wildland-urban interface.

California Fire and Building Code (2016)
The 2016 Fire and Building Code establishes the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structure, and premises, and to provide safety and assistance to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. The provisions of this Code apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building structures throughout the State of California. More specifically, the Fire Code is included in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. California Fire Code Title 24, part 9, Chapter 7 addresses Fire-Resistances- Rated Construction, California Building Code (Part 2), Chapter 7A addresses Materials and Construction fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 596 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.12
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure, Fire Code Chapter 8 addresses fire related Interior Finishes, and Fire Code Chapter 9 addresses Fire Protection Systems, and Fire Code Chapter 10 addresses fire related Means of Egress, including Fire Apparatus Access Road width requirements. Fire Code Section 4906 also contains existing regulations for vegetation and fuel management to maintain clearances around structures.

Quimby Act
Section 66477 of the California Government Code, also known as the Quimby Act, was established by the California legislature in 1965 to provide parks for the growing communities in California. The Quimby Act authorizes cities and counties to enact ordinances requiring the dedication of land, or the payment of fees for park and/or recreational facilities in lieu thereof, or both, by developers of residential subdivisions as a condition to the approval of a tentative map or parcel map. The Quimby Act also specifies acceptable uses and expenditures of such funds.1
Mitigation Fee Act
The California Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code §§ 66000 et seq.) allows cities to establish fees to be imposed upon development projects for the purpose of mitigating the impact that the development projects have upon the city’s ability to provide specified public facilities. In order to comply with the Mitigation Fee Act, the city must follow four primary requirements: 1) Make certain determinations regarding the purpose and use of a fee and establish a nexus or connection between a development project or class of project and the public improvement being financed with the fee; 2) Segregate fee revenue from the General Fund in order to avoid commingling of capital facilities fees and general funds; 3) Make findings each fiscal year describing the continuing need for fees that have been in the possession of the city for five years or more and that have not been spent or committed to a project; and 4) Refund any fees with interest for developer deposits for which the findings noted above cannot be made.

California Public Park Preservation Act
The primary instrument for protecting and preserving parkland is California’s Public Park Preservation Act of 1971. Under the Public Resource Code, cities and counties may not acquire any real property that is in use as a public park for any nonpark use unless compensation, land, or both are provided to replace the parkland acquired. This provides no net loss of parkland and facilities.

Police Protection
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training advocates for, exchanges information with, sets selection and training standards for, and works with law enforcement and 1 Cal. Gov’t Code § 66477(a).
fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 597 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.13
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
other public and private entities. Peace Officer Standards and Training was established by the Legislature in 1959 to identify common needs that are shared by representatives of law enforcement.

Schools
California Code of Regulations
The California Code of Regulations, Title 5 Education Code, governs all aspects of education within the state.

California State Assembly Bill 2926 (AB 2926) – School Facilities Act of 1986 – was enacted by the State of California in 1986 and added to the California Government Code (Section 65995). It authorizes school districts to collect development fees, based on demonstrated need, and generate revenue for school districts for capital acquisitions and improvements. It also established that the maximum fees which may be collected under this and any other school fee authorization are $1.50 per square foot ($1.50/ft2
) for residential development and $0.25/ft2 for
commercial and industrial development.

AB 2926 was expanded and revised in 1987 through the passage of AB 1600, which added Section 66000 et seq. of the Government code. Under this statute, payment of statutory fees by developers serves as total mitigation under CEQA to satisfy the impact of development on school facilities. However, subsequent legislative actions have alternatively expanded and contracted the limits placed on school fees by AB 2926.

California Senate Bill 50 (SB 50)
As part of the further refinement of the legislation enacted under AB 2926, the passage of SB 50 in 1998 defined the Needs Analysis process in government Code Sections 65995.5-65998.

Under the provisions of SB 50, school districts may collect fees to offset the costs associated with increasing school capacity as a result of development. The fees (Level One fees) are addressed based upon the proposed square footage of residential, commercial/industrial, and/or parking structure uses. Level Two fees require the developer to provide one-half of the costs of accommodating students in new schools, while the State would provide the other half.

Level Three fees require the developer to pay the full cost of accommodating the students in new schools and would be implemented at the time the funds available from Proposition 1A (approved in 1998) are expended. School districts must demonstrate to the State their longterm facilities’ needs and costs based on long-term population growth in order to quality for this source of funding. However, voter approval of Proposition 55 in 2004 precludes the imposition of the Level Three fees for the foreseeable future. Therefore, once qualified, districts may impose only Level Two fees, as calculated according to SB 50 (Greene 1998).

According to Section 65995(h), the payment of statutory fees is “deemed to be full and complete mitigation of the impacts of any legislative or adjudicative act, or both, involving, but not limited fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 598 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.14
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization or reorganization...on the provision of adequate school facilities.”

3. Regional
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Connect SoCal 2024
SCAG’s Connect SoCal 2024 serves as a regional plan including land use and open space.

Connect SoCal 2024 provides a framework for regional growth and development for recreational areas.

4. Local
2018 Comprehensive Trail Master Plan
The 2018 Comprehensive Trail Master Plan provides further details regarding trails within the City of Norco, including trail classes (primary, secondary, tertiary, natural), maintenance, design standards, and encroachment policies.

City of Norco Municipal Code
The City of Norco’s Municipal Code contains information related to parks and recreation. Chapter

9.28, Parks and Recreation governs parks, prohibits damage to property, unauthorized archery, hunting, and disorderly conduct.

City of Norco General Plan
The City of Norco General Plan establishes the community’s long-term vision for land use, development patterns, infrastructure planning, resource conservation, and community character. The General Plan includes land use designations, goals, and policies that guide growth and development within the city. The currently adopted General Plan serves as the baseline planning framework against which the proposed 2050 General Plan is evaluated.

City of Norco General Plan Safety Element
The Norco 2013 General Plan Update of the Safety Element addresses preventing the loss of life and property and the minimization of injuries and property damage in the event of hazards. The 2013 General Plan Update of the  Safety Element includes information on the management of hazardous materials, fire, and evacuation hazards.

City of Norco General Plan Open Space Element
The purpose of the City of Norco’s General Plan Open Space Element is to present a framework which organizes the elements of Norco’s existing and future greenspace into a systematic whole.

This element provides the City with a flexible planning tool which can be modified to respond to evolving open-space conditions.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 599 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.15
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
c. Methodology
An analysis of the proposed 2050 General Plan growth forecast on demand for public services and facilities was completed based on a review of applicable planning and City documents related to police, fire protection, school, library, and recreational facilities. The analysis considers the need for services due to the projected growth that would occur under the proposed 2050 General Plan Update (GPU) and addresses whether the proposed 2050 General Plan policies would be adequate to mitigate potential impacts related to the need for, and construction of new facilities related to public services and recreation. d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. An impact is considered significant to public services and/or recreation if the GPU would:
a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the need for or provision of new or physically altered government facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other objectives for:
(i) Fire Protection
(ii) Police Protection
(iii) Schools
(iv) Parks
(v) Other Facilities
b) 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; or
c) Include recreational facilities or require that the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment.

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
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:

Threshold a(i). Fire protection?
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 600 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.16
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed 2050 General Plan would accommodate future development and population growth within the City of Norco, which would incrementally increase demand for fire protection and emergency response services. The City contracts with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department for fire protection and emergency medical services, and existing fire protection services are currently provided by three fire stations serving the city.

As development occurs under the proposed 2050 GPU, additional staffing, equipment, service demands, and facility improvements may be required to maintain adequate emergency response services throughout the city.

The CEQA significance threshold applies when implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan would require the construction or expansion of fire protection facilities that could result in significant environmental impacts. The need for additional firefighters or emergency response personnel would not itself result in a significant environmental impact unless new or physically altered facilities are required to accommodate such growth.

The proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies within the Safety Element intended to support adequate fire protection services, emergency preparedness, coordinated emergency response, and community resilience. These policies support the continued provision of fire protection infrastructure, emergency access, and public safety services needed to accommodate future growth within the city. These policies include:

GOAL S-2: FIRE HAZARDS. The City will work with public safety partners and strive to reduce wildfire risks and impacts.

POLICIES
S-2.1. Fire Protection. Ensure adequate fire protection capabilities are maintained through enforcement of the latest code requirements, coordination with key City departments, and collaboration with neighboring communities.

S-2.2. Agency Coordination. Coordinate with other fire protection agencies to provide adequate levels of fire protection throughout the General Plan Area, through a combination of both aggressive prevention and suppression activities.

S-2.7. Site Review. Ensure Fire Department staff review all developments that require site plan or subdivision review for emergency response needs and fire code compliance.

S-2.13. New Development – Fire Safe Regulations. Require all new developments, redevelopments, and major remodels located in the Wild Urban Interface or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to meet or exceed Statewide Fire Safe Regulations [(Title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5, commencing with section 1270, local Fire Safe Regulations) and (Title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3, commencing with section 1299.01, Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations)].
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 601 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.17
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
S-2.15. New Development – Codes and Regulations. Require new developments and major remodels or renovations to comply with the California Building Code, California Fire Code, Fire Safe Regulations, and local ordinances for construction and adequacy of water flow and pressure, ingress/egress, and other measures to ensure adequate fire protection.

S-2.20. Water Supply. Ensure Water Supply capacity and availability meet current and future needs through the following:
• Coordinate with water providers to maintain and enhance water supply infrastructure to ensure adequate supplies for existing and future daily demands and firefighting suppression requirements.
• Ensure new developments do not degrade water supplies and capacities for existing development by incorporating infrastructure upgrades to maintain/enhance services.
• Support regional and subregional efforts to ensure adequate water supply for daily use and firefighting purposes remain available to the city to meet current and future demands.
• Ensure infrastructure meets current and future daily demands and fire flow requirements while still meeting desired community character.

S-2.23. Adequate Infrastructure. Require all new developments and major redevelopments to have adequate infrastructure in place to support daily demands and emergency response capabilities without degrading service levels for existing developments.

S-2.24. Response Capability. Ensure a high level of emergency response capability through the following measures:
• Ensure annual budgeting accounts for current and future emergency service needs.
• Periodically assesses and updates the City’s priorities for future emergency service needs.
• Coordinate with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department on effective use and training of fire equipment and personnel.

GOAL S-6: EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION. The City will work with partners to ensure the community is ready and able to evacuate when conditions require.

POLICIES
S-6.4. Evacuation Improvements. Require new development, redevelopment, and major remodels to ensure effective future evacuations during emergencies by supporting feasible enhancements to the City's evacuation network and facilities.

S-6.5. Points of Access. Require all new developments and redevelopments within Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the Wildland Urban Interface provide adequate points of fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 602 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.18
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
access on public roads that can be used for emergency vehicle response and evacuation purposes, in compliance with applicable City, county, and State requirements.

Goal S-2 and associated policies would support the continued provision of adequate fire protection services, emergency response capabilities, water supply infrastructure, and fire-safe development standards throughout the Planning Area. These policies would require coordination with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department and neighboring agencies, compliance with applicable fire codes and fire-safe regulations, maintenance of adequate infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, and incorporation of fire protection measures into new development. Policies S-6.4 and S-6.5 further support emergency access and evacuation planning by requiring improvements to evacuation routes and multiple points of access for new subdivisions, where feasible.

Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU could increase demand for fire protection and emergency response services as future development occurs within the Planning Area. While additional fire protection facilities, personnel, or infrastructure improvements may be required in the future, the precise timing, location, and extent of such improvements are not known at this time. Any future fire station or emergency facility projects would undergo separate environmental review, as appropriate, at the time specific improvements are proposed.

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

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold a(ii). Police protection?
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would facilitate future growth within the Planning Area, which could increase demand for police protection services.

Increased population and development could require additional staffing, equipment, or expanded law enforcement facilities in order to maintain acceptable service levels, response capabilities, and public safety services throughout the city. The City of Norco currently contracts with the RSO for law enforcement services, including patrol, traffic enforcement, special fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 603 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.19
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
enforcement, and community services operations. Future staffing and facility needs would continue to be evaluated and addressed as service demands increase.

The need for continued police protection services and facilities is addressed through Goals and Policies contained within the proposed 2050 General Plan, which seek to maintain adequate law enforcement services, emergency response capabilities, and public safety infrastructure throughout the city. These Goals and Policies include:

GOAL S-5: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. The City will work with partners to implement emergency management strategies that increase resilience and improve the quality of life.

POLICIES
S-5.1 Emergency Response. Maintain reliable and timely emergency responses by ensuring the integrity of emergency facilities.

S-5.2 Emergency Services. Collaborate with public safety agencies to provide the types of emergency services and levels of support necessary to meet current and future community needs.

S-5.6 Development Review. Ensure the development review process incorporates input from public safety agencies regarding emergency management and response considerations that are incorporated into development plans and conditions of approval.

S-5.7 Public Safety. Promote improved public safety through zoning, subdivision requirements, building regulations, and environmental assessment practices as part of development review.

S-5.8 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Encourage crime prevention through environmental design strategies that support crime reduction and improve safety and economic activity.

GOAL S-6: EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION. The City will work with partners to ensure the community is ready and able to evacuate when conditions require.

POLICIES
S-6.3 Evacuation Zones/Routes. Periodically review and update evacuation zones and routes to ensure adequate capacity and connectivity within the circulation network is provided during emergency events.

S-6.5 Points of Access. Require all new developments and redevelopments within Fire Hazard Severity Zones and the Wildland Urban Interface provide adequate points of access on public roads that can be used for emergency vehicle response and evacuation purposes, in compliance with applicable City, county, and State requirements. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 604 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.20
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
S-6.8 Existing Routes. Maintain functionality, make improvements, and expand capacity, where feasible, of existing emergency evacuation routes within the city, while considering current and future hazards.

Goal S-5 and associated policies support maintenance of reliable emergency response services, coordination with public safety agencies, incorporation of public safety considerations into development review, and implementation of crime prevention strategies throughout the city. In addition, Goal S-6 and associated policies support adequate evacuation planning, emergency access, circulation connectivity, and continued improvement of emergency response routes and facilities.

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. The exact timing, location, and nature of future police facility improvements are not known at this time. Therefore, identification of specific environmental impacts associated with future police facilities would be speculative. Project-specific environmental review would occur when future facilities or improvements are proposed, consistent with CEQA requirements.

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.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold a(iii). Schools?
Less than Significant Impact. Public education services within the city are provided by the Corona-Norco Unified School District. Buildout of the proposed 2050 General Plan would increase demand for public school services, including elementary, middle, and high school facilities. Increased student generation associated with residential development and employment opportunities could contribute to enrollment growth within the Corona-Norco Unified School District, which may necessitate the expansion of existing schools or construction of new school facilities over time.

School districts are subject to oversight by the State of California and are responsible for budgeting, planning, and decision-making related to school facilities. Construction of new schools is regulated by the California Department of Education, which establishes school site fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 605 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.21
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
selection and construction standards. Funding for school facilities is provided through a combination of local and State funding sources, including developer impact fees.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65995 (SB 50), payment of statutory school impact fees constitutes full and complete mitigation under CEQA for impacts related to school facilities. Future development facilitated by the proposed 2050 General Plan would be required to pay applicable school impact fees at the time of building permit issuance, which would be utilized by the Corona-Norco Unified School District to fund the construction or expansion of school facilities, as needed.

The proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies within the Infrastructure and Facilities Element intended to support adequate school services. These policies include:

GOAL IF-9: LIBRARY SERVICES AND SCHOOLS. The City will work with local institutions to provide high-quality education opportunities for lifelong learning.

POLICIES
IF-9.1 Future Demand for School Facilities. As needed, coordinate with the Corona–Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) to identify potential school sites needed to meet future demand, as well as the planning, site acquisition, and development of educational facilities in the city.

IF-9.2 Higher Education. Support Norco College’s efforts to provide higher education that supports local industry.

IF-9.4 Early Agriculture Education. Work with the Corona-Norco Unified School District, private schools, pre-schools, and other agencies to integrate agricultural and animalkeeping programs into the curriculum.

Collectively, this goal and associated policies support coordination with local educational providers to ensure school facilities and educational services are planned to accommodate future growth associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan.

No new school facilities are specifically proposed as part of the proposed 2050 GPU. However, future growth accommodated under the proposed 2050 General Plan could increase student enrollment and may require expansion of existing schools or construction of new education facilities over time. Because the proposed 2050 GPU is a program-level planning document, the precise timing, location, and design of any future school facilities are not known at this time.

Therefore, 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 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.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 606 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.22
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold a(iv). Other public facilities?
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would accommodate future growth within the Planning Area, which could increase demand for public facilities and community services, including library services and other community-serving facilities. Increased population growth associated with future residential and commercial development could increase demand for library resources, public programs, and community gathering spaces throughout the city.

The proposed 2050 General Plan includes a goal and policy within the Infrastructure and Facilities Element intended to support continued coordination with public service providers and maintain adequate public facilities to serve future growth. This goal and policy consists of:

GOAL IF-9: LIBRARY SERVICES AND SCHOOLS. The City will work with local institutions to provide high-quality education opportunities for lifelong learning.

POLICY
IF-9.3 Library Space. Continue to work with the Riverside County Library System to ensure access to adequate library space, services, books, and other resources.

No new library or public facilities are specifically proposed as part of the proposed 2050 GPU.

Because the proposed 2050 GPU 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 project-specific basis, as applicable. Impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would remain less than significant.

Threshold 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? Threshold 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?
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 607 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.23
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would increase demand for neighborhood and regional parks, trails, open space areas, and recreational facilities within the city. Future population growth and development accommodated under the proposed 2050 GPU could increase use of existing recreational resources and may result in the construction, expansion, or improvement of parks, trails, and recreational facilities over time.

However, the proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies intended to maintain, improve, expand, and preserve recreational amenities and open space resources throughout the city while accommodating future growth consistent with Norco’s rural, equestrian, and community-oriented atmosphere.

The proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies within the Infrastructure and Facilities Element related to parks and recreational facilities.

GOAL IF-7: HIGH QUALITY PARKS. The City will provide safe, accessible, well-maintained, highquality parks and recreational facilities that promote the City’s core values, as well as community health and wellness.

POLICIES
IF-7.1 Parks and Facilities Master Plan. Create and periodically update a Parks and Facilities Master Plan that prioritizes reinvestment in existing parks and facilities and guides the funding, staffing, maintenance, and enhancement of Norco’s parks, recreational facilities, and programming.

IF-7.4 Park Operations. Continue to provide the appropriate resources and staffing to manage, maintain, and improve Norco’s existing parks and recreational facilities.

IF-7.5 Partnerships with Local Schools. Partner with the Corona–Norco Unified School District to enable the joint use of school properties as parks and recreational centers that are open to the public during non-school hours.

IF-7.6 New Development. Require new residential developments to provide adequate on-site recreational and open space amenities consistent with Norco’s core values and the needs of the new development. Require projects to establish mechanisms, such as Landscape Maintenance Districts, Community Facilities Districts, homeowners’ association dues, or developer contributions, to adequately maintain new parks and recreational facilities.

GOAL IF-10: PROGRAMS AND EVENTS. The City will offer a variety of recreational programs and special events that align with Norco’s core values and provide opportunities for gathering, social interaction, and community building.

POLICY
IF-10.2 Access to Recreation and Special Events. Continue to ensure that residents have access and opportunities to participate in the City’s recreational activities and programs fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 608 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.24
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
regardless of age, economic status, disability, culture, or other factors. Recreational programming and events should align with Norco’s core values.

The proposed 2050 General Plan includes Goals and Policies within the Open Space and Conservation Element related to parks and recreational facilities.

GOAL OSC-1: SANTA ANA RIVER CORRIDOR AND TRAIL NETWORK. The City will preserve and enhance the Santa Ana River corridor as a regionally significant recreational, equestrian, and ecological resource by strengthening trail connectivity, supporting multi-use access and equestrian facilities, improving River Trails Park, and protecting habitat and open space for the benefit of residents and visitors.

POLICIES
OSC-1.2 River Corridor Access and Connectivity. Enhance and maintain strong physical and visual connections between the Santa Ana River corridor, the Santa Ana River Trail, River Trails Park, and Norco’s local trail network by improving trailheads and wayfinding and preserving views of the river from adjacent neighborhoods.

OSC-1.3 Multi-Use Trail Support. Support the continued operation and enhancement of the Santa Ana River Trail as a multi-use regional facility, prioritizing the completion of the missing trail connection beneath the Interstate 15 Freeway.

OSC-1.4 Recreation Resource Enhancement. Maintain and improve River Trails Park as a key recreational asset by expanding trail opportunities, upgrading amenities, and ensuring compatibility with adjacent open space and habitat areas.

GOAL OSC-2: NORCO HILLS OPEN SPACE AND TRAIL NETWORK. The City will preserve and enhance the Norco Hills as a prominent scenic, recreational, and ecological resource by maintaining its trail network, protecting natural features and views, and reinforcing its role within Norco’s Citywide equestrian and trail network.

POLICY
OSC-2.2 Multi-Use Recreation. Support continued multi-use of the Norco Hills for horseback riding, hiking, and passive recreation while promoting safe trail design, user compatibility, and appropriate wayfinding.

GOAL OSC-3: HIGH-QUALITY TRAIL NETWORK. The City shall design trails to promote physical activity while ensuring compatibility with the protection of natural resources.

POLICIES
OSC-3.1 Well-Maintained Public Trails. In accordance with the Comprehensive Trail Master Plan, ensure adequate funding and resources to maintain Norco’s trail network.

OSC-3.2 Dedicated Space for Trails. Require new development projects to dedicate easements for and build trails, trailheads, and other needed improvements where feasible and appropriate.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 609 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.15.25
DraftPEIR

4.15 PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
OSC-3.3 Trail Network. Improve Norco’s comprehensive trail network by building missing links in the Santa Ana River Trail and improving trail crossings over and under the I-15 Freeway.

Collectively, these goals and associated policies support the continued maintenance, operation, and expansion of parks and recreational facilities to accommodate future growth associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan. The proposed 2050 General Plan emphasizes reinvestment in existing recreational facilities, expansion of trail connectivity and recreational opportunities, preservation of open space and scenic resources, and the provision of adequate recreational amenities as part of future development. Policies requiring maintenance funding, facility planning, trail improvements, and recreational amenities for new development would reduce the potential for substantial physical deterioration of existing recreational facilities.

In addition, future park and recreational facility improvements, such as the ones identified in the proposed 2050 General Plan, would be reviewed on a project-specific basis, as applicable, to ensure consistency with applicable environmental regulations and development standards.

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

Mitigation Measuresa
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Impacts would be less than significant without mitigation. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 610 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.1
Program EIR

4.16 transportation
This section evaluates the potential transportation impacts associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan Update (GPU). The analysis considers the potential for implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU to conflict with applicable circulation plans, increase vehicle miles traveled (VMT), create transportation-related hazards due to a design feature or incompatible uses, or result in inadequate emergency access. The City of Norco’s Circulation and Mobility Analysis (Appendix 4.16-1) provides an evaluation of existing and projected transportation conditions within the city, including roadway operations, roadway classifications, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit services, and planned circulation improvements associated with future development under the proposed 2050 GPU. This analysis also relies on other City planning documents and technical studies prepared for the proposed 2050 General Plan, including an Evacuation Assessment and Transportation Study, which are included as Appendix 4.16-2 and Appendix 4.16-3, respectively.
a. Existing Conditions

1. Existing Street System
The existing regional and local transportation network is described below:

Regional Highways
Regional roadways include:
• Interstate 15 (I-15) directly bisects the City of Norco, serving as the city’s primary regional transportation corridor and providing connections to surrounding jurisdictions throughout Riverside County and Southern California. The city is served by several direct access interchanges including Sixth Street, Second Street, and Hidden Valley Parkway.

The corridor is operated and maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In addition to 3-4 general purpose lanes in each direction, I-15 also has two express lanes operated by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) that opened in 2021.
• State Route 91 (SR-91) is immediately south of city limits and provides additional regional connections, including to Orange County and other regions of Riverside County (Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Coachella Valley). A major freeway interchange between I15 and SR-91 also provides direct connections between express lanes on I-15 and SR91. Due to the regional significance of this interchange, congestion regularly occurs during peak commute periods and may extend northbound along I-15 during the AM peak period.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

4.16 Transportation

Page 611 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.2
Program EIR

4.16 transportation
Local Circulation
The City manages a total of 100 miles of public roadways, including a mix of regional arterials and local streets. The City also oversees the development of private streets by enforcing City design standards. The local circulation network consists of a system of urban arterials, major arterials, collector streets, and local streets that provide access throughout the city and connect residential neighborhoods with commercial, recreational, educational, and regional destinations.

Consistent with the City’s equestrian-oriented atmosphere, portions of the roadway network also incorporate equestrian trails and multimodal facilities designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and horseback riders.

Roadway Classifications
The City of Norco organizes its roadway network according to a function classification system that categorizes streets based on their intended purpose, adjacent land uses, and traffic circulation roles. The roadway classification system, established in the City’s General Plan Circulation Element, defines the design characteristics and operational functions of streets throughout the community. These classifications collectively function as an integrated transportation network that accommodates regional travel, local circulation, and access to residential and commercial areas.

The City’s roadway classification system includes several categories of streets, including urban arterials, major arterials, collector streets, and local streets. The current 2000 City of Norco General Plan identifies six public roadway types that together function as a broader transportation network (refer to Table 4.16-1, Current Roadway Classification System of the City of Norco 2000 General Plan for overview of roadway classifications and general characteristics and Figure 4.16-1, Roadway Classifications for a map of streets and their classification). Arterial roadways serve as the primary corridors for longer-distance travel and connect the city to regional transportation facilities such as I-15 and neighboring communities. Collector streets provide connections between residential neighborhoods and the arterial network, while local streets primarily provide direct access to adjacent properties.

The City of Norco’s roadway classification system also reflects the City’s equestrian-oriented atmosphere. Certain arterial and collector streets are designated as equestrian corridors that incorporate horseback riding trails along the roadway and connect to the City’s broader network of equestrian trails.

Hamner Avenue functions as the city’s principal north-south urban arterial and serves regional traffic traveling through Norco and adjacent jurisdictions. Other arterial facilities, including Sixth Street, River Road, Hidden Valley Parkway, and North Drive, provide connections between local neighborhoods, commercial areas, Interstate 15, and surrounding communities. Collector and local streets provide neighborhood circulation and direct access to residential and commercial properties while supporting lower traffic volumes and multimodal connectivity. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 612 of 848 ends

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. FIGURE 2-3

4.16 TRANSPORTATION

DRAFT PEIR
PAGE 4.16.3
FIGURE 4.16-1, ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS I I I 0

I I I I I

VALLEYVIEW AVE
~ONA AVE
"l CENTER AVE
I
"l

TEMESCALAVE
1 ,,
"l !)l
HILLSIDE AVE 0 ,,
PEDLEY AVE @
CAL lfQRNIA AVE
-

CRESTVIEW DR

Page 613 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.4
Program EIR

4.16 transportation
TABLE 4.16-1, CURRENT ROADWAY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF NORCO 2000 GENERAL PLAN
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Classification Description Features Streets
Urban Arterial Buildout of 6 lanes (3 in each ROW: 11 O' Pavement Hamner Avenue direction) with center median; Width: 86'
designed to accommodate No. of Lanes: 6
regional through traffic and
connect to major commercial Pedestrian-Equestrian
destinations Trail: None
Priority: Automobile
Major Arterial Buildout of 4 lanes (2 in each ROW: 1 00' Pavement Sixth Street 4E direction) with pedestrian- Width: 64' (Sierra Avenue to equestrian trails on both sides; No. of Lanes: 4 California Avenue) designed to connect 1-15 access
ramps to Hamner Avenue and Pedestrian-Equestrian
destinations with regional Trail : Both Sides
significance
Priority: Automobile, Equestrian,
Pedestrian, Bicyclist
Major Arterial Buildout of 4 lanes (2 in each ROW: 1 00' Pavement River Road Hidden 4 direction) with pedestrian- Width: 80' Valley Parkway equestrian trails on one side; No. of Lanes: 4
provide connections from other
arterials to residential areas Pedestrian-Equestrian
Priority: Automobile
Trail : One Side
Major Arterial Buildout of 2 lanes (1 in each ROW: 1 00' Pavement California Avenue 2E direction) with pedestrian- Width: 36' (North Drive to equestrian trails on one or both No. of Lanes: 2 Sixth Street) North sides; serves residential areas and Drive
connects Sixth Street commercial Pedestrian-Equestrian
area to neighboring cities Trail : One or Both Sides
Priority: Automobile, Equestrian,
Pedestrian, Bicyclist
Collector Buildout of 4 lanes (2 in each ROW: 88' Pavement Corydon Avenue direction) with pedestrian- Width: varies Fifth Street First equestrian trail on one or both No. of Lanes: 4 Street Norco Drive sides; designed to connect local Parkridge Avenue
streets to City arterial system Pedestrian-Equestrian Second Street Priority: Equestrian, Pedestrian,
Trail : One or Both Sides Third Street
Bicyclist Mountain Avenue
Norco Hills Road

Page 614 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.5
Program EIR

4.16 transportation
TABLE 4.16-1, CURRENT ROADWAY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF NORCO 2000 GENERAL PLAN
Roadway Segment Operations
The City of Norco’s Transportation Study (Appendix 4.16-3) evaluated roadway segment operations under Existing Year (2024) conditions using generalized daily service volume thresholds from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), 7th Edition. The analysis evaluated arterial and collector roadway segments throughout the city to determine baseline operating conditions and roadway capacity utilization. LOS ratings ranged from LOS A (free-flow conditions) to LOS F (congested conditions), with LOS D generally identified as the City’s minimum acceptable operating condition for arterial facilities.

The Transportation Study identified several roadway segments operating near or at constrained conditions under Existing Year conditions, particularly along regional access corridors and eastern portions of the city. Roadway segments along California Avenue and North Drive were identified as operating at LOS E under certain conditions, reflecting the influence of regional travel patterns, limited east-west access routes, and constrained roadway geometry in portions of the city.

Intersection Operations
Existing intersection operations were evaluated at key study intersections throughout the city using methodologies consistent with the HCM 7th Edition, based on observed turning movement counts and existing lane configurations. The analysis evaluated key signalized and unsignalized intersections throughout the city during weekday AM and PM peak periods. As shown in Table 4.16-2, Intersection Level of Service, all studied intersections operated at LOS D or better under Existing Year (2023) conditions, with the exception of the stop-controlled intersection of Valley View Avenue and Second Street, which operates at LOS E during the AM peak hour.

Classification
Local
Description
Buildout of 2 lanes (1 in each
direction) with pedestrianequestrian trail on one or both sides; provide direct access to
residential property and
commercial areas where arterials
do not directly serve these uses
Priority: Equestrian, Pedestrian,
Bicyclist
Features
ROW: 60' Pavement
Width: Varies (typically
36')
No. of Lanes: 2
Pedestrian-Equestrian
Trail : One or Both Sides
Source: 2050 City of Norco General Plan Circulation Element Update.

Streets
Any Street not
classified in the
arterial/collector
system
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 615 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.6
Program EIR

4.16 transportation
TABLE 4.16-2, INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE (EXISTING)
Emergency Access and Evacuation Routes
The City of Norco’s roadway network serves an important role in providing emergency access and supporting evacuation during wildfire, flood, hazardous materials, and other emergency events, as depicted in Figure 4.16-2, Primary Evacuation Routes. Primary regional evacuation routes include Interstate 15, State Route 91, Hamner Avenue, Sixth Street, Hidden Valley Parkway, and Norco Hills Road, which provide connections to surrounding jurisdictions and regional transportation facilities. The city is also supported through regional coordination with regional transportation agencies, emergency service providers, and Riverside County emergency management operations.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Existing
Jurisdiction LOS Peak (2023) Intersection Name Control Threshold Hour LOS/Average Delay
1 - Hamner Ave & Sixth
AM C / 27.2
Signal Norco D
Street PM C / 30.6
AM C 130.0
2 - 1-15 SB & Sixth Street Signal Caltrans/Norco D
PM C / 26.5
AM D / 35.5
3 - 1-15 NB & Sixth Street Signal Caltrans/Norco D
PM CI 34.1
4 - Sierra Ave & Sixth AM B / 15.4
Signal Norco D
Street PM B / 13.6
5 - Hamner Ave & Second AM CI 30.1
Signal Norco D
Street PM D / 36.1
AM B / 17.6
6 - 1-15 SB & Second Street Signal Caltrans/Norco D
PM B / 10.7
AM C / 20.5
7 - 1-15 NB & Second Street Signal Caltrans/Norco D
PM C / 20.5
8 - Valley View Ave & AM E / 38.9
AWSC Norco D
Second Street PM B / 13.7
Source: Fehr & Peers. Transportation Study for City of Norco General Plan. 2025. Appendix 4.16-3.

Page 616 of 848 ends

0 ½ 1
Miles
Primary Evacuation
Routes
Norco, CA
Schleisman Road
Chandler Street
Citrus Street
Norco Drive
ŝĨƚŚƚƌĞĞƚ
ŝǆƚŚƚƌĞĞƚ
ĞĐŽŶĚƚƌĞĞƚ
Hidden Valley Parkway Rincon Street
Hamner Avenue
eunevA namlleH
eunevA dlabihcrA
Corydon Street
Arlington Avenue
yaW ralohcS
eunevA renmuS
River Road
Promenade Avenue
evirD weivtserC
eunevA ainrofilaC
68th Street
ŝƌƐƚƚƌĞĞƚ
N Lincoln Avenue
Pine Avenue
15 91
Source: Resilient IE
Norco Hills Road
FIGURE 4.16-2, PRIMARY EVACUATION ROUTES

DRAFT PEIR

4.16 TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE: Resilient IE. PAGE 4.16.7
fil~lft]® CITY or NORCO

Page 617 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.8

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation

2. Alternative Transportation
Public Transportation and Transit Facilities
Public Transit Services
Public transit services within the City of Norco are limited relative to more urbanized communities but provide important mobility options for residents without access to private vehicles and regional connections to employment, commercial, educational, and transit centers.

Fixed-route bus and paratransit services are provided by the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), which connects the city to surrounding cities and the broader regional transportation network.

As shown in Figure 4.16-3, Public Transportation and Transit, the city is served by RTA Route 3, which operates along Hamner Avenue and connects the Corona Transit Center to destinations north of the city, including the Amazon Eastvale Fulfillment Center. The route also serves key local destinations such as Norco College, the Norco Senior Center, and Norco City Hall. Service operates approximately every 70 to 80 minutes on weekdays from early morning through late evening, with reduced service frequencies on weekends. Through the Corona Transit Center, passengers can transfer to additional regional routes and Metrolink commuter rail services that connect to employment and activity centers throughout Southern California.

Paratransit Services
RTA also provides Dial-A-Ride paratransit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route transit. Dial-A-Ride offers advanced reservation, point-to-point transportation within a service area extending approximately three-quarters of a mile on either side of Hamner Avenue. Trips must begin or end within this service area. These services support access to medical appointments, services, and other destinations for eligible riders. These services provide mobility support for transit-dependent populations and supplement the city’s limited fixed-route transit network.

Senior and Specialized Transportation
The Norco Senior Center operates the “Seniors on the Move” transportation program, which provides door-to-door transportation for Norco residents aged 50 and older, military veterans, and residents with disabilities. The program provides trips to destinations within approximately a 30-mile radius of the city of medical appointments and other mobility needs. Service operates Monday through Thursday during daytime hours and requires advance reservations.

Regional Rail Access
Although the City does not have a commuter rail station within city limits, residents have access to the Corona-North Main Metrolink Station, located immediately west of the city. This station provides regional rail service through Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley Line and Inland Empire-Orange County Line, offering connections to major employment centers including Los Angeles, Orange fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 618 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.9

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
County, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The station can be accessed by RTA Route 3 or by parkand-ride facilities.

Pedestrian Network
Pedestrian infrastructure within the City of Norco is limited compared to more urban communities due to the City’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere. Sidewalks are primarily located in commercial areas along Hamner Avenue and Hidden Valley Parkway, as well as along portions of Third Street near Norco College. Outside of these areas, traditional pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and curb ramps are limited.

Many pedestrians utilize the city’s extensive multiuse trail network, including trails located along major roadways such as Sixth Street. Enhanced pedestrian safety features are generally concentrated near schools, where high-visibility crosswalks and school warning signage are provided. However, outside of school zones pedestrian crossings and other safety enhancements are more limited, reflecting the City’s rural design and reliance on the trail network for non-motorized circulation.

Bicycle Network
The City of Norco’s bicycle network currently totals approximately 7 miles of bikeways, consisting of 3.5 miles of Class II bicycle lanes and 3.5 miles of Class III bicycle routes. Class II bike lanes provide striped lanes for one-way bicycle travel along roadways, while Class III routes are designated shared roadways where bicycles and motor vehicles operate in the same travel lane.

The City of Norco’s current Bicycle Network Map is illustrated in Figure 4.16-4, Existing Bicycle Network Map. Existing bicycle facilities are located on River Road, Corydon Avenue/Norco Drive, and Hidden Valley Parkway, with bicycle routes primarily concentrated in the northeastern portion of the city. Although the existing network is limited in extent, it provides connections along the southern and western boundaries of the city and allows for east-west bicycle travel along the northern portion of the city.

The city does not currently have dedicated off-street paved bicycle trails. However, cyclists may utilize the city’s multi-use trail network in some areas. City policies generally encourage separating bicycle travel from equestrian trail facilities where feasible.

Trail/Equestrian Network
As shown in Table 4.16-3, 2018 CTMP Trail System Classification, the City of Norco maintains an extensive network of equestrian and multiuse trails that function as an important component of the City’s alternative transportation system. The City currently maintains approximately 104 miles of unpaved trails, located both on-street and off-street throughout the community. Figure

4.16-5, Pedestrian-Equestrian Network depicts the existing pedestrian-equestrian network. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 619 of 848 ends

Schools
Corona Transit Center
Route 3 (RTA)
MetroLink Line
Legend
Norco College
Ingalls Event Center
     
     
 

     
  

   
   
 
  
   
 
     
 
  
      
   
 
    
       
   
  

   
  

 
   
    

 
   
    
     
      
          
  
     
  
   
       
               
 
·
"!
ĬĖŕŖ
   
      
   
     
   

       
     
     
 

     
  

   
   
 
  
   
 
     
 
  
      
   
 
    
       
   
  

   
  

 
   
    

 
   
    
     
      
          
  
     
  
   
       
               
 
·
"!
ĬĖŕŖ
   
      
   
     
   

       
Source: Riverside Transit Agency
Norco City Boundary

RIVERSIDE

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
CORONA

SANTA ANA RIVER
CHINO

UNINCORPORATED
     
     
 

     
  

   
    
 
 
   
 
     
 
  
      
   
 
    
       
   
  

   
  

 
   
    

 
   
    
     
      
          
  
     
  
   
       
               
 
·
"!
ĬĖŕŖ
   
      
   
     
   

       
N
FIGURE 4.16-3, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT

DRAFT PEIR

4.16 TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE: Riverside Transit Agency. PAGE 4.16.10
~ ~ ~
5 . § ~ 8
®
-
++
i:t\\Jf.ROR

SEVENTH ST
~
~
~

FIFTH ST

FOURTH ST
~ ~
~ ~
> • ~ 0
•
@
CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 620 of 848 ends

Schools
Class II (Bike Lane)
Class III (Bike Route)
Legend
Norco College
Ingalls Event Center
     
     
 

     
  

   
    
 
 
   
 
     
 
  
      
   
 
    
       
   
  

   
  

 
   
    

 
   
    
     
      
          
  
     
  
   
       
               
 
·
"!
ĬĖŕŔ
  
      
     
   

       
     
     
 

     
  

   
    
 
 
   
 
     
 
  
      
   
 
    
       
   
  

   
  

 
   
    

 
   
    
     
      
          
  
     
  
   
       
               
 
·
"!
ĬĖŕŔ
  
      
     
   

       
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (2024)
Norco City Boundary

RIVERSIDE

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY
CORONA

SANTA ANA RIVER
CHINO

UNINCORPORATED
N
FIGURE 4.16-4, EXISTING BICYCLE NETWORK MAP

DRAFT PEIR

4.16 TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan – 2024. PAGE 4.16.11 SECOND ST ~ ~ ~
~
z 5 . i § ~ 8
~
-
-

SIXTH ST

SEVENTH ST
~
~
~

FIFTH ST

FOURTH ST
~ ~
~ ~
> • ~ 0
•
@
CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 621 of 848 ends

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

4.16 TRANSPORTATION
PAGE 4.16.12
FIGURE 4.16-5, PEDESTRIAN-EQUESTRIAN NETWORK
~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
■

Page 622 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.13

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
TABLE 4.16-3, 2018 CTMP TRAIL SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
Classification Description Trails
Primary Access Trails • Adjacent to major circulation • None currently routes
• Potential connections
• Wider trail sections to allow for include Norco College, separated uses between Norco Hills, and Santa
bikes/peds and horses Ana River
• Buffer planting to separate trail
from street
• Enhanced intersection crossings
Secondary Trails • Trails that connect to primary • Sixth Street access trails and key city • Norco Drive
destinations
• California Avenue
• Bridle/soft shoulder
• Corydon Avenue
• 12 feet width
• Adjacent to streets with fencing
and/or small buffer planting
• Not primarily intended to
accommodate bicycles
• Intersection crossing treatments
where needed
Tertiary Trails • Intended to provide local access • Chestnut Drive/Bluff (Backyard Trails) to private property Street Vine Avenue/Del Not adjacent to public ROW Mar Road Pinto
• Place/California Avenue
• Minimal surface planting
Nature Trails • Located away from street • Pumpkin Rock Trail network (generally located on
• Bluff Trail
edges of city)
• Direct connection to open space
• Can serve as links to regional
trail system and other trails
• Also accommodate hikers with a
marking system and rest stops
Source: City of Norco Comprehensive Trail Master Plan, 2018.

Page 623 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.14

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Goods Movement and Truck Routes
These trails serve multiple purposes, including equestrian travel, pedestrian circulation, and recreational use. The trail system connects residential neighborhoods, community facilities, and commercial areas while supporting the City’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

The trail network is guided by the Comprehensive Trails Master Plan (CTMP), adopted in 2018, which outlines policies and strategies for maintaining and improving the trail system.

Improvements include enhancing trail crossings at roadways, improving fencing and safety features, and maintaining connectivity throughout the City’s trail network.

Goods movement within the city primarily occurs along Interstate 15. State Route 91, Hamner Avenue, Sixth Street, River Road, North Drive, and California Avenue, which serve as designated or commonly utilized truck routes connecting the city to regional industrial, commercial, and warehouse distribution centers throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.

Due to the city’s location adjacent to major regional freeway corridors, truck traffic is an important component of the local circulation network, particularly along arterial roadways that provide access to commercial and industrial uses. The City’s designated truck routes are illustrated in Figure 4.16-6, Truck Routes. Truck routes are identified to accommodate goods movement while minimizing conflicts with residential neighborhoods, schools, equestrian facilities, and other sensitive land uses.

3. Travel Characteristics
Housing-Employment Dynamics
Travel patterns in the City of Norco are influenced by the relationship between housing and employment within the city and the surrounding region. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program and the American Community Survey (ACS), only a small portion of Norco residents are employed within the city.

Approximately 7 percent of Norco’s working residents are employed within city limits, while the majority commute to jobs elsewhere in the region.

The City of Norco is centrally located between several major employment centers in Southern California, including Riverside, the Inland Empire/Ontario area, Orange County, and Los Angeles.

As a result, many residents travel outside the city for work. As shown in Table 4.16-4, Top Workplace Destinations of Norco Residents (2020), census data indicates that approximately 43 percent of employed Norco residents work outside Riverside County, contributing to longer commute distances and increased reliance on regional transportation facilities. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 624 of 848 ends

Schools
Legend
Norco College
Ingalls Event Center
Truck Route (I-15 Freeway)
Truck Route
Norco City Boundary
SilverLakes
Source: City of Norco

RIVERSIDE
CORONA

EASTVALE

JURUPA VALLEY

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

DRAFT PEIR

4.16 TRANSPORTATION
PAGE 4.16.15
FIGURE 4.16-6, TRUCK ROUTES
□
@
@
~

FIFTH ST
I :
...
1:

I
I:

I
JI:

I I
• •
I: ? w
al'
" z

SIXTH ST
-~
~

SEVENTH ST
~
~ !!,!
I'!

FIFTH ST

FOURTH ST
w
al'
~@
I'! "
I: j
0 @ <>'.
8 •
■■■■
--
-
,.FITHDR
I
j -
Cl'.
0 ~~i.ft]® CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN
L

Page 625 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.16

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Employment inflow and outflow data further illustrates this relationship. While the city contains a number of local jobs, only a small share of these positions are held by Norco residents, with many workers commuting into the city from surrounding communities.

TABLE 4.16-4, TOP WORKPLACE DESTINATIONS OF NORCO RESIDENTS (2020) Mode Choice
Mode choice in the City of Norco is dominated by automobile travel. According to 2021 American Community Survey data, the majority of commuters travel to work by driving alone or carpooling, accounting for approximately 85 percent of commute trips. This share is slightly higher than the countywide and statewide averages.

Use of alternative modes is comparatively limited. Less than one percent of Norco commuters use public transit, which reflects the city’s limited transit service and the semi-rural development pattern. Walking and bicycling also represent a small share of commute trips. Approximately 10 percent of workers work from home, a share that has increased in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the predominance of automobile travel reflects the city’s dispersed land use patterns, the location of employment centers outside the city, and limited availability of frequent transit service.

City Share Approximate Distance from
the City of Norco
Corona, CA 9.0% 6 miles
Norco, CA 7.4% O miles
Riverside, CA 7.0% 18 miles
Los Angeles, CA 4.8% 50 miles
Ontario, CA 4.1% 16 miles
Anaheim, CA 3.7% 29 miles
Irvine, CA 3.3% 35 miles
Santa Ana, CA 2.8% 31 miles
Orange, CA 2.5% 28 miles
Chino, CA 2.3% 16 miles
All Other Locations 53.1% N/A
Source: US Census Bureau. 2020. OnTheMap Application. Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Program. https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/.
~~117'"'•

CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 626 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.17

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Travel Time to Work
Commute times for Norco residents are generally longer than the county and statewide averages. According to 2021 ACS data, the average travel time to work for Norco residents is approximately 34.5 minutes, compared to 32.1 minutes for the County, and 27.6 minutes statewide.

Approximately 20 percent of commuters travel more than 60 minutes to reach their workplace, reflecting the number of residents who travel to employment centers in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and other parts of the Inland Empire. The city’s commute patterns reflect the City’s role as a residential community within the broader Southern California region, with many residents commuting to employment centers outside the city. b. Regulatory Setting

1. Federal
US Department of Transportation (USDOT)
The USDOT provides funding and oversight for transportation infrastructure projects throughout the country, including interstate highways and transit facilities. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), within USDOT, establishes design standards and operational requirements for the Interstate Highway System, including Interstate 15 (I-15), which traverses the City of Norco. Improvements to I-15 or projects utilizing federal transportation funding are subject to applicable FHWA standards.

Use of federal funding for transportation projects may also trigger review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental effects of proposed actions prior to decision making. While the City’s General Plan is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), specific transportation projects involving federal funding or approvals could require separate NEPA compliance.

2. State
Caltrans (State Highways)
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has jurisdiction over state highways, including Interstate 15 within the City of Norco. Improvements affecting state highway facilities or access require Caltrans review and approval.

Senate Bill 743
The purpose of Senate Bill (SB) 743, which became effective on July 1, 2020, is to streamline the review under CEQA for several categories of development projects, including infill projects in transit priority areas, and to balance the needs of congestion management with statewide goals fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 627 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.18

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
related to infill development, promotion of public health through active transportation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

SB 743 changed the metrics for determining impacts resulting from traffic. Formerly, environmental review of transportation impacts focused on the delay that vehicles experience at intersections and on roadway segments, known as Levels of Service (LOS). As a result of SB 743, the focus of transportation analysis shifted from driver delay to reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The state’s goal is to encourage land use and transportation decisions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage infill development, and improve public health through active transportation.

The California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has identified guidelines for projects, which may be screened and would therefore be exempt from a VMT analysis.1 Screening Criteria
• Retail projects up to 50,000 SF in floor area
• Projects generating less than 110 daily trips.
• Residential and office projects located in low VMT areas. Low VMT is defined as 10% below the subarea VMT metrics for that area.
• Projects within a Transit Priority Area (TPA). A TPA is defined as locations within ½ mile of a major transit stop or station (e.g., Gold Line or Metrolink), or within ½ mile of a high quality transit corridor with a 15-minute or less headways during peak commute hours. • Affordable housing developments or affordable housing units within mixed-used developments.
• Transportation projects that promote nonauto travel, improve safety, or improve traffic operations at current bottlenecks, such as transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, intersections traffic control or widening at intersections to provide new turn lanes.

The City applies Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) or regional VMT thresholds, as applicable.

Public Resources Code Section 21099
SB 743 also added Section 21099 to the CEQA statute. PRC Section 21099(d)(1) provides that aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-use residential, or employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not be considered significant impacts on the environment.
1 Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. “Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA.” Accessed March 2026. https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190122-743_Technical_Advisory.pdf. fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 628 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.19

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
“Transit priority area” means an area within one-half mile of a major transit stop that is existing or planned, if the planned stop is scheduled to be completed within the planning horizon included in a Transportation Improvement Program or applicable regional transportation plan.

PRC Section 21099 establishes criteria for determining the significance of transportation impacts of projects within transit priority areas that promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses.

More specifically, High Quality TPAs (HQTAs) are defined as areas within one-half mile of a major transit stop that are existing or planned where a “major transit stop” is a “site containing an existing rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods” as defined in PRC Section 21064.3.

Congestion Management Program
To address public concern that traffic congestion was impacting the quality of life and economic vitality of the state, in 1990, Section 65089 of the California Government Code was adopted to require each county to prepare and adopt a CMP. The intent of the CMP is to provide the analytical basis for transportation decisions. The CMP meets federal requirements for a Congestion Management System (CMS) as required by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and continued in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century in 1998, and SAFE, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity ACT— A Legacy for Users. Information regarding the Riverside County CMP is provided below.

Senate Bill 375
In response to AB 32’s emissions reduction targets, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 375 (SB 375), or the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act in 2008. This law established regional targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which required cities and counties to develop and comply with reduction targets. Cities are encouraged to adopt land use policies that reduce travel distances between jobs and where workers live, and to focus on development near transit corridors to help meet statewide goals set in AB 32.

SB 375 requires each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to develop a “Sustainable Communities Strategy” (SCS) as a component of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), laying out ways to promote dense, integrated development and necessary transportation improvements to achieve proposed densities. Development consistent with the SCS is eligible for streamlined California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The current SCS for the Southern California region was last adopted in 2020 and focuses on promoting mixed use development, a variety of housing options, new efficient technologies, and nonvehicle transportation technologies.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 629 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.20

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
To align with the SCS, the 2050 GPU should promote policies that:
• Increase the proximity of housing to job centers and community services; • Encourage new compact development to increase walkability and reduce the need for short vehicle trips;
• Develop enhanced transportation infrastructure to better support high-quality transit services;
• Reduce the need for extensive parking requirements, and sharing parking spaces where appropriate;
• Apply Transportation Systems Management (TSM) and Complete Street policies to maximize the efficiency of arterial streets.

Assembly Bill 1358
Assembly Bill (AB) 1358, the Complete Streets Act of 2008, requires that cities and counties identify how they will provide for the routine accommodation of all users of roadways, including motorists, passengers, bicyclists, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and users of public transportation. Planning and building complete streets are one way that cities and counties can meet this requirement. A complete street is a transportation facility that is planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe access for all roadway users. Passengers, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a complete street.

Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act)
Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), passed in 2006, requires California to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (approximately a 15% reduction) through regulations developed and enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Regulations are intended to mitigate the risks of climate change and promote renewable energy, clean transportation, and lower waste. AB 32 requires CARB to develop a Scoping Plan, updated every five years, which outlines the strategies and regulations to be used to achieve GHG reduction targets. The 2022 Scoping Plan4 identifies multiple regulatory and market-incentive programs led at the state level and sees local action as key to supporting GHG reduction targets. Local governments are encouraged to develop sustainable transportation standards, such as establishing requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and preparing for the impact of climate change through comprehensive climate action plans.

The current City of Norco General Plan was developed prior to the passage of AB 32; as such, the 2050 GPU will need to reflect the presence of increased regulation and incentive programs for climate action. While the City of Norco currently has no locally adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP), it is a participating member of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Subregional CAP which contains policies to promote electric vehicle adoption and increased fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 630 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.21

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
public transportation service. As it relates to transportation, the City’s current effort to develop a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is a major step toward promoting alternative transportation modes that can be further expanded upon in the 2050 GPU.

Assembly Bill 747
This legislation requires that the Safety Element be reviewed and updated to identify evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios. Additionally, the law encourages cities to develop a local hazard mitigation plan that details safety procedures in the event of various emergency scenarios and acts as a supplement to the Safety Element.

The City of Norco currently has a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that was adopted in 2017 and is currently in the process of updating the document, as of 2023.

Assembly Bill 1409
Complementing AB 747, Assembly Bill 1409 requires the safety element to be reviewed and updated to identify evacuation locations. Furthermore, these routes must be evaluated by their capacity, safety, and viability, ensuring there are high-quality evacuation routes available for small- and large-scale evacuations.

Senate Bill 99
This regulation relates to the Safety Element of the General Plan, requiring the review and identification of residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. In the City of Norco, all neighborhoods have at least two emergency evacuation routes; however, perimeter neighborhoods including Norco Hills, Norco Ridge Ranch, and Northeast Norco may experience challenges during evacuations due to limited roadway capacity. Additionally, Norco College currently only has one full-time access road (Third Street) which could limit evacuation capacity before the emergency access connection to Belgian Drive is utilized.

3. Regional
Southern California Association of Governments: 2024–2050 RTP/SCS In compliance with SB 375, every four years the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) updates its Regional Transportation Plan for the 191-city SCAG region. In September 2020, SCAG’s Regional Council adopted the 2024–2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) also known as Connect SoCal. Connect SoCal is a long-range visioning plan for the region’s transportation system over the next 25 years that balances mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals.

Connect SoCal includes over 4,000 transportation projects ranging from highway improvements, railroad grade-separations, bicycle lanes, new transit hubs, and replacement bridges to reduce fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 631 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.22

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
bottlenecks, improve the efficiency of the region’s network and expand the mobility choices for everyone in the six-county southern California region.2 Connect SoCal groups its goals into four core categories—economy, mobility, environment, and healthy/complete communities. The plan explicitly addresses goals associated with housing, transportation technologies, equity, and resilience reflecting enhanced importance of these topics in the region linking them to potential performance measures and targets.3 Projects outlined in the Riverside County LRTS are directly incorporated into the Connect SoCal plan.

Planning over the long-term allows projects to be coordinated and prioritized, while also ensuring projects work together towards achieving broader sustainability and system efficiency goals.

Riverside County Long Range Transportation Study (LRTS) & Congestion Management Program (CMP)
The LRTS serves as the guiding document for transportation planning and programming in Riverside County through 2040, overseen by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). The study complements the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) adopted by SCAG and develops a list of high priority projects and strategies for the region. The current LRTS was adopted in 2019 and is driven by four key policy goals: improving the quality of life for Riverside County residents, improving the operational performance of the transportation system, connecting the economy, and forging strong partnerships between relevant state, local, and county agencies.

The plan identifies several road and transit improvement projects that impact Norco, including express toll lanes on I-15 (which were recently completed), widening on SR-91, and interchange improvements along I-15. Additionally, the LRTS includes the County’s Congestion Management Program (CMP) as required by state law, which monitors congestion conditions on the transportation system and targets improvements outlined in the LRTS to best address transportation challenges given limited funding.

Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)
The City of Norco is one of 18 member cities of the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), a regional agency that promotes collaboration across city and county governments in Western Riverside County. WRCOG works to develop common policies to address regional issues associated with transportation, environmental quality, and economic development. The organization manages several programs including the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) program that funds transportation projects in the region, a regional Active 2 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Connect SoCal. 2024. Accessed March 2026. https://scag.ca.gov/connect-socal.
3 SCAG. Connect SoCal. 2024.
fil'~~ - CITY OF NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 632 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.23

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Transportation Plan, assistance with Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) implementation, and the Western Riverside Clean Cities Coalition which promotes alternative fuel vehicles.

TUMF revenues in the City of Norco totaled $4.492 million dollars, which go towards improvements to the regional highway and arterial system, transit services, and open space preservation. Nearly half of all TUMF funds go directly towards local projects, such as the Hamner Avenue Bridge (Mayor Berwin Hanna Bridge) Replacement Project and planning for the eventual widening of Hamner Avenue to six lanes. The remaining TUMF funding is allocated to RCTC freeway and transit projects throughout the region. TUMF funding will continue to assist the City with improving its transportation system to accommodate new development. To help inform the fee structure for the TUMF program, WRCOG commissions a Nexus Study periodically to review planned project costs, needed improvements, growth forecasts, and travel demand forecasts.

Inland Empire Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan
Together with Caltrans, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), RCTC developed the Inland Empire Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (IECMCP) in 2020 to better understand and plan for regional transportation needs in the Inland Empire region. The goal of the IECMCP is to review key regional transportation corridors and develop multimodal solutions for managing growing population and commerce by promoting active transportation, leveraging technology and travel demand management, focusing on safety, and exploring ways to expand rail, bus, and zeroemission vehicles. Norco is included in the Cajon Pass to Eastvale, Riverside to Temecula, and Riverside to Orange County Line Sub-Corridors, with several proposed projects on these corridors, such as accelerating the transition to clean truck fleets, expanding managed lane/express toll lane infrastructure, and implementing first/last mile transit connections to improve Metrolink access.

Riverside County Measure A
Riverside County Measure A was initially approved by voters in 1988 and extended in 2002.

RCTC’s Measure A is a half-cent sales tax that provides direct funding for county and local transportation improvement projects. Funding provides improvements for regional highways, local streets, public transportation, new corridors, regional arterials, and economic development incentives. Between 1990 and 2020, Western Riverside County cities have received over $870 million dollars in Measure A funds for road improvements and preservation projects. Measure A provides a critical local source of transportation funding that is often used to leverage additional state and federal grant opportunities for transportation projects. The current Measure A funding expires in 2039.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 633 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.24

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation

4. Local
City of Norco General Plan Circulation Element
The City of Norco’s General Plan Circulation Element was adopted in March 15, 2000. Its purpose is to provide for a safe, convenient, and efficient circulation system for the city’s automobiles and equestrians. The City’s existing Circulation Element establishes policies and programs guiding the development and operation of the City’s transportation system. The Circulation Element identifies the roadway classification system, multimodal transportation facilities, and policies intended to maintain mobility while preserving the City’s rural, equestrian-oriented atmosphere.

The Circulation Element coordinates roadway improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and connections to regional transportation corridors serving the community.

City of Norco Department of Public Works
The City’s Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the local public roadway network, which totals 100 centerline miles and consists of traffic signals (except those operated by Caltrans), on street bicycle facilities, and sidewalks (primarily on Hamner Avenue). Moreover, the City plans and oversees construction of roadway capital improvement projects through the City’s Capital Improvement Program, funded by developer fees (including TUMF), state gas tax revenue, the City’s Measure R, and Riverside County’s Measure A. The City also maintains a set of design guidelines and approves all private development projects in accordance with these guidelines.
c. Methodology
This analysis evaluates transportation conditions within the City of Norco and surrounding roadway network areas that may experience changes in travel demand associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU. The analysis is based on the Circulation and Mobility Analysis (Appendix 4.16-1), City of Norco General Plan Transportation Study prepared by Fehr & Peers (see Appendix 4.16-3), as well as the Evacuation Assessment (see Appendix 4.16-2) prepared for the proposed 2050 General Plan Safety Element update. These documents evaluate existing and projected roadway conditions, circulation improvements, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and emergency evacuation conditions associated with future growth under the proposed 2050 General Plan.

Roadway Segment, Intersection, and VMT Analysis
Transportation forecasts for the proposed 2050 General Plan were developed using the Riverside County Transportation Model (RIVCOM), a regional travel demand forecasting model maintained by the WRCOG. The model was refined to reflect local roadway characteristics, land use assumptions, and circulation improvements within the City of Norco and its Sphere of Influence.

Existing Year (2024), Cumulative Year (2050) No Project, and Cumulative Year (2050) Plus Project conditions were evaluated to identify roadway and intersection operational conditions associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan. fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 634 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.25

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Roadway segment and intersection operations were evaluated using methodologies consistent with the HCM, 7th Edition. The analysis evaluates roadway segment and intersection LOS conditions throughout the City and compares projected operations to the City’s target LOS standards. In accordance with SB 743 and the City’s adopted CEQA transportation thresholds, the analysis also evaluates VMT conditions associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan.

The transportation analysis considers future growth consistent with the proposed 2050 General Plan land use designations, planned roadway and circulation improvements, and anticipated regional growth forecasts within adjacent jurisdictions. The analysis also evaluates bicycle, pedestrian, transit, and multimodal circulation improvements identified in the proposed Circulation Element.

Emergency Access and Evacuation Analysis
Emergency access and evacuation conditions were evaluated using the City of Norco Evacuation Assessment prepared in accordance with AB 747. The Evacuation Assessment evaluates the capacity, safety, and viability of the City’s evacuation network under multiple emergency scenarios, including wildfire and flood evacuation events. The analysis evaluates roadway operations, evacuation routes, affected populations, and evacuation clearance conditions associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 General Plan. d. Impact Analysis

1. Thresholds of Significance
The following thresholds are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. An impact is considered significant if the proposed 2050 GPU would result in one or more of the following conditions:
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities; b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b); c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); or d) Result in inadequate emergency access?

2. Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Threshold a. Would the project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 635 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.26

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU would accommodate future growth and could increase travel demand on local and regional roadways compared to existing conditions. However, the proposed 2050 GPU includes an updated Circulation Element that prioritizes a multimodal transportation system, including roadway connectivity, transit access, and pedestrian and bicycle mobility. The Transportation Study (Appendix 4.16-3) evaluated roadway segments, intersections, and multimodal circulation conditions under Existing (2024), Cumulative No Project (2050), and proposed General Plan buildout conditions to assess future circulation system performance associated with projected growth.

Roadway and Circulation System
The Transportation Study evaluated roadway segments and intersection operations under Existing (2024), Cumulative No Project (2050), and proposed General Plan buildout conditions to assess the City’s ability to accommodate projected growth associated with implementation of the proposed 2050 GPU. The analysis considered circulation system performance, roadway connectivity, and operational conditions throughout the city and identified future roadway improvements and circulation planning measures intended to maintain safe and efficient travel conditions. Future roadway improvements, access modifications, and circulation-related infrastructure would continue to be reviewed for consistency with applicable City standards and Caltrans requirements, as applicable. Through implementation of these requirements and circulation planning measures, the proposed 2050 GPU would not conflict with roadway or circulation system policies.

Transit
The proposed 2050 GPU supports local and regional transit access through policies that encourage coordination with transit providers and support future mobility corridors. The proposed Circulation Element also supports coordination with Riverside Transit Agency services and future regional transit connections. Existing transit services, including City-supported and regional connections, provide access to surrounding communities and activity centers.

Implementation of transit-supportive polices would improve transit accessibility and is consistent with circulation planning objectives.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
The proposed Circulation Element includes Complete Streets and active transportation policies that prioritize safe, accessible travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. The Transportation Study incorporated multimodal circulation considerations to support future pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian connectivity improvements throughout the city. These policies ensure consistency with adopted bicycle and pedestrian planning objectives and reduce the potential for conflicts with circulation policies.

The proposed 2050 GPU would not conflict with plans and policies related to the roadway network. The proposed 2050 GPU includes an updated Circulation Element, which includes fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 636 of 848 ends

PAGE 4.16.27

DRAFT EIR

4.16 transportation
several key Goals and Policies aimed at facilitating travel by public transit, walking and bicycling including the following:

Circulation Element Goals and Policies
GOAL C-1: MODERN MOBILITY. The City will integrate modern mobility needs in a manner that aligns with Norco’s core values and protects and preserves Norco’s natural landscape and smalltown character.

POLICIES
C-1.6 Traffic Impact Studies. Require Traffic Impact Studies to be conducted for major developments and roadway projects to assess potential impacts to network performance and safety, and identify feasible mitigation measures.

C-1.7 Complete Streets Design. Incorporate Complete Streets designs and speed management and safety measures to improve local road connectivity and circulation and to protect community character.

GOAL C-2: COMPLETE STREETS. The City will design and implement a transportation network that accommodates all modes of travel, ensuring safe, accessible, and efficient movement for pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

POLICIES
C-2.2 Non-Motorized Travel. Integrate non-motorized travel modes into street designs that support users of all ages and abilities along relevant corridors, prioritizing project implementation for historically underinvested or underserved communities. Ensure that relevant plans are updated to reflect Complete Streets objectives.

C-2.3 Active Transportation Connectivity. Prioritize equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle connectivity between residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, transit, schools, and public spaces to promote active transportation. Expand the network of pedestrianequestrian trails to create a fully integrated and accessible transportation system.

C-2.4 New Development Street Design. Require new developments to employ Complete Streets principles and provide amenities, such as equestrian hitching posts, holding pens, bicycle parking, and pedestrian-friendly access points, to encourage non-motorized travel.

C-2.5 Complete Streets Guidelines. Adopt and update small-town Complete Streets guidelines that establish clear design standards for pedestrian-, equestrian-, and bicyclist-friendly roadways.

C-2.8 Context Sensitive Street Design. Limit unnecessary roadway widening and utilize contextsensitive street design to ensure that road improvements blend with surrounding landscapes and built environments.
fil'~~ - CITY or NORCO
2050 GENERAL PLAN

Page 637 of 848 ends

Norco City CouncilOctober 21, 2026

Norco City Council
October 21, 2026