Palm Springs City Council
January 9, 2025

Revised: 10.31.23
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT 23Q183

BETWEEN THE CITY PALM SPRINGS AND
GROUP 4 ARCHITECTURE, RESEARCH + PLANNING, INC.

1. Parties and Date.

This Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement 23Q183 made and entered into as of this 9th day of January 2025, by and between the City of Palm Springs (“City”) and Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc., a Ca lifornia corporation, with its principal place of business at 211 Linden Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 ( “Consultant”}. City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”

2. Recitals.

2.1 Agreement. The City and Consultant have entered into an agreement entitled “Professional Services Agreemen t 23Q183, Palm Springs Public Library Renovation Design Services” dated September 18, 2023 ( “Agreement”) for the purpose of retaining the services of Consultant to provide Design Services for an amount of $1,838,898 and a term of September 18, 2023 to September 17, 2026.

2.2 Amendment No. 1. The City and Cons ultant amended the Agreement to provide additional design services for the library renovation. The Parties have heretofore entered into that Amendment No. 1 dated February 29, 2024, for an amount of $1,197,200 for a new maximum contract amount of $3,036,098.

2.3 Amendment No. 2. The City and Consultant amended the Agreement to provide for a geotech investigation. The Parties have heret ofore entered into that Amendment No. 2 dated February 29, 2024, for an amount of $19,695 for a new maximum contract amount of $3,055,793.

2.4 Amendment No. 3. The City and Consultant amended the Agreement to provide for a destructive testing of library materials. The Parties have heretofore entered into that Amendment No. 3 dated February 29, 2024, for an amount of $7,513 for a new maximum contract amount of $3,063,306.

2.5 Amendment No. 4. The City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement to provide for materials testing.

2.6 Amendment Authority. This Amendment No. 4 is authorized pursuant to Exhibit “B” Section 3.2. Additional Services Contingency of the Agreement.

3. Terms.

3.1 Scope of Services. Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

Item 1Z - Page 18

Revised: 10.31.23
Exhibit “A” is hereby amended to include the additional scope of services as set forth in “ASR 0 4” dated 04 December 10, 2024 attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2 Maximum Contract Amount. Section 2.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:

The total compensation for Phase I and Phase II is increased by $56,360 for a new not to exceed amount of $3,119,666 (“Maximum Contract Amount”).

3.3 Continuing Effect of Agreement. Except as amended by this Amendment No. 4, all other provisions of the Agreement remain in full for ce and effect and shall govern the actions of the parties under this Amendment No. 4. From and afte r the date of this Amendment No. 4, whenever the term “Agreement” or “Contract” appears in the Agreement, it shall mean the Agreement as amended by this Amendment No. 4.

3.3 Adequate Consideration. The Parties hereto irrevocably stipulate and agree that they have each received adequate and independent cons ideration for the performance of the obligations they have undertaken pursuant to this Amendment No. 4.

3.4 Severability. If any portion of this Ame ndment No. 4 is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competen t jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

3.5 Counterparts. This Amendment No. 4 may be executed in duplicate originals, each of which is deemed to be an original, but when taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Item 1Z - Page 19

Revised: 10.31.23

SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS AND GROUP 4 ARCHITECTURE, RESEARCH + PLANNING, INC.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment as of the dates stated below.

CONSULTANT:

By: _______________________________________ By: _________________________________________ David Schnee, Principal Jonathan Hartman, Principal
Date: Date:

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS:

APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

By: ___________________________ By: _______________________________ City Attorney City Clerk
APPROVED:

By: _______________________________ Date:

City Manager – over $50,000
Deputy/Assistant City Manager – up to $50,000
Director – up to $25,000
Manager – up to $5,000
Item 1Z - Page 20

CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

DATE: JANUARY 9, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING

SUBJECT: REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A LIMITED UPDATE

TO THE GENERAL PLAN, INCLUDING REVISIONS TO THE LAND USE

ELEMENT, CIRCULATION ELEMENT, SAFETY ELEMENT AND

ADMINISTRATION SECTION

FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager

BY: Department of Planning Services

SUMMARY:

The purpose of this public hearing item is to consider a limited update to the General Plan (the “Update” and “2040 General Plan”). The Update began in 2019 and involved new Vision and Priority Statements, and revisions to the Land Use, Circulation, Housing and Safety elements. The Housing Element was adopted in September 2023, and the purpose of this review is to consider the remaining revisions which comprise of the 2040 General Plan.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony; and

2. Adopt the draft resolution included as ATTACHMENT A and entitled, “A

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,

CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT TO THE 2007 GENERAL PLAN FOR AN

AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE, CIRCULATION AND SAFETY ELEMENTS AND ADOPTING THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WITH AMENDMENTS TO THE

ADMINISTRATION SECTION, LAND USE ELEMENT, CIRCULATION ELEMENT AND SAFETY ELEMENT.”
BACKGROUND:

General Plan Requirements
California law requires each city and county to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide its physical development. California Government Code, Section 65302, requires that general plans include the following elements: land use, circulation, housing, Item 2A - Page 1
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Limited General Plan Update

conservation, open space, noise, safety, and environmental justice. The State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) recommends updating a general plan every 10-15 years to reflect changes in community values, economic conditions, and emerging issues and challenges.

2007 General Plan
The City’s current General Plan was comprehensively updated in 2007, and the Housing Element has been updated to comply with state law and housing planning cycles since that time. The General Plan consisted of an Administration Section and the following elements: Land Use; Housing; Circulation; Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation; Safety; Air Quality; Noise; and Community Design. The document also incorporated appendices, including a Downtown Urban Design Plan, among others.

2040 General Plan
In late 2019, the City approved a contract with Placeworks, Inc. (“Consultant”) to assist the City with a limited update to its General Plan and ensure the Update reflects current conditions and values of the community, complies with state housing laws, and addresses revision recommendations of the Ad-hoc Planned Development District (PDD) Committee on removing or revising PDD requirements. Due to budget limitations, the Update was focused in scope on four chapters of the General Plan that were most in need of revision:
the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Housing Element and Safety Element. Minor updates to the remainder of the document, including the Vision & Priority statements, were also proposed as part of the Update.

ANALYSIS:

A city’s general plan serves as the guiding policy document for achieving the community’s vision for the future and contains goals, policies and actions for realizing this vision. The Update – or 2040 General Plan – has been an iterative process with each phase building on subsequent updates and includes input from community members and direction from the General Plan Steering Committee (GPSC), Planning Commission, and City Council.

Throughout the process, community engagement and input guided City staff and the Consultant in drafting the overarching Vision and Priority Statements and policies and programs in the updated elements.

Administration Section/Vision & Priorities

Early in the Update process, the Vision & Priority statements were revised to establish the overarching principles that shaped updates to the 2040 General Plan. Outreach and direction on these statements was sought from respondents to community surveys, several stakeholder groups, the GPSC, and the Planning Commission and City Council.

The City Council considered these statements on October 8, 2020, and March 10, 2022, directing staff and the consultant to make further revisions after conducting additional outreach. On April 7, 2022, the City Council accepted draft Vision and Priority statements which have been incorporated into a revised Administration Section, which is included as Item 2A - Page 2
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Limited General Plan Update

Attachment B to this report.

The Administration section has been further updated to describe the 2040 General Plan.

Revisions include the groups and methods used to shape the Update, including the General Plan Steering Committee, public outreach, community workshops, listening sessions, and digital engagement. The introduction on Planned Development Districts (PDD) was revised to describe changes to PDD regulations. The Administration section describes the new format of the Land Use, Circulation and Safety Elements, with separating the Implementation Actions from the content of each element. Finally, other minor changes were made to reflect current conditions, such as the removal of the text/graphics describing redevelopment areas, potential sphere of influence areas, etc.

Land Use Element

The Land Use Plan provides the overall fabric of land uses for each parcel of land throughout the City, including a variety of residential, commercial, mixed use and industrial uses, as well as open space and special policy areas. This Update involves changes to both the Land Use descriptions and the Land Use Plan, which are part of the Land Use Element and include some necessary changes to accommodate additional density to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for the Housing Element. Other changes were to address reforms to the Planned Development District (PDD) process, zoning inconsistencies, encourage affordable housing, and necessary administrative updates. Below is a discussion of the proposed updates and changes to these portions of the Land Use Element.

x Land Use Descriptions: The proposed land use descriptions are consistent with the descriptions presented at the Council meetings of July 26, 2021, and April 7, 2022, and include the following updates and revisions:
o Remove requirement to process a Planned Development District, as was required in some land use descriptions in the 2007 General Plan. o Incentivize projects providing 20%
1 affordable units in the “Mixed Use” and
“Central Business District” designations.
o Remove hotel intensity standard and identify hotel uses as permitted in various designations.
o Update desired mix of uses in the “Mixed Use” designation to reflect current conditions and preferred outcomes of future uses in these areas. x Land Use Plan: The Land Use Plan, Exhibits 2-2 and 2-3, shows all uses throughout the City and limits the maximum residential density and/or commercial or industrial intensity (represented as Floor Area Ratio) of each property in Palm Springs. As noted previously, significant changes are not proposed from the 2007 Land Use Plan; rather, minor changes are proposed to address the RHNA allocation and other administrative updates. An increase in density is proposed to

1 Since presenting the land plan in 2021 and 2022, staff reduced this threshold from 50% to 20% (and removed a minimum unit count), due to the higher percentage appearing too onerous or unrealistically achievable in practice.

Item 2A - Page 3
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address the RHNA allocation at the south east corner of North Palm Canyon Dr. and Via Olivera, where roughly 5.5-acres of land is proposed for redesignation from “Mixed Use” to “High Density Residential.” The Land Plan includes other administrative changes as follows:

o Refine boundaries and alignments for consistency with natural features, zoning, and updated parcel boundaries.
o Reflect changes to right of way and vacated streets (remove ROW designations and vacated streets at the airport; make consistent with “Airport” and “Industrial” designations).
o Change land use to more accurately reflect what has been built (e.g. density adjustment).
o Implement changes to be consistent with adopted Section 14 Specific Plan.

On July 26, 2021, and April 7, 2022, the Council considered other changes to various properties, based on community input and property owner requests, including the re-designation of the following property:

o Desert Highland Neighborhood. Requests were received to redesignate parcels along (1) the east side of El Dorado Blvd between Tramview Road and Rosa Parks Road to “Medium Density Residential” and (2) the west side of Indian Canyon between Tramview Road and Corozon Avenue to “Mixed Use”. These are incorporated into the Land Plan. o Former COD Site. The land plan was initially proposed to redesignate this 126-acre area to residential and mixed use, but Council directed that this parcel remain “School” and go through a separate process to determine the new land uses for the site. That process is currently underway through the ongoing update to the College Park Specific Plan.
o Various Open Spaces. Several comment letters requested the City re- designate the Boulders and Crescendo sites within the Little Tuscany neighborhood and the Palm Hills area south of the Rimrock (Vons) Shopping Center, to “Open Space.” However, due to state housing laws requiring a no net loss in density, the parcels remain unchanged from the 2007 land plan. St aff will be examining alternative locations to accommodate the density from those sites through the comprehensive update to the zoning code and intend to return in the future to amend the designations of these parcels once that process is complete.

x Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs: In addition to responding to updated Vision and Priority Statements, the goals and policies have been revised to reflect community feedback, current trends and practices, and important issues that have been raised during the review process by the GPSC, Planning Commission and City Council. The Implementation Programs were removed from the document and included as separate matrix that accompanies the Land Use Element as an attachment.

Item 2A - Page 4
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Limited General Plan Update

The land use descriptions and plan described ab ove were previously considered by Planning Commission and City Council, due to the implications on the other components of the Update including circulation network and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). On April 7, 2022, the Council considered the land use descriptions and land plan, as well as the assumptions for the projected buildout, and generally found that the proposed changes and assumptions on buildout were acceptable. This was important early in the process as it informs assumptions on the City’s circulation network and ability to accommodate future growth, which would influence revisions in the Circulation Element, if necessary. However, because the proposed overall revisions were minor, there was more flexibility in making adjustments to the circulation network as described in the Circulation Element changes below.

With the land use descriptions, plan and projected buildout in place, the goals, policies and implementation programs were subsequently updated. On May 18, 2023, the General Plan Steering Committee reviewed the draft Land Use Element and provided feedback which has been incorporated.

On September 11, 2024, the Planning Commission considered a number of requests from the public for further revisions to the General Plan. Ultimately, they recommended two additional sites be redesignated as part of their consideration of the new plan:

x United Methodist Church on E Alejo Rd west of N Sunrise Way. In response to a request from the Church supported by City staff, the Commission recommended this parcel be redesignated for High Density Residential use. This designation will support a proposed affordable housing project on the site and will help contribute to the City’s overall affordable housing goals.
x City-owned property located on the east side of Gene Autry Trail and north of Mission Drive. The City is pursuing an affordable housing project on this site, and a redesignation to High Density Residential will enable that process to advance while also contributing to the City’s affordable housing goals.

Other requested changes were determined to be out of scope, or best addressed through other processes, including the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update.

Those recommended changes were determined to be insignificant for CEQA purposes and staff are recommending they be incorporated into the Council’s decision.

Circulation Element

The draft Circulation Element, which identifies existing and future transportation network needs, includes updates to address topics related to safety, parking and transit. During the public outreach process, there were several comments on these topics and requests for traffic calming, pedestrian and bicycle path improvements, and other relevant issues, such as increasing parking supply, improving road surfaces and street signage, and expanding regional transit connections. However, the overall revisions were a refresh of Item 2A - Page 5
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Limited General Plan Update

the 2007 Circulation Element, rather than an overhaul or comprehensive update. Below are changes that occurred:

x Simplified Level of Service narrative and added Vehicle Miles Traveled as a metric to be considered, in accordance with state law.
x Other related plan references, such as the Active Transportation Plan and CV Link, were added, updated and/or revised to reflect necessary changes since 2007. x Exhibits were revised:
o Circulation Plan, Figure 4-1, revised to reflect current conditions of the roadway network, including changes to reflect road reconfigurations (such as “road diets”).
o Roadway Sections, Figure 4-2, changed to reflect new and existing right-of- way sections with modern graphics.
o Bikeway and Trails Plan, Figure 4-4, updated to show bike and trail pathways, as well as CV Link.
x Goals and policies were updated with an emphasis on complete streets and safety, and Implementation Actions were removed for inclusion as a separate matrix attached to the Circulation Element for easy tracking.

On March 21, 2024, the General Plan Steering Committee reviewed the draft Circulation Element and provided feedback on the proposed revisions, including goals, policies and programs. Based on the Committee’s feedback, additional revisions were incorporated.

During their meeting of September 11, 2024, the Planning Commission considered a request to amend the designation of portions of Racquet Club Road in response to safety concerns. Based on input from the City Engineer, staff and the Planning Commission have not recommended that change at this time. There is a process underway with the City’s Engineering and Fire Departments looking at reconfiguration and other safety measures, and that process should conclude to inform the appropriate road classification.

Safety Element

The Safety Element ev aluates potential hazards and ri sks in Palm Springs related to seismic activity, flooding, wildfire, hazardous materials, and climate change, and was prepared to address several state laws requiring jurisdictions to consider climate change issues. Prior to the preparatio n of the draft Safety Elemen t, a Vulnerability Assessment was prepared to assess climate change vulnerability and address climate change adaptation and resilience, in conformance with requirements in California Government
Code Section 65302(g). This Assessment evaluated impacts to populations, built systems and services, economic assets, and ecosystem s and natural resources, and ultimately identified several opportunities to integrate adaptation measures into the Update that will help the community prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate change hazards.

In early 2022, the Vulnerability Assessment was reviewed with a subcommittee of the Sustainability Commission, which provided feedback before the Assessment was finalized.

Item 2A - Page 6
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With the Vulnerability Assessment complete, the draft Safety Element was updated to reflect current conditions and other necessary revisions required under state law. The draft includes discussion and goals and policies on many of the previous Safety Element topics, but also a couple of new sections:

x Disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
x Seismic hazards
x Geologic hazards
x Flood and dam inundation hazards
x Urban fire and wildfire hazards
x Hazardous materials and waste
x Airport safety
x Police and Fire services
x Climate change resilience (new)
x Multiple natural hazards (new)

The draft Safety Element was reviewed by the Sustainability Commission on September 20, 2022, to provide feedback before the draft was finalized. In accordance with State law, the draft Safety Element was reviewed by the California Board of Fire and Forestry, which provided favorable comments and found the draft in compliance with State law.

Public Participation

There have been several opportunities to engage with the community and receive input from the public. The following list summarizes the public engagement and participation opportunities that have been part of the process to update the General Plan:

x General Plan Steering Committee . The General Plan Steering Committee (GPSC) was an ad hoc committee established to serve as one of the primary channels for engagement related to the Update. The GPSC consisted of nine community residents and representatives, including one resident from each Council District, the Planning Commission Chair, a Sustainability Commissioner, a ONE-PS representative, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ Planning Director. The Committee met on eight occasions and provided direction on the overall vision and priority statements; the draft land use definitions and policies, proposed land use map, and resulting buildout; the draft housing plan and proposed approach to address Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); and the draft Circulation Element.
x Community Workshops. City staff hosted two community-wide workshops at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The first workshop occurred on February 24, 2020 and involved a presentation on the Update, workstations for attendees to provide feedback on topics related to housing, land use, and circulation, and computer stations to complete a survey. On July 13, 2021, the second workshop included an overview of the City’s approach to addressing its RHNA allocation and introduced the land use plan.

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x Neighborhood Listening Sessions . In June 2021, City staff invited community members to four listening sessions in targeted areas of the City to understand challenges area residents face finding, getting access to, attaining or staying in safe and sanitary housing, gaining access to physical activities, foods, public facilities and community services and reducing pollution exposure. These sessions were held at the Demuth Community Center, James O. Jesse Unity Center, Mizell Center, and Vista Del Monte Elementary School. The session held at Vista Del Monte Elementary was conducted with Spanish translation. x Online Posting. The draft changes to the General Plan were posted online for public review prior to consideration by the General Plan Steering Committee and Planning Commission.
x Surveys. The City administered three surveys related to the Update. The first survey sought feedback on the Vision & Priority statements. The second survey was an interactive online exercise requesting participants map community assets and identify areas for improvement. The second survey also requested feedback on some emerging themes related to land use, mobility, housing, and open space that came out of the first community-wide workshop and prior survey. The third survey was conducted as part of the neighborhood listening sessions to understand participants thoughts on housing, parks, public facilities, healthy food, medical care, and transit. The responses to these surveys informed the proposed goals, policies, and programs.
x Public Meetings. In addition to the General Plan Steering Committee meetings and neighborhood listening sessions, the draft Update has been considered by the Planning Commission at public hearings prior to adop tion and will be considered by the City Council during a public hearing.

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

A comprehensive update to the Zoning Code is underway which will implement the 2040 General Plan and associated changes, including many commitments from the Housing Element to provide more mixed-use and housing opportunities. It is anticipated that further amendments to the General Plan may be required upon completion of the Zoning Code to ensure consistency between the two documents. That determination will be made as the Zoning Code process proceeds and based on the final version adopted by the City Council, which is anticipated in 2026.

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS:

At their regular meeting of September 11, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and reviewed the revised elements of the General Plan. The Commission overall had favorable comments and voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval, with minor changes as incorporated into the documents and reflected in this report.

Item 2A - Page 8
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AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS ACTION:

At their meeting of November 5, 2024, the Tribal Council of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reviewed and recommended approval of the General Plan update.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
:

Any update to the City's General Plan is subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), State Clearinghouse No. 2006071060, for the comprehensive update to the General Plan in 2007 (2007 General Plan). On October 24, 2007, the City Council certified that the Final EIR, which included a Draft EIR, comments and responses thereto, and related technical appendices, for the 2007 General Plan in accordance with CEQA.

The City, as Lead Agency, has determined that the draft Update is a Project subject to CEQA (Public Resources Code [PRC] Sections 21000 et seq.; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq.). The City analyzed Project impacts with the General Plan EIR and it was determined that the proposed Update would not result in any new significant environmental impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant impact. An Addendum to the 2007 General Plan EIR was prepared to document this conclusion. No further environmental review is required. (Public Resources Code§ 21166; CEQA Guidelines§§ 15162, 15164.) The EIR Addendum is included as Attachment G.

ALIGNEMNT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:

Adoption of the revised 2040 General Plan will provide a long-range vision to support programs for improving homelessness, increasing affordable housing, diversifying the City’s economy and supporting local jobs, ensuring compliance with State law, and improving quality of life in support of goal s 1A, 1C, 1D, and 2A of the City Council’s Strategic Plan.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Implementation of these revised elements of the 2040 General Plan are not anticipated to have any measurable impact on the City’s budget. Ongoing monitoring and reporting will be conducted by City Staff, as funded through the General Fund.

REVIEWED BY:

Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Deputy City Manager: Flinn Fa gg
City Manager: Scott Stiles

Item 2A - Page 9
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ATTACHMENTS:

A. City Council Draft Resolution
B. Draft Administration Section
C. Draft Land Use Element & Implementation Programs
D. Draft Circulation Element & Implementation Programs
E. Draft Safety Element & Implementation Programs
F. Vulnerability Assessment
G. EIR Addendum
H. Public Comments
I. Planning Commission Resolution #6971
J. Letter from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Item 2A - Page 10










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Item 2A - Page 11
RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN ADDENDUM

TO THE PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT TO THE 2007 GENERAL PLAN FOR AN

AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE, CIRCULATION AND
SAFETY ELEMENTS AND ADOPTING THE 2040 GENERAL

PLAN WITH AMENDMENTS TO THE ADMINISTRATION

SECTION, LAND USE ELEMEN T, CIRCULATION ELEMENT
AND SAFETY ELEMENT.

THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:

A. On October 24, 2007, the City of Palm Springs (“City”) approved a comprehensive update to its general plan by adopting Resolution #22077 and has updated and subsequently amended it from time to time (“2007 General Plan”). The City prepared and certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), State Clearinghouse No. 2006071060, for the 2007 General Plan, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

B. In late 2019, the City initiated a limited update to the 2007 General Plan for revisions to the Vision and Priority Statements, Administration Section, Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Safety Element and Housing Element (“2040 General Plan” or “Project”).

C. After conducting a robust public engagement and outreach program, the City prepared its sixth cycle Housing Element which was adopted by the City Council on September 26, 2023 and subsequently certified as substantially compliant with State Housing Element Law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on January 19, 2024.

D. In an effort to proactively engage with residents and stakeholders on the General Plan 2040, the City provided a variety of public engagement opportunities, including a community interest list, a dedicated webpage, community surveys, neighborhood listening sessions and stakeholder meetings.

E. The City of Palm Springs Draft Safety Element incorporates by reference the current Palm Springs Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as required by AB 2140 to increase opportunities for financial assistance under the California Disasters Assistance Act.

F. A notice of a public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs, California to consider a general plan amendment to recommend City Council adopt the 2040 General Plan was given in accordance with applicable law.

G. On September 11, 2024, a public hearing on the 2040 General Plan was held by the Planning Commission to review the draft Vision and Priority Statements, Administration Section, Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Safety Element, and at Item 2A - Page 12
Resolution No. _____

said hearing the Planning Commission reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing, includ ing, but not limited to, the staff report, and all written and oral testimony presented.

H. A notice of a public hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California to consider a general plan amendment to recommend City Council adopt the 2040 General Plan was given in accordance with applicable law.

I. On January 9, 2025, a public hearing on the 2040 General Plan was held by the City Council to review the draft Vision and Priority Statements, Administration Section, Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Safety Element, and at said hearing the City Council reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing, including, but not limited to, the staf f report, and all written and oral testimony presented.

J. The City has determined that the draft 2040 General Plan is a Project subject to CEQA (Public Resources Code [PRC] Sect ions 21000 et seq.; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq.). The City prepared an Addendum to the EIR for the 2007 General Plan for the Project and determined that the adoption of the draft 2040 General Plan would not result in any new significant environmental impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identif ied significant environmental impacts and has therefore prepared an Addendum to the 2007 General Plan EIR pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUN CIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. That the foregoing Recitals ar e true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. The City Council has revie wed and considered the information contained in the Addendum to the 2007 General Plan EIR. Based on the conclusions of the Addendum, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council determine that no further environmental review is required, in accordance with CEQA requirements. (Public Resources Code Section 21166; CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162, 15164) SECTION 3. The City Council directs City St aff to make additional modifications to the Land Use Map of the Land Use Element to change the designation of certain properties as described in the Staff Report.

SECTION 4. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council approves the 2040 General Plan, including amendments to the Vision and Priority Statements, Administration Section, Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Safety Element.

Item 2A - Page 13
Resolution No. _____

ADOPTED THIS 9TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2025.

SCOTT STILES

CITY MANAGER
ATTEST:

BRENDA PREE

CITY CLERK
Item 2A - Page 14
Resolution No. _____

CERTIFICATION

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.

CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, BRENDA PREE, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. ____ is a full, true and corr ect copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on _______________________, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Springs, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.

Brenda Pree, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California
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Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 1-1

1. ADMINISTRATIONN

PREFACEE
Our City is unlike any other—we have a reputation as a
world class desert resort and we are one of the nation’s most recognized winter playgrounds. We are proud of the timeless character of our Downtown, our celebrated
history with the Hollywood entertainment community, our relaxed desert lifestyle, our distinctive collection of architecture, and our idyllic location at the foothills of a picturesque mountain setting.

Palm Springs’ eclectic nature creates a desirable
environment for a variety of lifestyles. Artists, retirees, professionals, singles, new families, and permanent and seasonal residents all call Palm Springs home. As part of this General Plan, we are embarking on many positive
changes for the City’s future. Embracing the positive
energy and active involvement of our citizens, the City will continue to take the necessary steps to improve our
community and to achieve our vision.

As Riverside County’s population continues to grow, it will be imperative for Palm Springs to develop strategies to sustain the vitality and unique charm of the City while managing the imminent growth of our City’s population. We will:
‹ Achieve a quality of life and delicate balance of land uses that make Palm Springs a desirable place to live.
‹ Position the City to attract businesses that stimulate the City’s economy.

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‹ Provide recreational and resort opportunities that will strengthen the City’s reputation as a premier desert retreat.

This chapter provides a broad overview of the General Plan—how it was created, what it is to achieve, and how it should be used. It also provides background information such as the Vision, project setting, overview of public outreach effo rts, and features of the General Plan—all of which are needed to understand our City’s history and to chart the course for our future. The thrust of this document is to create a mechanism that will preserve the quality of life, character, and image that are distinctively Palm Springs while developing a balance of land uses that encourages sustainability and vitality for our community. In doing so, we will create an enduring legacy of a City that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

PPALM SPRINGS VISION
Our vision statement serves as the foundation for all of the goals and policies contained within this document. It is with this vision that our City can continue to achieve its maximum potential. The vision serves as the “common ground” from which all decisions are made, and it identifies priority areas where resources should be focused to ensure that our city continues to be a great place to live, work, and recreate.

The Palm Springs Vision
Palm Springs is a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive desert community where year-round and seasonal residents and
visitors have enjoyable experiences featuring safe
neighborhoods, diverse commercial, arts, entertainment, and cultural opportunities, and an exciting social environment.

The City values its architectu ral, historical, cultural and natural resources and prioritizes its residents, economy, and natural environment for a sustainable future.

We celebrate our diversity, and we are an equitable, inclusive community with a high quality of life for all people.

The City provides responsive, friendly, respectful, and efficient public services allowing for in clusion of all people and full community participation for all our residents and businesses.

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AADMINISTRATION
The Palm Springs City seal
reflects the City’s most well-
known attributes: warm
weather, dramatic mountain
backdrop, and signature palm
trees.

SSETTING THE STAGE

BACKGROUND
Of all the destination resorts in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is certainly the most famous. The physical beauty, spectacular climate, and unique charm of Palm Springs are known throughout the region, the country, and even the world. In a city as cherished and visible as Palm Springs, the vision for the future is multifaceted and complex, since the City must strive to preserve the delicate balance between its natural and built environments. The ultimate goal of the General Plan is to achieve land uses and development patterns that best meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

Bounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains on the south and west and the desert on the north and east, Palm Springs is a product of its relationship wi th its surrounding natural and geographic environments. The expansive desert terrain contributes to the City’s coveted warm climate; the mountains provide a dramatic visual backdrop and shelter from the winds. The proximity to metropolitan Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, combined with the City’s superior physical setting, is a primary reason that Palm Springs has become a popular resort destination.

The area encompassing the present City of Palm Springs was discovered centuries ago by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who established their village around the natural hot mineral springs known for their medicinal and healing capabilities.

Throughout the 19
th century, many explorers, colonizers, and soldiers
came through the desert, but it wasn’t until 1853 that United States Topographical Engineers described the combination of palm trees and warm springs they encountered as “Palm Springs.” The name became more commonly used several years later.

In 1877, the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its line through the desert to the Pacific Ocean. Early development in Palm Springs was associated with attempts to establish agricultural activity in the area and the southern portions of the Coachella Valley. In the 1920s, the region became a retreat for successful business and movie personalities, who took advantage of the warm weather , the remote location, and the hot water spas. The tourist and resort community of Palm Springs developed over the following decades and dramatically Item 2A - Page 19

changed the character and economy of the Coachella Valley. In 1938, the City of Palm Springs was officially incorporated.

Today, Palm Springs not only prides itself on its resort amenities, but also on the village character it has been able to maintain. At the same time, Palm Springs has many major amenities typically found in cities with much larger populations, such as the Palm Springs International Airport, Convention Center, Palm Springs Art Museum, Aerial Tramway, Desert Regional Medical Center , a broad range of public services, and diverse residential neighborhoods. Open space and mountainous areas comprise almost half of the City’s total area and provide treasured natural recreation opportunities and habitat areas.

RREGIONAL CONTEXT
The City is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, approximately 60 miles east of Riverside (Figure 1-1).

Serving as the “gateway city” for the Coachella Valley, the City of Palm Springs comprises an incorporated area that encompasses 60,440 acres, or nearly 95 square miles; the City’s sphere of influence comprises another 27,160 acres, or approximately 42 square miles.

Primary access to the City is provided by Interstate 10 and Highway 111; north–south access to the City is provided via Indian Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail.

Sphere of Influence: Established
by the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO), a sphere of
influence is intended to reflect “the
probable physical boundaries and
service area” of a city. The Sphere
encompasses incorporated and
unincorporated territory. LAFCO is
directed by State law to establish
and periodically review the spheres
of influence for each agency within
its
jurisdiction.

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Figure 1-1
Regional Location
Palm Springs City Limits
County Boundary
Palm Springs General Plan04 8
Miles
Source: Generated using ArcMap 2024
Date: 8/30/2024
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AADMINISTRATION
WWHAT IS A GENERAL PLAN?
State law requires every city and county within California to adopt a comprehensive General Plan. The General Plan represents the community’s view of its future; it becomes a blueprint for a city’s or county’s growth and development. City councils, boards of supervisors, planning commissions, and city staff use the goals and policies of the General Plan as a basis on which to make decisions.

The General Plan is considered “comprehensive” since it applies to the territory within the boundaries of the adopting jurisdiction, any areas outside of its boundaries that are within its sphere of influence, and any land outside the City’s boundaries in which the City has determined bears relation to its planning efforts. Since regional planning issues are not necessarily confined to political boundaries, State law allows jurisdictions to conduct planning efforts outside the jurisdiction’s territory. The need to address important issues that transcend local boundaries can facilitate inter-agency planning coordination and result in collaborative planning strategies between neighboring cities or regional agencies such as the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

The General Plan is also considered comprehensive because it addresses a wide range of issues th at affect the City such as the physical development of the jurisdiction or social concerns that can affect the overall quality of life.

The General Plan is considered a “long-term” plan since it looks 20 years or more into the future. Each jurisdiction can establish a time horizon that best fits its individual needs.

It is not unusual for new information to become available during the life of a General Plan. Alternatively, the vision for the community may change over time, and as a result, General Plans are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the community’s changing needs.

The City of Palm Springs is a charter city and is therefore able to exercise broader powers to enact land use regulations than do general law cities. The City’s charter city status provides it with greater control over its future development and administration.

Charter City Classification
Under the California constitution,
cities are either general law cities
or charter cities. General-law cities
must follow procedures set by state
law and may only exercise powers
granted to them by the State.

Charter cities have full authority
over their own municipal affairs
(such as financing public
improvements or enacting local
ordinances), although they remain
subject to state law on matters of
statewide importance (such as
regulation of traffic and vehicles or
exercising powers of eminent
domain).

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HOW THE GENERAL PLAN SERVES

OUR COMMUNITY
Cities that are thriving and healthy provide their citizens with a quality environment for living, working and recreating. The General Plan is the single most importan t tool used to help successful communities achieve their vision.

The General Plan:
‹ Sets the course for decision making
‹ Helps to balance the competing interests of residents with the needs of visitors and property owners
‹ Helps to inform and educate the citizenry
‹ Serves as an effective management tool for City staff ‹ Provides guidance for economic decisions
‹ Ensure the protection of the natural environment
This update process is not intended to craft
the General Plan from scratch; instead it
streamlines and further refines the existing
direction already established by the City in
the 2007 General Plan. The General Plan
contains state-mandated elements, including
Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Safety, Noise,
and Parks, Recreation, Open Space and
Conservation.

Since opportunities for redevelopment and
reinvestment into the community are a
prominent issue for the City, economic
development and improved community
quality are a considerable focus of the
General Plan and its policies. As a result, two elements were included in the 2007 General Plan to provide additional direction for the City’s future: the Community Design Element and Air Quality Element.

Proposals for development, either developer- or City-initiated, must be analyzed and tested for consistency with the goals, policies, and programs in every applicable element of the General Plan. This test of compliance is also a required criterion for determining significant The City adopted its first General
Plan in 1966. It was significantly
updated in the 1970s, in 1993 and
in 2007.

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AADMINISTRATION
The statement over the entrance to the City Council
Chambers clearly captures the collaborative spirit
embodied by the Palm Springs community and City
leaders.
impacts under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared as a companion document to the 2007 General Plan. The EIR assesses the potential impacts that are generated by the goals, policies, and programs of the General Plan, and identifies mitigation measures to address those impacts. The technical studies prepared for safety, cultural resources, and traffic provided the technical detail used to determine the level of impacts that could be created by the General Plan. An EIR Addendum was prepared for the 2040 General Plan.

SHAPING THE PLAN
General Plan preparation is a comprehensive
process involving City leaders and staff, residents,
community groups, and consultants. “The People
are the City”—these words are memorialized above
the entrance to the City Council Chambers and
encapsulate the vital role of public participation in
key decisions affecting the City’s future.

Preparing a General Plan, or in this case, an update
to the existing General Plan, requires a jurisdiction
to conduct a candid assessment of the city—its
existing conditions and trends, opportunities and
constraints, and vision for the future. The input
generated by residents and stakeholders informs
the General Plan so that it reflects real-world issues
experienced by those who live and work in the
community.

Before the General Plan can be considered by the
Planning Commission and City Council for action,
various community members, stakeholders, and members of the business community must become involved and volunteer their expertise and insights to help shape the General Plan.

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22007 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
Advisory Committees
General Plan Steering Committee
The Steering Committee was established by the City Council to provide input to the General Plan process. The Steering Committee reviewed the City’s existing General Plan elements and provided feedback on goals and policies that were pertinent to the update and should be retained, those that should be retained but modified, and those that should be removed from the General Plan document altogether because they are complete or no longer relevant.

The Steering Committee served as a vehicle to attain representative opinions and attitudes of residents, landowners, interest groups, and other community members interested in providing input that would ultimately shape the outcome of the General Plan. Steering Committee representatives also served as communications liaisons to the public and assisted the pl anning effort by providing recommendations to staff prior to the presentation of the General Plan document to the Planning Commission and City Council.

Downtown Advisory Group
Although Palm Springs is well known as a destination resort, steps must be taken to energize the community to maintain its vitality and to ensure that development opportunities are captured within Palm Springs rather than other cities in the Coachella Valley.

In response to increasing development pressures Downtown, and to increase revitalization efforts in the heart of Palm Springs, the Downtown Advisory Group was created. The Downtown Advisory Group was comprised of 15 member s representing City Council, Planning Commission, the design community, the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood, the Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation, the Agua Caliente B a n d o f C a h u i l l a I n d i a n s , t h e Downtown Merchants Association, the Uptown area of the City, the Historic Site Preservation Board, and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

The Downtown Advisory Group was instrumental in the development of a vision for Downtown and the Downtown Urban Design Plan, an interim plan guiding:

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AADMINISTRATION
‹ the preferred intensity, heights, and locations of uses ‹ the integration of mixed uses
‹ landscape treatments
‹ structured and on-street parking
‹ the introduction of plazas and midblock walkthroughs
‹ adaptive reuse of historic buildings
Downtown Palm Springs is the heart of the community. The vitality of the City’s core has the potential to dramatically influence the future of the City economically; therefor e, it was critical to develop a strategy to manage its functionality and aesthetic appeal to locals and visitors alike.

As development pressures within the City continue to increase, it will also become increasingly important to reposition the Downtown to serve as a major activity center for not only the City, but also the Coachella Valley. The principles and objectives identified in the Downtown Urban Design Plan were created as a precursor the General Plan and is a proactive and conscientious strategy to protect and enhance the quality of development in the heart of Palm Springs.

The Plan addresses and responds to the changing physical, economic, and social environments of Downtown. It was created through the valuable input of the community and a specially developed task force that was charged with reviewing the content and setting direction established in the document.

Public Outreach
During the preparation of this General Plan, public involvement was solicited at various points of the General Plan process. Outreach efforts ranged from large-scale community festivals to more issue- oriented discussions conducted in smaller workshops held within the community.

Community Festivals
A series of community outreach festivals were hosted by the City at two strategic points in the General Plan Update effort. In May 2005, over 130 people participated in the Plan! Palm Springs Community Workshop, the first outreach effort designed to obtain preliminary feedback from the community relati ng to land use, circulation, neighborhoods, open space, parks, and conservation. Participants were asked to vote on the issues that were most important to them.

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This prioritization of issues helped to focus and direct the goals and policies that were identified in each of the elements.

The second phase of public outreach was held in January 2007 to prepare the public for a “preview ” of the Draft General Plan. The General Plan Preview workshop provided an overview of the General Plan process, how the comments received over the course of the planning effort were incorporated into the plan, and additional ways that the public could comment on the contents of the General Plan prior to its review and action by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Downtown Ideas and Directions Workshop
Open to the general public, this outreach effort held in February 2005 was designed to create a forum for
stakeholders to express their visions for Downtown Palm Springs and their opinions on current obstacles and
opportunities in the Downtown area. Workshop participants were asked to think about the best way to encourage and manage future development Downtown. This workshop
provided a valuable forum to create a consensus about the most important issues to be addressed Downtown, and
developed potential strategies to address those issues. These strategies ultimately resulted in the development of the Downtown Urban Design Plan (Appendix A), adopted by the City Council on July 20, 2005, the guidelines complement the policies in the Community Design Element.

Vision-to-Reality Workshops
To receive input from the community on the Land Use Plan, approximately 10 smaller-scale outreach meetings were
conducted in various areas of the City. Facilitated by members of City Staff and the General Plan Steering Committee, these w o r k s h o p s p r o v i d e d v a l u a b l e c o m m u n i t y f e e d b a c k t o t h e Steering Committee on the proposed Land Use Plan. Input received from each of the community workshops was
reviewed, evaluated, and prioritized by the Steering
Committee; refinements were then made to the Land Use Plan prior to its presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council.

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AADMINISTRATION
22040 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
General Plan Steering Committee
A Steering Committee was established by the City Council to provide input to the General Plan process. Over eight meetings, the Steering Committee recommended revisions to the Vision and Priorities, guided updates to the Land Use Plan, and provided detailed feedback on revisions to the Plan’s goals, policies and actions. The Steering Committee also served as communication liaisons and a vehicle to attain representative opinions and attitudes of residents, landowners, interest groups, and other community members.

Public Outreach
During the preparation of this General Plan, public involvement was solicited at various points of the General Plan process. Outreach efforts ranged from large-scale community meetings to more issue- oriented discussions conducted in smaller workshops held within the community. The project team also utilized online platforms for communicating information and soliciting feedback.

Community Workshops
Citywide workshops were held at two critical junctures during the updated process. The first workshop was held on February 24, 2020 to gather input on the General Plan’s Vision and Priorities and on issues and opportunities related to Housing, Circulation and Land Use. The second workshop was held on July 13, 2021 to solicit feedback on potential changes to the Land Use Plan.

Listening Sessions
The Project Team conducted targeted outreach at the request of the City Council to solicit addition al feedback from residents and stakeholders related to the General Plan’s Vision and Priorities and topics related to Housing and Environmental Justice. In 2021, four neighborhood community listenin g sessions were conducted in English and Spanish to obtain inpu t related to the future of Palm Springs—and the many challenges that surround environmental justice as well as accessing safe housing, healthy food, public facilities and community services.

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Digital Engagement
Throughout the update process, the City maintained a project website at psgeneralplan.com that provided background information on the project, reported latest news on the project, communicated upcoming engagement opportunities, posted project documents and provided an opportunity for community members to sign up to be notified of project updates by email.

Three digital surveys were conducted in English and Spanish in conjunction with major project phases and to supplement in-person engagement activities. The first survey solicited feedback on the General Plan’s existing Vision and Priorities, in conjunction with the first community workshop. The seco nd survey sought to clarify opinions on emerging themes received at the first public workshop and to map perceptions of community assets and opportunities for improvement. A third survey solicited feedback on challenges in gaining access to proper housing, healthy food, parks, public facilities and community services in conjunction with the neighborhood listening sessions.

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AADMINISTRATION

GGENERAL PLAN PRIORITIES
General Plans provide policy guidance related to the seven mandatory elements required by state law. It is common that recurring issues and themes surface during public outreach efforts and evaluation of the plan that require more focused attention and future direction above and beyond that mandated by the state.

Focused issues become features of the Plan, and can be used to prioritize use of staff resource s and allocation of budget. The following values were identified as the highest priority for Palm Springs, and must be addressed in the General Plan to allow the City to achieve its maximum potential aesthetically, economically, and socially.

Support Palm Springs as a premier desert resort community.

Strengthen and promote those things that make Palm Springs a one- of-a kind resort destination, in cluding its natural resources, eco- tourism, its pedestrian- oriented shopping and entertainment districts, its unique architecture, its cultural diversity and identity, the convenience of its airport and convention center , and its wide array of lodging and recreational facilities.

Foster and enhance opportunities for open space. Encourage open space protection and improve visual, physical, and equitable access, where appropriate, to open spaces throughout the community for community enjoyment, health benefits and biodiversity. Where open spaces are accessible to the public, promote safe access for all regardless of age, gender , sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, native language, culture, abilities, and disabilities. Open spaces should include passive and active forms of recreation where possible.

Continue to advance Palm Springs as a sustainability leader.

Promote the sustainable use of materials, energy, land, water , air and other natural resources to enhance the long- term livability of our community for all residents regardless of socio-economic position.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and proactively anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Reduce wastes going to landfill through source reduction, reuse, recycling and other methods. Encourage and maximize the use of renewable energy resources.

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Diversify and strengthen the City’s economy and promote education and innovation. Develop and encourage new businesses, employment and education opportunities that will maintain a sustainable, livable, resilient, and diverse economy and workforce.

Promote businesses that will provide a living wage. Invest in improving accessible public and private infrastructure for a digital future for all. Promote diverse employment opportunities in a variety of industries.

Maintain, and enhance a diverse range of retail, dining and entertainment opportunities for local, regional, and tourist markets. Encourage diverse and appealing shopping opportunities for residents, tourists, and the regional market that will generate sales tax revenues, attract customers from neighboring communities, and enrich the quality of the life for those living in and visiting Palm Springs. Promote and support locally owned businesses and unique shopping experiences that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities.

Provide for a broad range of housing opportunities for all residents. Encourage development of resource efficient and high- quality housing units at a range of densities for all life stages, economic levels and diversified, mu ltifaceted populations. Identify solutions to reduce rent burden, housing instability, and homelessness.

Create, maintain and enhance uni que places and facilities that foster community interaction and engagement. Improve and facilitate access to parks and other open spaces, community facilities, arts and cultural centers and landmarks in order to promote the City’s rich history, offer visual interest, and support lively activity.

Ensure community facilities prov ide services and amenities that meet the needs of families and individuals to fully enjoy and contribute to life in Palm Springs.

Encourage the creative mixing of land uses to promote vibrant and walkable neighborhoods and commercial areas accessible to all. Encourage residential, retail, office, open spaces/recreation and other land uses within commercial and other key locations, to create active, inclusive, and full-service neighborhoods that are less dependent on the automobile. Promote equitable and convenient access to a variety of retail opportunities that serve the needs of daily lives in close proximity to all residential neighborhoods.

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AADMINISTRATION
Promote active living, healthy lifestyles and improved
environments for all. To improve mental and physical health, increase opportunities for individuals to incorporate physical activities into daily routines, such as to recreation, exercise and active transportation. Promote healthy food options, and create social and physical environments that im prove and the well-being of the community.

Preserve and uphold the distinct architecture and unique visual and aesthetic form in buildi ngs and neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities. Promote the identification of unique, culturally diverse neighborhoods while creating strategies and opportunities for improving neighborhoods that have a greater need because of historic disinvestment.

Encourage new and characteristically different neighborhood types to develop. Recognize the importance of adaptive reuse for architecturally and historically significant resources.

Provide a circulation system that accommodates the smooth flow of vehicular traffic and public tr ansportation, encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and presents attractively landscaped corridors. Promote safe and complete streets to ensure a safe and functioning network of circulation corridors and intersections. The streets will be attractively developed and maintained to encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and alternative forms of transportation. Trails, bikeways , and other forms of circulation linkages through the city and into surrounding areas must also be developed and maintained.

HHOW TO READ THE GENERAL PLAN
GOALS
Each element contains at least one goal statement and related policy statements and implementing programs. A goal in the General Plan is the broadest statement of community values. It is a generalized ideal which provides a sense of direction for action. For example:

Item 2A - Page 33

GGOAL 1:

Create a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and unified community appearance within the context of distinct districts and neighborhoods.

POLICIES
The essence of the General Plan is contained within its policy statements. Policies further refine the goal statements, and guide the course of action the City must take to achieve the goals in the plan. It is important to note that policies are guides for decision makers, not decisions themselves. For example:

Policy

1.1 Use public landscaping and signage along streets,
sidewalks, and property frontages and in public spaces to strengthen the existing City identity.

ACTIONS
Details for implementing policies in the General Plan are contained in the form of action items. An action item describes the specific steps necessary to achieve a policy, and defines the level of commitment to be executed. The key questions that eventually need to be addressed for actions in the General Plan are:
‹ Who is responsible for implementing the action item?
‹ When is it to be carried out?
‹ How much will it cost?
‹ How will it be funded?
Actions provide the basis for establishing priorities, scheduling, and assigning staff and other resources to specific actions needed to implement the policies of the Plan. For example:

Example
Example
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AADMINISTRATION
Action

1.2 Create a master streetscape plan addressing landscaping, signage, lighting, and special design features along Gene Autry Trail.

For the updated Land Use, Circ ulation and Safety Elements, a separate table of Implementation Programs lists specific actions that should be pursued to implement each goal and policy. Identifying the actions in a separate document approved with the General Plan (but not incorporated in it) allows the City to update the actions as part of the City’s annual strategic planning efforts without warranting an amendment to the General Plan.

PPOLICY INTERPRETATION
For a policy to be useful, it must be clear. However, not all policies are the same; they differ in terms of expected results, commitment of resources, and indication of importance or urgency. Therefore, it is important to simplify the language used in the General Plan and understand the distinctions between the different levels of policy.

The following definitions of terms provide guidance in interpreting the policy language of the General Plan; where other action terms are used that are not specified here, they are to be equated to the closest applicable term described below.

Shall: Policies containing the word “shall” indicate that an action must be taken in all cases. This represents absolute commitment to the policy , and the expectation is that the policy will always be carried out.

Should: Policies containing the word “should” indicate that an action will be taken in most cases, but exceptions are acceptable for good reasons.

Encourage: Policies containing the word “encourage” indicate that these actions are highly recommended or desired and should be pursued when feasible.

Allow: Policies containing the word “allow” indicate that a proposed action will be supported within certain parameters and following certain guidelines.

Coordinate: Policies containing the word “coordinate” indicate that an action will occur with another entity, and the City will carry its share of the burden or responsibility.

Example
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Explore: Policies containing the word “explore” indicate that an action will be taken to investigate the subject at hand to discover whether or not some further commitment is in order.

Consider: Policies containing the word “consider” indicate that an action may or may not be taken, depending upon the results of analysis that remains to be completed.

Limit: Policies containing the word “limit” indicate that an action will be taken to keep the subject within certain limits, or will at least make undesired change more difficult.

Restrict: Policies containing the word “restrict” indicate that an action will be taken to keep the undesired action to a minimum.

AAMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN
The General Plan is not static, but rather is a dynamic and multi- faceted document that defines and addresses the changing needs of the City. It is based on an on-going assessment and understanding of existing and projected community needs. To assure that the General Plan is kept current, short-term programs and policies may be reviewed periodically to reflect compatibility with budgetary priorities and related program status. Long-term programs and implementation measures must also be given consideration to assure timely funding and development of critical infrastructure and public services and facilities.

TIMING
Mandatory elements of the General Plan may be amended up to four times in each calendar year. The City Council or any citizen may initiate a General Plan Amendment. It is left to the discretion of the local jurisdiction to establish an amendment schedule to be published one year in advance. State law further requires that the Housing Element be reviewed and updated at least once every eight years.

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AADMINISTRATION

AAPPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications for the amendment of the General Plan and the appropriate fees are filed with the Department of Planning Services.

An amendment to the General Plan constitutes a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and, therefore, is evaluated for its environmental effects and consistency with other elements of the General Plan. Final approval of General Plan amendments is the responsibility of the City Council subject to satisfying the environmental requirements imposed by CEQA.

EXEMPTIONS
The State Legislature has recognized that occasions arise which require the local jurisdiction to have some flexibility in amending the General Plan. As set forth in the California Government Code, the following are exempt from the General Plan amendment schedule:
‹ Amendments to optional elements.
‹ Amendments requested and necessary for affordable housing (Section 65358(c)).
‹ Any amendment necessary to comply with a court decision in a case involving the legal adequacy of the general plan (Section 65358(d)(1)).
‹ Amendments to bring a general plan into compliance with an airport land use plan (Section 65302.3).

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Although the General Plan serves as the primary means to help the City implement its vision, several other management and implementation tools are needed to ensure that the goals and policies identified here are fully realized.

MUNICIPAL CODE AND ZONING ORDINANCE
The City’s Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance are the primary tools used to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan.

The Zoning Ordinance provides more detailed direction related to development standards; permitted, conditionally permitted, and Item 2A - Page 37

prohibited uses; and other regulations such as parking standards and sign regulations. The land uses specified in the Zoning Ordinance are based upon and should be consistent with the land use policies set forth in this element. Changes to the Zoning Ordinance may be necessary due to the adoption of provisions in this General Plan and could require changes to the zoning maps and development standards.

SSPECIFIC PLANS
While the General Plan provides ov erall guidance for the physical development of the City , specific plans are used to provide more detailed regulatory guidance for special areas or large developments within the City. Specific plans are generally comprised of a land use plan, circulation plan, developmen t standards, design guidelines, phasing plan, infrastructure plan (water , sewer , or drainage), and implementation plan pursuant to California Governmental Code Sections 65450 through 65457. They are typically implemented as customized zoning for a particular area of the City, and are generally used for large-scale projects that require a comprehensive approach to planning and infrastructure issues.

A limited number of specific plan s have been approved within the City of Palm Springs: Canyon South, College Park, Downtown, Desert Palisades and Section 14, which are shown on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3).

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
On February 6, 2019, the City Council rescinded and replaced the City’s Planned Development District (PDD) Ordinance based on recommendations provided by an Ad Hoc PDD Committee, which was formed as a requirement of a settlement agreement relative to the City's use of the PDD process. The revised ordinance clarified that the purpose of planned development districts is as follows:

1. Allow development of multiple land parcels under a single development plan.

2. Allow a mixture of land uses, housing types, or zones within a single development project.

3. Allow flexibility in certain development standards, where contextually appropriate, or where necessary to accommodate the development of affordable housing.

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AADMINISTRATION

4. Promote innovation and excellence in site and urban design, resulting in projects of significantly higher quality than would be achieved through conventional design practices and
standards, and/or the underlying zoning.

5. Promote design variety within a development.

6. Promote open space preservation.

7. Promote more efficient traffic and pedestrian circulation.

8. Promote preservation of natural features or significant historic/architectural features.

The updated ordinance limited the types of waivers that are permissible under the prior ordinance, established a pre-application requirement for PDD applicat ions, enhanced the minimum development standards required for PDD projects, and adopted specific criteria and findings that must be met for approval of PDD applications.

DDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
State law provides for development agreements between a project proponent and the City. The purpose of a development agreement is to provide developers with additional assurances that the policies, rules and regulations, and conditions of approval in effect at the time a project was approved will not be nullified by a future local policy or regulation change. In exchange, the developer may be required to meet certain conditions or performance criteria, which become part of the agreement.

Development agreements can be a useful means of meeting General Plan goals and policies while removing some of the risks faced by developers. Agreements can remain in effect for a few or several years, the term typically being set forth in the agreement. It is important to emphasize that, as set forth in the Government Code, the City is not prohibited from applying new rules, regulations, and policies to the property unless specifically stated in the development agreement, nor is the City prevented from denying or conditionally approving any subsequent development project application on the basis of such existing or new rules, regulations, or policies.

Item 2A - Page 39

Tribal Land Use and
Ownership
In the late 1800s, the United States
government established the Reservation
for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians (Tribe). The Reservation covers
even-numbered sections within the
Palm Springs area. Although all
Reservation land began as Tribal Trust
Land, some has become Allotted Trust
Land, and some Allotted Trust Land has
been sold to become Fee Land.

Tribal Trust Lands: The United States
holds title to these lands in trust for the
Tribe as a whole, rather than for any
individual. The Tribe retains sovereign
authority over the use and regulation of
these lands.

Allotted Trust Lands: These lands are
former Tribal Trust Lands, the title of
which is now held by the United States
for one or more individual members of
the Tribe (allottees), rather than for the
Tribe as a whole. The Tribe retains
sovereign authority over their uses and
regulation, but the Lands may be
subject to the same development
standards and requirements as land
owned by non-Indians (per land use
agreements between the Tribe and local
governments). With the consent of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Depart-
ment of the Interior, an allottee can sell
or lease such lands. If sold, a parcel of
Allotted Trust Land becomes a parcel of
Fee Land.

Fee Lands: These lands are former
Allotted Trust Lands that have been sold
to a buyer, who then holds fee title to
the land. Although the Fee Lands
remain within the historical boundaries
of the Reservation, they can be owned
by anyone.

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Land use planning for the Palm Springs does not stop at the City boundaries. Unincorporated lands adjacent to the City’s borders are identified by the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as areas likely to be serviced or annexed by the City in the future. These lands are known as the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI).

The City does not have regulatory control over these lands, but does have authority and responsibility to designate its preference for land use planning in the County land. The City’s SOI is shown on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3).

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF

CAHUILLA INDIANS
The form and quality of land development in Palm Springs has been shaped by many factors that are uniquely its own. For example, the climate, regional location, and topography have all influenced the development pattern of the City. In addition, the City is also subject to a unique pattern of land ownership that affects the timing and location of development.

The City of Palm Springs is divided into Indian and non-Indian property holdings, based upon a grid pattern of square-mile sections of alternating ownerships. Indian land—which has been subdivided into sections, half-sections, and sometimes even smaller areas—is controlled by the Tribal Council or by individual allottees of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (the Tribe). Over time, this checkerboard land-ownership pattern has led to an inconsistent pattern of development, since the majority of development has occurred on non-Indian-owned lands. Several strategically located I n d i a n - o w n e d l a n d s , s u c h a s S e c t i o n 1 4 j u s t e a s t o f D o w n t o w n , contain vacant parcels, and will play a significant role in the future development patterns for the City. Figure 1-2, Tribal Lands, shows the Indian ownership pattern within the City.

Item 2A - Page 40

ALEJO RD

SUNRISE WAY
SPALM
CANYON
DR

E TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY

GENEAUTRYTRL
CAM
INO
REAL

RAMON RD

E VISTA CHINO

SAN RAFAEL DR

FARRELL DR

TA C HEVA H D R

N INDIAN CANYON DR

MESQUITE AVE

E PALM CANYON DR

BOGE RT TRL

EL CIELO RD
SH-111

RACQUET CLUB RD

DILLON RD

DINAH SHOREDR
20TH AVE

PA L M D R

GARNET AVE

CATHEDRAL
CITY

DESERT HOT

SPRINGS

RANCHO MIRAGE
10 10
62 111
111
111
111
Palm Springs City Limits
Palm Springs Sphere of Influence
Railroad
Adjacent City Limits
Tribal Land Status
Tri bal
Fee
Allotted
012 0.5
Miles
Palm Springs General Plan
08 , 0 0 0 4,000
Feet
Date: 9/4/2024
Tribal Lands
Figure 1-2
Detail Map Extent
Source: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 2020 & 2024 Item 2A - Page 41

This page intentionally left blank.

Item 2A - Page 42

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 1-27

AADMINISTRATION
In the 1970s, the City and the Tribe came to an agreement that recognizes the Tribe’s authority to regulate Indian Trust lands. In addition, the agreement specified that the City would act as the Tribe’s agent to impose City land use regulations and consult with the Tribe with regard to any action that may affect Indian Trust Lands. The agreement established an appeal process designating the Tribal Council as the final authority over land use matters on Indian lands.

The City maintains a positive relationship with the Tribe and continues to collaborate with Tribal representatives to develop and apply land use strategies that support the City’s comprehensive land use vision, while concurrently achieving objectives identified by the Tribal Council. The viability of development on Indian land increased significantly when long-term land leases were first implemented in 1959.

GGOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
Since the General Plan is a blueprint for the future of Palm Springs, it serves as the basis for City staff and the City Council to make strategic policy decisions. The General Plan must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that its content is reflective of the community’s changing goals and desires.

ADMINISTRATION
The effective implementation of the General Plan relies on the development and maintenance of City regulatory documents, including the Zoning Ordinance, specific plan requirements, and City rules for the implementation of CE QA. The General Plan itself is a living document with mandates for frequent review and refinement.

Amendments to the Plan should be given careful consideration and not be granted casually. The goal, policies, and programs in this introductory chapter will help assure the effective administration and implementation of all elements of the Palm Springs General Plan.

Item 2A - Page 43

GGOAL AD1:

Maintain a contemporary General Plan that serves as a valid foundation for decision making into the future.

Policies
AD1.1 Encourage relevant commissions and boards to meet regularly to evaluate how their respective groups are
working to implement the City’s General Plan.

AD1.2 Periodically review and update the General Plan to reflect the changing needs of the community. Focus on reviews
and updates during economic “down cycles” that anticipate and set direction for anticipated “boom cycles.”
AD1.3 Adequately budget for processing amendments to, and conducting comprehensive updates of, the General Plan.

AD1.4 Ensure that proposals fo r new development be analyzed and tested for consistency wi th the goals, policies, and action items identified in the General Plan. Proposed new land uses that are not consistent with the General Plan shall not be approved.

AD1.5 Provide the opportunity for adequate public review and comment for development projects that have the potential to impact the community.

Actions
AD1.1 Conduct a new commissioners’ orientation program to acquaint all new members of advisory groups with City
issues and the proper application of the General Plan.

AD1.2 Participate in programs through the Palm Springs Board of Realtors to educate real estate professionals of the goals, policies and action items in the General Plan.

AD1.3 Conduct a periodic review and prioritization of capital improvement projects based on long-range strategic plans for adequate provision of municipal services.

AD1.4 Review the development ap plication process and outline possible streamlining opportunities.

Item 2A - Page 44

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 1-29

AADMINISTRATION

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The General Plan is a tool that sh ould be used by the County, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and City boards and commissions to gain a better understanding of City priorities and how those priorities should be a ddressed in the context of larger planning efforts. As Riverside County and the Coachella Valley continue to experience a high level of growth, it will also be imperative that the City continue to play an active role in regional decision-making efforts. Maintaining strong working relationships with the County of Riverside and CVAG will help to ensure that the City is properly positioning itself to manage future growth in a cooperative manner .

GGOAL AD2:

Encourage ongoing land use planning coordination efforts between City, the Tribe, and regional, state, and federal agencies.

Policies
AD2.1 Participate in all relevant local and regional planning efforts.

AD2.2 Establish regular lines of communication with local, regional, state, and federal agencies whose planning
programs may affect the City of Palm Springs.

Actions
AD2.1 Meet regularly with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to facilitate discussions related to future land use, tourism, and economic development plans on Indian-
owned land.

AD2.2 Establish working relationsh ips with the Bureau of Land Management and the Conservation Agencies to manage the
City’s valuable open space and biological resources.

AD2.3 Establish a liaison with the County of Riverside to ensure projects considered within th e City’s sphere of influence conform to the provisions of the Palm Springs General
Plan.

Item 2A - Page 45

AD2.4 Ensure that Palm Springs residents, property owners, and businesses have the opportunity to provide input on
regional issues or projects having the potential to impact the community.

AD2.5 Evaluate opportunities to annex land in the City’s Sphere of Influence.

AD2.6 Ensure that the regional conservation plans are considered during future land use reviews for new applications or land use changes.

Item 2A - Page 46










dd,D
Ed
Item 2A - Page 47

LLANDD USEE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-1

22. LANDD USEE ELEMENTT
As the backbone of the General Pl an, this element sets forth the distribution, location, and intensity of land uses throughout the City.

It represents the land use “road map” for Palm Springs—guiding it into the future with goals and po licies. The implementing actions associated with those goals and policies can be found in the General Plan Implementation Programs.

LANDD USEE PLANN
One of the most visible components of the General Plan is the Land Use Plan, which depicts where and how development should occur and provides descriptions of each of the City’s land use designations through text and a land use diagram. State law requires that the general plan identify land use designations and the development intensities that are associated with them for the 87,327 acres of land that are located within the City and Sphere of Influence. In addition, state law also requires that the locations and distribution of the land uses be identified through text and mapping. The locations of each land use can be found on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3). The text in this element provides the land use goals and policies that are necessary to achieve the vision.

In general, most the City’s existing land uses were retained in place in the new plan. Minor changes to land uses were made for several general reasons: to better align with an existing or intended use that is not anticipated to change before the horizon year of the General Plan (2040); to reflect current ownership; to implement the recommendations of the adopted Section 14 Specific Plan; and to reflect City Council direction on the preferred land use designations for parcels in the College Park Specific Plan area.

Item 2A - Page 48

PPLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
The population of Palm Springs, according to the 2020 census, was 44,575 permanent residents, a growth of 4.1 percent since 2000. At the height of the tourist season, the combined permanent and seasonal population in Palm Springs is estimated to be
approximately 74,000, an increase of approximately 66% over the permanent population. That population is currently accommodated in the City’s approximately 35,500 dwelling units.

Based upon Table 2-1, Land Use Plan , the City has a potential to generate a maximum of approximately 51,500 dwelling units within the City and Sphere of Influence boundaries by 2040. Using an average household size of 2.08 persons for single-family units and a household size of 1.78 for multi- family units, the City’s maximum population could reach approximately 95,500, assuming that 95% of the City’s housing units are occupied. If the City’s seasonal occupancy rate of 65% were applied instead of a 95% accompany rate, the projected permanent population would be approximately 65,340.

At the time of this update, almost 60 percent of available jobs within Palm Springs are categorized within three employment sectors:
retail, accommodation and food service, and health care and other services. In contrast, manufacturing and transportation represent only 15 percent of jobs within the City. The Land Use Plan includes enough capacity for employment to increase from approximately 28,000 jobs in 2020 to almost 60,000 jobs over the planning period.

Although the Land Use Plan can accommodate significant growth, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) anticipates approximately 28,000 households and 41,000 jobs in Palm Springs by 2035.
1 It is important to note that, since the City
has limited areas for future development, opportunities to address the jobs-housing balance are somewhat limited. Additional strategies that address housing needs and opportunities within Palm Springs can be found in the Housing Element.

1 Projections based upon draft 2024 Regi onal Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.

Item 2A - Page 49

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-3

DDISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED

COMMUNITIES
SB 244
Senate Bill 244 (SB 244) requires that cities include in their Land Use Elements identification and analysis of disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUC) within their spheres-of- influence. A DUC is defined as an inhabited and unincorporated community that includes 50 or more dwellings or registered voters (whichever is less)
2, and has an annual median household income
that is 80% or less than the statewide annual median household income.

PALM SPRINGS DUC
The Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is responsible for identifying DUCs in the Coachella Valley region and has determined that one (1) DUC exists in the Palm Springs sphere- of-influence.
3 Riverside LAFCO has identified three additional DUCs
that exist in close proximity to Palm Springs, but outside of the City’s sphere-of-influence. These include communities in the San Gorgonio (East and West) Area north of Palm Springs and in an area identified as south of Palm Springs/Alpine Village. For each identified community within a Ci ty’s sphere-of-influence, the General Plan must address the water, wastewater, storm water drainage, and structural fire protection needs or deficiencies. An analysis of Benefit Assessment Districts or other financing alternatives that could make the extension of such services to identified communities financially feasible must also be included.

The assessment summarized in this section and detailed in Appendix G is based on analysis included in an amendment to the Land Use Element adopted on January 15, 2014, and subsequent documentation.

The Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community identified within the Palm Springs sphere-of-influence is located at the southwest

2 Definition adopted by Riverside LAFCO, which modifies the definition set forth in SB 244.
3 Summary of Riverside County City DUCs, Riverside LAFCO. May 26, 2022.

Item 2A - Page 50

c o r n e r o f D i l l o n R o a d a n d N . I n d i a n C a n y o n D r i v e i n t h e unincorporated community of North Palm Springs. DUC boundaries are shown below.

The DUC includes approximately 80 mobile home units at the Carefree Mobile Home Park. Its annual median household income is $37,518 (2006-10 U.S. Census).

Domestic Water
The DUC is located within the service boundaries of the Mission Springs Water District (MSWD). The neighborhood has no known issues with its water supply or distribution system. The 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan identifies strategies for the continued reliability of its water supply. No needs or limitations in domestic water services for the DUC have been identified in the Urban Water Management Plan.

Wastewater
The DUC is located in the Mission Springs Water District service area. However , development in the DUC relies on septic systems for wastewater treatment. The DUC is lacking sewer services at this Item 2A - Page 51

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-5

time. In July 2012, MSWD completed a feasibility analysis for a proposed sewer extension to existing industrial development one (1) mile south of the DUC. However, it is unclear whether or when the proposed industrial sewer extension will occur. It is likely that future connection to MSWD's sewer system will be development driven and will occur as the area builds out.

Storm Water Management
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is responsible for regional flood management in the DUC area. In 2013, the District completed the "West Desert Hot Springs Master Drainage Plan" (MDP), wh ich addresses flood hazards in a broad area that includes the DUC. For the DUC, the MDP proposes installation of an 84-inch reinforced concrete pipe with suitable collection capabilities, located wi thin Dillon Road and extending from the westerly property boundary easterly to Mission Creek.

This would adequately protect the DUC from storm water flows from the north.

Currently, the DUC is lacking storm water protection facilities.

However, implementation of th e proposed improvements would provide adequate protection from regional flood hazards.

Structural Fire Protection
The Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) provides fire and emergency services to unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

The DUC is located within the service area of Riverside Co. Fire Station No. 36 at 11535 Karen Ave, approximately 3 miles northwest of the DUC. Additional support could be provided by two other Riverside Co. Fire Stations and Palm Springs Fire Department (PSFD) Station No. 3. The RCFD and PFSD have a mutual and automatic aid agreement that allows active support regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. The level of currently available fire protection services and facilities serving the DUC suggests that it has acceptable access to structural fire protection.

Financing Alternatives
The DUC is adequately served by domestic water and fire protection services. Special funding mechanisms for these services are not anticipated at this time.

Item 2A - Page 52

Development in the DUC is lacking connection to a sewer system.

MSWD has an ongoing program to connect existing residences currently on septic systems to sewe r collectors. Additionally, it is possible that development pressure in the DUC vicinity will bring with it a need to extend sewer services. MSWD has also pursued funding from sources such as State Water Bonds and regional and federal grants.

The need for storm water management facilities in the DUC is being addressed by the "West Desert Hot Springs Master Drainage Plan." Financing options to implement the plan could include assessment districts, Community Facilities Districts, or Capital Improvements Programs.

Should the DUC be annexed into the City of Palm Springs, the City will have the authority to fund capital improvements through its General Fund or Capital Improvem ent Program. A number of state and federal agencies periodically offer low interest lands and/or g r a n t s t o f u n d p u b l i c s e r v i ce improvements. The City, in cooperation with service providers, could apply for funding under these programs.

Item 2A - Page 53

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-7

SSPECIFIC PLANS
While the General Plan provides overall guidance for the physical development of the City, specific plans are used to provide more detailed regulatory guidance for special areas or large developments within the City. Spec ific Plans have been approved within the City of Palm Springs for the following areas: Section 14, Downtown Palm Springs, College Park, Canyon South and Desert Palisades, which are summarized below.

SECTION 14 SPECIFIC PLAN
The Section 14 Specific Plan, originally adopted in November 2004 and last amended in July 2014, provides the vision and
implementation measures to guid e the development of Section 14 of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. The approximately 640- acre planning area is located adjacent to Downtown Palm Springs and is surrounded by the City of Palm Springs on all sides. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians elected to work with the City to prepare the specific plan which pa ys particular attention to the unique characteristics of Section 14. The Land Use Contract signed in 1977 designated the City of Palm Springs as the Tribe’s agent to enforce land use regulations on the Reservation within the City’s boundaries.

DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS SPECIFIC PLAN
Adopted in April 2016, the Downtown Palm Springs Specific Plan builds upon the 2009 Museum Mark et Plaza Specific Plan and the vision of Downt own P alm Springs described in both the Gener al Plan and the Downtown Design Guidelines. The Specific Plan addresses both design considerations and land use guidance for Downtown Palm Springs, with a planning area that encompasses

20.15 acres. The Specific Plan arti culates a vision for retail and office commercial space, public pl azas, professional office space, and residential development to bring life back to the center of Palm Springs.

Item 2A - Page 54

CCOLLEGE PARK SPECIFIC PLAN
The College Park Specific Plan , adopted in December 2010, encompasses approximately 510 acres in the northern portion of the City of Palm Springs. It is envisioned as a master plan to facilitate and coordinate the development of the College of the Desert – West Valley Campus with adjacent and ne arby lands. The Specific Plan addresses existing development including the Mountain Gate, Desert Highland, and Gateway Estates neighborhoods, a diversity of multi-family development, and commercial and industrial uses.

However, as of this update, the Co llege of the Desert is no longer anticipated to locate at a site in the Specific Plan area.

CANYON SOUTH SPECIFIC PLAN
The Canyon South Specific Plan was adopted in July 2003 and subsequently amended in Janu ary 2017. The Specific Plan consolidated several previous planning efforts to develop the land.

The project area is located in the southern portion of the City, with the entire planning that encompasses approximately 721 acres. The Specific Plan contains four distinct components which include the golf course redesign and clubho use remodeling; the hotel and spa construction; existing and proposed residential development; and conservation/open space.

The 2017 amendment amended to Sp ecific Plan to designate the Oswit Cone as Planning Area 10 of the Environmentally Sensitive Area Specific Plan land use desi gnation (ESA-SP). The designation provides for greater preservation of open space.

DESERT PALISADES SPECIFIC PLAN
The Desert Palisades Specific Plan, adopted in January 2011, set forth detailed development principles and programs to regulate the development of the Desert Palisades community. The planning area is located within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and in Planning Area 4 of the ESA-SP Zo ne on the Chino Cone. The Plan proposes a single-family residential community consisting of a maximum of 110 custom home sites on 100+/- net acres.

Item 2A - Page 55

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-9

GGENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Land use categories are provided to define the type, density, and intensity of development in any partic ular area of the City. It is not the intent of the General Plan th at all the development within the City be uniform in type. For example, within residential development, a mixture of dwelling types is not only possible, but desirable. The mixture could include single-family detached units, townhouses, and some higher density units that may be
condominiums or apartments. The critical issue related to development is the relationship between the different intensities of use and the surrounding neighborhood context, including open spaces and amenities that exist or should be provided to service those uses. It is, for example, important that higher density residential uses be located near parks, convenience shopping areas, and transit, where the residents can easily access and enjoy those neighborhood facilities.

The following section describes in further detail each of the land uses identified on the Land Use Plan (Figures 2-2 and 2-3) and the standards associated with each.

Each of the land use designations is implemented by a correlating set of zoning designations described in the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

It should be noted that there need not be an equal number of land use designations and zoning classi fications. In many instances, multiple zoning classifications may be consistent with a single General Plan land use designation.

Each of the residential land use designations includes a range of allowable densities. The maximum density signifies the maximum number of dwelling units per gross acre that are allowed in each residential area. For example, the Very Low Density Residential designation allows a range of 2.1–4.0 dwelling units per gross acre.

The lower threshold figure for each of these categories represents a minimum amount of development a llowed, provided that all other required conditions can be met, and the higher figure represents a potential maximum amount of development that could be located in each area. Additional residential development density is allowed in Mixed Use areas for projects that provide a specified number of units as affordable housing.

Item 2A - Page 56

Notwithstanding any other density limit to the contrary, any structure which is lawfully being used as a hotel, motel or other form of transient lodging, but which was originally constructed as and used as an apartment, apartment hotel, or similar use may, by obtaining a conditional use permit as further provided by the Palm Springs Zoning Code, revert the current hotel, motel or transient lodging use back to an apartment use, and may operate the same number of apartment units on the site as the number of apartment units originally approved for development on the site.

Building intensities for nonresidential uses are measured by floor area ratio (FAR). FAR is the ratio of the total net floor area of a building to the total lot area and describes the intensity of the use on a site. FAR is noted as the maximum ratio allowed for each associated designation. FAR calculations do not include areas within parking structures or outdoor open storage areas. Figure 2- 1 illustrates the FAR calculation concept.

Actual density (residential uses) and FAR (nonresidential uses) calculations are determined on a parcel-specific basis. Density and FAR are based on adjusted gross acreage, or net acreage, which takes out acres associated with ri ght-of-way for streets and other requisite infrastructure.

Site considerations, such as topography or location, and City policies and regulations, such as development standards in the Zoning Code, may place additional requirements on a property that could prevent the site from achieving the maximum density or intensity established within this General Plan.

Item 2A - Page 57

LLANDD USEE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-11
Figure 2-1 Sample Floor Area Ratio
Building covers 50 percent
(21,780 sq. ft.) of parcel and is
only one story high.

Building covers 25 percent
(10,890 sq. ft.) of parcel, but is
two stories high.

Building covers 16.6 percent
(7,260 sq. ft.) of parcel and is
now three stories high.

Floor Area Ratio Example (FAR = 0.50): On a one-acre parcel (43,560 sq. ft.), a maximum FAR of 0.50 equates to a total building area of 21,780 sq. ft., in either a 1-, 2-, or 3-story configuration (43,560 sq. ft. multiplied by 0.50 equals 21,780 sq. ft.).

Note how coverage (building footprint) varies significantly as the building height changes to yield an identical FAR.

Item 2A - Page 58

RRESIDENTIALL LANDD USESS
Estate Residential (0–2.0 dwelling units per acre). The Estate Residential designation provides for the development of large-lot, single-family residences that are custom in design. This designation is predominantly located in areas adjacent to the City’s hillsides, reflecting the natural and environmental constraints that must be addressed there. Minimum lot sizes are generally 20,000 square feet in this designation.

Very Low Density Residential (2.1–4.0 dwelling units per acre).

The Very Low Density Residential is the most prevalent land use designation within the City, representing typical single-family detached residential development. Lot sizes in this land use designation generally range from 8,500 to 16,500 square feet.

Low Density Residential (4.1–6.0 dwelling units per acre).

Similar to the Very Low Density Residential designation, the Low Density Residential designation also represents “typical” single- family detached residential development. This designation accommodates typical lot sizes ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 square feet.

Medium Density Residential (6.1–15.0 dwelling units per acre).

This residential land use category accommodates a range of residential housing types, including single-family attached, single- family detached, patio homes, duplexes, townhomes, multiple- family, and mobile home projects. Hotels and motels are also permitted that are consistent with the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhoods and do not create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding residential neighborhood.

High Density Residential (15.1–30 dwelling units per acre) .

Typical development in this category would include duplexes, townhomes, and apartments. Hotels and motels are also permitted if they are consistent with the design and character of the surrounding neighborhoods and do not create significant adverse impacts to the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Medium Density Residential
Estate Residential
Item 2A - Page 59

LLANDD USEE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-13

CCOMMERCIALL
Tourist Resort Commercial (0.35 FAR for stand-alone
commercial uses; 43 hotel rooms per net acre; 86 rooms per net acre on Tribal Land). This land use designation provides for large-scale resort hotels and timeshares including a broad range of convenience, fitness, spa, retail, and entertainment uses principally serving tourists. Commercial recreation and entertainment facilities, such as convention centers, museums, indoor and outdoor theatres, and water parks are included in this designation, but should be designed to be compatible with neighboring
development. Tourist Resort Commercial facilities are most appropriate in the Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Drive corridors. It is intended that the primary use in any Tourist Resort Commercial area shall be hotel/tourist-related uses; if residential uses are proposed within the Tourist Resort Commercial
Designation (timeshares, condominiums, etc.) they shall be a secondary use ancillary to the proposed hotel uses for each area and shall not exceed a maximum of 30 dwelling units per acre.

Small Hotel Resort Commercial (10 dwelling units per acre).

This designation applies to areas with smaller-scale, boutique type hotels that are typically found in the Warm Sands and Historic Tennis Club neighborhoods. It is intended that the small hotel character of these neighborhoods be preserved; as a result, new residential uses or conversion of small hotels to residential uses are permitted as long as they comply with the conversion requirements outlined within the City’s Zoning Code. If damaged or remodeled, existing properties (defined as constructed prior to the adoption of this General Plan update) in this designation that exceed 10 dwelling units per acre may be rebuilt to their historic density and will not be considered non-conforming so long as they are rebuilt at the same scale as the original structures and meet design and massing criteria compatible with the surrounding area. Stand-alone retail and commercial uses are not permitted in this land use designation. Ancillary commercial uses associated with a small hotel use are allowed.

Neighborhood/Community Commercial (0.35 FAR). Areas
designated as Neighborhood/Community Commercial provide an opportunity for convenience commercial uses that serve adjacent residential neighborhoods. The commercial opportunities created under this designation are intended to be an integrated element of Tourist Resort Commercial
Item 2A - Page 60

the neighborhood, providing to nearby residents services such as dry cleaners, grocery stores, bakeries, bank and post office branches, bookstores, drugstores, and smaller-scale restaurants.

Harmonious relationships between these commercial uses and adjacent residential uses shall be achieved through compatibility of site design, building scale, pathways and circulation design, and architectural treatment of structures.

Regional Commercial (0.50 FAR). Regional Commercial areas are intended to provide for large-scale commercial uses that serve an area larger than the City boundaries. Allowable uses typically include department stores, theatres, and restaurants. Uses such as automobile dealerships that have a regional draw are also included in this land use designation. These uses are generally located in areas that will benefit from a higher level of exposure to residents located outside of the City, such as properties located on Ramon Road adjacent to the City limits and selected properties adjacent to the I-10.

MMIXEDD USEE
Central Business District (1.0 FAR; 21–30 dwelling units per acre). Bounded approximately by Ramon Road, Calle Encilia, Alejo Road and Belardo Road, the Centra l Business District designation allows for a mix of commercial, re sidential, and office uses at a higher concentration, density, and intensity than in other areas of the City. The CBD serves as the main activity center and cultural core of the community and, as such, theatres, museums, retail, and other entertainment venues are encouraged here. Uses such as grocery stores, small scale hardware stores, and convenience or pharmacy stores that provide services to the Downtown’s residential population in a mix of national and regional chain stores with local businesses are also encouraged. Wholesale and warehousing uses are among the uses discouraged, consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan. The Central Business District is subdivided into zones or areas that provide for diversity in development standards and land use intensities. These subareas are defined in Appendix A, Downtown Urban Design Plan . Examples include the gateways into Downtown, Downtown Central Co re, and the Downtown Outer Core. The Downtown Central Core (roughly bounded by Amado Road, Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, and Indian Canyon Drive) and the Gateway areas (at roughly the north and south ends of the CBD) may be developed with a maximum FAR of 3.5. If Central Business District
Item 2A - Page 61

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-15

projects in these areas provide subs tantial public spaces or plazas, an F AR of up to 4.0 may be developed upon approval of a Specific Plan. The Downtown Central Core may also accommodate up to 70 dwelling units per acre for residential or hotel uses if a Specific Plan is prepared and approved. Mixed use residential projects contributing at least 20% of the proposed units towards meeting the City’s affordable housing goals may developed at a maximum density of 70 dwelling units per acre and an FAR of up to 4.0. For existing buildings that propose upper-floor residential use, there shall be no minimum density th reshold required. The minimum density threshold may be lowered from 21 to 10 dwelling units per acre for new mixed-use projects provided that at least 75% of the frontage on the major thoroughfares is public serving commercial use.

Mixed-Use (Maximum of 15 dwelling units per acre for
residential uses and a maximum 0.50 FAR for nonresidential uses). Uses intended in these areas include community-serving retail commercial, professional offices, service businesses, restaurants, daycare centers, public and quasi-public uses.

Residential development at a maximum density of 15 units per acre is permitted; housing projects contributing at least 20% of the units as affordable, towards meeting the City’s affordable housing goals may allow residential densities up to 30 du/acre, or as permitted by the Density Bonus provisions of the Zoning Code. Mixing of uses can occur vertically within a building or horizontally within a mixed-use area. Descriptions of the function and preferred mix of uses in each of the City’s eight mixed-use areas can be found on pages 2-37 through 2-43 of the Land Use Element.

SSPECIAL POLICY AREAS
Special Policy Area designations have been applied in three areas of the City: the Chino Cone, Palm Hills, and Oswit Cone (Canyon and Alluvial Fan). Due to the environm ental and visual importance of these three areas, projects propos ed within any of these Special Policy Areas must be of superior design, demonstrate integration with existing natural features and landforms, be sensitive to biological resources of the site, and create a more desirable living environment than could be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements.

Additional information related to
the location and desired mix of
uses in each mixed-use area can
be found on page 2-37 of this
element.

Item 2A - Page 62

Development densities in the Chino Cone and Oswit Cone are one dwelling unit per forty acres (1 du/40 ac). Development applications in excess of this de nsity may be considered with the submittal of a Specific Plan and its associated environmental documentation, which would, by action, establish a general plan amendment. In all cases, development within the Chino Cone and Oswit Cone Special Policy Areas must be consistent with the Environmentally Sensitive Development Areas Specific Plan Ordinance (ESA-SP) in the Palm Springs Zoning Code.

The Palm Hills Special Policy Area allows residential and resort development at a maximum of 1 dwelling unit/hotel unit per acre, not to exceed a total of 1,200 units. Any development proposed in the Palm Hills area will require th e preparation of a Specific Plan and a related environmental impact report.

EEMPLOYMENT CENTERS (OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL)
Office (0.35 FAR) . This land use designation allows for the development of office uses such as executive, administrative and clerical offices, medical offices, and small office centers. Retail uses i n t h i s d i s t r i c t s h o u l d b e l i m i t e d t o u s e s d i r e c t l y r e l a t e d t o o f f i c e operations such as restaurants, office supply stores, and pharmacies associated with a medical building. Hotels may be permitted when appropriately integrated into a business or corporate park.

Industrial (0.50 FAR) . Industrial uses typically include research and development parks, light manufacturing, laboratories, and industrial services. Retail commercial uses and offices shall be allowed as ancillary uses to the industrial use to encourage projects that are self-sustaining. Industrial development is not a primary use within the City, and any industrial use proposed should not detract from the City’s desire to be a premier resort community. Industrial uses adjacent to the airport that are customarily incidental to the operation of an airport and airport-related businesses and activities are also included in this designation. New and expanded industrial uses within the City will expand the City’s job base and are therefore important to the City’s overall economic vitality and balance of land use.

Airport. Uses that are reasonably necessary for the proper operation of the Palm Springs International Airport. The Palm Springs Airport Master Plan and Riverside County Airport Land Use Item 2A - Page 63

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-17

Compatibility Master Plan shall serve as the primary regulatory documents for airport facilities and related uses.

Regional Business Center (Industrial – 0.50 FAR, Office – 0.35 FAR, Commercial – 0.50 FAR). Generally located at the Indian Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail interchanges north of the Southern Pacific Railroad and adjacent to I-10, the Regional Business Center area is intended to accommodate a wide variety of business activities in a multi-use environment. The RBC will provide job opportunities for the residents of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Commercial, office, and industrial uses that can be supported by their proximity to the freeway are encouraged in this area. Uses in this area are intended to provide large-scale development opportunities that serve an area larger than the City proper . Commercial uses can include retail establishments, hotels, automobile dealerships, and other uses that serve a regional population. Business parks and industrial uses are also envisioned under this land use designation. It is envisioned that, over time as market forces demand, additional areas north of the railroad, south of I-10 from Hwy. 111 to Gene Autry Trail may also convert to RBC uses, provided that the appropriate environmental analyses have been conducted and the appropriate infrastructure is provided.

IINSTITUTIONAL (SCHOOLS/PUBLIC USES/UTILITIES)
Public/Quasi-public (0.35 FAR). This designation includes government offices and corporatio n yards, hospitals, City-owned museums, cemeteries, and libraries . The public/quasi-public uses identified on the Land Use Map predominantly reflect existing uses that are located throughout the City to effectively serve the community. Public/quasi-public uses comprise a relatively small component of the City’s total land area.

Public/Utilities. Multiple utilities and service providers operate within the City of Palm Springs. This land use designation applies to facilities such as water storage tanks, sewage treatment facilities and electrical substations.

School. The School designation applies to existing public schools and private schools at the elementa ry, junior high, and high school levels. Facilities that conduct courses at the collegiate level are also included in this designation. The Land Use Plan identifies existing school facilities and areas that provide future higher education land use opportunities.

Item 2A - Page 64

The School land use designation may also include developed open space for playfields, recreational and physical education activities as well as open space that is part of the development of an educational based campus.

OOPENN SPACEE
Open Space–Conservation (1 dwelling unit per 20 acres).

Conservation areas are mainly designated for gently sloping areas of scenic beauty (such as hillsides) and natural landforms (such as alluvial fans) that should be preserved to maintain the City’s unique character. This designation is typically applied in areas that have slope ranges of 10 to 30 percent. Residential uses are permitted as an incidental use in this area, at a maximum density of one unit per 20 acres. The Conservation designation is generally located in the non-mountainous open space areas south of I-10 and north of the Whitewater Wash. Much of this area is located within the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP).

Mountain (1 dwelling unit per 40 acres). Mountain areas are generally defined as the sloping areas located above the toe of the slope. Mountain areas generally consist of steep slopes. Any areas in parcels in excess of a 30 percent slope may not be used for development or for purposes of calculating density except for purposes of density transfer where two conditions are present.

First, a portion of the subject pa rcel also lies within an area designated for residential use or is otherwise suitable for residential development, and all the extra units allowed can be appropriately placed in these areas. Second, the area not used for residential development is dedicated for open space purposes to the City of Palm Springs or ot her appropriate accepting agency approved by the City. Off-site density transfer may also be allowed if it can be demonstrated that the additional density can be absorbed by the host site. Density transfers shall be subject to the approval of a development ag reement. This designation is very similar to the Open Space–Conservation designation except that residential densities within this area are one dwelling unit per 40 acres.

Desert (1 dwelling unit per 10 acres). This designation is intended to identify areas to be retained to protect natural, scenic, and wildlife resources unique to Palm Springs and to identify areas Toe of Slope: The base or bottom
of a slope at the point where the
ground surface abruptly changes to
a significantly flatter grade.

Mountain
Item 2A - Page 65

LLANDD USEE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-19
where minimal development is desired to protect people and property from environmental hazards such as blowsand associated with the undeveloped desert floor areas. Residential development in this area is permitted if it does not exceed 1 unit per 10 acres and is incidental to the overall desert use. Cluster development is encouraged to respond to the environmental sensitivity of the area.

Other permitted uses in this land use designation include recreational facilities and public facilities that comply with the intent of the goals and policies identified in the General Plan. Where mineral deposits are present or are found within areas designated for Desert land use, mineral extraction is permitted, provided that appropriate buffers are established to minimize conflicts between residential and mining uses and the appropriate environmental analysis has been conducted. Renewable energy uses may also be permitted, if located on existing mining sites outside the boundaries of the Palm Springs International Airport Influence Area, and provided the necessary environmental analysis has occurred.

Open Space–Parks/Recreation. This designation is used for regional, local, and neighborhood parks, community centers, public and private golf courses, and any recreational facility operated by a public or quasi-public agency. These areas are intended for “active” recreational uses.

Open Space–Water . Areas designated as Open Space–Water are reserved for flood control or drai nage facilities only. Properties under this designation fall within the 100-year flood zone as established by the adoption of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps and are subject to sporadic flooding and other hazards. No habitable structures are permitted within these areas.

Open Space Water
Item 2A - Page 66

OOVERLAYY AREASS
Watercourse Zone Overlay. The Watercourse Zone Overlay is intended to reflect land uses located within a watercourse area that have either been developed under the provisions of a hold-harmless agreement with the City, releasing it from any liability for damage incurred due to flood waters, or it is a property that is no longer classified as a fringe area of a 100-year flood. The overlay represents the path of the wa tercourse, but allows for the underlying uses to coexist within the flood designation.

Energy Overlay . Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) are permitted in areas designated with this overlay classification. These areas are predominantly located within areas designated as Desert, Industrial, or Open Space–Water on the General Plan Land Use map.

Industrial and clean energy uses in these areas may occupy up to 15 percent of the total acreage located within the industrial and regional business center land uses. The Energy Overlay can be found on Figure 2-3.

Energy Overlay
Item 2A - Page 67

LLAND USE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-21
Table 2-1
Residential Buildout Estimates
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Estimated
Density
(units/acre) Acres 1
Dwelling
Units
Persons per2
Household Population3
Hotel
Rooms
Residential
Estate Residential (0–2 du/ac) 1.5 1,582 2,373 2.08 4,690 Very Low (2.1–4.0 du/ac) 3.5 2,789 9,763 2.08 19,292
Low (4.1–6.0 du/ac)4 5.25 1,006 5,282 2.08 10,436
Medium (6.1–15 du/ac)5, 6 10.0 1,418 14,185 2.08/1.78 26,008 High (15.1–30 du/ac)7 20.0 585 12,241 1.78 20,699 3,035 Subtotal 7,380 43,843 81,125 3,035
Mixed Use
Mixed-Use 12.0 309 1,541 2.08/1.78 2,717 57
Central Business District (CBD)8 varies 112 1,399 2.08/1.78 2,440 635 Subtotal 421 2,940 5,157 692
Open Space
Mountain (1 du/40.0 ac)9 0.025 51,793 738 2.08 1,457
Conservation (1 du/20.0 ac) 0.05 1,283 64 2.08 127
Desert (1 du/10.0 ac) 0.10 4,352 435 2.08 860
Subtotal 57,428 1,237 2,444
Other
Special Policy Areas10 varies 4,528 2,672 2.08 5,279 923 Small Hotel 10.0 65 487 1.78 823 487
Tourist Resort Commercial 20.0 536 1.78 624 8,034
Right-of-Way Acreage 2,993
Railroad 307
Subtotal 7,893 3,159 6,726 1,424
TOTAL 73,658 51,547 95,452 13,171
Notes:
1 The acreages include properties located within the Sphere of Influence and do not include streets. 2 Single-family persons per household (2.08) taken from the California Department of Finance (2004) estimates. Multifamily perso ns per household (1.78) based upon 2007 General Plan estimates.
3 A 5 percent vacancy rate is assumed for population.
4 Assumes the construction of 850 accessory dwelling units (ADU). 5 It is assumed that half of the units in the Medium Density Land Use designation will be single-family and half of the units will be multifamily. 6 The assumed densities for select parcels have been adjusted to align with the projection for low-moderate income sites identified in the 6th Cycle Housing element. 7 The High Density Land Use designation allows hotels up to 43 rooms per acre; 30 rooms per acre were assumed for areas outside of Section 14. 8 Portions of the CBD fall within the Section 14 Specific Plan and were calculated to correspond with the number of units permit ted by the Specific Plan. Additionally, the number of units projected in the CBD considered the varying heights and intensities permitted at the gateways into Downtown and within the Downtown core. 9 Dwelling unit total accounts for areas that are not developable due to the presence of slopes steeper than 30 percent. 10 Special Polic y Areas are applied to the Chino Cone, Oswit Cone and Palm Hills areas. The density, number of units, and types of uses vary in each area.

Item 2A - Page 68

Table 2-2
Nonresidential Land Buildout Estimates
Proposed General Plan
Land Use Designation
Estimated Intensity
(FAR) 1 Acres2 Square Footage Hotel Rooms
Commercial
Regional Commercial 0.28 171 2,084,566
Neighborhood Community Commercial 0.25 187 2,034,627
Tourist Resort Commercial 0.28 536 4,256,929 8,034
Mixed Use
Mixed-Use Varies 309 2,191,899 57
Central Business District 3 Varies 112 1,808,277 635
Employment Centers
Regional Business Center4 Varies 596 6,368,360
Office 0.25 72 788,539
Industrial 0.23 2,497 11,638,620
Airport 0.05 655 1,425,880
Institutional
Public/Quasi-Public 0.35 129 1,965,005
School N/A 217 N/A
Public Utilities N/A 118 N/A
Open Space
Open Space – Parks & Recreation N/A 1,336 N/A
Open Space – Water N/A 7,692 N/A
TOTAL 14,627 35,950,954 8,7265
Notes:
1 FAR = Floor Area Ratio.
2 The acreages include properties located within the Sphere of Influence and do not include streets. 3 The Central Business District contains a mix of both commercial and office uses; assumptions are tailored for each sub-area. 4 The Regional Business Center uses are a mix of commercial (25 percent), office (15 percent), and industrial (60 percent) uses. The maximum amount of development on any property within the RBC may be affected by the Wind Energy Overlay, which only allows 15 percent of the acreage of a property to be developed with uses other than wind energy facilities.
5 Overall, the General Plan land uses will accommodate 13,171 total hotel rooms (total of hotel rooms allowed in residential and nonresidential land uses).

Item 2A - Page 69

ALEJO RD

SUNRISE WAY
SPALM
CANYON
DR

E TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY

GENEAUTRYTRL
CAM
INO
REAL

RAMON RD

E VISTA CHINO

SAN RAFAEL DR

FARRELL DR

TA C HEVA H D R

N INDIAN CANYON DR

MESQUITE AVE

E PALM CANYON DR

BOGE RT TRL

EL CIELO RD
SH-111

RACQUET CLUB RD

DILLON RD

DINAH SHOREDR
20TH AVE

PA L M D R

GARNET AVE

CATHEDRAL
CITY

DESERT HOT

SPRINGS

RANCHO MIRAGE
10 10
62 111
111
111
111
Palm Springs City Limits
Palm Springs Sphere of Influence
Adjacent City Limits
Specific Plan
Railroad
Proposed General Plan Land Use
ER Estate Residential (0 - 2.0 du/ac)
VLDR Very Low Density Residential (2.1 - 4.0 du/ac)
LDR Low Density Residential (4.1 - 6.0 du/ac)
MDR Medium Density Residential (6.1 - 15.0 du/ac)
HDR High Density Residential (15.1 - 30.0 du/ac)
SH Small Hotel
TRC Tourist Resort Commercial
NCC Neighborhood/Community Commercial
CBD Central Business District
RC Regional Commercial
MU Mixed Use
O Office
IND Industrial
RBC Regional Business Center
P/QP Public/Quasi-Public
Sch School
P/U Public/Utilities
A Airport
OS-M Open Space Mountain (1 du/40 ac)
OS-C Open Space Conservation (1 du/20 ac)
OS-D Open Space Desert (1 du/10 ac)
OS-P Open Space Parks/Recreation
OS-W Open Space Water
SPA Special Policy Area
RR Railroad
Energy Overlay
Watercourse Overlay
012 0.5
Miles
Palm Springs General Plan
08 , 0 0 0 4,000
Feet
Date: 7/11/2024
General Plan Land Use
Figure 2-2
Detail Map Extent
Item 2A - Page 70

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Item 2A - Page 71

SUNRISE WAY
VIA
M

ONTEVISTA

S AVENIDA CABALLEROS

ALEJO RD

S INDIAN CANYON DR

S PALM CANYON DR

N INDIAN CANYON DR

E TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY

ARABYDR

GENEAUTRYTRL
CAMINO
REAL

RAMON RD

W VISTA CHINO

CROSSLEY RD

N PALM CANYON DR

MURRAY CANYON DR

E VISTA CHINO

SAN RAFAEL DR

FARRELL DR

TA C HEVA H D R

MESQUITE AVE

LA VERNE WAY

BARONA RD

E PALM CANYON DR

BOGERT TRL

EL CIELO RD

PEREZ RD

N AVENIDA CABALLEROS
SH-111

RACQUET CLUB RD

HERMOSA DR

DINAH SHORE DR

CATHEDRAL CANYON DR

BELARDO RD

GOLFCLUBDR

VISTA CHINO

CATHEDRAL
CITY
RANCHO
MIRAGE
A
CBD
CBD
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ERER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
HDR
HDR
HDRHDR
HDR
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HDR
HDR
HDR
HDR
HDR
IND
IND
IND
IND
IND
IND
IND
IND
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LDR
LDR
LDR
LDR
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MDR
MDR

MDR MDR
MDR
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MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
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MDR
MU
MU
MU
MU
MU
MU
MU
MU
NCC
NCC
NCC

NCC NCC
NCC
NCC
O
O
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O
O
OS-C
OS-C
OS-D
OS-D
OS-M
OS-M
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
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OS-P
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OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W

OS-W OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
P/QP
P/QP
P/QP
P/QP
P/QP
P/U
P/U
P/U
P/U
P/U
RBC
RC
RC
Sch
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SH
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TRC

TRCTRCTRC
TRC
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VLDR
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VLDR VLDR
VLDR
VLDR
VLDR
VLDR
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VLDR
VLDR
SPA - Oswit Cone SPA - Palm Hills
SPA - Chino Cone
10 111
111
111
Palm Springs City Limits
Palm Springs Sphere of Influence
Adjacent City Limits
Specific Plan
Railroad
Proposed General Plan Land Use
ER Estate Residential (0 - 2.0 du/ac)
VLDR Very Low Density Residential (2.1 - 4.0 du/ac)
LDR Low Density Residential (4.1 - 6.0 du/ac)
MDR Medium Density Residential (6.1 - 15.0 du/ac)
HDR High Density Residential (15.1 - 30.0 du/ac)
SH Small Hotel
TRC Tourist Resort Commercial
NCC Neighborhood/Community Commercial
CBD Central Business District
RC Regional Commercial
MU Mixed Use
O Office
IND Industrial
RBC Regional Business Center
P/QP Public/Quasi-Public
Sch School
P/U Public/Utilities
A Airport
OS-M Open Space Mountain (1 du/40 ac)
OS-C Open Space Conservation (1 du/20 ac)
OS-D Open Space Desert (1 du/10 ac)
OS-P Open Space Parks/Recreation
OS-W Open Space Water
SPA Special Policy Area
RR Railroad
Energy Overlay
Watercourse Overlay
01 0.5
Miles
Palm Springs General Plan
0 3,000 6,0001,500
Feet
Date: 7/11/2024
General Plan Land Use Detail
Key Map
Figure 2-3
Item 2A - Page 72

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Item 2A - Page 73

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-27

GGOALS AND POLICIES
For the General Plan to be a successful and useable guide for the City of Palm Springs, it must contain clearly written goals, policies, and implementing actions. The Land Use Element’s goals and policies are described here, while a separate table of Implementation Programs lists specific actions that should be pursued to implement each goal and policy. It is intend ed that this General Plan support the City’s goals with meaningful and achievable direction identified within each action item. Identifying the actions in a separate document approved with the General Plan (but not incorporated in it) will allow the City to update the actions as part of the City’s annual strategic planning efforts without warranting an amendment to the General Plan each time. It is important to note that additional land use direction is provided within the other General Plan Elements, the zoning code, and redevelopment plans.

BALANCE OF LAND USES
Because it is both a resort city and a year-round place of residency for so many people, the balance of land uses in Palm Springs is particularly delicate. The City strives to achieve a balance of land uses that accommodate visitor-serving uses while preserving and enhancing the quality of life of its residents. It seeks to maintain retail development for both popula tions, a wide range of housing options, and job-generating industrial, commercial, and office uses, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of its neighborhoods.

Achieving a balance of land uses also means establishing land uses that provide a strong fiscal foundation for the City. In terms of an economic base, Palm Springs is primarily a resort city, whose future depends on climate, access, cultural, recreational opportunities, and retail opportunities. While many businesses in the City provide retail services to the tourist population, it is equally important that the City’s year-round population is well served. Where long strips of disjointed commercial uses exist along major thoroughfares, the City continues to encourage midblock/corridor residential uses to satisfy housing demand, provide a growing market for retail uses and enhance opportunities for residents to access goods and services without use of an automobile.

Bridge Policies
When the General Plan was
comprehensively updated in 2007,
a series of policies and policy
direction at a level of detail that is
normally reserved for development
standards found in the City’s
Zoning Ordinance were included
as “bridge policies” in Appendix E
until the time that they could be
incorporated into the Zoning
Ordinance.

Because they have not yet been
incorporated into the Zoning
Ordinance at the time of this
update, these “bridge policies”
remain in effect. Once the Zoning
Ordinance has been revised to
include them, they will be removed
from the General Plan document.

Item 2A - Page 74

The City has a limited amount of in dustrial areas, the majority of which are located along I-10 or adjacent to the airport. These job centers are characterized by low-intensity industrial development consisting primarily of administrative, light manufacturing, wholesaling, warehousing and distribution, and other industrial uses typically permitted within business park environments. Larger parcels within designated industrial land use areas are encouraged to implement comprehensive plans that incorporate architectural guidelines, convenient access, and on-site recreational and commercial space.

Portions of the City north of I-10 contain wind energy facilities, commercial uses, light and medium intensity industrial uses, and a natural-gas-fueled power plant. Wind turbine generators create significant amounts of clean renewable energy, which benefits Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Va lley. This land, together with adjacent county land, is generally considered to be one of the two best locations for wind energy production in the world. These facilities are located away from the City center, avoiding noise impacts to existing and future residents, and also serve as a unique tourist attraction.

Wind energy facilities also co-exist with industrial uses adjacent to I-10 and are an excellent example of how the integration of compatible uses can provide multiple benefits, such as energy resources and job-generating uses. Additional opportunities to expand wind, solar , and other renewable resources, as well as co- generation and clean natural-gas-fueled generating resources are encouraged by the City. In addition, new advances in wind energy facilities should be examined to determine if additional opportunities exist to allow commercial and industrial
development to co-exist with wind energy facilities to an even greater degree than they do now.

Providing accessible open space, recreation, cultural and educational opportunities is also extremely important for the City’s future. Residents and businesses could benefit from the presence of a college campus or satellite university to provide local learning and training opportunities that are currently offered elsewhere. To assist in developing an educated and skilled workforce for the businesses in Palm Springs the addi tion of a large-scale learning facility would be an asset to the economic and educational welfare of the community. Such a use is envisioned in the Mixed-Use area Item 2A - Page 75

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-29

bounded by Tahquitz Canyon Way, Farrell Drive, Baristo Road and Sunrise Way, the former site of the Palm Springs Mall.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Conservation Element addresses in further detail the amount and location of public, private, active, and passive parkland available within the City and areas where additional parkland is recommended.

GGOAL LU1:

A balanced pattern of land uses that complements the location and character of existing uses, offers opportunities for the intensification of key targeted sites, enhances environmental sustainability, and has positive economic results.

Policies
LU1.1 Ensure that development meets or exceeds requirements and standards specified within each land use designation.

LU1.2 Concentrate development to protect open space and natural habitat areas.

LU1.3 Ensure that new land use projects are built with adequate utility and municipal infrastr ucture capacity to support them.

LU1.4 Promote the expansion of existing facilities or the introduction of new uses that complement the location
and character of existing uses, intensify key targeted sites, maximize environmental sustainability, and have positive economic results.

LU1.5 Support projects of societal benefit or revenue generation through incentives in the entitlement process.

LU1.6 Require new construction to mitigate impacts on the City’s housing, schools, public open space, childcare
facilities, and other public needs.

LU1.7 Ensure that development is sensitive to natural features, including washes, hillsides, and geologic features.

LU1.8 Encourage, where appropriate, high density and high intensity projects to maximize the use of land.

Item 2A - Page 76

LU1.9 Sensitively integrate into the community required land uses such as transportation corridors, flood control
systems, utility corridors, and recreational corridors.

LU1.10 Establish Palm Springs as a leader of land use
development practices that contribute to the
sustainability and stewardship of environmental
resources including air quality protection, energy and
water efficiency, natural resource conservation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and resilience to the
impacts of climate change.

GGOAL LU2:

The City maintains its unique “modern urban village”
atmosphere and preserves the rich historical, architectural, recreational, and environmental quality while pursuing
community and business development goals.

Policies
LU2.1 Preserve the character of selected areas of the City.

LU2.2 Require that projects that propose to convert open space areas that are designated “Open Space –
Parks/Recreation” to developable areas (for residential, commercial, etc.) offer in-kind replacement of such open space elsewhere in the City, make payment of in-lieu fees, or replace the converted open space through the use of
density transfer.

LU2.3 Renovate or replace deteriorating structures through code enforcement.

LU2.4 Utilize lot consolidation and mixed-use development to reduce fragmentation of parcels and to facilitate infill development.

LU2.5 Require that new development be designed to
complement the City’s “modern urban village”
atmosphere and unique neighborhoods.

Density Transfer: A mechanism
that allows the relocation of
potential development from an
area where proposed land uses
or environmental impacts are
considered undesirable to another
site chosen on the basis of its
ability to accommodate additional
units of development beyond its
original designation. In Palm
Springs, this tool could be used to
intensify residential and commer-
cial uses in the Central City and to
minimize development in sensitive
areas such as the mountains and
hillsides.

A density transfer is also known as
a “transfer of development rights,”
or TDR.

For additional policies related to
sustainable land use practices, see
the Safety, Circulation, Air Quality
and Recreation, Open Space and
Conservation Elements.

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GGOAL LU3:

A desert community with high-quality industrial and business park development.

Policies
LU3.1 Require well-planned research and development areas and business parks through design guidelines that
support enhanced amenities such as pedestrian
connectivity, sustainable landscaping and clear
wayfinding.

LU3.2 Expand and revitalize industrial uses within the City through appropriate development incentives in targeted
areas.

LU3.3 Prohibit the development of manufacturing uses that operate in a manner or use materials that may impose a
danger on adjacent uses or are harmful to the
environment.

LU3.4 Accommodate assembly, se rvice, commercial, research, and office facilities as a secondary use in industrial areas.

LU3.5 Encourage small-scale manufacturing uses that support tourism- and design-related uses.

LU3.6 Work with the Chamber of Commerce and other business promotion groups within the City to attract new industrial businesses to Palm Springs.

LU3.7 Facilitate the development of corporate/business centers along Gene Autry Trail with the Palm Springs
International Airport as the nucleus.

GOAL LU4:

High-quality, sustainable commercial development that
provides equitable access to a variety of retail opportunities in close proximity to all residential neighborhoods.

Policies
LU4.1 Ensure that sufficient land is designated for commercial use in appropriate areas to support the current and future Item 2A - Page 78

needs of all residential neighborhoods in a manner that responds to changing market conditions and meets the
needs of daily life, such as groceries, pharmacies and
banks.

LU4.2 Ensure that commercial facilities are developed as integrated, attractive centers, with adequate parking,
provision for pedestrian access from adjacent
neighborhoods when feasible, organized traffic movement for motorists, and safety and convenience for pedestrians.

LU4.3 Concentrate retail areas into commercial activity nodes to discourage the development of a “strip” commercial uses, which is characterized by long expanses of commercial
building frontage devoid of building separations to
provide visual relief. Such no des shall be separated from one another by permanent open space, parks, major
landscaped areas, or residential land uses.

LU4.4 Encourage the reuse of underutilized commercial
properties and discourage the proliferation of strip
commercial centers through rezoning, parcel
consolidation, or incorporation of midblock residential development in selected areas.

LU4.5 Where appropriate, allow for the integration of small- scale commercial uses to provide a distinct identity to residential areas and to increase the convenience of
neighborhood commercial uses.

LU4.6 Foster development of commercial centers and small- scale commercial retail in residential areas that enhances the equitable access to such services and provides
walkable connections between retail and residential uses.

GGOAL LU5:

Lifelong learning opportunities are provided for the residents of Palm Springs.

Policies
LU5.1 Allow for and encourage the development of land uses that provide educational opportunities for the City’s
residents.

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LU5.2 Work closely with the Palm Springs Unified School District to encourage the joint use of facilities as centers for recreation and cultural activities for the City’s
residents.

LU5.3 Support the development of educational opportunities that maintain a sustainable, livable, resilient and diverse economy and workforce, including supporting the
development of a College of the Desert campus in the City.

NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
The projections associated with th e Land Use Element reflect that the City’s population will increase to 95,452 at buildout, which is an increase of 48,025 residents from the current population of 47,427 (as determined by the State of California Department of Finance). Of note, the projected population assumes a vacancy rate of 5%, whereas the Department of Finance estimate of the current population uses a vacancy rate of 34.7%. The lower vacancy rate utilized to estimate the projected population represents the theoretical number of occupied units if most households were occupied full-time and, more practically, simulates higher occupancy levels during the peak season.

The City offers a variety of housing options—from exclusive estate homes to more moderately priced single-family homes, multifamily apartments and condominiums. As the City continues to grow, it will be important to ensure a range of housing options are provided, including housing that is affordable to the senior population, first- time homebuyers, and the City’s labor force.

As housing demand increases and available land becomes limited, it is anticipated that there will be an increasing trend toward higher- density residential development. Careful planning for the integration of these uses into th e fabric of the City’s existing neighborhoods or as infill along the City’s existing commercial corridors will help to fulfill housing needs and maintain the eclectic urban village character found in Palm Springs.

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GGOAL LU6:

Housing needs of people with varying incomes, household sizes, and lifestyles are met within the City.

Policies
LU6.1 Facilitate new residentia l development on vacant or underutilized properties in areas that have been
designated for mixed-use or residential use on the Land Use Plan, as appropriate.

LU6.2 Encourage new residential infill development by
providing streamlined approvals processes.

LU6.3 Allow conversion of un derutilized commercial centers into new housing opportunity sites.

LU6.4 Promote the development of affordable housing through density bonus provisions in certain land use designations.

L U 6 . 5 P r e s e r v e m o b i l e h o m e p a r k s a s a s o u r c e o f s a f e a n d affordable housing stock in the City.

LU6.6 Promote an equitable dist ribution of a diversity of housing types for various income levels throughout the
City to meet the needs of residents, including encouraging the development of new market-rate apartment
buildings, affordable housing and Accessory Dwelling
Units (ADUs).

LU6.7 Projects desiring to develop at the higher end of the density range of any residential land use designation are encouraged to meet the following criteria:
x Exhibit quality architecture, which is designed to
respond to the harsh desert climate and includes
appropriate detailing, materials, and architectural
elements.
x Establish a complimentary relationship of the housing project to its neighborhood, or the creation of a
distinctive character and environment for the
neighborhood where none currently exists.

The Housing Element contains
the majority of goals, policies,
and action items related to the
provision of housing in Palm
Springs. The Land Use Element
goals and policies identified below
are intended to complement those
policy directions.

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Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-35

x Include open space in excess of the minimum
requirements, including integration of active use
areas, natural areas, viewsheds and other amenities.

Design of the open space shall give it a distinctive
character created through special landscape elements
such as fountains, reflective pools, decorative paving, courtyards, and entry elements.
x Create larger building sites through lot consolidation where small, substandard, or irregular lots currently
exist.
x Minimize the prominence of parking and garages as
viewed from the street.
x Develop or contribute to the provision of
social/cultural amenities (on- or off-site) such as
parks, recreation centers, museums, schools, and
daycare centers.
x Preserve unique or desirable natural and manmade
resources.

LU6.8 Evaluate and encourage, as appropriate, the conversion of small hotels to housing units.

RESORT DESTINATION IMAGE
Palm Springs has always embraced its reputation as a world class resort, holding the titles of “ America’s premier desert resort city.” Minutes away from any location in town are bike paths, hiking and equestrian trails, parks, tennis courts, ball fields, retail and entertainment venues and golf courses. The City is also home to the Palm Springs Art Museum, Agua Cal iente Cultural Plaza, the Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Surf Club, and hosts a variety of parades, festivals and special events which are geared toward family recreation and entertainment.

Year-round special events blend sophistication and relaxation in a style that is typically Palm Spring s. Locals and visitors enjoy many of the City’s unique events such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week, and Villagefest, the City’s weekly outdoor marketplace.

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The City currently is host to over three and a half million visitors annually. Palm Springs maintains the largest number of hotel rooms in the Coachella Valley: 6,300 of the approximately 19,000 rooms (source: Visit Greater Palm Springs). These accommodations range from small, boutique or bed-and-breakfast-style inns located in residential neighborhoods to multis tory resort hotels designed to accommodate larger corporate events.

In addition, the Convention Center serves as a major center of business and tourist activity within the City. Providing approximately 261,000 square feet of conference facilities, the Convention Center generates large numbers of conference attendees who support nearby hotel and convention-related busi- nesses and who often extend their stays to take advantage of the recreational activities that Palm Springs has to offer. The City should constantly assess how it can continue to draw increasing numbers of visitors and provide them with a special experience that keeps them returning year after year.

Maintaining its status as a premier resort destination is a primary priority for the City. The General Plan land use patterns reflect a concentration of tourist commercial uses predominantly comprised of commercial and hotel uses along Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Drive. The small-scale boutique hotels that are found among the residential neighborhoods in the Warm Sands and Tennis Club areas also contribute to the City’s charm and its appeal to visitors.

Development within these areas must be carefully designed and planned to ensure that it continues to reflect the City’s vision of being a “vibrant and inclusive desert resort community.” GGOAL LU7:

The premier resort destination and cultural center in the Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU7.1 Encourage a diversity of high-quality commercial uses, attractive to both the resident and the visitor, including retail, entertainment, cultural, and food sales, in
appropriate areas of the City.

LU7.2 Ensure that visitor-serving uses such as hotels,
restaurants, and entertainment uses that generate high
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levels of activity are developed in close proximity to the Palm Springs Convention Center.

LU7.3 Continue to host special events that draw local residents and visitors.

LU7.4 Pursue and attract high-quality retail uses to the City, and specifically to Downtown.

LU7.5 Maintain and enhance the success of existing high-quality retail that is unique and local.

LU7.6 Retain viable small hotel uses as a part of the unique character of Palm Springs.

LU7.7 Maintain or enhance financial and other incentives to assure the economic viability of small hotels.

LU7.8 Support events that attract tourism by providing a variety of recreational facilities and venues.

LU7.9 Support hotel and motel development that is consistent with the design and character of surrounding
neighborhoods and minimizes impacts on residential
neighborhoods.

MIXED-USE AREAS
The introduction of mixed-use development, if properly
implemented, can add vitality, sociability, land use and transportation efficiency to a City. The mixed-use areas identified on the Land Use Plan are intended to function differently than the typical patterns of segregated uses in that the distribution of uses is generally more concentrated, and uses are also generally mixed either vertically or horizontally within any given area. The mixed- use designation is intended to provide flexibility in land use options to promote growth and development in strategic locations. In general, these special areas are envisioned to be pedestrian friendly with higher densities and intensities than the typical patterns of segregated uses. The mixed-use designation provides the City with the ability and authority to be more proactive in land use decisions for focused areas where new growth and development is desired.

The flexibility built into the mi xed-use designation increases the potential to attract quality developments that will benefit the City.

Item 2A - Page 84

Buildings with a vertical mix of uses often contain retail or office uses on the ground floor with commercial, office, or residential uses on the floors above. Areas with a horizontal mix of uses are most successful when unified by common design themes and tied together by a series of plazas and pedestrian promenades. The mix of uses should promote civic activity, define neighborhood character, and provide places for people to meet and socialize, enhancing the area’s overall quality of life. These areas are intended to provide services and distinct gathering places and activity centers for surrounding neig hborhoods and businesses.

Introduction of mixed-use develo pment should be targeted for vacant and underperforming sites or areas where the City wants to create a stronger concentration of activity. The scale, size, and mixture of uses in these areas will vary based upon the character of the surrounding areas. Each area has its own special character and identity and plays a unique role in the community; the intent is to have the areas complement each other, not compete with each other.

As most of the mixed-use areas identified on the Land Use Plan are proposed along prominent corridors, the introduction of residential uses should be carefully designed to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the corridor while creating a livable, high- quality housing opportunity. Midblock corridor residential designs are encouraged in projects that apply a mixed-use approach to infill.

Site planning and landscape design in mixed-use areas should incorporate pedestrian-oriented amenities, including walkway connections, active use areas, outdoor seating areas, and/or food courts. Integrated interior and exterior spaces are also encouraged.

Designs should incorporate shad e trees, shade structures, small fountains, misters, and similar techniques that make outdoor areas comfortable year-round. More detailed policy guidance related to corridor residential development can be found in the Community Design Element.

The application of mixed-use strategies is most appropriate for:
‹ Vacant parcels within existing development that are suitable for such a mix of uses;
‹ Existing development that can be redesigned to become more contemporary, efficient and functional in its use of the land; ‹ Existing development that can be intensified or rehabilitated to become more productive;
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‹ Existing uses that can be removed, replaced, and
redeveloped; or
‹ A combination for these strategies where properties are characterized by a mix of suitable conditions.

Several of these conditions are found along Palm Canyon Drive and in the northern part of the City. While much of the City is already built out, these areas provide th e City with opportunities to facilitate the redevelopment and revitalization of underutilized properties and development of vacant lands. This General Plan specifies eight areas where the mixed-use designation will apply.

Following are descriptions of those areas, and the mix of uses that is envisioned for each.

While the density and intensity standards identified for the mixed- use designation provide a good level of flexibility, projects proposed in mixed-use areas must demonstrate consistency with the intent of the mixed-use designation for the specific district in which they are located. If the project does not support the intent of the designation, a general plan amendment to a single-use designation may be required. Development in mixed-use areas may be implemented by a Specific Plan or through conventional zoning designations. The intent and scale of each mixed-use area is unique. Table 2-3 illustrates the preferred mix of uses (by total land area, not individual parcels) by area. While th is ratio of uses should be used as a target to help guide development, the ultimate composition of each area may vary in response to market conditions and overall long-term development.

Table 2-3
Preferred Land Use Mix for Mixed-Use Areas
MU Area Residentia
l
Commercia
l
Office Industrial Other
Indian Canyon Drive
and San Rafael
Drive
15-25% 25-35% - 40-50% -
Artist Colony 40-60% 20-35% 15-25% - -
Uptown 30-40% 30-40% 20-30% - -
Vista Chino and
Sunrise Way
30-40% 40-50% - - 10-20% 4
Palm Canyon Drive
and Sunny Dunes
Road
40-60% - - - 40-60% 5

4 Public/Quasi-Public
5 Combination of Commercial and Office
Item 2A - Page 86

Table 2-3
Preferred Land Use Mix for Mixed-Use Areas
MU Area Residentia
l
Commercia
l
Office Industrial Other
Smoke Tree 30-40% 60-70% - - -
Palm Canyon East
Gateway
40-60% 40-60% - - -
Higher Education
Campus
- - - - 20-40% 6
60-80%7

Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Drive
The northwest corner of Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Drive is characterized by a collection of small industrial businesses, multifamily residential uses and several vacant parcels. This area provides a prime opportunity to introduce a mixed-use area that contains uses that would be complementary to a new residential neighborhood, which is proposed a block north of this area. Local residents would like to see more neighborhood-serving commercial uses in lieu of additional industrial development.

Preferred mix of uses: 40–50 percent industrial, 15–25 percent residential, 25–35 percent commercial
Artist Colony
The north end of Palm Canyon Drive is characterized by a series of underutilized and vacant commercial centers that, at first glance, provide a deteriorating image of the City as visitors travel toward Downtown. Overall, the northern end of the City lacks distinct gathering places, with residents and businesses relying mainly upon Downtown to serve this need. The Artist Colony provides a prime opportunity to introduce housing along the Palm Canyon Drive corridor and to provide much needed neighborhood-serving commercial uses and gathering spaces.

Preferred mix of uses: 40–60 percent residential, 15–25 percent office, 20–35 percent commercial

6 Combination of Commercial and Office
7 School and associated uses for educational purposes
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Uptown
Immediately north of the Downtown, the Uptown mixed-use area is located along North Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive, north of Alejo, south of Via Escuela. A collection of art galleries and boutiques are located here, along with a regional medical center and related medical and professional office uses. A more vibrant retail/commercial area serving the needs of the adjacent residential neighborhoods of Las Palmas, Vista Las Palmas, Movie Colony, and Ruth Hardy Park are needed in this area.

A concentrated mix of uses here could stimulate activity and create a sense of place by connecting new residential uses with the nearby medical offices, including the De sert Resort Regional Medical Center, and specialty shopping in the Heritage District. The primary purpose of a mixed-use center in the Uptown area is to generate a synergy between complementary uses that can ultimately result in a gathering place for residents and businesses in the northern end of the City.

Preferred mix of uses: 30–40 percent residential, 30–40 percent commercial, 20–30 percent office
Vista Chino and Sunrise Way
Health care services and neighborhood-serving commercial uses abut all corners of the intersection. Established residential areas surround these uses except to the south and east of Cerritos at Vista Chino where there is open space and undeveloped land near the airport. Smaller-scale, neighborhood-serving, commercial development integrated with a unique residential opportunity is envisioned for the northern portion of this site, providing a gathering place within walking distance for the residents living in the adjacent neighborhoods. The expanded Campus of the DAP Health, including commercial, medical (public/quasi-public), residential and social services, is envisioned for the portion of the site south of Vista Chino. The character and scale of this mixed-use area is smaller than those along Palm Canyon Drive; building design should maintain a lower profile co nsistent with the heights of the adjacent uses.

Preferred mix of uses: 30–40 percent residential, 40–50 percent commercial, 10-20 percent public/quasi-public medical uses.

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Palm Canyon Drive and Sunny Dunes Road
The Sunny Dunes and Palm Canyon Drive mixed-use area currently contains scattered commercial uses and large vacant parcels.

Different from the mixed-use areas identified above, the Palm Canyon Drive and Sunny Dunes Road area is envisioned as a mixed- use area creating an office, retail, and residential node just south of Downtown. This mix of uses will complement the hotel uses along East Palm Canyon Drive by providing a concentrated commercial and office base in close proximity to visitor accommodations.

Preferred mix of uses: 40–60 percent commercial/office; 40–60 percent residential
Smoke Tree
The Smoke Tree mixed-use area is located along East Palm Canyon Drive, between Sunrise Way and Barona Road. Smoke Tree is ideally located to serve the needs of surrounding residential
neighborhoods, and is characterized by its intimate scale, pedestrian orientation, and vibrant human activity. The purpose of this area is to create a unique mixed-use center characterized by pedestrian-oriented retail shops, restaurants, hotel facilities, and multifamily residential uses. Vacant and underutilized parcels, such as the former Coco’s site east of Smoke Tree Lane and the vacant site west of Smoke Tree Lane, provide opportunities for multifamily residential infill development.

Preferred mix of uses: 30–40 percent residential uses, 60–70 percent commercial
Palm Canyon East Gateway
The parcels on the south side of Palm Canyon Drive between Palm Hills Road and the city boundary provide an opportunity for an iconic mixed-use development that serves as a gateway to the City.

The General Plan envisions a mix of commercial and residential uses of modest scale that respects the natural features of the site and surrounding area. Due to the possibility of sensitive environmental constraints in this area, an appropriate level of environmental analysis would need to be conducted to determine the viability of any proposed project.

Preferred mix of uses: 40–60 percent residential uses, 40–60 percent commercial
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Higher Education Campus
Located along one of the City’s most visible corridors, the site of the former Palm Springs Mall presents an opportunity to inject new vitality along Tahquitz Canyon Way, which serves as the City’s most important east-west corridor linking Downtown and the Airport. As the future home of a campus for the College of the Desert and ancillary uses, this node will provide an opportunity for more efficient use of an underutilized commercial site that can complement the civic and office us es currently existing along the corridor, while strengthening the site’s ongoing community- oriented role as a cultural center. A restaurant, hotel or commercial enterprise operated by the school and used for instructional purposes shall count towards the ratio of school and associated uses. Residential uses associated with the College could count towards the ratio of school and associated uses as well. Retail or office uses not operated by the school shall count towards the target ratio of commercial/office uses.

Preferred mix of uses: 20-40 percent commercial/office, 60-80 percent school and associated uses
GGOAL LU8:

Mixed-use infill projects are strategically introduced in underutilized areas to create neighborhood activity centers serving the day-to-day needs of nearby residents, employees, and visitors.

Policies
LU8.1 Encourage new mixed-use developments in areas that are currently vacant or underutilized.

LU8.2 Encourage flexibility of design in development by allowing both a vertical and/or horizontal mix of uses.

LU8.3 Encourage and accommodate the development of
specialty uses such as boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, interior decorators, hardware stores and other similar uses that cater to the residents and create community gathering places in close proximity to mixed-use areas.

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LU8.4 Allow designated mixed-use areas to contain buildings that are taller than the surrounding neighborhood, where appropriate.

LU8.5 Provide pedestrian links between the commercial, office, and retail uses within mixed-use areas to minimize
vehicular traffic.

LU8.6 Allow for and encourage the development of facilities and gathering places that provid e for the social and health needs (daycare centers, social-service providers, medical facilities, etc.) of the residents within mixed/multi-use areas.

LU8.7 On-site parking is encouraged to be accessed from side streets or public alleys to minimize traffic impacts on major streets and to avoid interruption in the street-front design of commercial centers.

LU8.8 Cluster development where appropriate to create centers of activity or to preserve natural features.

LU8.9 Allow for boulevard residential uses as long as the proposed residential uses are consistent with the
midblock corridor residential goals and policies found in the Community Design Element in such a way as to
minimize noise impacts between residences and areas of
heavy traffic.

MOUNTAINS AND HILLSIDES
The remarkable landforms created by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains are a defining characteristic for Palm Springs as well as one of the City’s most coveted resources. Wrapping around the developed areas of City to the west and south, the steep topography of the mountains prov ides the City with a dramatic visual backdrop and scenic views that are unparalleled in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, Palm Springs residents have reaffirmed that the hillsides are an irreplaceable asset to their community. Development projects proposed in the hillsides have either been overturned through a vote of the residents or have required additional, more detailed environmental analyses. Efforts to establish a future direction in these areas is further complicated by the need to coordinate with multiple property owners and Hillsides are some of the most
recognizable features in Palm
S
prings.

Boulevard Residential:

Residential units proposed along
major corridors such as Palm
Canyon Drive.

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agencies such as the Agua Calien te Tribe and the Bureau of Land Management.

As available land in the central city becomes scarce, it will become increasingly important to establish guidance for the protection and thoughtful developm ent of these areas. The intent is to ensure that proposed development is carefully designed to respect the hillsides and their sensitive biological resources.

Residential uses are extremely limited in these areas. New development must be of high quality and sited in ways that preserve or protect the City’s valuable natural landforms.

The importance of the mountainous areas was further emphasized by the City Council, which (in 2004) established the Citizens’ Task Force for Mountain and Foothill Preservation and Planning to evaluate the City’s land use policies for mountainous areas and provide recommendations that would protect the scenic values of Palm Springs. As part of its effort, the Task Force established the following Guiding Principles that serve as a basis for decision making in the mountainous areas of Palm Springs:
‹ The unique natural environment of Palm Springs with its rugged mountains and sweeping desert sands creates
stunning vistas with a sense of space and distance and is Palm Springs’ most important asset.
‹ This natural environment has historically drawn people to live here and made Palm Springs a world class resort
destination, and the protection of this natural environment is vital to the well-being of its re sidents and to sustaining its tourism-based economy.
‹ All land uses must respect the scenic values of the desert and mountain terrain and protect this community asset.
‹ The mountain region is an extraordinarily rich, though fragile, natural environment which sustains a variety of wildlife and plant species, some of which species are threatened or
endangered and the City’s land use policies must address ecosystem interactions and protect and conserve sensitive habitat.
‹ Development must be harmonious with, adapted to and
respectful of the natural features with minimal disturbance of terrain and vegetation, use of natural and sympathetic
materials, and be located in a manner sensitive to terrain, including wildlife habitat, watercourses, and steep slopes.

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‹ Open space is a limited and valuable resource which is a part of the City’s heritage and the City should identify sensitive open space areas for conservation and should acquire and preserve such areas.
‹ The City should continue its policies for open space
acquisition and designation, including mitigation of
developer impacts through land dedication, density transfer and payment of in-lieu fees, acceptance of gifts of land, obtaining federal and state grants for conservation, working with regional conservation agencies, and developing other funding sources.

GGOAL LU9:

The City’s unique mountain resources are preserved for future generations.

Policies
LU9.1 Design and landscape hillside development and
development adjacent to natural areas to preserve
natural features and habitat.

LU9.2 Preserve the frontal slopes of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains above the toe of the slope including
Chino Cone and Snow Creek.

LU9.3 Preserve the unique topographic and geologic features of the City.

LU9.4 Windfarm development on hillsides visible from scenic highways and corridors or on slopes of 15 percent or
greater should demonstrate no significant adverse
aesthetic impacts or provide adequate mitigation prior to approval.

LU9.5 Pursue and encourage the acquisition of environmentally sensitive hillside parcels by the City, public trusts or other conservation-oriented entities where such parcel
acquisition contributes to city-wide open space
conservation goals and plans.

LU9.6 Prohibit modifications and disturbances to mountainous areas, including from motorized vehicles operating
outside of City-approved roads.

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LU9.7 Encourage the use of mountains for recreational purposes so as not to degrade habitat areas; existing trails will be maintained and new trail links can be developed.

LU9.8 Prevent invasive and non-native plant species from propagating in areas adjacent to naturalized open space and mountainous areas.

LU9.9 Protect the scenic beauty of the mountains from erosion caused by development.

A THRIVING DOWNTOWN
Downtown Palm Springs enjoys a worldwide reputation as an authentic pedestrian-oriented commercial center and the City’s recognizable historic core. The Downtown truly serves as the functional, economic, and psychological heart of Palm Springs. It is a heavily visited area of town, has a collection of outstanding architecture and urban design features, and has a concentration of popular restaurants and stores. Community events such as Villagefest, cultural amenities such as the Village Green Heritage Center and the Palm Springs Art Museum, and visitor-serving uses such as the Convention Center, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Agua Caliente Palm Springs Casi no bring thousands of visitors Downtown. However , over the years the Downtown area has failed to reach its potential as a thriving community core and has struggled to compete with neighboring cities for new retail opportunities for its residents and visitors. Efforts to reenergize and revitalize this area will help to br ing new activity and new life into the City’s core.

It is envisioned that Downtown will become a high-intensity, mixed- use area characterized by residential, office, commercial, and entertainment uses. To stimulate vitality, the Downtown will contain activity areas with differing intensities, which are further defined by the scale and design of buildings in each area. The recent creation of a central public park adjacent to the art museum was envisioned to serve as the primary gathering place for visitors and residents of Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Experience:

Many stores and restaurants in
Downtown Palm Springs provide a
pedestrian-friendly atmosphere
for residents and visitors.

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Although not required by state law, the City has developed the Downtown Urban Design Plan and Downtown Specific Plan to guide the future of development Downtown. Performance criteria related to building height, orientation, and massing, as well as customized guidance for parking, architecture, landscaping, lighting, and street furniture in the Downtown area can be found in both documents.

The goals and policies identified below serve as the foundation for future land use and economic strategies proposed Downtown and are intended to complement the direction identified in the Downtown Urban Design Plan and Downtown Palm Springs Specific Plan.

GGOALL LU10::

A vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Downtown serves as the
economic, civic, historic, cultural, and recreational center of the City.

Policies
LU10.1 Encourage development of housing and mixed-use land uses Downtown to increase activity in this area.

LU10.2 Encourage development that promotes a flow between indoor and outdoor activities such as outdoor cafes,
arcades, paseos, and courtyards.

LU10.3 Accommodate a broad range of uses Downtown to meet the needs of both residents and visitors and to stimulate both daytime and evening activity.

LU10.4 Facilitate and promote special events and community celebrations in the Downtown area to stimulate its role as a community focal point.

LU10.5 Strengthen the unique sense of place currently present in Downtown by preserving and incorporating cultural uses, the arts and historic resources.

LU10.6 Provide a logical transition between land uses and the built environment in Downtown and those proposed in
the Section 14 Specific Plan.

LU10.7 Support the restoration efforts for the Plaza Theatre for use as a multipurpose community performing arts center
The historic Plaza Theatre in the
heart of Downtown is planned for
remodel and restoration.

Downtown Vision
(from the Downtown Urban Design Plan)
A dynamic, vital, and economically
successful area that retains the
historic and cultural character of
Palm Springs and yet meets the
changing needs of residents
and visitors alike.

This vision can be realized with
the introduction of mixed-use
development concepts to replace
more traditional horizontal
clustering of land uses.

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for film festivals, premieres, and live stage productions, while preserving its historical value.

LU10.8 Pursue improvements to th e public realm that enhance Downtown as a centerpiece of community activity and
identity.

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Palm Springs International Airport
serves as the primary air transportation
access point to the Coachella Valley
communities Located on over 930 acres of
land on the eastern edge of the City, the
airport not only serves as a major
transportation and tourist hub, but is also an
asset to the City’s economic development.

In 2022, a new annual record high of
approximately 3 million passengers flew into
and out of the airport. New annual records
were also set for flights and seats in 2022. As
the number of aircraft trips grows, it will
become increasingly important to ensure
that the surrounding land uses are compa-
tible with airport activities and the City continues to build upon the economic potential and business relationships generated by the airport. High-quality industrial and business park uses should also be promoted in this area.

The Palm Springs Airport Master Plan (2015) is currently being updated to evaluate future airport facilities needs, both existing and future, and to develop an airport development plan concept, which could include long-term land acquisition needs related to airport expansion. In addition, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan ( A L U C ) w a s a d o p t e d i n F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 5 a n d provides guidance related to the compatibility of land uses surrounding the airport. Since lands around the immediate vicinity of the airport are generally built out, , it will be important to address how these uses are affected by any future expansion of the airport.

The Palm Springs International Airport serves as a major transportation hub in the Coachella Valley.

Additional discussion about
hazards related to the airport can
be found in the Safety Element.

Item 2A - Page 96

GGOAL LU11:

The Palm Springs International Airport is the premier flight center of the Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU11.1 Accommodate land uses in the areas surrounding the airport that are economically supportive of, or related to, the airport activities and that are developed in a manner that minimize negative impacts to existing adjacent land uses.

LU11.2 Discourage development of se nsitive uses such as schools, hospitals, daycare facilities, or new residential in close proximity to the airport.

LU11.3 Continue to upgrade and maintain the Palm Springs International Airport as a state-of-the-art facility. New construction and modification to existing structures shall be compatible with the existing Class 1 facade to enhance the image of the City. In the event of the development of a secondary or new primary entrance to the airport,
treatment of the view corridor along Baristo Road or
elsewhere shall be treated in a manner akin to that of the extant airport entry aligned with Tahquitz Canyon Way.

LU11.4 Ensure that proposed land uses and developments
around the airport comply with the policies and
procedures set forth in the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and applicable FAA guidelines.

I-10 CORRIDOR
As a major goods-moving corridor and passageway, the I-10 accommodates thousands of travelers a day and serves as a regionally significant east–west link to uses within Riverside County and beyond. Similar to neighboring cities that have frontage along I-10, the City of Palm Sp rings desires to maximize the development potential in this area and facilitate the development of complementary uses that will bring economic vitality to the corridor.

Item 2A - Page 97

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-51

As a part of the 2007 General Plan, the City established the Regional Business Center (RBC) designation and found that this designation should be focused around two spec ific areas: the interchange of I- 10 and Indian Canyon Drive and the interchange of I-10 and Gene Autry Trail. These areas can accommodate the additional traffic that would be generated by the mix of uses proposed and are located adjacent to already developing areas and to interchanges that have undergone improvements. In addi tion, both of these areas are located in the City proper and would not require annexation prior to development as RBC.

It is envisioned that, over time, market demand may support the phased conversion of additional lands north of the Union Pacific Railroad from Desert and OS-W land use designations to RBC. As opportunities arise to develop along the I-10 Corridor, the extension of the RBC designation along I-10 would be encouraged provided that a general plan amendment is processed, the appropriate environmental and traffic analyses have been completed, and appropriate mitigation measures are provided to accommodate the new development.

In addition to the implementation of a desirable mix of land uses adjacent to the freeway, the application of high-quality design is a critical component to the success of any development proposed along I-10. Due to the high level of visibility of the commercial and industrial uses adjacent to the freeway, it is important to ensure that these areas are developed in a way that makes a positive visual impression of Palm Springs. Views from freeways serve as windows into the communities beyond. As a result, cities have begun to recognize the importance of trea ting these significant corridors more as regional Main Streets than backyards—ensuring that buildings maintain a high level of architectural quality and are representative of the desired im age of the community and that unsightly storage areas, mechanical equipment, or loading areas are properly screened or sited to minimize their impact on the aesthetic appearance of the area. Such is the case with the I-10 Corridor area and the City of Palm Springs.

Item 2A - Page 98

GGOAL LU12:

Commercial, office, and industrial land uses along the I-10 Corridor reflect the world class resort status of our city and provide a strong sense of entry and arrival into Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU12.1 Concentrate high-quality regional and freeway-serving land uses that reflects an attractive, well-designed first impression of the City along the entire I-10 frontage,
while protecting environmental resources.

LU12.2 Promote the development of regional business center, freeway commercial uses, energy uses, warehouses and
distribution centers adjacent to the freeway while
maintaining high standards of design and quality of
improvements to strengthen the economic vitality of the City. Strip commercial uses are discouraged along the
corridor, especially in those areas adjacent to frontage roads.

LU12.3 Support the development of commercial, industrial, and office uses on properties located north of the Union
Pacific Railroad that are not currently designated as RBC (excluding those areas designated as OS-W), provided that the appropriate environmental documentation is
prepared and the appropriate roadway and utility
infrastructure can be provided to support the proposed
uses.

LU12.4 Ensure that new development along the freeway corridor is compatible with the City’s policies related to scenic resources.

LU12.5 Periodically reevaluate the concentration, type, and mix of commercial, office, and industrial development that is appropriate and sustainable adjacent to the freeway.

LU 12.6 Provide infrastructure and services necessary to support desired development types.

Additional policies addressing
scenic resources and the I-10
Corridor can be found in the
Community Design Element.

Item 2A - Page 99

LLANDD USEE ELEMENT
Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-53

SPECIAL POLICY AREAS
The General Plan Land Use map id entifies three areas of the City that warrant special policy direction—Chino Cone, Oswit Cone, and Palm Hills. These areas warrant custom policy guidance because the City has determined that the preservation of their unique hillside character is of utmost importance and should be carefully guided as development pressures in the
hillsides of Palm Springs continue to increase. Following is a discussion of the issues surrounding each of the sites, and the policy direction that accompanies it. The actual locations of these areas can be found on the Land Use
Plan, Figure 2-3.

Chino Cone/Snow Creek
Chino Cone is recognized as an extraordinary natural
resource and an area of great development interest. In
2005 and 2006, the City of Palm Springs formed a task
force to establish a vision and direction for the area, which led to the adoption of the Environmentally
Sensitive Development Area – Specific Plan (ESA-SP)
Ordinance. The ESA-SP zone promotes sensitive development while preserving the natural environment in the Chino Cone area. The General Plan reflects the task force’s vision with goals and policies that undergird the ESA-SP zone.

The General Plan goals and policies are intended to provide for the development of environmentally sensitive areas of the city in a manner that will preserve the open, rural character of these areas while allowing development of ranchettes and clustered single- and multiple family or resort projec ts. The goals and policies of the Special Policy Areas are to facilitate the preservation of open space through the creation and implementation of development review considerations that will ensure th e evaluation of the suitability of the land for development in a manner that would preserve the character of the land. The ESA-SP generally includes the Chino Cone, North Palm Canyon Drive north entry corridor, and other areas which the city council may designate from time to time by ordinance.

The ESA-SP zone is divided into planning areas as indicated in Figure 2-4. The General Plan establishes an underlying land use Ship Rock is a prominent rock outcropping
located in the Chino Cone. It is envisioned
that any future development in this area
will preserve and incorporate this feature.

Item 2A - Page 100

density for all areas within the Chino Cone Special Policy Area of 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres.

A specific plan, allowing only sensitive and appropriate uses, densities, distributions, and design standards, is required for each Planning Area for projects that exceed the base land use density. All development in each
planning area is required to be consistent with the
adopted specific plan. In Planning Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, a variety of densities and uses including residential resort and commercial, in accordance with the ESA-SP
are allowed with a Specific Plan. Specific Plans must
show creative and environmentally sensitive
development that respects the visual, topographical and unique features of the Chino Cone. Specific Plans for
Planning Areas 1 and 7 are recognized as the lowest
allowable densities for the Chino Cone Special Policy
Area. Planning Area 5a Specific Plans may propose
commercial and tourist-serving uses. Following is a brief description of each planning area and some associated
characteristics.

Planning Area 1 – Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This area is approximately 570 acres in size and includes the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station and
accessory facilities. The development in this planning
area is envisioned as low density residential and only
those commercial uses associated with the Tramway.

Planning Area 2 – Shadowrock
This area of approximately 360 acres was previously
envisioned with a possible mix of residential and resort uses. However , the area, which features a large alluvial fan, was acquired in 2014 by the Friends of Palm Springs Mountains with the intention to preserve it as open
space.

Tramway Road serves as the major access
point into Planning Area 4 of the Chino
Cone Special Study Area.

The Chino Cone is an alluvial fan that can
be easily seen upon entry into the City.

Item 2A - Page 101
VIA
M

ONTEVISTA

ALEJO RD

S PALM CANYON DR

RAMON RD

N PALM CANYON DR

N INDIAN CANYON DR

SAN RAFAEL DR
SH-111

RACQUET CLUB RD

DILLON RD

MESQUITE AVE

BELARDO RD
SH-62

BOGERT TRL
20TH AVE

GARNET AVE
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
ER
HDR
HDR
HDR
HDR
IND
IND
IND
LDR
LDR
LDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
MU
MU
MU
NCC
O
OS-C
OS-C
OS-C
OS-D
OS-D
OS-D

OS-DOS-D
OS-D
OS-D
OS-D
OS-M
OS-M
OS-M
OS-M
OS-P
OS-P
OS-P
OS-W
OS-W

OS-W OS-W
OS-W
OS-W
OS-W

OS-W OS-W
P/QP
P/U
P/U
RBC
ROW
Sch
SH
SPA
SPA
SPA
SPA
SPA
TRC
TRC
TRC
VLDR
VLDR
VLDR
PA-9-2
PA-9-1
PA-7 PA-6
PA-5A
PA-5
PA-4
PA-3
PA-2
PA-1
PA-8
10 62
111
Chino Cone Planning Areas
Palm Springs City Limits
Palm Springs Sphere of Influence
Adjacent City Limits
Railroad
Proposed General Plan Land Use
ER Estate Residential (0 - 2.0 du/ac)
VLDR Very Low Density Residential (2.1 - 4.0 du/ac)
LDR Low Density Residential (4.1 - 6.0 du/ac)
MDR Medium Density Residential (6.1 - 15.0 du/ac)
HDR High Density Residential (15.1 - 30.0 du/ac)
SH Small Hotel
TRC Tourist Resort Commercial
NCC Neighborhood/Community Commercial
CBD Central Business District
RC Regional Commercial
MU Mixed Use
O Office
IND Industrial
RBC Regional Business Center
P/QP Public/Quasi-Public
Sch School
P/U Public/Utilities
A Airport
OS-M Open Space Mountain (1 du/40 ac)
OS-C Open Space Conservation (1 du/20 ac)
OS-D Open Space Desert (1 du/10 ac)
OS-P Open Space Parks/Recreation
OS-W Open Space Water
SPA Special Policy Area
RR Railroad
Energy Overlay
Watercourse Overlay
01 0.5
Miles
Palm Springs General Plan
04 , 0 0 0 2,000
Feet
Date: 7/11/2024
Key Map
Chino Cone Planning Areas
Figure 2-4
Item 2A - Page 102

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Item 2A - Page 103

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-57

Planning Area 3 – Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Lands
The land within Planning Area 3 is within the reservation of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The area encompasses roughly 380 acres. It is envisioned that a Tribal Specific Plan would be created for development densities and uses that exceed the residential 1 unit per 40 acres set forth for the Special Policy land use area. Portions of this planning area are also in FEMA Flood Zone A (impact possible with a 100-year flood event).

Planning Area 4 – Tramway South
This 119 acre area is characterized primarily by gently sloping rocky terrain. In 2011, the Desert Palisades Specific Plan was adopted to guide development in this area. The Plan proposes a single-family residential communi ty consisting of a maximum of 110 custom home sites on 100+/- net acres within Planning Area 4.

Planning Area 5a – Visitors Center
This is an area of approximately 8 acres that includes the architecturally significant Palm Springs Visitors Center and a gateway feature to the City. A Specific Plan for this area may include tourist-serving commercial activities, including retail goods and services primarily oriented to the traveler, including restaurants and entertainment, as well as other uses permitted with a Specific Plan as described in the ESA-SP .

Planning Area 5 – Visitors Center
This 36 acre area is just west of Planning Area 5a. Portions of this area abut Highway 111. A Specific Plan for this area may include uses and densities as described in the ESA-SP . Visual screening of development from the adjacent Highway 111 as described
elsewhere in the General Plan may be a consideration of development in this area.

Planning Area 6 – Chino Canyon Gateway
The Chino Canyon Gateway comprises about 125 acres and portions of this planning area abut Highway 111. Consideration of view sheds and visual screening from Highway 111 may be a
consideration of development in this area. Portions of this planning area are also in FEMA Flood Zone A (possible impacts during a 100- year flood event).

Additional regulations governing
the development of the Chino
Cone can be found in the City’s
Zoning Ordinance under the
Environmentally Sensitive Area
Specific Plan Zone.

Item 2A - Page 104

Planning Area 7 – Chino Creek
There are approximately 176 acres in this planning area, portions of which also abut Highway 111. Environmental analysis should include study of development impacts on the watercourse zones in this Planning Area. Visual impa cts of development from Highway 111 should also be considered.

Planning Area 8 – Highway 111 Corridor
The 202 acres in this planning area comprise some of the first visual images for travelers entering Palm Springs along Highway 111. A unique rock outcropping known as Ship Rock is a natural landmark in this area. Development in this Planning Area should not minimize the prominence of this natural topographical feature and should address view sheds and visual impacts along the Highway 111 frontage.

Planning Area 9 – Snow Creek
This Planning Area is north of the Chino Cone planning areas and encompasses roughly 1,195 acres. Large portions of this area are characterized as watercourse zones. Planning Area 9 is mostly situated within a cove formed by Snow Creek Canyon, providing residents with seclusion and scenic views. The historic Pacific Crest Trail skirts this planning area.

GGOAL LU13:

New development is sensitively integrated into the Chino Cone while preserving its distinguishing natural and scenic
characteristics.

Policies
LU13.1 Require that any development in the Chino Cone be harmonious with and respectful of the area’s natural
features.

LU13.2 Protect and conserve sensitive habitat areas through development restrictions and clustering of land uses.

LU13.3 Continue to seek opportunities to acquire or designate open space for preservation. This could include land
dedication, in-lieu fees, grants, density transfer, or other sources.

Item 2A - Page 105

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-59

LU13.4 Require street profiles that establish a natural streetscape that visually blends into the surrounding terrain.

LU13.5 Require low building profiles, natural colors, and minimal grading to blend into the natural topography of the area.

LU13.6 Require any proposed development in this area to preserve monumental rock outcroppings (such as Ship
Rock) and integrate these elements into the project’s
design.

LU13.7 Apply natural berming techniques to screen views of development within the Chino Cone from Highway 111
without blocking views of the mountains.

LU13.8 Allow cultural, educational, and tourism-based uses that will generate revenue and provide amenities in the Chino Cone Special Policy Area.

Palm Hills
In July of 1970, the Palm Springs annexed approximately 34 square miles of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains into the City. It was envisioned that the area would attract a development that preserved the environment while encouraging the establishment of resort, residential and accessory uses. The majority of the 34 square miles that comprised the original annexation area have been designated as Mountain—allowing up to 1 unit of residential development per 40 acres of land to preserve the integrity of the natural terrain and resources found in the mountains.

The remaining area, comprised of approximately 1,200 acres of mountainous terrain in the southern end of the City, has been designated as a Special Policy Area. These 1,200 acres constitute the contemporary boundaries for the Palm Hills area and warrant special policy guidance in the General Plan due to their exceptional location and the desire to minimize impacts of development in the Santa Rosa Mountains. The majority of the site is owned by the Oswit Land Trust which seeks to conserve the land for open space and recreation. The remaining portion in the Palm Hills area - approximately 95 acres - is allotted to members of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

The City recognizes the value of conserving and preserving the Palm Hills area for the flora and fauna that call the area home, as well as Item 2A - Page 106

those that enjoy outdoor activities in the area. As the City and the greater Coachella Valley continue to grow, the City of Palm Springs will partner with the Oswit Land Trust and conservation organizations to sustainably manage the land for future generations.

It should be noted that a 91-unit low density residential subdivision has been approved in the Palm Hills Policy Area. While currently undeveloped, the subdivision is legally recorded and can be developed with little or no addition al review required by the City.

This land is under the ownership of the Oswit Land Trust, so the potential for development is limited.

The City of Palm Springs also recognizes the efforts of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Coachella Valley Mountains
Conservancy, and other groups to preserve the Santa Rosa Mountains in their natural state. The City will cooperate with these groups to facilitate conservation to the extent that conservation efforts are consistent with the go als and policies of this General Plan.

GGOAL LU14:

Palm Hills reserves valued open space, hillsides, view
corridors, and biological resources, as feasible under
applicable habitat conservation plans.

Policies
LU14.1 Require that any new development evaluate and consider the biological resources and natural features of Palm Hills.

LU14.2 Preserve the frontal slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains that are visible from the desert floor as open space.

LU14.3 Public lands that are not used as part of a development project may not be credited for density transfer purposes to an off-site development.

LU14.4 Explore opportunities for the exchange of public and private lands to create clearly defined development areas and viable habitat conservation areas.

Item 2A - Page 107

LLAND USE ELEMENT

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 2-61

LU14.5 Limit maximum density a llowed to one unit per acre (residential or hotel) and prohibit development on slopes above 30 percent.

LU14.6 Allow credits for density transfer where sensitive biological habitats, including hillsides, washes, canyons, etc. are protected and dedicated as permanent open
space.

LU14.7 Protect and conserve sensitive habitat areas in Palm Hills that endangered, threatened, or endemic fauna and flora are found.

LU14.8 Limit footprint of new development to prevent ecological impacts.

Oswit Cone
Oswit Canyon and Alluvial Fan, also known as Oswit Cone, is comprised of 256 acres of vacant land along the southwestern bor d er of P alm Springs . It is locat ed at the f oo t of the San Jacint o National Mountains and adjacent to the San Jacinto National Monument. The Oswit Cone is a part of the planning area in the Canyon South Specific Plan.

In March 2017, the City of Palm Springs adopted Ordinance No. 1919 which established Oswit Cone/ Canyon Alluvial Fan as Planning Area 10 within the ESA-SP zone, with the goal of continuing the area’s role as one of Palm Springs primary eco- tourist destinations. The measure amended the Palm Springs Zoning Code, Canyon South Specific Plan, and Palm Springs General Plan.

Development in the Oswit Cone is limited to one dwelling unit for forty (40) acres. Density in excess of this limit can be considered with the submittal of a Specific Plan and associated environmental documentation.

Future developments in the Oswit Cone are required to adhere to regulations for the ESA-SP zone, which pertain to permitted uses, property development standards, design standards, and specific requirements for the preparation of specific plans. In addition to uses allowed in Planning Areas 1 through 9, the measure allowed tourist-serving commercial uses, including services primarily oriented to eco-tourism.

Item 2A - Page 108

Oswit Cone is an area of cultural and environmental significance. A 2014 study of climate change related changes in water resources of the San Jacinto National Monument referenced in Ordinance No. 1919 found significant archeological features including ancient petroglyphs attributed to pre-Cahuilla Indian societies in the greater Oswit Canyon area. With climate change, the area is expected to have increased migration from the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, a federally endangered animal.

GGOAL LU15:

Oswit Cone remains an eco-tourist destination, with its distinguishing natural, cultural and scenic characteristics preserved.

LU15.1 Require that any development be respectful of and preserves the archeological artifacts found in the Oswit Cone.

LU15.2 Require that any development preserves major natural features that contribute to the character of the Oswit
Cone.

LU15.3 Require that permitted tourist-serving commercial activities, including services primarily oriented to the eco-tourist, limit and mitigate their ecological footprint.

LU15.4 Protect and conserve sensitive habitat areas for the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other species that are
endangered, threatened, or endemic to the Palm Springs
area.

Item 2A - Page 109
Page | 1

PALM SPRINGS LAND USE ELEMENT | DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS July 2024

This section serves as a working checklist of implementation programs for City staff and local decision makers to ensure that the General Plan vision is realized. The following table of Implementation Programs lists specific actions that should be pursued to implement each goal and policy in the City’s General Plan. An implementation program is an action, procedure, program, or technique that carries out goals and policies.

Implementation measures are comprehensive in nature, encompassing amendments of existing and preparation of new plans, ordinances, and development of design standards; administration of City procedures and development review and approval processes; and interagency coordination.

For each action, a recommended timeframe for completion is noted and the responsible City department is listed. The timeframes are delineated as follows:

ƒ Ongoing: Actions that continue or are periodically implemented through the life of the General Plan ƒ Short: 1-5 years
ƒ Mid: When resources become available, but prioritized after 5 years ƒ Long: 10 years or more
The described programs and actions are intended to inform and guide the development of the City’s annual budget. During that time, City staff will review and prioritize the level of expenditure necessary to carry out the prescribed action and program. Completion of a recommended implementation program will depend on a number of factors such as citizen priorities, finances, and staff availability.

To enable Palm Springs’ General Plan to serve its purpose effectively, the list of programs and actions need to be reviewed, maintained, and implemented in a systematic and consistent manner. At a minimum, the programs and timeframes described in this chapter should be comprehensively reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years to reflect available fiscal resources, community needs, and priorities.

Revisions to these shall not constitute an amendment of the General Plan, provided that they are consistent with the Vision Statement and carry out its goals and policies. As such, future revisions to this Implementation Plan will not necessitate environmental review to conform to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, as each item described in this Plan will require subsequent action and evaluation.

Implementation actions for the Housing Element are included in the Housing Element document, which is provided under separate cover and updated accordingly to state legislative requirements.

Item 2A - Page 110
Page | 2

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
Goal
LLU 1 AA balanced pattern of land uses that complements the location and character of existing uses, offers opportunities for the iintensification of key targeted sites, enhances environmental sustainability, and has positive economic results.

Policies
LU1.1 Ensure that
development meets or
exceeds requirements
and standards
specified within each
land use designation.

IM-LU 1.1 Update the Zoning Code
for consistency with the
General Plan’s provisions
for the types, distribution,
and density/intensity of
permitted uses and
objectives for their
physical form, scale, and
character of development
(such as transitions among
uses and building heights).

LU1.1 Planning, Community
and Economic
Development
Short
IM-LU 1.2 Review proposed
development projects and
applications for
conformance with the
General Plan Land Use,
Circulation, and other plan
diagrams, goals and
policies specified for each
Plan Element, and
applicable regulatory
codes and requirements.

Among the latter are the
Zoning, Subdivision,
LU1.4 Planning Ongoing
Item 2A - Page 111
Page | 3

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
Hillside, Noise, Grading,
and Solar Energy System
Ordinances. Proposed
projects shall be reviewed
for conformance with
permitted uses,
development standards,
and objective design
guidelines and standards.

Development applicants
will be required to submit
technical studies and
analyses as necessary to
enable review for
compliance.

LU1.2 Concentrate
development to
protect open space
and natural habitat
areas.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 1.3 Limit the extension of
development into
undeveloped areas in
consideration of the
following criteria:
a) Availability of services
(streets, water, sewer,
and emergency
services);
b) Logical extension of
services;
LU1.2 Planning,
Engineering Services
Ongoing
Item 2A - Page 112
Page | 4

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
c) Contiguity with
existing
development; and/or
d) Conformance with an
approved specific
plan.

IM-LU 1.4 Develop and implement
processes, procedures,
and standards enabling
the transfer of density from
open lands to promote
infill and clustering within
and adjoining existing
urbanized areas. Consider
whether transfer
agreements should only
be executed in
conjunction with funding
being made. Identify
candidate donor and
receiver sites.

LU1.5 Planning, Parks &
Recreation
Mid, Ongoing
LU1.3 Ensure that new
land use projects are
built with adequate
utility and municipal
infrastructure capacity
to support them.

IM-LU 1.5 Review development
projects for their impacts
on, and the adequacy of,
utility and municipal
infrastructure to provide
service. Require the
assessment of fees and/or
New Planning,
Engineering Services
Ongoing
Item 2A - Page 113
Page | 5

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
construction of
improvements to mitigate
deficiencies. Require
development applicants to
submit technical studies
and analyses as necessary
to enable review.

LU1.4 Promote the
expansion of existing
facilities or the
introduction of new
uses that complement
the location and
character of existing
uses, intensify key
targeted sites,
maximize
environmental
sustainability, and have
positive economic
results.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU1.5 Support
projects of societal
benefit or revenue
generation through
incentives in the
entitlement process.

IM-LU 1.6 Identify and evaluate
incentives, such as density
bonus provisions, to
encourage project
enhancements such as
affordable housing,
environmental
LU 2.1 Planning Short
Item 2A - Page 114
Page | 6

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
sustainability, historic
preservation and adaptive
reuse, community benefits,
successful revitalization,
and/or revenue generation
and incorporate them into
the Zoning Ordinance.

LU1.6 Require new
construction to
mitigate impacts on
the City’s housing,
schools, public open
space, childcare
facilities, and other
public needs.

IM-LU 1.7 Review development
projects for their impacts
on uses and services that
support resident needs
and require contribution
of fees or other measures
to mitigate deficiencies.

Require development
applicants to submit
technical studies and
analyses as necessary to
enable review.

New Planning,
Engineering Services,
Finance & Treasury
Ongoing
LU1.7 Ensure that
development is
sensitive to natural
features, including
washes, hillsides, and
geologic features.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU1.8 Encourage,
where appropriate,
high density and high
intensity projects to
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Item 2A - Page 115
Page | 7

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
maximize the use of
land.

LU1.9 Sensitively
integrate into the
community required
land uses such as
transportation
corridors, flood control
systems, utility
corridors, and
recreational corridors.

IM-LU 1.8 Work with transportation,
utility, and parks and
recreation agencies to
ensure that improvements
are located and designed
to be physically and
visually integrated and
compatible with
surrounding land uses and
natural resources.

New Planning, Public
Works and
Engineering
Ongoing
LU1.10 Establish Palm
Springs as a leader of
land use development
practices that
contribute to the
sustainability and
stewardship of
environmental
resources including air
quality protection,
energy and water
efficiency, natural
resource conservation,
reduction of
greenhouse gas
emissions, and
resilience to the
IM-LU 1.9 Consider the adoption of
building and site design
standards for energy and
water conservation that
exceed Cal Green.

New Planning, Building
and Safety

Mid

IM-LU 1.10 Implement actions
identified in the Safety,
Circulation, Air Quality and
Recreation, Open Space
and Conservation
Elements that contribute
to the sustainability and
stewardship of
environmental resources.

New Planning, Building
and Safety, Public
Works and
Engineering, Parks &
Recreation,
Community and
Economic
Development

Ongoing
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RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
impacts of climate
change.

GGoal
LLU 2 TThe City maintains its unique “modern urban village” atmosphere and preserves the rich historical, architectural, rrecreational, and eenvironmental quality while pursuing community and business development goals.

Policies
LU2.1 Preserve the
character of selected
areas of the City.

IM-LU 2.1 Work with community
stakeholders to confirm
special areas of the City
identified in the
Community Design
Element and identify new
character-defining features
warranting protection;
identify potential actions
to preserve those features
New Office of
Neighborhoods,
Planning
Short
IM-LU 2.2 Evaluate the effectiveness
of using overlay zones,
specific plans, or other
tools that establish
objective standards and
metrics for preserving the
character of selected areas
of the City.

LU 2.2 Planning Mid
LU2.2 Require that
projects that propose
to convert open space
areas that are
designated “Open
IM-LU 1.4 Density Transfer Program
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POLICIES
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
Space –
Parks/Recreation” to
developable areas (for
residential,
commercial, etc.) offer
in-kind replacement of
such open space
elsewhere in the City,
make payment of in-
lieu fees, or replace the
converted open space
through the use of
ddensity transfer.

LU2.3 Renovate or
replace deteriorating
structures through
code enforcement.

IM-LU 2.3 Maintain and enforce an
active program of code
enforcement.

New Special Programs
(Code Compliance)
Ongoing
IM-LU 2.4 Consider establishing a
program providing loans
and/or grants for the
renovation and
rehabilitation of
deteriorating structures.

New Community and
Economic
Development,
Finance & Treasury
Mid
LU2.4 Utilize lot
consolidation and
mixed-use
development to
reduce fragmentation
of parcels and to
IM-LU 2.5 Create a program of
incentives promoting lot
consolidation, which may
include increased
densities/intensities, lot
coverage, and/or building
New Planning, Community
and Economic
Development
Mid
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
facilitate infill
development.
heights; reduced lot
setbacks, parking
requirements, and/or
permit application fees
and/or, expedited permit
processing,
LU 2.5 Require that
new development be
designed to
complement the City’s
“modern urban village”
atmosphere and
unique
neighborhoods.

IM-LU 2.6 Develop and amend the
Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinances to incorporate
objective design standards
for building types and site
development that are
reflective of Palm Spring’s
historical architectural
heritage and meet
objectives for community
character and quality.

Standards for site
development should
address building form and
massing, active public and
private spaces, pedestrian
pathways and amenities,
and integration with
topography and the
natural setting. Standards
for buildings and
architectural character
should address heights,
New Planning Mid
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
modulation of mass,
fenestration, articulated
façades, clearly defined
entrances, varied colors
and materials, varied
building sizes and
configurations, varied roof
heights and screening of
loading and outdoor
storage from public streets
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Goal
LLU 3 A desert community with high--qquality industrial and business park development.

Policies
LU3.1 Require well-
planned research and
development areas
and business parks
through design
guidelines that support
enhanced amenities
such as pedestrian
connectivity,
sustainable
landscaping and clear
wayfinding.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

IM-LU 3.1 Explore whether
development standards
adopted for fulfillment
centers should be
expanded or adapted to
apply to research and
development areas and
business parks.

LU 3.1 Planning

Short

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU3.2 Expand and
revitalize industrial
uses within the City
through appropriate
development
incentives in targeted
areas.

IM-LU 3.2 Develop and implement a
business attraction and
retention program that
establishes relationships
and fosters
communications with
target industry
associations, provides
coordinated and rapid
response to businesses
expected to increase local
job opportunities,
develops a marketing
campaign, conducts
activities that promote
industrial development
opportunities, and offers
other appropriate
incentives.

New Community &
Economic
Development
Mid
LU3.3 Prohibit the
development of
manufacturing uses
that operate in a
manner or use
materials that may
impose a danger on
adjacent uses or are
harmful to the
environment.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Item 2A - Page 121
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU3.4 Accommodate
assembly, service,
commercial, research,
and office facilities as a
secondary use in
industrial areas.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU3.5 Encourage
small-scale
manufacturing uses
that support tourism-
and design-related
uses.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 3.2 Business Attraction and
Retention Program

LU3.6 Work with the
Chamber of
Commerce and other
business promotion
groups within the City
to attract new industrial
businesses to Palm
Springs.

IM-LU 3.2 Business Attraction and
Retention Program

IM-LU 3.3 Study whether an increase
to the maximum allowable
FAR for industrial uses
under certain
circumstances or by-right
should be incorporated
into the General Plan and
Zoning Code
New Community &
Economic
Development
Mid LU3.7 Facilitate the
development of
corporate/business
centers along Gene
Autry Trail with the
Palm Springs
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 3.2 Business Attraction and
Retention Program

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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
International Airport as
the nucleus.

Goal
LLU 4 HHigh--qquality, sustainable commercial development that provides equitable access to a variety of retail opportunities in cclose proximity to all residential neighborhoods.

Policies
LU4.1 Ensure that
sufficient land is
designated for
commercial use in
appropriate areas to
support the current
and future needs of all
residential
neighborhoods in a
manner that responds
to changing market
conditions and meets
the needs of daily life,
such as groceries,
pharmacies and banks.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 4.1 Review the Land Use
Element every five (5)
years to assess its
effectiveness and
adequacy in meeting the
Plan’s visons and goals
and addressing current
and emerging community
needs. Amend/update the
Land Use Plan,
development standards,
and policies where
necessary.

New Planning Mid
LU4.2 Ensure that
commercial facilities
are developed as
integrated, attractive
centers, with adequate
parking, provision for
pedestrian access from
adjacent
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
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POLICIES
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NUMBER
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
neighborhoods when
feasible, organized
traffic movement for
motorists, and safety
and convenience for
pedestrians.

LU4.3 Concentrate
retail areas into
commercial activity
nodes to discourage
the development of a
“strip” commercial
uses, which is
characterized by long
expanses of
commercial building
frontage devoid of
building separations to
provide visual relief.

Such nodes shall be
separated from one
another by permanent
open space, parks,
major landscaped
areas, or residential
land uses.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU4.4 Encourage the
reuse of underutilized
commercial properties
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 2.5 Lot Consolidation Program
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
and discourage the
proliferation of strip
commercial centers
through rezoning,
parcel consolidation,
or incorporation of
midblock residential
development in
selected areas.

LU4.5 Where
appropriate, allow for
the integration of
small-scale commercial
uses to provide a
distinct identity to
residential areas and to
increase the
convenience of
neighborhood
commercial uses.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU4.6 Foster
development of
commercial centers
and small-scale
commercial retail in
residential areas that
enhances the equitable
access to such services
and provides walkable
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
connections between
retail and residential
uses.

Goal
LLU 5 Lifelong learning opportunities aare provided ffor the residents of Palm Springs.

Policies
LU5.1 Allow for and
encourage the
development of land
uses that provide
educational
opportunities for the
City’s residents.

IM-LU 5.1 Appoint a liaison to work
with the Palm Springs
Unified School District to
identify and coordinate
future school locations and
joint use of school
facilities.

LU 5.1 City Administration,
Planning
Ongoing
IM-LU 5.2 Pursue opportunities to
establish public and
private higher education,
college and job training
facilities in Palm Springs.

Identify appropriate areas
for such uses.

LU 5.2 City Administration,
Planning
Ongoing
LU5.2 Work closely
with the Palm Springs
Unified School District
to encourage the joint
use of facilities as
centers for recreation
and cultural activities
for the City’s residents.

IM-LU 5.1 School District Liaison
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU5.3 Support the
development of
educational
opportunities that
maintain a sustainable,
livable, resilient and
diverse economy and
workforce, including
supporting the
development of a
College of the Desert
campus in the City.

IM-LU 5.2 Facilities for higher
education, college and job
training.

IM-LU 5.3 Update the College Park
Specific Plan to reflect the
elimination of a College of
the Desert campus in the
plan area.

New Planning Mid
Goal
LLU 6 HHousing needs of people with varying incomes, household sizes, and lifestyles are met wwithin the City.

Policies
LU6.1 Facilitate new
residential
development on
vacant or underutilized
properties in areas that
have been designated
for mixed-use or
residential use on the
Land Use Plan, as
appropriate.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU6.2 Encourage new
residential infill
development by
IM-LU 6.1 Implement programs to
expedite the approval and
development of housing,
New Planning Short
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ACTION
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
providing streamlined
approvals processes.
as specified in the Housing
Element.

LU6.3 Allow
conversion of
underutilized
commercial centers
into new housing
opportunity sites.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU6.4 Promote the
development of
affordable housing
through density bonus
provisions in certain
land use designations.

IM-LU 1.6 Development Incentives

LU6.5 Preserve mobile
home parks as a source
of safe and affordable
housing stock in the
City.

IM-LU 6.2 Implement programs to
facilitate the retention of
existing affordable
housing units as specified
in the Housing Element.

New Planning Short
LU6.6 Promote an
equitable distribution
of a diversity of
housing types for
various income levels
throughout the City to
meet the needs of
residents, including
encouraging the
development of new
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 6.3 Analyze potential tools to
incentivize the
development of rental
housing and implement
incentives as appropriate.

New Planning Mid
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
market-rate apartment
buildings, affordable
housing and Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs).

LU6.7 Projects desiring
to develop at the
higher end of the
density range of any
residential land use
designation are
encouraged to meet
the following criteria:
x Exhibit quality
architecture,
which is
designed to
respond to the
harsh desert
climate and
includes
appropriate
detailing,
materials, and
architectural
elements.
x Establish a
complimentary
relationship of
the housing
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
project to its
neighborhood,
or the creation
of a distinctive
character and
environment for
the
neighborhood
where none
currently exists.
x Include open
space in excess
of the minimum
requirements,
including
integration of
active use
areas, natural
areas,
viewsheds and
other amenities.

Design of the
open space
shall give it a
distinctive
character
created through
special
landscape
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
elements such
as fountains,
reflective pools,
decorative
paving,
courtyards, and
entry elements.
x Create larger
building sites
through lot
consolidation
where small,
substandard, or
irregular lots
currently exist.
x Minimize the
prominence of
parking and
garages as
viewed from the
street.
x Develop or
contribute to
the provision of
social/cultural
amenities (on-
or off-site) such
as parks,
recreation
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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
centers,
museums,
schools, and
daycare
centers.
x Preserve unique
or desirable
natural and
manmade
resources.

LU6.8 Evaluate and
encourage, as
appropriate, the
conversion of small
hotels to housing units.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
Goal
LLU 7 The premier resort destination and cultural ccenter in the Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU7.1 Encourage a
diversity of high-quality
commercial uses,
attractive to both the
resident and the visitor,
including retail,
entertainment, cultural,
and food sales, in
appropriate areas of
the City.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 7.1 Maintain strong working
relationships with the
Agua Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians and to
ensure that new
development in Section 14
contributes to and
enhances the City’s goal of
a destination resort.

LU 7.1 Community &
Economic
Development and
Planning
Ongoing
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PLAN

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU7.2 Ensure that
visitor-serving uses
such as hotels,
restaurants, and
entertainment uses
that generate high
levels of activity are
developed in close
proximity to the Palm
Springs Convention
Center.

IM-LU 7.1 Work with Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians

LU7.3 Continue to
host special events that
draw local residents
and visitors.

IM-LU 7.2 Schedule annual strategic-
planning meetings with
the Bureau of Tourism to
coordinate strategies to
market the City and its
resort amenities to visitors
LU 7.2 Community &
Economic
Development
Ongoing
IM-LU 7.3 Maintain and implement
an annual calendar of
community events.

New Parks & Recreation

Ongoing
LU7.4 Pursue and
attract high-quality
retail uses to the City,
and specifically to
Downtown.

IM-LU 3.2 Business Attraction and
Retention Program

LU7.5 Maintain and
enhance the success of
IM-LU 3.2 Business Attraction and
Retention Program

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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
existing high-quality
retail that is unique and
local.

IM-LU 7.4 Maintain the City’s façade
improvement program to
extent financially feasible
and study whether
additional incentive
programs could help
maintain and support
unique retail
establishments.

LU 7.5 Development
Services, Finance &
Treasury
Ongoing, Mid
LU7.6 Retain viable
small hotel uses as a
part of the unique
character of Palm
Springs.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update

LU7.7 Maintain or
enhance financial and
other incentives to
assure the economic
viability of small hotels.

IM-LU 7.5 Work with small hotel
tourism business
improvement district to
identify policies and
programs that could
protect the economic
viability of small hotels.

LU 7.6 Community &
Economic
Development
Short
LU7.8 Support events
that attract tourism by
providing a variety of
recreational facilities
and venues.

IM-LU 7.6 Review and update the
Parks and Recreation
master plan to incorporate
appropriate facilities and
recreational programs
serving residents and
tourists.

New Parks and Recreation Mid
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IM-LU 7.2 Work with Bureau of
Tourism

IM-LU 7.7 Work with Convention and
Visitors Bureau to
understand the needs of
events that attract tourism
and support their success.

New Community &
Economic
Development
Ongoing
LU7.9 Support hotel
and motel
development that is
consistent with the
design and character
of surrounding
neighborhoods and
minimizes impacts on
residential
neighborhoods.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

Goal
LLU 8 MMixed--uuse infill projects are strategically introduced in underutilized areas to create neighborhood activity ccenters serving tthe day--tto--dday needs of nearby residents, employees, and visitors..

Policies
LU8.1 Encourage new
mixed-use
developments in areas
that are currently
vacant or underutilized.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 8.1 Continually monitor the
preferred mix of uses
within mixed-use areas
and encourage new uses
that provide new services
that complement existing
uses. Implement and
LU 8.2 Planning Ongoing
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
adhere to target
percentages, confirm
appropriate targets and
adjust accordingly
LU8.2 Encourage
flexibility of design in
development by
allowing both a vertical
and/or horizontal mix
of uses.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU8.3 Encourage and
accommodate the
development of
specialty uses such as
boutiques, art galleries,
bookstores,
restaurants, coffee
shops, interior
decorators, hardware
stores and other similar
uses that cater to the
residents and create
community gathering
places in close
proximity to mixed-use
areas.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 8.1 Monitor and facilitate the
preferred mix of uses

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU8.4 Allow
designated mixed-use
areas to contain
buildings that are taller
than the surrounding
neighborhood, where
appropriate.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU8.5 Provide
pedestrian links
between the
commercial, office, and
retail uses within
mixed-use areas to
minimize vehicular
traffic.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU8.6 Allow for and
encourage the
development of
facilities and gathering
places that provide for
the social and health
needs (daycare
centers, social-service
providers, medical
facilities, etc.) of the
residents within
mixed/multi-use areas.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU8.7 On-site parking
is encouraged to be
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
accessed from side
streets or public alleys
to minimize traffic
impacts on major
streets and to avoid
interruption in the
street-front design of
commercial centers.

LU8.8 Cluster
development where
appropriate to create
centers of activity or to
preserve natural
features.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
LU8.9 Allow for
bboulevard residential
uses as long as the
proposed residential
uses are consistent
with the midblock
corridor residential
goals and policies
found in the
Community Design
Element in such a way
as to minimize noise
impacts between
residences and areas
of heavy traffic.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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Goal
LLU 9 The City’s unique mountain resources are preserved for future generations.

Policies
LU9.1 Design and
landscape hillside
development and
development adjacent
to natural areas to
preserve natural
features and habitat.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 9.1 Study and codify the
minimum natural slope
angle that should remain
undisturbed. Adopt the
following standards for
mountain and hillside
development review:
a) Evaluate and quantify
impacts of
development on
habitat in
conformance with
CVMSHCP and tribal
habitat conservation
plan.
b) Concentrate
development in areas
with natural slopes of
10 percent or less in
steepness.

Development
proposals for areas
greater than 10
percent slope, or
areas subject to
LU 9.1 Planning Short
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
erosion, shall be
accompanied by
detailed soils and
geotechnical studies
as well as visual
simulation exhibits.
c) Proposed
development should
be compatible, by
virtue of design,
height, materials and
slope compatibility,
with the natural
surroundings and
preserve existing
contours in order to
minimize disturbance
of site geology. Areas
graded for
development should
be renaturalized.
d) Proposed hillside
development should
utilize low lighting
levels to avoid glare;
such lighting should
be consistent with
standards developed
by Palomar
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Observatory to
protect astronomical
observation and
research.
e) The availability of and
proximity to public
services and utilities
shall be established
prior to occupancy.

All public utilities
should be placed
underground while
minimizing
disturbance to
natural topography
due to open
trenching.
f) Due to the fire
hazards of hillside
areas with slopes of
10 percent or
greater, access
problems, lack of
water, and
excessively dry brush,
adequate on-site fire
protection measures
shall be provided.

These could include
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a fuel modification
program, an on-site
water storage system,
the use of fire-
retardant building
materials or any other
provision deemed
necessary during
project review.
g) Subdivisions,
including streets and
lots, should be
developed in a
manner that will
minimize the scarring
of the hillsides and,
where major cuts or
fills are necessary,
they should be
repaired in such a
manner that the final
appearance of the
total area is as natural
as possible. Bridges
are generally
preferred to fill
concepts.
h) Hillside areas with
naturally occurring
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steep slopes (30
percent or greater)
should not be
disturbed to provide
vehicular access
where an alternate is
available. Access
roads serving hillside
development should
not exceed 15
percent grade on any
portion of the road.
i) Alternative roadway
designs are
encouraged
including split
roadway and
modified cross-
sections.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 9.2 Require property owners
to prepare revegetation
plans as part of project
submittal to re-naturalize
any disturbed or scarred
native plant and habitat
areas not proposed for
development.

LU 9.3 Planning Ongoing
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IM-LU 9.3 Develop alternative
engineering standards in
the hillside areas relating
to streets, lots, drainage,
and utilities that result in
minimized grading.

LU 9.6 Engineering Short
LU9.2 Preserve the
frontal slopes of the
Santa Rosa and San
Jacinto Mountains
above the toe of the
slope including Chino
Cone and Snow Creek.

IM-LU 9.1 Adopt appropriate
mountain and hillside
development standards

IM-LU 9.3 Develop alternative
engineering standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 9.4 Work with conservation
organizations such as the
Coachella Valley
Conservation Commission
and Coachella Valley
Mountain Conservancy to
retain and preserve
permanent open spaces,
mitigate wildlife habitat
loss and provide
recreational amenities in
the Santa Rosa Mountains,
San Jacinto Mountains,
Chino Cone and Snow
Creek
LU 9.2 Planning,
Development
Services
Ongoing
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU9.3 Preserve the
unique topographic
and geologic features
of the City.

IM-LU 9.1 Adopt mountain and
hillside development
standards

IM-LU 9.5 Create an inventory of
unique geological features
that should be protected
LU 9.4 Planning Mid
IM-LU 9.3 Develop alternative
engineering standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 9.6 Continue active
interjurisdictional and
interagency planning for
the conservation and
preservation of the Santa
Rosa Mountains in their
natural state with partners
such as the Coachella
Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG), the
Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and
the Coachella Mountains
Conservancy.

New Planning Ongoing
LU9.4 Windfarm
development on
hillsides visible from
scenic highways and
corridors or on slopes
of 15 percent or
IM-LU 9.1 Adopt mountain and
hillside development
standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
greater should
demonstrate no
significant adverse
aesthetic impacts or
provide adequate
mitigation prior to
approval.

LU9.5 Pursue and
encourage the
acquisition of
environmentally
sensitive hillside
parcels by the City,
public trusts or other
conservation-oriented
entities where such
parcel acquisition
contributes to city-wide
open space
conservation goals and
plans.

IM-LU 9.4 Work with conservation
organizations to retain and
preserve permanent open
spaces

LU9.6 Prohibit
modifications and
disturbances to
mountainous areas,
including from
motorized vehicles
operating outside of
City-approved roads.

IM-LU 9.1 Adopt mountain and
hillside development
standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU9.7 Encourage the
use of mountains for
recreational purposes
so as not to degrade
habitat areas; existing
trails will be maintained
and new trail links can
be developed.

IM-LU 9.7 Review and revise as
needed the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan to
ensure that its standards,
improvements,
programming, and
operations sustain and do
not degrade the health
and viability of natural
resources and habitats.

New Parks and Recreation Mid
LU9.8 Prevent invasive
and non-native plant
species from
propagating in areas
adjacent to naturalized
open space and
mountainous areas.

IM-LU 9.8 Develop a list of
prohibited and preferred
plant species in hillside
areas.

LU 9.5 Planning Mid
IM-LU 9.9 Implement the
recommendations of the
Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat
Conservation Plan
(CVMSHCP) regarding the
placement of native plant
species
New Planning Mid
LU9.9 Protect the
scenic beauty of the
mountains from
erosion caused by
development.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 9.1 Adopt mountain and
hillside development
standards

Goal
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LLU 10 A vibrant, pedestrian--ffriendly Downtown serves as the economic, civic, historic, cultural, and recreational center of the CCity.

Policies
LU10.1 Encourage
development of
housing and mixed-use
land uses Downtown to
increase activity in this
area.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update

LU10.2 Encourage
development that
promotes a flow
between indoor and
outdoor activities such
as outdoor cafes,
arcades, paseos, and
courtyards.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU10.3 Accommodate
a broad range of uses
Downtown to meet the
needs of both
residents and visitors
and to stimulate both
daytime and evening
activity.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update LU10.4 Facilitate and
promote special events
and community
celebrations in the
IM-LU 7.3 Annual calendar of
community events

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Downtown area to
stimulate its role as a
community focal point.

LU10.5 Strengthen the
unique sense of place
currently present in
Downtown by
preserving and
incorporating cultural
uses and historic
resources.

IM-LU 2.2 Tools for preserving the
character of selected areas
of the City

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU10.6 Provide a
logical transition
between land uses and
the built environment
in Downtown and
those proposed in the
Section 14 Specific
Plan.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

IM-LU 7.1 Work with Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians

LU10.7 Support the
restoration efforts for
the Plaza Theatre for
use as a multipurpose
community performing
arts center for film
festivals, premieres,
and live stage
productions, while
IM-LU 10.1 Support local arts and
cultural organizations in
developing a program for
the maintenance,
operation, programming,
and funding of the Plaza
Theatre.

New Community &
Economic
Development
Long
IM-LU 10.2 Establish of contract with
an event center manager
to find, promote and
New Community &
Economic
Development
Long
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preserving its historical
value.
schedule activities to
maximize the utilization of
the theater upon
completion of the
restoration.

IM-LU 7.3 Annual calendar of
community events

LU10.8 Pursue
improvements to the
public realm that
enhance Downtown as
a centerpiece of
community activity and
identity.

IM-LU 10.3 Develop a phasing and
funding program for
desired streetscape and
infrastructure
improvements within
Downtown, utilizing funds
from Measure J and other
funding sources.

LU 10.1 Engineering Mid
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Goal
LLU 11 The Palm Springs International Airport is the premier fflight center of the Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU11.1 Accommodate
land uses in the areas
surrounding the airport
that are economically
supportive of, or
related to, the airport
activities and that are
developed in a manner
that minimize negative
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 11.1 As an element of a new
Business Attraction and
Retention Program, market
the benefits for businesses
to locate to the
FForeign
Trade Zone.

LU 11.5 Community &
Economic
Development
Short
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impacts to existing
adjacent land uses.

LU11.2 Discourage
development of
sensitive uses such as
schools, hospitals,
daycare facilities, or
new residential in close
proximity to the
airport.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update

LU11.3 Continue to
upgrade and maintain
the Palm Springs
International Airport as
a state-of-the-art
facility. New
construction and
modification to existing
structures shall be
compatible with the
existing Class 1 facade
to enhance the image
of the City. In the event
of the development of
a secondary or new
primary entrance to the
airport, treatment of
the view corridor along
Baristo Road or
IM-LU 11.2 Contribute to completion
of current update of the
master plan for Airport
facilities and
improvements to ensure
that they embrace
appropriate state-of-the-
art technologies and
systems providing safe
operations and a quality
traveling experience for
passengers.

New Planning Short
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
elsewhere shall be
treated in a manner
akin to that of the
extant airport entry
aligned with Tahquitz
Canyon Way.

LU11.4 Ensure that
proposed land uses
and developments
around the airport
comply with the
policies and
procedures set forth in
the Riverside County
Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan and
applicable FAA
guidelines.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Goal
LLU 12 CCommercial, office, and iindustrial land uses along the I--110 Corridor reflect the world class resort status of our city and pprovide a strong sense of entry and arrival into Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.

Policies
LU12.1 Concentrate
high-quality regional
and freeway-serving
land uses that reflects
an attractive, well-
designed first
impression of the City
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
along the entire I-10
frontage, while
protecting
environmental
resources.

LU12.2 Promote the
development of
regional business
center, freeway
commercial uses,
energy uses,
warehouses and
distribution centers
adjacent to the freeway
while maintaining high
standards of design
and quality of
improvements to
strengthen the
economic vitality of the
City. Strip commercial
uses are discouraged
along the corridor,
especially in those
areas adjacent to
frontage roads.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU12.3 Support the
development of
commercial, industrial,
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
and office uses on
properties located
north of the Union
Pacific Railroad that are
not currently
designated as RBC
(excluding those areas
designated as OS W),
provided that the
appropriate
environmental
documentation is
prepared and the
appropriate roadway
and utility infrastructure
can be provided to
support the proposed
uses.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU12.4 Ensure that new
development along the
freeway corridor is
compatible with the
City’s policies related
to scenic resources.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU12.5 Periodically
reevaluate the
concentration, type,
and mix of commercial,
office, and industrial
IM-LU 4.1 Review the Land Use
Element every five years

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
development that is
appropriate and
sustainable adjacent to
the freeway.

LU 12.6 Provide
infrastructure and
services necessary to
support desired
development types.

IM-LU 12.1 Conduct a study of
infrastructure and utility
constraints that are
obstacles to attracting
desired development
types. Seek funding or
partnerships to implement
upgrades to address
identified needs.

New Planning, Public
Works and
Engineering
Mid
Goal
LLU 13 New development is sensitively integrated into the Chino Cone while preserving its distinguishing natural and scenic ccharacteristics.

Policies
LU13.1 Require that any
development in the
Chino Cone be
harmonious with and
respectful of the area’s
natural features.

IM-LU 13.1 Require preparation of a
Specific Plan and
associated environmental
analyses prior to the
approval of any
development within the
Chino Cone that differs
from the residential uses
permitted by right (1
dwelling unit per 40 acres).

LU 13.1 Planning Ongoing
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU13.2 Protect and
conserve sensitive
habitat areas through
development
restrictions and
clustering of land uses.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 1.4 Density Transfer Program
IM-LU 13.1 Require Specific Plan
LU13.3 Continue to
seek opportunities to
acquire or designate
open space for
preservation. This
could include land
dedication, in-lieu fees,
grants, density transfer,
or other sources.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU13.4 Require street
profiles that establish a
natural streetscape that
visually blends into the
surrounding terrain.

IM-LU 13.2 Allow applicants to
propose rural street
profiles and alternate
pedestrian sidewalk
designs for review.

New Public Works and
Engineering
Mid
LU13.5 Require low
building profiles,
natural colors, and
minimal grading to
blend into the natural
topography of the
area.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

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IMPLEMENTATION

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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU13.6 Require any
proposed
development in this
area to preserve
monumental rock
outcroppings (such as
Ship Rock) and
integrate these
elements into the
project’s design.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU13.7 Apply natural
berming techniques to
screen views of
development within
the Chino Cone from
Highway 111 without
blocking views of the
mountains.

IM-LU 2.6 Objective Design
Standards

LU13.8 Allow cultural,
educational, and
tourism-based uses
that will generate
revenue and provide
amenities in the Chino
Cone Special Policy
Area.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update Goal
LLU 14 PPalm Hills reserves valued open space, hillsides, view corridors, and biological resources, as feasible under applicable hhabitat conservation plans.

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DEPARTMENT TIMING
Policies
LU14.1Require that any
new development
evaluate and consider
the biological
resources and natural
features of Palm Hills.

IM-LU 14.1 Require the preparation of
a Specific Plan for any
development proposed in
Palm Hills.

LU 14.1 Planning Ongoing
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU14.2 Preserve the
frontal slopes of the
Santa Rosa Mountains
that are visible from the
desert floor as open
space.

IM-LU 9.4 Work with conservation
organizations to retain and
preserve permanent open
spaces

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
LU14.3 Public lands
that are not used as
part of a development
project may not be
credited for density
transfer purposes to an
off-site development.

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 1.4 Density Transfer Program
LU14.4 Explore
opportunities for the
exchange of public
and private lands to
create clearly defined
development areas
and viable habitat
conservation areas.

IM-LU 1.4 Density Transfer Program
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ACTION
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IN 2007

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RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU14.5 Limit maximum
density allowed to one
unit per acre
(residential or hotel)
and prohibit
development on
slopes above 30
percent.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update LU14.6 Allow credits for density transfer where
sensitive biological
habitats, including
hillsides, washes,
canyons, etc. are
protected and
dedicated as
permanent open
space.

IM-LU 1.4 Density Transfer Program

LU14.7 Protect and
conserve sensitive
habitat areas in Palm
Hills that endangered,
threatened, or
endemic fauna and
flora are found.

IM-LU 9.4 Work with conservation
organizations to retain and
preserve permanent open
spaces

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
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IMPLEMENTATION

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ACTION
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IN 2007

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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
LU14.8 Limit footprint
of new development to
prevent ecological
impacts.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
Goal
LLU 155 OOswit Cone remains an eco--ttourist destination, with its distinguishing natural, cultural and scenic characteristics ppreserved.

Policies
LU15.1 Require that any
development be
respectful of and
preserves the
archeological artifacts
found in the Oswit
Cone.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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POLICIES
ACTION
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IMPLEMENTATION

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ACTION
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IN 2007

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RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
IM-LU 15.1 Consider an update to the
Canyon South Specific
Plan to reflect a balance
between potential
development
opportunities and
preservation of the special
characteristics of the area.

New Planning Mid
LU15.2 Require that any
development
preserves major natural
features that contribute
to the character of the
Oswit Cone.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update
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POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

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PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
IM-LU 15.1 Update to Canyon South
Specific Plan

LU15.3 Require that
permitted tourist-
serving commercial
activities, including
services primarily
oriented to the eco-
tourist, limit and
mitigate their
ecological footprint.

IM-LU 1.1 Zoning Code Update Item 2A - Page 162
Page | 54

GOALS AND

POLICIES
ACTION
NUMBER

IMPLEMENTATION

ACTIONS/PROGRAMS
ACTION
NUMBER
IN 2007

GENERAL
PLAN

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT TIMING
IM-LU 15.1 Update to Canyon South
Specific Plan

LU15.4 Protect and
conserve sensitive
habitat areas for the
Peninsular Bighorn
Sheep and other
species that are
endangered,
threatened, or
endemic to the Palm
Springs area.

IM-LU 9.4 Work with conservation
organizations to retain and
preserve permanent open
spaces

IM-LU 1.2 Development Review
IM-LU 15.1 Update to Canyon South
Specific Plan

Item 2A - Page 163

APPENDIX G

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 1

APPENDIX G. DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED

COMMUNITIES ANALYSIS
This appendix provides supplemental information about the water, wastewater, storm water drainage, and structural fire protection needs or deficiencies in the Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community (DUC) in Palm Springs’ sphere-of-influence. The DUC is located at the southwest corner of Dillon Road and N. Indian Canyon Drive in the unincorporated community of North Palm Springs. DUC boundaries are shown below.

The DUC includes approximately 80 mobile home units at the Carefree Mobile Home Park, with an annual median household income is $37,518 (2006-10 U.S. Census). Single-family and limited retail commercial development is located in the North Palm Springs community to the east, and industrial development exists approximately 1.5 miles to the south along N. Indian Canyon Dr.

Item 2A - Page 164

Domestic Water
The Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) provides water services to the DUC. MSWD provides domestic water services to
approximately 43,000 people over 135 square miles. MSWD receives 100 percent of its water supply from groundwater produced from subbasins within the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin, which underlies the District’s water service area. 1
Development in the DUC receives domestic water from MSWD; the park has one 2-inch meter connection that taps into MSWD's 12-inch line in Dillon Road to the immediate north. Another 12-inch line extends beneath N. Indian Canyon Dr. immediately east of the DUC.

Water lines within the mobile home park are privately maintained.

The neighborhood is served by a long-standing water purveyor, and there are no known issues with its water supply or distribution system. The 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water
Management Plan identifies strategies for the continued reliability of its water supply. No needs or limitations in domestic water services

12020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan

Item 2A - Page 165

APPENDIX G

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 3

for the DUC have been identified in the Urban Water Management Plan.

Wastewater
The DUC is located in the Mission Springs Water District service area.

MSWD provides wastewater collection and treatment services to some development in its service area; however , approximately 5,500 of its customers rely on individual septic tank systems.2 Development in the DUC relies on septic systems for wastewater treatment. At this time, the nearest sewer trunk lines are located at the intersection of Dillon Road and Palm Drive, approximately 2.5 miles to the east. In July 2012, MSWD completed a feasibility analysis for a proposed sewer extension to existing industrial development one (1) mile south of the DUC. The project study area is generally bounded by 18th Avenue on the north, Little Morongo Road on the east, the railroad right-of-way on the south, and Karen Avenue on the west. Improvements would include 8" to 1O" sewer pipeline e x t e n d i n g a l o n g 1 9 t h A v e n u e e a s t t o L i t t l e M o r o n g o R o a d t o a proposed 1.5-mgd (million gallons per day) wastewater treatment plant; a sewer trunk line in 20th Avenue that extends south from 19th Avenue, under I-10, to Garnet Avenue's trunk line; and a lift station. If constructed, the project would bring sewer infrastructure to within ¼ mile of the DUC.

The DUC is lacking sewer services at this time. It is unclear whether or when the proposed industrial sewer extension will occur south of the DUC. It is likely that future connection to MSWD's sewer system will be development driven and will occur as the area builds out.

Storm Water Management
The DUC is located on relatively flat desert land that slopes slightly to the south. Elevations range between 870 and 880 feet above mean sea level. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps
3, the DUC is
located within Zone X which includes '"areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas of 1% annual chance flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas protected by levees from 1% annual chance flood." The nearest 100- year flood zone is approximately ½ mile to the east. Flooding in the

2 www.mswd.org, accessed September 19, 2013.
3 FEMA FIRM Map No. 06065C0895G, effective August 28, 2008.

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area is typically associated with runoff from the Mission and Morongo Creeks which drain the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest.

The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is responsible for regional flood management in the DUC area. In 2013, the District completed the "West Desert Hot Springs Master Drainage Plan" (MDP), which addresses flood hazards in a broad area that includes the DUC. The coverage area generally extends from State Hwy. 62 on the west, Desert Hot Springs on the east, the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains on the north, and Interstate-10 on the south. The plan proposes an integrated system of levees, channels, and other drainage infrastructure. For the DUC, the MDP proposes installation of an 84-inch reinforced concrete pipe with suitable collection capabilities, located within Dillon Road and extending from the westerly property boundary easterly to Mission Creek. This would adequately protect the DUC from storm water flows from the north.

Currently, the DUC is lacking storm water protection facilities.

However, curb/gutter improvements exist at the intersection of Dillon Road and N. Indian Canyon Drive, which includes the DUC.

Implementation of the proposed improvements would provide adequate protection from regional flood hazards.

Structural Fire Protection
The Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) provides fire and emergency services to unincorporated areas of Riverside County. The DUC is located within the service area of Riverside Co. Fire Station No. 36 at 11535 Karen Avenue, which is approximately 3 miles northwest of the DUC. If needed, additional fire support could be provided by:
‹ Riverside Co. Fire Station No. 37 at 65958 Pierson Blvd. in Desert Hot Springs, approximately 3 miles northeast of the DUC
‹ Riverside Co. Fire Station No . 24 at 50382 Irene Street in Cabazon, approximately 13 miles southwest of the DUC
‹ Palm Springs Fire Department (PSFD) Station No. 3 at 590 E.

Racquet Club, approximately 5 miles south of the DUC. The RCFD and PSFD have a mutual and automatic aid agreement Item 2A - Page 167

APPENDIX G

Palm Springs 2040 General Plan Page 5

that allows active support regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

The Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) reports that public fire hydrants are located just outside the DUC boundaries and are fed by its water meters.

The level of currently available fire protection services and facilities serving the DUC suggests that it has acceptable access to structural fire protection.

Financing Alternatives
The DUC is adequately served by domestic water and fire protection services. Special funding mechanisms for these services are not anticipated at this time.

Development in the DUC is lacking connection to a sewer system.

Although a nearby sewer extension project has been considered by MSWD, it is unclear whether or when it will be constructed, and the DUC is not located within its project boundaries. It is possible that development pressure in the DUC vicinity will bring with it a need to extend sewer services. In recent years, voters and MSWD have created Assessment Districts to fund the elimination of individual septic systems and extension of the sewer system. Other Community Facilities Districts also may be feasible. Both of these financing tools require voting approval by affected property owners. MSWD has also pursued funding from sources such as State Water Bonds and regional and federal grants.

The need for storm water management facilities in the DUC is being addressed by the "West Desert Hot Springs Master Drainage Plan." In the DUC vicinity, the plan proposes installation of an 84-inch storm water pipe with adequate collection capabilities to protect the property from flooding from the north. Should the plan be approved, the governing jurisdiction (currently the County of Riverside) would work with property owners and developers regarding prioritizing and funding the proposed improvements, as well as providing adequate right-of-way for them. Financing options could include assessment districts, Community Facilities Districts, or Capital Improvements Programs. The property owner may have to pay other fees or provide other improvements suitable to represent the proposed 84-inch storm water pipe.

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Should the DUC be annexed into the City of Palm Springs, the City will have the authority to fund capital improvements through its General Fund or Capital Improvement Program. A number of state and federal agencies periodically offer low interest lands and/or grants to fund public service improvements. The City, in cooperation with service providers, could apply for funding under these programs.

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APPENDIX G

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Palm Springs 20 General Plan Page 4-1

4. CIRCULATIONN ELEMENT

BACKGROUNDD ANDD CONTEXTT
Palm Springs’ economic health and quality of life are directly tied to the City’s ability to move people and goods safely and efficiently through the community. The City is world renowned for its tourism industry and can respond to the circulation needs of millions of visitors each year due to the presence of facilities such as the Palm Springs International Airport and the extensive network of recreational trails. Maintaining a Downtown that provides efficient vehicle movement and sufficient parking supply, while providing safe multi modal connections to activity centers, is critical to the City’s vitality. The City’s resident ial, commercial, and office uses benefit from a circulation network that allows the community to navigate through the City with relative ease, as there are few congested areas that limit traffic flow. An effective circulation system also benefits the industrial community; the movement of goods throughout the region and to areas beyond is essential to its continuing success.

The purpose of the Circulation Elem ent is to identify the goals, policies and actions that the City will take to improve the operation of the existing transportation network as the City grows and develops. The objective is to document existing and future transportation facilities in the City of Palm Springs and to develop strategies to address the potential impacts to the circulation network resulting from future land uses identified in the Land Use Element. The Circulation Element will also assure the provision of a transportation system that supports the City’s land uses, is safe for all modes, and facilitates and maintains adequate mobility for its citizens. It encompasses all city managed roadway classifications, truck routes, multi modal facilities, bus and rail transit, air traffic and utilities infrastructure.

The Circulation Element relates
not only to vehicles, bicycles,
pedestrians, and equestrians, but
also the adequacy and reliability of
utility infrastructure including water,
wastewater, electricity, natural gas,
solid waste, and telecommuni-
cations and data transmission
systems.

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RRELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS
Of all the elements in the Genera l Plan, the Circulation Element is most closely tied to the Land Use Element. The relationship between proposed land uses and the proposed circulation network serves as a fundamental framework for the other elements of the General Plan. Other elements in the General Plan are affected by the goals and policies identified in the Circulation Element. For example, the Air Quality Element seeks to reduce vehicle emissions, which are directly related to vehicle trips and roadway efficiency as addressed in the Circulation Elem ent. The Circulation Element is also linked to the Safety Element regarding specified routes for the transportation of hazardous ma terials and the designation of emergency access routes throughout the City. The Community Design Element guides the design and visual appearance of roadways and the pedestrian experience, and the potential noise impacts created by all forms of transportation activity are addressed in the Noise Element. The City’s bikeways and trails provide recreational value and nonmotorized accessibility for the City’s residents and visitors and, as a result, goals and policies for trails can be found in both the Recreation, Open Space and Conservation and Circulation Elements.

The successful implementation of the goals and policies in the Circulation Element also requires coordination with regional agencies, including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the Riverside County Transportati on Commission (RCTC), and the SunLine Transit Agency.

CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan
Regional planning efforts such as the CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP) affect the City’s circulation network.

The NMTP is a policy document guiding the development and maintenance of the nonmotorized transportation network, support facilities, and other programs fo r the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys over a 20-year period beginning in 2010 when the plan was completed. The plan builds on the region’s first NMTP adopted in 2001 and addresses important issues such as planning, utilization of existing resources, facility design, multi modal integration, safety and education, and support facilit ies. The plan lays out specific programs, implementation, maintenance and funding of those Item 2A - Page 173

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CCIRCULATION

EELEMENT
facilities—all of which should be taken into consideration as the City continues to develop its own circulation network.

CVAG Active Transportation Design Guidelines (ATDG)
The Palm Springs Circulation Element includes policies and references to active transportation facilities. The ATDG created by CVAG is a document created to ensure design and facility consistency throughout its jurisdictions. These guidelines take information from existing manuals and a variety of sources and outlines best practices for its member jurisdictions to follow.

CVAG CV Link Conceptual Master Plan Vol. 1 and II
This document outlines the plan for a 50 mile long shared use trail for bicycles, pedestrians, and low speed electric vehicles (under 25 mph). The master plan volumes cover trail design, amenities, funding, location, and challenges for the $100,000,000 facility. A portion of CV Link will cross into Palm Springs jurisdiction, and the Link as a whole will connect a transportation user group to surrounding jurisdictions. The CV Link facilities located in Palm Springs are included within the bike facilities and designated trails shown in Figure 4-4 in this Element. CV Link Facilities in the City of Palm Springs vary – some portions of the trail are on-street and some off-street.

CVAG Active Transportation Plan
This plan serves as an update and expansion of the NMTP created by CVAG. The Active Transportation Plan describes its integration with other plans, changes compared to the NMTP , the bikeway plan for the Coachella Valley, pedestrian improvement actions, funding opportunities, and design guidance. The City of Palm Springs existing and proposed active transportation facilities are described in this plan.

Airport Plans
Lastly, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and the Palm Springs International Airport Master Plan (Updated September 2015) provide long-term development programs for the airport to ensure that it will provide a safe, efficient, economical, and environmentally acceptable air transportation facility. The City is also currently leading efforts to update the Airport Master Plan as Item 2A - Page 174

described in the Aviation and Heliport Facilities section. Should the City make changes to its transportation network and related programs, the major objectives identified in both airport plans must be considered to ensure the safety and vitality of one of the City’s most critical transportation facilities.

GGOALS, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
This section contains goals, policies and actions related to circulation and circulation systems within the City. The issues addressed in this element should be given careful consideration when new development, roads, critical emergency facilities, infrastructure, or other projects are designed.

ROADWAY NETWORK
The City’s roadway network is comprised of a hierarchy of streets that provide access to and throughout Palm Springs. The arterials that serve the City predominantly follow a half-mile grid pattern.

The fine grid of streets that encompasses the majority of the urbanized area of Palm Springs is extremely important in the effective movement of vehicular traffic throughout the City. Not only does it afford more travel choices for vehicular traffic, it also contributes to the walkable scale of our City. This fine grid of streets, typical of pre-World War II city planning, sets our City apart from others in the Coachella Valley. Figure 4-1, Circulation Plan , illustrates the roadway system that is planned to accommodate the City’s existing and future land uses, as identified in the Land Use Element.

Regional Roadways
Interstate and regional access to the City is provided primarily by Interstate 10 (I-10). In addition, access to the City from other Coachella Valley cities is provided by Highway 111. Twenty-Nine Palms Highway (SR-62) connects to the I-10 from the north, and the Palms to Pines Highway (SR-74) connects to Highway 111 from the south, providing additional access to the City.

I-10 is a northwest–southeast freeway traversing the northern limits of the City and providing direct access to San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles Counties to the northwest, and the State of The Interstate System was
authorized by the Federal-Aid
Highway Act of 1956, popularly
known as the National Interstate
and Defense Highways Act of 1956
for all roads that are of national
importance. Generally, it includes
the interstate system; other routes
identified as having strategic
defense characteristics; routes
providing access to major ports,
airports, public transportation,
intermodal transportation facilities;
and routes of particular importance
to local governments.

It should be noted that Indian
Canyon Drive from I-10 to Tahquitz
Canyon Way and Tahquitz Canyon
Way from Indian Canyon Road to
the Airport are identified as
National Highway System
connectors.

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CCIRCULATION

EELEMENT
Arizona to the east. This facility is comprised of four general- purpose lanes in each direction for its entire length through the City, approximately seven miles. I-10 has four interchanges within the City limits, at Highway 111, Whitewater Canyon Road, Indian Canyon Drive, and Gene Autry Trail.

Roadway Classifications
Each roadway located within the City is designated with a classifi- cation depending on its role in the circulation network and its relationship to surrounding uses. The street classifications shown in Figure 4-1 reflect the pla nned roadway configurations, not necessarily the existing roadway design. Table 4-1 presents minimum standards for some ro adway design features by
classification. While the following descriptions provide an overview of the general features of each roadway classification, there may be exceptions for individual streets that require modified standards.

The City’s circulation network is comprised of five roadway classifications that are depicted on Figure 4-2.
‹ Interstate. Interstates are special purpose, high-capacity, multilane divided highways for regional travel; they connect cities and major thoroughfares into a regional network.

Access is strictly controlled at grade-separated crossings to assure uninterrupted traffic flow. Interstates are owned and maintained by Caltrans and are not under the jurisdiction of the City.
‹ Expressway. Expressways primarily serve through-traffic with limited local access. With in Palm Springs, expressways have a minimum of four lanes few cross-streets, and do not allow for on-street parking. Direct access from a single-family residential neighborhood to an expressway is prohibited where alternate access can be provided. Currently, Palm Springs has one roadway designated as an expressway, North Palm Canyon Drive north of Tram Way to I-10, which is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans. Since it is under Caltrans’ control, no City cross-section for this street is provided in Figure 4-2. ‹ Major Thoroughfare. Major thoroughfares serve mostly
through-traffic with some local access allowed; in most cases, they do not allow on-street parking except in the Downtown.

These roadways form the basic element of the City’s
circulation system, connecting Palm Springs to regional Item 2A - Page 176