Palm Desert City Council
September 25, 2025

PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL

STUDY SESSION MEETING
AGENDA

Thursday, September 25, 2025
2:45 p.m.

Council Chamber, City Hall
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the purpose of the Study Session is to review the items listed on the agenda. No action will be taken.

This is a joint meeting of the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, Palm Desert Housing Authority, and Palm Desert Board of Library Trustees.

Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted as a hybrid meeting allowing public access via teleconference or in person, and up to two Councilmembers may attend remotely.

WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: Watch the City Council meeting live at the City’s website:
https://palmdesert.zoom.us/ or on the City's YouTube Channel.

OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS MEETING:

Send your comments by email to: [email protected].

Emails received prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the City Council meeting will be made part of the record and distributed to the City Council. Emails will not be read aloud at the meeting.

Pages

1. CALL TO ORDER - STUDY SESSION

2. STUDY SESSION TOPICS

2.a CIRCULATION ELEMENT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE 5
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an update on the General Plan Amendment of the Circulation Element.

2.b UPDATE ON MEDIAN LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT
(PROJECT NO. CFA00011)
67 RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an update on the current design and progress on the master planning document for the City’s medians and parkways.

2.c 2025 MID-YEAR UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL GOALS 99
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the 2025 mid-Year Update on City Council Goals.

3. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Study Session
September 25, 2025
2 4. PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTE: Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449, this meeting may be conducted by teleconference. Study Session is accessible in person or on the City’s website:
www.palmdesert.gov under the Council Agenda link at the top of the page.

Agenda Related Materials: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5(b)(2) the designated office for inspection of records in connection with this meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. Staff reports for all agenda items considered in open session, and documents provided to a majority of the legislative bodies are available for public inspection at City Hall and on the City’s website at www.palmdesert.gov by clicking “Meeting Agendas” at the top of the page.

Americans with Disabilities Act: It is the intention of the City of Palm Desert to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting, or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk, (760) 346-0611, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.

AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Michelle Nance, Acting Assistant City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda for the Palm Desert City Council, Successor Agency for the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency, and Housing Authority, was posted on the City Hall bulletin board and City website www.palmdesert.gov no less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.
/S/ Michelle Nance
Acting Assistant City Clerk
City Council Study Session
September 25, 2025
3 4

CITY OF PALM DESERT

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 25, 2025
PREPARED BY: Carlos Flores, AICP, Deputy Director of Development Services SUBJECT: CIRCULATION ELEMENT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an update on the General Plan Amendment of the Circulation Element.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:

The City of Palm Desert adopted its current general plan, including the Circulation Element, on November 10, 2016, by Resolution No. 2016-87. Since its adoption, several updates to state laws and regulations have been implemented, which necessitate updates to the Circulation Element in addition to updating internal inconsistencies within the General Plan.

On July 11, 2024, the City Council approved a contract with Fehr & Peers (Consultant) for the preparation of an amendment to the Circulation Element (Chapter 4 - Mobility) of the Palm Desert General Plan.

The Consultant has provided several updates on the Circulation Element Update as follows:
- February 13, 2025, City Council Study Session: Consultant provided an overview and update on the Circulation Element, including covering five (5) key topics: Active Transportation, Safety, Roadway Design Standards, Traffic Congestion, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). - June 26, 2025, City Council Study Session: Direction given to the Consultant to include the Portola Avenue/Interstate-10 Interchange Study to the Circulation Element Update. - September 5, 2025, Active Transportation Program (ATP) Sub-Committee: Review and direction on proposed maps, policies, and programs.
- September 25, 2025, City Council Study Session: Consultant will provide an update, including a discussion on the following draft documents:
o Introducing new Goals and Policies, and proposing modified policies o Proposed changes to roadway networks and cross-sections o Proposed changes to Highway 111 Vision
o Proposed changes to Bike & Golf Cart Network
o Discuss truck routes
o VMT and Level of Service (LOS) Policy and Thresholds
o Draft Implementation Matrix
Legal Review:

This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
5 City of Palm Desert
Update on Circulation Element General Plan Update

There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund with this update.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Presentation

2. Draft Cross Sections

3. Draft Implementation Matrix

4. Draft Mobility Element Goals and Policies.
6 Palm Desert
Mobility Element
Update
City Council Study Session
Jason Pack, P.E. and Brian Wolfe | September 25th, 2025 7 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session Agenda 01
02 03
04 05
06 Background
Updates to Goals & Policies
Proposed Transportation Network
Truck Routes
VMT & LOS Policy
VMT & LOS Results
8 Background
• City initiated the Mobility Element Update in Summer 2024 (updating the current version from 2016)
• Why Update the Mobility Element?
• Clean up roadway cross sections
• Consistency with other City plans (ATP, Vision Zero, etc.) • Address new legislative requirements
Kickoff &
Existing
Conditions
Fall 2024
Alternatives
Development
Winter 2025
Alternatives
Modeling
Spring 2025
Updated
Goals &
Policies
Summer 2025
CEQA &
Adoption
Summer/Fall
2025
SB 743
Guidelines
Spring 2025
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 9 SECTION 02
Updates to Goals & Policies
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 10 Why Include New Goals & Policies?
Safety – SB 932
• Adopt a Vision Zero goal and
Safe System Approach
• Prioritize safety improvements on
high injury roadways
• Safe roadway design standards
• Safety education programs
Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) – SB 743
• Promote multimodal travel
• Low-VMT development patterns
(e.g., mixed use)
Emergency Evacuation &
Resilience
• Ensure evacuation routes are
posted and well maintained
• Build and maintain climateresilient transportation
infrastructure
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 11 Modified Policies – Changes in Transportation
Since 2016
• Address legislative
requirements
• Memorialize current practices
• Key Changes:
• Reinforce supportive role in
public transit
• Consolidate parking policies
• Preparation for long-term
changes (e.g. CV Rail Line)
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session Image Source: Riverside County Transportation Commission 12 SECTION 03
Proposed Transportation Network
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 13 Why Update the Transportation Network?
• Align the plan with on-the-ground
conditions
• “Right-sizing” infrastructure
• Update transportation
improvement priorities and funding
needs
• Address growth in North Palm
Desert
• Consistency with state laws and
policy goals
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 14 Portola Interchange
Current Status:
• Awaiting additional funding for
construction (~$88M in 2018 dollars)
• Council provided direction in June to
incorporate interchange as a long-term
transportation priority
• Next Steps:
• Review potential cost escalation and
design changes
• Engage with regional/state/federal
partners for financing and grant
opportunities
Why We Plan to Include It?
• Relieves congestion at Monterey and Cook
interchanges
• Provides more direct path of travel (reduce
VMT)
• Accommodates development in North
Palm Desert
• More likely to secure funding from the
state vs. expanding existing interchanges
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 15 Proposed Changes
Roadway Network & Cross Sections
• Reclassify Country Club Drive to a balanced
arterial
• Update with latest bike lane design standards
(e.g. buffered bike lanes)
• Add maximum right-of-way dimensions
(SB 330)
• Introduce new classification categories:
• Secondary Roadway (2 lanes)
• Specific Plan Roadway
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 16 Proposed Changes
Highway 111 Vision
• General Plan will prioritize complete street
design along Highway 111
• Safety improvements
• Enhanced bicycle facility (final design TBD)
• Transit-supportive infrastructure
• Frontage road activation
• City will continue to refine the Highway 111
design with a focused corridor study
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 17 Proposed Changes
Bike & Golf Cart Network
• Incorporate latest bike/pedestrian
improvements (Walk & Roll, CV Link)
• Close gaps in the bicycle network:
• Highway 111
• Cook Street N. of Frank Sinatra Drive
• Coordinate with adjacent cities to close gaps
• Bicycle facility design standards
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 18 SECTION 04
Truck Routes
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 19 Why Update Truck Routes?
• Consistency with AB 98 legislation
• Requires all agencies include truck
routes in the circulation elements by
January 2028
• Routes should avoid “sensitive
receptors” wherever feasible (schools,
parks, housing)
• Routes should provide direct access
to industrial areas
• Address safety concerns
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 20 Truck Routes
• Proposed Changes:
• Remove San Pablo Avenue (previously adopted)
• Remove SR-74 south of Highway 111
• Remove Portola Avenue south of Frank Sinatra
• Remove Frank Sinatra Drive and Gerald Ford Drive East of Cook Street • Add Dinah Shore Drive from Monterey Avenue to Portola Avenue • Extend Portola Avenue to I-10 (proposed)
• Trucks may use any roadway to complete deliveries/pick-ups Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 21 Existing Proposed
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 22 SECTION 05

VMT & LOS
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 23 Why Address VMT and LOS?
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
• Measures the overall efficiency of
driving
• The total number of miles traveled by
vehicles
• Can be analyzed as:
• Total VMT (in a city, by a project,
etc.)
• VMT per resident and/or employee
• VMT by trip purpose (e.g.
commute VMT, residential VMT)
• Used for CEQA transportation
impacts
Level of Service (LOS)
• Describes traffic conditions and
helps identify congestion hot
spots
• Letter grade (A-F) that measures
congestion at a specific point
• Based on the average delay/wait
times at intersection
• Used for local planning decisions
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session CEQA
Change
24 VMT Thresholds of Significance
• Why Adopt Local Guidelines?
• CEQA defensibility
• Compare development projects
to local conditions
• Account for unique land uses
(e.g. tourism)
• Proposed thresholds build off the
county thresholds
• State law and the City’s guidelines
allow certain projects to screen
from VMT assessment
Project Type Metric VMT Threshold
Residential
Home Based
VMT per
Resident
Below General Plan Buildout countyaverage VMT per resident Non-Residential
VMT per Service
Population OR
Commute VMT
per Employee
Below General Plan Buildout countyaverage VMT per service population Mixed Use
Developments
VMT per Service
Population
Below General Plan Buildout countyaverage VMT per service population Transportation
Project Total VMT
Consistent with the SCAG RTP/SCS
and/or City General Plan.

If not consistent with the SCAG
RTP/SCS and or City General Plan, no
net change in city-wide VMT
compared to the General Plan
Buildout condition
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 25 LOS Thresholds
• Why Update LOS Thresholds?
• LOS is now a local planning
decision
• Recognizing widening is not
feasible or desired in some areas
• Align with goals to maximize use of
existing infrastructure first
• Maintain peak-hour LOS D threshold
at intersections
• Allow for LOS E in the City Center
area
• Ensure analysis is during the peak
season (November-April)
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 26 Transportation Impact Assessment Guidelines
• Additional policies for evaluating safety and multimodal access for developments
• Evaluate if a project will increase safety hazards at a high-crash location
• Contribute towards safety improvements if safety deficiency noted • Multimodal “checklist” for projects to consider in the planning and design phase
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 27 VMT and LOS Results
General Plan VMT
• Proposed improvements reduce the
amount of driving per person
• Shorter trip lengths
• More direct path of travel
General Plan LOS
• Proposed improvements reduce
congestion in North Palm Desert
• More options to connect to/from I-10
• Accommodate planned development
• Congestion is forecasted to be similar near
the City Center gateways
• Widening is not feasible or practical
• Operational improvements can address
spot congestion
Metric Adopted
Mobility Element
Proposed
Mobility Element
Total Palm
Desert VMT
1,195,039 1,080,929
VMT/Service
Population

9.1 8.2
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 28 Next Steps
CEQA Process
• Addendum to the existing
General Plan EIR
• SB-18 Tribal Consultation
(currently underway)
Council Adoption
• Adoption of Updated
Mobility Element
• Goals & Policies
• Circulation Network
Changes
• Truck Routes
• Adoption of Transportation
Study Guidelines:
• VMT Thresholds
• LOS Thresholds
• Safety & Multi-modal
Assessment
Implementation
• Council and city will
implement policies over
the next several years
• Implementation matrix
can support this effort
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 29 Thank You!
Questions?
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update | City Council Study Session 30 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Vehicle Oriented Arterial
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Prioritized Allowed Prioritized Allowed Allowed
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 160’
Encourage driveway
consolidation and
manage turns - Access
Management
Three in each
direction (11’)
Three in each
direction Travel Lanes
Raised
(w/ turn lanes)
(14’ typical)
Raised
(w/ turn lanes) Median
Class II Buffered Bike
Lanes (6’ + 3’ buffer)
and/or
Shared Sidewalk (10’)
Class II Bike Lanes
and/or
Shared Sidewalk
Bicycle Facilities
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width) Shared Sidewalk Golf Cart Facilities
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width) Sidewalk Pedestrian Facilities
Parking Not Allowed Not Allowed
31 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Balanced Arterial
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Prioritized Allowed Restricted1 Prioritized Allowed
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 140’
Encourage driveway
consolidation and
manage turns - Access
Management
Two in each
direction (11’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Raised
(w/ turn lanes)
(14’ typical)
Raised
(w/ turn lanes) Median
Buffered Class II Bike
Lanes (6’ + 4’ buffer)
Class II Bike Lanes
and/or
Shared Sidewalk
Bicycle Facilities
Use Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Golf Cart
Facilities
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width) Sidewalk Pedestrian Facilities
Parking Not Allowed Not Allowed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 32 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update
Enhanced Secondary Roadway
One-Way Class IV Facility
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Allowed N/A Restricted1 Prioritized Prioritized
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 112’
Encourage driveway
consolidation and
manage turns - Access
Management
One in each
direction (11’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Raised
(w/ turn lanes)
(14’ typical)
Raised
(w/ turn lanes) Median
Class IV Bike Lanes
(8’ + 4-6’ buffer) Bicycle Facilities Class IV Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk (10’) with
buffer zone or
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width)
Sidewalk Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Not Allowed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 33 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update
Enhanced Secondary Roadway
Two-Way Class IV Facility
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Allowed N/A Restricted1 Prioritized Prioritized
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 112’
Encourage driveway
consolidation and
manage turns - Access
Management
One in each
direction (11’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Raised
(w/ turn lanes)
(14’ typical)
Raised
(w/ turn lanes) Median
Class IV Bike Lanes
(10’ + 2’-3’ buffer) Bicycle Facilities Class IV Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk (10’) with
buffer zone or
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width)
Sidewalk Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Allowed on One Side
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 34 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Secondary Roadway (3 Lane)
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Prioritized N/A Restricted1 Prioritized Allowed
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 108’
Direct driveway
access allowed - Access Management
One in each
direction (11’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Two-Way Left Turn
Lane or Raised
(14’ typical)2
Median Raised or Striped
Buffered Class II Bike
Lanes (6’ + 3’ buffer)
Class II Bike Lanes
or Shared Roadway Bicycle Facilities
Use Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk Sidewalk (10’) Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Allowed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 2Median design dependent on adjacent land use and access management strategies. 35 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Secondary Roadway (4 Lane)
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Prioritized N/A Restricted1 Allowed Allowed
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 108’
Direct driveway
access allowed - Access Management
Two in each
direction (11’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Two-Way Left Turn Median Raised or Striped Lane or Striped2 Class II Bike Lanes
(6’)
Class II Bike Lanes
or Shared Roadway Bicycle Facilities
Use Bike Lanes Use Bike Lanes Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk (6’) or
Meandering Sidewalk
(20’ total width)
Sidewalk Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Not Allowed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 2Median design dependent on adjacent land use and access management strategies. 36 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Downtown Collector
Existing Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Allowed N/A Restricted1 Prioritized Prioritized
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 62’
Direct driveway
access allowed - Access Management
One in each
direction (11’ -12’)
One in each
direction Travel Lanes
Median N/A N/A
Class II Bike Lanes
(5’) or Shared
Roadway
Class II Bike Lanes
or Shared Roadway Bicycle Facilities
Use Bike Lanes or
Shared Roadway
Use Bike Lanes or
Shared Roadway
Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk Sidewalk (5’-8’) Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Allowed
Proposed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 37 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Collector
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Allowed N/A Restricted1 Allowed Allowed
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 56’
Direct driveway
access allowed - Access Management
One in each
direction (12’)
One in each
direction Travel Lanes
Median N/A N/A
Bicycle Facilities Shared Roadway Shared Roadway
Use Shared
Roadway
Use Shared
Roadway
Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk Sidewalk (5’-8’) Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking - Allowed
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries. 38 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update El Paseo
Existing
Proposed
Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Allowed N/A Restricted1 Prioritized Prioritized
Proposed Mobility
Element
Current Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 100’-108’
Street-facing
businesses - Access Management
Two in each
direction (12’)
Two in each
direction Travel Lanes
Median Raised Raised (16’ typical)
Bicycle Facilities Shared Roadway Shared Roadway
Use Shared
Roadway
Use Shared
Roadway
Golf Cart
Facilities
Sidewalk Sidewalk (6’-14’) Pedestrian
Facilities
Parking Allowed (Parallel) Allowed (Parallel)
1Truck traffic is permitted on designated truck routes or for local deliveries.

The Mobility Element includes an action item to study future improvements along El Paseo to improve the public realm and multi-modal accessibility. The proposed cross section is subject to change.
39 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Enhanced Arterial/Hwy 111
Existing Bike/ Pedestrian
Golf Cart
Auto Transit Freight
Prioritized Prioritized Allowed Allowed Allowed
Option 1 Option 2
Current
Mobility
Element
Max ROW - 212’ 212’
Parallel frontage
roads
Parallel frontage
roads - Access Management
Three in each
direction
(12’)
Three in each
direction
(10.5’-11’)
Three in each
direction Travel Lanes
Median Raised Raised (20’) Raised (20’)
Class II Bike
Lanes on frontage
road (5’)
Class IV Bike
Lanes (6’ + 4’
buffer)
None Bicycle
Facilities
Use Frontage
Road Not Allowed Not Allowed Golf Cart Facilities
Sidewalk (10’+)
with business
frontage
Sidewalk (10’+)
with business
frontage
Sidewalk Pedestrian
Facilities
Allowed (on
frontage road)
Allowed (on
frontage road)
Allowed (on
frontage road) Parking
40 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Enhanced Arterial/Hwy 111
Option 1: Class IV Bike Facility
Option 2A/2B: Frontage Road Activation
Both options may include transit stop improvements, transit signal priority, and queue jumps where feasible.

Benefits Considerations
-Increased construction
costs
-Does not activate frontage
road
-Transit stops and Class IV
facility integration
-Continuous bike facility
along corridor
-Narrowed through travel
lanes (traffic calming)
-Slowed turning speeds
Benefits Considerations
-Accommodating bikes
when frontage road drops
-Does not modify through
travel lanes (no traffic
calming)
-Bike lanes and angled
parking
-Lower construction costs
-Frontage road activation
-No impacts to transit
service
41 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update General Notes
Access Management
Sidewalk Configuration
Driveway consolidation and turn management strategies (e.g. signalization, select turn restriction, right-in/right-out driveways, etc.) are recommended for arterial roadways and roadways with Class IV bicycle facilities where possible. Implementing access management along these roadways improves safety by reducing and managing conflict points. Roadways with lower traffic volumes and slower vehicle speeds can continue to provide direct property access.

Access management strategies including minimum driveway spacing and signalization requirements can be incorporated into the City’s development code and development review process.

Sidewalk facility type varies across Palm Desert. Meandering sidewalks are typically provided along arterial roadways, as shown in the typical cross sections. These facilities are appropriate for areas where most pedestrians are recreating and may be used as shared golf cart pathways. Parallel sidewalks may be more appropriate in areas where accessibility is a priority, right-of-way is constrained, or on-street parking is provided.
42 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update General Notes
Median Configuration
Tree Selection
Most arterial roadways in Palm Desert include raised medians with left turn pockets.

Raised medians provide space for median landscaping and improve safety by separating opposing flows of traffic and consolidating intersections, reducing the number of conflict points. Median width varies, but is typically 14 feet, providing adequate space for a left turn pocket.

In areas where maintaining business access is a priority, or right-of-way is constrained, a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) or striped median may be appropriate. Generally, these can be found on secondary roadways and are more appropriate on roadways with lower vehicle volumes and speeds.

The City is currently completing its Landscape Master Plan, which includes recommendations for street tree selection and placement. Along sidewalks and in areas with higher pedestrian/bicycle activity, shade trees should be provided to improve conditions for these road users. Palm trees and other desert landscape may be appropriate to preserve the City’s desert identity.

Landscape and trees are shown on the roadway cross sections for reference only; final tree selection will be determined based on a roadway’s land use context and level of pedestrian activity.
43 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Design Best Practices
Travel Lane Width
Bicycle Facility Selection
11 feet should be considered the standard lane width for most roadway types. 11-foot travel lanes are consistent with Caltrans guidance for suburban roadways, according to Design Information Bulletin (DIB) 94. Narrowed travel lanes are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and provide additional space for enhanced bicycle facilities.

Lane width should consider the roadways traffic volumes, vehicle fleet mix, operating speed, and land use context. Along higher speed vehicle-oriented arterials and roadways with higher volumes of heavy vehicles, 12-foot travel lanes may be appropriate.

Suggested Minimum Lane Widths (Source: Caltrans DIB-94) Bicycle planning best practices emphasize safety, comfort, and integration with the roadway context. This leads to a focus on minimizing conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles along roadways and through intersections.

Federal and state guidance recommend considering roadway volumes and vehicle travel speeds when selecting a bikeway facility type. Additionally, bikeway facility planning should be performed at a city-wide level, considering key destinations, neighborhood connectivity, and prioritization of principal routes.

Bikeway Selection Guidance (Source: FHWA Bikeway
Selection Guide)
44 City of Palm Desert
Mobility Element Update Design Best Practices
Bike Lane Width Pedestrian Facilities
Pedestrian facilities include sidewalks and multi-use paths. Current Caltrans design guidelines (DIB-94) recommend dividing the sidewalk space into three zones to improve separation from the roadway and enhance business frontage.

Appropriate
Roadway Type Preferred Width Minimum Width Bikeway Type Secondary Street
Downtown Collector
Collector
Class II 6-7 feet 5 feet
Vehicle Oriented
Arterial
Balanced Arterial
Secondary Street
5 feet
(2 foot buffer)
5-7 feet
(2–4-foot buffer)
Class II
Buffered
Enhanced Arterial
Balanced Arterial
Enhanced Secondary
Roadway
6 feet
(2 foot buffer)
7-9 feet
(2-5 foot buffer)
Class IV
Separated
Vehicle Oriented
Arterial
Balanced Arterial
11-15 feet 8 feet
Sidepath/
Shared
Sidewalk
Source: AASHTO Guide of the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 5th Edition, 2024 and NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, Third Edition, 2025.
45 46
Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 1 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update
DRAFT Implementation Matrix
SEPTEMBER 2025
The programs and actions described here are intended to inform and support the City’s annual budget process and work plan. Each year, City staff will evaluate priorities and determine the resources needed to implement the identified programs. The actual completion of a program will be influenced by factors such as community priorities, available funding, and staff capacity.

Each action includes a recommended timeframe for completion and assigns responsibility to the appropriate City department(s).

Note that timeframes and responsible department(s) may be adjusted as needed. Timeframes are defined as follows:
 Ongoing: Actions that occur continuously or recur throughout the life of the General Plan  Short: 1–5 years
 Mid: Beyond 5 years, when resources permit
 Long: 10 years or more
Measures of effectiveness are included to indicate when an action item can be determined completed. This implementation matrix should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains current and actionable. 47 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 2 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
Goal 1: Livable Streets. A balanced transportation system that accommodates all modes of travel safely and efficiently.

A1.1
Review engineering standard details and design
guidelines to ensure consistency with complete
streets policy and proposed roadway cross sections.

1.1 1.5 Engineering Short
Review and adoption of
updated engineering
standard details
A1.2
Adopt complete street design standards with
specifications for bike lanes (e.g. Class II buffered
vs. Class IV), sidewalks (e.g. meandering vs.
parallel), multi-modal crossings, and transitsupportive infrastructure. Require capital improvement projects to incorporate these
elements when feasible.

1.1 1.5
Planning
Engineering Short-Mid
Adoption of complete
streets design
standards document
A1.3
Provide annual updates to City Council on
implementation of complete street elements,
including active transportation improvements.

1.1 Engineering Ongoing Annual council
presentations
A1.4
Adopt, maintain, and enforce CEQA and Local
Transportation Study guidelines that include VMT
thresholds of significance, new LOS standards, and
procedures for evaluating safety and multimodal
conditions.

1.2 1.3

1.4 Planning
Engineering Short
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines
A1.5
Implement the remaining phases of the CV Sync
program in collaboration with CVAG. Incorporate
recommendations from the Palm Desert Traffic
Operations and Capacity Improvements Project
study where feasible.

1.7 Capital Projects
Engineering
Public Works
Mid-Long
Completion of CV Sync
Project and priority
projects in the Palm
Desert Traffic
Operations and
Capacity Improvements
Project study
Goal 2: Safe Transportation System. A transportation system that maximizes the safety of all modes of travel, with a focus on reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

A2.1 Adoption of Vision Zero Strategy and Action Plan 2.1 Engineering City Council Completed Completed
48 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 3 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
A2.2
Provide annual updates to City Council on crash
statistics and implementation of safety
improvements. Regularly update the Vision Zero
dashboard

2.1 2.7 Engineering Ongoing Annual council presentations A2.3
Incorporate safety impact assessments into all
roadway projects, including local transportation
studies for new developments. Monitor emerging
practices in safety analysis and update as needed.

2.1 Planning
Engineering Short
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines
A2.4
Coordinate with emergency responders to develop
a response protocol for investigating serious/fatal
crashes and improving post-crash care

2.1 2.7
Engineering
Riverside County Sheriff
Riverside County Fire
Ongoing Adoption of serious
crash response protocol
A2.5 Include safety improvements as part of capital
improvement projects where feasible

2.2 2.3
Capital Projects
Engineering Ongoing
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines that include
safety assessment
procedures
A2.6
As funding is available, implement projects
identified in the Vision Zero Action Plan. Prioritize
improvements on the high-injury network with the
goal of implementing countermeasures on all highinjury roadways within 25 years. Actively pursue funding opportunities to implement these projects.

2.2 Capital Projects
Engineering
Planning
Short-Mid
Implementation of
safety countermeasures
along all high-injury
corridors
A2.7
Identify quick-build, high-value strategies (e.g.
leading pedestrian interval, signage upgrades, signal
retiming) that can be implemented systemically
during routine maintenance efforts, even at
locations without crash history.

2.2 2.3
Engineering
Public Works Short
Implementation of
safety countermeasures
city-wide
A2.8
Develop a set of preferred safety countermeasures
for arterial and neighborhood roadways. Adopt
specifications for those countermeasures as part of
the complete streets design standards (see A1.2)

2.3 2.5
Planning
Engineering Short-Mid
Adoption of complete
streets design
standards document
49 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 4 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
A2.9
Conduct regular speed studies along roadways and
implement lower speed limits paired with speed
calming strategies on high-injury roadways
(consistent with AB 43 provisions)

2.4 2.5 Engineering Ongoing
Completion of speed
studies at least every
two years on arterial
roadways
A2.10
Launch a public education campaign addressing top
crash factors including speed, distraction, and
impaired driving. Partner with community
organizations and other agencies (e.g. DSUSD).

2.6 Public Works
Riverside County Sheriff Short
Implementation of a
public education
campaign
Goal 3: Pedestrian Facilities. Integrated pedestrian pathways that connect residents, businesses, and educational and community uses.

A3.1 Implement Walk & Roll PD recommended pedestrian
projects

3.1 3.2
Capital Projects
Engineering Short
Completion of
remaining Walk & Roll
PD projects
A3.2
Conduct a focused El Paseo Visioning Study to
explore multi-modal improvements along the El
Paseo corridor. Ensure robust community
involvement in this effort.

3.2 Planning
Engineering Mid Completion of an El Paseo Visioning Study A3.3
Adopt specifications for sidewalk design (e.g.
meandering vs. parallel) and maintenance standards.

Incorporated into the complete streets design
standards (see A1.2)

3.3 Planning
Engineering Short-Mid
Adoption of complete
streets design
standards document
A3.4 Implement Safe Routes to School recommended
projects in the Vision Zero Action Plan 3.5 Capital ProjectsEngineering Short-Mid Completion of Safe
Routes to Schools
projects in the Vision
Zero Action Plan
A3.5
Implement Safe Routes for Older Adults
recommended projects in the Vision Zero Action
Plan

3.6 Capital Projects
Engineering Short-Mid
Completion of Safe
Routes for Older Adults
projects in the Vision
Zero Action Plan
50 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 5 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
Goal 4: Bicycle Networks. Well-connected bicycle network that facilitates bicycling for commuting, school, shopping, and recreational trips.

A4.1 Implement Walk & Roll PD recommended bicycle
projects and CV Link Connectors projects

4.1 4.2
Capital Projects
Engineering Short
Completion of
remaining Walk & Roll
PD projects
A4.2
As funding is available, complete bicycle
improvements along identified gaps in the City’s
bicycle network:
 Highway 111
 Cook Street north of Frank Sinatra Drive
 Portola Avenue south of Magnesia Falls
Drive

4.1 4.2
Capital Projects
Engineering Long
Completion of bicycle
projects along the three
identified roadway
segments
A4.3
Review and update development code to ensure
bike parking and end-of-trip bike facilities are
provided with new developments as appropriate

4.3 Planning Short Updated development
code adopted
A4.4
Evaluate bicycle wayfinding signage throughout the
City and implement improvements that inform
cyclists of the preferred routes around the City

4.3 Engineering
Public Works Mid
Installation of new
bicycle wayfinding
signage and/or online
bicycle maps
A4.5
Adopt special event guidelines to include bicycle
parking and promote the use of active
transportation to/from special events

4.3 Planning
Public Works Short Adoption of special event guidelines Goal 5: Transit Facilities. An integrated transportation system that supports opportunities to use public and private transit systems.

A5.1
Regularly meet with Sunline Transit staff to discuss
service needs and performance of the current
transit system in Palm Desert.

5.1 5.2 Planning Ongoing
Annual or more frequent
meetings with Sunline
staff
A5.2 Engage with Sunline during service planning efforts to explore changes to routes, frequencies, etc. 5.2 Planning Ongoing Providing comments to
Sunline during major
service planning efforts
51 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 6 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
A5.3
Review locations of bus stops periodically, including
when new development projects are proposed.

Consider modifications or relocations as
appropriate.

5.2 5.4
Planning
Engineering Ongoing
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines that include
transit access review
Goal 6: Goods Movement. A transportation system that facilitates the movement of freight to commercial areas, industrial areas, and along major roadways while minimizing traffic-related conflicts and environmental impacts.

A6.1
Adopt new truck routes map and ensure it is posted
online and shared with Caltrans for statewide
coordination

6.1 Planning
Engineering
City Council
Short
Adoption of new truck
routes and posting of
information
A6.2 Install truck route signage along designated truck routes 6.1 EngineeringPublic Works Short Installation of signage along roadways A6.3
Evaluate new industrial and commercial
developments to ensure site provides
accommodations for freight including designated
loading/delivery zones and truck parking facilities

6.3 6.4 Planning Ongoing
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines that include
goods movement
review
A6.4
Establish and enforce designated truck parking
areas along select public roadways adjacent to I-10
to manage truck parking needs

6.3 Engineering
Public Works Short
Adoption of new truck
parking zones and
installation of signage
Goal 7: Parking. An actively managed system of public and private parking facilities that supports future developments.

A7.1
Conduct a formal evaluation of parking capacity and
utilization. Identify where parking is over- or underutilized and develop parking management strategies for those locations.

7.1 7.2
Planning
Engineering Mid Completion of a City Center parking study A7.2
Designate pick-up and drop-off locations with
signage and curb painting for rideshare and other
vehicles within the City Center

7.5 Engineering
Public Works Short
Installation of
signage/curb painting at
designated location in
the City Center
52 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 7 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
Goal 8: Sustainable Transportation. A resilient and functional transportation network that can be built, operated, and maintained within the City’s resource limitations.

A8.1
Adopt updated transportation study guidelines that
include fair-share cost provisions for capacity,
safety, and multi-modal improvements

8.1 8.2
Planning
Engineering Short
Adoption of
transportation study
guidelines
A8.2
Incorporate life-cycle cost analysis in capital project planning processes, considering ongoing
maintenance costs when selecting alternatives

8.3 Capital Projects
Engineering Ongoing Adoption of life-cycle cost methodology A8.3
Complete a citywide evacuation capacity
assessment upon the next update of the City’s Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan, consistent with AB 747.

Identify evacuation bottlenecks and strategies for
improving evacuation response.

8.6 Planning
Environmental Programs Mid Completed AB 747 Evacuation Study A8.4
Develop an Extreme Weather Resilient Infrastructure
Plan to modernize transportation assets for extreme
weather conditions. Incorporate resiliency standards
and community involvement in this effort.

8.7 Planning
Engineering
Environmental Programs
Mid
Completed Extreme
Weather Resilient
Infrastructure Plan
A8.5
Incorporate heat- and climate-resilient
improvements as part of capital projects such as
new street trees, shade structure, upgraded
stormwater management, and emerging strategies

8.7 Capital Projects
Engineering
Environmental Programs
Mid
Pilot testing of new heat
management strategies
incorporated with other
capital projects
Goal 9: Transportation Innovation. A transportation system that leverages emerging technologies to improve mobility for residents, employees, and visitors.

A9.1
Integrate smart traffic management system
infrastructure into capital projects (e.g. connected
traffic signals, V2X technology) where feasible.

9.1 9.2
Capital Projects
Engineering Ongoing
Pilot testing of new
smart traffic
management strategies
incorporated with other
capital projects
53 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Implementation Matrix | 8 Action
Number Implementation Action/Program Relevant Policies
Responsible
Department(s) Timing Measure of Effectiveness
Goal 10: Regional Coordination. The City transportation system operates as an integral element of the larger regional system.

A10.1
Actively participate in planning studies and design
of the proposed Amtrak Coachella Valley-San
Gorgonio Line rail project. Coordinate with the
Riverside County Transportation Commission

10.4 Planning
Engineering Ongoing
Regular meetings with
the Coachella ValleySan Gorgonio rail
project team
A10.2
Actively participate with regional agencies (CVAG,
RCTC, SCAG) with regional planning efforts
including the CVAG Transportation Project
Prioritization Study (TPPS)

10.2 10.3

10.5 Planning
Engineering Ongoing
Regular meetings with
CVAG and RCTC during
regional planning efforts
54 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 1 Palm Desert Mobility Element Draft Goals and
Policies
Fehr & Peers developed the following goals and policies for consideration as part of the City’s Mobility Element Update. The mobility element update provides an opportunity to clarify existing policies, expand on city priority areas, and consolidate or remove others that are no longer relevant.

Legend
Existing Policy/Language Plain Text
Proposed Policy/Language Bold & Underline
Removed Policy/Language Strikethrough
Confirm with City Highlighted
55 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 2 Overview of Goals
Goal Proposed
Goal Number
Current
Goal Number
Livable Streets. A balanced transportation system that
accommodates all modes of travel safely and efficiently. 1 1 Safe Transportation System. A transportation system that maximizes the safety of all modes of travel, with a focus on reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
2 N/A
Pedestrian Facilities. Integrated pedestrian pathways that connect residents, businesses, and educational and community uses. 3 3 Bicycle Networks. Well-connected bicycle network that facilitates bicycling for commuting, school, shopping, and recreational trips 4 4 Transit Facilities. An integrated transportation system that supports opportunities to use public and private transit systems. 5 5 Goods Movement. A transportation system that facilitates the movement of freight to commercial areas, industrial areas, and along major roadways while minimizing traffic-related conflicts and environmental impacts.
6 N/A
Parking. An actively managed system of public and private parking facilities that supports future developments. 7 2
Sustainable Transportation. A resilient and functional transportation network that can be built, operated, and maintained within the City’s resource limitations.
8 6
Transportation Innovation. A transportation system that leverages emerging technologies to improve mobility for residents, employees, and visitors.
9 8
Regional Coordination. The City transportation system operates as an integral element of the larger regional system. 10 9 Monitoring. A process to regularly monitor the performance of City transportation facilities. Remove 7
56 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 3 Goal 1: Livable Streets. A balanced transportation system that accommodates all modes of travel safely and efficiently.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

1.1 / (1.1)
Complete Streets. Consider all modes of travel in planning, design, and construction of all transportation projects to create safe, livable, and inviting environments for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transit users of all ages and capabilities.

1.2 / (1.2)
Transportation System Impacts. Evaluate transportation and development projects in a manner that addresses the impacts of all travel modes on all other travel modes through the best available practices and City standards. Verify consistency with the goals and policies in the General Plan prior to approving funding for those projects.

1.3 / (N/A)
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). Evaluate transportation impacts under CEQA using VMT consistent with State guidance and the City’s adopted thresholds of significance. Promote transportation demand management (TDM) strategies, low-VMT development patterns, and multimodal travel options.

Required for SB
743.

1.4 / (1.3)
Facility Service Levels. Determine appropriate service levels for all modes of transportation and develop guidelines to evaluate impacts to these modes for all related public and private projects.

Provide flexibility for lower vehicle level of service in the City Center, high pedestrian activity zones, and other areas where widening is not feasible.

Aligns with City’s
updated LOS
policy. Can
reference a
specific LOS
target or refer to
guidelines.

1.5 / (N/A)
Roadway Design Standards. Implement transportation design standards that guide the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects. Prioritize improvements for non-auto modes of travel and innovative street and intersection designs over adding roadway capacity.

Introduced to
strengthen
complete streets
policy.
(1.4)
Transportation Improvements. Consider improvements that add roadway or intersection capacity for vehicles only after considering improvements to other modes of travel.

Merged with new
policy 1.5.
(1.5)
Transportation Network Consistency. Perform a formal evaluation of any transportation projects to verify consistency with the goals and policies in the General Plan prior to approving funding for those projects.

Merged with
policy 1.2.

1.6 / (1.6)
Emergency Vehicle Access. Evaluate the impacts of transportation network changes on emergency vehicle access and response times.

1.7 / (1.7)
System Efficiency. Prioritize transportation systems management (TSM) strategies such as signal coordination, signal retiming, and other applicable techniques to limit unnecessary delay and congestion for vehicles.
57 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 4 Goal 2: Safe Transportation System. A transportation system that maximizes the safety of all modes of travel, with a focus on reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

2.1 / (N/A)
Safe System Approach. Adopt the Safe System Approach and align with the goals of Vision Zero, evaluating roadway safety holistically to account for human behavior, vulnerable road users, and infrastructure design.

Required per SB
932.

2.2 / (N/A)
Safety Improvement Implementation. Prioritize safety
improvements along roadways with higher crash rates and in areas with higher numbers of vulnerable road users, including near schools and older-adult concentration areas, building off the citywide Vision Zero Action Plan recommendations. Begin implementation within two years and regularly monitor progress, with the goal of implementing safety countermeasures on all safety corridors within 25 years.

Required per SB
932.

2.3 / (N/A)
Safe Roadway Design. Implement proven safety countermeasures such as narrowed lanes, roundabouts, separated bicycle facilities, and raised crosswalks.

Required per SB
932.

2.4 / (N/A)
Safe Roadway Speeds. Regularly review speed limits along roadways and set speed limits to align with roadway land use context and design features. Leverage provisions of AB 43 to consider lower speed limits within safety corridors.

Recommended
per SB 932.

2.5 / (N/A)
Neighborhood Traffic Calming. Support the design and
implementation of traffic calming measures for motorized travel on local streets where non-motorized travel is prioritized.

Recommended
per SB 932.

2.6 / (N/A)
Safety Education. Establish programs that promote traffic safety awareness, provide education on road-sharing etiquette for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, and enhance enforcement of speed limits in safety corridors.

Moved from
bicycle and
pedestrian
sections.

2.7 / (7.2)
Safety Review. Continue to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to identify major crash accident locations including those affecting vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Regularly publish reports regarding traffic safety conditions in the city.

Updated to align
with current
industry practice.
58 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 5 Goal 3: Pedestrian Facilities. Integrated pedestrian pathways that connect residents, businesses, and educational and community uses.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

3.1 / (3.1)
Pedestrian Network. Provide a safe and convenient circulation system for pedestrians that include sidewalks, crosswalks, places to sit and gather, appropriate street lighting, buffers from moving vehicles, shading, and amenities for people of all ages.

3.2 / (3.2)
Prioritized Improvements. Prioritize pedestrian improvements in the City Center/El Paseo area, areas of the city with community and/or education facilities, supportive land use patterns, expressed community interest in better pedestrian infrastructure, and nonautomotive connections such as multi-use trails and transit stops.

Policy added to
show City’s
interest in a
walkable
downtown.

3.3 / (3.3) Roadway Sidewalks. Where feasible, provide adequate sidewalks along all public roadways.

3.4 (3.4)
Access to Development. Require that all new development projects or redevelopment projects provide connections from the site to the external pedestrian network.
(3.5)
Pedestrian Education and Awareness. Support regional efforts to encourage walking and also to reduce vehicular/pedestrian collisions.

Relocated to
safety section.

3.5 / (3.6)
Safe Pedestrian Routes to School. Consider school pedestrian access as a priority over vehicular movements when any such conflicts occur.

3.6 / (N/A)
Safe Pedestrian Routes for Older Adults. Consider pedestrian access and safety as a priority over vehicular movements when any such conflicts occur in older adult priority areas (senior centers, older adult housing properties, etc.)
Added new
policy to align
with Vision Zero
Action Plan.
59 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 6 Goal 4: Bicycle Networks. Well-connected bicycle network that facilitates bicycling for commuting, school, shopping, and recreational trips.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

4.1 / (4.1)
Bicycle Networks. Provide bicycle facilities where shown on Figure

4.2 along all roadways to implement the proposed network of facilities outlined in the General Plan.

F&P will update
bicycle map with
planned
improvements.

4.2 / (4.2)
Prioritized Improvements. Prioritize and capitalize on opportunities to provide bicycle facilities that close gaps in the bicycle network and connect to regional bicycle routes, community facilities, supportive land use patterns, pedestrian routes, and transit stations.

4.3 / (4.3)
Bicycle Amenities Parking. Require public and private
development to provide sufficient bicycle parking. Promote installation of full-service end-of-trip bicycle facilities, bicycle wayfinding signage, and bicycle parking at special events.

4.4 Bicycle Education. Develop educational programs that educate bicyclists on lawful/responsible riding.

Relocated to
safety section.

4.5 Regional Bicycle Safety. Support regional efforts to educate all travelers on measures to improve safety for bicyclists.

Relocated to
safety section.
60 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 7 Goal 5: Transit Facilities. An integrated transportation system that supports opportunities to use public and private transit systems.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

5.1 / (5.1)
Transit Service. Promote public transit service in areas of the City with appropriate levels of density, mix of residential and employment uses, and connections to bicycle and pedestrian networks.

5.2 / (5.2)
Support Regional Transit. Bus Stop Location. Regularly review bus stop locations, transit services, routing, and frequencies in conjunction with Sunline Transit to ensure that bus stops and service levels reflect current land use and community needs transportation networks.

Refined policy to
reflect City’s
supportive role in
transit.

5.3 Private Transit. Encourage the implementation of private transit services in a manner which minimizes negative impacts on public transportation facilities.

Policy no longer
relevant. Refer to
new policy 5.4.

5.3 / (5.3)
Older Adult Transit. Senior Transit. Encourage existing para transit services in the City to provide transit access for seniors and persons with disabilities.

5.4 / (5.4)
Private Development Access to Transit. Review development proposals to limit impacts on existing or proposed transit facilities.

5.5 / (5.5)
Safe Routes to Transit. Regularly review transit stop locations to maintain safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists.
61 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 8 Goal 6: Goods Movement. A transportation system that facilitates the movement of freight to commercial areas, industrial areas, and along major roadways while minimizing traffic-related conflicts and environmental impacts.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

6.1 / (N/A)
Truck Routes. Establish clearly defined truck routes that prioritize safety, efficiency, and minimize conflicts with sensitive areas like residential zones, schools, and non-motorized travel paths.

Ensure truck routes are clearly marked with signage.

Recommended
per AB 98.

6.2 / (N/A)
Sustainable Goods Movement. Promote the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in freight transportation to improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact of heavy-duty vehicles.

Recommended
per AB 98.

6.3 / (N/A)
Truck Parking Facilities. Identify and designate specific locations for truck parking and rest areas near major freight corridors and industrial zones. Equip truck parking areas with electric power hookups to allow trucks to power auxiliary systems without idling.

Recommended
per AB 98.

6.4 / (N/A)
Designated Loading and Delivery Zones: Create dedicated loading and delivery zones near local businesses to provide safe and efficient spaces for drop-offs and pick-ups without blocking traffic, bike lanes, or pedestrian pathways.

Recommended
per AB 98.
62 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 9 Goal 7: Parking. An actively managed system of public and private parking facilities that supports future developments.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

7.1 / (2.1)
Public Parking Facilities. Provide new public parking facilities only after applying appropriate techniques to manage parking demand and ensure efficient use of all public and private parking facilities.

7.2 / (2.2)
Parking Management. Actively manage public parking facilities to ensure that all potential users are benefitting from this civic resource. and implement appropriate strategies to maximize the use and cost effectiveness of public parking facilities. (2.3)
Parking Cost Effectiveness. Continue to evaluate supply and demand and implement appropriate strategies to maximize use and cost effectiveness of public parking facilities.

Consolidated
with 7.2.

7.3 / (2.4)
Public/Private Partnerships. Promote the use of joint public and private approaches to parking which might include leasing of private parking lots for short-term or long-term use, using public parking for temporary private functions, or the construction of joint-use facilities.

7.4 / (2.5)
Innovative Parking Approaches. Allow the use of innovative parking supply and demand strategies such as shared parking, unbundling parking, and other related items. within privately owned parking facilities to allow an appropriate level of flexibility for these private land owners.

Addressed in
Policy 7.3.
(2.6)
Formal Parking Evaluations. Perform formal evaluations of parking capacity on a biannual basis to identify areas where parking is under- or over-utilized.

Policy has not
been
implemented in
the past.

7.5 / (2.7)
Pick-up and Drop-off Zones. Encourage parking lots and
downtown roadways to be designed with pick-up and drop-off zones to accommodate the trend towards increased use of autonomous vehicles and shared vehicle services.
63 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 10 Goal 8: Sustainable Transportation. A resilient and functional transportation network that can be built, operated, and maintained within the City’s resource limitations.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

8.1 / (6.1)
Fair Share Costs. Require that new development pay for its fair share of construction costs related to new and/or upgraded infrastructure needed to accommodate the development.

8.2 / (6.2)
Multi-Modal Impacts. Develop and apply funding mechanisms that require fair share contributions for impacts to all modes of transportation associated with development or redevelopment.

8.3 / (6.3)
Operations and Maintenance Costs. Evaluate potential changes in Citywide operations and maintenance costs for transportation facilities prior to the construction of any new facilities.

8.4 / (6.4)
Development Contribution to Operations and Maintenance Costs.

Consider funding strategies that require private development to contribute to the ongoing operations and maintenance of transportation infrastructure within the City.

8.5 / (6.5)
State and Federal Transportation Funds. Cap-and-Trade Funds.

Take advantage of funds from the State and Federal grant programs cap-and- trade program to apply to projects and programs in the City, when possible.

Broadened to
address all state
and federal grant
programs.

8.6 / (N/A)
Emergency Evacuation Preparation. Ensure residents, employees, and visitors of Palm Desert have access to safe evacuation routes in the event of an emergency. Identify and publicize evacuation routes for residents and visitors, ensuring that they are clearly marked and accessible. Consider populations without vehicle access when developing emergency plans.

Recommended
to address
hazard events.

8.7 / (N/A)
Extreme Weather and Heat Resiliency. Plan, implement, and maintain transportation infrastructure that is resilient to extreme heat, flooding, and other hazards to ensure long-term
functionality. Consider strategies such as cool pavement, shade structures/trees, upgraded culverts, and new road construction techniques.

Recommended
to address
hazard events.
64 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 11 Goal 9: Transportation Innovation. A transportation system that leverages emerging technologies to improve mobility for residents, employees, and visitors.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

8.1 Alternative Fueled City Owned Vehicles. Encourage the purchase of City vehicles which use fuel sources other than fossil fuels while considering factors such as cost effectiveness, environmental impacts, and the availability of local maintenance.

Removed as
state law guides
this policy.

9.1 / (8.2)
Innovative Vehicle Technologies. Regularly monitor and evaluate new vehicle technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicles for use by City Staff. Evaluate and implement potential required changes to infrastructure as autonomous and connected vehicles become pervasive.

9.2 / (8.3)
Emerging Mobility Strategies. Encourage the deployment of emerging transportation approaches such as transportation network companies, mobility hubs and comprehensive mobility providers by private vendors.

9.3 / (8.4)
Big Data. Regularly evaluate new data sources including but not limited to real time traffic and parking information for use by City Staff and residents.

9.4 / (8.5)
Analysis Tools. Regularly evaluate state of the practice transportation analysis tools and procedures to determine their utility in the analysis of existing and future transportation conditions.

9.5 / (8.6)
Electric Vehicles. Encourage the use of electric vehicles (EV), including golf carts and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) by supporting the use of EVs and encouraging NEV charging stations to be powered with renewable resources.
65 Palm Desert Mobility Element Update Draft Goals & Policies | 12 Goal 10: Regional Coordination. The City transportation system operates as an integral element of the larger regional system.

Policy
Number
New /
(Old)
Description Notes

10.1 / (9.1)
Regional Vehicular Traffic. Be mindful of local impacts from regional “through” traffic. Consider but don’t prioritize the movement of through vehicles through Palm Desert roadways.

10.2 / (9.2)
Regional Roadways. Coordinate with Caltrans, RCTC, CVAG, and other agencies on the planning, design, and construction of regional roadways to provide an appropriate level of regional connectivity.

10.3 / (9.3)
Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities. Coordinate with CVAG and other agencies on the planning, design, and construction of regional non- motorized routes such as CV Link.

10.4 / (9.4)
Regional Transit. Collaborate with RCTC, CVAG, and Sunline Transit in the planning, design, and construction of regional transportation facilities, including the construction of an Amtrak Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Line station in Palm Desert. emphasizing the construction of a Metrolink station in Palm Desert.

Updated to
reflect latest
status of the
project.

10.5 / (9.5)
Regional Priorities. Identify and prioritize desired regional roadway, transit, and non-motorized improvements to focus the City’s outreach with agencies such as Caltrans, CVAG, RCTC, and elected officials.
66

CITY OF PALM DESERT

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 25, 2025
PREPARED BY: Shawn Muir, Community Services Manager
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: UPDATE ON MEDIAN LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT (PROJECT NO. CFA00011)
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an update on the current design and progress on the master planning document for the City’s medians and parkways.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:

As part of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Budget, the Palm Desert City Council authorized funding to develop a citywide master plan for the improvement of streetscapes, open spaces, and approximately 300 acres of medians. The concept is to create a more standardized approach to the landscaped areas in the public rights of way for ease of maintenance, and to create a more cohesive landscape design to bring a sense of place when in Palm Desert.

Staff initiated a Request for Proposals in September 2024, leading to Council’s approval of Hermann Design Group, Inc. on November 14, 2024. Since their selection, the design team has undertaken assessments, conducted drone flyovers, and created a master planning document that presents three tiers of landscape design.

Staff is presenting the Landscape Master Plan in a draft form to the City Council prior to finalizing designs and will be requesting plan approval at a subsequent meeting. An informational presentation of the proposed concepts was also provided to the Architectural Review Committee on June 24, 2025. The Committee asked questions that were answered by staff and the consultant, and positive feedback was given overall.

Legal Review:

This report has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with this presentation, as no formal action is requested at this time. Funds for completion of the Landscape Master Plan and to initiate preparation of construction documents have been allocated under the Public Works Department operations budget in the approved FY 2025-26 Financial Plan and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) List.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Median Master Plan Presentation
67 68
Palm Desert Median Master Plan
City of Palm Desert
69 Existing Conditions
• Dated monument signs
• Similar design material as nearby cities
• Very little change at entry nodes
• No sense of arrival from off-ramps
• No cohesive landscape design for all medians
70 71
72 73
Design Opportunities
• Keep existing specimen plants, trees, and palms
• Keep existing median rock blankets where they can be salvaged • Remove all existing stamped concrete
• Use of Natina spray in areas to enhance existing rock and boulders 74 75
New Design Elements
• Inspired by the San Jacinto Mountains - colors and silhouette • Three different levels of design tiers based on vehicle speed and density • Unique plant selections and hybrids to breakaway from the overused desert norm • Use of gabion columns for accents and wayfinding
• Crushed rock and decomposed granite patterns based off raised planter force lines 76 Master Plan

TIER ONE
• Raised planters
• Limited retaining boulders
• Gabion columns

TIER TWO
• Limited raised planters
• Retaining boulders
• Limited gabion columns

TIER THREE
• Accent planting
• Crushed rock patterns
77 Gabion Basket Monument Columns
• Gabion baskets designed as tall columns
• Corten steel finish color
• Palm Desert City logo, wayfinding, and palm frond accent cut-outs • Several lighting options
Raised Kitsap Planters
• One-sided retaining planters
• Corten steel finish color
• Alternating heights
78 79
80 • Flagstone rock blanket at median nose
• Gabion basket columns for city entry and wayfinding
• Raised and sloped landscape planters (‘Kitsap’ by Tournesol) • Retaining boulders as planters
• Dense planting clusters of shrubs and desert accents
Tier One Design
81 Tier One rendering 82
Tier Two Design • Flagstone rock blanket at median nose • Limited raised and sloped ‘Kitsap’ planters
• Moderate use of retaining boulder planters
• Moderate planting clusters of shrubs and accents
• Limited use of gabion columns for wayfinding 83
Tier Two rendering
84 • New crushed rock blanket or existing rock blanket sprayed with Natina to match • Limited use of retaining boulders
• No raised and sloped Kitsap planters
• Spare planting clusters, mainly of desert accents and ground covers • No gabion columns
Tier Three Design
85 Tier Three rendering
86 New Entry Median Designs
• Medians will be added to the on/off-ramps at Monterey Avenue, Cook Street, and Washington Street.
• No plants or irrigation will be used
• Raised ‘Kitsap’ planters with a sloped retaining theme • Crushed rock and decomposed granite patterns based off raised planter force lines • Gabion columns for signage and accents
• Metal plant sculpture designs
• Art nodes for future sculpture locations
87 88
Entry Median Gabion Columns
• Varying height designs
• City logo design, “Welcome” and “Leaving” Palm Desert sign placement • Palm frond accent design
89 90
Monterey Avenue On/Off-Ramp Median
91 Monterey rendering
92 Cook Street On/Off-Ramp Median
93 Cook rendering
94 Washington Street On/Off Ramp Median
95 Washington rendering
96 Budget Phasing – Tier One and Tier Two
Year One: $7.9 Million
• Country Club Drive, Desert Willow Drive, On/Off Ramps Medians, Dinah Shore Drive Year Two: $3.7 Million
• Washington Street, Fred Waring Drive, Hovely Lane, Magnesia Falls Drive Year Three: $6.5 Million
• Monterey Avenue, Portola Avenue, El Dorado Drive, Pacific Avenue Year Four: $7.7 Million
• Highway 111, El Paseo, San Pablo Avenue, Gerald Ford Drive Year Five: $4.7 Million
• Frank Sinatra Drive, University Park Drive, Cook Street, College Drive 97 City – Tier Three Portions
• Gerald Ford Drive
• Frank Sinatra Drive
• Portola Avenue
• Cook Street
• Monterey Avenue
• Hovley Lane
• Magnesia Falls Drive
• El Dorado Drive
• Washington Street
• Fred Waring Drive
98

CITY OF PALM DESERT

STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 25, 2025
PREPARED BY: Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk
SUBJECT: 2025 MID-YEAR UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL GOALS
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file the 2025 mid-Year Update on City Council Goals.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:

On March 13, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-016, establishing six City Council Goals for the calendar year. These goals address priorities including:
 Advocacy for a CSU Palm Desert campus with emphasis on AI, business innovation, and entrepreneurship.
 Infrastructure planning and electrification in the North Sphere.  Redevelopment of the mall site with experience-based and family-friendly uses.  Comprehensive update to the Development Code incorporating fire prevention by design.  Expansion of crime prevention technology.
 Assessment and phased improvements to City medians and rights-of-way.

At this Study Session, staff will provide a presentation summarizing the current conditions, progress, and next steps for each goal area. This is an informational item only and requires no action from the City Council.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

None.

ATTACHMENT:

1. Presentation
99 100
Mid-Year Update on
City Council Goals
September 25, 2025
101
Cal State University, Palm Desert Campus / Artificial Intelligence, Business Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Hub
Continue advocacy and strategic planning for a Cal State University, Palm Desert Campus, fostering opportunities in AI, business innovation, and entrepreneurship to drive workforce development and regional growth.

MID-YEAR UPDATE
The City contracts with CSUSB School of
Entrepreneurship to operate the Entrepreneur
Resource Center (ERC). The contract and building
lease extend through February 2027.

Facilitating solutions to the infrastructure
coordination between CVWD and CSUSB to
avoid delays in campus development.

The ERC provides aspiring and existing
entrepreneurs with innovation and technologybased ventures with services such as training, programming, mentoring, and access to financial
resources.

Staff met with UCR-Palm Desert Campus
representatives to learn about their programs
and offerings focused on advancing the use of AI
in Palm Desert and Coachella Valley businesses.

Meeting scheduled with CSUSB to discuss the
integration of AI classes, educational
programming, and training at ERC.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
102
Ensure the North Sphere has the infrastructure needed to support its growth, including essential services, public amenities, and enhanced public spaces. Address energy transmission challenges to remove barriers to development and support long-term housing and economic expansion.

North Sphere Development, Infrastructure Planning, and Electrification

MID-YEAR UPDATE
The North Sphere, defined as north of Frank
Sinatra Drive, continues to experience the highest
level of entitlement and construction activity on
vacant land.

The City has coordinated with SCE, IID, and
CVWD to identify existing infrastructure
deficiencies throughout the development process.

The City continues to work with three consulting
firms (Goebel Partners, Interwest, and Fehr &
Peers) to receive guidance on streamlining
development within this area.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Continued coordination with IID and property
owners to secure transformer procurement and
complete substation development necessary for
future electrification.

Engaged with developers and CVWD to address
funding model concerns for water infrastructure,
including exploration of CFD and private loan
options.

Staff held meetings with CSUSB to evaluate the
feasibility of constructing a regional sports park on
the campus. An initial concept plan and appraisal
were obtained to help scope the project.

Construction and inspections were completed on
several single-family and multi-family residential
projects, including Agate Apartments, Millennium
Apartments, Vitalia Apartments, the Meritage
community, and the Explorer Community.
103
Support the redevelopment of the mall properties into a vibrant destination that enhances economic vitality and community engagement. Encourage a mix of experience-driven and family-friendly uses.

Mall Redevelopment/Experience-Based and Family-Friendly Activities

MID-YEAR UPDATE
The Shops at Palm Desert (mall site) needs
significant redevelopment, including reimagining
of the primary mall structure and surrounding
older big box buildings.

Staff met with the owners of the mall site to discuss
options for repurposing the entire site and exploring
various land use opportunities. The owner is currently
facing financial challenges in funding the design and
entitlement process for a Specific Plan.

The City currently owns the 88,000-square-foot
former Sears building located within the mall site.

To support revitalization efforts, the City is
requiring all property owners to collaborate in
developing a comprehensive Specific Plan for the
entire site.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Staff submitted an exemption request from the SLA to
the California Department of Housing and Community
Development, seeking approval to proceed with the
sale of the Sears building. A response from HCD is
expected in September 2025.

Staff attended the ICSC conference and met with
various entertainment and experience-based
businesses interested in Palm Desert, specifically the
mall site. Other tenants expressing interest in the mall site include an experiential retail store, a furniture
store, gyms, and theaters.
104
Ensure a comprehensive update of the Development Code that enhances clarity, efficiency, and flexibility for residents and businesses. Modernize regulations to support economic growth, streamline permitting, and improve public safety while integrating best practices in fire prevention design.

Update to the Development Code/ Fire Prevention by Design

MID-YEAR UPDATE
Working with Goebel Partners to update the
development regulations and create a new
Unified Development Code (UDC).

Conducted stakeholder outreach with the
Architectural Review and Planning Commissions and
the development community.

The City is committed to proactive fire risk
reduction through a comprehensive strategy by
incorporating fire safety into the planning, design,
construction, and regulatory review process.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Initiated the transition to an in-house Fire Marshall
model, which will enhance the City’s ability to apply
fire prevention best practices during permit review,
project design, and code enforcement.

City adopted the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone
(FHSZ) maps to inform residents of newly identified
wildfire risks and encouraged implementation of
mitigation measures, including vegetation
management and fire-safe landscaping.
105
Expand the use of technology-driven public safety solutions to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement effectiveness.

Implement tools such as real-time data analysis, automated license plate recognition, and security cameras.

Crime Prevention Technology

MID-YEAR UPDATE
The City has made significant investments in crime
prevention technology, including the deployment of
113 Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
cameras.

City Council approved expansion of the ALPR
network with the addition of 44 new cameras, for a
total of 157.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Phase one of the expansion will focus on El Paseo,
where camera locations have been coordinated with
the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Permitting and median access planning are
underway in collaboration with the Public Works
Department to support installation.
106
Conduct a comprehensive review of City medians and rights-of-way to improve maintenance efficiency, aesthetics, and functionality. Focus on enhancing landscaping, addressing aging infrastructure, and ensuring cost-effective, long-term upkeep.

Assessment of City Medians and Rights of Way

MID-YEAR UPDATE
Staff initiated a project to create an updated and
cohesive landscape design for medians citywide
as part of a five-year phased implementation plan.

Preliminary investigation was completed, including the
review of existing plans and current drone aerial
imagery.

The goal of the project is to construct or update
every landscaped median in the city over a fiveyear period. Medians are being assessed and prioritized based on visibility, condition, and cost.

A draft Landscape Master Plan was presented to the
Architectural Review Commission to ensure alignment
with Palm Desert’s goals and aesthetic standards.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Landscape Master Plan Development Project
was awarded to Hermann Design Group in Nov.
2024.
107
Mid-Year Update on
City Council Goals
Questions or comments?
108