Agenda packet — Portola City Council, February 14, 2024 (part 1 of 2)

Resolution No. 2567 February 14, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 2567

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTOLA

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF CLAIMS FOR THE PERIOD
JANURARY 25, 2024 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2024.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
CHECK NUMBERS: 45588 – 45637

PAYROLL
CHECK NUMBERS: 173330 – 17331

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Portola has been fully advised that all such claims and demands are legal obligations of the City; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has fully considered the claims and money demands and payment thereof as set forth below and in "Exhibit A" attached hereto and incorporated herein.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $456,601.50
PAYROLL: $ 23,533.86
TOTAL: $480,135.36
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT all claims and demands represented are just and proper and legal demands or claims against the City of Portola, and the payment of any such demands is approved and authorized.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of February, 2024 by the following vote:

AYES: _______________________
NOES:________________________
ABSTAIN: ____________________
ABSENT: _____________________
Pat Morton, Mayor
ATTEST:

Jason Shaw, Deputy City Clerk
I, Jason Shaw, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Portola, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted by the City Council at the City of Portola Regular meeting thereof held on February 14, 2024.

Jason Shaw, Deputy City Clerk
2/07/2024 2:43 PM DIRECT PAYABLES CHECK REGISTER PAGE: 1 PACKET: 00338 AP RUN 2.14.2024
VENDOR SET: 01 CITY OF PORTOLA **** CHECK LISTING ****
BANK: PC POOLED CASH - PLUMAS

CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK
VENDOR I.D. NAME TYPE DATE DISCOUNT AMOUNT NO# AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 000010 RENO PAINT MART INC
I-202402072017 SEWER EQUIP REPAIR R 2/14/2024 221.51 045588 221.51 000034 Q&D CONSTRUCTION LLC
I-202402072027 NORTH LOOP R 2/14/2024 258,869.29 045589 258,869.29 000058 HOBBS COMPANY LIMITED
I-202402072015 SEWER EQUIP REPAIR R 2/14/2024 539.99 045590 539.99 000061 MOTION INDUSTRIES INC
I-202402072053 LDWTP EQUIP REPAIR R 2/14/2024 1,810.34 045591 1,810.34 0007 ALPINE FIRE SERVICES, INC
I-202402072018 FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES R 2/14/2024 2,258.32 045592 2,258.32 0008 ALWAYS ANSWER
I-202402072049 800 NUMBER R 2/14/2024 66.48 045593 66.48 0015 AMERIGAS
I-202402072005 LDWTP PROPANE R 2/14/2024 961.16 045594 961.16 0015 AMERIGAS
I-202402072006 PUBLIC WORKS PROPANE R 2/14/2024 520.10 045595 520.10 0015 AMERIGAS
I-202402072007 CITY HALL PROPANE R 2/14/2024 577.25 045596 577.25 0015 AMERIGAS
I-202402072008 SS FIREHALL PROPANE R 2/14/2024 830.65 045597 830.65 0015 AMERIGAS
I-202402072009 NS FIREHALL PROPANE R 2/14/2024 302.92 045598 302.92 0022 AT&T
I-202402072041 LDWTP LONG DISTANCE R 2/14/2024 39.18 045599 39.18 0039 BULLET INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
I-202402072026 IT SERVICES R 2/14/2024 1,897.50 045600 1,897.50 0055 COATES TIRE CENTER
I-202402072030 VEH REPAIR R 2/14/2024 6,593.98 045601 6,593.98 0062 CSG CONSULTANTS, INC.

I-202402072023 CODE ENFORCEMENT R 2/14/2024 4,384.00 045602 4,384.00 2/07/2024 2:43 PM DIRECT PAYABLES CHECK REGISTER PAGE: 2 PACKET: 00338 AP RUN 2.14.2024
VENDOR SET: 01 CITY OF PORTOLA **** CHECK LISTING ****
BANK: PC POOLED CASH - PLUMAS

I-202402072029 FUEL CHARGES/WH HEATING OIL R 2/14/2024 3,361.56 045605 3,361.56 0103 IEDA
I-202402072034 LABOR RELATIONS CONSULTING R 2/14/2024 253.89 045606 253.89 0105 INTERMOUNTAIN DISPOSAL
I-202402072025 REFUSE COLLECTION R 2/14/2024 682.49 045607 682.49 0118 KANSAS LIFE INSURANCE CO
I-202402072039 EMPLOYE LIFE INSURANCE R 2/14/2024 148.40 045608 148.40 0122 KIMBALL MIDWEST INC
I-202402072021 SNOW SUPPLIES R 2/14/2024 99.21 045609 99.21 0129 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
I-202402072044 MEMBERSHIP DUES R 2/14/2024 100.00 045610 100.00 0132 LEWISPORT USA
I-202402072013 MATERIALS & SUPPLIES R 2/14/2024 572.45 045611 572.45 0133 LIBERTY UTILITIES
I-202402072050 CITY ELECTRIC BILLS R 2/14/2024 8,758.72 045612 8,758.72 0135 MANGHAM GLASS
I-202402072020 VEH REPAIR R 2/14/2024 797.08 045613 797.08 0141 MCI MEGA PREFERRED
I-202402072042 800 LONG DISTANCE R 2/14/2024 59.13 045614 59.13 0159 OFFICE DEPOT
I-202402072022 OFFICE SUPPLIES R 2/14/2024 346.01 045615 346.01 0162 OPERATING ENGINEERS
I-202402072051 EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE R 2/14/2024 13,663.00 045616 13,663.00 0175 PLUMAS ACE HARDWARE INC
I-202402072012 MATERIALS & SUPPLIES R 2/14/2024 382.33 045617 382.33 2/07/2024 2:43 PM DIRECT PAYABLES CHECK REGISTER PAGE: 3 PACKET: 00338 AP RUN 2.14.2024
VENDOR SET: 01 CITY OF PORTOLA **** CHECK LISTING ****
BANK: PC POOLED CASH - PLUMAS

CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK
VENDOR I.D. NAME TYPE DATE DISCOUNT AMOUNT NO# AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0176 PLUMAS CO FLOOD CONTROL &
I-202402072035 LAKE DAVIS WATER CHARGES R 2/14/2024 47,669.43 045618 47,669.43 0176 PLUMAS CO FLOOD CONTROL &
I-202402072036 LAKE DAVIS WATER CHARGES R 2/14/2024 80,321.08 045619 80,321.08 0184 PLUMAS SIERRA RURAL ELECTRIC
I-202402072033 LDWTP ELECTRIC R 2/14/2024 1,311.99 045620 1,311.99 0185 PLUMAS SIERRA TELECOMMUNICAT
I-202402072032 CITY INTERNET SERVICES R 2/14/2024 387.00 045621 387.00 0192 PURCHASE POWER
I-202402072040 METER POSTAGE R 2/14/2024 54.04 045622 54.04 0198 RENO HYDRAULIC & REBUILD, INC
I-202402072016 SEWER EQUIP REPAIR R 2/14/2024 762.85 045623 762.85 0199 RENO SALVAGE CO.

I-202402072028 SEWER MATERIALS & SUPPLIES R 2/14/2024 2,284.51 045624 2,284.51 0218 SILVER STATE ANALYTICAL
I-202402072010 WATER/WASTEWATER TESTING R 2/14/2024 581.00 045625 581.00 0227 STATE OF CALIFORNIA
I-202402072031 SIGNALS AND LIGHTING R 2/14/2024 307.67 045626 307.67 0231 SUCCEED.NET
I-202402072054 WEB HOSTING R 2/14/2024 67.85 045627 67.85 0239 THATCHER , INC
I-202402072019 CHEMICALS R 2/14/2024 9,474.97 045628 9,474.97 0240 THOMAS G. VALENTINO
I-202402072024 SOLID WASTE CONSULTING R 2/14/2024 225.00 045629 225.00 0252 UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
I-202402072038 METER POSTAGE R 2/14/2024 200.00 045630 200.00 0253 US BANCORP
I-202402072052 CITY CREDIT CARD CHARGES R 2/14/2024 1,008.90 045631 1,008.90 0260 VERIZON WIRELESS
I-202402072046 LDWTP DATA PLAN R 2/14/2024 108.05 045632 108.05 2/07/2024 2:43 PM DIRECT PAYABLES CHECK REGISTER PAGE: 4 PACKET: 00338 AP RUN 2.14.2024
VENDOR SET: 01 CITY OF PORTOLA **** CHECK LISTING ****
BANK: PC POOLED CASH - PLUMAS

CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK
VENDOR I.D. NAME TYPE DATE DISCOUNT AMOUNT NO# AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0260 VERIZON WIRELESS
I-202402072047 CITY LANDLINES R 2/14/2024 525.18 045633 525.18 0260 VERIZON WIRELESS
I-202402072048 CITY CELL PHONES R 2/14/2024 442.61 045634 442.61 0264 WESTERN NEVADA SUPPLY
I-202402072011 WATER LINE REPAIR R 2/14/2024 1,047.71 045635 1,047.71 0269 XEROX FINANCIAL SERVICES
I-202402072045 XEROX COPIER LEASE R 2/14/2024 268.13 045636 268.13 0275 EIP HOLDINGS II LLC
I-202402072037 BECKWOURTH REPEATER RENT R 2/14/2024 197.00 045637 197.00 * * B A N K T O T A L S * * NO# DISCOUNTS CHECK AMT TOTAL APPLIED REGULAR CHECKS: 50 0.00 456,601.50 456,601.50
HANDWRITTEN CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
PRE-WRITE CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
DRAFTS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
VOID CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
NON CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
CORRECTIONS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
BANK TOTALS: 50 0.00 456,601.50 456,601.50
2/07/2024 2:43 PM DIRECT PAYABLES CHECK REGISTER PAGE: 5 PACKET: 00338 AP RUN 2.14.2024
VENDOR SET: 01 CITY OF PORTOLA **** CHECK LISTING ****
BANK: ALL
** REGISTER GRAND TOTALS *
* * T O T A L S * * NO# DISCOUNTS CHECK AMT TOTAL APPLIED REGULAR CHECKS: 50 0.00 456,601.50 456,601.50
HANDWRITTEN CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
PRE-WRITE CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
DRAFTS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
VOID CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
NON CHECKS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
CORRECTIONS: 0 0.00 0.00 0.00
REGISTER TOTALS: 50 0.00 456,601.50 456,601.50
** POSTING PERIOD RECAP **

FUND PERIOD AMOUNT
-----------------------------------------
100 2/2024 14,598.52CR
207 2/2024 6,661.06CR
208 2/2024 8,661.59CR
215 2/2024 46.28CR
216 2/2024 258,869.29CR
710 2/2024 143,907.49CR
720 2/2024 23,069.31CR
730 2/2024 787.96CR
===========================================
ALL 456,601.50CR
TOTAL ERRORS: 0 TOTAL WARNINGS: 0
1 City of Portola
Minutes
Regular Meeting
January 24, 2024 06:00 PM
35 Third Ave, Portola, CA 96122
https://www.cityofportola.com/

1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Mayor Pat Morton.

A. Pledge of Allegiance
Lead by Mayor Pat Morton
B. Roll Call

Present: Mayor Pat Morton, Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy, Councilmember Bill Powers, Councilmember Stan Peiler

Absent: Councilmember Leah Turner
Staff Present: Finance Officer - Susan Scarlett, Deputy City Clerk - Jason Shaw, City Attorney, Steve Gross (remotely)

2. Public Comments
There were no public comments.

3. CITY COMMUNICATIONS
A. City Council Communications / Committee Reports
Mayor Pat Morton: Attended the County Transportation meeting. It's likely the County won't meet its EV (electric vehicle) compliance deadline by 2031 but the State is going to allow compliance to be extended through at least 2040. Attended the new Beckwourth Peak Fire District meeting. Eastern Plumas Fire District has taken the first steps to merge with Beckwourth Peak Fire District.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Murphy: Heading to the SCORE board meeting tomorrow.

Councilmember Stan Peiler: No Report.

Councilmember Bill Powers: Was asked by a member of the public about what could be done about Commercial St. beautification. Started working on Music in the Park. Wants to do one Music in the Park event in June. Attended the County Transportation meeting.

B. Staff Communications / Fire Report / Sheriff's Report / Air Quality Report 2 Finance Officer Susan Scarlett: Been in touch with auditors and SCORE on how to do the asset transfer to the new Fire District. Updated the budget schedule to have the budget workshop on May 8th, 2024 at 3:00 PM before the City Council meeting.

Fire Report: There was no Fire report.

Sheriff's Report: There was no Sheriff's report.

Air Quality Report by Targeted Airshed Grant Specialist Mikki Brown: No Curtailment Days this Week. Councilmember Jim Murphy asked about monitoring the air though systems like Ring. Mikki Brown responded that while it does give people an idea about the air quality, it's not nearly as accurate as the systems they use to monitor the air like the Purple meters.

C. City Manager's Report
There was no City Manager report.

4. Consent Agenda
A. Claims- Adopt Resolution No. 2566 authorizing payment of claims for the period of January 11th, 2024 though January 24th, 2024.

Accounts Payable: $211,704.02
Payroll: $22,914.66
Total: $234,618.68
AP Check Run #45555 – 45587
Payroll Check Run #17328 – 17329
B. Approval of the Minutes from 1-10-24
There were no public comments.

Councilmember Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Absent Councilmember Leah Turner

5. Renew State of Emergency Proclamation
Deputy City Clerk Jason Shaw explained that this was the same State of Emergency renewal that has come up before.

Our public assistance request has been submitted to FEMA for Winter Storm Disaster DR-4699 and now we are just awaiting their response for funding. 3 There were no public comments.

Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Bill Powers.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Absent Councilmember Leah Turner

6. Mayor Committee Appointments
Deputy City Clerk Jason Shaw explained that traditionally, the City Council reorganizes the City Council Committees at the Council meeting after the City Council was reorganized (selecting a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem). Mayor Pat Morton made no changes to the Committee appointments. Motion to approve the Mayor's Committee appointments.

There were no public comments.

Councilmember Bill Powers motioned to approve. A second was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy.

The roll call vote:

Aye Mayor Pat Morton Aye Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy Aye Councilmember Bill Powers Aye Councilmember Stan Peiler Absent Councilmember Leah Turner

7. Finance Officer Contract Renewal
Deputy City Clerk Jason Shaw went over the proposed changes to Susan Scarlett's contract with the City of Portola. Staff recommended that Council accept the changes in compensation and renew the contract for 3 more years.

Motion to approve Susan Scarlett's contract with the City of Portola for 3 more years with a 10% increase in compensation from $5,000 monthly to $5,500 monthly.

There were no public comments.

Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Murphy motioned to approve. A second was made by Councilmember Stan Peiler.

The motion passed with the following vote:
4 In Favor 0 Opposed
0 Abstained 1 Absent

8. Adjournment
Mayor Pat Morton adjourned the meeting at 6:27 PM.

1 MEETING DATE: February 14, 2024
FROM: Karen Downs
RE: Review and Acceptance of the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
BACKGROUND:

California Government Code Section 65400 requires all cities to file a General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR). The purpose of the Report is to monitor the City's implementation of the General Plan over time, to help identify statewide trends, document progress in meeting the City’s share of regional housing needs, and inform local decision makers. Prior to submittal to the state, the APR must be presented to the City Council for review and acceptance. The City's current General Plan was adopted in January 2012, and is in the process of being updated. A number of activities have been undertaken that implement the goals and policies of the General Plan since that time.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The APR provides an overview of the activities completed or currently being undertaken during 2022 to implement or update the General Plan. No updates to any elements of the General Plan were completed during the 2022 calendar year; however, a comprehensive update of the General Plan is underway. A series of workshops were held in 2020-2021 and the draft General Plan will be presented to the City Council in 2024. The City has prepared the Housing Element APR in accordance with State requirements. The Housing Element is a part of the General Plan.

The City’s General Plan APR is formatted in accordance with the State of California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) memo regarding General Plan Annual Progress Report Guidance dated October 6, 2022.

The City will provide the State with the APR in compliance with the California Government Code.

No environmental review is required for this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council review and accept the General Plan APR, and direct 2 staff to submit the APR to OPR.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None
ATTACHMENTS:

A. 2022 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
B. 20221005-APR MEMO REPORTING YEAR 2022
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report

CITY OF PORTOLA
General Plan Annual Progress Report: 2022 Reporting Period City Council Review: February 14, 2024

CITY COUNCIL
Pat Morton, Mayor
Jim Murphy, Mayor Pro Tem
Stan Peiler
Bill Powers
Leah Turner
City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3 About the General Plan
About the Annual Progress Report
General Plan Status............................................................................................................................................... 3 Status of the General Plan Elements
General Plan Amendments and Updates.............................................................................................................. 4 Amendments
Comprehensive Update
Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Safety Element
General Plan Implementation: Summary of Activity ............................................................................................ 5 Activity
Planning Commission
Building and Public Works Division
Planning Activities Initiated
General Plan Policies and Programs
Major Development Applications Processed
Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines ................................................................................................... 7 General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
Priorities for Land Use Decision Making ............................................................................................................... 7 Strategy for Monitoring Long-term Growth
City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 3
Introduction
About the General Plan
California Government Code Section 65300 mandates that each planning agency prepare, and the legislative body shall adopt a General Plan for guiding physical change in the City. The General Plan is the foundational development policy document of the City of Portola. It defines the framework by which the resources of the City are to be managed and utilized over time. The General Plan is available for public review at City Hall and on the City’s website. The General Plan acts to clarify and articulate the intentions of the City with respect to the rights and expectations of the public, property owners, and prospective investors and business interests.

About the Annual Progress Report
Government Code Section 65400 and 65700 mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual progress report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year. The General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) provides local legislative bodies and the public with information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for the City.

This 2022 General Plan APR covers the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. This General Plan APR includes Portola’s progress toward implementing the Housing Element. The 2022 Housing Element APR was submitted to HCD and is attached to this APR.

General Plan Status
Status of the General Plan Elements
State law requires that the General Plan include seven elements. These mandatory elements must cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation, and Open Space. State law allows the City to adopt any additional general plan elements that the City deems necessary. The City has adopted the Community Design, Economic Development, Public Services and Facilities, and Air Quality as optional elements, which have the same decision making weight as the mandatory elements.

Additionally, the elements of the general plan may combine elements as it deems necessary. The City of Portola General Plan combines the Conservation and Open Space elements into a single element. The following is a breakdown of the City’s General Plan:

General Plan
Element
Date of
Adoption
Next Update Examples of Topics Covered
Land Use January 2012 in process Provides for the types, density or intensity, design and distribution of existing and potential City areas.

Community
Design
January 2012 in process The Community Design Element defines specific details for development of the City. These details address
building characteristics and common area features such
as landscaping, signs, neighborhood design, and
community form.

Circulation January 2012 in process Identifies the street pattern and other circulation infrastructure and transportation systems needed to
support the uses identified Land Use Element.

City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 4
General Plan
Element
Date of
Adoption
Next Update Examples of Topics Covered
Economic
Development
January 2012 in process Defines the objectives, policies and proposals for improved employment, business retention and
expansion, and fiscal growth of the community.

Public
Services and
Facilities
January 2012 in process The Public Services and Facilities Element is focused on ensuring that the community infrastructure is in place
to accommodate the growth and development
identified in other elements of this General Plan. This element addresses both hard infrastructure (such as
sewer and water) and the public services (such as police and fire).

Conservation
and Open
Space
January 2012 in process Define policy for the protection of significant natural resources, providing the setting or context for urban
land use development and incorporated City areas.

Noise January 2012 in process Identifies the sources and outlines policy to protect land uses against adverse noise levels associated with
necessary circulation and related activity.

Air Quality January 2012 in process Identifies air quality goals and policies to protect the health and welfare of the community in aspects of
development, transportation, and activity affected by
the General Plan.

Housing
(Separate
Document)
July 2019 to be updated
in 2024
Identifies and provides an analysis of existing and
projected housing needs, an evaluation of housing
constraints, a statement of goals, policies, quantifiable objectives and financial resources, and scheduled
programs for the preservation, improvement, and
development of housing.

Safety
(Separate
Document)
April 2019 to be updated
in 2024
Provides for the protection of lives and property from
the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards.

General Plan Amendments and Updates
Amendments
No General Plan Amendments were requested in 2022.

Comprehensive Update
The City Council gave previous direction to staff in 2019 to prepare a draft General Plan (General Plan 2045) that would incorporate and meet the State of California 2017 General Plan Guidelines (GPG). At that time, staff initiated a public review process and started reviewing the GPG.

Based on City Council direction to review individual General Plan Elements, staff scheduled a series of public workshops and Community Development Committee meetings to review the Elements and provide feedback to the City Council. Future City Council meetings will provide additional opportunities for public comment and to update the public and City Council on public comment received at the virtual workshops City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 5
and Community Development Committee meetings. Environmental review will be ongoing throughout this process.

Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Portola adopted the 6
th Cycle Housing Element of the General Plan in July 2019 as required by State Law.

The update addressed state mandated goals of fair housing, ensuring sufficient sites and zoning to meet larger RHNA requirements, removing constraints to housing development, maintenance, and improvement. The 7th Cycle Housing Element is due to be updated in 2024.

Safety Element
Portola adopted the Safety Element of the General Plan in April 2019 as required by State Law. The update addressed the protection of lives and property from the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards.

The Safety Element is due to be updated in 2024.

General Plan Implementation: Summary of Activity
General Plan policies and objectives are implemented via the Portola Municipal Code and Zoning Map, Development Agreements, Design Guidelines, other implementation documents associated with General Plan elements and area plans, and through review and approval of private and public projects by the Planning Commission and City Council.

The objectives and policies reflected in the Municipal Code translate the General Plan’s vision into specific rules for private development. Review and approval of private projects must also incorporate assessment of the proposed project against General Plan policies and objectives. This comes in the form of “Findings” that affirm a project’s compliance with specific objectives and policies of the General Plan, and consistency with the Municipal Code.

Portola’s Municipal Code requires that certain actions be referred to the Portola staff for evaluation of consistency with the General Plan prior to their consideration by the City Council. Projects requiring finding of consistency with the General Plan or using public funding are generally reviewed to be in conformance with the General Plan.

Activity
The policies and programs identified in the General Plan include tools already in place and used on a dayto-day basis in the City. Some of the various tools available to further the City’s goals and objectives include the City Council’s annual goals and priorities, Budget/Capital Improvement Program, Municipal Code regulations, grant funding, etc.

City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 6
Planning Commission
Generally, the Planning Commission is designation as the Planning Agency as authorized by Section 65100 of the Government Code. The Planning Commission has the discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by Chapter 2.36 of the Portola Municipal Code.

During 2022, there were fewer than three planning commissioners seated, so the City Manager, as Hearing Officer, exercised the powers and authorities of the Planning Commission (Section 2.36.140). No applications were received and the no actions were taken by the Hearing Officer:

Building Department
The City’s Building and Life Safety Division reviews project plans, issues permits, and provides inspection services for compliance with California's building, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and disabled access codes, as well as City ordinances. In 2022, the Building Division received 71 building permit applications and issued 40 building permits.

Planning Activities Initiated
No planning activities, such as master plans, specific plans, environmental assessments, annexation studies, or similar studies or plans, were initiated in 2022.

Planning staff continued work towards completing the SB 2 Planning Grant and the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant project approved by the City. Generally, these projects allowed the City to streamline its plan submittal and review processes and increase transparency in an effort to accelerate housing production. Through the project, Portola was able to develop a GIS program for the public to gather development information, particularly related to general plan, zoning, and infrastructure to assist with project submittals and review. The software has assisted with streamlining entitlement applications and building permits, including records management, and establish and online submittal process.

General Plan Policies and Programs
Prioritized work efforts for the General Plan included the continuation of the comprehensive General Plan Update to comply with the 2017 General Plan Guidelines.

Major Development Applications Processed
No major development applications were submitted to the City.

Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines
Portola’s General Plan update is intended to ensure conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines:

General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
In 2016, the state adopted an amendment to Government Code §65302 that added to the required elements of the general plan either an environmental justice element, or related goals, policies, and objectives integrated into other elements. In 2017, OPR released an updated version of the General Plan Guidelines, including detailed information on statutory requirements of the mandated general plan City of Portola
2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 7
elements and complying with the new environmental justice mandate. Portola’s General Plan update (General Plan 2045) is intended to ensure conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines.

The General Plan elements outline the City’s updated and reorganized general plan elements and policies to the OPRs “Completeness Checklist” of statutory requirements in the 2017 General Plan Guidelines.

Each Element has been updated as necessary to meet State mandates, to respond to new state and local planning priorities, or to react to emerging climate change indicators or other physical changes in the City.

Priorities for Land Use Decision Making
Strategy for Monitoring Long-term Growth
The City has not adopted specific priorities, such as the passage of moratoria or emergency ordinances, for land use decision making, apart from the General Plan and Municipal Code. Any projects are reviewed to be in conformance with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code, or any other planning documents as applicable. In this review, staff addresses the public service and infrastructure needs of any project land use impacts.

S T A T E OF C A L I F O R N I A
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit
1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 TEL 1-916-445-0613 [email protected] www.opr.ca.gov Gavin Newsom
Governor
Sam Assefa
Director
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT MEMO – 2022 REPORTING YEAR
October 6, 2022
To: All California Cities and Counties
From: Planning and Community Development Team, Governor's Office of Planning and Research
RE: General Plan Annual Progress Report Guidance
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has updated its General Plan APR guidance and process for reporting year 2022 to streamline the process and minimize the time and resources spent. Please review the updates to OPR’s guidance listed below.

Updates
1) The General Plan Submission Form includes new questions that request more detailed agency contact and jurisdiction information, and general plan update history.
2) OPR strongly recommends planning agencies follow the format, guidance, and submission instructions as described in this document. In instances in which these instructions are not followed, OPR reserves the right to request a planning agency to resubmit an APR in the manner requested.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning and Community Development team at [email protected].

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS (APRs)
Government Code Section 65400 and 65700 mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their legislative bodies, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1 of each year. The guidance that follows is intended to assist local governments with the development of the General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

This guidance is intentionally general to allow maximum flexibility in the form and content of General Plan APRs, which may need to vary based on individual circumstances, resources, and constraints. Please also note that although OPR provides this guidance, HCD provides separate guidance for the Housing Element APR (HE APR) and specifically certifies the compliance of a local agency’s housing element (see HE APR section below).

PURPOSE OF THE APR
The APR provides local legislative bodies and the public with information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for their city or county. APRs also inform the public of the progress in meeting the community’s goals. Accordingly, local agencies should make a diligent effort to engage the public when preparing their APRs. It is important for local governments, their legislators, and legislative bodies to engage stakeholders and the public in sharing APRs and in making adjustments necessary to reach local planning goals.

APRs must be presented to the local legislative body for its review and acceptance, usually as a consent or discussion item on a regular meeting agenda. Therefore, the APR should provide enough information for decision-makers to assess how the General Plan was implemented during the 12-month reporting period, either calendar year or fiscal year. More specifically, APRs should explain how land use decisions relate to adopted goals, policies, and implementation measures of the General Plan. The APRs should provide enough information to identify necessary "course adjustments" or modifications to the General Plan and means to improve local implementation.

HOUSING ELEMENT APR
State law requires that all General Plans include a Housing Element that provides a plan for accommodating future housing production needs. State law further requires that all cities and counties create an APR that describes that community’s progress toward implementing their Housing Element. The Housing Element APR must be delivered to OPR and HCD by April 1 of each year and must cover the previous calendar year1. 1 The General Plan APR 12 month reporting period can be either a fiscal or calendar year, but the Housing Element APR 12 month reporting period must be a calendar year.

Effective 2019, all jurisdictions, including charter cities must submit a General Plan APR and Housing Element APR. Updated instructions and standardized forms for submitting the HE APR can be found at the following HCD website:
(https://www.hcd.ca.gov/annual-progress-reports).

The Housing Element APR fulfills statutory requirements to report certain housing information, including: the local agency's progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs (i.e., applications, entitlements, permits, and certificates of occupancy), certain rezoning activities, actions taken towards completion of housing element programs, and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing (Government Codes Sections 65584.3(c) and 65584.5(b)(5)). California’s housing element law acknowledges that in order for the private market to adequately address the state’s housing needs, local governments must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. As a result, housing policy rests largely on the effective implementation of local general plans and housing elements.

HOW THE STATE USES THE GENERAL PLAN APR and HOUSING

ELEMENT APR
The General Plan APR allows OPR to identify statewide trends in land use decisionmaking and how local planning and development activities relate to statewide planning goals and policies. APRs may also inform future modifications to OPR’s General Plan Guidelines. In addition, OPR can track progress on a local jurisdiction's comprehensive General Plan update using the information provided in the APR. Similarly, the HE APR allows HCD to track the progress of the implementation of a jurisdiction’s Housing Element and requires its submission as a threshold requirement for several State housing funding programs.

FORMAT GUIDANCE FOR THE GENERAL PLAN and HOUSING ELEMENT APR
There is no standardized format for the preparation of the General Plan APR. OPR strongly encourages following the recommendations described to develop an APR that is useful to your specific jurisdiction. The APR prepared for your city or county is not required to incorporate all of the elements suggested and need not be an elaborate and time-consuming task. Instead, the APR may make use of available sources of information that may contain information pertinent to General Plan annual reporting such as: “annual reports,” “performance reports,” “budget reports,” or “state of the city/county reports.” OPR encourages jurisdictions to include these types of reports or portions thereof in the APR so long as they specifically address the implementation of the General Plan. This approach enables General Plan implementation to be discussed in the broader context of the jurisdiction's overall programs and activities, including redevelopment, economic development, and other topics.

Reporting on planning activities related to the General Plan is required even when a city or county may be undertaking a General Plan comprehensive update. Therefore, the status of these activities should still be reported to local legislative bodies and to both OPR and HCD.

General Contents
Each jurisdiction should determine what locally relevant issues are important to include in the General Plan APR. The following are suggested contents for the report:

1. Introduction.

2. Table of Contents.

3. Date of presentation/acceptance by the local legislative body (agenda item or resolution).

4. The date of the last update to the General Plan2.

5. Measures associated with the implementation of the general plan with specific reference to an individual element.

6. Housing Element APR reporting requirements – Each jurisdiction is required to report certain housing information in accordance with state housing law (refer to Government Code Sections 65400, 65583, and 65584) and HCD's housing element guidelines (see https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communitydevelopment/annual-progress-reports.shtml or email [email protected] for more information).

7. The degree to which the General Plan complies with OPR’s General Plan Guidelines, including environmental justice considerations, collaborative planning with military lands and facilities, and consultation with Native American tribes.

8. Priorities for land use decision-making that have been established by the local legislative body (e.g., the passage of moratoria or emergency ordinances).

9. Goals, policies, objectives, standards, or other plan proposals that need to be added or were deleted, amended or otherwise adjusted.

10. One or more lists of the following, including reference to the specific general plan element or policy, status (i.e., approved/denied,
2 According to Government Code Section 65040.5(a) and (b), OPR is tasked with notifying a city or county if a general plan has not been revised within eight years and will notify the Attorney General if a general plan has not been revised within ten years.
initiated/ongoing/completed, etc.), and a brief comment on how each advanced the implementation of the General Plan during the past year:
a. Planning activities initiated – These may include but are not limited to, master plans, specific plans, master environmental assessments, annexation studies, and other studies or plans.
b. General Plan amendments3 – These may include agency-driven as well as applicant-driven amendments.
c. Major development applications processed
Additional Content
The following are additional suggestions to make the APR a more comprehensive tool for illustrating planning and development activities within the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may not have the resources to address them annually. However, they are mentioned here as examples of how some jurisdictions have effectively incorporated other types of information into their APRs. Cities and counties may incorporate this information into their APRs, where available and as deemed appropriate.

1. Review of:
a. Interagency or intergovernmental coordination efforts and identify areas for improvement. This may include participation in a regional blueprint or partnerships with State or Federal programs.
b. The implementation of mitigation measures from the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report or Negative Declaration.
c. Equity planning considerations of the General Plan, such as impacts on particular ethnic or socioeconomic population groups (i.e., environmental justice issues).

2. Summarize efforts to:
a. Promote infill development, reuse, and redevelopment particularly in underserved areas while preserving cultural and historic resources. b. Protect environmental and agricultural resources and other natural resources.
c. Encourage efficient development patterns.
3 Except as provided in Government Code Sections 65358(c) and (d), no mandatory element of the General Plan may be amended more than four times during a calendar year.

3. Describe the jurisdiction's strategy for:
a. Economic development – Depending on the needs of your jurisdiction, this analysis could include information on the ratio of jobs to dwelling units, tax revenues, demographics, census information, etc. b. Monitoring long-term growth – For example: population growth, employment growth, land use development, and the provision of adequate supporting public services and infrastructure.

4. Other actions:
a. Outline department goals, objectives, activities, and responsibilities, as they relate to land use planning.
b. Perform a regional or sub-regional outlook of population growth, housing, job generation, and other socioeconomic trends.
c. Summarize the comments of other boards and commissions on the general plan implementation.
d. Identify and monitor customer service improvements and methods to encourage public involvement in planning activities.
e. Review and summarize grant administration for land use planning activities.
f. Provide a technology review such as the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or the establishment of websites.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS
Jurisdictions must submit a General Plan and Housing Element APR to both OPR and HCD by April 1st of each year. If an agency does not follow the instructions listed, OPR reserves the right to request a resubmittal of the APRs.

Submitting the General Plan APR
To OPR: OPR does not accept mailed-in APRs. OPR will only accept General Plan APRs by ONE of the following methods:

1. Option 1: General Plan APR Submission Form (Link here) - This online form is OPR’s preferred method for submitting General Plan APRs in 2022. Please click the link provided and follow the prompts. Additional guidance on how to complete the form is available on OPR’s general plan page at opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/.

Those completing the form will find questions requesting the following information:

1. Appropriate contact information (name, department, email, phone number)

2. Agency information (agency name, website, name of planning director or equivalent, title of planning director or equivalent, email, phone, street address)

3. Jurisdiction type (city, county, city/county)

4. Name of jurisdiction (city name, county name)

5. Charter city (yes, no)

6. Reporting period type of General Plan APR being submitted (fiscal or calendar)

7. Reporting period of General Plan APR being submitted

8. Resubmittal (yes, no)

9. Reporting period of resubmittal

10. Required element update information (when was the last major update for each required element, when is the next major update for each required element)

11. Date of presentation or acceptance by a local legislative body. Planned dates are acceptable as well.

OPR strongly recommends completing the brief form in its entirety to reduce time and resources spent on APR preparation. Agencies that do not complete the form and opt for an email submission are strongly recommended to prepare and attach a cover letter that clearly provides these details. If an agency does not provide a cover letter, OPR reserves the right to request a re-submittal with the cover letter.

The General Plan APR should be in Microsoft Word (doc, docx) or PDF format, and submitted as one file. Please note, agencies should also be cognizant of the 16 MB file size limit.

If you are unable to upload the General Plan APR, OPR will accept hyperlinks. Please note, OPR is unable to accept Google doc and Dropbox hyperlinks.

Agencies that complete the online form will see a confirmation message at the end.

Please take a screenshot of this message for your own records.

2. Option 2: Email – OPR will continue to accept APRs emailed to [email protected].

If an agency decides to email their APR, OPR encourages attaching a cover letter that includes the following:

1. Appropriate contact information (name, department, email, phone number)

2. Agency information (agency name, website, name of planning director or equivalent, title of planning director or equivalent, email, phone, street address)

3. Jurisdiction type (city, county, city/county)

4. Name of Jurisdiction (city name, county name)

5. Charter city (Yes, No)

6. Reporting period type of General Plan APR being submitted (fiscal or calendar)

7. Reporting period of General Plan APR being submitted

8. Resubmittal (Yes, No)

9. Reporting period of resubmittal

10. Required element update information (when was the last major update for each required element, when is the next major update for each required element)

11. Date of presentation or acceptance by a local legislative body. Planned dates are acceptable as well.

Agencies are strongly recommended to attach a cover letter that clearly provides these details. If an agency does not provide a cover letter, OPR reserves the right to request a resubmittal with a cover letter.

The General Plan APR should be provided in Microsoft Word (doc, docx) or PDF format, and submitted as one file. Please note, agencies should also be cognizant of the file size.

If you are unable to attach the General Plan APR, OPR will accept hyperlinks. Please note, OPR is unable to accept Google doc hyperlinks.

For emailed General Plan APRs, OPR will email a confirmation receipt within two weeks of submission.

To HCD: A copy of the APR should also be submitted through the HCD APR online portal. To access the online system, email [email protected] and request login information for your jurisdiction. An APR can also be emailed as an attachment in an MS Office application or PDF to [email protected].

Submitting the Housing Element APR
To HCD: The HCD prefers the submittal of the HE APR via an Excel workbook through its online portal system. Agencies can also submit the HE APR via email to [email protected] with an attached Excel workbook. Do not send a scanned or PDF version of the form via the portal or email.

To OPR: Agencies should submit a copy of the HE APR to OPR in the same format as submitted to HCD. Agencies may submit by email at [email protected]. For emailed HE APRs, HCD will email a confirmation receipt within two weeks of submission.

Please note, submitting the HE APR to HCD will count as submission to both agencies.

OPR does not certify the accuracy of the submission of the HE APR to HCD or OPR.

PUBLIC INPUT
OPR welcomes suggestions regarding how to clarify this guidance to be more meaningful and useful to local planning agencies. Please contact the Planning and Community Development team at [email protected] to make suggestions for improving the General Plan Annual Progress Report guidelines or if you have any questions regarding the submission process.
1 MEETING DATE: February 14, 2024
FROM: Karen Downs
RE: Review and Acceptance of the 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
BACKGROUND:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Annual Progress Report provides an overview of the activities completed or currently being undertaken during 2023 to implement or update the General Plan. No updates to any elements of the General Plan were completed during the 2023 calendar year; however, a comprehensive update of the General Plan is underway. A series of workshops were held in 2020-2021 and the draft General Plan will be presented to the City Council in 2024. The City has prepared the Housing Element APR in accordance with State requirements. The Housing Element is a part of the General Plan.

The City’s General Plan APR is formatted in accordance with the State of California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) memo regarding General Plan APR Guidance dated October 6, 2022.

The City will provide the State with the APR in compliance with the California Government Code.

No environmental review is required for this item.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council review and accept the General Plan APR, and direct 2 staff to submit the APR to OPR.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None
ATTACHMENTS:

A. 2023 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report

CITY OF PORTOLA
General Plan Annual Progress Report: 2023 Reporting Period City Council Review: February 14, 2024

CITY COUNCIL
Pat Morton, Mayor
Jim Murphy, Mayor Pro Tem
Stan Peiler
Bill Powers
Leah Turner
City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3 About the General Plan
About the Annual Progress Report
General Plan Status............................................................................................................................................... 3 Status of the General Plan Elements
General Plan Amendments and Updates.............................................................................................................. 4 Amendments
Comprehensive Update
Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Safety Element
General Plan Implementation: Summary of Activity ............................................................................................ 5 Activity
Planning Commission
Building and Public Works Division
Planning Activities Initiated
General Plan Policies and Programs
Major Development Applications Processed
Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines ................................................................................................... 7 General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
Priorities for Land Use Decision Making ............................................................................................................... 7 Strategy for Monitoring Long-term Growth
City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 3
Introduction
About the General Plan
California Government Code Section 65300 mandates that each planning agency prepare, and the legislative body shall adopt a General Plan for guiding physical change in the City. The General Plan is the foundational development policy document of the City of Portola. It defines the framework by which the resources of the City are to be managed and utilized over time. The General Plan is available for public review at City Hall and on the City’s website. The General Plan acts to clarify and articulate the intentions of the City with respect to the rights and expectations of the public, property owners, and prospective investors and business interests.

This 2023 General Plan APR covers the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. This General Plan APR does not describe Portola’s progress toward implementing the Housing Element. This information can be found in the 2023 Housing Element APR, which will be submitted to HCD by April 1, 2024.

City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 4
General Plan
Element
Date of
Adoption
Next Update Examples of Topics Covered
Circulation January 2012 in process Identifies the street pattern and other circulation infrastructure and transportation systems needed to
support the uses identified Land Use Element.

Economic
Development
January 2012 in process Defines the objectives, policies and proposals for improved employment, business retention and
expansion, and fiscal growth of the community.

Noise January 2012 in process Identifies the sources and outlines policy to protect land uses against adverse noise levels associated with
necessary circulation and related activity.

Safety
(Separate
Document)
April 2019 to be updated
in 2024
Provides for the protection of lives and property from
the adverse effects of natural and manmade hazards.

General Plan Amendments and Updates
Amendments
No General Plan Amendments have been requested in 2023.

City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 5
Based on City Council direction to review individual General Plan Elements, staff has scheduled a series of virtual public workshops and Community Development Committee meetings to review the Elements and provide feedback to the City Council. Future City Council meetings will provide additional opportunities for public comment and to update the public and City Council on public comment received at the virtual workshops and Community Development Committee meetings. Environmental review will be ongoing throughout this process.

Housing Element & APR Reporting Requirements
Portola adopted the 6
th Cycle Housing Element of the General Plan in July 2019 as required by State Law.

The City submits an APR to HCD annually, as required by State law. This General Plan APR does not describe Portola’s progress toward implementing the Housing Element. This information can be found in the 2023 Housing Element APR, which will be submitted to HCD by April 1, 2024.

The Safety Element is due to be updated in 2024.

City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 6
Planning Commission
Generally, the Planning Commission is designation as the Planning Agency as authorized by Section 65100 of the Government Code. The Planning Commission has the discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by Chapter 2.36 of the Portola Municipal Code.

During 2023, there were fewer than three planning commissioners seated, so the City Manager, as Hearing Officer, exercised the powers and authorities of the Planning Commission (Section 2.36.140). The Hearing Officer took action on the following application:
• Lot Line Adjustment- 117 E. Plumas Avenue and 340 N. Pine Street Building Department
The City’s Building and Life Safety Division reviews project plans, issues permits, and provides inspection services for compliance with California's building, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and disabled access codes, as well as City ordinances. In 2023, the Building Division received 122 building permit applications and issued 78 building permits.

Planning Activities Initiated
No planning activities, such as master plans, specific plans, environmental assessments, annexation studies, or similar studies or plans, were initiated in 2023.

Planning staff did continue work towards completing the SB 2 Planning Grant and the Local Early Action Planning Grant project approved by the City. Generally, these projects allowed the City to streamline its plan submittal and review processes and increase transparency in an effort to accelerate housing production. Through the project, Portola was able to develop a GIS program for the public to gather development information, particularly related to general plan, zoning, and infrastructure to assist with project submittals and review. The software has assisted with streamlining entitlement applications and building permits, including records management, and establish and online submittal process.

General Plan Policies and Programs
Prioritized work efforts for the General Plan included the continuation of the comprehensive General Plan Update to comply with the 2017 General Plan Guidelines.

Major Development Applications Processed
No major development applications were submitted to the City.

Compliance with OPR General Plan Guidelines
Portola’s General Plan update is intended to ensure conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines:

General Plan Update (General Plan 2045)
In 2016, the state adopted an amendment to Government Code §65302 that added to the required elements of the general plan either an environmental justice element, or related goals, policies, and City of Portola
2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Page | 7
objectives integrated into other elements. In 2017, OPR released an updated version of the General Plan Guidelines, including detailed information on statutory requirements of the mandated general plan elements and complying with the new environmental justice mandate. Portola’s General Plan update (General Plan 2045) is intended to ensure conformance with the 2017 OPR Guidelines.

General Plan 2045- Review the Draft General Plan Document and Provide Direction to Staff on Environmental Review and Scheduling a Public Hearing
BACKGROUND:

Every city in California is required to have a General Plan; a blueprint for growth and development that lays out specific strategies for land use, mobility, housing, open space, conservation, noise and safety. The General Plan reflects the community’s values and directs the city’s day-to-day decisions, plans and priorities. About every 20 years the General Plan is revised to become more meaningful and relevant based on the current state of the city, with an eye toward the future.

The State of California has updated the General Plan Guidelines (2017). The GPG sets out each statutory requirement in detail and provides recommended policy language. The GPG is a resource to help the City accomplish its priorities and vision while meeting larger state goals, increasing community collaboration, and potentially improving competitiveness for funding opportunities.

The City Council gave previous direction to staff in 2019 to prepare a draft General Plan (General Plan 2045) that would incorporate and meet the State of California 2017 General Plan Guidelines (GPG). At that time, staff initiated a public review process and started reviewing the GPG.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This draft General Plan is provided for City Council and public review and will provide an additional opportunity to update the City Council and public on public comment received at the workshops and Community Development Committee meetings.

Generally, the General Plan has been revised to include:

Updates to reflect changes in State and Federal Law, including the California 2017 General Plan Guidelines.

Updates to reflect completed projects and current operations and conditions, which have changed since the previous general plan was adopted.
2 Elimination of goals and policies that have been accomplished and engineering standards from the General Plan which are maintained by the City or other externally regulating agency, such as Caltrans, in standalone documents.

Typographical corrections regarding grammar, format, and consistency.

Updates to reflect the current status of approved projects, such as the Woodbridge at Portola project.

Editorial changes, consisting of clarifications and cross referencing with internal documents.

A detailed comparison of the changes in each Element is included in the attached handout.

The City Council may discuss review of the General Plan and provide direction to staff. At a minimum, the next steps should include environmental review (see below) of the impacts associated with the General Plan 2045 and scheduling a public hearing to adopt the environmental review document and General Plan.

Attachments:

Comparison Review; reviews the requirements of the 2017 General Plan Guidelines and compares the changes of each Element
Draft General Plan 2045
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

The GPG includes information on CEQA, and how to review the General Plan, and clarifies that a General Plan is considered a project under CEQA. “Because general plans govern the type and location of new development, new or amended general plans may lead to significant changes in the environment. The California Environmental Quality Act, also known as “CEQA,” requires cities and counties to study those potential environmental impacts as part of the adoption or update process (Pub. Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.; see also CEQA Guidelines § 15378).

The City of Portola General Plan 2045 recommends no changes to existing land uses and presents a lower growth projection than provided in previous iterations of the General Plan.

There are minor changes to address State law requirements, slight changes to policy numbering, and minor changes to certain policies, while maintaining existing Goals and the structure of the previous General Plan, as noted in the list of general revisions above.

Staff will complete the Initial Study checklist (as required by CEQA) to analyze the changes since the previous General Plan adoption, and the prepare the associated environmental review document. It is anticipated that an Addendum to the previously-adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared.
3 RECOMMENDATION:

Review the draft General Plan document and provide direction to staff on environmental review and scheduling a public hearing.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. CITY COUNCIL - DRAFT GENERAL PLAN COMPARISON
B. DRAFT GENERAL PLAN 2045 FOR REVIEW
General Plan 2045

CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
FEBRUARY 14, 2024

PROJECT SCOPE
Public Outreach
1 Preparation of Draft
General Plan &
Environmental
Review
2 Public Review of
Draft General Plan &
Environmental
Review
3 Preparation of Final
Draft General Plan &
Environmental
Document
4 We are here

REQUIRED ELEMENTS
• Land Use
• Circulation
• Housing
• Conservation
• Open Space
• Noise
• Safety

CITY OF PORTOLA GENERAL PLAN
• Introduction
• Land Use
• Community Design
• Circulation
• Economic Development
• Public Services and Facilities
• Safety (separate process)
• Conservation and Open Space
• Noise
• Air Quality
• Housing (separate process)
General Plan Elements
Land Use Element

LAND USE MAP
STATE REQUIREMENTS- 2017 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES

LAND USE GOALS
Land Use Map
Land Use Map
Land Use
ElementComparison
Changes
• Inserted Potential Impacts for Flooding Section + FEMA Flood Map + Flood Hazard Areas Map with Zoning to help understand and depict areas of potential flooding (GPG)
• Inserted Section for Education with Educational Facilities Map to incorporate mindful planning in these areas (GPG)
• Inserted Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal Section with a Map to allow the reader to understand the location of these utilities and their impacts (GPG) • Inserted a Circulation Section with a Map of New Roads in Core Area to highlight the relationship between Land Use Planning and Transportation (GPG)
• Inserted Land Use Map Section- Features Core Area Land Use/Zoning to help guide future planning efforts (GPG)
• Updated Infill Neighborhood Map to highlight where infrastructure is needed for future development to occur (GPG)
• Updated Projected Population Growth Section and Associated Tables from (2%, 3%, and 5%) to (1%, 2%, and 3%) to reflect current population projections
Community Design
Element

COMMUNITY DESIGN GOALS & POLICIES
Community
Design
ElementPolicies
• Protection and Enhancement of Natural Amenities
• Building Quality and Durability
• City Landmarks and Gateways
• City-wide Directional Signs
• Neighborhood Conservation and Development
• Civic Core and Public Spaces
• Commercial Areas
• Business Professional and Industrial Areas
Community
Design
Comparison
Changes
• Updated pictures throughout to show current conditions (i.e. signage, neighborhoods).
• Updated Protection of Open Space and Natural Resources to ensure Firewise (NFPA) Standards are implemented.
• Updated City Landmarks and Gateways Figure 3-3 to provide a contemporary view of Major Gateway Entries, and amended the implementation section to maintain regional coordination for design standards.
• Added code enforcement strategies aimed at reducing blight and increasing safe living conditions.
• Updated Civic Core and Public Spaces- consolidated design standards for the Public Events Master Plan.
• Updated Sierra Street and Riverfront Commercial Area- consolidated design standards for recreation and business opportunities along the river Circulation Element

CIRCULATION MAP
STATE REQUIREMENTS- 2017 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES

CIRCULATION GOALS
Existing Major Streets
New Roads in Core Area
• Update A-15 language; realignment
not feasible
• Update map to be consistent with
previous General Plan Amendments
Circulation
ElementGeneral
Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
General location and extent of existing and proposed:
65302(b)(1) Major thoroughfares √
65302(b)(1) Transportation routes √
65302(b)(2) Public Transportation √
65302(b)(2) Bicycle √
65302(b)(2) Pedestrian √
65302(b)(2) Automobile √
65302(b)(2) Commercial goods √
65302(b)(1) Existing and proposed terminals (i.e. airport, train station, bus station) N/A 65302(b)(1) Military airports and ports N/A
65302(b)(1) Other local public utilities and facilities (i.e. water, sewer, stormwater systems, telecommunications and broadband, electric vehicle charging stations, electricity, and natural gas lines)
√
65302(b)(2) Needs of children, persons with disabilities, and seniors √ 65302(b)(1) Identified funding for infrastructure √
65302(b)(1) Correlated with Land Use Element √
Circulation
ElementComparison
Changes
• Inserted Land Use Section to show consistency between the two elements (GPG)
• Inserted New Technologies paragraph within Key Issues section to show the importance of adaptability to new modes of transportation created through technological advancements (GPG)
• Updated Existing Major Streets and Streets in Need of Repair Maps to show where improvements can be made
• Update A-15 language; realignment not feasible
• Updated New Roads in the Core Area Map to show collector roads and arterial streets and conceptual routing for new development (GPG); updated to be consistent with previous General Plan Amendments • Inserted Local Public Utilities and Facilities Section to account for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure and added Alternative Fuel Vehicle Infrastructure Map (GPG)
• Inserted Funding Sources Section to describe where funding for road improvements and maintenance comes from (GPG)
Economic Development
Element

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
Economic
ElementPolicies
• Business Innovation and Development
• Emphasis on Protecting Natural Amenities
• Local Self-Reliance
• City-wide Directional Signs
• Affordable Housing, Education, and Training
• Infrastructure for Economic Development
• Community Image and Quality of Life
• Regional Cooperation
• Timely Development Review Procedures
• Expand Tourism and Visitor Opportunities
Economic
Development
Comparison
Changes
• Consolidated Business Innovation and Development implementation measures, specifically regarding annual reviews and reports.
• Consolidated Local Self Reliance (encouraging new business) implementation measures, specifically regarding annual reviews and reports. • Consolidated Affordable Housing, Education, and Training implementation measures, specifically regarding annual reviews and reports. • Consolidated Infrastructure for Economic Development implementation measures, specifically regarding annual reviews and reports.
• Updated Community Image and Quality of Life to focus on maintaining and enhancing an attractive community environment and not including specific policies and implementation measures for development of a local art community. • Updated Expand Tourism and Visitor Opportunities implementation measures, specifically relating to guidelines for project review and approval.

Public Services and
Facilities Element

PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES GOALS & POLICIES
Public Services
and Facilities
Policies
• Core Area Infill Development
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Wastewater Collection and Treatment
• Storm Water
• Communications
• Electricity
• Solid Waste (update)
• Education
• Libraries
• Recreation and Parks
• Police Services
• Fire Protection (update)
Public
Services and
Facilities
Comparison
Changes
• Updated Projected Growth Relative to Public Services and Facilities Sections. • Updated Domestic Water Supply Section to include current sources and estimated source requirements to account for population growth. • Updated Communications Section to account for fiber optics and wireless internet.
• Updated Existing Primary and Secondary Education Resources Section to account for current facilities and current trends.
• Separated the policies section of Libraries into policies and implementation measures, as needed.
• Updated Recreation and Parks section to consolidate neighborhood park standards and encourage development of standards for size and amenities • Updated Police Services for current practices.
• Fire Protection – background to be updated for current practices.

Conservation and Open
Space Element
STATE REQUIREMENTS- 2017 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES

CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE GOALS & POLICIES
Conservation
General Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
65302(d)(1) Water and its hydraulic force (water conservation, water supply, and demand)
√
65302(d)(1) Floodwater accommodation √
65302(d)(1) Forest (conservation, risk of wildfire) √
65302(d)(1) Soils (management and conservation, ag production) √ 65302(d)(1) Rivers and other waters (water quality) √
65302(d)(1) Harbors N/A
65302(d)(1) Fisheries (management) N/A
65302(d)(1) Wildlife (conservation, habitat) √
65302(d)(1) Minerals (inventory, protection) √
65302(d)(1) Other natural resources √
Open Space
General Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
65563 Long range and comprehensive √
65563 Plan for preservation and conservation of open space lands, including the following:
√
65560(h)(1) Open space for the preservation of natural resources, including, but not limited to, areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife species; areas required for ecologic and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays, and estuaries; and coastal beaches, lakeshores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands. √
65560(h)(2) Open space used for the managed production of resources, including, but not limited to, forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands, and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of groundwater basins; bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers, and streams that are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply. √
65560(h)(3) Open space for outdoor recreation, including, but not limited to, areas of outstanding scenic, historic, and cultural value; areas particularly suited for park and recreation purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas that serve as links between major recreation and openspace reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors.
√
Open Space
General Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
65560(h)(4) Open space for public health and safety, including, but not limited to, areas that require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs, and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality.
√
65560(h)(5) Open space in support of the mission of military installations that comprises areas adjacent to military installations, military training routes, and underlying restricted airspace that can provide additional buffer zones to military activities and complement the resource values of the military lands.

N/A
65560(h)(6) Open space for tribal resources, including public land containing any Native American sanctified cemetery, place of worship, religious or ceremonial site, or sacred shrine; Native American historic, cultural, or sacred sites, that are listed or may be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources pursuant to Section 5024.1. tribal consultation is required to determine the level of confidentiality needed (Government Code section 65562.5) √
65560(b) Inventory of the above lands to include any parcel that is essentially unimproved (i.e. need not be completely vacant).
√
65562(a) Policies provide that open space “must be conserved wherever possible”. √ 65562(b) Coordinated with state and regional plans √
Open Space
General Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
65564
65566
65567
65910
Action Plan:
• Acquisition and disposal of open space must be consistent with the open space plan
• Building permits, subdivision maps, and zoning must be consistent with the plan
• Open space zoning pursuant to Government Code Section 65910 (e.g. exclusive agriculture zones, large-lot zones, overlay zones for hazards areas, etc.) must be consistent with the plan.
√
Conservation
and Open
Space
Element-
Policies
Water Conservation
Energy Conservation
Soil Erosion Control and Safety
Water Quality
Open Space
Feather River
Biological Resources
Archaeological, Historic, and Cultural Resources
• Inserted Water and its Hydraulic Force Section with Figures for Water Shed Hydrologic Units to show watershed management and restoration efforts (GPG). • Inserted Protected Areas Figure to clarify which parcels are protected (GPG). • Inserted Figure 8-3 Soil Survey to help understand where to preserve and maintain Portola’s soil (GPG).
• Inserted Figure 8-4 Wetlands to show jurisdictional wetlands within the GP study area (GPG).
• Inserted Figure 8-5 Plumas National Forests to show locations of protected National Forest land (GPG).
• Removed Mineral Resources Section as there are no known mineral resources within the study area (GPG).
• Inserted Public Health and Safety Section to account for topics of discussion including seismic hazards, flood hazards, wildfires, and air quality in relation to this element (GPG).
• Focus on public education.
• Coordinated with Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).

Conservation
and Open
Space
Comparison
Changes
Noise Element
STATE REQUIREMENTS- 2017 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES

NOISE GOALS & POLICIES
Noise
General Plan
Guidelines
California
Government
Code Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in
General Plan
Identify and appraise noise problems in the community and quantify current and projected noise levels for all of the following sources:
65302(f)(1)(A) Highways and freeways √
65302(f)(1)(B) Primary arterials and major local streets √ 65302(f)(1)(C) Passenger and freight online railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems
√
65302(f)(1)(D) Commercial, general aviation, and heliport ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operations
√
65302(f)(1)(E) Local industrial plants (railroad stations) √ 65302(f)(1)(F) Other ground stationary noise sources, including, but not limited to, military installations, identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment.

N/A
65302(f)(2) Noise contour maps √
65302(f)(3) Noise contours as a guide for establishing a patter of land uses that minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise.
√
65302(f)(4) Implementation measures and possible solutions √ Noise
ElementGoals
Goal N-1. Protect City residents from the harmful and annoying effects of exposure to excessive noise.

Goal N-2. Protect the quality of life in the community and the tourism economy from noise generated by incompatible land uses.

Goal N-3. Accommodate additional tourism and visitors without creating new noise sources.

Goal N-4. Ensure that places of quiet remain near the urban areas of the City.

Goal N-5. Protect public health and welfare by eliminating existing noise problems where feasible, by establishing standards for acceptable indoor and outdoor noise, and by preventing significant increases in noise levels.

Goal N-6. Incorporate noise considerations into land use planning decisions, and guide the location and design of transportation facilities to minimize the effects of noise on adjacent land uses.

Noise
ElementPolicies
• Mobile Noise Sources
• Stationary Noise Sources
• Inserted the statute requirements from California Government Code 65302(f) (GPG).
• Inserted Completeness Checklist & Required Documents (GPG). • Inserted Noise Discussion and Figure 9-1: Noise Map to give a general overview of noise origin (GPG).
• Inserted Table 9-1 Common Comparable Sounds, to help give an understanding to how loud Aviation and Road Use is (GPG). • Inserted Table 9-2 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure; Transportation Noise Sources, to help understand the allowable noise levels for different land uses. (GPG).
• Inserted Table 9-3 Performance Standards for Non-Transportation Noise Sources or Projects Affected by Non-Transportation Noise Sources to guide allowable noise levels during the AM and PM (GPG). • Update pictures to current conditions.

Noise
Comparison
Changes
Air Quality Element
STATE REQUIREMENTS- 2017 GENERAL PLAN GUIDELINES

AIR QUALITY GOALS & POLICIES
Air Quality
ElementGoals
Goal AQ-1. Improve Portola’s air quality by:

Achieving and maintaining ambient air quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board;
Minimizing public exposure to toxic or hazardous air pollutants; and Minimizing public exposure to pollutants that create a public nuisance, such as unpleasant odors.

Goal AQ-2. Integrate air quality planning with land use and transportation planning processes.

Goal AQ-3. Although the automobile is the primary form of transportation, the City of Portola should make a commitment to other modes of transportation.

Goal AQ-4. Reduce air emissions through energy conservation. • Reviewed with NSAQMD
• Updated Tables 10-1 and 10-2 to conform with current State and Federal standards for Air Quality and Particulate Matter (State Law).
• Updated the Existing Conditions in Portola Section to reflect the current amount of pollution monitors and needed compliance with federal health-based standards (GPG).
• Condensed Consistency with Other Elements Section instead of listing out all the goals from other elements that are relevant (GPG).
• Updated Implementation Section to better align with new federal standards and technologies for achieving optimum air quality (GPG).

Air Quality
Comparison
Changes

City of Portola
General Plan
2045
Adopted by the City of Portola City Council
XX XX, 2024
Resolution No. XXXX
City of Portola
General Plan 2045
Adopted XX XX, 2024
Resolution No. XXXX
Portola City Council
Mayor Pat Morton
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Murphy
Councilmember Bill Powers
Councilmember Stan Peiler
Councilmember Leah Turner
Table Of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................1-1

1.1 General Plan Update .......................................................................................1-1

1.2 What is a General Plan? ..................................................................................1-1

1.3 Public Participation in the General Plan Update Process ...........................1-2

1.4 Authority and Statutory Purposes ..................................................................1-2

1.5 Time Horizon for the General Plan ..................................................................1-2

1.6 The Vision of the Future ....................................................................................1-2

1.7 Features of the General Plan Vision ...............................................................1-3

1.8 Economic Setting..............................................................................................1-5

1.9 Physical Setting and Resources ......................................................................1-6

1.10 Geographic Area of General Plan Study ......................................................1-8

1.11 Amendments to the General Plan .................................................................1-9

1.12 Elements Addressed in the General Plan ......................................................1-9 Land Use Element......................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Overall Land Use Goals....................................................................................2-2

2.2 Key Land Use Issues ..........................................................................................2-2

2.3 General Plan Diagram (Land Use Map) ........................................................2-4

2.3.1 General Plan Sub-Areas......................................................................2-4

2.4 Land Use Designations.....................................................................................2-8

2.4.1 Residential Land Use Categories.......................................................2-9

2.4.2 Commercial Land Use Categories..................................................2-12

2.4.3 Business Professional/Light Industrial (BP/LI)....................................2-13

2.4.4 Public/Quasi-Public (P/QP)...............................................................2-13

2.4.5 Utilities (U)............................................................................................2-13

2.4.6 Open Space/Conservation (OSC)..................................................2-13

2.4.7 Overlay Designations ........................................................................2-14

2.5 Projected Population Growth .......................................................................2-14

2.6 Projection of Land Area to Accommodate Future Growth......................2-15

2.7 Land Use Policies and Implementation .......................................................2-18 Community Design Element .....................................................................................3-1

3.1 Community Design Goals................................................................................3-2

3.2 Protection and Enhancement of Natural Amenities....................................3-3

3.3 Building Quality and Durability........................................................................3-5

3.4 City Landmarks and Gateways ......................................................................3-6

3.5 Neighborhood Conservation and Development.........................................3-8

3.6 Civic Core and Public Spaces ......................................................................3-10

3.7 Design Standards: Commercial Areas.........................................................3-13

3.8 Design Standards: Sierra Street and Riverfront Commercial.....................3-15

3.9 Design Standards: Business Professional and Industrial Areas ...................3-16 Circulation Element...................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Key Circulation Issues .......................................................................................4-2

4.2 Circulation Goals ..............................................................................................4-4

4.3 Level of Service Standards ..............................................................................4-4

4.4 Street Network and Classification...................................................................4-5

4.4.1 Street Standards...................................................................................4-7

4.4.2 Major Streets Master Plan .................................................................4-13

4.4.3 Major Streets in Future Growth Areas..............................................4-15

4.4.4 Traffic Signals......................................................................................4-15

4.4.5 Truck Routes........................................................................................4-15

4.5 Parking .............................................................................................................4-17

4.6 Bikeway and Pedestrian System ...................................................................4-18

4.7 Transportation System Management...........................................................4-21

4.8 Public Transportation......................................................................................4-22

4.9 Rail ....................................................................................................................4-24

4.10 Airport...............................................................................................................4-24 Economic Development Element............................................................................5-1

5.1 Economic Development Goals ......................................................................5-2 Public Services and Facilities Element......................................................................6-1

6.1 Public Services and Facilities Goals................................................................6-2

6.2 Projected Growth Relative to Public Facilities and Services .......................6-2

6.3 Domestic Water ................................................................................................6-4

6.4 Sewer..................................................................................................................6-7

6.5 Major Drainage.................................................................................................6-9

6.6 Communications ............................................................................................6-10

6.7 Electricity..........................................................................................................6-11

6.8 Solid Waste ......................................................................................................6-12

6.9 Education ........................................................................................................6-13

6.10 Libraries ............................................................................................................6-15

6.11 Recreation and Parks.....................................................................................6-16

6.12 Police................................................................................................................6-17

6.13 Fire Protection .................................................................................................6-18 Safety Element...........................................................................................................7-1

7.1 Seismic and Geologic Hazards.......................................................................7-1

7.1.1 Seismic and Geologic Safety Goals..................................................7-2

7.2 Flood Hazards....................................................................................................7-3

7.2.1 Flood Safety Goals...............................................................................7-4

7.3 Dam Failure Inundation....................................................................................7-5

7.3.1 Dam Failure Safety Goals ...................................................................7-5

7.4 Wildland Fire Protection ...................................................................................7-5

7.4.1 Wildland Fire Safety Goals..................................................................7-6

7.5 Hazardous Materials.........................................................................................7-7

7.5.1 Hazardous Material Safety Goals ......................................................7-8 Conservation and Open Space Element................................................................ 8-1

8.1 Water Conservation .........................................................................................8-2

8.1.1 Water Conservation Goals.................................................................8-2

8.2 Energy Conservation........................................................................................8-2

8.2.1 Energy Conservation Goals................................................................8-3

8.3 Soil.......................................................................................................................8-4

8.3.1 Soil Erosion Control and Safety Goals ...............................................8-4

8.4 Water Quality ....................................................................................................8-5

8.4.1 Water Quality Goals............................................................................8-5

8.5 Open Space......................................................................................................8-6

8.5.1 Open Space Goals..............................................................................8-7

8.6 Middle Fork Feather River ................................................................................8-8

8.6.1 Feather River Goals .............................................................................8-9

8.7 Biological Resources.......................................................................................8-10

8.7.1 Biological Resources Goals ..............................................................8-11

8.8 Archaeological, Historic, and Cultural Resources ......................................8-12

8.8.1 Archaeological, Historic, and Cultural Resources Goals..............8-13

8.9 Mineral Resources...........................................................................................8-14

8.9.1 Mineral Resources Goals...................................................................8-14 Noise Element ............................................................................................................9-1

9.1 Noise Goals........................................................................................................9-2

9.2 Mobile Noise Sources .......................................................................................9-2

9.3 Stationary Noise Sources..................................................................................9-5 Air Quality Element .................................................................................................. 10-1

10.1 Primary Sources and Ambient Air Quality Standards.................................10-1

10.2 Existing Conditions in Portola.........................................................................10-4

10.3 Air Quality Goals .............................................................................................10-6

1. Introduction DRAFT
General Plan 2045
The City of Portola General Plan 2045 recommends review at regular intervals to ensure that the document is true to the original vision and principles of the City. Periodic adjustments to the General Plan may occur from time to time, as development opportunities emerge.

The City began its review of the General Plan on April 10, 2019 during a public Community Meeting. After a discussion of housing, safety, and general growth in the City, it was agreed that the themes of the General Plan (technology, recreation, and tourism) remain critical issues in Portola. The importance of community activities, façade improvement, improved alleyways, emphasis on the Railroad Museum and downtown activities, improved signage to downtown attractions, increased tourism, and improved businesses will all be the focus of this General Plan Update.

SUMMARY OF REPORT FINDINGS
The General Plan 2045 focuses on the newly released OPR General Plan Guidelines (2017) and reviews how the City’s current policies include resiliency efforts. OPR’s Completeness Checklist and Required Contents and Statutory Requirements for general plan elements is included for each Element.

BACKGROUND
Cities and counties in California are required to have a general plan to address physical development and containing, at a minimum, the required components of the mandated elements. To assist local governments in preparing general plans, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) provides and periodically revises guidelines for the preparation and content of local general plans.

The City of Portola updated its General Plan in 2000, with a comprehensive policy review/update in 2012. As required by State law, the Housing Element and Safety Element has been updated separately.

The currently approved General Plan includes the following Elements:
▪ Chapter 2- Land Use
▪ Chapter 3- Community Design
▪ Chapter 4- Circulation
City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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▪ Chapter 5- Economic Development
▪ Chapter 6- Public Services and Facilities
▪ Chapter 7- Safety
▪ Chapter 8- Conservation and Open Space
▪ Chapter 9- Noise
▪ Chapter 10- Air Quality
▪ Separate Document- Housing
In 2016, the state adopted an amendment to Government Code §65302 that added to the required elements of the general plan either an environmental justice element, or related goals, policies, and objectives integrated into other elements, if the jurisdiction has a disadvantaged community (the definition of disadvantaged communities and other related funding provisions for disadvantaged communities and low-income communities are described on pages 26 - 28). In 2017, OPR released an updated version of the General Plan Guidelines, including detailed information on statutory requirements of the mandated general plan elements and complying with the new environmental justice mandate.

This Chapter of the General Plan outlines the City’s updated and reorganized general plan elements and policies to the OPRs “Completeness Checklist” of statutory requirements in the 2017 General Plan Guidelines. Each Element has been updated as necessary to meet State mandates, to respond to new state and local planning priorities, or to react to emerging climate change indicators or other physical changes in the City.

What is a General Plan?
The general plan links community values, visions, and objectives with decisions that affect the physical development of the community, such as subdivisions and public works projects. It is a comprehensive policy document that defines the type, amount, and location of future growth and development within the city and forms the base for the city’s planning activities and its decisions regarding development proposals. Each city and county in California must prepare a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide its future (California Office of Planning and Research, 2003 General Plan Guidelines).

State law requires that subdivisions, capital improvements, development agreements, and many other land use actions must be consistent with the adopted general plan. Zoning and specific plans are also required to conform to the general plan.

The process of preparing, adopting, implementing, and maintaining the general plan serves to:
▪ Identify the community’s land use, circulation, environmental, economic, and social goals and policies as they relate to land use and development. ▪ Provide a basis for local government decision-making, including decisions on development approvals and exactions.

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▪ Provide citizens with opportunities to participate in the planning and decision-making processes of their communities.
▪ Inform citizens, developers, decision-makers, and other cities and counties of the ground rules that guide development within a particular community.

A General Plan is required to:
▪ BE COMPREHENSIVE It should incorporate the City’s entire planning area, look at the region as a whole, and encompass a broad range of issues. ▪ BE INTERNALLY CONSISTENT All of the elements have equal status. Consistency is required between and within elements, among text and diagrams, and among any area plans.
▪ HAVE A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE Look at the projected plan for the City’s growth and development.

Public Participation in the General Plan Update
Process
The City Council directed staff to begin the public participation process for the General Plan 2045 in April 2019. Since then, General Plan topics related to growth and development have been discussed at Community Meetings and during regularly scheduled City Council meetings throughout 2019 and 2020. The draft General Plan 2045 was available for public review beginning July 2020 and was available for review at the public information counter and on the City’s website. At the direction of the City Council, “Brown Bag Workshops” were held on February 10, February 24, March 10, and March 31, 2021, with Community Development Committee meetings following the workshop to review public comment and provide direction for each Element. The intent of the Brown Bag Workshops was to garner both public input and review of each element in a way that was more digestible, with guidance from the Community Development Committee. The City Council will then hear additional public comment and review the recommendation of the Community Development Committee.

The City Council reviewed a draft on xx, 2024 and directed staff to prepare a final draft with the appropriate environmental review document. A Public Hearing was scheduled before the City Council on XX, 2024. Updates were made as directed by the City Council based on community and City Council input.

Authority and Statutory Purposes
All cities and counties in California are required to prepare a general plan. California Government Code Section 65300 requires that the General Plan be a comprehensive, long-term document for the physical development of the City. The General Plan must weave together the many threads of individual and civic life that make up a community.

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The fundamental goal is to describe how a complex set of circumstances will function collectively to achieve a workable plan for the future. The General Plan provides direction for development.

Consistency with the General Plan
The General Plan links community values, visions and objectives with decisions that affect the physical development of the community, such as subdivisions and public works projects. State law requires that subdivisions, capital improvements, development agreements, and many other land use actions must be consistent with the adopted general plan.

Time Horizon for the General Plan
This General Plan looks forward to the year 2045. In the upcoming years, Portola looks forward to positive changes in the economy related to tourism and housing development.

However, since 2000, the City’s population has declined from 2,227 (2000 Census) to 2,104 (2010 Census) to 1,920 (2020 American Community Survey). However, because of the increased cost of housing in nearby cities, an increase in tourism, and an availability of housing development opportunities, population growth is expected to increase gradually, and the fundamental economy will shift from basic industries to tourism and new businesses that rely on telecommunications. The +/- twenty-year horizon is necessary to provide a context for planning major new road and infrastructure elements (such as water and sewer systems) that require a long time frame for planning, funding, and development.

The Vision of the Future
This General Plan will guide the City of Portola through an era of substantial change.

Although Portola is a relatively small community and isolated from the large population centers of California, the City will be affected by economic and technologic changes far beyond its borders. These changes include an increase in the retired population, more leisure time and affluence to enjoy attractive communities, and technologic advances that enable certain types of employment to locate in relatively isolated locations.

An increase in retired population brings a higher demand for second homes and recreation-oriented retirement communities. Increased leisure time and affluence enables more people to visit communities such as Portola. This will enhance the local economy and lead to more diverse employment opportunities. More employment opportunities lead to population growth and housing demand.

New technologies and demographic trends will change the way people work, communicate, travel, and shop. These changes will provide many new choices for individuals and provide new opportunities that will affect where people choose to live.

Company decision makers will select the location for company expansions and City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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relocations largely on the quality of life available to themselves and their employees. Small communities with a high level of natural amenities and near to larger supporting metropolitan areas will attract new businesses and enjoy sustained economic development. The challenge will be to accommodate and derive the benefits of economic development without diminishing the natural amenities and small-town environment that the current residents treasure.

This General Plan envisions Portola as the economic hub of the east Plumas County region.

The industries that sustained the community for more than a century: timber, mining, ranching and the railroad, have endured a steady decline due to changes in the national economy. However, a promising future lies in embracing and managing the population growth and economic development that will be attracted by the high level of amenity.

Quality of life and the preservation of the existing environment are essential to realize this vision. The type of new economic growth anticipated in this plan is totally dependent on retaining and enhancing the environmental quality found in the community today. The new residents and businesses that will be attracted to this community have choices to locate virtually anywhere they please. Retirees, small business entrepreneurs and those who choose the mountain setting, small community lifestyle and recreation opportunities have the choice of many communities. Portola will grow and prosper in the future only to the extent that it:

1. protects and sustains the natural amenities it currently offers,

2. manages the effects of growth, affordably maintains public services and infrastructure, and

3. provides opportunities for quality economic development.

Features of the General Plan Vision
The General Plan vision of the future of Portola includes the following characteristics and features. All of these elements contribute to the overall success of the community, the quality of life for residents, and the quality of the experience for visitors to the community.

Environmental Protection
Portola enjoys a high-quality, natural environment. The General Plan will contribute to protecting this environment by limiting the intensity of development within, and directing inappropriate development away from, environmentally sensitive areas.

Employment Growth
Employment opportunities will come with growth in tourism, local services and new businesses, and growth in the residential community. The Land Use Element will facilitate City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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job growth by providing suitable land area for new employers that is well located with adequate services and access.

Enhanced Retail Opportunities and Services for Residents New retail and services for area residents will come with new population growth in the eastern Plumas County region. This will enhance the convenience and quality of life for residents and will reduce the need to travel outside the region for shopping and service needs. As the commercial hub for east Plumas County, Portola will be the center for new businesses and services. This will occur if there are suitable sites for the new businesses in an attractive setting.

Clear Sense of Community and Place
The City will retain the distinct sense of place distinguished by the compact form centered on the Feather River. Creating a “sense of place” is less tangible than most characteristics, but it is important to the social and aesthetic quality of the City. Sense of place is a resident’s perception that the City is a unique place, with well-defined boundaries, a logical order in land uses, and a distinct commercial and social center. This enhances the overall aesthetics and quality of life in the City. Moreover, such attributes help visitors to quickly understand the organization of streets and land use in a community.

Efficient, Affordable Public Services and Utilities
The City will provide public services suited to and affordable to the residents. The location of land uses directly affects the cost of public utilities and services. For example, extensive backbone sewer and water pipe systems significantly increase both initial capital cost and on-going maintenance. Similarly, scattered, low-density residential use can increase the cost and diminish the effectiveness of police, fire, and recreation services. A compact city, with clustered housing in the rural areas, can help make public services and utilities more affordable and efficient.

Quality, Affordable Housing
The City will include a supply of quality housing affordable to the residents who work in the region. This is necessary for the economic development of the City. The Land Use Element will contribute by designating an adequate area for new housing and by excluding incompatible detrimental land uses from residential neighborhoods.

Safety
Safety from flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires will be achieved in part by not locating intensive land uses in harm’s way and, in part, by land use design that minimizes exposure and maximizes the ability to evacuate people in emergencies.

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Alternative Transportation Methods
The use of private vehicles will remain the primary mode of transport in this region.

However, the Land Use Element will contribute to minimizing the effects of automobile traffic by creating a compact community. By locating the more intense land uses along roads that can accommodate the higher traffic levels, it will be feasible to walk or bicycle for some daily trips. Public transit can serve the more intense land uses clustered along transit routes.

Economic Setting
The City of Portola in 2020 is shaped by the industries that created and sustained it through the late 19th and 20th centuries. Portola developed around the railroad and highway.

The railroad established the primary form of the City when it was platted in 1909; but timber, mining, and ranching have all contributed to the historic development and evolution of the town. As these industries expanded, the town prospered and grew. As these same industries declined, Portola experienced a long period of economic stagnation. Although timber, mining, ranching, and the railroad continue to play a role in the economy of this region, the future will depend on new types of businesses.

In the historic economy there was little need for commercial or industrial land use other than the commercial development along Sierra Street and Commercial Street.

Consequently, Portola has little area available to provide economic development opportunities for small businesses that may seek space in the City.

The preparation of this General Plan coincides with new circumstances that promise a bright future for the City of Portola. The City is truly at a crossroads created by circumstances beyond its borders. If properly prepared, the City can ensure sustained economic growth, and maintain the existing quality of life for current and future residents.

This General Plan defines a future based on these new circumstances.

The new circumstances that will drive economic development in Portola reflect broad changes in technology and demographic trends far beyond this community. Technology will change the way in which people will work, shop, communicate with others socially and in business, and engage in leisure activities. These changes will make it more likely that individuals will choose a place to live based on quality-of-life issues, rather than traditional economic considerations.

With telecommunications technologies and inexpensive, prompt delivery services, it is now possible to locate many types of businesses virtually anywhere. Office work, mail order sales, small manufacturing, and a wide range of other activities that historically had to locate in a major population center can now be located where the business decision makers choose. Portola is in a position to nurture this type of business as a cornerstone of City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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economic growth. In order to attract new businesses, the City will need to offer a variety of office, light industrial, and commercial space.

The amount of land area allocated to business development cannot be precisely established in the General Plan. However, it is essential that the City designate areas for commercial and business parks to accommodate economic development opportunities.

Demographic forces will also affect the growth and development of many communities.

An aging, relatively affluent population will also make retirement and recreation choices based on quality-of-life issues. As the “baby-boomer” generation reaches retirement age in the next two decades, a large population of relatively affluent households will be seeking to locate in communities that offer a high level of quality of life. The most attractive retirement areas will be smaller communities within a few hours’ drive of the metropolitan areas where these people spent much of their lives. The demand for retirement housing will be met in existing small towns, such as Portola, as well as large, master planned communities.

Tourism and recreation will also be a cornerstone of economic development in Portola.

Tourism will create new service jobs and will also introduce the area to visitors and will thereby invite further population growth. Finally, job growth in the Reno area and in east Plumas County will create a demand for affordable housing and secondary jobs in Portola.

Tourism will also be a growing factor in the future economy. The Railroad Museum, the River Park (described in the Land Use Element, Section 2.7.2), the Feather River itself, and Old Town Commercial area are existing or potential attractions for tourists. The City will provide a number of venues or activity centers to host large- scale events. The impact of the tourist visits and the growth of recreation activities in the east Plumas County region will be felt in retail, lodging, and service business growth.

Quality of life is fundamental to capturing a “fair share” of the growth that will result from these new circumstances. The key is to balance the need for new growth, including jobs, services, retail, and housing with protecting the natural resources and amenities in community. Indeed, without those natural resources and amenities, the fundamental attraction of the community will be lost, and the economic growth needed to survive and prosper will be diminished.

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Physical Setting and
Resources
The challenge to blend new growth with
environmental protection is great, but
Portola attributes offer significant
advantages, including some that are
virtually unique. The conditions in the
existing community and the surrounding
region, both manmade development
and the natural environment, are
fundamental to determining the
potential for future land use.

Regional Location
Portola is located just 45 minutes from Reno on an all-weather highway, as shown in Figure 1-1. Highway 70 is a significant trans-Sierra route that brings commerce to the City. For businesses in Portola, Reno offers a larger market for services and supplies, a potential labor pool, and transportation connections. With the Reno/Tahoe International Airport so near, Portola can ship and receive materials as readily as any major metropolitan area. The Reno/Tahoe International Airport is also a portal for tourists attracted to Portola and the east Plumas County region.

This proximity to a major employment market enables residents to hold relatively high paying jobs and support a household in Portola. Out-commuting to jobs is not a desirable long-term strategy for Portola, but the Reno area employment is a stable source of income that can help Portola grow its own economy and employment base.

Portola is the major urban center for several historic and emerging recreation/residential communities. These existing and developing communities: Graeagle, Blairsden, Whitehawk Ranch, Grizzly Ranch, and Gold Mountain, among others, will attract both seasonal and permanent population that will require services and shopping. As these communities mature, the population will become more permanent and will require yearround services.

Mountain Setting
The City sits at the east end of the narrow Humbug Valley flanked on the south by Beckwourth Peak (7252 feet) and on the north by peaks reaching to 6200 feet. The mountains offer distant vistas when viewed from the town.

The City extends away from the river and into the forest on both sides of the valley. Distinct drainages to the river provide open space corridors and divide the City in small City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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neighborhoods. On the south side of the river the drainage way has been preserved in a City park corridor. On the north side of the river, a drainage way interrupts the neighborhood street pattern.

The City and surrounding area is gently sloping. The maximum slope is typically less than ten percent. Steeper slopes, up to twenty percent, are found along the major tributary drainages and the mountain sides to the north and south. Generally, the steeper slopes are not a major factor in land use decisions because the steep slope areas are located away from the planned urban areas. Locally, steep areas limit the development potential and interrupt the neighborhood street pattern.

Feather River
The Middle Fork of the Feather River is a Federal Wild and Scenic River and is the dominant visual element in the City. The river channel is only about 100 feet wide, but the river plain varies between 500 feet and 800 feet wide. The river plain is an attractive area that includes both riparian habitat and mature ponderosa pines.

Distinct Boundaries
A low pass establishes a distinct entry to the City as one travels west on Highway 70 from Sierra Valley. The City entry is equally well defined at the west portal. The south side of the City and the rail museum buildings come into view as one driving east from Delleker rounds a curve in the highway adjacent to the river.

Compact Form
Portola is a compact City with boundaries and physical character defined by natural features. The City of Portola currently covers an area of 1268 acres, about two square miles. The Middle Fork Feather River, the Union Pacific Railroad and Highway 70 run parallel through the valley and divide the City in distinctly separate north and south sectors.

Existing land uses are located in a clear, functional pattern. The primary institutional uses are clustered in a core along Gulling Street. These include the hospital, City Hall, the library, a City park, a County Sheriff substation, the Post Office, and the schools.

Distinct Commercial Core Areas
The primary regional services and highway commercial uses are located along Highway

70. Businesses serve both the local population and the regional traffic drawn by recreation opportunities. The commercial strip includes regional services such as banking, restaurants and automobile services. South of the river, the Old Town commercial area along Commercial Street provides small scale, local services and retail, and has the potential to become a tourism and recreation center for the region.

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Railroad Museum
The railroad museum is a unique facility that attracts rail enthusiasts, as well as casual visitors. It provides a focal point for tourism and an anchor for economic development in the Old Town area. The City of Portola recognizes the importance of the museum to the character of the City and as an attraction to visitors in the community. The City Council endorses enhancements to the museum.

Recreation Resources
Portola residents enjoy a high level of recreation amenities in the surrounding forest, and in the City’s parks and community facilities. Recreation-oriented tourism, such as fishing at Lake Davis, has been a fundamental component of the local economy. There are substantial opportunities for expanding recreation including mountain biking, bicycle touring, fishing, golf, camping and a wide range of other activities.

Historic and Cultural Resources
The local area is rich in historic resources that can attract visitors to Portola. In addition, the natural setting provides opportunities to host cultural events and permanent facilities, such as museums that offer additional visitor attractions. Historic features within Portola include the Railroad Museum and the Williams Cabin. Nearby features include the Beckwourth Cabin and Johnsville historic mining museum within the Plumas-Eureka State Park.

Public Services
The City is unique in the east Plumas County region in the ability to provide public services required by urban development. The City can use basic infrastructure, including sewer and water systems, to direct and moderate urban growth.

Hospital and Medical Services
The Eastern Plumas Hospital located in Portola serves the residents of eastern Plumas County. Access to a quality hospital, ancillary health and emergency medical services are an important consideration for households, notably senior citizens, seeking a new home. The hospital is an important asset in Portola’s economic growth potential.

Education and Training Resources
Portola is the location of the elementary, middle and high school serving the local region.

In addition, the Feather River Community College has a main campus in nearby Quincy, offering residents additional education opportunities. The nearby University of Nevada, Reno offers a broad spectrum of courses.

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Geographic Area of General Plan Study
This General Plan examines three geographic areas: the current City boundary, the current Sphere of Influence boundary and a General Plan Study Area boundary. The General Plan Study Area is approximately 17 square miles. The City of Portola currently occupies about two square miles. The purpose in establishing the Study Area boundary significantly larger than the existing City is to identify and evaluate the areas surrounding the City that may affect the future economic viability, traffic, services, and aesthetic quality of the City.

In addition, since many issues such as air quality, traffic and economic development, extend beyond political boundaries, the law provides for planning outside of the jurisdiction’s territory.

The General Plan must cover all territory within its boundaries as well as “any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning,” (Government Code Section 65300). A local government can formally communicate its concerns for the future of lands under its neighbors’ jurisdictions by this means. “Cooperative ‘extraterritorial’ planning can be used to guide the orderly and efficient extension of services and utilities, ensure the preservation of open space, agricultural, and resource conservation lands, and establish consistent standards for development in the plans of adjoining jurisdictions” (State of California General Plan Guidelines). It is for these purposes that the City of Portola General Plan Study Area boundary extends beyond the existing Sphere of Influence. However, the City of Portola will not necessarily seek to initiate annexation of land that is either in the Sphere of Influence or the General Plan Study Area.

The area included in the General Plan Study Area considers proximity to the City, access to Highway 70, the terrain, and the potential for further urbanization as defined by land uses in the Plumas County General Plan.

Amendments to the General Plan
To ensure that the General Plan is true to the original vision and principles it should be reviewed at regular intervals of approximately five years, and as required by State law.

Periodic adjustments to the General Plan may occur from time to time, as development opportunities emerge.

Elements Addressed in the General Plan
The California Government Code identifies seven mandatory elements of the General Plan. In addition to the mandated elements, the Government Code authorizes other General Plan elements which, in the judgment of the local legislative body, relate to the physical development of the community. Once adopted, these optional elements become an integral part of the General Plan with the same force and effect as the mandatory elements. The Portola General Plan is intended to guide the City in expanding City of Portola General Plan 2045 Introduction

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economic growth and opportunities, while emphasizing quality of life issues, notably environmental conditions. Consequently, the General Plan includes the optional Community Design Element, Public Services and Facilities Element, and Economic Development Element. These elements are intended to focus the plan on community quality, economic development, and environmental protection.

The Government Code permits a city to combine elements and issues in the General Plan as appropriate to the local conditions. The Portola General Plan takes advantage of this provision in combining the mandatory Open Space Element with the mandatory Conservation Element.

The City of Portola General Plan 2045 includes the following elements:
▪ Land Use (mandatory)
▪ Community Design (optional)
▪ Circulation (mandatory)
▪ Economic Development (optional)
▪ Public Services and Facilities (optional)
▪ Safety (mandatory)
▪ Open Space and Conservation (combined mandatory elements) ▪ Noise (mandatory)
▪ Air Quality (optional)
▪ Housing (mandatory)
Organization of the Elements
Each element provides goals, policies, and implementation measures. The policies and implementation measures are grouped by sub-topic. The policy statements are followed by implementation measures that relate to those policies. For certain topics the implementation measures may relate to more than one policy, just as the policies may relate to more than one goal. Where the policies and implementation may relate to a topic in another element, the policy is cross referenced to the other element(s).

An example of the format for the goals, policies, and implementation measures follows:

Goal LU-1. Enhance the quality of life and physical environment in the City.

CD-P-20. Establish a special pedestrian area in Old Town to accommodate tourism and shopping and services for local residents.

CD-I-37. Adopt guidelines for commercial buildings that reflect the history of the region, and compatible with the climate.

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Each goal, policy, and implementation measure include an identifying number. The letter code identifies the element in this General Plan. The letter following the element identification indicates “P” for policy, or “I” for implementation. The policies and implementation measures are grouped under an appropriate heading for quick identification. The number following the identifier code is the number of the policy or implementation measure. The numbers are sequential and continuous through each element.

2. Land Use Element DRAFT
This Land Use Element establishes the physical framework for development in Portola. It defines the location, use characteristics, and intensity of land uses throughout the City.

Authority
The Land Use Element is mandated by the California Government Code. The statute requires:
“a Land Use Element which designates the proposed general distribution, location, and extent of the uses of the land for housing; business; industry; open space, including agriculture, natural resources, recreation and enjoyment of scenic beauty; education; public buildings and grounds; solid and liquid waste-disposal facilities; and other categories of public and private uses of land”
Relationship to Other Elements
The Land Use Element is a cornerstone of the General Plan. All other aspects of the General Plan relate to the land use and the physical form of the City. The City form is established in the land use policies and the General Plan Diagram. The type, intensity and location of land use described in the Plan directly influences, and is influenced by, economic development potential, housing, traffic generation and circulation patterns, requirements for public services and utilities, safety from hazards, and environmental protection. All of these factors interact for the enhancement of the overall community.

The other General Plan elements are linked through the Land Use Element. In turn, the Land Use Element is influenced, and constrained in some instances, by the goals and policies established in other elements. Existing and potential land use in the City and surrounding area is affected by environmental factors. These factors establish design requirements that will influence the character and density of development and, in some instances, limit the potential for new development.

The Land Use Element and the Open Space and Conservation Element are closely related in that they both deal with the use of land. The Open Space and Conservation Element addresses the management of land and resources in the areas where urban development is excluded or minimized. Similarly, the Safety Element is linked to land use by defining potential hazard areas and limiting the extent and character of development that will be permitted in such areas.

Land use drives the need for circulation and public infrastructure, and thus the Land Use Element is linked to the Circulation Element and the Public Facilities Element. Land use is also linked to the Housing Element by defining the land area and conditions for housing opportunities, and by establishing the employment-generating land uses that will create City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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additional housing demand. Finally, the Land Use Element defines the land uses that influence the economic opportunities and fiscal stability of the community, and thus is linked to the Economic Development Element.

The Land Use Element is perhaps most closely linked to the Community Design Element.

The two elements address the fundamental issues dealing with the use of land and development of urban uses. The Land Use Element focuses on the definition of land use categories and the location of land uses. The Community Design Element addresses the details of community form, and the quality of the built environment. The two elements are organized in parallel fashion to facilitate cross-referencing.

The land use element must reflect the specific contents from other elements. For example, the land use element must account for “rivers, creeks, streams, flood corridors, riparian habitats, and land that may accommodate floodwater for purposes of groundwater recharge and stormwater management,” as identified in the conservation element (Gov.

Code § 65302(d)(3)). The law also requires the land use element to correlate with the circulation element (Gov. Code § 65302(b)); and to use the noise element (Gov. Code § 65302(f)) as a guide for establishing a pattern of land use that minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise.

Background
The most fundamental decisions in planning begin with land use. The City’s Land Use Element contains goals, policies, and implementation actions related to the four topics of Land Use, Growth Management, Community Design, and Neighborhoods. Per Government Code §65302 (a), a land use element designates the proposed general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of land for housing, business, industry, open space, natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, greenways (as defined in Section 816.52 of the Civil Code), and other categories of public and private uses of land. The 2017 General Plan Guidelines includes a Completeness Checklist to help ensure that the land use element addresses all required issues. The table below details the requirement and how it is addressed in this General Plan.

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Completeness Checklist & Required Contents
California
Government
Code
Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in General
Plan
General distribution, location, and extent of:
65302(a) Housing:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Business:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Industry:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Open space:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Education:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Public Facilities:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Solid and liquid waste disposal:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a)(1) Timberland production:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Other:

Density and intensity, Potential for flood?
√
65302(a) Greenways, as defined in Civil Code Section
816.52
√
65302(a) Identify areas subject to flood plain mapping, and annual review
√
65302(a)(2) Impact on military land use compatibility and readiness
√
65302(b)(1) Correlation with the Circulation Element √
Includes a diagram or diagrams √
Government Code section 65302(a) describes the required content of a land use element.

Specifically, the land use element must designate the proposed general distribution, general location, and extent of land uses for:
• Housing, business, and industry
• Open space, including agricultural land, watersheds, natural resources, and recreation
• Recreation facilities and opportunities
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• Educational facilities
• Public buildings and grounds
• Future solid and liquid waste facilities
• Greenways
• Timberland Preserve Zone lands
• Areas subject to flooding, identified by either flood plain mapping prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water Resources or mapped flood areas adopted by the local community on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
• Military land use compatibility and impacts to military readiness • Other categories of public and private uses of land, such as marine protected areas
Potential Impacts for Flooding
In 2007, Assembly Bill 162 amended sections of the Government Code related to local planning, which created overlapping requirements for flooding issues in the land use, conservation, and safety elements as follows:
• Require the Land Use Element to identify and annually review those areas covered by the general plan that are subject to flooding as identified by flood plain mapping prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water Resources (DWR);
• Require, upon the next revision of the Housing Element, on or after January 1, 2009, the Conservation Element to identify rivers, creeks, streams, flood corridors, riparian habitat, and land that may accommodate floodwater for purposes of groundwater recharge and stormwater management; and
• Require, upon the next revision of the Housing Element, on or after January 1, 2009, the Safety Element to identify, among other things, information regarding flood hazards and to establish a set of comprehensive goals, policies, and objectives, based on specified information for the protection of the community from, among other things, the unreasonable risks of flooding.

In the City’s General Plan, flooding issues are mainly discussed in the Safety Element. The following OPR-recommended data is included in the Land Use Element:
• Identification of waterways used in flood management; and • Identification of potential for flooding impacts per land use designation.

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The City’s various general plan elements include text, maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions regarding flooding. The relationship between this information and land use is presented to meet the intent of the statutory requirements. The City will perform an annual review of the Land Use Element for those areas covered by the plan that are subject to flooding identified by FEMA or the Department of Water Resources. For further discussion on this topic, see the Safety Element.

A FEMA Flood Map that depicts areas of potential flooding within the incorporated City limits is included below. Individual projects are required to be reviewed when an application is submitted to the City, and individual parcels can be reviewed at any time at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.

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Figure 2-1
FEMA Flood Map
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Figure 2-2
Flood Hazard Areas
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Figure 2-3
Flood Hazard Areas with Zoning
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Education
The City’s Land Use Element includes public schools, which are designated as Public/Quasi-Public land use, private schools, and preschools described by name and site size in text and located on the General Plan Map. In addition, the Circulation Element includes policies for school locations and transportation safety. There are no career colleges or adult education centers located in the City.

The schools in Portola, as shown in Figure 2-2 serve students that live in the City and surrounding communities, and have a current population of:
• C. Roy Carmichael Elementary School: +/- 350 students • Portola Jr. / Sr. High School: +/- 280 students
• Long Valley Charter School- Portola Resource Center (grades K-12): +/- 100 students
Policies are included in the General Plan to ensure that development in Portola will be reviewed by the School District for future educational facility needs.

School facilities also provide for other community needs including recreation and community meeting facilities. The City has joint use agreement with the County and School District for use of the school facilities. The City also participates in outdoor education opportunities with the School District (i.e. park facilities).

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Figure 2-4
Educational Facilities Map
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Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal
The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Landfill are identified with a Utilities Land Use designation on the General Plan Land Use Map and shown below in Figure 2-3. Additional information regarding solid and liquid waste disposal is included in the Public Services and Facilities Element.

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Figure 2-5
Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal Map
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Circulation
The Circulation Element deals with the physical infrastructure of transportation including the streets, bikeway, and pedestrian networks. It also deals with the programming and operation of the circulation system such as rideshare programs and the operation of transportation system. It is crucial that the Circulation Element and the Land Use Element are consistent and that the Land Use Element allows for the implementation of the Circulation Element. The General Plan Land Use Map includes land use designations that allow for the new roads in the Core Area as designated ion the Circulation Element.

Conversely, the Circulation Element includes goals, policies, and implementation measures that implement the Land Use Element. See Figure 4-7, New Roads in the Core Area from the Circulation Element.

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Figure 4-7(From Circulation Element)
New Roads in the Core Area
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Overall Land Use Goals
The land use goals will guide the overall development of the City. Guiding policies and implementation policies based on these goals will direct infill development, expansion of new land use areas, and improvement of existing land uses.

Goal LU-1. Provide for land uses that expand employment, education, recreation, and cultural opportunities for residents. Reinforce Portola as the commercial and service center for eastern Plumas County.

Goal LU-2. Protect and preserve natural environmental features and amenities.

Goal LU-3. Reinforce strong urban design, quality development, and a compact City form.

Goal LU-4. Encourage mixed land uses but provide physical separation or design buffers between incompatible land uses.

Goal LU-5. Retain the existing commercial and civic core as the cultural and functional center of the City.

Goal LU-6. Reinforce land use and development patterns that encourage walking and the use of local public transit within the community.

Goal LU-7. Complete infill development of the unimproved portions of the City.

Goal LU-8. Maintain access to open space within the urban portions of the City, particularly the Middle Fork Feather River.

Goal LU-9. Provide multiple locations for recreation and cultural activities within the existing City core area.

Goal LU-10. Ensure that the mix of land uses results in a balance between public revenues and public service demands.

Goal LU-11. Establish orderly growth in new development areas to ensure logical public service areas.

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Key Land Use Issues
Jobs/Housing Balance (Housing, Business, and Industry)
“Jobs/housing balance” is the relationship between the number of jobs (business and industry) and the number of housing units available within the community. In a balanced community, workers can find decent housing adequate to their household needs and affordable to their household income. Job growth and economic development depends on a supply of quality, affordable housing. A jobs/housing imbalance is detrimental to the economic stability of a community.

It is assumed that most households have between 1 and 1.3 workers. Therefore, the ideal condition for a small city is that number of local jobs is about equal to or slightly higher than the number of households. Where the number of jobs is in balance with the number of housing units there is less need for workers to commute outside the community to find work.

Such is not the case in most contemporary American cities. Long commutes indicate that jobs and housing are not balanced. The future will find Portola residents working in a variety of settings: at home, at small businesses in town, at one of the nearby recreation communities, and commuting out to Reno and elsewhere. The General Plan is a tool for guiding land use so that jobs and housing grow together.

Public Service Land Area Requirements
Although the City has not seen population growth in recent years, it is imperative that the City plans for possible growth because there are approved housing developments. New population will generate the need for additional space for schools, parks, and institutional uses. The civic and commercial core should be augmented by multiple activity centers such as parks, public squares, and public buildings. The intent is to provide several locations that can accommodate special events and places of interest to attract tourists.

Multiple activity centers will also provide spaces that can be coordinated to host large, multi-venue special events, or to host multiple small events concurrently.

Balance Community Growth with Revenues Required for Public Services Growth in land use will provide additional revenues but will also place additional service burdens on the City of Portola. The challenge to cities is to balance growth with funds for required new services. All components, residential as well as commercial and industrial, are necessary to the overall stability of a city. The intent is to ensure that the City can provide needed public services and that the land uses generate sufficient revenues to fund services adequate to meet public needs.

Types of Land Use
Once the overall form of the City and the general location of land use is established, the type of land uses, or “land use categories” applied in the Land Use Element are described City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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in the General Plan Diagram Section of this element. The Land Use Element establishes land use categories tailored to meet the specific needs of the City. Economic development opportunities, housing needs and environmental characteristics are among the factors that determine the appropriate land use categories.

The land use categories established in this General Plan will be implemented through the City Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance.

Community Form, Scale, and Character
The developed portion of the City should retain its distinct, compact form with clear, welldefined edges. The existing civic and commercial core area should be retained and reinforced as the functional and social center of the City for residents. The scale of the City should permit walking and bicycling (during the appropriate seasons) to major activity centers such as shopping, recreation facilities, and schools. Commercial, employment, recreational and institutional land uses should be conveniently located to the residential neighborhoods. High activity areas should be located to facilitate the use of public transit.

The general form, scale and character of land use in the community, and the connection to open space and the location and character of public space are addressed in the Community Design Element.

Open Space and Natural Features
The land uses must ensure that scenic corridors and natural features are protected from incompatible development. Urban development should be located and designed so that natural features, such as creeks, the Feather River, the surrounding forest, and mountain vistas, are preserved as the defining visual characteristics of the City. The intent is to enhance the relationship of the creeks, forests, and river to the adjacent land uses by improving access for recreation, and by enhancing the view from the adjacent land uses.

Land Use Location
The Land Use Element defines the location of all planned land use in the City, the Sphere of Influence and the General Plan study area. The distribution and intensity of land use is influenced by the physical characteristics of the City, the compatibility of land uses and proximity to major circulation routes, among many other factors. Preservation of open space and natural features integral to the character of the community are primary considerations in determining the appropriate location of land uses.

General Plan Diagram (Land Use Map)
The Land Use Element illustrates the location of each land use category in a General Plan Diagram, or land use map shown in this Element as Figure 2-6. The location of each land use is affected by environmental constraints, compatibility with other land uses, the overall City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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concept for development of the City, and the capacity of the circulation systems and public infrastructure systems to accommodate development. The text and policies of the Land Use Element and the General Plan Diagram establish a framework for the physical development of the City. As required by state law, land use classifications, shown as letter designations, labels or graphic patterns on the Diagram, specify a range for population density and building intensity for each type of designated land use.

The location of land uses in this General Plan considers environmental conditions, the compatibility of land uses, the capacity of the circulation system and the basic sewer and water systems to accommodate growth in subareas of the City. The General Plan Land Use Diagram also takes into consideration the urban form of the City and the distribution of activity centers that support community life and tourism.

The Land Use Map also identifies areas subject to flooding as identified by flood plain mapping prepared by FEMA or DWR, education facilities, and solid and liquid waste disposal facilities.

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Figure 2-6
General Plan Diagram – Land Use Map (Full-Size Map available at http://www.chamberorganizer.com/cityofportola/docs/ZONING-MAP-806.pdf) City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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Figure 2-7
General Plan Diagram – Core Area Land Use & Zoning
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General Plan Neighborhoods
The General Plan Study Area, including the land within the existing City and the surrounding land outside the City, is divided into neighborhoods that are useful in describing the General Plan land use concepts and intentions. Each neighborhood may contain more than one Land Use designation.

North Neighborhood
This area contains the existing neighborhood north of Highway 70 extending up to Joy Way. The primary role of this neighborhood is to retain the existing stock of housing and to encourage infill in the existing lots. Further development is constrained by the lack of sewer, water and finished streets to serve the existing lots.

Rural North
North of Joy Way is an area of rural large lot development. This area will most likely build out in the existing pattern of one-acre to five-acre home sites but may also include clusters of smaller residential lots. They effect a transition between the small lots within the City and the forest and meadows further to the north and west along Lake Davis Road. There is additional potential in this area for large lot development and visitor commercial or recreation use, such as a guest ranch, conference center, or retreat.

South Neighborhood
This area contains the existing neighborhood south of Commercial Street and west of Gulling Street, including Ridgewood. As with the North Neighborhood, the primary land use purpose here is to retain and improve the existing stock of housing and to encourage infill in the existing lots. This area also includes undeveloped land east of Third Street that requires additional sewer, water, and road improvement to make existing lots available for use.

Sierra Street Commercial Core
The Sierra Street (Highway 70) Commercial Core will be the regional business center and a tourism and recreation center. Land uses will include conventional retail and service businesses oriented to the regional needs, restaurants, tourist-oriented lodging, retail and service shops, space for public events and recreation. The core extends from one end of the City to the other along Highway 70. The east end is oriented more to offices, small shops, and local-serving businesses on the north side of the highway. The west end is envisioned as oriented to regional as well as local businesses. A site suitable for redevelopment as a shopping center with a market and other shops and services is designated.

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River Park (River Walk)
The river front along the north side of the river provides a unique setting for commercial and service land uses. Businesses, shops and restaurants, lodging and public spaces are envisioned along the south side of Sierra Street to the river. Existing buildings overlooking the river can be converted to resident services and tourist business use.

Old Town
This includes the area along Commercial Street and extends to Colorado Street and the old railroad hospital site on the west. The intent is to establish a special commercial and tourist core area with shops, restaurants, public space for recreation and leisure activities.

The Portola Railroad Museum is a key element in this area that will attract visitors to the City.

Southeast Quadrant
This area includes the mix of residential, light industrial, and institutional uses (park, churches, hospital, and cemetery) east of South Gulling Street. Although platted as individual lots in the original City subdivision map, this area includes substantial vacant land and has limited sewer, water, and roads. It can be redeveloped in any pattern suitable for more modern development. This area is planned to become an expanded residential neighborhood and a new business/light industrial center. It may also include additional public or private institutional uses such as a conference center, a health center, recreation facilities, and other special purpose facilities.

Portola Highlands
This area south of the high school has long been designated as a residential neighborhood.

Uses as approved in the Tentative Map include commercial, business professional/light industrial, various types of housing clustered in the relatively flatter areas and low-density housing in the steeper areas, and an extensive open space and trail system.

Southwest Quadrant
The southwest quadrant is located along the south side of the river, west of the existing City boundary. This area is suitable for providing additional housing. Development of this area will provide the local circulation routes that could ultimately be required for connection to a second crossing of the river near Delleker.

Portola Heights
Portola Heights is an existing underdeveloped neighborhood immediately west of the City and north of Highway 70 (not in the City limits, but some lots are served by City sewer and water). The area is designed and designated for small-lot residential development. The developed portions have public sewer and water provided by the City. It is anticipated City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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that this area will develop in the existing pattern with minor changes for more efficient development.

West Neighborhood
To the west of Lake Davis Road and north of Portola Heights is an area suitable for a new residential neighborhood. The area includes a 160-acre parcel owned by the US Forest Service that would have to be acquired or exchanged, and annexed to the City, to allow new development. The location could easily be served by the City sewer and water system and is relatively flat. It would accommodate residential uses in clusters and additional park/recreation land to serve the City residents. Development of this area would include a through street that connects the Lake Davis Road to Highway 70 west of Delleker and thereby provides a northern route paralleling the highway.

Highway 70 Corridor
The Highway 70 Corridor extends from the existing City boundary to Mabie on the west.

The corridor includes the existing Delleker area, and the commercial, quasi-industrial and residential uses permitted by the County along the highway. With relatively flat land and good highway access this area will continue to attract development. The General Plan anticipates additional commercial, light industrial, institutional, and residential uses in this area. The Community Design Element establishes design concepts and standards that will enhance this area such that it will provide an attractive entry to the City.

West Meadows
Between the Highway Corridor and the steep slopes to the north is an area that may develop in cluster residential use. The residences will be in predominantly low-density designations, but medium density residential development may occur where the housing is clustered for aesthetic reasons and to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

Northeast Quadrant
The area east of the existing City boundary and Sphere of Influence is primarily designated for residential and recreation use. The area extends to east of Grizzly Road in the County and includes the Cedars project area. The General Plan does not propose changes to the uses in this area.

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Land Use Designations
The Land Use Element is required to include a statement of the standards of population density and building intensity recommended for the various districts and other territory covered by the General Plan. This section describes the types of land use the City will need to meet environmental protection, economic development, jobs/housing balance and public service goals. The land use categories established in this General Plan define the range of activities that are permitted in Portola.

The categories define specific classes of land use, but they are intended to provide flexibility in implementing the General Plan policies. Under state law, the Land Use Element of the General Plan must establish standards of population density and building intensity for each land use category.

The density/intensity standards do not indicate that development projects will be approved at the maximum density or intensity specified for each use. Zoning regulations consistent with General Plan policies and/or site conditions may reduce development potential within the stated ranges. The City’s Zoning Ordinance contains more detailed provisions and standards for regulating the use and intensity of permitted development.

More than one zoning district may be consistent with a General Plan land use category.

Residential Land Use Categories
Four residential land use categories are established to provide for development of a full range of housing types appropriate in the City. Housing densities are stated as the number of housing units per gross acre of developable land, excluding areas subject to physical, environmental, or geologic constraints and areas dedicated for green ways or natural resource protection. At least one housing unit may be built on each existing legal lot designated for residential use. Dwelling units may be clustered within a General Plan land use category according to standards established in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and in the Community Design Element of this General Plan.

Residential units in addition to the number of dwellings permitted in the conventional zoning districts may occur as:
• second dwelling units on single family lots permitted by the City’s Zoning Ordinance;
• state-mandated density bonuses for provision of affordable housing; and • residential units included in the various commercial land use categories.

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Figure 2-8
Infill Neighborhoods
General vicinity of
undeveloped properties
that require streets, water
and sewer service in order
to be developed
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Rural Residential (RR): Up to 0.2 units per gross acre (5-acre minimum parcel size)
The Rural Residential (RR) category is intended to accommodate large estate residential properties at the periphery of Portola. This designation will allow private equestrian facilities and tourist or recreation commercial uses such as a guest ranch, equestrian center, a golf course and golf training center, cross-country ski area, or conference center. Special use structures such as lodges and recreation activity structures may also occur. Such uses allow non-resident over-night guests or participants that are not included in the population for this residential category.

Development will typically be single family residences and accessory structures. In order to protect environmental resources, such as meadows and creeks, the residential lots may be clustered in densities that are higher than the nominal density permitted in this designation. Where appropriate to the environmental setting and the type of development, attached dwellings will be considered in the Zoning Ordinance under conditional use permit provisions. Dwelling units may be clustered on smaller lots provided that:
• Plumas County standards for septic systems are met, except that any lot less than 2.5 acres in size shall have public sewer and water. • A minimum of 25 percent of the project is allocated to permanent open space.
• The average density in the cluster area does not exceed 0.4 units per gross acre.
• The minimum lot size in the cluster development shall be 1/3 acre with a minimum frontage of 100 feet.

Examples of an appropriate cluster or attached type of development include a guest ranch or conference center. The design of such structures and the associated improvements shall be consistent with the environmental setting. This will typically mean buildings in proportion to the surroundings, use of traditional, durable materials and minimal site grading.

The local roads in the Rural Residential designated areas may be constructed to a rural standard where the average lot is one half acre or larger in size.

The Rural Residential uses are located in areas constrained by slopes, meadows and environmentally sensitive areas. The land use restrictions defined in the Open Space and Conservation Element and the Community Design Element will affect the potential density and location of residential development in this category. The category will typically be in proximity to low density residential use and open space but may be near compatible commercial uses and higher density special purpose residential uses.

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The average density assumed for General Plan buildout calculations is 0.2 units per gross acre.

Low-Density Residential (LDR): From 0.2 to 1 unit per gross acre (1 acre to 5 acre parcels)
The Low-Density Residential designation is intended to provide single family lots and related uses similar to those currently found on the periphery of the City. The category will typically provide a transition to medium density residential use from rural residential land use, but may be near compatible institutional and commercial uses and higher density special purpose residential uses.

Development within this land use category will typically be single family residences and accessory structures. Accessory structures are limited to garages, storage structures, planting sheds and green houses, and similar structures ancillary to the primary residence.

This designation will also allow tourist or recreation commercial uses such as a guest ranch, equestrian center, a golf course and golf training center, cross-country ski area or conference center. Such uses allow non-resident over-night guests or participants that are not included in the population for this residential category.

Roads and other public improvements may be developed to rural standards, as described in the Circulation Element and the Community Design Element of this General Plan, provided that the roads can meet the standards for maintenance, and on-street parking, where permitted.

Clustering is encouraged to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity and to minimize the length of roads and public utilities. The maximum density in this designation may be increased to 2 units per gross acre for clustered development with smaller lots if a minimum of 25 percent of the project is allocated to permanent open space, and the average density does not exceed 1 unit per gross acre. The minimum lot size in the clustered development shall be 1/4 acre with a minimum frontage of 80 feet. Any lot less than 2.5 acres in size shall have public sewer and water.

The average density assumed for General Plan buildout calculations is 1 unit per gross acre.

Medium-Density Residential (MDR): From 1 to 8 units per gross acre (1 acre to 4,000 square foot parcels)
The Medium-Density Residential designation is intended primarily for single family detached dwellings on individual lots, although this density range will also accommodate duplex and attached dwellings, including apartments and condominiums. Typical lots would range from 6,000 to 20,000 square feet, however, lots as small as 4,000 square feet may be permitted in cluster configurations to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

This category includes the existing urban style residential neighborhoods in the City.

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residential street with curb and gutter as described in the Circulation Element and the Community Design Element.

The average density assumed for General Plan buildout calculations is 4 units per gross acre.

High-Density Residential (HDR): From 8 to 15 units per gross acre) (4,000 square foot to 2,250 square foot parcels)
The High-Density Residential category provides for attached or multi-family dwelling units.

Such units are to be located in close proximity to public services and commercial uses but may also be included as a component in recreation-oriented developments in the peripheral areas of the City. The minimum building area allocated for each dwelling unit in a multi-unit project shall be 2,250 square feet of net area (i.e. exclusive of streets, open space and other public rights-of-way). Lot sizes will include a minimum of two residential units and will typically be a minimum of 5,000 square feet.

Dwelling types may include attached or detached single-family housing, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses and apartments.

The average density assumed for General Plan buildup calculations is 10 units per gross acre.

Home Occupancy
All residential uses will allow home occupancy businesses subject to the standards established in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. It is anticipated that the percentage of individuals working at home will increase during the twenty-year span of this General Plan.

At home workers may include telecommuters, professional service sole practitioners, small service businesses, mail order businesses, and other entrepreneurial endeavors. It is the intent of this General Plan to support such activities as a means of furthering local economic development. The residential design standards are intended to provide the flexibility to include most types of small business within the premises.

Commercial Land Use Categories
Although Portola is a relatively small community the commercial land uses, both existing and potential, are varied. Therefore, the General Plan Diagram identifies two distinct commercial land use categories.

For nonresidential uses the land use intensity is addressed as the maximum percent of a lot that can be covered by a building. The Zoning Ordinance shall provide specific exceptions to the building coverage limitations for uses with low employee densities, such as wholesaling and distribution, or low peak-hour traffic generation, such as a hospital.

Core Commercial (CC)
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The Core Commercial category is intended to accommodate the businesses, institutions, and services for the residents of Portola and eastern Plumas County. It includes retail and service businesses oriented to tourists and travelers, eating and drinking establishments, commercial recreation, service stations, financial, business and personal services, motels, public recreation and social services. Open air cafes and retail sales are permitted in this land use designation provided that the outdoor sales and restaurant areas are separated from the pedestrian walkway and street by a low, open type fence. Umbrellas, canopies and other temporary coverings, pedestrian scale lighting and signs will be permitted in these areas as regulated by the City Zoning Ordinance.

The Core Commercial designation will include live/work/sales environments to support the local production of arts such as sculpture, murals, paintings, furniture, and similar artists products. The product of such activities may be sold, and the artist may maintain living quarters on the premises. The intent is to encourage the development of artist and craftsman workshops as a component of local economic development and the character of the community.

The Core Commercial designation is generally applied to properties on Commercial Street and the Sierra Street (Highway 70) corridor.

The maximum allowable building coverage is 50 percent. Limitations on the size and location of parking and the orientation of the buildings and design standards may restrict the building coverage to less than 50 percent. The parking requirements in this category are described in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Each use shall have sufficient parking to meet the requirements set forth in these standards either in a parking lot on-site, or in a common parking area within 800 feet of the site.

Commercial Mixed Use (CMU)
The purpose of the Commercial Mixed-Use designation is to establish locations that include residential use in addition to employment centers, retail commercial, professional office, tourist commercial, visitor-oriented commercial activities, including hotels and motels, private commercial and public recreation facilities, convention and meeting facilities, recreational vehicle parks, campgrounds, retail shops, restaurants, and related services.

Properties fronting on the river are suitable for small retail, lodging, restaurants, services, and office space. The uses are to be oriented to the river view and the recreation amenities planned along the north side of the river. Other than pre-existing uses, residential uses cannot be the primary land use and must be a minimum of four dwelling units per acre. The Commercial Mixed-Use category may also be used as a transition between the commercial uses and adjacent residential neighborhoods. The maximum building coverage ratio (exclusive of residential uses) is 50 percent.

Service Commercial (SC)
Service Commercial is intended for commercial uses that have heavy truck traffic, are engaged in the sale of bulk products, such as sand and gravel, or automobile repair and City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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tire sales. Service commercial uses typically require large retail space, large storage areas, and large parking areas. The Service Commercial areas are located along Sierra Street, primarily in Delleker. The maximum building coverage ratio is 50 percent.

Business Professional/Light Industrial (BP/LI)
The Business Professional/Light Industrial designation is intended to accommodate light industrial, light assembly regional services, public and private commercial recreation, small warehouse and distribution, communications and information services, mail order services, and research and development businesses appropriate to the City’s setting.

The designation is intended to accommodate relatively small buildings in wooded settings.

Buildings will be integrated with the site and the maximum building coverage will be 50 percent. Design standards specified in the Community Design Element will guide the development and use of this designation such that business uses in this will be compatible with and may be integrated with other uses in the City.

Public/Quasi-Public (P/QP)
This designation includes civic and institutional uses such as the City Hall, the library, the hospital, the post office, parks, and schools. Private institutional uses include meeting halls, private schools, and churches.

Utilities (U)
The Utilities designation includes the “infrastructure” in the community, such as the landfill, wastewater treatment plant and ponds, and the railroad. Development within these areas is generally restricted to the facilities associated with the primary utility.

Open Space/Conservation (OSC)
The Open Space and Conservation designation covers those areas of the City in which development is constrained by an historic, cultural, aesthetic, or natural environmental condition. These areas include drainages and the river front area.

Open space areas may permit rural residential uses, recreation uses, visitor commercial or interim uses, such as special events under conditions prescribed in the City Zoning Ordinance, the Community Design Element and the Open Space and Conservation Element.

Overlay Designations
Wild and Scenic River (WSR)
The Middle Fork Feather River is Federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. The Wild and Scenic River Act (Public Law 90-542, October 2, 1968) declares that “. . .certain City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations”. The Act prohibits new commercial or industrial uses which do not preserve the free-flowing condition of the river, and which do not protect the river’s immediate environment. The Act also requires protection of the bank lands by means of acreage, frontage, and setback requirements on development.

The General Plan Land Use Diagram does not include a separate category for the Feather River corridor other than the Federal Wild and Scenic River designation. However, the General Plan includes specific development and open space standards and guidelines intended to guide use of this special resource. The Community Design Element includes specific design standards for the buildings along the river and community access to the river (Section 3.7). The Public Services and Facilities Element includes recommended recreation facilities to be included in the river corridor, and the Circulation Element describes the bikeway connections that will use the open space adjacent to the river. The Conservation and Open Space Element includes specific policies for the use of the land within the Wild and Scenic River designation.

Floodplain (FP)
The area immediately adjacent to the Middle Fork Feather River falls within a designated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain. This floodplain is a special flood hazard area that is inundated by a 100-year flood. The use of the land within the 100-year flood plain is regulated by standards that require all occupiable development to be above the predicted flood elevation.

Projected Population Growth
The land area required to accommodate future development is determined by population increases and economic development. The land plan seeks to maintain a balance between population and economic growth, and the effects of growth.

The Portola population grew steadily from 1910 to 1950 but declined from 1950 through 1970. From 1970 through the early 1990’s population gained slowly but did not recover to the same level of population found in 1950. Population growth was modest through the 1990’s, then slowly declined from 2000 to 2020.

This General Plan accommodates new population growth in Portola is likely to come from three primary sources:

1. Population growth in California and northern Nevada will generate a spillover effect as people seek to relocate to small communities from increasing development in more urban areas.

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2. An aging population will generate an increase in retirees seeking small communities for second homes or a permanent retirement home.

3. Economic development will generate new job growth in service and tourism industries, and growth in small businesses whose leaders can choose a location based primarily on quality-of-life considerations.

The cumulative effect of these factors is difficult to project because the current population in the City is very small. The overall growth rate in California will increase the pressure for population growth throughout the state, but the rate of increase will not be matched in all areas. Individual communities will grow faster or slower than the overall state projection.

Moreover, in a small community like Portola the annual percent of growth is not as significant as the actual number of new residents. Because the community is relatively small, population projections based on an annual average percentage increase are not meaningful. With a population base just under 2,000 residents, a relatively small increase in absolute population could translate to a high growth rate, yet there would be little noticeable effect on the community from year to year.

Nonetheless, the cumulative effect over time will be noticeable, and significant in a small community such as Portola. Table 2-1 summarizes a projection of population growth in the City through 2045, a twenty-five-year time horizon. The table applies three growth rate assumptions: 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent.

At a compound growth rate of 3 percent annually the population in the City will reach a total of 4,020 persons in 2045, a net increase of 2,100 persons.

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Table 2-1
Population Growth Projection
Annual Population Change
Year 1% 2% 3%
2020 1,920 1,920 1,920
2021 1,939 1,958 1,978
2022 1,959 1,998 2,037
2023 1,978 2,038 2,098
2024 1,998 2,078 2,161
2025 2,018 2,120 2,226
2026 2,038 2,162 2,293
2027 2,058 2,205 2,361
2028 2,079 2,250 2,432
2029 2,100 2,295 2,505
2030 2,121 2,340 2,580
2031 2,142 2,387 2,658
2032 2,164 2,435 2,737
2033 2,185 2,484 2,820
2034 2,207 2,533 2,904
2035 2,229 2,584 2,991
2036 2,251 2,636 3,081
2037 2,274 2,688 3,173
2038 2,297 2,742 3,269
2039 2,320 2,797 3,367
2040 2,343 2,853 3,468
2041 2,366 2,910 3,572
2042 2,390 2,968 3,679
2043 2,414 3,028 3,789
2044 2,438 3,088 3,903
2045 2,462 3,150 4,020
Projection of Land Area to Accommodate Future
Growth
Full development of all land use in the General Plan Study Area would accommodate a population substantially larger than 4,020. However, the population growth anticipated in this Land Use Element can be accommodated within the existing City boundary if adequate land area is allocated in appropriate locations, and the necessary supporting land uses and infrastructure is available when needed. If additional land is annexed to City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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the City, the potential population will increase in proportion to the development potential of the new land area.

The estimate of the required land area is determined by the projected population in twenty years, the average number of persons in a dwelling, and the average density (dwelling units per acre). Land area for commercial uses, schools and parks are added to support the projected population. This estimate provides a general guideline, not an absolute benchmark for future land use allocations. Within broad ranges of land use mix the City can assign specific land use and adjust to accommodate changes in demand over the period of this General Plan.

Average Household Size
The average household size during the General Plan time horizon is assumed to be 2.34 persons per household (2010 Census). The household size may fluctuate over a period of decades. For example, if Portola attracts a significant number of retired persons the average household size may actually decline over time.

Average Dwelling Density
For the purposes of estimating future land area required, it is assumed that the average density of all dwelling units constructed in the next twenty years will be three units per acre.

This allows for a mix of higher density infill development on existing urban lots at approximately seven units per acre, and development of new residential neighborhoods including small lots and multi-family residences, manufactured housing, and larger single family and estate lots. The dwelling density is the average number of dwelling units on a developed acre in the City. Dwelling density depends on many other factors, such as the type of employment available, the amount of infill development that occurs, the percentage of retirees that locate in the City.

The land area allocated for residential use in the Land Use Element will accommodate the highest level of growth anticipated, five percent. This will be considered the “build-out” population for this General Plan. However, the General Plan will also be effective if a lower rate of growth occurs. At an average of 2.8 persons per household the number of dwelling units required to house the projected population is shown in Table 2-2.

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Table 2-2
Projection of Residential Units and Acres
Year 1% 2% 3%
Dwellings Acres Dwellings Acres Dwellings Acres
2020 764 255 764 255 764 255
2021 772 258 779 260 787 263
2022 779 260 795 265 811 271
2023 787 263 811 271 835 279
2024 795 265 827 276 860 287
2025 803 268 844 282 886 296
2026 811 271 860 287 912 304
2027 819 273 878 293 940 314
2028 827 276 895 299 968 323
2029 836 279 913 305 997 333
2030 844 282 931 311 1,027 343
2031 852 284 950 317 1,058 353
2032 861 287 969 323 1,089 364
2033 870 290 988 330 1,122 374
2034 878 293 1,008 336 1,156 386
2035 887 296 1,028 343 1,190 397
2036 896 299 1,049 350 1,226 409
2037 905 302 1,070 357 1,263 421
2038 914 305 1,091 364 1,301 434
2039 923 308 1,113 371 1,340 447
2040 932 311 1,135 379 1,380 461
2041 942 314 1,158 386 1,421 474
2042 951 317 1,181 394 1,464 489
2043 960 321 1,205 402 1,508 503
2044 970 324 1,229 410 1,553 518
2045 980 327 1,253 418 1,600 534
Land Area Required for Jobs/Housing Balance
The land area requirements for development of the City also include the non-residential land uses, public facilities and open space. Retail and service commercial, businessprofessional and industrial land use will increase as the population of the City and east Plumas County increases. Tourism and other economic development may increase the demand of service and retail commercial land above that created solely by population growth.

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The precise amount of commercial land area cannot be projected, but an approximation of the land area required can be estimated on the basis of an average jobs/housing ratio.

The jobs/housing ratio depends on:
• the number of resident workers,
• the number of households,
• the average commercial or industrial space required per employee, and • the average density of housing supply.

An estimate of the ratio of land required for a balance of jobs and housing in the City is based on the following assumptions. On average, there will be 1.3 workers per household, that is, each dwelling unit will have 1.3 workers. However, this average could be less if the population includes a large percentage of retired persons. The percentage of retired persons cannot be estimated in this General Plan.

Land Area Required to Accommodate Employed Residents
The land area required to accommodate each worker varies greatly from industry to industry. For the purposes of establishing a balance of land use in the General Plan it is assumed that on average each worker will require approximately 500 square feet of workspace. The average commercial space in Portola covers approximately thirty percent of the land. Each acre of non-residential land use can accommodate about 25 employees. At a ratio of 1.3 workers per dwelling unit and an average of three dwelling units per acre, there are approximately four resident workers for each acre of residential land use. On this assumption, one acre of commercial, business/professional, or industrial land is required to balance six acres of residential use.

Land Area Required for Institutional Uses and Public Services Public facilities, including schools, parks, hospitals, civic centers, and fire stations require additional land area on the ratio of approximately 1 acre for each 10 acres of residential use. Open space and natural resource areas occupy approximately 30 percent of the total land area in the community.

Land Area Required for Fiscal Balance
The revenues required to support City services come from many sources, but two of the most important continue to be sales tax and property tax. In the foreseeable local government financing environment cities must consider the balance between the demand for services and the potential for new development to generate revenue. The overall health of the community depends on a balance of land uses. Non-residential uses may generate high revenues relative to service demands, but the residential uses are necessary to support the non-residential uses. The intent in this Land Use Element is to ensure that the overall balance of land use is sustained over time.

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Infill Neighborhoods
The City includes three neighborhoods that were bypassed and not developed in the early years of the City growth. Despite being located near the center of the City, see Figure 2- 2, these neighborhoods were passed over because the terrain made the area uneconomical to develop. Nonetheless, the lots were subdivided, and exist today as legal lots. Development of these areas remains impractical for individual landowners due to the high cost of extending roads, sewer, water and other utilities to single family residential lots.

Yet, the neighborhoods are ideally located relative to existing and planned services and retail areas. These infill areas will provide additional land area needed for population growth and economic development. Due to the high cost of development for individual owners it is likely that the City of Portola, or other public or private entity in cooperation with the City, will take the lead in organizing the property owners to plan and develop these areas. Organizing and developing these lots may require reconfiguring them to provide larger lots and/or new lot shapes and street alignments to conform to the terrain.

In 2002, 2007, and 2009 the Planning Commission and City Council sent letters, made direct contact with property owners, and conducted a survey with information regarding the formation of an assessment district (for road improvements) and Specific Plan areas (for the potential of reconfiguring neighborhoods). Generally, property owners were not interested in forming an assessment district or Specific Plan. Further analysis should continue as directed by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Growth Monitoring: Balancing Land Use and Public Needs
The mix of land use in the City should be monitored periodically to inform future decisions on land use, public service levels, and capital investments. The process for monitoring growth should occur in the annual budgeting process. The annual budget statement should include a summation of the overall mix of land use.

The mix of land uses in the City will vary from time-to-time. The changes in land use will be particularly noticeable because Portola is a small community. Any single new industrial use or a single new residential subdivision will affect the balance of land uses. There is a range of land uses that will provide a balance of jobs and housing, adequate space for public uses, fiscal stability, and quality of life.

This range provides a general guideline for the mix of all land use in the City. It is not intended to be a specific measure of community health and stability and should be expected to shift and change over five to ten years. The mix of land uses in the City is a mosaic that will change and evolve as the community continues to diversify and mature.

The range established in this Land Use Element is intended to gauge the course of future development. The range in Table 2-3 should be considered a picture of the unfolding future. Individual development proposals should be evaluated as to how well they contribute to completion of the picture. If the picture is incomplete, such as a shortage of City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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adequate space for new jobs, or parks or new housing, the City should seek to maintain the balance and complete the picture. This can be done by amending the General Plan to change the available supply of land and implementing strategies to accelerate economic development.

Table 2-3
Target Range of Land Use Mix
Land Use Type Percent of Total Land Area
Residential Low/Medium Density 55% to 65%
Residential High Density 3% to 6%
Commercial and Other Non-Residential 9% to 12%
Public Land Use (including roads) 15% to 20%
Urban Open Space 20% to 30%
Urban open space in Table 2-3 primarily includes the undeveloped land along stream corridors and other open space set aside for safety, habitat protection, or aesthetic purposes. The Feather River is a substantial area that significantly increases the percentage of open space within Portola, compared to what may typically be found in other communities. Open space is an important characteristic of the City of Portola. A discussion of open space policies is found in the Conservation and Open Space Element (Section 8.5) in this General Plan.

Land Use Policies and Implementation
Policies: Land Use
LU-P-1. The City shall manage and plan for growth in population and economic development.

LU-P-2. The City shall encourage a pattern of development that promotes the efficient and timely development of urban infrastructure and preserves valuable natural and environmental resources.

LU-P-3. Growth shall mitigate its own impacts and shall provide a positive benefit to the community.

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LU-P-4. The City shall consider the regional context for growth when evaluating a development proposal or opportunity within the City boundary.

LU-P-5. Growth must provide a strong diversified economic base and a reasonable balance between employment and affordable
housing.

LU-P-6. Growth should occur on the basis that projected revenue of all land uses in the City will be sufficient to support public service costs.

LU-P-7. The City shall encourage a development pattern that is contiguous with the boundary of the City.

LU-P-8. Development shall be managed to ensure that adequate public facilities and services, as defined in the Public Services Element, are planned and provided and the public health, safety, and welfare is protected.

LU-P-9. The City of Portola will accommodate projected population and employment growth in areas where the appropriate level of public infrastructure and services are planned or will be made available concurrent with development.

LU-P-10. The City will assert its authority in reviewing proposals for residential, commercial, or industrial development in unincorporated areas within the General Plan Study Area. Urban development should occur within the City boundary.

LU-P-11. The City may initiate studies to investigate the potential of annexing areas within its Sphere of Influence or expanding the Sphere of Influence boundary. The studies should be focused on those areas that would be logically served and planned by the City in a manner consistent with the City General Plan goals and policies and the City's Annexation Policy.

LU-P-12. The City will consider applications for annexations that are consistent with the City's Annexation Policy and:
a. Are contiguous with City boundaries and provide for a logical expansion of the City;
b. Create clear and reasonable boundaries;
c. Ensure the provision of adequate municipal services; d. Are a fiscal benefit to the City and its residents;
e. Are consistent with State law and Plumas County Local Agency Formation Commission standards;
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f. Are consistent with the General Plan.

LU-P-13. The City may consider expanding its sphere of influence to incorporate areas that logically should be planned and serviced by Portola. Pursuant to LU-P-11, the City shall consider the following factors when making determinations involving sphere of influence boundaries:
a. Present and planned land uses in the area;
b. Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area;
c. Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services;
d. Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area; and
e. Open space and forest lands.

LU-P-14. The City shall seek to encourage development of the infill areas and may participate in public-private development arrangements to implement this policy.

LU-P-15. The City shall encourage and support the exchange of US Forest Service land for urban land use and open space within the City sphere of influence.

LU-P-16. The City shall manage growth in such a way to ensure that significant open space areas will be preserved.

LU-P-17. The City shall review the General Plan’s residential and commercial capacities every five years and modify, as necessary, to reflect development that has occurred, its impacts, evolving market and economic conditions, and consistency with community values.

Implementation: Land Use
LU-I-1. The City will continue to pursue a regional approach to planning and growth in the eastern Plumas County area. The City will seek public comment and early consultation with applicable agencies for major projects proposed either within or outside Portola. The intent of this consultation will be to provide public input to the process and to coordinate planning efforts between jurisdictions and minimize the impacts of growth to Portola and the surrounding region.

LU-I-2. The City Manager will coordinate preparation of a five-year public services report to the City Council in concert with that year's budget City of Portola General Plan 2045 Land Use Element

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report. This report should document growth trends the capacity and level of service for public services and facility planning efforts.

LU-I-3. The City Manager will coordinate preparation of a five-year land use summary report to the City Council in concert with the that year's budget report. This report will document the growth in residential and commercial development and estimate the increase in employment in the City over the previous five year period.

LU-I-4. The land use summary shall include a reference to the range of land use mix in Table 2-3 in this Land Use Element and determine the then current and five-year projection of land use in the City.

LU-I-5. With input from the public and the affected property owners, the City shall initiate a study to determine an appropriate and feasible land plan for the infill areas. The City shall coordinate the preparation of a specific plan that may result in reconfiguration of existing lots to achieve a more efficient and feasible land use and street plan.

LU-I-6. With input from the public and the affected property owners, the City shall initiate a plan for providing infrastructure to the infill areas.

The plan will include a finance plan to enable the development of infrastructure funded by the properties that benefit from the improvements.

LU-I-7. The City will forward development applications that affect student population to the school district for review of future educational facility needs.

LU-I-8. The City will amend its Zoning Ordinance to include that development projects are reviewed for compliance with Firewise standards.

3. Community Design Element DRAFT
Surrounded by mountains and forests, and located around creeks and meadows, the Feather River and Humbug Valley, Portola is inherently an attractive community. One challenge to living in this setting is to develop a built environment that is compatible with the natural amenity. Poor quality design and construction, and poor maintenance of existing buildings, has the ability to seriously detract from the surrounding beauty and diminish the very features and character that attract people to live here. This is not to imply that human occupation of the forest and mountains is inherently incompatible with the natural surroundings. Indeed, attractive buildings designed to be compatible with the natural surroundings have the ability to inspire, and to be an attractive complement to the natural setting. The community can be designed to sustain and be in harmony with the environment.

The first priority is to not destroy the natural amenities that make the area so attractive. The guidelines are simple. Do not remove more trees than necessary to construct a building or maintain Firewise standards and do not unnecessarily modify the natural landform or the natural flow of water through grading. Compliance with these fundamentals will inherently protect the natural character of the community. The companion priority is to develop the community in a manner that is compatible with and protective of the surroundings. The Community Design Element defines specific details for development of the City. These details address building characteristics and common area features such as landscaping, signs, neighborhood design, and community form.

Authority
The Community Design Element is an optional element of the General Plan under Section 65303 of the Government Code.
“The general plan may include any other elements or address any other subjects which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the county or city.”
Relationship to Other Elements
The Community Design Element establishes intent and guidance for community development and is closely related to the Land Use Element. The Land Use Element defines the location and use of land. The Community Design Element defines the characteristics of the land use and provides guidelines and standards for development.

This is the basis for new development standards that will be applied in the subsequent amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, the Improvement Standards, and Subdivision Ordinance in the Municipal Code.

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The Community Design Element includes guidelines for developed area relationship to open space and forested areas, and guidelines for development in sloping or highly erodible areas. These fundamentals are also addressed in Open Space and Conservation Element and the Safety Element. The Community Design Element is also related to the Circulation Element in the recommendations for street, parking, public transit, and pedestrian and bike system features.

Community Design Goals
The fundamental goal for the Community Design Element is to encourage development that:
• is economically and environmentally sustainable; relates well to the natural setting;
• is sustainable because it is well constructed of durable, quality materials appropriate to the setting; and
• offers memorable buildings and spaces.

The underlying principle in this Community Design Element, indeed throughout the General Plan, is that natural amenities and the man-made environment are not mutually exclusive.

Portola residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the built environment integrated into the natural beauty of the region.

Goal CD-1. Guide development of the community in a manner that will sustain the natural resources and amenities and will be economically sustainable over time.

Goal CD-2. Foster creativity and design excellence consistent with community objectives, the environmental characteristics of the area and the economic conditions inherent in a small, rural community.

Goal CD-3. Ensure that development will be compatible with the natural features that define the existing City and surrounding area.

Goal CD-4. Establish high standards so that the future development will be attractive, distinctive, and functional.

Goal CD-5. Protect natural environmental features and integrate the built environment with the natural environment.

Goal CD-6. Establish quality development appropriate to the local history, culture, and natural environment.

Goal CD-7. Build for long term durability and economic life cycles.

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Goal CD-8. Establish well designed, distinctive gateways, lighting, and signage that will distinguish Portola as an attractive community.

Goal CD-9. Retain and enhance the existing, well-defined form of the City.

Goal CD-10. Provide public spaces to accommodate visitors with minimal impact on City residents.

Goal CD-11. Establish attractive, well-designed, and distinctive districts such as Commercial Street and a business park to enhance employment and economic development opportunities.

Goal CD-12. Enhance and preserve the existing neighborhoods and restore or replace existing housing stock in the older neighborhoods.

Protection and Enhancement of Natural Amenities
Policies: Protection of Open Space and Natural Resources CD-P- 1. Where contiguous to open space, development will be designed to provide views to meadows, creeks, rock outcroppings and other natural features.

CD-P- 2. Meadows and riparian corridors along drainage ways and the river are to be maintained in the natural condition. No structures will be permitted in meadows or riparian corridors other than small structures incidental to recreation, agriculture, forest management, environmental management, or education activities. Such structures may include open pavilions, seating areas, small informal amphitheaters, kiosks, open shelters for recreation, small structures for storage required for maintenance, and similar basic structures.

Major structures such as lodges, residences, restaurants, resorts and other similar buildings will not be permitted in a meadow or riparian corridor.

CD-P- 3. The edge of the City adjacent to forests and meadows will provide a transition from urban to open space by reducing the intensity of land development.

CD-P- 4. The urban portion of the City will be clearly distinct from the unincorporated area along the major roads entering the City.

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CD-P-5. The City will ensure that Firewise (NFPA) Standards are implemented throughout the City.

Implementation: Protection of Open Space and Natural
Resources
CD-I-1. All applications for tentative maps, conditional use permits, and planned unit developments pursuant to the Municipal Code will be required to show:
• the location and character of any natural features, such as a spring, meadow, rock outcropping, or defined drainage way; • the location of trees to be removed in the development; • a grading plan that indicates cut and fill banks.

CD-I-2. The Zoning Ordinance shall be amended to ensure that all new development complies with Firewise (NFPA) Standards.

CD-I-3. The review of all such applications will consider the effect of the proposed development on major natural amenities, such as a large rock outcrop or view to a major peak.

CD-I-4. Adopt design guidelines for development adjacent to creeks that include consideration of the following:
• streets abutting the bank;
• discourage rear lot lines along creeks;
• provide public access and visual easements to creeks; City of Portola General Plan 2045 Community Design Element

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• linkages to other open spaces and open space systems; • trails for pedestrians and bicyclists;
• planting for erosion control and riparian enhancement with native shrubs, groundcover, and riparian trees.

CD-I-5. Work with Plumas County to support implementation of the Scenic Highways policies in the County General Plan.

CD-I-6. Work with the United States Forest Service (USFS) to implement the Wild and Scenic Rivers standards in the Plumas Forest Master Plan.

CD-I-7. Maintain view corridors to the river along the existing streets leading from Highway 70. New development or redevelopment of existing properties abutting or within these corridors must be designed to maintain the view to the river.

CD-I-8. Through Code Enforcement activities and public education, the City shall encourage existing properties to maintain Firewise (NFPA) standards.

Building Quality and Durability
Policies: Building Quality
CD-P-6. New construction, and redevelopment of existing buildings, should use durable materials that will age well and will require minimal maintenance.

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CD-P-7. Use of native materials and design features associated with the history of the area is encouraged.

Implementation: Building Quality
CD-I-9. The Building Inspector will provide information to building permit applicants on suitable building materials and forms for the Portola area.

CD-I-10. The City will take the opportunity with City buildings and public improvement projects to demonstrate cost effective use of suitable materials.

CD-I-11. The City Planning Commission and/or City Council will consider the durability of materials and the appropriate use of materials in conjunction with other considerations in review of development applications.

City Landmarks and Gateways
The existing City boundaries are well-defined by natural landforms. Traveling west on Highway 70, one enters the east end of the City over a low pass that establishes a distinct entry to the City (refer to location “A” in Figure 3-3). Driving east from Delleker, one enters the City around a curve in the highway adjacent to the river, and the south side of the City where the rail museum buildings come into view (refer to location “B” in Figure 3-3). This approach provides a natural gateway and an attractive view up the river toward the Gulling Street Bridge.

Policies: City Landmarks and Gateways
CD-P-8. Enhance the visual impact of the natural features that mark the major entries to the City.

CD-P-9. Establish visual landmarks throughout the city that will guide visitors to major activity areas.

CD-P-10. Retain views and public access to the river from Highway 70.

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Figure 3-3
Major Gateway Entries
Implementation: City Landmarks and Gateways
CD-I-12. Continue to work with Plumas County to establish design standards and land use controls on the unincorporated area in a corridor extending along Highway 70 and along the Lake Davis Road and County Road A-15 within 2 miles of corporate limits of the City.

CD-I-13. Continue to maintain land at the east and west entries to the City along Highway 70, including gateway features which includes major signs, a small visitors parking area, an information kiosk with information and directional signs, interpretive signs and a small picnic area, as applicable.

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CD-I-14. Encourage design standards for gateway features that reflect the historic character of the town. This may include elements of railroad, mining, ranching, timber, or recreation, but is not intended that any gateway feature incorporate all these elements.

CD-I-15. Continue to implement a landmark and sign feature to direct people to the Old Town commercial area, the railroad museum and the Civic Center in highly visible locations throughout the City, including, but not limited to, the southwest corner of the intersection of Gulling Street and Highway 70.

CD-I-16. Establish requirements for providing landmark features in new development. Landmark features may include gateway elements and landscaping, special lighting and paving, and sculptural elements.

CD-I-17. Continue implementation of the City Improvement Matrix as amended as a design standard for major streets that differentiates them from small collector and residential streets through landscaping, signs, and lighting. Refer to the landscape guidelines for the City streets in this element and the street standards in the Circulation Element.

Policies: City-Wide Directional Signs
CD-P-11. Continue the City-wide sign program to encourage a common design element and provide directional features to guide people in the city.

Implementation: City-Wide Directional Signs
CD-I-18. Continue to implement the public directional sign program that includes three dimensional elements as well as signs. The intent is to establish a common design theme throughout the City. At a minimum, the public directional sign program will include directions to City Hall, the library and parks, the sheriff’s substation, the Railroad Museum, Old Town and the hospital. The sign program will include a standard lettering style and color, and background color and base materials so as to provide a uniform image that is easily recognizable as part of the City program.

Neighborhood Conservation and Development
The City contains many old neighborhoods that predate the common use of automobiles.

The character of these neighborhoods is small, individualized homes that reflect the City of Portola General Plan 2045 Community Design Element

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distinctive tastes of many occupants over several decades. The General Plan goal (CD12) is to enhance the existing neighborhoods and restore or replace the existing housing stock. The underlying purpose of this goal is to create more attractive neighborhoods that will retain property values and encourage private investment in individual properties.

Policies: Residential Neighborhoods
CD-P-12. Improve the overall streetscape in residential neighborhoods by providing improvements such as a public sidewalk, street lighting, and directional signs, in accordance with the City Improvement Matrix as amended.

CD-P-13. Actively enforce the Municipal Ordinance sections regarding trash collection and disposal in residential yards, and the replacement or renovation of dilapidated or unsafe buildings.

Implementation: Residential Neighborhoods
CD-I-19. Assist in the organization of neighborhood associations for the purpose of identifying and implementing local improvement projects. Assistance may include the provision of mailings, meeting facilities, and research.

CD-I-20. Maintain a category in the annual municipal budget for local improvements such as street tree planting, annual clean-up days, sidewalk installation and repair, and similar local activities to enhance the visual quality of the City.

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CD-I-21. Establish an inventory of dilapidated properties as candidates for restoration or removal.

CD-I-22. Identify sources of funding and community support for restoration of residential properties for low-income households.

CD-I-23. Continue implementing code enforcement strategies aimed at reducing blight and increasing safe living conditions.

Civic Core and Public Spaces
It is anticipated that Portola will grow as the economic center and an attraction to visitors to Eastern Plumas County. The City needs an attractive core area that can accommodate large numbers of visitors without detracting from the quality of the natural environment and the quality of life for residents. This will be done by maintaining the compact form of the major institutional and commercial uses, by designating the core area as an extended “visitor’s center”, and by establishing high quality building design and amenities throughout the core area. The general boundaries of the core area are shown in Figure 3-5.

Policies: Civic Core and Public Spaces
CD-P-14. The existing civic core area, including City Hall, the post office, library, sheriff substation, Courthouse, and City Park shall remain the institutional center of the City. The City will seek to expand the City offices as necessary to keep pace with the service demands of increased population.

CD-P-15. The commercial core area of the City, including Highway 70, Commercial Street, the Railroad Museum area, and the civic center core will provide multiple locations to accommodate visitor activities. The intent is to enable the City to host large single events in multiple centers of activity, such as a craft or music festival, or to host different small but concurrent events.

CD-P-16. The multiple venue locations will be linked by a vehicle and pedestrian system and accessible by public transit and parking.

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Implementation: Civic Core and Public Spaces
CD-I-24. Invest in expansion of public services and other civic uses into the core area.

CD-I-25. Provide support uses, such as parking, pedestrian spaces and sidewalks, and public transit access to ensure that the civic core area remains viable.

CD-I-26. Adopt a Public Events Master Plan to identify multiple event centers and define their potential function. The Public Events Master Plan will include an operations component for coordinating multiple venue events and a facilities component that describes the venues and their supporting services and infrastructures.

CD-I-27. Identify the network of parking areas, pedestrian connections, public transit stops, and public activity spaces in the Public Events Master Plan.

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Figure 3-5
Civic Core Area
Commercial Areas
Policies for the commercial areas are closely linked with the standards for the civic core and public spaces. In part, the intent is to provide public spaces within the commercial core area that encourage public activity and patronage of the retail and service businesses.

There are two distinct commercial areas, Old Town and Sierra Street. Old Town is envisioned as a small-scale retail and service area with restaurants, small shops, and service for tourists as well as local residents. The proximity of the Railroad Museum offers City of Portola General Plan 2045 Community Design Element

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special opportunities for visitor-oriented services and retail. A high level of pedestrian amenities (including broad sidewalks, shade, seating, fountains, low level lighting) will establish a unique character for this commercial area.

Sierra Street and the adjacent side streets will provide the more conventional business center for the City and the region. Auto-oriented businesses catering to local residents, as well as travelers along Highway 70, will be the primary uses in this area. Although it is a primary traffic route of regional significance, the Sierra Street corridor should incorporate pedestrian amenities as well. Continuous sidewalks setback from the street edge, shade structures, seating areas, and pedestrian scale lighting and signs will provide a more pedestrian friendly corridor.

Policies: General Commercial
CD-P-17. Establish design standards to retain and enhance the Old Town core area and Sierra Street corridor as the primary commercial and tourism centers in the east Plumas region.

CD-P-18. Establish quality design of buildings on Commercial Street and the Sierra Street corridor to identify them as the center of primary commercial activity.

CD-P-19. Signs and lighting for commercial and office uses will contribute to a common theme element that becomes a visual symbol for the City.

CD-P-20. Encourage preservation and enhancement of commercial buildings with architectural character or historic significance.

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Implementation: General Commercial
CD-I-28. All applications for commercial use pursuant to the Municipal Code will be required to show the location and features of any exterior space intended for public use.

CD-I-29. All applications for commercial use pursuant to the Municipal Code will be required to show access to parking and the pedestrian route to the parking area.

CD-I-30. Adopt guidelines for commercial buildings that reflect the history of the region, and compatible with the climate.

Policies: Old Town Commercial Area
CD-P-21. Establish a special pedestrian area in Old Town to accommodate tourism and shopping and services for local residents.

CD-P-22. Provide a direct, clear, and convenient pedestrian connection between Commercial Street and the Railroad Museum.

CD-P-23. Provide additional parking on the perimeter of the Old Town areas along First Avenue, and in other convenient locations.

CD-P-24. Provide convenient pedestrian connections between parking areas and the Commercial Street businesses.

Implementation: Old Town Commercial Area
CD-I-31. Adopt a Street Lighting and Sign Program for placement of a unique sign and lighting standard in all commercial areas along Sierra Street. The program will adopt a lighting and sign structure standard that will be a form and constructed of materials that evoke the history of the City and surrounding area. The form will include one or two standard locations for placement for individual business signage, and a lighting fixture that casts light downward on the sidewalk and the adjacent street. Business signs will be front lighted and must be within size parameters and proportions established by the City program.

CD-I-32. Adopt standards and an improvement plan for Commercial Street that includes at a minimum:
• pedestrian level street lighting;
• special sidewalk pavement or a boardwalk along the store fronts;
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• crosswalk signs, striping and special paving;
• street furniture including benches, trash collection
containers, directional and interpretive signs;
• designated areas for street vendors, performing arts, and train watching;
• guidelines for building facades, window and door
treatments;
• canopies over the storefront sidewalks;
• street trees;
• on-street parking.

CD-I-33. The City will work with the merchants and landowners in the Old Town area to install a street lighting program consistent with the pedestrian use of the street and the “Old Town” theme.

CD-I-34. The City will work with the Railroad Museum Association to improve the visibility and attractiveness of the main museum buildings when viewed from Highway 70.

CD-I-35. Encourage the Railroad Museum Association to include a landmark architectural element, such as a clock tower, in the museum facilities.

CD-I-36. Develop a reuse plan for the former railroad hospital site for commercial or public access uses that will include attractive new structures and landmark elements.

CD-I-37. As additional commercial uses develop, adopt standards and an improvement plan for a landscaped corridor along First Street, Second Street, Pacific Street, California Street and Main Street to provide a pedestrian corridor from the west end of Commercial Street to the museum.

Sierra Street and Riverfront Commercial
The commercial uses along the south side of Sierra Street are a special condition because of the interface with the river. The Sierra Street corridor has the unique advantage of being contiguous to the Feather River along a substantial portion of the reach through the City.

This provides very attractive views and opportunities for access to the river corridor. The River Park extends for one half mile from Beckwith Street to the US Forest Service Park. The Feather River is a special resource because it retains the character of a relatively City of Portola General Plan 2045 Community Design Element

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unimproved water course. As a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Feather River has a natural, scenic quality. Unlike many communities that developed with buildings facing away from a natural amenity, such as the river, Portola retains undeveloped edges along the north bank of the river. This provides opportunities that are unique to Portola for recreation, public open space, and a strong identity.

The purpose of these policies is to ensure that the future development of commercial use along the south side of Sierra Street will take advantage of this unique opportunity by providing access and an attractive interface with the open space corridor. The intent is to provide a distinctive character for Sierra Street that relates to the river, and to the role as “main street” for the eastern Plumas Region.

Policies: Sierra Street and Riverfront Commercial
CD-P-25. Pedestrian and bikeway connections will be provided by businesses between Sierra Street and the River Park corridor from the west gateway to the USFS park.

CD-P-26. Businesses will provide a view toward the river from the main sales or dining area where feasible. Decks and terraces oriented to the river are encouraged.

CD-P-27. Refuse, storage and service areas will be screened and/or located to have minimum visual impact from the river.

CD-P-28. Small-scale signs oriented to the river that identify the business will be allowed pursuant to approval of an Administrative Permit.

CD-P-29. The City shall continue to seek to acquire land for recreation and public purposes.

Implementation: Sierra Street and Riverfront Commercial CD-I-38. The City will implement a program to support installation of a sign and lighting structure along Sierra Street. The location of the structure will be coordinated with adjacent landowners but will be placed to facilitate spacing the structure at approximately regular intervals along the street.

CD-I-39. City review of any building permit for new construction or renovation, conditional use permit, rezone, or other entitlements for commercial use along the south side of Sierra Street shall consider:
• siting with respect to the views toward the river;
• orientation of sales areas, dining areas, terraces and decks overlooking the river;
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• pedestrian access corridors between Sierra Street and the river corridor within blocks;
• pedestrian walks between the businesses and the River Walk pathway;
• provision of small signs oriented to the river to identify the businesses;
• provision of amphitheater seating or other seating areas overlooking the river.

Business Professional and Industrial Areas
Historically, industrial uses within the City were few, and primarily related to railroad operations. Office uses are typically located in small buildings in the commercial areas.

The General Plan is based on the premise that the quality of life in the City will attract new businesses not previously associated with the community. Such businesses will include office uses, light manufacturing, and assembly. The City currently offers very little land area, and few improved buildings suitable for such businesses. They will require relatively small, affordable space to become established and grow. Perhaps more important, the space will need to be of high quality and amenity to attract and retain quality businesses.

The Land Use Element identifies new land use categories for businesses, including Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) and Business Professional-Light Industrial (BP/LI). The Land Use Diagram (Figure 2-2) designates specific locations within the City to accommodate these uses.

These policies are intended to ensure that the business professional offices and light industrial uses are compatible with the natural setting, functional in the emerging telecommunication technologies, and distinguished by a high level of amenities.

Policies: Business Professional and Industrial
CD-P-30. Encourage the development of high-quality business professional and industrial parks that accommodate a range of small business activities.

CD-P-31. Business and industrial parks will provide an attractive landscape and sign program including directional signs and major entry features.

CD-P-32. Truck access and storage areas will be screened from view from the primary street frontage and any adjacent residential use.

CD-P-33. Business and industrial parks will provide pedestrian and bicycle access and bicycle parking.

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CD-P-34. Business and industrial parks will be designed to be integrated with the natural setting to provide an attractive workplace and minimize the impact on the environment.

Implementation: Business Professional and Industrial
CD-I-40. City review of any building permit for new construction or renovation, conditional use permit, rezone or other entitlements for business professional and industrial use shall consider:
• siting with respect to natural features such as creeks, meadows, rock outcroppings and significant trees in the adjacent forest; • the scale of the proposed buildings relative to adjacent land uses;
• location of truck access and storage areas;
• pedestrian access, and bicycle access and parking areas; • location of and character of major signs and landscape features, and directional signs.

CD-I-41. The City will designate the location of major sign and gateway features for business and industrial park locations.

4. Circulation Element DRAFT
The Circulation Element deals with the physical infrastructure of transportation, including the streets, bikeway, and pedestrian networks. It also deals with the programming and operation of the circulation system, such as rideshare programs and the operation of transportation systems.

Authority
The Circulation Element is authorized in Government Code Section 65302(b) that states that the General Plan is required to include:
“A Circulation Element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the Land Use Element of the plan.”
The statute specifically identifies public utilities and facilities as components of the Circulation Element but permits jurisdictions to organize elements in a manner appropriate to the community. The Portola General Plan addresses the public infrastructure, including sewer, water, energy, and utilities, in the Public Facilities and Infrastructure Element.

Relationship to Other General Plan Elements
Circulation and land use are closely linked elements that provide the framework for much of the General Plan. The location and intensity of land uses determines the need for circulation system components, and in turn, the capacity of the circulation system often determines the location and feasibility of land use. In combination with land use, the circulation system may affect air quality, plant and animal habitats, environmental noise, energy use, community appearance and other environmental considerations.

Coordination between the Land Use Element and the Circulation Element:
▪ encourages walking and bicycle trips by promoting a compact urban form with neighborhood destinations close to residents;
▪ makes public transit feasible through coordination of the intensity and location of land uses; and
▪ reduces the length and number of vehicle trips outside of the community by promoting mixed-use development and by providing employment centers, shopping and services within the City.

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Relationship to Regional Transportation Programs
The circulation system in the City is linked to the circulation network in Plumas County and beyond. Planning for future circulation improvements must address the existing and planned roads, bikeways, and transportation services that extend beyond the City. This Circulation Element is intended to be compatible with the Regional Transportation Plan for Plumas County, 2020, and as periodically updated.

Background
The comprehensive goal and vision of the City’s Circulation Element is to ensure Portola is a city in which alternative forms of transportation and mobility are so available and attractive, that use of an automobile is a choice rather than a necessity. The City’s Circulation Element was adopted in 1997, with a number of new goals, policies, and implementation actions added in 2011 as part of the General Plan update process, including several 2011 General Plan Certified FPEIR mitigation measures. Per Government Code §65302(b), the Circulation Element consists of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the Land Use Element. The 2011 goals, policies, and implementation actions are not considered a substantial update to the Circulation Element, but, together with the 1997 goals, policies, and implementation actions, they do comply with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008. Table 3 shows the result of comparing the City’s 2011/1997 Circulation Element to the 2017 Completeness Checklist.

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Completeness Checklist & Required Contents
California
Government
Code
Section
Brief Description of Requirement Addressed in General
Plan
General location and extent of existing and
proposed:
65302(b)(1) Major thoroughfares √
65302(b)(1) Transportation routes √
65302(b)(2) Public Transportation √
65302(b)(2) Bicycle √
65302(b)(2) Pedestrian √
65302(b)(2) Automobile √
65302(b)(2) Commercial goods √
65302(b)(1) Existing and proposed terminals (i.e. airport, train station, bus station)
N/A
65302(b)(1) Military airports and ports N/A
65302(b)(1) Other local public utilities and facilities (i.e. water, sewer, stormwater systems,
telecommunications and broadband,
electric vehicle charging stations, electricity,
and natural gas lines)
√
65302(b)(2) Needs of children, persons with disabilities, and seniors
√
65302(b)(1) Identified funding for infrastructure √
65302(b)(1) Correlated with Land Use Element √
Land Use
The Land Use Element establishes the physical framework for development in Portola. It defines the location, use characteristics, and intensity of land uses throughout the city. It is crucial that the Circulation Element and the Land Use Element are consistent and that the Circulation Element allows for the implementation of the Land Use Element. The General Plan Land Use Map includes land use designations that allow for the new roads in the Core Area as designated ion the Circulation Element. Conversely, the Circulation Element includes goals, policies, and implementation measures that implement the Land Use Element. See Figure 4-7, New Roads in the Core Area from the Circulation Element.

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Key Circulation Issues
Individual Independence
Flexibility and personal independence are characteristics of the existing circulation system. People are accustomed to using personal automobiles to travel at will. The circulation system must retain this level of independence, but also seek to include alternatives that will reduce reliance on automobiles as the primary mode of transportation.

Economic Development
The circulation system will play a significant role in fulfilling the tourism and economic development goals established in this General Plan. The system must provide clear and convenient access for tourists, visitors, and travelers along Highway 70. Elements of the circulation system, such as the improved bike paths, the mountain bike trails, a local shuttle system and the railroad, not only serve a transportation need, but may also be an attraction to visitors.

Tourism and regional service businesses will be a growing component of the local economy. The circulation system must provide convenient access for business patrons in the form of parking and direct access routes. For the tourists, the circulation system must not only provide access, but should also become an attraction by providing special travel modes and experiences. In order to successfully serve tourists, the circulation system must be easy to navigate to points of interest and must provide short-term parking and local transportation.

The circulation system can enhance the potential for economic development in the City by providing transport for goods and services and by providing convenient travel for workers to jobs. Within the City and the neighboring areas, the emphasis is on making the trip to work convenient and safe, and facilitating alternatives to the single occupant automobile.

Local economic growth can also occur through local residents working outside the community. Commuter bus services, ride sharing and other measures that enhance the opportunity to work outside the community can indirectly enhance the local economy in the short term by raising the income of residents. However, in the long term, a large percentage of out commuting workers will diminish the potential growth of the local economy. The ultimate objective is to establish a strong local economy that relies on a resident work force employed in the City and neighboring area. Refer to Section 2.6 in the Land Use Element for additional discussion of the jobs and housing balance in the City.

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Time Horizon
Perhaps more than other elements in the General Plan, the Circulation Element must take a very long-term view. Physical infrastructure, such as the road system, establishes a framework that is very difficult to alter. Land uses may change, and buildings be torn down and reconstructed, but the route of the public streets and utility corridors are typically fixed in place over time. Therefore, the circulation system components must be carefully considered for their long-term impacts on land use and community form.

Moreover, many major infrastructure components, such as a bridge crossing or major new road, are relatively expensive and must be planned long in advance in order to accrue sufficient funding. For these reasons, the Circulation Element, particularly that portion addressing major infrastructure improvements, must look beyond the twenty-year horizon typical of other elements in the General Plan.

Safety
Safety is a fundamental goal for all components of the circulation system. Conventional design standards typically address the safety requirements for streets, bicycle paths, and pedestrian networks. However, Portola has specific needs that require special attention to safety concerns. These include the need to design safe routes for evacuation in emergencies, and the special design considerations for streets and bike and pedestrian paths in mountainous, winter conditions. The special conditions in Portola also relate to the intent to accommodate a mix of bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles of various types.

Special conditions also will occur when the City is the site of special events that accommodate large numbers of visitors.

Multi-modal System
The circulation system will be more efficient and will provide better flexibility and conveniences if all modes of transportation are coordinated. This means that different modes connect at central locations where people can easily transfer from one mode to another. An example would be to establish a transit center where a regional bus, a park-and-ride lot, a local shuttle, a jitney or cab service, a primary pedestrian path, and a primary bicycle path can all connect. The different modes must also be coordinated in time so that the connections are convenient.

Cost Effective
Travel and movement of goods and utilities requires expenditures of money, energy, and time. An efficient circulation system serves to minimize these expenditures by reducing the need for travel, and by reducing the time and distance of necessary travel.

Reduction of travel can be accomplished by clustering travel destinations (retail, services, schools, and so on) close to the residents’ home so that walking or public transportation is feasible. The Land Use Element where the land uses that attract traffic City of Portola General Plan 2045 Circulation Element

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are clustered in a compact urban form that will facilitate the use of public transportation and walking.

An efficient circulation system will also help to reduce the expenditure of public funds for new construction through design that reduces the length and width of roads to the minimum actual requirement. The General Plan Land Use Element will help minimize the need for new infrastructure expenditures by maximizing the use of, and by directing new development to the existing roads.

Energy Efficiency
Fuel required for transportation is a significant energy demand in any community.

Relatively low fuel costs have enabled expansion of substantial development throughout California. However, small, relatively remote communities such as Portola are particularly vulnerable to increases in fuel costs. Fuel costs typically tend to be higher in such communities, and if fuel prices increase, as is likely over the next two decades, the effect can seriously hinder economic stability and development. Higher energy (fuel) costs will demand more of individual household incomes for typical daily travel and may make it uneconomic to travel to jobs outside the area, therefore, residents may be forced to relocate. The use of ride sharing, and other trip reduction methods will reduce dependence on increasingly expensive fuels. The policies in this Circulation Element encourage trip reduction methods as a means to reduce dependence on expensive fuels before they become prohibitively expensive and diminish the economic potential and quality of daily life in Portola.

Higher fuel costs may also diminish the level of services as businesses and suppliers find it uneconomical to deliver goods and services to the area. Finally, and perhaps most serious, is the potential loss in tourism as people reduce their travel due to the high cost of fuel. Fuel prices will be determined far beyond the influence of this City, but the General Plan must seek to minimize the vulnerability to energy costs by developing alternative modes of travel within the City and facilitating alternative means for tourists to travel to the area.

New Technologies
The General Plan is a long-range planning document and must be flexible enough to consider new technologies. For example, the use of electric vehicles and other alternative fuels have skyrocketed in recent years. The City of Portola has been reviewing ways to better accommodate the use of electric vehicles and alternative fuel sources. As the planning horizon for this General Plan is another 20+ years, new technologies will emerge and the City is ready to include new technology into the circulation plan.

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Impact on Natural Features
The circulation system must include design standards that minimize the physical effect of circulation improvements on the natural environment, and the need to design systems that are safe and functional in the winter.

Air Quality
Unlike many urban places, vehicle traffic has not been the primary source of air pollution in Portola. However, the climate conditions that create the winter air pollution problem indicate the potential for increased pollution within and near the City. Measures designed to minimize reliance on vehicles are necessary to reduce the potential for air pollution increases in the community.

Circulation Goals
The goals for the circulation system reflect the broader the goals of this General Plan.

These include improvement of the existing community, economic development, expanded tourism, aesthetic quality in the built environment, public and personal safety, and environmental protection.

Goal C-1. Upgrade all existing streets to current improvement standards.

Goal C-2. Extend the circulation network, including streets, bike and pedestrian paths, and transit routes to in-fill areas and new growth areas in a manner that is energy and cost efficient, safe, and minimizes impact on the natural environment.

Goal C-3. Improve the circulation network, including streets and parking, rail, transit, and pedestrian paths to enhance economic development and tourism.

Goal C-4. Expand transportation alternatives within the City, including public transit, walking and bicycling.

Goal C-5. Expand the circulation system to accommodate and attract new businesses and visitors (tourists).

Level of Service Standards
The effectiveness of the streets to carry traffic is measured by a standard evaluation criterion, the Level of Service (LOS). Traffic engineers use LOS as a quantitative measure to describe traffic conditions, and as a means of evaluating future traffic conditions.

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Level of Service is a measure of the existing or projected traffic compared to the theoretical capacity of the street or intersection to safely accommodate traffic. Factors taken into consideration include volume of traffic, street and intersection design, signal timing, and other variables. Each LOS is assigned a letter, ranging from “A” (less than a 5 second wait at intersections and no restrictions on speed along arterials) to “F” (delays of more than one green cycle at intersections and “stop and go” movement along the street). LOS is normally used to describe the morning or afternoon peak-hour conditions when traffic is the heaviest. Table 4-1 describes the Level of Service categories.

The LOS criteria are useful aids in identifying potential problems with street capacity, and the land uses that generate traffic. However, LOS is a generalized evaluation tool and must be tempered by interpretation of local conditions. For instance, minor adjustments in the timing of a traffic signal, adding turning lanes, limiting the points of access from adjacent properties and other modifications can improve the actual operation of a given street or intersection.

The current traffic conditions in Portola do not normally approach the levels experienced in more urban areas. Most existing streets and intersections in Portola operate well within the range of LOS C or better, although the Plumas County Regional Transportation Plan (2000) identifies SR 70 (Sierra Street) within the City operating at LOS D during peak traffic conditions. The Caltrans "Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies" (Guide) states that Caltrans endeavors to maintain a target LOS C on State Highway facilities.

The Guide is consulted when State Highways are affects.

Street Network and Classification
The street system in Portola consists of three general classes of street:
• local, small-scale streets that serve the residential neighborhoods; • local, rural roads that serve the low-density residential areas; and • larger collector and arterial streets.

Much of the existing street system was built before private automobiles came into common use. The streets follow a grid pattern established when the City was originally platted in 1909. The grid does not relate to the topography and many streets stop at a ravine or steep slope. This results in discontinuous streets in portions of the older City.

These areas were subdivided into individual lots but have no streets or other public improvements to serve those lots. The street pattern developed outside the original grid pattern is typically circuitous and follows the natural terrain. At the perimeter of the City the grid pattern transitions to an informal pattern of rural streets flanked by larger lots.

The street system was not designed to accommodate modern traffic, or to park cars on residential lots. The narrow, residential lots found on older streets typically do not have sufficient width for a driveway, and on-street parking and snow removal are not City of Portola General Plan 2045 Circulation Element

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convenient. The streets are laid out in short blocks only 350 feet long by 300 feet wide.

This enables people to walk in relatively direct routes within the City, but it requires a substantial amount of land to be paved, and is not practical in steep terrain.

The majority of the 14 miles in the Portola road system existed at the time the City incorporated in 1946. This includes .55 miles of paved major collector street, 4.43 miles of paved minor collector street and 15.92 miles of paved local streets, as shown in Figure 4-

1. Minor arterial streets are important routes for intra-county regional circulation. In Plumas County, the minor arterial circulation system consists of all State Routes including:

SR 70, 89, 36, 147, 49, and 284. Only SR 70 (Sierra Street) directly affects Portola.

SR 70 (Sierra Street) is the primary street through the City. The highway has a 100 foot right of way through the center of the City, but flares to 120-foot-wide right-of-way at the east of the City and 160-foot-wide right of way to the west. The highway was widened to four lanes in 1997 with full curb, gutter and sidewalk along portions of the street. Curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements were not installed where the highway abuts a driveway or parking apron. The back of the sidewalk abuts the property boundary and fronts individual buildings in some locations. On-street parking occurs where there is a curb, and in those locations, there is no room for additional parking in front of buildings.

Major collector streets provide greater access to more localized destinations for regional circulation. These streets typically are designed to provide access for regional traffic between the State Routes. In Portola, only West Street (Lake Davis Road) is designated by the County Regional Transportation Plan as a major collector.

Minor collector streets provide additional access to local attractions for regional traffic and serve as local collectors for the residential street system. The County Regional Transportation Plan identifies Beckwourth Street, Gulling Street, Commercial Street, First Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Sixth Avenue, Pacific Street, Main Street, and County Road A-15 as the primary collector streets in the existing street system. Traffic within and outside the City cause these streets to function as collectors although they have the standard 60- foot wide right-of-way found on all City streets.

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Table 4-1
Traffic Level of Service Conditions
Street Conditions
A study of existing street conditions (Bastian Engineering, November 19, 1998) indicates that several older streets are in need of repair due to deteriorating subbase, deteriorating pavement, and other serious conditions. These streets will require upgrading in order to maintain a minimum standard of maintenance. In addition, many street sections were never constructed and remain unimproved. Many other streets exceed 6% grade and are difficult to travel during snow and ice conditions. The streets in need of repair are shown in Figure 4-2.

Repair or reconstruction of these streets is essential to maintain the current level of service and to avoid significant on-going maintenance costs. A fundamental objective of the Circulation Element is to upgrade the existing streets to current standards and to extend the unimproved streets in the in-fill areas described in the Land Use Element, notably Section 2-6.

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Street Standards
Extension of local streets to serve new development in the areas at the perimeter of the City requires design standards and street patterns that are more responsive to the terrain and environmental conditions. These street standards may be different from the existing streets in the older parts of the City. The new streets will typically extend into forested areas that are somewhat steeper than the developed portion of the City. Therefore, the street system needs to be more flexible, both in alignment and street width than the historic street standards.

Each classification of City street is designed to standards appropriate to the conditions and intended use. In general, the standards use the minimum level of street crosssection needed for traffic safety and emergency access and evacuation. The intent is to minimize grading and the amount of land paved for streets. In addition to requiring less grading and paving, narrower streets will tend to slow traffic, and may indirectly discourage vehicle use. Where combined with a convenient and safe pedestrian route, narrow streets will encourage residents to walk rather than drive. Beyond fundamental traffic safety concerns, street design should emphasize ease of maintenance, ease of snow removal, simplicity of construction, visual character, and pedestrian access. Ease of maintenance suggests a relatively narrow paved section and simple rolled curb and gutter, or no gutter in rural settings, rather than the more formal standing curb.

Street standards for various conditions existing or expected to occur in Portola are summarized in Table 4-2.

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Figure 4-1
Existing Major Streets
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Figure 4-2
Existing Streets in Need of Repair or New Construction
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Minor Arterial and Collector Streets
The level of new residential and employment growth anticipated in the General Plan Land Use Element will not lead to urban type development experienced in many other communities. Consequently, the volume of traffic associated with major arterial streets in urban areas is not anticipated. There will be a need for streets capable of carrying traffic at volumes and speeds greater than acceptable in typical residential areas. Therefore, arterial and collector street standards are planned to accommodate these higher demand levels should they occur as the community grows. Cross-section diagrams of the minor arterial street and the collector street classification are shown in Figures 4-3 and 4-4 respectively.

Urban Residential Streets
The typical street in residential neighborhoods must be sufficiently wide to carry local traffic at relatively slow speeds (25 m.p.h. or less). The street should allow for on street parking and a public sidewalk. The streets should be designed to facilitate snow removal and storage. A cross-section diagram of the urban residential street is shown in Figure 4-

5. Low Density Residential Streets
Extensions of local streets to serve new development areas require design standards and street patterns that respond to the terrain and environmental conditions. The new streets will typically extend into forested areas that are somewhat steeper than the developed portions of Portola. Therefore, the street system needs to more flexible than the existing street standards, both in alignment and street width. A cross-section diagram of the lowdensity residential street is shown in Figure 4-6.

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Table 4-2
Summary of City Street Classification
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Figure 4-3
Minor Arterial Street
Figure 4-4
Collector Street
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Figure 4-5
Urban Residential Street
Figure 4-6
Low Density Residential Street
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Traffic Calming
Traffic speed is a concern where local and collector streets are relatively straight and there are few intersections. Within the developed portions of the City, in residential and school areas, and where there are pedestrian crossings or sidewalks along the street, it is desirable to slow traffic to safe speeds. This is accomplished through “traffic calming” measures. These may include signalized or signed intersections, round-abouts and traffic circles, and other physical improvements that cause drivers to slow and be more aware of other vehicles and pedestrian or bicycle traffic.

Major Streets Master Plan
The Major Street Master Plan defines the framework of major streets. It is intended that the City retain the existing compact form. In-fill development is encouraged in the Land Use Element as a significant means of accommodating new growth. Consequently, selected existing streets will continue to function as the major streets. Nonetheless, there are potential growth areas within and adjacent to the existing City boundary that will require major new roads where development is permitted.

New Arterial Streets and Collector Streets
Development in the areas north and south of the existing urban area, as well as in-fill development, will generate the need for additional routes parallel and connecting to Highway 70. The conceptual routes are described here and are shown on Figure 4-7.

The intent is to provide collector streets through the potential major new development areas identified in the General Plan Diagram.

County Road A-15/Colorado Street/First Avenue Realignment is intended to route traffic from County Road A-15 to Gulling Street. A-15 may be realigned north along a newly constructed Colorado Street and will curve onto a new alignment of First Avenue through the vacant parcel. The realignment will provide a new route to the Railroad Museum and access to parking along the north side of First Avenue to serve the commercial uses on Commercial Street. Commercial Street will continue to be a public street for traffic but may be designed to accommodate wider pedestrian sidewalks and slower, lower volume vehicle traffic. This is consistent with the intent to make Commercial Street a pedestrian oriented service and shopping street, as described in the Land Use Element Section 2.6.1 and the Community Design Element Section 3.1. This proposed realignment is not meant to discourage any repaving/reconstruction of the road.

First Avenue/Gulling Street/Hospital Drive Intersection will be reconstructed to raise the intersection and lower the grade along First Avenue. The existing right-of-way for Portola Avenue between south Pine Street and Gulling Street will be declared surplus and made available to the adjacent property owners. This reconstruction will facilitate the use of First Avenue as the primary route to Road A-15.

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Figure 4-7
New Roads in the Core Area
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South Gulling Street will extend south into Area B and provide a connection to the proposed business park and residential area, and the new collector street connecting South Fifth Street to County Road A-15.

South Fifth Street will be extended south and west around the hospital to connect Taylor Street to the proposed Gulling Street extension.

Area B Collector will be a new street that extends west from the Gulling Street extension around the south side of the high school and connects to County Road A-15.

This will provide a connection from County Road A-15 to the Gulling Street extension and ultimately to the South Fifth Street extension.

Major Streets in Future Growth Areas
Annexation of new growth areas will require new routes to provide local circulation both parallel and connecting to Highway 70. The primary movements will be north and west of Highway 70.

West Street/ Delleker Collector will connect from West Street in the vicinity of Carmichael School west to an extension of Delleker Drive north from Highway 70.

Delleker Drive will extend north to connect to the West Street/Delleker Drive Collector.

West Meadow Loop will extend west from Delleker Drive and connect to Highway 70 in the vicinity of Mabie.

Future development of the area to the north of the existing City boundary, notably the Teanna Ranch and Grizzly Creek Road area will require additional roads. Generally, these roads will serve relatively low-density development and will be reviewed and approved with future development.

Local Public Utilities and Facilities
The City provides public utilities includes water, sewer, and stormwater systems. These utilities are further addressed with mapping in the Public Services and Facilities Element.

Other utilities include electricity (Liberty Utilities) and the possibility of electric vehicle charging stations, and telecommunications and broadband facilities (Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications).

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Figure 4-8
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Infrastructure
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Traffic Signals
With the relatively low traffic volumes on most local streets throughout Portola traffic signals have not been needed. However, the volume of traffic on Highway 70 (Sierra Street) does require signalization at the Gulling Street intersection. Additional signalization may be required in the future as traffic volumes increase.

Truck Routes
Highway 70 will remain the primary route for commercial traffic through the City and is intended to accommodate adequate movement of goods by trucking. Truck traffic on all other collector streets will be limited to local deliveries.

Major Destinations
Portola is a small, rural City, but has destinations that people come to enjoy, especially from the local region. These locations are identified below.

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Figure 4-9
Portola Major Destinations
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Funding Sources
Funding for road improvements and maintenance comes primarily from the City’s general fund or is required to be provided with development projects at the developer’s expense. Certain large, long-range projects are funded through Caltrans State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding. Funded projects include:

1. Portola McLears Road from the Portola city limits to Main Street, Portola (0.60 mi). Note: This appears to include small runs on Colorado St. and Third Ave in the city limits.

2. Main Street in Portola from Portola McLears Road (Third Ave) to Western Pacific Way/First Avenue (0.10 mi)

3. Western Pacific Way/First Street in Portola from Main Street to Pacific Street (0.06 mi)

4. Pacific Street in Portola from First Street to Commercial Street (0.05 mi)

5. Commercial Street in Portola from Pacific Street to Gulling Street (0.18 mi)

6. Gulling Street in Portola from Commercial Avenue to Route 70 (0.25 mi) As available, grant funding may also be used for transportation projects, as approved by the City Council in accordance with the City’s Grant Policy.

Circulation Policies and Implementation
Policies: Street System
C-P-1: Maintain traffic Level of Service LOS C on residential streets, arterial and collector streets and at all intersections.

C-P-2: Make efficient use of existing street facilities and complete the street systems in the underdeveloped portions of the City as they are developed.

C-P-3: When there is increased demand from new development, the street system will be expanded to serve new development areas.

C-P-4: New development will pay a fair share of the costs of street and other traffic and transportation improvements based on the traffic generated and impacts on service levels.

C-P-5: New streets will be designed and graded to have minimum impact on natural features.

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C-P-6: The road system must provide for evacuation of residents, access, and tactical locations for fire fighters, and defensible space around structures. The residential streets in new development areas shall be designed to provide a clear evacuation route. The primary evacuation route shall be reasonably direct, and streets shall flow toward safety in a logical fashion.

C-P-7: All roads must be designed to minimize hazards from snow and ice conditions and facilitate snow plowing.

C-P-8: Street improvements will be designed to minimize traffic patterns that will increase air pollution.

Implementation: Street System
C-I-1: Conduct a traffic analysis on all development proposals for residential development in excess of 50 residential units and commercial development in excess of 10,000 square feet to evaluate the effect on LOS standards. This requirement may be waived by the City where a recent traffic analysis considered the impact of the proposed project. Caltrans "Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies" will be consulted when SR 70 is affected.

C-I-2: Perform periodic evaluation of the LOS on major streets to identify deterioration in LOS conditions.

C-I-3: Evaluate LOS conditions when prioritizing local street improvements for the City.

C-I-4: Improve local streets and intersections to maintain LOS standards.

C-I-5: Require new development to participate in the funding of collector and arterial street improvements identified in the Master Street Plan.

C-I-6: Adopt street standards that provide flexibility in design with regard to topography and sensitive environmental conditions, and land use intensity.

C-I-7: All new residential subdivisions with over ten (10) residential lots shall provide an emergency evacuation plan with the tentative subdivision map. The evacuation plan shall indicate a primary and secondary evacuation route for each residential lot.

C-I-8: Establish a street improvement priority program to implement street construction in the in-fill areas.

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C-I-9: Require that the arterial and collector streets shown on Figure 4-3 are considered in the review of any development proposal adjacent to the proposed route.

Parking
Parking is unusually challenging in Portola because the City streets were designed before automobiles were common. Typically, the streets are wide enough to allow on-street parking, but there is little dedicated off-street parking in the commercial areas, and no parking on the residential lots in the older parts of the City.

The demand for parking generated by the existing businesses is periodically increased significantly by the patrons of special events. New business development and increases in tourism, including special events, is a fundamental purpose in this General Plan. The success of the economic development element will rely, in part, on the ability to accommodate the traffic and parking associated with new businesses and special events. Other modes of transportation, including local shuttles, bus service, and pedestrian and bike systems can be expected to reduce the traffic and parking load associated with special events, but the majority of visitors will arrive in automobiles.

Policies: Parking
C-P-9: Ensure that there is adequate parking for normal commercial activities.

C-P-10: Ensure that there is adequate parking for special events.

C-P-11: Coordinate the parking area locations with the roadway, transit, and pedestrian and bikeway systems.

C-P-12: Expand public parking in the Sierra Street and Commercial Street area to alleviate existing parking shortages.

Implementation: Parking
C-I-10: Work with the local merchants to improve on-street parking conditions.

C-I-11: Support formation of parking districts to support local merchants.

C-I-12: Encourage development of shared parking among local businesses. Allow common access driveways to shared off-street parking.

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C-I-13: Locate parking within acceptable walking distance of the facilities they are expected to serve. Walking distances should not exceed 200 feet for short-term parking and 600 feet for long-term parking.

C-I-14: Locate parking facilities for special events along routes that facilitate walking to the event, and in locations that can be logically served by a shuttle system.

C-I-15: Locate parking facilities for special events near transportation nodes.

C-I-16: Locate parking for recreation activities such as hiking and mountain biking riding near the trailhead.

Bikeway and Pedestrian System
Portola is a compact community with most public destinations within reasonable walking distance of the majority of residents. The town is approximately one mile in length along Sierra Street and neighborhoods extend approximately one mile north and south from Sierra Street. City Hall, the library, post office, major parks, and sheriff substation are clustered together just a few blocks from the old town commercial area. The high school and middle school are located at the edge of the south neighborhood, and the elementary school and a neighborhood park are located at the edge of the north neighborhood.

The existing City is very walkable in terms of the location of primary land uses. The existing street pattern throughout the older parts of the City typically consists of very short blocks 350 feet long. This facilitates walking but creates multiple intersections and an excessive amount of paving. The major limitation to ease of walking is the lack of sidewalks.

Sidewalks occur sporadically in the residential neighborhoods outside the commercial areas.

The relatively direct routes afforded by the existing street pattern facilitate bicycle travel in Portola. However, cycling is constrained by the lack of designated bike routes and the condition of local streets. Steep streets and, in some cases, unpaved lanes and/or shoulders make it difficult to bicycle throughout the City. Cycling is particularly difficult in winter when ice on the steeper streets and snow piled along the shoulders adds to the hazard.

Sierra Street is a barrier to both pedestrians and cyclists due to the width of the street, the relatively high speed and volume of traffic, and the lack of designated and signalized crossings. The installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Sierra Street and Gulling Street in 2002 will improve this condition, but additional designated crossings are needed.

Improving the facilities for bicycling is important for the convenience and enjoyment of Portola residents, and for expanding economic development through tourism. The area City of Portola General Plan 2045 Circulation Element

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around Portola offers significant opportunities for touring and mountain bike riding.

Portola is the crossroads of regional bike routes designated in the Regional Transportation Plan. Primary routes extend from the City up Rocky Point Road and Grizzly Creek Road to Lake Davis and return by Lake Davis Road. A second route extends out County Road A15 to Highway 89, then returns via Graeagle and Blairsden along Highway 70. Several additional routes extend from these primary routes to provide touring cyclists with a range of trips that can be based in Portola.

Portola can become a hub for such activity if it provides the base facilities to serve these potential patrons of local businesses and events. The primary facilities required are staging areas and good routes to the trails and touring routes outside the City.

The existing bikeway and pedestrian network should be enhanced to further encourage bicycling and walking in the City. This is accomplished in part by encouraging the continuity of the existing compact land use pattern in the Land Use Element, and by creation of new bike routes and sidewalks wherever new streets are installed or existing streets are upgraded.

In addition to the existing pedestrian network the General Plan establishes a new pedestrian system designed to link major activity and recreation centers. These centers are part of the land use and recreation facilities intended to enhance the quality of life for community residents, and to attract tourism as part of the economic development strategy described in the Economic Development Element.

The backbone of this pedestrian system is the walkway and bikeway that links the Federal Park land with Railroad Museum. The trail will be part of the planned “Riverwalk Park” located along the north side of the river connecting the Federal Park to the Gulling Street Bridge. From Gulling Street, the walk continues up Commercial Street then to the Railroad Museum. The path will be marked with 1/10-mile markers and signs identifying it as the Riverwalk trail.

One of the primary constraints to bicycle travel is the narrow pavement section on the Gulling Street Bridge. The pavement is only 28 feet wide and would permit a four-footwide bike lane on both sides only if the travel lanes are reduced to 10 feet. A dedicated bike route will require additional width on the bridge.

Similarly, the width of Commercial Street limits the potential for a bike lane and on street parking on both sides of the street.

Policies: Bikeway and Pedestrian System
C-P-13: Develop a system of sidewalks and bikeways that promote safe walking and bicycle riding for both residents and tourists.

C-P-14: Establish a primary pedestrian system linking the Federal Park land with the Railroad Museum via Commercial Street.

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C-P-15: Provide spur or branch walkways connecting to the residential neighborhoods and primary public destinations.

C-P-16: Route sidewalks so that they connect to major public parking areas, transit stops, and intersections with the bikeway system.

C-P-17: Provide pedestrian links to hiking trails in the area around the City.

C-P-18: Provide adequate bicycle parking facilities at commercial, business/professional, and light industrial uses.

C-P-19: Improve safety conditions, efficiency, and comfort for bicyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians, while ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
• Use steps to avoid steeper grades on sidewalks.
• Give the walks a minimum cross pitch of approximately 2 percent.
• Locate important walkways and intersections where they will not be in prolonged shade.

Implementation: Bikeway and Pedestrian System
C-I-17: Install prominent signs at the east and west entries to the City on Sierra Street warning motorists of the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists.

C-I-18: Develop a design for improvement and re-striping of Gulling Street Bridge to accommodate, at minimum, a Class II bike path in both directions.

C-I-19: Seek funding to expand the width of the Gulling Street Bridge to accommodate a bike path in each direction and provide access to the open space area along the south side of the river.

C-I-20: Seek funding to provide a pedestrian/bike bridge across the river connecting a bike and pedestrian path on the south side of the river to the Riverwalk Park on the north side.

C-I-21: Add bike lanes whenever possible in conjunction with road reconstruction or re-striping projects and subdivision development and related off-site improvements.

C-I-22: Acquire the right-of-way for the bike and pedestrian path along the north side of the river linking the Gulling Street Bridge to the Federal Park (the Riverwalk Bike Trail).

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C-I-23: Seek funding from the US Forest Service to connect the Riverwalk Bike Trail through the Federal Park to Rocky Point Road.

C-I-24: Make bikeway improvements an on-going funding objective by:
• Continuing to consider financing bikeway design and
construction as part of the City’s annual construction and improvement budget.
• Incorporating bikeway improvements as part of a five-year Capital Improvements Plan.
• Pursuing grant funding and other sources for new bikeways. • Pursuing funding for ancillary facilities such as river access for handicapped persons, secured bicycle parking, parking areas at mountain bike and touring bike trail heads,
drinking fountains and restrooms.

C-I-25: Require provision of secure covered bicycle parking at all parks and public gathering places, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial and office/institutional uses.

C-I-26: Encourage Plumas County Transit to provide bike racks on the buses serving the Portola community. Provide bike racks on a local shuttle service or jitneys used for special events.

C-I-27: Encourage resident and tourist use of the bike trail system by preparing a map of the bikeways and trail heads within and near the City.

C-I-28: Ensure that City standards for pedestrian facility design conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Implement a program to install handicapped ramps at all intersections as street improvements are being installed. Intersections in the core area along Sierra Street, Gulling Street, and Commercial Street shall have priority for funding the handicap accessibility improvements.

Transportation System Management
Transportation System Management (TSM) refers to measures designed to reduce the number and length of automobile trips, particularly during peak commute hours. TSM measures typically include ride sharing, van pools, and a variety of management techniques applied by larger employers in metropolitan areas. Typical TSM measures are most effective where they can be implemented by large employers.

In rural communities where there is a significant number of workers commuting out to a larger metropolitan area the TSM measures focus on ride sharing and van pooling to City of Portola General Plan 2045 Circulation Element

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reduce the number of single occupant vehicle trips. Reduced vehicle travel can help reduce peak hour traffic congestion, reduce future air pollution concentrations, and reduce consumption of energy for transportation uses. Moreover, it can help reduce individual transportation costs for Portola residents, yielding potentially significant savings as the cost of fuel rises.

TSM measures can also be effective in reducing the number of vehicle trips resulting from special events. TSM measures can include special bus service or shuttles to bring visitors in from distant locations.

Policies: Transportation System Management
C-P-20: Encourage a program to provide ride sharing and van pool opportunities for Portola residents.

C-P-21: Use alternative modes of transportation to bring visitors to special events.

Implementation: Transportation System Management
C-I-29: The City shall work with the County and Caltrans to locate a park and ride lot at the east edge of the City to facilitate ride sharing.

C-I-30: The City shall make information available at City Hall and the library regarding public 014transit, ridesharing, van pools, and other transportation alternatives to single occupant vehicles.

Public Transportation
General public transportation within Plumas County is provided by Plumas County Transit.

They operate three buses on fixed routes, with dial-a-ride service available. Plumas County Transit is funded primarily by Local Transportation Funds and State Transit Assistance Funds, allocated on an annual basis through the Plumas County Transportation Commission. One bus begins in Portola and provides three round trips throughout Portola and to Graeagle, Blairsden, Cromberg, and Quincy. Plumas County Nutrition Center also provides transportation to Senior Citizens for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to: meal delivery, medical appointments, and shopping.

In addition to the County transit service, Greyhound bus service is provided along Highway 70 on a daily basis.

The ridership on public transit in rural areas is typically quite low due to the relatively small population base and low density of residential development. However, there are factors that indicate the potential need for expanded transit service in Portola. The planned population growth and the residential densities shown in the Land Use Element in the core of the City will contribute to the demand for public transit service. The City includes City of Portola General Plan 2045 Circulation Element

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uses that are typically attractions for bus ridership, such as the hospital, library, post office, shopping, and services along Sierra Street and Commercial Street. The schools are also a potential service area.

A small, locally operated shuttle or jitney would provide the services within town and connect to the Plumas County Transit system. A local shuttle or jitney service would provide an alternative transportation mode within the City for visitors to special events such as Railroad Days, craft fairs, cultural and sporting events.

Policies: Public Transit
C-P-22: Cooperate with Plumas County Transit to enhance the public transit ridership in Portola.

C-P-23: Seek opportunities to provide an alternative public transit system in Portola.

C-P-24: Establish a goal for public transit in Portola that will be associated with the recreation and tourism opportunities in the community.

C-P-25: Seek to establish a regional public transportation link.

C-P-26: Ensure that public transit services are linked to public parking areas, bikeways, and major pedestrian routes.

Implementation: Public Transit
C-I-31: Work with Plumas County Transit to provide bus stop shelters at all locations within the City. The bus stop shall include a sign that indicates the route and schedule of the bus. The bus stop shelter shall include a sign that clearly identifies it and provides the name of the stop.

C-I-32: Provide information about the transit service at the City Hall and library.

C-I-33: Establish a plan of primary locations where the transit systems will connect to the major bikeways and pedestrian ways and the primary public parking areas.

C-I-34: Work with the regional commercial carriers to establish bus service to the City.

C-I-35: Work with the regional commercial carriers to establish a station where patrons can be protected from weather and package shipping and receiving service is available.

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C-I-36: Designate a location for the regional bus station where it serves as a “multi-modal” station with connections to the regional bus, the Plumas County Transit bus, a public parking lot, local shuttle system and primary bikeway and pedestrian system will all interconnect.

C-I-37: Establish guidelines for development of a Special Event Shuttle service and work with private businesses and service agencies to initiate a shuttle service during special events.

C-I-38: Monitor the use of special event shuttles and consider expanding to seasonal or year-round shuttle if the demand warrants it.

C-I-39: Work with other communities, recreation, and lodging businesses to expand the local seasonal shuttle or special event shuttle to the Feather River Inn, Blairsden, Johnsville, Graeagle, the Grizzly Creek camp and other activity destinations in the east Plumas County area.

C-I-40: Work with Plumas County to ensure that paratransit and other special needs are met in the City of Portola.

Rail
The Union Pacific Railroad is a dominant element in the physical form of the City but plays only a minimal role in local transportation. The rail line is totally dedicated to freight and the local service is limited to shipping and receiving. Nonetheless, the rail through the Feather River Canyon is a major trans-Sierra route and recognized as one of the more scenic. Although passenger service was discontinued in the 1970’s the route is still used occasionally for special passenger trains. Passenger rail service is growing after a long period of decline and new passenger service is slowly being re-established. The California State Rail Plan identifies Portola as a major railyard and connection to Nevada and states to the east for rail freight movement.

The decision to institute passenger service occurs far beyond the City’s influence. Yet, the City can encourage the restoration of passenger service, even on a limited, periodic basis. The rail museum is an obvious draw that will bring rail enthusiasts to the City. The City can help support the interest in rail travel by sponsoring events that draw people who enjoy riding on the railroad, and by ensuring that rail travel is a convenient and comfortable experience when stopping in Portola.

Guiding Policies: Rail
C-P-27: Encourage Union Pacific Railroad to provide passenger service on the Feather River route at every opportunity with the ultimate goal of re-establishing regularly scheduled service.

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C-P-28: Encourage Union Pacific Railroad to sustain the rail shipping service.

Implementation: Rail
C-I-41: Cooperate with the Portola Railroad Museum in their efforts to provide visitor facilities in Portola.

C-I-42: Support rezoning property near the visitor facilities to accommodate lodging, restaurants, retail shops, and other services in support of visitors to the rail museum.

C-I-43: Route the local shuttle system or other transportation networks under the City’s control to provide convenient access for visitors to the rail museum, and for visitors arriving by rail.

C-I-44: Include directional signs to the rail museum in appropriate locations on any master directional signage program established by the City.

C-I-45: Establish a working relationship between the City administration and the local management of the Union Pacific Railroad by requesting regular meetings to discuss items of common interest regarding expansion of rail service and economic development of the region.

Airport
The Beckwourth (Nervino) Airport is a county owned and operated facility located approximately five miles east of Portola along Highway 70. The airport provides services for general aviation on a 4,600-foot-long runway capable of accommodating large general aviation aircraft.

Although not within the City, the airport has the potential to serve economic development and tourism to the benefit of businesses in Portola.

Policies: Airport
C-P-29: Encourage expansion of flight services and accommodations at Beckwourth Airport.

Implementation: Airport
C-I-46: Cooperate with Plumas County in their efforts to expand services and aircraft accommodations at Beckwourth Airport.

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C-I-47: Provide supporting letters and other documents as requested by the County in support of airport expansion.

C-I-48: Provide information, such as brochures and signs, and ensure that current telephone directory information regarding Portola businesses is available at the airport.

C-I-49: Encourage development of courtesy van service and other means of ground transportation for people arriving by general aviation aircraft.

5. Economic Development Element DRAFT
Portola, as many other small, rural communities, has experienced economic stagnation because of the long-term decline of basic industries such as mining and forestry.

Historically, the local economic base relied on extracting and consuming natural resources. Basic industries that brought new revenue to the community formerly meant exporting the natural resource. Relatively low wages, high unemployment, low property values, and little prospect for return of the historic job base are common economic factors.

However, new circumstances promise new economic growth if communities are poised to take advantage of them. These circumstances include:
▪ an increase in healthy active people seeking retirement in attractive communities with recreation opportunities,
▪ new telecommunications technologies that enable businesses to locate virtually anywhere, and
▪ an increase in tourism and retirement lifestyles brought about in part by the overall health and wealth of people throughout the nation.

Traditional location criteria such as availability of shipping or the aggregation of certain services or business connections have become less important for many types of businesses.

With the advent of various telecommunications technologies, and growth in industries based on information services and manufacture of small, highly transportable goods, business decision-makers can be much more flexible in selecting a new business location.

The new criterion for business growth is broader than the traditional concerns. In addition to the need for access to markets and transportation, the new criterion includes the availability of business services, telecommunications technology, and the quality of the local environment. For some employers the quality-of-life opportunities are now as important as proximity to markets and transportation.

Economic development opportunities in Portola will occur, in part, because of the high level of natural amenity and recreation resources. Protection of the visual and natural amenity in this area is essential to the success of economic development. Good housing, good schools and parks, a vibrant social and cultural life, recreation opportunities, good transportation systems, and above all, an attractive natural setting are essential to the future potential growth in jobs and economic opportunities.

The strategy underlying this Element is to enhance and broaden tourism as a basic economic engine, and to establish a new non-tourism employment base in the City. This is accomplished by establishing land use, community design, circulation, public facilities, and natural resource conservation goals, policies and standards in the General Plan and City of Portola General Plan 2045 Economic Development Element

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Portola City CouncilFebruary 14, 2024

Portola City Council
February 14, 2024