CC04 — Rancho Mirage City Council, March 3, 2022 (part 1 of 2)

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ATTACHMENT 1

02/03/2022 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

(SEE ATTACHED)

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7

COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS

Council Member Smotrich provided an overview of the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network.

Mayor Pro Tem Townsend announced that a Shred Day event would be held at the Library and Observatory on February 12th from 8am to noon.

Council Member Kite noted a Blood Drive would be held at the Library and Observatory on February 16th from 9am to 2pm.

Council Member Downs provided an overview of the City’s financial standing and described the Marketing Master Plan currently in development. He also expressed thanks to former Council Member G. Dana Hobart for his invaluable contributions to the City of Rancho Mirage.

Mayor Weill reminded the community that Palm Springs Stadium would host Rancho Mirage Resident Day on February 5th.

CITY MANAGER COMMENTS – None.

MINUTES January 20, 2021 Regular Meeting.

Public Comments - None.

MOVED/SECONDED BY TOWNSEND/KITE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 20, 2022 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN AND MOTION CARRIED 5/0.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, presented the following Consent Calendar items:

1. Final Acceptance of Citywide Rubberized Emulsion Aggregate Slurry (REAS) Project - CP 21-366.

2. Extension of Completion Date for Tract Map No. 34435 (Far West Industries - Iridium).

3. Second Extension of Completion Date for Tract Map No. 36809-3 (Pulte – Del Webb RM).

4. Third Extension of Completion Date for Tract Map No. 36809-2 (Pulte – Del Webb RM).

5. Receive and File the December 31, 2021 Quarterly Treasurer’s Report.

6. Contracts.

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7

7. Demands.

Public Comments:

Brad Anderson (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to approval of Item No. 4.

MOVED/SECONDED BY KITE/DOWNS TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN AND MOTION CARRIED 5/0.

REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

8. Update on the City’s Compliance with Senate Bill 1383 and its Impacts on Burrtec Trash and Recycling Services.

Jessica Pulliam, Senior Management Analyst, presented the staff report.

Public Testimony – None.

Council Member Downs asked what additional costs to trash collection may result from the program.

Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, noted residents’ trash bills were projected to increase approximately 5% per year for the next couple of years.

Council Member Kite asked what public information campaigns were being created for the program.

Mr. Hagerman responded that press, mailers, advertisement campaigns, town halls, eblasts, and information on the City’s website would all be utilized to spread the word about the program.

Mayor Pro Tem Townsend asked how the program would be implemented.

Mr. Hagerman explained there would be a phased approach to enrollment throughout the City and noted the contract with Burrtec was the next step in the process.

Council Member Smotrich asked where Burrtec’s compositing infrastructure would be developed.

Mr. Hagerman noted no new infrastructure would be built in the City of Rancho Mirage and Burttec assured the City that they already had infrastructure necessary to meet the new demand.

Mayor Weill emphasized the new trash requirements were State mandates.

Mr. Hagerman thanked Ms. Pulliam for her efforts.

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7

PUBLIC HEARINGS

9. Resolution No. 2022-(Next-in-Order), Amending the General Plan to Update Both the Housing and Safety Element, Case No. GPTA21-0001, and Certify and Adopt the Negative Declaration, Case No. EA21-0005.

Jeremy Gleim, Director of Development Services, presented the staff report.

Mayor Weill opened the public hearing.

Public Testimony:

Jim Walker, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to Site D being selected for higher density, expressed concern with noticing for the item, and requested the Council consider postponing their decision.

Denise Roberge, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to Site D being selected for higher density, citing traffic congestion. She yielded her remaining speaking time to Mike Fontana.

Jack Swenson, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to approval of the agenda item and yielded his remaining speaking time to Mike Fontana.

Kay Williams, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to the agenda item being approved and yielded her remaining speaking time to Mike Fontana.

Kathryn Swenson, Rancho Mirage resident, yielded her speaking time time to Mike Fontana.

Lisa McFadden (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, yielded her speaking time to Mike Fontana.

Shann Dornhecker (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to approval of the agenda item and questioned the City’s noticing practices. She spoke regarding the candidates who applied to fill the recent City Council vacancy and about investing in development of wealthy people. She commented that the areas selected for low-income, high- density housing were not supported by appropriate roadway infrastructure and that affordable housing developments should offer a pathway to home ownership for low-income families. She recommended the City place the low income overlay onto existing developments approved by the City Council in an attempt to create mixed income communities.

Brad Anderson (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, commented that City Hall was recently closed to the public in response to COVID-19, noting a lacking availability to the public.

He also expressed opposition to approval of the agenda item.

Daniel Donohue (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, commented he was opposed to approval of the agenda item, emphasizing property owners within 500 feet of the areas proposed for change should have been notified, and requested the decision be delayed.

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7

Tom Sudinsky (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to approval of the agenda item and commented that the City should have provided better notice to residents.

He yielded his remaining speaking time to Mike Fontana.

Mike Fontana, Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed agenda item, requesting the City Council delay their vote to reconsider the item and receive greater public participation. He commented that the notice provided was efficient, but not effective. He spoke to the nuances of the new State of California mandates and housing assignments. He commented that the City’s proposed plan exceeds the Regional Housing Needs Allocation and that the 581 additional units could be reduced from the Site D allotment. Mr. Fontana described the barriers the City would need to hurtle to reduce density once approved.

Karen B (via telecommunication) commented that the City must complete its housing element and address the City’s low income senior housing needs.

Mayor Weill closed the public hearing.

Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, noted the public’s participation was appreciated. He commented that the State of California ended redevelopment agencies and had since enacted laws that remove the City’s ability to implement its own land use authority. He also noted the discretion the City had with projects proposed on City-owned land, as opposed to privately owned land. He emphasized the City prided itself on its City-owned affordable housing units and that the City was very diligent in its planning. Mr. Hagerman concluded by noting that the City was obligated to comply with State law and the proposed plan was what staff believed was the best way to comply with the new requirements.

Mr. Gleim thanked the public for their participation, emphasizing the proposed plan by City staff had been in the works for quite some time. He noted the proposed plan met State requirements and also gave the City some degree of flexibility.

Nicole Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research consultant, described the complexity of the demand by the State and the efforts made by the City and Terra Nova to meet the new requirements.

Council Member Kite asked whether delaying the decision was a possibility and how public noticing was handled.

Mr. Hagerman responded that it was up to the City Council whether to delay the decision. He requested that, if the Council decided to delay the decision, they provide staff with direction regarding what changes they wanted made. He also noted that public notice was provided in accordance with noticing guidelines for City-wide projects.

Council Member Smotrich expressed hesitation with being locked into a zoning allocation once approved, with implications of higher density on existing infrastructure, and with the location of the affordability overlay on Site D.

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7

In response to an inquiry by Council Member Downs, Mr. Gleim provided an analysis on zoning and ownership of parcels near Rancho Mirage Dog Park and Rancho Mirage High School.

Council Member Downs spoke regarding the City’s current population and the likelihood that the higher density units would be developed. He also thanked the public for their participation and recommended the public reach out to their state representatives regarding these new requirements.

Mayor Pro Tem Townsend thanked the public for their participation and emphasized the importance of addressing all of the public’s questions and concerns.

A discussion ensued regarding adding the affordable overlays to City-owned properties as opposed to those privately owned and regarding alternative locations for the affordable overlay proposed for Site D.

Mayor Weill commented that enough concerns were expressed to warrant considering other options and recommended the City Council table the item for further consideration.

MOVED/SECONDED BY WEILL/SMOTRICH TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR ITEM NO. 9 TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT RANCHO MIRAGE CITY HALL ON MARCH 3, 2022, AT 1:00 P.M. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN AND MOTION CARRIED 5/0.

CLOSED SESSION

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).

Case Name: Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage; RM Vacation Rentals LLC, et al. v. City of Rancho Mirage, et al.

Case No.: CVRI2100368

Steven Quintanilla, City Attorney, reported that the City Council would recess into closed session to discuss Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Rancho Mirage; RM Vacation Rentals LLC, et al. v. City of Rancho Mirage and one potential initiation of litigation case.

Public Comments - None.

The City Council, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority Board, and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency recessed into Closed Session at 4:07 P.M.

Isaiah Hagerman, City Manager, reconvened the meeting at 5:25 P.M. and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to consider, the meeting of the City Council, Library and Observatory Board, Housing Authority Board, and the City Council representing the Redevelopment Successor Agency was adjourned at 5:25 P.M.

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02/03/2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7 Prepared by: Kristie Ramos, City Clerk
Date Approved by City Council: January 17th, 2022
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ATTACHMENT 2

02/03/2022 CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT

(SEE ATTACHED)

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AGENDA ITEM #

STAFF REPORT

TO: Mayor and City Council DATE: February 3, 2022

FROM: Marcus J. Aleman II, Housing Manager

SUBJECT: Draft Housing and Safety Element Update to General Plan- Environmental Assessment Case No. EA21-0005 and General Plan Text Amendment Case No. GPTA21-0001.

SPECIFIC REQUEST OR RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council Adopt Resolution [next in line], Amending the General Plan to Update the Housing and Safety Elements.

JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION:

Background:

Housing Element
Every city and county in California is required to adopt a General Plan, which serves as a visioning document for the development of said city and/or county. The General Plan is simply a blueprint for citywide or countywide development. A General Plan is made up of Elements, and there are seven Elements that must be included in every General Plan, one of which is a Housing Element.

The Housing Element reports on the City’s existing housing inventory and provides for the development of housing to meet the growth anticipated for the future. It also provides both citizens and public officials with a comprehensive understanding of the housing needs in the City. Unlike the rest of the General Plan, the Housing Element must be updated on a set schedule established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Element must now be updated to cover the upcoming 6th cycle, being the 2022 to 2029 planning period.

Safety Element
The Safety Element addresses natural and manmade environmental hazards that might occur in Rancho Mirage and surrounding areas. It provides information, goals, policies, and programs to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the community from seismic, geological, flood, hydrology, and hazardous and toxic materials events. The assessment of and planning for these hazards and the constraints that manage them is 4-14

DATE: February 3, 2022 GPTA21-0001, EA21-0005 Page 2 of 2

JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED

AGENDA ITEM #

the primary purpose of the Safety Element. Upon each revision of the Housing Element, the Safety Element must be reviewed and updated as necessary.

Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission considered the proposed draft Housing and Safety Element updates at a duly noticed public hearing at the Planning Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on January 13, 2022. Staff presented an overview of the draft Housing and Safety Element updates, after which the Chair opened the public hearing and invited the public to testify.

As summarized in the minutes attached to this staff report, members of the public offered public testimony via Zoom concerning a potential affordable housing site marked as Site D within the Housing Element. Various written comments were also submitted in opposition to the proposed adoption of a housing overlay for Site D (Attachment 5, Table 44 Pg 24, Map Pg 26) in the draft Housing Element update. Comments in opposition to the proposed housing overlay related to increasing the density at Site D above the current 9 units per acre.

Upon closing of the public hearing, the following motion was made:

MOVED/SECONDED BY MAXWELL/GREY TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT RESOLUTION [NEXT IN LINE], AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN TO UPDATE BOTH THE HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENTS. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN AND MOTION CARRIED 3/0 WITH CHAIR BRYANT RECUSED.

The full Planning Commission staff report is attached to this staff report.

ATTACHMENT(S):

1. Planning Commission Staff Report

2. Draft Planning Commission Minutes dated January 13, 2022

3. Public Hearing Notice

4. Resolution of the City Council amending the General Plan to update both Housing and Safety Elements

5. Draft Notice of Determination

6. Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact

7. Draft Housing Element

8. Draft Safety Element

9. California Department of Housing and Community Development Department Response Letter

10. Resolution of the Planning Commission

11. Public Comment

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ATTACHMENT 3

PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT

(SEE ATTACHED)

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AGENDA ITEM #

STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission DATE: January 13, 2022 FROM: Marcus J. Aleman II, Housing Manager
SUBJECT: Draft Housing and Safety Element Update to General Plan- Environmental Assessment Case No. EA21-0005 and General Plan Text Amendment Case No. GPTA21-0001.

SPECIFIC REQUEST OR RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council Adopt Resolution [next in line], Amending the General Plan to Update both the Housing and Safety Elements

ATTACHMENTS

1.Public Hearing Notice

2.Draft Notice of Determination

3.Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact

4.Resolution [next in line] Adopting the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, Approving the Housing Element, and Approving the Safety Element

5.Draft Housing Element

6.Draft Safety Element

7.California Department of Housing and Community Development Department Response Letter
JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION:

Background:

Every city and county in California is required to adopt a General Plan, which serves as a visioning document for the development of said city and/or county. The General Plan is simply a blueprint for citywide or countywide development. A General Plan is made up of Elements, and there are seven Elements that must be included in every General Plan, one of which is a Housing Element.

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DATE: January 13, 2022 GPTA21-0001, EA21-0005 Page 3 of 5

JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED
AGENDA ITEM #
Element Update and Analysis:

Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs
The goals, policies, and programs in the 2022 - 2029 Housing Element have not significantly changed from the adopted 2014 – 2021 Housing Element; however, they have been updated to reflect the requirements of new laws, and the anticipated projects which the City will undertake during this planning period. Again, the City is not required to construct any housing developments, but there are things the City can do on the policy side to help promote development. For example, a project that could be undertaken by the City to help promote development could be the implementation of certain zoning changes.

State laws passed in recent years aim to promote the development of housing to combat the state’s housing shortage. The most significant are:

1.Senate Bill 330 - Limits local government’s authority to downzone, adopt new development standards or change land-use in residential areas if determined that it creates less opportunity for housing development.

2.Assembly Bill 72 – Grants the State more authority to de-certify a city or county’s housing element if they find that the city or county in question is not making progress on their RHNA allocation. If the State de-certifies a housing element, they become, by default, the responsible agency in charge of the element, and could demand zoning changes, entitlement and process changes, which could include the ministerial approval of large housing developments with no public hearings

3.Assembly Bill 686 – proactively applies the obligation to affirmatively further fair housing to all public agencies in California. Public agencies must now examine existing and future policies, plans, programs, rules, practices, and related activities and make proactive changes to promote more inclusive communities.

Housing Element Land Use and Zoning
No changes in Land Use designations or zoning updates will be required as a result of the adoption of this Element. However, the City will be required to start reviewing and making changes in the near term. One change, for example, is the implementation of an Affordable Housing Overlay Zone, which will be deployed over select properties and areas of the city, including city owned lands. An overlay zone does not “require” affordable housing development, rather, it provides more opportunities through design and development standards, entitlement processes, density bonuses, etc.

DATE: January 13, 2022 GPTA21-0001, EA21-0005 Page 4 of 5

JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED
AGENDA ITEM #
assessment of and planning for these hazards and the constraints that manage them is the primary purpose of the Safety Element.

Upon each revision of the Housing Element, the Safety Element must be reviewed and updated as necessary. The key component updated to the Safety Element pertains to fire safety. Along with updates to existing programs, programs were added to comply with recent changes made to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and the California Fire Code. One such program, Program Safe 4.2E (Attachment 6, Pg. 10,) requires redevelopment in Very High Fire Hazard Safety Zones to meet Title 24 standards and coordination with the Fire Department. The addition of programs and updates to the Safety Element ensures that the City remains in compliance with state law.

Environmental Assessment:

Pursuant to CEQA, CEQA guidelines and state statutes the City performed an environmental analysis to evaluate and disclose any environmental impacts this project may have. It was determined that the project will have no direct impact on the environment and a Negative Declaration for the project was prepared (Attachment 3). A Notice of Determination will be filed.

Public Outreach:

As part of the Housing Element Update process, staff has conducted outreach and community workshops to provide education and receive input. Staff along with consultant, Terra Nova Planning and Research, conducted an online community workshop on January 13, 2021, where housing developers, housing providers and agencies, as well as the public provided comments. On December 15, 2021, the City held a Joint City Council and Planning Commission Special Study Session Meeting to inform elected and appointed officials with an overview of the project. Additional feedback was received from the public at that special meeting. Below is a timeline showing the progress of the Housing Element and future work.

Next Steps:
•Submittal to State for Certification
o A third draft of the Housing Element update addressing comments provided by representatives of the California Department of Housing and Community Development Department was submitted for review January 2022. The most recent draft is attached to this report.
•2022 -2025
o Adopt Affordable Housing Overlay to allow City to consider densities of up to 28 units per acre by right as a base, not including density bonus provisions, for Sites B & D. (Attachment 5, Table 44 Pg 24, Map Pg 26) o Adopt SB 35 application procedure for qualifying affordable housing projects.
o Establish development strategy and secure entitlements for City-Owned Site B (Attachment 5, Table 44 Pg. 24, Map Pg.26)
o Establish development strategy for City-owned Site D (Attachment 5, Table 4-20

DATE: January 13, 2022 GPTA21-0001, EA21-0005 Page 5 of 5

JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED
AGENDA ITEM #
44 Pg. 24, Map pg. 26)
o Establish development strategy to encourage workforce units within Section 19 Specific Plan.
o Develop incentive program to encourage affordable housing development for Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02, and 4.03 of Section 19 Specific Plan. •2026 – 2029
o Construction and occupancy of City-Owned Site B (Attachment 5, Table 44 Pg. 24, Map Pg.26)
o Secure entitlements, construction, and occupancy of City-owned Site D (Attachment 5, Table 44 Pg. 24, Map pg. 26)
o Secure entitlements, construction, and occupancy of affordable housing units within Section 19 Specific Plan.

Conclusion:

It is important to note, the adoption of this update is just the first step in a series of forthcoming actions that the city will be required to undertake over the next eight years, so there will be multiple housing related items working their way through Planning Commission and City Council in the near-term. With that, staff is requesting that the Planning Commission Recommend that the City Council Adopt Resolution [next in line], Amending the General Plan to Update both the Housing and Safety Elements. 4-21

ATTACHMENT 4

DRAFT 01/13/2022 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

(SEE ATTACHED)

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1/13/2022 DRAFT Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3

Safety Element Updates for the 2022-2029 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation for the City.

Jeremy Gleim, Director of Development Services, presented the staff report.

Commissioner Stewart opened the public hearing.

Public comment:

Brad Anderson (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, stated he was opposed to the agenda item, noting more public input is needed.

Mike Fontana (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in opposition to the agenda item, recommending an alternative site be considered to site D in the Peterson Road neighborhood. He recommended other vacant lots zoned for higher density, such as the 40 acres by the Rancho Mirage High School or the 12 acres behind Monterey Plaza. Mr. Fontana stated he believes the Peterson Ranch neighborhood is not suited for the proposed increases in zoning density that are described in the staff reports.

Jim (via telecommunication), Rancho Mirage resident, spoke in favor of the comments provided by Mr. Fontana, expressing opposition to the agenda item.

Commissioner Stewart closed the public hearing.

Commissioner Maxwell and Mr. Gleim discussed the procedural process for the proposed housing allocation mandated by State law.

Commissioner Grey and Mr. Gleim discussed the City’s yearly housing allocation and the requirements imposed from the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).

Nicole Criste (via telecommunication), Terra Nova Planning & Research, expressed the City will be meeting the (RHNA) requirements with the proposed update and described the City’s yearly housing allocation. Ms. Criste noted the City is not required to build the units but is only required to plan for the housing units and cannot place undue burden on development from the private sector.

Mr. Gleim and Commissioner Grey discussed the City’s discretion with the proposed project areas. Mr. Gleim emphasized the City will still have discretion with proposed projects as they are presented, noting for this agenda item the City is only planning for potential higher density sites pursuant to State requirements, but is not actively considering any projects for approval. A project has not been proposed for site D at this time. When a project is proposed, it will go through the appropriate consideration process.

Ms. Criste and Commissioner Grey discussed recent legal battles between California cities and the State of California.

Commissioner Stewart and Mr. Gleim discussed alternative sites that could assist the City in meeting the RHNA allocations.

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1/13/2022 DRAFT Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to consider, the Planning Commission adjourned at 3:02 p.m.

Prepared by: Tyler Fowlkes, Administrative Analyst
Date Approved by Planning Commission:

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ATTACHMENT 5

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

(SEE ATTACHED)

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Planning Division
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
[email protected]
(760) 328-2266 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday, February 3, 2022 – 1:00 p.m.

Environmental Assessment Case No. EA21-0005,
General Plan Text Amendment Case No. GPTA21-0001

Applicant: City of Rancho Mirage
Request: Housing and Safety Element Update for the 2022-2029 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation for the City. The Housing Element ensures that sufficient housing can be available to meet the City’s housing needs for the planning period for all income levels. The Housing Element’s focus is on affordable housing, and housing for households with special needs. The Safety Element addresses natural and manmade environmental hazards that might occur in Rancho Mirage and surrounding areas. It provides information, goals, policies, and programs to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the community from seismic, geological, flood, hydrology, and hazardous and toxic materials events. A Negative Declaration has been prepared as part of the Environmental Assessment.

Location: City-wide

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the City of Rancho Mirage CITY COUNCIL pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Title 17. Pursuant to CEQA, a Negative Declaration has been prepared for this project.

The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California, at which time and place pertinent testimony will be heard. The file, including all environmental information, is available for public inspection at City Hall, Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Draft Housing Element update is also available on the City’s website under the Housing and Planning Divisions.

For information on how to participate in the City Council meeting remotely, please contact the City Clerk at (760) 324-4511 Ext. 488, or via email to [email protected], no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Written testimony may be submitted to the City Clerk via email to [email protected], or mailed to City of Rancho Mirage, ATTN: City Clerk, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Written 4-27

EA21-0005 & GPTA21-0001 Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan February 3, 2022

testimony must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing to be considered by the City Council.

GOVERNMENT CODE § 65009 NOTICE: If you challenge this proposed activity in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council sufficiently prior to the Public Hearing to enable its consideration by them. 4-28

ATTACHMENT 6

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN TO

UPDATE BOTH HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENTS

(SEE ATTACHED)

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RESOLUTION NO. 2022-_____

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE

AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN TO UPDATE BOTH THE HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENT, CASE NO. GPTA21-0001, AND CERTIFY AND ADOPT THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION, CASE NO. EA21-0005

WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Mirage (“City”) is a charter city and recognized as a political subdivision of the State of California for certain purposes; and

WHEREAS, California Government Code Sections 65580 – 65589 requires cities to prepare a Housing Element as a component of each city’s General Plan and to revise it regularly on a schedule set forth in the law; and

WHEREAS, the Housing Element sets forth the housing policies for the City, facilitates the preservation and development of housing, and established programs to accommodate the City’s share of the regional housing need in Southern California; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Government Code Section 65583, the City finds that the proposed Housing Element complies with the duty to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing; and

WHEREAS, upon each revision of the housing element, the safety element must be reviewed and updated as necessary to address the risk of fire for land classified as state responsibility areas and as “very high fire hazard severity zones”. Certain flood information must also be included and updated as needed when the housing element is revised; and after January 1, 2020, the safety element must be reviewed and updated as necessary to identify certain residential developments without at least two emergency evacuation routes; and the safety element must be reviewed and revised at least once every eight years; and

WHEREAS, the safety element addresses risk associated with seismic, geological, flood, and wildfire hazards, with known seismic and other geologic hazards mapped, and emergency evacuation routes, firefighting water supply, and similar emergency issues addressed. It also identifies certain flood hazard information; and set forth feasible implementation measures designed to carry out those goals, policies, and objectives to protect applicable communities from unreasonable flooding; and

WHEREAS, Section 17.73.020 (Initiation) or Chapter 17.73 (General Plan, Specific Plan and Zoning Text Amendments) of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code provides, in relevant part, that a proposal to amend the City’s general plan unaccompanied by a concurrent entitlement application may be initiated by any department director; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Development Services initiated an amendment to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan and prepared proposed revisions to the Housing Element for the 2022-2029 planning period, which replaces the Housing Element that covered the period from 2014 to 2021; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 17.73.020 (Procedure), subsection B (City Attorney Review) the City Attorney reviewed the proposed amendments and determined the city has the authority to adopt the proposed amendments, they are constitutionally valid under the state and 4-30

federal constitutions, and are consistent with the general powers and purposes of the City, its Charter, ordinances approved by the votes, and any applicable federal and/or state laws; and

WHEREAS, Section 17.73.020 (Procedure), subsection E (City Council Discretion) provides that the City Council may either (1) reject the proposed amendment, approve it with or without modifications, (2) refer it with or without a recommendation to city council subcommittee or advisory body (including the planning commission) for further review and input as deemed necessary or appropriate by the City Council, or (3) take whatever other legal action deemed appropriate by the City Council; and a failure of any advisory body to report back within the time frame established by the City Council shall be deemed a recommendation for approval of the proposed text amendment; and

WHEREAS, the following case identification was assigned to the General Plan Text Amendment, Case No. GPTA 21-0001 (the “GPTA”), and is further referenced as Exhibit “B”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference; and

WHEREAS, the GPTA, if adopted, updates the Housing Element in conformance with State law for the 2022- 2029 planning period, and further updates the Safety Element; and

WHEREAS, the Housing and Safety Element Updates are compatible with the policies, objectives and standards specified in the City of Rancho Mirage Municipal Code and the General Plan; and

WHEREAS, the proposed amendments comply with the requirements of State law; and

WHEREAS, the passage of this Resolution constitutes a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). An environmental analysis, documentation and action referenced as EA21-0005 was performed pursuant to CEQA, CEQA Guidelines, and state statutes; and it was found that the project will have no direct impact on the environment, and a proposed Negative Declaration for the project was prepared, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as Exhibit “A”; and

WHEREAS, the City mailed a Notice of Intent to Adopt the Negative Declaration in compliance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines, on November 02, 2021; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21092, the City published a Notice to Adopt the Negative Declaration in the Desert Sun on November 10, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the proposed Negative Declaration, along with all comments received during the public review period; and

WHEREAS, a Notice of Determination that there will be no effect on the environment as a result of this GPTA shall be filed win accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines; and

WHEREAS, the Rancho Mirage Planning Commission recommended the City Council amend the City’s General Plan to update both the Housing and Safety Element, Case No. GPTA21- 0002, and certify and adopt the negative declaration, Case No. EA21-0005; and

WHEREAS, the City Council duly continued the February 3, 2022, public hearing to March 3, 2022; and
4-31

WHEREAS, the City has complied with all statutory requirements relating to the amendment of the General Plan Housing Element, including those set forth in California Government Code Section 65585; and

WHEREAS, following adoption of this Resolution, the City will further comply with statutory requirements, by submitting the Housing Element update to the Housing and Community Development Department for review, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65585(g).

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Recitals.

That the Recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2. Exhibits.

That the attached exhibits and referenced documents are hereby incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein.

Section 3. Evidence and Administrative Record

That the City Council has considered all of the evidence (collectively, the “Evidence”) submitted into the administrative record for the project, including, but not limited to, the following, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference:

(a) Rancho Mirage Municipal Code;
(b) Rancho Mirage General Plan;
(c) Initial Study;
(d) Proposed Negative Declaration;
(e) This Resolution;
(f) Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing scheduled for January 13, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at City Hall at 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California;
(g) Planning Commission Staff Report, as well as all public document, records and references related thereto or submitted or provided at or prior to said Public Hearing; (h) Notice of City Council Public Hearing scheduled for February 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located at City Hall at 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California;
(i) City Council Staff Reports and Staff presentation for the project on February 3, 2022 City Council meeting, as well as all public documents, records and references related thereto or submitted or provided at or prior to said Public Hearing; (j) Testimony and/or comments submitted or provided at or prior to the February 3, 2022, City Council Public Hearing; and
(k) City Council Staff Reports and Staff presentation for the continued public hearing for the project on the March 3, 2022, City Council meeting, as well as all public documents, records and references related thereto or submitted or provided at or prior to said Public Hearing;
(l) Testimony and/or comments submitted or provided at or prior to the March 3, 2022, continued City Council Public Hearing; and 4-32

(m) Testimony and/or comments from all persons that were provided in written format or correspondence, at, or prior to, the March 3, 2022, continued City Council Public Hearing.

Section 4. CEQA Findings.

That the City Council has considered all of the Evidence before it, and the City Council hereby finds, determines and declares that after preparing an Initial Study in compliance with CEQA, which found that there would be no significant environmental impacts created by the proposed general plan amendments, a Negative Declaration was prepared, and that based upon its own independent judgment that the facts stated in the initial study are true, the City Council hereby finds that there is no substantial evidence that the approval of the GPTA will have a significant effect on the environment.

Section 4. General Plan Amendment Findings.

That the City Council has considered all of the Evidence before it, and the City Council hereby finds, determines and declares that the GPTA will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of the community. The City Council further finds that the adoption of GPTA is consistent with State law.

Section 5. Negative Declaration.

That the City Council considered the Initial Study and all Evidence and, based upon the findings herein, hereby certifies and adopts the Negative Declaration, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.

Section 6. Adopt Housing and Safety Element Updates.

That the City Council hereby adopts the GPTA based upon the information and findings presented in the staff report and supporting exhibits and documentation, including without limitation all Evidence, amending the Housing and Safety Elements in their entirety.

Section 7. Further Actions.

That the City Council hereby directs the Development Services Director, or designee, to take all further actions to effectuate this Resolution.

Section 8. Severability.

That the City Council declares that, should any provision, section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Resolution or GPTA attached hereto be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences or words of this Resolution and GPTA as hereby adopted shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repeal of Conflicting Provisions.

That all provisions heretofore adopted by the City or the City Council in effect prior to the effective date of this Resolution that are in conflict with the provisions of this Resolution are hereby repealed.

Section 10. Effective Date. 4-33

That this Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.

Section 11. Certification.

That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on this ___ day of ______, 2022.

CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE

____________________________
Ted Weill, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________
Kristie Ramos, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_______________________________
Steven B. Quintanilla, City Attorney

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EXHIBIT “A”
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, CASE NO. EA21-0005
(SEE ATTACHED)
Notice of Determination
To: Office of Planning and Research
1400 Tenth Street, Room 121
Sacramento, CA 95814
From: City of Rancho Mirage
69825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 4-35

County Clerk
County of Riverside
2724 Gateway Drive Riverside, CA 92507

Subject Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resources Code.

Project Title:

City-wide in the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County Project Description

The Housing Element is one of the mandated Elements of the City’s General Plan. It analyzes the demographics of the City population and existing housing stock, and considers the future needs for housing in the City, with a particular focus on affordable housing, and housing for special needs households, including seniors, disabled persons, large families, single parent households and the homeless. It also provides the City’s decision makers with Goals, Policies and Programs intended to facilitate the development and preservation of adequate housing supply to meet these needs. The State has established a mandatory update schedule for Housing Elements, which the City is complying with. This Update addresses the planning period from 2021 to 2029.

The Safety Element is updated to address changes in the requirements of law including fire hazard mapping and emergency preparedness. The Safety Element Update reflects the current fire hazard mapping by CalFire. The Update also expanded discussion on flood hazard, fire hazard and emergency response by referring to the City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 15.28), the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2018 and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018.

This is to advise that the City of Rancho Mirage has approved the above described project on .

Lead Agency Responsible Agency

and has made the following determinations regarding the above described projects.

1. The project ( will will not) have a significant effect on the environment. 2. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.

A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA

3. Mitigation measures ( were were not) made a condition of the approval of the project. 4. A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan ( 5. A statement of Overriding Considerations ( was was not) adopted
was was not) adopted.

6. Findings ( were were not) made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.

This is to certify that the Initial Study with comments and responses and record of project approval is available to the General Public at Rancho Mirage City Hall, 69825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Planning Manager
Signature (Public Agency) Date Title
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CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: (760) 328-2266
Fax: (760) 324-9851

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY
Project Title: Rancho Mirage Housing and Safety Element Updates City Project No.: General Plan Text Amendment GPTA21-0001 and Environmental Assessment EA21-0005
Lead Agency City of Rancho Mirage
Name and Address: 69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: (760) 328-2266 Fax: (760) 324-9851
Project Sponsor’s Name City of Rancho Mirage and Address: 69-825 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, California 92270

Contact Person Majna Dukic, Planning Manager
And Phone Number: Phone: (760) 328-2266, Extension 210

Project Location: City-wide

Project Area: ±25.4 square miles—the current City boundary.

General Plan Designation: All

Zoning Designation: All
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 4 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ........................................................................... 6

1. AESTHETICS ................................................................................................................................9

2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ...................................................................10

3. AIR QUALITY ............................................................................................................................11

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES......................................................................................................13

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES .........................................................................................................14

6. ENERGY ......................................................................................................................................15

7. GEOLOGY / SOILS.....................................................................................................................17

8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ............................................................................................19

9. HAZARDS & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS..............................................................................21

10. HYDROLOGY / WATER QUALITY .........................................................................................23

11. LAND USE / PLANNING ...........................................................................................................25

12. MINERAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................27

13. NOISE ..........................................................................................................................................28

14. POPULATION / HOUSING ........................................................................................................29

15. PUBLIC SERVICES ....................................................................................................................30

16. RECREATION .............................................................................................................................31

17. TRANSPORTATION ..................................................................................................................32

18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES .........................................................................................34

19. UTILITIES SERVICE SYSTEMS ..............................................................................................35

20. WILDFIRES .................................................................................................................................37

21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE......................................................................38 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................... 39 Table 1: Proposed Land Uses ......................................................................................................................3 4-38

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Table 1 Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2022 to 2029 Income Category Number Of Units
Extremely low income 215
Very low income 215
Low income 318
Moderate income 328
Above moderate income 670
Total 1,746
Note that the extremely low and very low income categories are 50% each of the 429 units assigned for the very low category.

Source: SCAG

This Update consists primarily of statistical updates (particularly relating to updating the 2010 Census and American Community Survey information in the Element to 2018 American Community Survey information), and reassessing housing needs based on these changes in demographics. This Update added sites identified for future housing, including parcels within the Highway 111 Specific Plan area, and the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park site. There are a few policy changes in this Housing Element Update that will affect densities at future housing sites:

- Under Program H9.A, the City will apply the High Density Residential (R-H) zoning to the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park site, which is currently zoned as Mobile Home Park (MHP). - This Update added a new program (Program H1.D) for the City to create an affordable housing overlay in the Zoning Ordinance, which will allow a base density of up to 28 dwelling units per acre (du/ac), not including density bonus provisions. Under Program H9.A, this overlay will be applied to both Rancho Palms and Monterey Village sites, and the City will consider up to 28 du/ac when future projects are proposed.
- Per Program H1.C in the Update, the City will update its Density Bonus Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 17.22) to be consistent with state law (Government Code Section 65915), which provides for up to 50% density bonus depending on the affordable units mix.

Other changes in policies and programs address changes in the requirements of law since the City last updated its Housing Element in 2013. These changes in law addressed various housing-related issues. The most recent update to Housing Element law occurred in 2017, when a series of bills were passed into law to address the State-wide housing crisis. For example, AB 686 was passed by California Legislature in 2018 requiring that all housing elements due on or after January 1, 2021 must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with the 4-39

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core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule (2015). This Update includes an AFH that analyzes patterns of segregation and equal access to opportunity within the City, consistent with AFFH Final Rule.

Current Conditions

The current Housing Element of the City’s 2017 General Plan applies to the 2014-2021 planning period. The current Element facilitates housing development and preservation throughout the City consistent with residential land use designations in the Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance, to meet the RHNA assigned to the City at the time.

Project Location and Limits

The City is in Township 4 South & Township 5 South, Range 5 East, & Township 5 South Range 6 East, San Bernardino Base & Meridian (see USGS Rancho Mirage 7.5-minute quadrangle map).

Surrounding Land Uses

Not applicable. The Housing Element applies to all lands throughout the City. 4-40

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EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Summary of CEQA Findings

The Housing Element will have no direct impact on the environment. Adoption of the Housing Element will not result in the development of housing. The adoption of the Housing Element will potentially allow more units than planned for or analyzed in the General Plan. In the future, when housing projects are proposed, the City will review each of these projects to address environmental issues associated with the particular project. Because housing could occur throughout the City, the specific conditions at any one project site may differ significantly from another, and site-specific analysis is appropriate when projects are proposed.

Purpose of this Initial Study

This Initial Study has been prepared in conformance with Section 15063 and other applicable sections of the CEQA Guidelines, to determine if the project, as proposed, may have a significant effect upon the environment. Based upon the findings contained within this report, the Initial Study will be used in support of the preparation of a Negative Declaration.
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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:

The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Top of Form

Aesthetics

Agriculture and
Forestry Resources

Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources

Energy

Geology /Soils

Greenhouse Gas
Emissions

Hazards & Hazardous
Materials

Hydrology / Water
Quality

Land Use / Planning

Mineral Resources

Noise

Population / Housing

Public Services

Recreation

Transportation

Tribal Cultural Resources

Utilities / Service
Systems

Wildfires

Mandatory Findings of
Significance
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Environmental Checklist and Discussion:

The following checklist evaluates the proposed project’s potential adverse impacts. For those environmental topics for which a potential adverse impact may exist, a discussion of the existing site environment related to the topic is presented followed by an analysis of the project’s potential adverse impacts. When the project does not have any potential for adverse impacts for an environmental topic, the reasons why there are no potential adverse impacts are described.

1. AESTHETICS – Except as provided in Public
Resource Code Section 21099, would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality of public
views of the site and its surroundings? (Public
views are those that are experienced from publicly
accessible vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict with
applicable zoning and other regulations governing
scenic quality?

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Rancho Mirage Zoning Ordinance, as amended; Officially Designated State Scenic Highways Map, Caltrans.

Background
The Coachella Valley and City of Rancho Mirage are distinguished by the low-lying desert valley floor surrounded by the high terrain of the San Jacinto, San Bernardino, Little San Bernardino, and Santa Rosa Mountains. These contrasting viewsheds result in an exceptional display of open space and mountain scenery that is a major component of the aesthetic quality of the area. Views of the mountain ranges and expanses of desert floor are highly valued by the community.

The segment of Highway 111 through the City of Rancho Mirage is not designated as scenic highways in the California State Scenic Highway Program, but classified as eligible.

Future projects will be required to adhere to applicable zoning and other regulations on scenic quality, and this Update proposes no change to these regulations. The General Plan and Municipal Code also require view protection for new development (Municipal Code Section 17.18.090) and require any exterior light and glare to be shielded or recessed to prevent spill beyond the property line (Municipal Code Section 17.18.050). No impact is expected. 4-44

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
-- In determining whether impacts to agricultural
resources are significant environmental effects, lead
agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997)
prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an
optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forestland (as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 12220(g)),timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or
timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land to non-forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or forest land to non-forest use?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, California Department of Conservation, 2016.

Background
The City of Rancho Mirage contains no agricultural or forest lands, and no lands are designated for agricultural or forestry purposes in the General Plan. Agricultural production occurs in the eastern Coachella Valley, more than 10 miles east of the City.

a-e) No Impact. The City of Rancho Mirage contains no agricultural or forest lands nor any lands covered by a Williamson Act contract, and no lands are designated for agricultural or forestry purposes in the General Plan. The Housing Element will not result in the construction of additional housing, as it is a policy document only. This Update to the Housing and Safety Elements of the General Plan will not result in any direct or indirect impact on any agricultural or forest land, nor would it result in the conversion of such land to non-agricultural or non-forest uses. Adoption of the Housing Element update will have no impact to agricultural and forestry resources.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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3. AIR QUALITY – Where available, the
significance criteria established by the applicable
air quality management district or air pollution
control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?

b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?

c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?

d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading
to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number
of people?

Sources: SCAQMD AQMP, 2016; Coachella Valley PM10 SIP, 2003; Rancho Mirage Housing Element Update; South Coast Air Quality Management District CEQA Handbook, 1993; Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, California Department of Finance, January 1, 2021; 2020 RTP/SCS, Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, Southern California Association of Governments, adopted September 3, 2020.

Background
The City of Rancho Mirage is located in the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is governed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All development in the SSAB is subject to the 2016 SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and 2003 PM10 Coachella Valley State Implementation Plan (SIP). The SSAB is currently a non-attainment area for PM10 and ozone. The Coachella Valley is designated as a serious non- attainment area for PM10 and is subject to the 2003 SIP and local dust control regulations and guidelines.

The SCAQMD works directly with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), county transportation commissions, and local governments, and cooperates actively with all state and federal government agencies. At the time the 2016 AQMP was developed, its land use and transportation controls were based on the Growth Management chapter of the 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2016 RTP/SCS) adopted by SCAG to comply with metropolitan planning organization (MPO) requirements under the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act. Projects that are consistent with the projections of population forecasts are considered consistent with the AQMP.

In 2020, SCAG adopted the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 RTP/SCS) that will form the basis land use and transportation controls of the forthcoming 2022 AQMP. However, the 2016 RTP/SCS is consistent with the current 2016 AQMP and thus the appropriate document to reference for air quality analysis at this time.

a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no direct impact on air quality. The Update is a policy document and will not generate any construction or development. To meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 1,746 units in the next planning period by 2029, the Housing Element contains programs to increase allowable density for several sites identified for future housing. 4-46

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In 2021, the City’s population was 18,799, with an average 2.0 persons per household. SCAG projects the City’s population will grow to 25,000 by 2040. The addition of 1,746 units would increase the population by 3,492 to a total of 22,291, which is under the 2040 forecast. Therefore, the Housing Element is consistent with the 2016 RTP/SCS and thus consistent with the growth assumptions in the 2016 AQMP. The Update will not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the AQMP.

When individual properties are proposed for housing development, the City will undertake CEQA review, and assess potential impacts for each project on air quality, including emissions of criteria pollutants, pollutant concentrations near sensitive receptors, and emissions of odors. All future projects will be required to adhere to SCAQMD rules and regulations and City requirements for construction related activities to ensure compliance with the 2016 AQMP and 2003 SIP. Typical measures include, but are not limited to, the implementation of fugitive dust control measures (SCAQMD Rule 403.1, Municipal Code Chapter 7.01 and Section 15.64.630) and the use of low VOC content coatings (SCAQMD Rule 1113).

The City’s General Plan Air Quality Element Program AQ 1.6D requires air quality studies for projects that include sensitive receptors and are proposed within 500 feet of I-10. The Housing Element Update will facilitate development and renovation of residential units, which typically do not emit odors that would adversely affect a substantial number of people. Mitigation measures will be implemented, where necessary, in accordance with SCAQMD rules and City requirements to reduce potential impacts to less than significant levels.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish
and Wildlife Service?

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) and EIR/EIS, 2007.

Background
The City participates in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). There are currently undeveloped lands in the City that may harbor bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and/or other species not covered or addressed by the Coachella Valley MSHCP. The Housing Element is a regulatory document that, in and of itself, will not impact biological resources.

a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on biological resources. This Update does not expand new housing sites beyond what is currently allowed under the General Plan.

The southern portion of the City is within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area under the CVMSHCP. These lands are zoned as Mountain Reserve and would not allow development. While there is minimal overlap of the Conservation Area and lands zoned for residential development, any potential impact will be addressed in site-specific design following the CVMSHCP Adjacency Guidelines and project-level environmental review. There are no wetlands or riparian habitats on lands in the City’s affordable housing inventory, nor on lands designated for housing in general. The City will require, when appropriate, the preparation of biological resource studies for individual housing projects as they are proposed in the future, and will implement necessary mitigation measures to protect species not covered or addressed by the CVMSHCP and bird species protected under the 4-48

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Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The project-level study will also review potential impacts regarding wildlife corridors and nursery sites and recommend necessary mitigation measures. The City does not have a tree preservation or similar ordinance that protects trees in general or particular biological resource. The General Plan has multiple policies and programs that encourage preservation and use of native desert landscaping. With implementation of the CVMSHCP and other standard requirements, no new impact would occur as a result of this Update on biological resources.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to §
15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to § 15064.5?

c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, Leslie Heumann and Associates, February 3, 2003.

Background
The City of Rancho Mirage has undergone extensive surveys of potential historic resources. The City’s 2003 Historic Resources Survey identified over 100 properties that are considered to be local architectural and historic resources; none of those are listed in the California Register of Historical Resources, but some are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. None of these are planned for alteration or demolition under the Housing and Safety Elements Update.

The entire City is located in the tribal “Traditional Use Area” as identified by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI). Per the General Plan EIR, a qualified archaeological monitor is required for all development on Indian lands. The County of Riverside General Plan identifies the majority of the City and SOI as an area likely to contain cultural resources.

a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on cultural resources. There are no historic structures on lands identified in the affordable housing inventory. As individual projects are proposed in the future, the City will consult with ACBCI and other interested tribes on potential cultural resources pursuant to AB 52 and/or SB 18 and require the preparation of a cultural resource study if the proposed project is within a culturally sensitive area. The consultation process is detailed in Section 18, Tribal Cultural Resources. Should housing development be proposed on sites with historic and/or archaeological resources in the future, any potential impact will be addressed in the project-specific cultural resource study and environmental review in compliance with standard requirements and General Plan policies.

There are no known burial sites or cemeteries on lands designated for housing. The City will require future projects to abide by California law, should human remains be identified on a site being prepared for housing development. 4-49

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California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 requires that if remains are uncovered, all work in the vicinity of the site should be stopped and that there will be no deposition of the remains unless proper procedures are followed as required by the law.

Overall, no impact is
expected. Mitigation: None
required. Monitoring: None
required.

6. ENERGY -- Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?

b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017.

Background
Primary energy sources include fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), nuclear, and renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. The City is within the service boundaries of Southern California Edison (SCE) for electricity and the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) for natural gas. The City established the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority (RMEA), a local renewable electric service provider with discounts and solar rebates for residents to take advantage of electricity generated by renewable sources.

The City of Rancho Mirage completed the 2013 Sustainability Action Plan: Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Energy Action Plan. The plans establish energy-efficiency reduction policies and implementation measures for development projects that are generally more stringent than building codes.

a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on energy resources and energy efficiency. Construction and renovation of housing are required to conform to the California Building Code, including the California Energy Code and California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which serves to ensure the economical and wise use of energy resources during construction and operational phases. The City’s energy providers, SCE and SoCalGas, have both committed to increasing efficiency and renewable energy generation and enforce relevant state energy standards. The Housing Element identifies energy conservation opportunities for City residents and future housing development, including electricity from different mix levels of renewable sources through the RMEA.

Future housing developments would generate traffic and require the consumption of petroleum-based fuels related to vehicular travel. Although future housing projects have the potential to result in a direct increase in City VMTs, the Update will not interfere with evolving fuel efficiency standards and will not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of transportation energy resources. 4-50

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Implementation of the California Building Code and voluntary energy efficiency and renewable energy programs will ensure that no wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources will occur. The Update promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for future housing development and renovation, and will not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for energy efficiency or renewable energy.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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7. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?

iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?

c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a result
of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-
site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?

d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of wastewater?

f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan, Exhibits 21-25 and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
The City is in the western portion of the Coachella Valley, which is the northwestern extension of the Salton Trough, a tectonic depression formed by regional faulting. The Salton Trough is roughly 130 miles long and 70 miles wide and extends from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. Regional soils range from rocky outcrops within the mountains bordering the valley, to coarse gravels of mountain canyons and recently laid fine- and medium- grained alluvial (stream-deposited) and aeolian (wind-deposited) sediments on the central valley floor. Sediments from the surrounding mountains are carried into and across the valley through seasonal streams. The Whitewater River, which generally flows northwest to southeast, is the master drainage for the valley. Episodic flooding of major regional drainages results in the deposition of sand and gravel on the valley floor. 4-52

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The City lies in an area with numerous active faults, the two closest being the North and South Branches of the San Andreas Fault system north of the City. These faults are capable of generating a moment magnitude 7.4 earthquake.

a-f) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will have no impact on geology. There are no Alquist-Priolo earthquake fault zones in the City. The entire City will, however, be subject to significant ground shaking in the event of an earthquake. To mitigate for this potential impact, the City enforces stringent building requirements including the most recent California Building Code regarding seismic safety specifications.

Housing is not proposed in areas subject to landslides and rockfall hazard. The City will impose dust control/PM10 management and NPDES standards on all development in the future, which will mitigate for potential soil erosion from wind or flooding hazards.

Subsidence is normally considered a regional issue, and is being addressed by local water agencies through groundwater recharge and water conservation to reduce extraction. The majority of the City has moderate susceptibility to liquefaction. Most areas in the City are underlain by typically loose windblown sands and other recently deposited sediments that are potentially subject to seismically induced settlement. Development proposed on the valley floor or on wind or stream deposited sediment will be required to conduct site-specific subsurface geotechnical investigations that address potential seismic related hazards. Project-specific mitigation measures such as proper excavation, compaction, and foundation design will be implemented as needed.

The City contains soils with a minor amount of clay, which has the potential to be expansive. Soil collapse typically occurs in recently deposited sediments laid down by wind or water. As individual projects are proposed, site-specific soils studies will be required to identify all soil conditions on a particular site, and mitigation measures will be implemented where necessary.

The Housing Element identifies residential communities currently not served by sewers in the City, which are limited to the Thunder Road area. The area currently uses septic systems. New development of any kind in the City is required to connect to sanitary sewer services provided by the CVWD if the site is being subdivided, or if it is within 250 feet of existing sewer lines. The Thunder Road area will be connected to the sewer system and have its septic system decommissioned for new development. No impacts associated with septic tanks or alternate wastewater disposal systems would occur.

The majority of the City are located in an area with low sensitivity for paleontological resources. The areas within and along the Whitewater River Channel are described as having an unknown sensitivity for paleontological resources; however, much of the area adjacent to the channel within the City is developed as private open space.

Any potential impact as a result of future housing development will be addressed in site-specific environmental review and technical studies, where necessary.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS -- Would
the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?

b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan, 2017; SCAQMD AQMP, 2016; California Air Resource Board, website, http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm; Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Significance Thresholds, South Coast Air Quality Management District, October 2008; Rancho Mirage Sustainability Plan, March 2013.

Background
Greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases (hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride), are released into the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. These gases are called “greenhouse gases” due to their common ability of trapping heat, and they are believed to be responsible for the global average increase in surface temperatures of 0.7-

1.5°F that were observed during the 20th century. The quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased significantly over a relatively short period. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that has raised the most concern of atmospheric scientists due to current and projected emission levels.

State law mandates that all cities decrease their GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Executive Order B-30-15 set an interim target goal of reducing GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 to keep California on its trajectory toward meeting or exceeding the long-term goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, as set forth in Executive Order S-3-05.

The City of Rancho Mirage completed its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory in 2012. The Energy Action Plan and Sustainability Plan were subsequently completed in 2013, which guides city policies and planning to achieve energy efficiency, cut municipal and community energy costs and comply with state mandates on emission reduction.

GHG Thresholds
On December 5, 2008, the SCAQMD formally adopted a greenhouse gas significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e/yr that only applies to industrial uses’ stationary sources where SCAQMD is the lead agency (SCAQMD Resolution No. 08-35). This threshold was adopted based upon an October 2008 staff report and draft interim guidance document that also recommended a threshold for all projects using a tiered approach. It was recommended by SCAQMD staff that a project’s greenhouse gas emissions would be considered significant if it could not comply with at least one of the following “tiered” tests:

• Tier 1: Is there an applicable exemption?
• Tier 2: Is the project compliant with a greenhouse gas reduction plan that is, at a minimum, consistent with the goals of AB 32?
• Tier 3: Is the project below an absolute threshold (10,000 MTCO2e/year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e/year for residential and commercial projects)? • Tier 4: Is the project below a (yet to be set) performance threshold? • Tier 5: Would the project achieve a screening level with off-site mitigation? 4-54

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a-b) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The Update is a policy document and will not generate any construction or development. The Housing Element identifies sites for future housing development, which are near transit, shopping and employment including the Monterey Village site and sites in the Highway 111 corridor. While the Housing Element proposes density increases in some of these sites, the proximity to services and amenities would help offset vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. The Housing Element also identifies local conservation efforts and opportunities that will help reduce GHG emissions.

The City of Rancho Mirage adopted a Sustainability Plan (2013) and Energy Action Plan that establish energy- efficiency reduction policies and implementation measures for development projects that are generally more stringent than building codes. The City has determined that the measures will effectively reduce city-wide GHG emissions at the project level. When individual properties are proposed for housing development, the City will undertake CEQA review, and assess potential impacts for each project on greenhouse gas emissions with regards to GHG thresholds set by SCAQMD.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?

b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?

d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?

e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?

f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?

g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed March 2021.

Background
A hazardous material is any substance that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical properties, may pose a hazard to human health and the environment. Under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), the term “hazardous substance” refers to both hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. Both are classified according to four properties: 1) ignitability, 2) corrosivity, 3) reactivity, and 4) toxicity.

A hazardous material is defined as a substance or combination of substances which may either (1) cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.

a-g) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will not impact hazards or hazardous materials. Future housing development will be required to assess potential impacts as part of the CEQA process, but these potential impacts are likely to be negligible, since housing development does not generate significant use, storage or transport of hazardous materials. The Safety Element Update refers to the updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2018 and Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation 4-56

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Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018, which provide current guidance on hazard mitigation and emergency response in and around the City.

A number of schools occur in the City, including adjacent to or near lands designated for housing. However, as previously stated, housing development generates minimal hazardous materials which are governed by local and regional regulations.

The sites proposed for affordable housing or housing in general do not occur on sites identified by the state as now having or previously having hazardous materials issues.

The closest airport to the City is the Palms Springs International Airport, located at least 2.63 miles to the northwest.

Part of the northwestern corner of the City (north of Gerald Ford Drive and west of Los Alamos Road) is located in Zone E of the Palm Springs International Airport Land Use Plan. Flights approaching and departing the Palm Springs International Airport may fly over the City; however, these flights would be more than three miles from the runways and at a high altitude. No future housing is proposed adjacent to the airport. Existing requirements of the Airport Land Use Plan and General Plan Safety Element would minimize potential impacts to residential development by ensuring land use compatibility and locating residential uses at a safe distance from the airport.

The two main evacuation routes in the City include I-10 and Highway 111, with primary and minor arterial streets serving as secondary routes. Housing projects will occur on the City’s existing street system, which is already developed. For each individual project, a Construction Traffic Control Plan may be required in coordination with the City’s Public Works Department to ensure traffic safety and preservation of emergency/secondary access during all development activities. The site plans and emergency access for each individual project will be subject to approval by the Fire and Police Departments to ensure adequate emergency access. No impact to emergency access or evacuation routes is anticipated.

The Safety Element Update includes the up-to-date fire hazard mapping by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). The Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) within and near the City are of limited size, and the historical record indicates that the wildland fire hazard in Rancho Mirage is relatively low because most of the rugged terrain is so steep, rocky, and dry that few plants thrive in the area and the amount of fuel available for wildland fires is very limited. Lands designated for housing are located out of any State Responsible Area or VHFHSZ mapped by CalFire. Future housing projects will be required to adhere to applicable fire codes and would be subject to Fire Department review and inspection. The updates to the Safety Element will allow the City to better plan for wildfire, as they provide more up-to-date information for planning purposes. No impact regarding hazard from wildfires is expected.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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10. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY --
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or groundwater quality?

b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such
that the project may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?

c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or
off-site?

ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or offsite?

iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?

iv) Impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation?

e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?

Source: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
The Coachella Valley climate is characterized as “subtropical desert.” Annual rainfall is very low, ranging from 2 to 4 inches per year on the valley floor and averaging 5 to 6 inches in the foothills. In some years, no measurable rainfall has been reported on portions of the valley floor. Most rainfall occurs during the cooler months of November through March, but occasional high-intensity thunderstorms and tropical storms occur in late summer and early fall.

Although the ground may be generally dry at the beginning of a storm, sufficient amounts and intensities of rainfall can saturate the surface, substantially reducing percolation and increasing runoff. Summer storms pose a greater threat of localized flooding than winter storms because of their high intensity and short duration. Monsoons and warm winter storms with snowmelt can generate significant runoff over a much larger area.

Regional water sources include primarily groundwater supplemented with imported water and, to a lesser extent, recycled water. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) provides domestic water service to the City.

CVWD’s most recent Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) indicates that sufficient water supplies are available to serve anticipated future growth.

The City implements standard requirements for the retention of storm flows and participates in the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to protect surface waters from pollution. As the water and 4-58

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wastewater services provider, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) implements the requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board pertaining to domestic water quality and wastewater discharge.

a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will have no impact on water resources.

The Update is a policy document and does not involve the construction of any new housing units. The City and CVWD implement all water quality standards and waste discharge requirements to prevent contamination of water sources during construction and operation. Currently, the Thunder Road area does not have sewer service and uses septic tanks, which are regulated by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to ensure they do not pollute the groundwater basin. General Plan Policy PS&F 3.2 requires all subdivisions to be connected to sewer lines. Future housing developments will be reviewed under CEQA to assure that they meet the standard requirements.

CVWD is a State Water Project contractor for the Whitewater River (Indio) Subbasin and complies with pumping rights, as required under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). According to CVWD’s 2015 UWMP, available water supplies are sufficient to meet the anticipated demand for 2020 through 2040 during normal, single dry, and multiple dry water years. The City also mandates water conservation in collaboration with CVWD throughout the community, including the use of drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation systems (Municipal Code Section 17.24.070). Therefore, the proposed Housing and Safety Elements Update is not expected to impact local groundwater management in terms of groundwater supplies and recharge.

The City requires that new development located northerly of the Whitewater River that are larger than one gross acre retain 100-year storm water flows on site. Such project shall provide stormwater runoff and volume calculation, retention location and method of storage to the satisfaction of the city engineer (Municipal Code Section 13.05.010).

All future housing projects will be required to comply with City requirements, including NPDES standards, which require the preparation of water quality management plans, pollution prevention plans and hydrology studies. These requirements will include the implementation of best management practices to ensure compliance with local and federal standards.

In general, housing sites in the City are not located in the 100-year special flood hazard areas. Areas of potential flooding are generally associated with the Whitewater River and its tributaries, mountain canyons, and their alluvial fans; however, at the bottom of Magnesia Spring Canyon, the 100-year flood limits extend to several residential streets in the area. Site I in the vacant land inventory is located in this area. The General Plan calls for the evaluation of all development proposals located in areas that are subject to flooding and the Safety Element contains policies and programs to minimize potential impacts.

The City is located inland, well outside of any tsunami zones. While mountains and streams surrounding the City could pose potential mudflow and seiche hazards, the Housing Element would not involve land use changes or result in the intensification of land uses near the base of the mountains or above ground water reservoirs. The standard requirements on flood and drainage control would minimize the risk of release of pollutants in the unlikely event of project inundation.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.
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11. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would
the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Physically divide an established community?
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due
to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding
or mitigating an environmental effect?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Rancho Mirage Municipal Code; Rancho Mirage Highway 111 Specific Plan Intial Study, May 2020.

Background
The City and the Coachella Valley are located at the westernmost limits of the Sonoran Desert, also known as the Colorado Desert. The area’s natural assets, including mountain views, varied wildlife and sunny weather, and a dependable water supply, have supported agriculture and a tourism and resort industry. The City continues to prioritize low-density residential and high-quality commercial land uses and encourage infill development rather than development in outlying areas.

a) No Impact. The lands identified in the Housing Element Update are vacant, and based on the location of each site in the inventory, their development will not physically divide an established community. The Safety Element Update included current fire hazard mapping and local and regional hazard mitigation plans and will have no impact on dividing an established community.

b) Less Than Significant Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no significant impact on land use. This Update added new sites to the vacant land inventory identified for affordable housing, including lands in the Highway 111 Specific Plan, and the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park site. This Update cites residential designations in the Highway 111 Specific Plan and would not change or conflict with it. This Housing Element Update proposes several new policies regarding residential land use planning, as discussed below.

Under Program H9.A in this Housing Element Update, the City will apply the High Density Residential (R-H) zoning to the former Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park site, which is currently zoned as Mobile Home Park (MHP).

Both R-H and MHP designations allow up to 9 dwelling units per acre, and impact of future development on the site will be addressed in the project-level environmental review.

Under Programs H1.D and H9.A, the City will create an affordable housing zoning overlay, which will allow a base density of up to 28 du/ac, not including density bonus provisions, and apply this overlay to the Highway 111 Specific Plan sites, the Rancho Palms and Monterey sites. For the Rancho Palms site (12.34 acres), as discussed above, potential impacts will be addressed at project-level CEQA review. Given the size (52.48 acres) of the Monterey Village site, it will likely require a master plan or specific plan and potential impacts will be addressed at that level of CEQA review for the proposed densities. Overall, however, the increased density is consistent with the General Plan Policy COS 5.2, which calls for an efficient circulation system and land pattern because the identified sites are located near amenities, services and employment, which creates synergy among different land uses and reduce vehicle miles traveled. Most of the density increase sites are under or will require a Specific Plan, which is consistent with General Plan Policies LU 2.1 through 2.3 which require specific plans to achieve high-quality development beyond those expected in conventional development and meet the long-term goals of the General Plan. 4-60

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The City’s Zoning Ordinance includes provisions for all densities of housing, and these development standards will be imposed as projects are proposed. As required by state law, the City will need to update the density bonus provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 17.22) to provide for a density bonus of up to 50% for affordable housing. Sites in the affordable housing inventory may be eligible for this incentive.

Overall, no significant impacts are expected.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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12. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?

b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; Update of Mineral Land Classification Map for Portland Cement Concrete-Grade Aggregate in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region, Riverside County, California (Special Report 198), California Geological Survey, 2007.

Background
In the Coachella Valley, mineral resources are largely limited to aggregates, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

These are major components of concrete, plaster, stucco, road base and fill, which are essential to the construction industry. Important regional deposits of these materials are being actively developed. Other mineral deposits in the region are generally limited to rocky outcroppings within the Little San Bernardino and Santa Rosa Mountains and have not been mined. There are currently no mines or extraction sites in Rancho Mirage.

a-b) No Impact. The adoption and implementation of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will have no impact on mineral resources. No active mining or extraction sites occur in the City, nor are any proposed. None of the sites identified for housing in the Update occur on lands designated for mineral resource extraction.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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13. NOISE -- Would the project result in:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact

a) Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?

b) Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels?

c) For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
The noise environment in the City and Coachella Valley is typical of a suburban community, with primary noise sources including traffic on Interstate-10, Highway 111 and major arterials, mechanical equipment such as heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) units, commercial loading and unloading operations, and parking lot activity.

a-c) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will have no impact on noise. The future development of housing will be required to study noise issues as part of the CEQA and building permit processes.

All sites identified for future housing in the inventory are located in urban areas and adjacent to existing development. Typical noise sources including transportation-related such as roadways and railroad, and stationary sources such as typical commercial and residential activities and landscaping equipment. The City will require the preparation of site-specific noise studies to assess impacts from roadway and railroad noise, as appropriate. Should noise levels at future housing sites require mitigation, there are a variety of means such as noise attenuation walls, setback from roadways, and landscape buffers.

The construction of housing projects in the future may create temporary noise sources. The City’s Municipal Code imposes noise standards and limits construction hours to the less sensitive day time hours (Municipal Code Section

15.04.030). Individual projects will be reviewed under CEQA to determine whether their construction impacts will impact neighboring development.

The Palm Springs International Airport is located at least 2.63 miles from Rancho Mirage and none of the noise contours from 60 CNEL up for the airport extend into the City of Rancho Mirage.

Mitigation: None required
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Monitoring: None required

14. POPULATION AND HOUSING –
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth
in an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly
(for example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?

b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, California Department of Finance, January 1, 2021; 2020 RTP/SCS, Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, Southern California Association of Governments, adopted September 3, 2020.

Background
The Rancho Mirage population increased 30% between 2000 and 2010, from 13,249 to 17,218. The latest (2021) population estimate is 18,799, a much slower rate of growth of 9% over the last decade. SCAG projects the City’s population will grow to 25,200 by 2045. In 2021, there were an estimated 14,945 housing units in Rancho Mirage.

Local housing products include a mix of single- and multi-family units, and a smaller number of mobile homes.

a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will have no impact on population or housing. The Element focuses on the facilitation of housing development to meet existing and projected housing needs within the City, but creates no immediate need for housing. The provisions of the Element will be implemented as growth and demand for housing occur, but will not induce any such growth. The Housing Element will facilitate the development of housing for all segments of the City’s future population.

The Housing Element identifies areas zoned for residential development that need infrastructure improvements such as sewers, but does not propose extension of roads or other infrastructure in any area that may induce unplanned population growth.

The lands identified in the affordable housing inventory are vacant, and their development will not displace people or structures. The Housing Element provides a program on relocation assistance should such need occur.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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15. PUBLIC SERVICES –
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times
or other performance objectives for any of the
public services:

Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
Fire protection, first response, emergency medical services, and natural disaster preparedness services in the City are provided by the Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD). The City is a member of the Cove Communities Services Commission, which includes the cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells. Police protection is provided on a service contract basis by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that operates out of the Palm Desert Station. Two school districts, Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD), serve the City. One private school, the Palm Valley School, also provides K-12 education in the City.

a) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element will have no impact on public services. Housing projects proposed in the future will be assessed under CEQA, to determine whether they will impact public services.

Since housing development sites are located in the urban areas of the City, they are least likely to cause significant impacts on public services. Lands designated for housing are located out of any State Responsible Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) mapped by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). The Safety Element Update identified only one single family residence (70000 Thunderbird Mesa Drive) in the City that partially falls in a VHFHSZ and has only one evacuation route. Future housing development will be required to meet City roadway standards including minimum widths as detailed in the General Plan Circulation Element to ensure adequate emergency access. Projects in the future will be required to pay development impact fees, which are designed to support the provision of public services and facilities.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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16. RECREATION –

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated?

b) Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities, which might have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
The City offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including golf courses, bikeways, and parkland. In addition, the City is near thousands of acres of National Park and National Monument lands, U.S. Forest Service wilderness lands, and state, regional and tribal parks that contain miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements update will have no impact on recreation.

Housing projects in the future will be assessed in-lieu parkland fees and development impact fees in the building permit process, which are designed to cover the additional costs associated with providing parks and recreational services. These issues will be reviewed under CEQA as individual projects are proposed.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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17. TRANSPORTATION – Would the project: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?

b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines §
15064.3, subdivision (b)?

c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?

d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; CVAG Active Transportation Plan, Michael Baker International, 2016.

Background
Regional connectivity in the Coachella Valley is provided by Interstate 10 (I-10), Highway 111, and State Routes 62 and 74. I-10 extends through the valley in a northwest-southeasterly trending direction and connects the region to western Riverside County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area to the west, and desert communities and Arizona to the east. Highway 111 is south of and roughly parallel to I-10. Highway 111 accommodates local and regional traffic through one of the City’s principal commercial corridors and connects to other Coachella Valley communities, from Palm Springs on the west to the Salton Sea and Imperial County on the east.

Under SB 743, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3 was amended December 2018, stating that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is the most appropriate measure of transportation impacts. A lead agency may use models or other methods to analyze a project’s VMT quantitatively or qualitatively. The City has adopted a Transportation Analysis Policy in 2020 for the analysis required by SB 743.

a-d) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element Update will have no impact on transportation. The development of future housing projects in the City will be required to address project-specific traffic impacts in the CEQA review process. The City will require the preparation of traffic impact studies, and mitigation of any impacts identified in these studies. Further, the proposed projects will be required to comply with City standards regarding roadway improvements, parking, and emergency access, either through CEQA or through conditions of approval.

The Housing Element identifies sites for future housing development, which are near transit, shopping and employment including the Monterey Village site and sites in the Highway 111 corridor. While the Housing Element proposes density increases in some of these sites, the proximity to services and amenities would help offset vehicle miles traveled by future residents. Future development will be required to assess their VMT impacts according to the City’s Transportation Analysis Policy and provide mitigation as necessary.

The Safety Element Update identified only one development (70000 Thunderbird Mesa Drive) in the City that is partially located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and has only one evacuation route via Thunderbird Mesa Drive downhill to Highway 111. Future housing development will be required to meet City roadway standards including minimum widths as detailed in the General Plan Circulation Element to ensure adequate emergency access. 4-67

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The sites identified for future housing occur in the City’s established street system, and will not interfere with the system. Most of the identified sites occur on or near transit routes, and therefore will not impact alternative transportation systems.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES –
Would the project cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public Resources Code §
21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural
landscape that is geographically defined in terms of
the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place,
or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in
Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or

ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in
its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set
forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth
in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code §
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California
Native American tribe.

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, Leslie Heumann and Associates, February 3, 2003.

Background
The Cahuilla Indians have inhabited the valley for centuries. They are a Takic-speaking people of hunters and gatherers generally divided into three groups based on geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass – Palm Springs area; the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley; and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley. Today, Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mainly affiliated with the Indian tribes of the Coachella Valley, including the Cabazon, Augustine, Torres Martinez, Twentynine Palms, Agua Caliente, and Morongo. i, ii) No Impact. The entire City of Rancho Mirage and Sphere of Influence (SOI) is located in the tribal “Traditional Use Area” as identified by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI). The County of Riverside General Plan identifies the majority of the City and SOI as an area likely to contain cultural resources. Per the General Plan EIR, a qualified archaeological monitor is required for all development on Indian lands.

The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements Update will have no impact on tribal cultural resources. The City conducted AB 52 and SB 18 consultation and sent out written letters to 13 tribes. The City received two responses, and neither Tribe requested consultation. As individual projects are proposed in the future, the City will conduct government-to-government consultations with local tribes pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18 regarding potential tribal cultural resources that could occur on specific project sites.

There are no historic resources on lands identified in the affordable housing inventory. Should future housing development be proposed on sites with historic resources or potential tribal cultural resources, any potential impact will be addressed in the project-specific cultural resource study and CEQA process.

Overall, no impact is expected.

Mitigation: None required
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Monitoring: None required

19. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS –
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water, wastewater
treatment or storm drainage, electric power, natural
gas, or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause
significant environmental effects?

b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years?

c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
projects projected demand in addition to the
providers existing commitments?

d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals?

e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statues and regulations
related to solid waste?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (Final Report), CVWD, July 1, 2016; Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, CVWD, December 1, 2019.

Background
The City is served by the following utility providers:

Utility Service Provider(s)

Electricity Rancho Mirage Energy Authority,
South California Edison (SCE)
Natural gas Southern California Gas
Water Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
Wastewater Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
Solid waste Burrtec
Telecommunications Spectrum, Frontier, Hughes Net

a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will have no impact on utilities. The development of housing in the future will consider utilities as part of the CEQA and entitlement process. The provision of domestic water and sanitary sewer has been analyzed by the CVWD as part of their long-range planning, using the City’s General Plan land uses as a basis for planning. While the Housing Element Update has the potential to result in more dwelling units than under the General Plan Land Use Map, the increase in densities will only occur on the Monterey Village site (about 25 acres out of 52.48 acres designated for residential use), Highway 111 Specific 4-70

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Plan area, and former Rancho Palms MHP site (12.34 acres). As discussed above in Section 3 Air Quality, the City population was 18,799 in 2021, with an average 2.0 persons per household. The addition of 1,746 units from the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation would increase the population by 3,492 to a total of 22,291. SCAG projects that the City population will grow to 25,200 by 2045. Therefore, the City’s RHNA units buildout is consistent with SCAG forecast and will not result in unplanned growth. Sites identified for future housing development either have been developed and served by utilities, or have been planned for development under the General Plan and Highway 111 Specific Plan. The existing and future utility infrastructure and demand have been considered in these plans, and therefore the density increase will not result in a substantial increase in demand for utility services compared to current General Plan designations. The energy and telecommunication utility providers have plans in place which would be updated based on future demands in their jurisdictions to ensure adequate system capacity to meet the growing needs of the City. As discussed in Section 10, Hydrology and Water Quality, future development will be required to meet City requirements on stormwater retention and avoid adverse impacts on the public drainage system. Because CVWD has sufficient capacity, or can expand services to accommodate development and impacts will be assessed for individual projects on utility services, no significant impact is expected. The City contracts Burrtec for solid waste hauling services. Future residential customers will be assessed a per unit fee for solid waste service. The landfills in the region currently have sufficient capacity to accommodate future development. All future projects will be required to analyze demand and capacity for solid waste disposal as part of the CEQA process.

Overall, no impacts are
anticipated. Mitigation:

None required
Monitoring: None required
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20. WILDFIRE – If located in or near state
responsibility areas or lands classified as very high
fire hazard severity zones, would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby
expose project occupants to, pollutant
concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled
spread of a wildfire?

c) Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or
other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that
may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?

d) Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, CalFire, last updated 1/13/2020.

Background
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) ranks fire hazards of wildland areas in the state using four main criteria: fuels, weather, assets at risk, and level of service. Although Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are mapped in the Santa Rosa Mountains near Rancho Mirage, the wildland fire hazard in the City and Coachella Valley is relatively low. There are no state responsibility areas in the City. The only VHFHSZ within the City limits are at the bottom of Bradley Canyon, which consists of primarily undeveloped mountain area and part of an existing private residential property.

a-d) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing Element will have no impact on wildfire. The Safety Element is also updated along with the Housing Element under state law, and reflects the up-to-date fire hazard mapping by CalFire and the updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted by the City in 2018 and Riverside County Multi- Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018. The VHFHSZ within and near the City are of limited size, and the historical record indicates that the wildland fire hazard in Rancho Mirage is relatively low because most of the rugged terrain is so steep, rocky, and dry that few plants (fire fuel sources) thrive in the area. The undeveloped land in the VHFHSZ within the City is designated as Mountain Reserve and would not be developed in the future. No housing development will occur in any state responsibility areas or very high fire hazard severity zones. The updates to the Safety Element will allow the City to better plan for wildfire, as they provide more up-to-date information for planning purposes. The Update to Housing and Safety Elements will not impair emergency response plans and will not increase the risk of wildfire.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF

SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community,
substantially reduce the number or restrict the
range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory?

b) Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means
that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?

c) Does the project have environmental effects,
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will not impact the environment. As identified in this document, there will be no biological or cultural resources impacts, nor will adoption impact human beings. Per state law, relevant sections in the Safety Element including fire hazard and emergency preparedness are updated along with the Housing Element, and the Housing Element is consistent with the balance of the General Plan, and the development of housing will not impact long term environmental goals. Cumulative impacts, if any, have been addressed in the General Plan and its associated environmental documentation and will also be considered at individual project level as projects are proposed under the Housing Element policies. 4-73

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REFERENCES
City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, 2017
Rancho Mirage General Plan EIR, 2006 and
Addendum EIR, 2017 City of Rancho Mirage
Municipal Code, as amended
Officially Designated State Scenic Highways Map, Caltrans California Department of Conservation; Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program. 2016 SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), 2016 Coachella Valley PM10 SIP, 2003
California Air Resource Board, website,
http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), 2007 City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, 2003
California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed February 2021 Rancho Mirage Sustainability Plan, March 2013 Rancho Mirage Highway 111 Specific Plan Intial Study, May 2020.

Update of Mineral Land Classification Map for Portland Cement Concrete-Grade Aggregate in the Palm Springs Production-Consumption Region, Riverside County, California (Special Report 198), California Geological Survey, 2007

E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates, California Department of Finance, January 1, 2021; Southern California Association of Governments 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted April 2016; 2020 RTP/SCS, Demographics and Growth Forecast Technical Report, Southern California Association of Governments, adopted September 3, 2020

CVAG Active Transportation Plan, Michael Baker
International, 2016 2015 Urban Water Management Plan,
Final Report, CVWD, July 1, 2016 Sanitary Sewer
Management Plan, CVWD, December 1, 2019
Solid Waste Information System, www2.calrecyle.ca.gov, CalRecycle, accessed December 2020 4-74

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California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, CalFire, last updated 1/13/2020.

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EXHIBIT “B”

GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT CASE NO.

GPTA21-0001 – HOUSING AND SAFETY ELEMENTS

[SEE ATTACHED]

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Housing Element

1 4 Housing

Introduction
The Rancho Mirage Housing Element is intended to provide both citizens and public officials with a comprehensive understanding of the housing needs in Rancho Mirage. It sets forth policies and programs that will enable the City to reach its defined housing goals and attempt to assure that every Rancho Mirage resident secures a safe and decent place to live in a satisfactory environment. The Housing Element promotes a coordination of housing policies and programs at local, state, and federal levels.

This element first reviews the applicable state law that governs its content. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of the policies and programs implemented through the 2014-2021 Housing Element. Then a review of Rancho Mirage’s demographic information is presented, followed by an analysis of its housing needs. All constraints that might restrict or impede the development of housing are then analyzed. The document concludes with the goals, policies, and programs to be implemented in the 2021- 2029 planning period.

Background
Legal Requirements of the Housing
Element

California has required that local jurisdictions plan for housing since 1969. AB 2853, passed in 1980, established Government Code Article 10.6, Section 65580 et. seq. to define the need for, and content of Housing Elements. At its core, the law requires that the “housing element shall consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing” to meet the State’s housing goals. The basic components of a Housing Element were established at that time in Section 65583, and required that each Element include:
› An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of local needs
› A statement of the community’s goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing
› A program that sets forth a schedule of actions to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the Housing Element to provide housing for all economic segments of the community guided by the following state housing
objectives
›› Provision of decent housing for all persons regardless of age, race, sex, marital status, source of income, or other factors
›› Provision of adequate housing by location, type, price and tenure

›› Development of a balanced residential environment
including access to jobs, community facilities, and services

Since that time, Housing Element law has been regularly updated, expanded and modified. The most recent update to Housing Element law occurred in 2017, when a series of bills were passed into law to address the State’s determination that California was experiencing a State-wide housing crisis. The laws included:
› SB 2 established a recordation fee for real estate
documentation which would fund planning grants for
affordable housing and affordable housing projects.
› SB 3 placed a $4 billion general obligation bond on the November 2018 ballot to fund affordable housing,
farmworker housing, transit-oriented development, infill infrastructure and home ownership.
› SB 35 mandated a streamlined approval process for infill affordable housing projects in communities that have not, according to the Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) met their affordable housing allocation (RHNA).
› AB 72 allowed HCD to find a housing element out of
compliance with State law, and to refer the non-compliant element to the State Attorney General for action at any time during a Housing Element planning period.
› AB 73 provided State-funded financial incentives for local jurisdictions which choose to create a streamlined zoning overlay for certain affordable housing projects.
› AB 101 required that Low-Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNC) be a by-right use in areas zoned for mixed-use and
nonresidential zoning districts permitting multifamily uses.

LBNC provide temporary room and board with limited barriers to entry while case managers work to connect homeless
individuals and families to income, public benefits, health services, permanent housing, or other shelter.
› SB 166 required that development proposals on local
jurisdictions’ sites inventory cannot be reduced in density without findings, and/or the identification of additional sites to result in ‘no net loss’ of affordable housing units in the sites inventory.
› SB 540 provided State funding for the planning and
implementation of workforce housing opportunity zones for very low, low and moderate income households.
› AB 571 modified the farmworker tax credit program to allow HCD to advance funds to migrant housing center operators at the beginning of each planting season, and allowed migrant housing to remain open for up to 275 days annually.
› AB 678 amended the Housing Accountability Act to limit a local jurisdiction’s ability to deny low and moderate income housing projects by increasing the required documentation and raising the standard of proof required of a local
jurisdiction.
› AB 686 (approved in 2018) required a public agency to administer its programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner that affirmatively furthers fair housing.
› AB 879 amended the annual reporting requirements of local jurisdictions to HCD regarding proposed projects, including processing times, number of project applications and
approvals, and required approval processes.
› AB 1397 amended the requirements of adequate sites
analysis to assure that sites are not only suitable, but also available, by requiring additional information in site
inventories.
› AB 1505 allowed local jurisdictions to adopt local ordinances that require affordable housing units on- or off-site when approving residential projects.
› AB 1515 established a ‘reasonable person’ standard to consistency of affordable housing projects and emergency shelters with local policies and standards.
› AB 1521 placed restrictions on the owners of affordable housing projects when terminating or selling their projects.

Relationship to Other Elements
As an element of the General Plan, the Housing Element identifies present and future housing needs, and establishes policies and programs to achieve those needs. In the context of the General Plan, the Housing Element functions as an integral part of a 4-77

2 comprehensive growth plan. For instance, projected housing need relates not only to residential land use acreages, but to the distribution of commercial lands and the jobs created by development on those lands. It also addresses policies to accommodate Rancho Mirage’s fair share of households in all income levels.

The Housing Element is closely correlated with the following mandated General Plan Elements:
› Land Use
› Circulation
› Conservation and Open Space
› Noise
› Safety

As part of the update of this Housing Element for the 2021-2029 planning period, the City has also reviewed the other elements of the General Plan, and found that this Housing Element is consistent, and that the General Plan is therefore internally consistent, as required by law. The City annually reviews the General Plan for internal consistency, and also conducts a consistency review if a General Plan Amendment is proposed.

Evaluation of Existing Housing Element
Policies and Programs

The Housing Element must include an evaluation of the goals, policies, and programs of the previous planning period, in this case the 2014-2021 timeframe. This evaluation helps the City determine which goals, policies and programs were effective; which are still being implemented; and which may either be complete, or were not effective in implementing the provision of housing. This evaluation helps the City determine how policy direction in the current planning period should be updated.

GOAL H 1
A variety of housing types that meet the needs of residents in Rancho Mirage.

GOAL H 2
Housing to meet the needs of Rancho Mirage’s lower income households.

GOAL H 3
The preservation and maintenance of Rancho Mirage’s affordable housing supply in a safe and sanitary condition.

Policy H 1
The General Plan shall provide for a mixture of residential densities dispersed throughout Rancho Mirage.

Evaluation: The General Plan Land Use Element establishes a variety of residential densities, ranging from one dwelling unit per 640 acres (Hillside Reserve) to nine dwelling units per acre (High Density Residential and Mobile Home Park), that are consistent with the low-density character of the city and surrounding desert communities. Lands designated for various densities are distributed throughout the city, as illustrated on the Land Use Map. In addition, the Section 19 Specific Plan (Ordinance No. 989, adopted 2010) allows both high-density residential and mixed-use development at densities of at least 20 units per acre and up to 28 units per acre. The Highway 111 Specific Plan, in development in 2020 and planned for adoption in 2021, will allow both high- density residential and mixed-use development at densities of at least 16 units per acre and up to 28 units per acre (the affordable housing overlay conditionally allows up to 34 units per acre). This policy will continue to be implemented.

Program H 1.A
The City shall monitor the remaining supply of vacant land in all residential zoning categories.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: Annually with General Plan Annual Report.

Evaluation: The Development Services Department routinely updates its vacant land inventories. The Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan provides a tally of vacant land acreages in all residential zoning categories and projections of potential dwelling units and populations at buildout. The City also operates on a one- map system, so its Land Use and Zoning Map is always consistent in representing both General Plan and Zoning designations, and identifying the location of vacant residential lands. These tools assist the City in analyzing its land use balance, developing capital improvement plans, and making other planning and financial decisions. This program has been successful and will continue to be implemented.

Program H 1.B
The City shall review and revise its residential development standards, as needed, to ensure that a variety of housing types are accommodated without sacrificing the City’s design standards.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: Annually with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

Evaluation: The Zoning Ordinance was amended several times between 2014 and 2021 to accommodate a variety of housing types. Ordinance No. 1086 was adopted in 2014 to increase minimum parcel size for High Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Low Density Residential, and Very Low Density Residential. In 2019, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1148 to add provisions for junior accessory dwelling units and new State regulations on accessory dwelling units. Ordinance No. 1159, also adopted in 2019, amended various sections including general residential development standards, accessory uses and structures, and time extensions for development plans to clarify existing standards. This program has been successful and will be ongoing.

Program H 1.C
The City’s Density Bonus Ordinance shall be amended to satisfy the requirements of state law.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: As needed with changes in state law.

Evaluation: The Density Bonus Ordinance is regularly reviewed for compliance with state law. No new projects qualified for or were granted density bonuses during the last planning period. This program will be continued as appropriate.

Policy H 2
The City’s residential development standards shall allow for a diversity of housing types while adhering to the General Plan’s community design policies.

Evaluation: The Zoning Ordinance includes seven residential zoning districts, each of which has its own development standards that allow for a diverse range of housing types, including single- and multi-family residences, manufactured housing,
guest/employee housing, and transitional/supportive housing, among others. The Section 19 Specific Plan provides greater flexibility for residential development types, such as live/work and mixed-use residential units, and sets forth specialized design standards and guidelines for the 270-plus-acre specific plan area.

The Highway 111 Specific Plan will provide similar flexibility for residential development types, and provides consistent yet flexible design standards and guidelines for the 684-acre specific plan area. All development standards are consistent with the General Plan’s community design policies that seek to preserve and enhance the city’s distinctive character. This policy has been successfully implemented and will continue.

Policy H 3
Affordable housing developments shall be distributed throughout Rancho Mirage rather than concentrated in one area.

Evaluation: The City strives to distribute affordable housing developments throughout the city to the greatest extent possible.

The 83-unit San Jacinto Villas, constructed during the 2006-2013 planning period, is in the southern portion of the city in the vicinity of Parkview Villas, another affordable, 82-unit age-restricted (55+) project. Its location along the Highway 111 corridor was determined to be beneficial for the resident senior population due to proximity to the public library, post office, commercial services, and bus stops. In 2018, the City extended the affordability covenant for 35 units at Rancho Mirage Villa Apartments through July 21, 2060. They include 18 low income units and 17 moderate income units, which will also benefit residents with convenience and quality living environment along the Highway 111 corridor. The Section 19 Specific Plan, adopted in 2010, offers affordable housing opportunities in the northern portion of the city just south of I-10, within walking distance of urban amenities and a future multi- modal transit station. The Highway 111 Specific Plan will provide affordable housing opportunities along the Highway 111 corridor, notably in the Thunder Road area where an affordable housing overlay conditionally allows up to 34 units per acre. The Highway 4-78

Housing Element

3 111 corridor is the City’s and the region’s primary arterial, and connects all cities in the Coachella Valley. Providing high density residential opportunities adjacent to the corridor will facilitate access to jobs, shopping, services and transit for future residents.

This policy will be maintained.

Policy H 4
Rental projects developed with City funds to provide affordable housing shall be owned by the Housing Authority to the greatest extent possible, in order to ensure that the quality of life in these projects is maintained.

Evaluation: The Housing Authority owns and manages 226
affordable rental units in four housing projects, all of which are age- restricted (55+) to serve the largest segment of the city’s population.

Parkview Villas consists of 82 units, and Whispering Waters contains 29 units. Santa Rosa Villas includes 33 units. The City’s newest project, San Jacinto Villas includes 82 affordable units.

With the elimination of Redevelopment in 2012, the Housing Authority has continued to manage and maintain its existing properties, but has not had funds available for the construction of additional units. The City will seek collaboration with private developers and organizations for new housing projects. This policy will be modified for the 2021-2029 planning period.

Program H 4.A
The Housing Authority shall consider all available options when developing rental units, including hiring contractors through requests for proposals, participating in tax credit applications and other strategies as they become available.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: As projects are proposed.

Evaluation: The Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park, acquired by the Housing Authority in 2009 with the intent to develop affordable housing, was cleared in 2017. The project site is adjacent to roadways, transit and utility infrastructure. There are currently no plans to develop the property, and no timeline for considering a project on the site. However, the City maintains this site as an option for an affordable housing project. Options include partnering with an affordable housing developer, offering the site for sale to an affordable housing developer, or selling the site for other purposes.

The property was not on the City’s Site Inventory during the 2014- 2021 planning period, but has been added in the Site Inventory for the 2021-2029 planning period. This program will be modified for the 2021-2029 planning period.

Program H 4.B
The Housing Authority shall maintain a program for substantial rehabilitation of existing rental units in Rancho Mirage.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: Annually with adoption of budget.

Evaluation: The Housing Authority did not have any available funding to grant lower income households financial assistance for home improvements from 2017 to 2019. All Housing Authority funding was used for the maintenance and operation of existing dwelling units provided by the City Housing Authority. The Housing Authority continues to maintain and rehabilitate Authority owned and operated housing units as needed. When health and safety concerns arise, the Housing Authority budgets for these corrections and takes actions to remedy the concern. Roofs and cabinetry at Parkview Villas and Whispering Waters were updated to address health and safety concerns in 2014-2015. In 2018, the Housing Authority updated cabinetry in units that became vacant. The Housing Authority will continue to rehabilitate its own units as the need arises. This program will be maintained in the 2021-2029 planning period as it relates to Housing Authority properties.

Program H 4.C
The City shall solicit private parties to purchase and consolidate small vacant lots in the Thunder Road area to allow the development of an economically feasible project for extremely low, very low, low and/or moderate income households.

Outreach efforts shall include annual meetings with affordable housing developers such as Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Habitat for Humanity and Palm Desert Development.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: Annually through Desert Valley Builders Association meetings, individual meetings with developers, and other appropriate parties.

Evaluation: During this Housing Element cycle, only two properties were purchased and entitled for duplexes, which may
accommodate moderate-income households. The developers
have not exercised their entitlement, nor have they requested further meetings with the City to discuss affordability covenants. In 2019, the City began to prepare an update to its Highway 111 Specific Plan. The update of the plan will conditionally allow up to 34 units per acre with an affordable housing overlay in the Thunder Road area in order to attract development. This program will be maintained for the 2021-2029 planning period.

Policy H 5
The City shall strive to meet the state-mandated special shelter needs of, large families, female-headed households, single-parent families, workers employed in Rancho Mirage, senior citizens, the disabled and homeless individuals through the continued efforts of the Housing Authority in developing or assisting private interests in developing housing for all types of households.

Evaluation: As described above, the Housing Authority owns and manages 226 affordable rental units, all of which are restricted for seniors (ages 55+). Ordinance No. 1047 (adopted in 2012) requires 1,120 affordable housing units, and a specified percentage of four-plus bedroom units that can accommodate large families in the Section 19 Specific Plan area. However, no new projects were developed in Section 19 in the last planning period.

The City contributes financially to a wide range of regional organizations that provide housing and other support to homeless and disabled individuals, including Angel View, Hidden Harvest, FIND Food Bank, Martha’s Village and Kitchen, and Jewish Family Services of the Desert. This policy shall be continued in the 2021- 2029 planning period.

Program H 5.A
Continue to support and assist in enforcing the provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act. Information on the Fair Housing Act, as well as methods for responding to complaints, shall be available at City Hall. The materials shall also be provided to the City Library and Post Office for distribution. The City’s Housing Commission shall continue to hear Fair Housing issues at its regular meetings.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: In accordance with the Housing Commission’s public meeting schedule.

Evaluation: The City Housing Authority, Housing Commission and Mobile Home Park Fair Practices Commission continue to support and assist in enforcing the provisions of the federal Fair Housing Act. Information on the Fair Housing Act, as well as methods for responding to complaints is available on the City's website. There is also a staff liaison at City Hall that works with any housing related questions or issues that arise. The Housing Commission will continue to hear fair housing issues when brought to the Commission's attention. No such cases were brought before the Commission in the 2014-2021 planning period. The City
distributed compliance surveys to affordable housing projects and confirmed they have been in compliance with the covenants as of 2020. The Mobile Home Park Fair Practices Commission hears petitions for determination regarding rent levels at the City’s mobile home parks. Cases may also be filed with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and may be transferred to the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

The City Attorney is in the process of updating the “Guide to Mobile Home Residency Law, Rights and Responsibilities,” which explains landlord and tenant regulations pertaining to mobile homes and mobile home parks. The guide will be posted on the City website and updated as needed. This program has been successful and will be maintained.
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4 Program H 5.B
The City shall work with private organizations in assisting whenever possible in the housing of disabled residents, through continued participation by the Housing Authority.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority, Development Services Department
Schedule: Annually with adoption of budget.

Evaluation: All affordable housing projects owned and managed by the Housing Authority are compliant with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the City regularly contributes to non-profit and charitable organizations, including those that provide housing and other services for disabled residents, through special assistance funds and other support. The Housing Authority was not presented with any opportunities to work with private organizations wishing to assist residents with special needs, including disabilities, in the 2014-2021 planning period.

Program H 5.C
The City shall amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow transitional and supportive housing as a residential use and only subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: 2013-2014

Evaluation: The current Zoning Ordinance permits transitional and supportive use housing (up to six residents) by right, the same as residential uses in base zoning district and the same as group housing. For more than six occupants, the Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit, which is the same process required for large group homes. The City amended the Municipal Code in 2019 to add transitional and supportive housing, up to a maximum of six beds, to the allowable residential uses matrix. These include State licensed facilities that are exempt from local review and/or permitting. This program has been completed.

Policy H 6
The City shall encourage the protection of existing affordable senior housing units.

Evaluation: The Housing Authority owns and manages four affordable housing projects that are age-restricted and provide a total of 226 units for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income seniors. The number of units is different from the 229 units identified in the previous Housing Element as 3 units are used by on-site property managers or maintenance technicians and thus not available for low income households. The Housing Authority monitors existing age-restricted housing in the city; none was removed during the 2014-2021 period. This program will be continued.

Program H 6.A
The City shall monitor existing mobile home parks, and shall consider the allocation of General Fund and/or Housing Authority funds to correct health and safety concerns as they arise.

Responsible Agency: Code Compliance Division, Housing
Authority
Schedule: Annually with adoption of the budget.

Evaluation: The City conducted inspections of mobile home parks and continued to monitor the parks through its Code Compliance Division and Building & Safety Division. However, no City or Housing Authority funding source has been identified to assist with any corrections. The City's Housing Authority is primarily involved in the maintenance of Housing Authority-owned multi-family housing. This program will be carried over to the new planning period.

Program H 6.B
The City shall monitor existing senior apartment buildings, and shall consider the allocation of General Fund and Housing Authority funds to correct health and safety concerns as they arise.

Responsible Agency: Code Compliance Division, Housing
Authority
Schedule: Annually with adoption of the budget.

Evaluation: The City Housing Authority continues to monitor all senior apartment complexes owned by the Housing Authority.

When health and safety concerns arise, the Housing Authority budgets for these corrections. Roofs and cabinetry at Parkview Villas and Whispering Waters were updated to address health and safety concerns in 2014-2015. In 2018, the Housing
Authority updated cabinetry in units that became vacant. This is an ongoing program.

Policy H 7
There shall be equal access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status or sexual orientation.

Evaluation: The City has numerous anti-discrimination policies and regulations in place, including fair housing practices, and continues to implement them on an ongoing basis.

Policy H 8
The City’s mandated fair share of affordable housing shall be maintained by resale and rental restrictions, applicant screenings, and other appropriate mechanisms established as conditions of approval for new affordable housing projects.

Evaluation: Privately developed affordable housing projects in the city are contractually obligated to maintain affordability restrictions for a specified period of time and in accordance with applicable laws. This policy has been successful and will continue to be implemented as new projects are proposed.

Policy H 9
The Housing Authority shall pursue the development of 56 extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units in this planning period.

Evaluation: During the 2014-2021 planning period, 430 new residential building permits were issued in the city. This includes 2 moderate income and 428 above moderate income units.

In 2019, the City began to prepare an update to its Highway 111 Specific Plan. The update of the plan will establish minimum densities of 16 units per acre on designated sites and allow up to 34 units per acre with an affordable housing overlay in the Thunder Road area to further accommodate the need for affordable housing.

This policy will be replaced with policies that reflect the 2021- 2029 planning period Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA), which has increased substantially from the 2014-2021 allocation.

Program H 9.A
The Housing Authority shall pursue a funding strategy for the development of the Monterey Village project as a family project comprised of approximately 227 ownership and rental units including extremely low, very low and low income family households. The Authority shall consider all available tools to leverage the project, and shall work with private development entities to secure the total funding necessary given the elimination of future housing set-aside funds.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority, Development Services Department
Schedule: 2016: Apply for funding. 2017: Begin construction. 2018: Occupy.

Evaluation: The Housing Authority was not able to construct the Monterey Village project due to lack of funds. The City has made efforts to secure partnerships with the development community and is getting positive responses given the project location and access to transit and jobs. This program will be modified for the 2021- 2029 planning period.

Program H 9.B
The Housing Authority shall consider the construction of units containing 4 or more bedrooms in its future development projects to address the potential for overcrowding, which currently stands at 2.5 percent of the City’s total housing units. The Monterey Village project shall include 6 (2.5 percent) units with 4 or more bedrooms.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: 2016-2018 4-80

Housing Element

5 Evaluation: The City still owns the land upon which the Monterey Village project was to be located. The City remains open to dialogue regarding public/private partnerships that may further this program and has been actively engaging with the
development community. The City has received positive responses given the project location and access to transit and jobs. This program will be reevaluated for the 2021-2029 planning period.

Program H 9.C
The Housing Authority shall give family households first priority for extremely low, very low and low income units.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: 2014-2021

Evaluation: The City Housing Authority continues to give priority to extremely low, very low, and low income households for existing projects. In 2018, the City extended the affordability covenant for 35 units at Rancho Mirage Villa Apartments through July 21, 2060.

They include 18 low income units (all Junior 1 bed/1 bath), and 17 moderate income units (8 1 bed/1 bath, 4 2 bed/1 bath, and 5 2 bed/2 bath units). This program will be continued.

Policy H 10
The City may, whenever it deems feasible and necessary, reduce, subsidize or defer development fees to facilitate the development of affordable housing.

Program H 10.A
The City will include an analysis of fee reduction, subsidy or deferral in staff reports for affordable housing projects, to facilitate the Council’s consideration of same on a case by case basis.

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: As projects are proposed.

Evaluation: The City will continue to consider and implement fee reductions or subsidies whenever deemed feasible and necessary.

No projects asked for or received subsidies in the 2014-2021 planning period. This program will continue to be implemented.

Policy H 11
The City shall apply its density bonus provisions to all qualifying affordable housing projects.

Evaluation: No projects asked for or received density bonus allowances during the 2014-2021 planning period. The City will continue to consider and apply density bonus provisions whenever appropriate.

Policy H 12
The City shall provide up to 205 units for extremely low, very low, or low income households in Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02, or 4.03 of the Section 19 Specific Plan.

Program H 12.A
The minimum 20 unit per acre requirement (Government Code Section 65583.2 (h) & (i)) shall be maintained in the Section 19 Specific Plan for Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02 and 4.03 consistent with Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B).

Responsible Agency: Development Services Department
Schedule: 2013-2014
Evaluation: Ordinance No.1047, adopted by the City in 2012, amended the Section 19 Specific Plan to provide 1,120 dwelling units for extremely low, very low, and low income households. No projects have been approved in Section 19 since 2014. However, in 2017 a new water trunk line was installed which improved water pressure in this area, which had previously been a constraint on development. With the constraint eliminated, Section 19 has greater potential for development in the 2021-2029 planning period. This program will be maintained for the 2021-2029 planning period.

Program H 12.B
To facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households in the Section 19 Specific Plan area, the City will encourage further land divisions to result in parcel sizes that facilitate multifamily development affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (i.e., 50-100 units). The City will offer incentives for the development of affordable housing including but not limited to:
priority to processing subdivision maps that include affordable housing units, expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots, financial assistance (based on availability of federal, state, local foundations, and private housing funds).

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: 2014-2021 - As projects are proposed.

Evaluation: The City continues to encourage development in Section 19, including affordable housing. In 2017, a new water trunk line was installed which improved water pressure in this area, which had previously been a constraint on development. With the constraint eliminated, Section 19 has greater potential for development in the 2021-2029 planning period. This program will continue to be implemented.

Policy H 13
The City may assist existing extremely low, very low and low income households in maintaining their homes in a safe and habitable condition.

Program H 13.A
The Housing Authority shall provide financial assistance, subject to available funding, to lower income households through its Home Improvement Program, as described in Rehabilitation Needs.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: Annually with adoption of the budget.

Evaluation: The Home Improvement Program ended Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (June 30, 2014). The Housing Authority has not had funds available to reinstate the program. All Housing Authority funding was used for the maintenance and operation of existing dwelling units owned by the Housing Authority. This program will be reinstated if funds are available.

Policy H 14
Relocation assistance shall be provided to lower income households who are displaced by public or private redevelopment activities as mandated by the state.

Evaluation: The City provided relocation assistance for former residents at Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park until its clearance in 2017. This program will continue to be implemented in the future, if residents require relocation.

Policy H 15
The City shall make every effort to preserve units at risk at Rancho Mirage Resort.

Program H 15.A
In order to preserve units at risk, the City shall:
« Monitor the status of affordable units that may become at-risk of conversion.
« Provide technical assistance as feasible to facilitate preservation for units considered at risk of conversion. Annually contact property owners, gauge interest and identify non-profit partners and pursue funding and preservation strategy on a project basis.
« Work with owners and potential buyers to assure that
affordability covenants are maintained through the planning period.
« Use, where feasible, available financial resources to restructure federally assisted preservation projects, in order to preserve affordability. Annually identify funding sources for at- risk preservation and acquisition rehabilitation and pursue or support applications of non-profits for these funding sources at the federal, state or local levels.

Responsible Agency: Housing Authority
Schedule: 2014-2015

Evaluation: The 30-year affordable resale restrictions for 41 units at Rancho Mirage Resort may have lapsed, and the City was not able to identify any viable means to reinstate the resale restrictions.

The units at Rancho Mirage Resort are considered to have lost affordability and are no longer included in the City affordable housing inventory. The City had one development, Rancho Mirage Villa Apartments, at risk of converting to market rate in 2018. 4-81

14 The Zoning Ordinance defines family consistently with the federal definition, as one or more individuals in a household. This means there are no special requirements for concentration of residential care facilities or constraints on housing for persons with disabilities.

There are also no parking requirements other than those required for any project for any and all housing types that serve persons with disabilities.

Ramps, stairs, and similar structures necessary for accessibility are allowed by right in the Zoning Ordinance. No variance or conditional use permit is required, and is not expected to be in the future.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code defines a developmental disability as “a disability that originates before an individual becomes 18 years old, continues or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual.” The definition includes severe and chronic disabilities, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and other disabling conditions that are closely related to mental retardation or require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation. It does not include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services for developmentally disabled individuals through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities. It contracts with the Inland Regional Center (IRC) to provide and coordinate local services for eligible residents in Riverside County, including those in Rancho Mirage. IRC’s services also include assessment, referrals, counseling, outreach, advocacy, and training. IRC currently (2021) serves 29 clients who are Rancho Mirage residents.

IRC uses person-centered planning when developing a client’s Individual Program Plan (IPP). The IPP outlines the goals developed by the client and their support team, as well as the services and support they will receive to help meet those goals. Many of the services/supports listed in the IPP are funded by Inland Regional Center. However, services and supports may also be provided by other agencies such as the Social Security Administration, school districts, county agencies, etc.

Individuals with developmental disabilities may require housing that is close to public transportation, medical care, and public services.

Housing affordability and accessibility of the home and surroundings also require consideration. Housing options can range from traditional housing and independent living, to supervised group living quarters, to institutional facilities that provide onsite medical care and other services.

The following local and regional housing facilities are provided for the developmentally disabled population in the Coachella Valley.

Canyon Springs in Cathedral City is a State developmental center operated by DDS for individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. Referrals for admission are made by IRC. Services include residential care, treatment, and job training for up to 55 adults. The treatment program at Canyon Springs is designed to provide its residents with work/job training including formal educational opportunities and new home life and living skills. Each person is assessed and participates in developing and carrying out an IPP. Residents have opportunities to participate in a variety of integrated activities in natural environments at home, at work, and in the community.

Casa San Miguel de Allende in Cathedral City includes 48 apartments for developmentally and physically disabled
individuals.

Mountain View Apartments in Cathedral City are restricted to seniors age 62+ or disabled individuals (all ground level units).

The Braille Institute Coachella Valley Neighborhood Center, formerly in Rancho Mirage, opened in 2020 in Palm Desert and provides low vision rehabilitation, daily living skills, enrichment classes, and in-home support for the visually impaired.

Angel View, a non-profit organization based in Desert Hot Springs, operates 19 six-bed group homes for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. The homes provide 24-hour nursing and/or attendant care and can accommodate 100+ individuals at a time. There are 16 homes in the Coachella Valley, including 12 in Desert Hot Springs, three in Palm Springs, and one in Thousand Palms.

Additional support is provided by Desert Arc, based in Palm Desert, which provides vocational training, employment, adult day care, independence training, and case management services for adults with developmental disabilities in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin. Most clients are referred by the Inland Regional Center. Desert Arc operates on-site businesses at its Palm Desert campus, a smaller workshop facility in Yucca Valley, and a recycling center in Indio. In 2019, 695 clients were enrolled in at least one program; nine were Rancho Mirage residents.

The City complies with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Building Code to provide accessible and “barrier free” units for disabled residents, as necessary.

Residential care homes for up to six clients with state licensing are permitted in all residential zones: HR, R-E, R-L-2, R-L3, R-M, R-H, and MHP.

The City’s Zoning standards do not currently provide for reasonable accommodation. Program H1.C includes a
requirement to update the Code.

HIV/AIDS Patients
A Riverside University Health System Public Health study (2018) indicates Rancho Mirage’s HIV/AIDS population (2017) was approximately 2,147. The Desert AIDS Project (DAP), located in Palm Springs, is the Coachella Valley’s only facility dedicated to the treatment of HIV-positive and AIDS patients. Many of these patients live on fixed incomes, and particular issues of concern include finding affordable housing and transportation to medical services. The study also showed that from 2009 through 2018, a total of 34.9% of all HIV cases diagnosed in eastern Riverside County are 50 years or older. While 42.5% of all people living with HIV in east Riverside County are 60 or older, there are a number of patients under the age 50 who, because of their age, are not eligible for senior housing.

Vista Sunrise in Palm Springs is an apartment building with eighty affordable units dedicated to persons living with HIV/AIDS, which also provides housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS who are also homeless or at-risk of homelessness. It offers affordable studio and 1-bedroom apartments to qualified applicants and is the only development of its kind in the Coachella Valley. DAP and the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition are planning Vista Sunrise II, also on the DAP campus, which will provide 61 very low and low income supportive housing units for at risk individuals. The project is expected to be constructed in 2022-2023.

Large Families
There were 153 households in Rancho Mirage with five or more members in 2018, according to the American Community Survey.

Of these larger households, 106 were in owner-occupied housing, and 47 were in renter-occupied housing. According to ACS, 38 of the large households in Rancho Mirage had incomes below the poverty level in 2018.

Compared to 2010 Census data figures, there was a 48 percent decrease in the number of large family households (293
households in 2010 versus 153 households in 2018).

TABLE 29 shows that there are 1,653 housing units in Rancho Mirage with four or more bedrooms, 326 of which have five or more bedrooms. Despite the number of dwelling units with four or more bedrooms in the current housing stock, 141 units (1.5% of all units citywide) are overcrowded, and 88 (62.4%) of them are rental units. There are 326 units with 5 or more bedrooms (3.5% of total units citywide), and only 54 of them are rental units, so there may be a need for additional units with 5 or more bedrooms affordable to large families, particularly rental units. To further accommodate large families, in 2012 the City adopted
amendments to the Section 19 Specific Plan that require projects in Section 19 to include at least one percent of the units with four or more bedrooms.
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Housing Element

21 during the review process. Planning Division staff approve the FDP as long as the project substantially conforms to the approval given by City Council.

The FDP, which can be filed and approved at any time after the PDP approval, may be approved in 30 days or less. Construction of the project must begin within one year of the FDP approval, or within two years if a tract map accompanied the FDP, or the approval expires.

Extensions of one year to both the PDP and FDP are allowed under the Zoning Ordinance.

Parcel and Tract Maps
Depending on the project, parcel maps (four or fewer lots) or tract maps (five or more lots) may be required. The project and environmental review and approval process and time involved for such maps are similar to the PDP application, except that ARB review is not required. The subdivision map is most often processed concurrently with the PDP, and does not extend the processing time for the project.

Tentative parcel maps are approved by the Planning Commission.

Tentative tract maps receive final approval from the City Council.

A final map must be submitted and approved by the City Council as a non-public hearing item. Should the applicant not be able to receive an approved Final Map within the two-year period, one year extensions, as provided by State law, are possible. The timelines described above are typical of the cities of the Coachella Valley, and less time consuming than County processes. The times required to process applications in the City are not considered constraints to housing.

Code Enforcement
The City’s Building & Safety Division enforces the California Building Code to ensure that new construction is safe for the occupants, and is properly maintained. The Code Compliance Division is responsible for the on-going maintenance of housing units in a safe and habitable condition.

Code compliance for structural deficiencies or maintenance problems is processed as follows: A phone call and/or a site visit is made to the property owner. In most instances, this is sufficient to cause the violation to be corrected by the property owner.

Typically, the property owner is given 10 to 20 days to correct the violation. If personal contact is not possible, the Code Compliance Division will send a letter to the owner of record. The City has the ability to directly abate a violation, if the owner is unwilling or cannot be located. All costs associated with abatement are billed to the property owner. If the owner is unwilling to pay, a tax lien is placed on the property. These procedures are typical of those employed by most cities in California, and do not place an un-due constraint on the development or maintenance of housing.

Article XXXIV
The California Constitution, Article XXXIV requires voter approval of affordable housing developments when they are developed, constructed, or acquired in any manner by a public agency.

Rancho Mirage voters considered and passed an Article XXXIV referendum in 1981. The authorization was not for any specific site or project.

Article XXXIV requirements do not apply to projects that are owned by a private developer, owned by a private non-profit
organization, or contain less than 50 percent affordable units.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The City’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter

3.25) defines short-term rental (STR) as a property, rented for a period of 27 consecutive calendar days or less, for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping or special event purposes, regardless of home-sharing and/or subletting arrangements. STRs are allowed in any residentially zoned single-family residential dwelling or condominium within communities with Homeowners Association (HOA) that do not prohibit STRs in its CC&R’s. Homeowners are required to obtain a STR certificate and collect transient occupancy taxes (TOT) at a rate of 10% of the rent charged. STRs provide homeowners with opportunities to increase their incomes, which can offset their housing costs. STRs are often rented by vacationers rather than permanent residents, and the added TOT costs revenues are not considered a constraint to housing. Furthermore, because only units within planned communities excluding those subject to affordable housing covenants are allowed to have STRs, and these communities contain only market rate units, the presence of STRs in Rancho Mirage does not constrain the development of affordable housing.

Economic Constraints
Land Costs
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), land price/cost in Rancho Mirage fluctuated in the last decade, and saw an overall increase from 2012 to 2019. Land costs dipped to a low point in 2018, but rose above the 2012 level by 2019. Land share of property value fluctuated around 30%, with a low of 24% and a high of 36%. As the planning period extends for eight years, land costs will fluctuate, and will continue to be an issue directly tied to the provision of affordable housing. In 2019, FHFA data revealed land value in the northeast portion of Rancho Mirage at $15.78 per square foot for existing residential properties (as is), or $17.38 per square foot (standardized by age of structure, interior area, and lot size). Land values in Rancho Mirage are among the highest in the Coachella Valley, and although the City does not determine the price of land, land use policies regulate the number of units built per acre, which directly impact the cost of development.

Construction Costs
Single-family and multi-family construction costs are estimated to range between $114 and $131 per square foot in the current economic environment, depending on home design and materials selected according to International Code Council. These costs are less than what was estimated during the previous planning period, and reflective of 2020 construction costs. Although the City cannot directly control construction costs, it does offer subsidies to achieve affordability in residential units.

Financing Costs
The purchase price of a dwelling unit is impacted by financing costs, which can affect affordability and the home buyer’s ability to purchase. Interest rates directly impact financing costs, and vary in response to national factors. Current interest rates are low -- from under two to just above three percent depending on the length of the mortgage. The City could develop and implement programs to write down interest rates in order to increase affordability, but current interest rates do not warrant such programs. Financing for both construction and long-term mortgages is generally available subject to normal underwriting standards.

Homeowners Associations
In Rancho Mirage, many country clubs, gated communities, and residential neighborhoods have homeowners’ associations that charge mandatory monthly fees. Although the initial purchase price of homes in many country clubs and gated communities exceeds the definition of affordable to moderate income households, some purchase prices may appear affordable. However, the total housing payment including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance is combined with a monthly Homeowners Association fee, which may cause the total payment to exceed 30 percent of the household’s income and become unaffordable.

Non-Governmental Constraints
In general, building permit applications for residential projects (other than single family homes) are received by the City within approximately 3 months of entitlement approvals.

The City is committed to meeting its fair share of housing for the current planning period, and has identified sufficient lands to address the RHNA. Developers do not request reductions in density from those allowed under the Zoning Ordinance, and the City will continue to promote the higher densities allowed under the AHO overlay, the Highway 111 Specific Plan and the Section 19 Specific Plan for those sites listed in Table 44. In addition, given the requirements of AB 330, the City cannot deny a housing project proposed within the density range allowed on inventory sites unless than project does not meet the City’s numerical development standards. Therefore, the City’s efforts to increase density and the requirements of State law prevent affordable housing from being developed at lower densities, and there is no constraint. 4-97

22 Physical Constraints
Environmental
There are no environmental constraints to the construction of housing in the City. There are no earthquake faults, areas susceptible to liquefaction or other seismic hazard, or flood zones within the developable areas of the City, and especially lands shown in the City’s vacant land inventory for affordable housing units. The City implements the most current building code, which includes seismic requirements consistent with the requirements implemented everywhere in California.

Maintenance of Housing Stock
Although the majority of housing in Rancho Mirage is relatively new, as of 2020, 62.1 percent of the units in Rancho Mirage were over 30 years of age. Structures over 30 years of age require maintenance to remain in habitable condition. Lower income renters and owners may be unable to afford repairs. The City’s Home Improvement Program was designed to aid those
households in maintaining and improving their properties; however, it ended Fiscal Year 2013-2014 (June 30, 2014). The program may be reinstated when funds are available.

Infrastructure
Pursuant to SB 1087, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), as the water purveyor for the City, will be provided the adopted Housing Element and shall be required to establish specific procedures to grant priority service to affordable projects. Although most of Rancho Mirage’s infill development sites are not constrained by the lack of infrastructure, there are a few areas with inadequate services, as discussed below.

CVWD has approved Urban Water Management Plans, which
was last updated in 2015 based on the City’s General Plan build out. The 2015 Plan states that CVWD has sufficient supplies available to meet the City’s RHNA. In addition, CVWD’s
wastewater treatment plants have adequate capacity to meet long term development needs, since their planning is directly tied to the build out potential of the General Plans of the cities their serve, including Rancho Mirage.

The neighborhood near Thunder Road, south and west of Highway 111 and Country Club Drive, consists of three cul-de-sac streets (Bird Lane, View Road and Estates Road), where existing dwelling units lack sewer. Single-lot development is infeasible due to the high cost of installing sewer lines and establishing connections to the main system. This area is included in both the Highway 111 Specific Plan, currently under way, and in the site inventory to meet the City’s RHNA allocation. Actions to promote and encourage lot assembly will be required to assure that this area will redevelop to provide affordable housing. The Specific Plan’s affordable housing overlay, which will allow up to 34 units per acre, is one such action which would make the area feasible for development. This potential constraint is addressed in the policies and programs below.

Peterson Road and Mirage Cove Drive is an area of one acre and larger equestrian lots without sewer service. Existing homes currently operate on septic systems, and some still have individual wells for domestic water supply. Development of new homes has not occurred due to the high cost of installing sewer lines. Article XXXIV requirements do not apply to projects that are owned by a private developer or a private non-profit organization, or contain less than 50 percent affordable units. None of the sites identified to meet the City’s RHNA allocation occur in this area.

Vista del Sol is an area of one-acre lots lacking adequate infrastructure. The area is located in the Section 31 Specific Plan area, where the City envisioned a community of resort hotel, residential, commercial, and open space/recreation uses oriented around a Grand Oasis lagoon. In the Section 31 Specific Plan completed in November 2019, a 15” PVC sewer main is
proposed within Vista Del Sol to connect the existing sewer system at Frank Sinatra Drive to the existing 24” VCP sewer main in Country Club Drive. The infrastructure expansion will remove this impediment to development in this area. None of the sites identified to meet the City’s RHNA allocation occur in Section 31.

Strategy for Meeting Affordable
Housing Need

The City’s Housing Authority consists of the five City Council Members and establishes a voting authority for affordable housing projects. The Housing Authority, among other tasks, pursues mobile home park acquisition, joint venture projects with private developers, and development and management of Housing
Authority-owned affordable housing projects.

In the 2014-2021 planning period, the Housing Authority made efforts to preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing projects and plan new projects, each of which is described below.

Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park
In 2009, the Housing Authority acquired the Rancho Palms Mobile Home Park at 39-360 Peterson Road. The park was cleared in 2017. The project site is adjacent to roadways, transit and utility infrastructure. The property has been added to the City’s Site Inventory for the 2021-2029 planning period. It is anticipated that the property will be redeveloped into an affordable residential use.

While there are currently no plans to develop the property, the City is open to options including partnering with an affordable housing developer, offering the site for sale to an affordable housing developer, or selling the site for other purposes.

Highway 111 Specific Plan
In 2019, the City began to prepare an update to its Highway 111 Specific Plan. The update of the plan will establish minimum densities of 16 units per acre on designated sites and allow up to 34 units per acre with an affordable housing overlay in the Thunder Road area. The Specific Plan is currently planned for adoption in 2021.

Section 19 Specific Plan
With the adoption of Ordinance No. 1047 in 2012, the City requires the provision of 1,120 affordable housing units in the Section 19 Specific Plan area just south of I-10. Units will be reserved for extremely low, very low, and low income households.

In 2017, a new water trunk line was installed which improved water pressure in the area, which had been a constraint on development. Extension of water and sewer lines to serve the first phase (mixed use development) of the Specific Plan is expected to continue as necessary during the 2021-2029 housing cycle, but no development plans for affordable housing have been proposed to date.

The Section 19 Specific Plan includes multiple planning areas, The Planning Areas listed in Table 44 are each just over 7 acres, and total 22.1 acres. These Planning Areas are required by Ordinance 1047 to be developed for affordable housing, including employee housing. These three planning areas are adjacent to the water and sewer extensions completed by CVWD, making their development feasible during the current planning period. These planning areas are part of a 112 acre parcel under single ownership. In order to encourage the development of these parcels, program H 6.A has been added.

Monterey & Dinah Shore Land Holding
The City-owned 50-acre property is in close proximity to the Monterey Marketplace shopping center (see Map Key B, TABLE 44). A total of approximately 227 units of single and multiple family housing for very low land low income households had been planned for 25 acres of this property. The Housing Authority was not able to construct the Monterey Village project due to lack of funds. The City is actively engaging with the development community and has received positive responses given the project location and access to transit and jobs. The City will continue to pursue partnerships and projects on this property during the 2021- 2029 period.

Parkview Villas and Whispering Waters
The Housing Authority updated roofs and cabinetry at Parkview Villas and Whispering Waters to address health and safety concerns in 2014-2015. In 2018, the Housing Authority updated cabinetry in units that became vacant. The Housing Authority will continue to rehabilitate its own units as the need arises. 4-98

Housing Element

25 4-101

26 Housing Goals, Policies, and Programs,
2021-2029

GOAL H 1
A variety of housing types that meet the needs of residents in Rancho Mirage.

GOAL H 2
Housing to meet the needs of Rancho Mirage’s lower income households and other special need groups, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

GOAL H 3
The preservation and maintenance of Rancho Mirage’s affordable housing supply in a safe and sanitary condition.

GOAL H 4

Affirmatively furthering fair housing to eliminate and prevent potential discrimination and ensure fair housing choice.

POLICY H 1
The General Plan shall provide for a mixture of residential densities dispersed throughout Rancho Mirage.

PROGRAM H 1.A
The City shall monitor the remaining supply of vacant land in all residential zoning categories.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
Annually with General Plan Annual Report.

PROGRAM H 1.B
The City shall amend its Zoning Ordinance residential
development standards, as needed, to ensure that a variety of housing types are accommodated without sacrificing the City’s design standards.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
Annually with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 1.C
The City’s Density Bonus Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter

17.22) shall be amended consistent with State law (Government Code Section 65915); and its Zoning Ordinance for parking for emergency shelters, reasonable accommodation, transitional and supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, employee housing, single room occupancy units and manufactured housing on foundations.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2022; annually thereafter with Zoning Ordinance Annual
Update.

PROGRAM H 1.D
To facilitate affordable housing development in high resource areas, the City to consider up to 28 units by right as a base, not including density bonus provisions, per acre. The Overlay will be applied to both the Monterey Village and the Rancho Palms MHP site (sites B and D of Table 44). The projects proposed for these sites shall be subject to all of the “by right” provisions of Government Code sections 65583, subdivision (c)(1), and 65583.2, subdivisions (h) and (i).

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
Adopt the overlay in 2022.

PROGRAM H 1.E
Projects proposed on sites B, C and D shall include a balanced mix of extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units in order to meet the City’s RHNA allocation. This requirement shall be added to the affordable housing overlay when codified.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2022 for zoning text amendment. Implementation as projects are proposed for sites B, C and D.

PROGRAM H 1.F
The City shall adopt an SB 35 application procedure for qualifying affordable housing projects.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2022 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 1.F
The City shall undertake a comprehensive review of its
development standards to assure that the densities required in the Affordable Housing Overlay can be achieved, and make any changes to the Zoning Ordinance necessary to achieve those densities.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
Report to Council/Zoning Changes Complete by June of 2023

POLICY H 2
The City’s residential development standards shall allow for a diversity of housing types to provide new housing choices and enhance housing mobility while adhering to the General Plan’s community design policies.
.

PROGRAM H 2.A
The City shall establish a pilot program to encourage development of ADUs and JADUs that are dedicated as affordable units and made available for rent to low-income households for at least 30 years. The City may consider an incentive such as a floor area bonus for the property owner.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2023 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 2.B
Review the Zoning Ordinance and make changes to ensure
compliance with AB 101 (Low-Barrier Navigation Centers).

Modify the definition of “homeless shelter” to include this use.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
At 2022 Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

POLICY H 3
Affordable housing developments shall be distributed throughout Rancho Mirage rather than concentrated in one area.

POLICY H 4
Rental projects shall be developed through partnerships with the Housing Authority, sale of City property to qualified affordable housing developers, and private projects as they are proposed.

The Housing Authority shall maintain its existing projects, and oversee new projects to assure that affordability and the quality of life in these projects is maintained.

PROGRAM H 4.A
The Housing Authority shall consider all available options when developing rental units, including hiring contractors through requests for proposals, participating in tax credit applications and other strategies as they become available.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
For City-owned properties:

Site B: Establish development strategy 2022-2023. Secure entitlements.2024-2025. Construction & Occupancy 2026-2027 Site D: Establish development strategy 2024-2025. Secure entitlements.2026-2027. Construction & Occupancy 2028-2029 4-102

Housing Element

27 PROGRAM H 4.B
To preserve the existing affordable housing supply, the Housing Authority shall maintain a program
for substantial rehabilitation of at least 20 existing rental units owned by the Housing Authority, and
shall pursue additional funding when available for other rental units.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

PROGRAM H 4.C
To promote community revitalization and housing affordability in the Thunder Road area, which is in the high resource area of Highway 111 corridor, the City shall solicit private parties to purchase and consolidate small vacant lots there to allow the development of an economically feasible project for extremely low, very low, low and/or moderate income households.

Outreach efforts shall include annual meetings with affordable housing developers such as Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Community Housing Opportunity Corporation, Habitat for
Humanity and others as they are identified.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually through Desert Valley Builders Association meetings, individual meetings with developers, and other appropriate parties.

PROGRAM H 4.D
The City shall include a minimum of 15% of units developed on sites B and D (as shown on Table 44) for extremely low income households.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
To be included in all RFPs, ENAs and purchase agreements for projects on these sites.

POLICY H 5
There shall be equal access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status or sexual orientation. The City shall promote and affirmatively further fair housing opportunities throughout the community for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, familial status, or disability, and other characteristics protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Government Code Section 65008, and any other
applicable state and federal fair housing and planning law.

PROGRAM H 5.A
The City shall continue to support and assist in enforcing the provisions of FEHA, Government Code Section 65008, and any other applicable state and federal fair housing and planning law.

Information on the FEHA, as well as methods for responding to complaints, shall be available at City Hall. The materials shall be bilingual (English/Spanish) and also provided to the City Library and Post Office for distribution. The City’s Housing Commission shall continue to hear Fair Housing issues at its regular meetings.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
In accordance with the Housing Commission’s public meeting schedule.

PROGRAM H 5.B
The City shall work with private organizations in assisting whenever possible in the housing of all at-risk residents, through continued participation by the Housing Authority. To assist persons with disabilities, the City shall publish its reasonable accommodation procedures (as updated) on the Housing and How Do I? pages of its website and distribute the information to local groups and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to expand outreach to persons in need.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority, Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

PROGRAM H 5.C
Collaborate and coordinate with government agencies such as Fair Housing Council of Riverside County and nonprofit groups such as Habitat for Humanity to support outreach on fair housing issues and solutions, including education on laws regarding reasonable accommodation and expansion of lending programs for homeownership among minority populations. Advertise workshops and webinars held by these organizations on the Housing page and under News Room page of the City website.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

PROGRAM H 5.D
Collaborate with the SunLine Transit Agency to expand services that provide reliable public transportation options to low income, disabled, senior, and other residents with limited access.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually through participation in SunLine Transit Agency Board of Directors.

PROGRAM H 5.E
Conduct a City-side Fair Housing Assessment (FHA) to include an assessment of fair housing issues, enforcement, outreach, and future goals and opportunities. The FHA shall be prepared consistent with HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule Guidebook (December 2015) and/or other guidance
recommended by HCD.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Every two years with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

PROGRAM H 5.F
To expand outreach and public input on fair housing issues, the City shall hold an annual workshop on affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH). The City should continue outreach to and invite disadvantaged groups, local activist groups and affordable housing developers, and advertise the AFFH workshop bilingually through various channels such as City website, social media sites, and at City Hall/Library/Post Office.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with Housing Element status report.

POLICY H 6
The City shall strive to meet the state-mandated special shelter needs of senior citizens, large families, female-headed households, single-parent families, workers employed in Rancho Mirage, farmworkers, the disabled and homeless individuals through the continued efforts of the Housing Authority in assisting private interests in developing housing for all types of households.

PROGRAM H 6.A
Encourage the development of low and moderate income
workforce units in the required affordable housing units within the Section 19 Specific Plan, to provide housing opportunities in close proximity to the Agua Caliente hotel and casino, and other hotels in the vicinity.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Planning Division, Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Establish development strategy 2024-2025. Secure
entitlements.2026-2027. Construction & Occupancy 2028-
2029
4-103

28 PROGRAM H 6.B
To provide new housing choices in high resources areas near employment opportunities, the City shall develop an incentive program, which could include fee waivers, expedited processing and density bonus provisions for Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02 and

4.03 of the Section 19 Specific Plan. The Housing Authority will meet with the landowner of these planning areas, and coordinate with affordable housing developers, including CHOC, CVHC and others, to develop projects for these Planning Areas.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department, Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
2022-2023 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update; through
Desert Valley Builders Association meetings, individual meetings with developers, and other appropriate parties.

PROGRAM H 6.C
The City will develop a package of incentives, including fee waivers and application streamlining, for projects which include housing for special needs, including the physically and developmentally disabled, the elderly and farmworkers. The incentives will be marketed to the affordable housing development community at annual outreach meetings, when projects are proposed, and through the City’s Economic Development website.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Planning Division, Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Establish incentive programs 2023. Post to website 2023. Annual developer meetings thereafter, and when development projects are proposed for affordable units.

PROGRAM H 6.D
The City will annually allocate funds to support regional efforts to eliminate homelessness, including contributions to existing shelters, CVAG’s homelessness programs, and additional opportunities as they develop.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
City Manager’s Office

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of budget.

POLICY H 7
The City shall encourage the protection of existing affordable senior housing units.

PROGRAM H 7.A
The City shall monitor existing mobile home parks, and shall consider the allocation of General Fund and/or Housing Authority funds to correct health and safety concerns as they arise.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Code Compliance Division, Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of the budget, subject to available funding.

PROGRAM H 7.B
The City shall monitor existing senior apartment buildings, and shall consider the allocation of General Fund and Housing Authority funds to correct health and safety concerns as they arise.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Code Compliance Division, Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of the budget, subject to available funding.

POLICY H 8
The City’s mandated fair share of affordable housing shall be maintained by resale and rental restrictions, applicant screenings, and other appropriate mechanisms established as conditions of approval for new affordable housing projects.

POLICY H 9
The Housing Authority shall pursue the development of 1,073 extremely low, very low, low and moderate income units in this planning period.

PROGRAM H 9.A
The City shall apply the High Density Residential (R-H) zoning to the Rancho Palms MHP site. In addition, once adopted, the Affordable Housing Overlay shall be applied to both Rancho Palms and Monterey Village. The Housing Authority shall consider all available tools to leverage future development of the sites to provide diverse housing products in these high resource areas including live/work units and units affordable to very low and low income families, and shall work with private development entities to secure the total funding necessary.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Planning Department, Housing Authority, Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2022 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 9.B
The Housing Authority shall give family households first priority for extremely low, very low and low-income units.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
2021-2029

POLICY H 10
The City may, whenever it deems feasible and necessary, reduce, subsidize or defer development fees to facilitate the development of affordable housing.

PROGRAM H 10.A
The City will include an analysis of fee reduction, subsidy or deferral in staff reports for affordable housing projects, to facilitate the Council’s consideration of same on a case-by-case basis.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
As projects are proposed.

POLICY H 11
The City shall apply its density bonus provisions to all qualifying affordable housing projects.

POLICY H 12
The City shall provide up to 1,120 units for extremely low, very low, or low income households in Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02, or 4.03 of the Section 19 Specific Plan.

PROGRAM H 12.A
The minimum 20 unit per acre requirement (Government Code Section 65583.2 (h) & (i)) shall be maintained in the Section 19 Specific Plan for Planning Areas 4.01,4.02 and 4.03 consistent with Government Code Section 65583.2(c)(3)(B).

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Development Services Department

SCHEDULE
2021-2029

PROGRAM H 12.B
To facilitate the development of housing for lower-income households in the Section 19 Specific Plan area, the City will encourage further land divisions to result in parcel sizes that facilitate multifamily development affordable to lower income households in light of state, federal and local financing programs (i.e., 50-100 units). The City will offer incentives for the development of affordable housing including but not limited to:
priority to processing subdivision maps that include affordable housing units, expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots, financial assistance (based on availability of federal, state, local foundations, and private housing funds).

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
2021-2029 - As projects are proposed.

POLICY H 13
To prevent disinvestment-based displacement, the City will seek funding to assist existing extremely low, very low and low-income households in maintaining their homes in a safe and habitable condition. 4-104

Housing Element

29 PROGRAM H 13.A
The Housing Authority shall consider reinstating the Home Improvement Program, subject to available funding, to provide financial assistance to lower income households, as described in Rehabilitation Needs. Funding sources could include CDBG, HUD Home funds, and other grant and loan programs.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY
Housing Authority

SCHEDULE
Annually with adoption of the budget, subject to available funding.

POLICY H 14
Relocation assistance shall be provided to lower income households who are displaced by public or private redevelopment activities as mandated by the state.
4-105

Housing Element
City of Rancho Mirage
Housing Element Update
Appendix A
AFFH 4-106

6 residents who are no longer able to afford their housing costs.

Regionally, overpayment among homeowners is generally lower than renters and below 80% except a small area in the City of Coachella. As shown in Exhibit 17, regional patterns of overpayment among homeowners in the 2015-2019 ACS
somewhat differ from those among renters. The City of Rancho Mirage has a larger area with an overpayment rate between 60%- 80%, compared to such areas in the cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Coachella and the unincorporate Riverside County area adjacent to Desert Hot Springs. The City has included all the programs under Policy H6 to incentivize development of affordable rental housing and has included an action in Program H5.C: Fair Housing Program to connect minority populations to lending programs for
homeownership.

Age of Housing Stock
In addition to extensive overpayment, almost two-thirds (62.1%) of the housing stock in Rancho Mirage is older than 30 years, with approximately 37.7% over 40 years old. The age of housing often indicates the need for some type of repair or rehabilitation. The Code Compliance division monitors the condition of housing stock through its site inspection and citation process. During 2014 to 2021, eight single-family homes were cited for substantive rehabilitation or structural issues; all but one of these citations have been corrected with one open case pending. Although this indicates that there are few substandard homes at any given time in the city, the repair costs can be prohibitive such that the owner or renter live in unhealthy, substandard housing conditions or the renter is displaced if the house is designated as uninhabitable and the owner does not complete repairs. To prevent these situations, the City will continue to monitor mobile home parks and senior apartments and consider using available funding to correct any concerns. The Housing Authority will also consider reinstating the Home Improvement Program when funding is available to assist lower income households. The City will continue to collaborate with the County and local nonprofit organizations to target efforts in the rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, acquisition and COVID related assistance programs throughout the City and ensure equal access to the programs across all socioeconomic groups through providing information in more than one language, as needed. (see Programs H7.A, H7.B, H13.A).

Mortgage Loan Indicators
Data related to home loan applications is made available annually through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). The data is organized by census tracts rather than local jurisdictions, and thus the following analysis is based on census tracts located entirely within the City of Rancho Mirage (451.03, 449.17, 449.18, 449.21).

Among first mortgage loan applications originated in Rancho Mirage in 2020, 75.3% were made to white applicants. For

17.8% of loans issued, race data was not available. Among first mortgage loan applications originated in Rancho Mirage in 2020, a small number were made to Asian (32, 2.9%), Black or African American (15, 1.3%) and American Indian or Alaska Native (6,

0.5%) homebuyers. These percentages are lower than the
corresponding race distribution of Rancho Mirage, with the exception of the American Indian or Alaska Native group.

Considering the 17.8% of loans with unavailable data on race and geographical area covered in the analysis, the pattern is consistent with the City-wide race distribution. HMDA data combines data on Hispanic or Latino identity within other race categories; approximately 3.5% (39) of 1,123 loan applications that were originated went to borrowers identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The majority (165, 69%) of the 238 loan applications that were denied were denied to white applicants (including 11 borrowers that also identified as Hispanic or Latino). Nine applications were denied to Asian borrowers, and two each were denied to borrowers
identified as Black or African American, or American Indian or Alaska Native.

In 2019, rates of origination to white applicants were slightly higher than in 2020, with 79.3% of the 668 loans originated for home purchases going to white residents. Black residents (1.4 percent, or 9 loans) had about the same share of loans originated in 2019 as compared to 2020, whereas slightly lower
percentages of loans went to Asian (17, 2.5%) and American Indian or Alaska Native groups (1, 0.2%). Race data was not available for 15.3% of first mortgage loans originated. Of the 160 first mortgage loans that were denied in 2019, 66.3% were denied to white applicants (106 loans, including 9 borrowers that also identified as Hispanic or Latino). Six applications were denied to Asian borrowers, nine were denied to borrowers identified as Black or African American, and two were denied to American Indian or Alaska Native borrowers. Approximately 3.6% of loans originated and 8.1% of loans denied were for applicants who identify as Hispanic or Latino, though these loans are also counted within other race categories. Through Program H5.A and H5.C, the City will support agencies and nonprofit groups to ensure equal access to lending programs for people in protected classes including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

Displacement Risk
The Urban Displacement Project (UDP) conducted by the University of California Berkeley and the University of Toronto gears community-centered, data-driven, applied research toward more equitable and inclusive futures for cities, and contributed the Sensitive Communities map to HCD’s AFFH Data Viewer.

Communities are designated sensitive if “they currently have populations vulnerable to displacement in the event of increased redevelopment and drastic shifts in housing cost.” The following characteristics define vulnerability:

• Share of very low-income residents is above 20%; and
• The tract meets two of the following criteria:
o Share of renters is above 40%,
o Share of people of color is above 50%,
o Share of very low-income households (50% AMI
or below) that are severely rent burdened
households is above the county median,
o They or areas in close proximity have been
experiencing displacement pressures (percent
change in rent above County median for rent
increases), or
o Difference between tract median rent and
median rent for surrounding tracts above median
for all tracts in county (rent gap).

According to the Sensitive Communities map on the AFFH Data Viewer, two small areas in the City are designated as vulnerable, which 100% coincide with the areas with 20%-30% of population below poverty level (see Exhibit 14): part of Tract 449.16 on the western City boundary and part of Tract 451.18 in the
southeastern City. Note that Tract 449.16 is split between Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage, and Tract 451.18 is split between Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage. The portions of Tract 449.16 and Tract 451.18 in Rancho Mirage are fully built out with residential, commercial, and institutional uses, and has no potential for affordable housing development. Tract 449.16 is also classified as a moderate resource area with median income below $55,000 in 2019; however, it does not experience more severe
overpayment for either renters or owners compared to most of the City. Tract 451.18 is classified as a high resource area with better job proximity than Tract 449.16 likely due to its proximity to the Highway 111 corridor. Although Tract 451.18 also has a median income below $55,000 in 2019, similar to Tract 449.16, it does not experience higher overpayment for either renters or owners compared to much of Rancho Mirage.

Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
The City reviews periodically its policies and Municipal Code for compliance with State law on fair housing, and enforces fair housing through investigation of fair housing complaints.

While the City of Rancho Mirage regularly updates its policies and codes to reflect changes in State law, it has not completed a City- wide Fair Housing Assessment or comprehensive review of zoning laws and policies to ensure compliance with fair housing law. The City is set to meet housing element deadlines and will prioritize programs with action items on update of the zoning ordinance to facilitate housing. The City has included an action in Program H

1.C to update its Density Bonus Ordinance according to
Government Code Section 65915. Program H1.D requires the City to create an Affordable Housing Overlay and apply it to two sites in the Vacant Land Inventory. Other programs include encouragement of accessory dwelling units (H2.A) and update of homeless shelter provisions to comply with AB 101 (Low-Barrier Navigation Centers) (H2.B). Programs H1.B and H1.C call for an 4-112

7 Housing Element

assessment of needed changes and completion within a year of adoption of the Housing Element. During this review, the City will ensure that the Zoning Code and land use policies comply with state laws and policies to encourage patterns of integration, allow a variety of housing types to meet all needs, and provide accommodations for protected classes.

Apart from zoning and development standards, fair housing issues can also arise from rental, lending and purchase of housing, including discriminatory behaviors by landlords, lenders, and real estate agents. Typical cases range from refusal to grant reasonable accommodation requests or allow service animals to selective showing of property listings based on familial status, sex, religion, or other protected class. The City complies with fair housing law on investigating such complaints by referring discrimination cases to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (FHCRC). The FHCRC is a non-profit organization approved by HUD that fights to protect the housing rights of all individuals and works with government offices to ensure fair housing laws are upheld. FHCRC services include anti-discrimination outreach and investigation, mediation of landlord-tenant disputes, first-time homebuyer workshops, credit counseling and pre-purchase consulting, and foreclosure prevention/loan modification services. In Rancho Mirage during the 2014-2021 planning period, of the 100 complaint records, national origin (35, 35%) and physical disability (31, 31%) were the two main bases, followed by race (18, 18%) and sex (7, 7%). Five (5%) records were based on familial status, with two each on mental disability or arbitrary reasons. The race/ethnicity distribution data shows 47% of the records were filed by persons identified as “Other Multiple Race/Hispanic”, 21% from “Black Non Hispanic”, 17% from “White & Hispanic”, and 12% from “White Non Hispanic”. Only 2% of complaints were filed by persons identified as “Asian”, and 1% from “Other Multiple Race/Non Hispanic”. Additional details including case status/outcome were not provided on these records, and thus they are inconclusive to identify any patterns.

HUD’s Region IX Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) provided case records for Rancho Mirage in July 2021.

Four fair housing cases were filed with their office during the previous planning period, two based on familiar status, one based on race and the other based on disability. Three of these cases were closed due to no cause determination, and the other was closed because complainant failed to cooperate. All four cases were handled through the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), in which HUD funds state and local agencies that administer fair housing laws that HUD has determined to be substantially equivalent to the Fair Housing Act. California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the only certified agency for FHAP in California. Because state law has additional protected classes than federal law, DFEH may have additional case records. A request was made in July to DFEH, and they provided data on closed cases in Rancho Mirage on
September 10, 2021.

During 2014 to 2021, DFEH recorded seven closed cases that involved three different respondents. Three cases regarding the same respondent were closed due to no cause determination. One case regarding an individual respondent filed on a race basis for denied rental/lease/sale was investigated and dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Of the remaining three cases regarding a common respondent agency, one case filed on the basis of engagement in protected activity for harms of being harassed and subjected to discriminatory statements/advertisements was investigated and dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The other two cases were both filed on bases of national origin, race and religion for denied equal terms and conditions, and were closed due to pre-civil settlement with the respondent.

Riverside County conducted an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 2019-2024 (AI) in June 2019. The 2019 AI assessed prior impediments, including lack of available housing and affordable housing, which are found to be market conditions rather than a discriminatory practice or impediment to fair housing.

This finding concurs with the City’s development history and land use pattern, which were shaped by the market rather than policies.

Other prior impediments, such as rental advertising and viewing the unit, credit check/leasing, predatory lending/steering and other lending/sales concerns have been addressed through extensive education, training and other resources offered by the FHCRC and County for various stakeholders in these processes.

Habitability/construction evictions was removed from impediments to fair housing choice due to insufficient public data. The 2019 AI identified a new impediment in County land use policies on transitional and supportive housing, which is irrelevant to the City of Rancho Mirage with its own zoning code. The AI determined that discrimination against persons with disabilities is a standing impediment to fair housing choice. Although the County addressed the issue through education and outreach to housing providers through workshops, audits, information and referrals, nearly 63 percent of all fair housing complaints received by FHCRC during 2013-2018 were on the basis of disability. This finding complements the FHCRC records for Rancho Mirage during
2014-2021, where physical disability (31 out of 100 complaint records, or 31%) was the second most common basis of filing. The 2019 AI recommended that the County and its fair housing service provider should continue and expand education and resources for property owners, managers and residents on laws pertaining to reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications, which are among leading reasons for discrimination on persons with disabilities. Workshops on housing rights of persons with disabilities, as well as free landlord-tenant services offered by fair housing service providers are also recommended to reduce and eliminate discrimination. These recommendations also shed light on how the City can address potential discrimination on persons with disabilities, which are reflected in Programs H5.C & H5.F.

Overall, given the number of case records and their outcome, the City of Rancho Mirage would have a low potential for any patterns or concentrations of fair housing issues in the City. As suggested by County data, the City ensures fair housing for persons with disabilities through updating and implementing Municipal Code provisions on reasonable accommodation (Program H1.C),
encouraging housing development for persons with disabilities through incentives (Program H6.C), and providing information and resources to residents, property owners/managers and local groups (Program H5.B and H5.C). The City continues to work with agencies and local organizations to affirmatively further fair housing through active outreach and hearing fair housing issues at Housing Commission meetings (Programs H5.A-C).

Sites Inventory
The City reviewed the opportunity area map prepared by HCD and TCAC (Exhibit 11) when selecting sites for affordable housing.

The opportunity area map delineates areas across the state where research has shown there is support for positive economic, educational, and health outcomes for low-income families— particularly long-term outcomes for children. As discussed above, the City also incorporated local knowledge to reconsider the designations and descriptions of areas in the City. Using the statewide opportunity area map with local knowledge input, indicators of segregation, displacement risk, and access to opportunity as overlays to the City’s vacant land inventory, the City was able to identify sufficient sites for Rancho Mirage’s sixth cycle inventory in areas identified by TCAC/HUD as either “High Resource” or “Moderate Resource” areas, with close proximity to jobs (See subsection Land Availability and Table 44). While two sites in the northern City currently have lower scores on the Job Proximity Index, as noted above, they will benefit from future development in those areas including Sections 19 and 31. Of the sites identified as appropriate for the lower-income category, only one is in a “Moderate Resource” area. There are no identified segregation areas in the City.

Many sites are located in the Highway 111 corridor, which shows lower median income and a higher percentage of overpayment for housing by renters in certain areas. However, as noted above, the corridor is well served by the SunLine Bus Route 1 and residents will enjoy close proximity and easy access to schools, public services, healthcare facilities and shopping and other amenities.

Most of the sites are located in the Highway 111 Specific Plan planning area, and the Specific Plan update provides guidelines on multi-modal transportation to enhance local connectivity for all segments of the population. These sites are also near multiple parks and trails, such as the Rancho Mirage Community Park, Blixseth Mountain Park and Roadrunner Trail, to name a few. Therefore, the 4-113

8 location of housing sites in the Highway 111 corridor affirmatively furthers fair housing through close proximity to job opportunities, transit access and other neighborhood serving amenities, which can reduce the overall cost of living for lower-income households.

The Rancho Mirage Elementary School and City library and observatory are also located in the corridor, which provide excellent educational opportunities to families and individuals in the area.

As seen in the vacant land inventory map (see map next to Table 44 in the Housing Element), the sites identified for the inventory are distributed across the City and within different zoning districts, encouraging a mix of housing types across the City. Most of the sites identified for this Housing Element will result in small to large scaled planned development with a mix of densities for moderate and above moderate income levels, as well as housing affordable to lower-income households, located throughout the City. While smaller scale development may be affordable housing only, the larger sites will contain a variety of products for each income category, which combats patterns of segregation and
concentrations of poverty by encouraging mixed income
neighborhoods with a variety of housing types to meet the needs of all residents.

The City also assessed environmental constraints for the sites identified for housing. None of the sites fall within or near fire hazard zones. Most housing sites in the City are located outside the 100-year special flood hazard areas. Site I in the vacant land inventory contains several residential streets that fall in the 100-year flood zone. Future development proposals located in areas that are subject to flooding will need to be evaluated per the General Plan Safety Element policies and programs to minimize potential impacts.

Contributing Factors
Based on discussions with affordable housing developers, community organizations, and the assessment of fair housing issues, the City identified several factors that contribute to fair housing issues in Rancho Mirage, including:

- Low vacancy rates in rental and owner housing units and limited availability of affordable housing options for non- senior, median and moderate income households;
- Potential discrimination faced by persons with disabilities when they seek housing or attempt to maintain their housing, particularly regarding reasonable accommodations;
- Displacement due to various conditions, for example, COVID- 19 resulted in an economic depression and the income
reduction/loss for many households. Other causes of
displacement include increases in rental costs and lack of varied housing stock; and
- Age of housing and the cost of repairs where needed.

This assessment identified the primary barrier to fair housing and equal access to opportunity is the supply of a variety of housing types at affordable prices. The contributing factors identified above are mostly related to the limited supply issue and limited options due to cost, as well as fair housing awareness and discrimination prevention through education and training. In response, the City has prioritized addressing availability of affordable housing and preventing discriminatory practices through education to further fair housing. Policy H5 and associated programs are included to affirmatively further fair housing and take meaningful actions that, taken together, address various housing needs and access to opportunity for all groups protected by state and federal law.

Additionally, the City has incorporated actions to address factors that contribute to fair housing issues through several other programs, as stated in this assessment. (See Programs H1.B-D, H2.A, H4.A, H4.C, H5.A, H5.D, H6.A, H9.A, H9.B, H12.B,
H.13A)
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9 Housing Element

GOAL H 2
Housing to meet the needs of Rancho Mirage’s lower income households and other special need groups, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

GOAL H 4
Affirmatively furthering fair housing to eliminate and prevent potential discrimination and ensure fair housing choice.

PROGRAM H 1.C
The City’s Density Bonus Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter

Responsible Agency
Development Services Department

Schedule
2022; annually thereafter with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 1.D
To facilitate affordable housing development in high resource areas, the City shall adopt an Affordable Housing Overlay which allows the City to consider up to 28 units by right as a base, not including density bonus provisions, per acre. The Overlay will be applied to both the Monterey Village and the Rancho Palms MHP site (sites B and D of Table 44). The projects proposed for these sites shall be subject to all of the “by right” provisions of Government Code sections 65583, subdivision (c)(1), and 65583.2, subdivisions (h) and (i).

Responsible Agency
Development Services Department

Schedule
Adopt the overlay in 2022.

PROGRAM H 1.F
The City shall adopt an SB 35 application procedure for qualifying affordable housing projects.

Responsible Agency
Development Services Department

Schedule
2022 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

PROGRAM H 4.B
To preserve the existing affordable housing supply, the Housing Authority shall maintain a program for substantial rehabilitation of at least 20 existing rental units owned by the Housing Authority, and shall pursue additional funding when available for other rental units.

Responsible Agency
Housing Authority

Schedule
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

Responsible Agency
Housing Authority

Schedule
Annually through Desert Valley Builders Association meetings, individual meetings with developers, and other appropriate parties.

Responsible Agency
Housing Authority, Development Services Department

Schedule
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

Responsible Agency
Housing Authority

Schedule
Annually with adoption of budget, subject to available funding.

Responsible Agency
Housing Authority

Schedule
Annually with Housing Element status report.

PROGRAM H 6.B
To provide new housing choices in high resources areas near employment opportunities, the City shall develop an incentive program, which could include fee waivers, expedited processing and density bonus provisions for Planning Areas 4.01, 4.02 and

Responsible Agency
Development Services Department, Housing Authority

Schedule
2022-2023 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update; through
Desert Valley Builders Association meetings, individual meetings with developers, and other appropriate parties.

10 provide diverse housing products in these high resource areas including live/work units and units affordable to very low and low income families, and shall work with private development entities to secure the total funding necessary.

Responsible Agency
Planning Department, Housing Authority, Development Services Department

Schedule
2022 with Zoning Ordinance Annual Update.

Housing Element

City of Rancho Mirage
Housing Element Update
Appendix B
Public Participation
Materials
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AB 1486 - List of Developers that have notified the Department of Housing and Community Development of Interest in Surplus Land, Table Range A2:J486 Revised: 12/1/2020 County Organization CalHFA Ce Address City State Zip Contact Phone Email Address RIVERSIDE COUNTY Green Development Company X 251 S Lake Ave #320 Pasadena CA 91105 Andrew Slocum (310) 467-9329 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY A Community of Friends 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 700 Los Angeles CA 90010 Mee Heh Risdon (213) 480-0809 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Affordable Homestead LLC 915 W Foothill Blvd Ste 488C Claremont CA 91711 William Leong (213) 375-8248 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Bibi Foundation 1514 N. Raymond Ave Fullerton CA 92831 Riaz Chaudhary (714) 213-8650 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY City Ventures, LLC 3121 Michelson Drive, Suite 150 Irvine CA 92612 Anastasia Preedge [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Coachella Valley Housing Coalition 45-701 Monroe Street, Suite G Indio CA 92201 Julie Bornstein (760 347-3157 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Cypress Equity Investments 12131 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 801 Los Angeles CA 90025 Mike Diacos (310 405-0314 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Decro Corporation 3431 Wesley Street, Suite F Culver City CA 90232 Laura Vandeweghe (310) 595-4421 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Families Forward 8 Thomas Irvine CA 92618 Steven Moreno (949) 552-2729 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Housing Innovation Partners 5151 Murphy Canyon Rd. #120 San Diego CA 92123 Jon Walters (619) 417-5361 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Integrity Housing 4 Venture, Suite 295 Irvine CA 92618 Paul Carroll (949) 727-3656 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Olivecs Foundation 328 E. Commonwealth Ave Fullerton CA 92832 Rubina Chaudhary (562) 972-2786 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY The Kennedy Commission 17701 Cowan Ave. #200 Irvine CA 92614 Cesar Covarrubias (949 250-0909 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Universal Standard Housing 350 S Grand Avenue, Suite 3050 Los Angeles CA 90071 Eduardo Santana (213) 320-3554 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY USA Properties Fund, Inc 3200 Douglas Blvd Ste 200 Roseville CA 95661 Gabriel Gardner (916) 239- 8458 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUNTY Workforce Homebuilders LLC 547 Via Zapata Riverside CA 92507 Tony Mize (951) 530-8172 [email protected]

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPERS
All Lists National Community Renaissance 9421 Haven Aven., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 CA Tony Mize, VP-Acquisitions 909-727-2783 tmize@nationalcore org info@lifttorise org All Lists Community Housing Opportunities Corporation 5030 Business Center Drive #260, Fairfield, CA 94534 CA Vince Nicholas
Joy Silver
Charles Liuzzo
Yegor Lyashenko
Minami Hachiya 707-759-6043
vnicholas@chochousing org
JSilver@chochousing org
CLiuzzo@chochousing org
YLyashenko@chochousing org
MHachiya@chochousing org www chochousing.org
All Lists Coachella Valley Housing Coalition 45701 Monroe St, Indio CA 92201 CA Maryann Ybarra 760-347-3157 Maryann Ybarra@cvhc org www cvhc org All Lists Pacific West 430 E. State Street, Ste 100, Eagle, ID 83616 CA Darren Berberian 949-599-6069 DarrenB@tpchousing com www tpchousing com RIVERSIDE COUN Y Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services 9551 Pittsburgh Avenue Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730 Jenny Ortiz (909) 988-5979 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUN Y Habitat for Humanity for the Coachella Valley 72680 Dinah Shore Dr. #6 Palm Desert CA 92211 (760) 969-6917 [email protected] [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUN Y Coachella Valley Association of Governments 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Ste 200 Palm Desert CA 92260 Cheryll Dahlin (760) 346-1127 [email protected] RIVERSIDE COUN Y Lift to Rise 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 100 Palm Desert CA 92260 Araceli Palafox info@lifttorise org Marcus Aleman
Kristie Ramos CMC 4-120

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 09:41:22 Pacific Standard Time

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First Name Last Name Email
Bitian Chen [email protected]
Nicole Criste [email protected]
Marcus Aleman [email protected]
Majna Dukic [email protected]
Jennifer Loretta [email protected]
Jason Jaurigue [email protected]
Tony Mize [email protected]
William Cutler [email protected]
Alma Figueroa [email protected]
Anna Tellez [email protected]
Jessica Leal [email protected]
Joy Silver [email protected]
Gretchen Gutierrez [email protected]
Alice Salinas [email protected]
David [email protected]
Ian Gabriel [email protected]
Ted Weill [email protected]
James Brownyard [email protected]
Alma Perez [email protected]
Deanna Mendoza [email protected]
Mary Ann Ybarra [email protected]
January 13, 2021 Housing Element Update Attendee List
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Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 16:49:50 Pacific Daylight Time

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Subject:Rancho Mirage Housing Element Update - Public Review Date:Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 4:48:57 PM Pacific Daylight Time From:Kimberly Cuza
BCC:[email protected] , [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] ,
[email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, [email protected] ,
[email protected] , [email protected]
, execuWvedirector@h^cv.org ,
info@h^cv.org , [email protected] , [email protected] , Marcus Aleman , KrisWe Ramos, CMC
, Nicole Criste
AHachments:image001.jpg
As a participant in our community workshop for the City of Rancho Mirage’s Housing Element Update, we wanted to let you know the draft Housing Element document is available on the city’s website for public review, from September 7 – 21, 2021.

We invite you to provide comments on the Element through this portal: https://cityofrmdev.wpengine.com/our-city/city-departments/planning/housing-element- 4-132

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update/
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Housing Element

City of Rancho Mirage
Housing Element Update
Appendix C
Highway 111 Inventory Sites
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Safety Element
8 Safety
Introduction
The Safety Element addresses natural and manmade
environmental hazards that might occur in Rancho Mirage and surrounding areas. It provides information, goals, policies, and programs to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the community from seismic, geological, flood, hydrology, and hazardous and toxic materials events. The assessment of and planning for these hazards and the constraints that manage them is the primary purpose of the Safety Element. The policies and programs of this element should also be coordinated with the Public Services and Facilities Element, which includes a discussion of emergency services and facilities and the City’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Geotechnical Hazards
Purpose

Rancho Mirage and the SOI are located in an area subject to substantial seismic and geological hazards such as strong ground shaking, seismic-induced settlement, seismic-induced landslides, collapsible and expansive soils, ground subsidence, and wind- blown sand hazards. These seismic and geological hazards can affect the structural integrity of buildings and utilities and, in turn, cause severe property damage and potential loss of life.

The purpose of the Geotechnical Hazards section, in the following pages, is to provide information, goals, policies, and programs to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Rancho Mirage relative to seismic and other geotechnical hazards, It also serves to educate the community about seismic and related geologic hazards.

Background
Major Fault Hazards in the Rancho Mirage Area

Rancho Mirage is located in an area with numerous active faults.

At least two active faults lie close to Rancho Mirage’s northern edge and SOI, but are north of I-10 and outside of the City’s jurisdictional boundaries. These are the Banning fault and the Garnet Hill fault. Both fault zones are capable of causing damage to Rancho Mirage. Other faults in the region, such as the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio Pass faults, also have the potential to produce strong seismic shaking in Rancho Mirage.

Ground shaking during an earthquake is the most significant seismic hazard that will impact Rancho Mirage. Exhibit 21 shows the faults sur- rounding the city.

The most important piece of legislation related to seismic hazards is the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, which prohibits locating structures for human occupancy across active fault lines until geotechnical investigations determine that a prospective site is safe for habitation. The Act also requires cities to disclose to the general public areas that are subject to seismic hazards, by means of maps and other appropriate materials.

An effective seismic hazard reduction program should include the identification and mapping of geologic and seismic hazards, the enforcement of building and fire codes, and the expedient retro- fitting and rehabilitation of weak structures. Programs should also be developed to help residents provide for themselves and their families in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Other Seismically Induced Hazards

In addition to direct effects such as ground rupture and ground acceleration, other seismically induced and geological hazards can injure people and damage structures. These hazards include liquefaction, dynamic settlement, landslides, and inundation.

Liquefaction
Liquefaction may occur when loose, unconsolidated, saturated, sandy soils are subjected to ground vibrations during a seismic event. This occurs in areas where the groundwater table is within 50 feet of the ground surface and when seismic events occur that generate a Modified Mercalli Intensity value of seven or greater.

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2 Significant ground shaking can suddenly increase water pressure in the pores between soil particles and cause soils to lose cohesion and to “liquefy.” Effects include a loss of bearing strength, ground oscillations, and lateral spreading and slumping. This hazard is considered low in the Rancho Mirage area, principally because the approximate depth to groundwater is greater than 50 feet.

Liquefaction may occur in or adjacent to the Whitewater River if the near-surface alluvial sediments become saturated as a result of precipitation or the recent input of surface water from the adjacent mountains. However, water percolates rapidly through alluvial materials, so the likelihood of an earthquake occurring while these sediments are saturated in the upper 50 feet is very low. Areas of liquefaction susceptibility are shown in Exhibit 22.

Dynamic Settlement
Under some circumstances, strong ground shaking can cause densification or compaction of soils resulting in local or regional settlement of the ground surface. This can result in local differential settlement and damage to foundations and structures, as well as damage to water and sewer lines. This potential is affected by the intensity and duration of ground shaking and the relative density of the subsurface soils.

Windblown sands and other recently deposited sediments are typically loose and, therefore, potentially subject to seismically induced settlement. In the planning area, development on the valley floor or on wind or stream deposited sediment should include site-specific subsurface geotechnical investigations that address this potential seismic hazard. Proper excavation, compaction, and foundation design can address some of the seismic settlement potential. Seismically induced settlement susceptibility is shown in Exhibit 23.

Landslides
Exhibit 24 shows how seismically induced landslides and rock falls can be expected to occur in the southern portion of Rancho Mirage in and adjacent to the slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

With several faults in the area, there is a high potential for seismically induced rock falls and landslides to occur in Rancho Mirage. Fractures and landslides are likely to occur in the Indio Hills area, in the ocotillo conglomerate. Intense ground shaking can be expected at the top of Edom Hill as a result of the local topographical features, thereby intensifying the seismic shaking.

Scattered rock falls could occur in the Santa Rosa Mountains, in areas where the bedrock is intensely fractured or jointed. Sections of Highway 111 adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains could be blocked by fallen rock debris immediately following an
earthquake, which would hinder rescue and evacuation
operations. Rock falls could also impact developments adjacent to mountain slopes, especially those at the mouth of Magnesia Springs and Bradley Canyons. Throughout Rancho Mirage,
manufactured slopes of significant height could also be susceptible to failure if not engineered to resist seismically induced failure.

Inundation
Seismic events can cause failure of water tanks, reservoirs, retention basins, recharge basins, and other water storage structures, especially in areas susceptible to ground failure. There are several storage tanks in Rancho Mirage that could be subject to damage in an earthquake. Damage to these tanks could hinder efforts to suppress fires and could greatly limit supply and availability of potable water after a major earthquake. Only limited opportunities for seismically induced inundation downgrade of stormwater retention basins currently exist in Rancho Mirage. As there are few stormwater retention basins in Rancho Mirage and its vicinity, this hazard is substantially reduced, if not eliminated. The design engineering of future major detention/retention facilities will need to focus on the seismic hazards of the area when planning for and constructing these facilities.

Geologic Hazards
The physiographic and geologic histories of the Rancho Mirage area are important in that to a great extent they control the geologic hazards, as well as the natural resources, in Rancho Mirage. These hazards include collapsible soils, ground subsidence, wind erosion, and wind-blown sand. For example, wind-blown sand erosion poses a significant hazard across the Coachella Valley due to funneling of fierce winds by the steep mountain barriers. Locations at the base of the mountains are more sheltered from this hazard, but areas in and adjacent to the mountains are more likely to be impacted by rock falls and unstable slopes. Regional tectonic subsidence along the valley floor, concurrent with uplift of the adjacent mountains, is responsible to a great extent for the rapid deposition of poorly consolidated alluvium that is susceptible to consolidation and/or collapse. On the other hand, the deep alluvium-filled basin, which is bounded by relatively impermeable rock and faults, provides a natural under- ground reservoir (aquifer) for groundwater, one of Rancho Mirage’s primary sources of domestic water. The extraction of water from these aquifers may cause the ground to settle or sink. 4-139

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5 Safety Element
Open Space for Public Health and
Safety
An important function of open space is its use as a buffer to separate people and buildings from hazards that could cause injury, damage, or death. Open space for public health and safety includes areas requiring special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earth- quake fault zones, unstable soil or slope 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. Al though these lands remain open to mitigate potential hazardous situations, they have potential for other uses. Land along fault lines can be retained in its natural condition as a wildlife corridor, and flood control facilities may be usable for natural open space, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

OPEN SPACE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY GOALS, POLICIES,

AND PROGRAMS
The development review process performed by the City must assure that proposals are thoroughly evaluated with regard to seismic and geological safety, that all necessary special studies are conducted and reviewed, and that comprehensive mitigation measures are developed and implemented. Developing a
groundwater management and water conservation program and encouraging the use of recycled water will be important in mitigating ground subsidence. The City should also work with state, regional, and county agencies to establish and maintain an up-to- date database on seismic geological conditions in the region, legislation affecting the City’s regulatory responsibilities, and changing technical assessments that refine or re-characterize the seismic hazards affecting the region.

GOAL SAFE 1
A community that plans for and is protected from the effects of seismic and geological hazards.

POLICY SAFE 1.1
The City shall consult and cooperate with surrounding communities and applicable state and federal agencies to improve and update information on regional seismic and geological conditions.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.1A
Coordinate with the California Division of Mines and Geology and the United States Geological Survey to establish and maintain maps illustrating the location of seismic and geological hazard zones occurring in Rancho Mirage's boundaries and the SOI.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.1B
Coordinate with the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to
identify earthquake risks and available mitigation techniques.

POLICY SAFE 1.2
The City shall establish ordinances and guidelines to reduce the hazards from wind-blown sand and dust.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.2A
Coordinate with the SCQAMD and other local agencies to
develop and maintain appropriate large particulate (PM10) mitigation practices.

POLICY SAFE 1.3
The City shall require the removal or rehabilitation of hazardous or substandard structures that may collapse in the event of an earthquake.

POLICY SAFE 1.4
The City shall cooperate and coordinate with public and quasi- public agencies to assure seismically strengthened or relocated facilities and other appropriate measures to safeguard water, electricity, natural gas, and other transmission and distribution systems.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.4A
Encourage and cooperate with Caltrans to stabilize susceptible slopes and strengthen bridges, elevated roadways and other structures along state highways, which may be subject to failure during major seismic events, thereby isolating portions of the community from emergency aid and assistance.

POLICY SAFE 1.5
The City shall play an active role in the development or distribution of earthquake preparedness information and materials to residents and local businesses.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.5A
Confer and cooperate with local utility companies, the CVWD, the Palm Springs Unified School District, police and fire departments, and others to coordinate public education regarding appropriate action before, during, and after earthquakes and other disasters.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.5B
Keep the City’s public awareness programs on natural disaster management and emergency preparedness up-to-date on current hazards and issues.

POLICY SAFE 1.6
New septic tank leach fields, seepage pits, drainage facilities and heavily irrigated areas shall be located away from foundations and other structural supports to minimize the creation of a localized collapse of soils and associated hazards.

POLICY SAFE 1.7
Developers of projects in areas identified as being subject to a rockfall or landslide hazard shall prepare detailed geotechnical analysis, including site response to seismic events, and require mitigation measures that reduce associated hazards to insignificant levels.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.7A
Require design of engineered slopes to resist earthquake-induced failure.

PROGRAM SAFE 1.7B
Require design of lifelines (e.g., roadways, utilities, rail- roads) that cross a fault to resist the occurrence of a fault rupture.

POLICY SAFE 1.8
The City shall encourage the incorporation of wind barriers, architectural design or features, and drought resistant ground coverage in new development site designs to mitigate the impacts from erosion and wind-blown sand.

POLICY SAFE 1.9
Where appropriate, hazard zones (earthquake fault lines, floodways and floodplains, steep or unstable slopes, etc.) shall be designated as open space, and incorporated into the General Plan land use map.

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6 Flooding and Hydrology Hazards
Purpose
Rancho Mirage and surrounding areas, like most of southern California, are subject to unpredictable seasonal rainfall. Most years, the scant winter rains are barely sufficient to turn the hills green for a few weeks, but every few years the region is subjected to periods of intense and sustained precipitation that result in flooding. The potential for flooding is a safety concern that the City continues to address. It is the intention of the City to plan and implement the phased development of flood control facilities, both project-specific and citywide. Provisions for open space and multiple uses, wildlife, and pedestrian and equestrian corridors in major drainages are also planned.

Background
Desert Conditions and Flood Hazards
Rancho Mirage and the Coachella Valley enjoy a subtropical desert climate. Mean annual rainfall is very low on the desert floor, ranging from four to six inches per year. On average, nearby Mount San Jacinto experiences of 25.3 inches of rainfall annually.

High intensity thunderstorms and tropical storms can occur suddenly, however, creating flood hazards. Although the ground may be generally dry at the beginning of a storm, sufficient amounts and intensities of rainfall can saturate the desert surface and substantially reduce percolation, pushing the water farther downstream. Development also in- creases runoff by creating large areas of impervious surface. Furthermore, increased runoff upstream can be a significant contributor to downstream damage.

Areas of potential flooding are generally associated with the Whitewater River and its tributaries, mountain canyons, and their alluvial fans, as well as runoff associated with the Indio Hills drainage (including Edom Hill). Exhibit 26 identifies areas subject to flooding both along the Whitewater River drain- age and along the fan area between I-10 and the Indio Hills (identified as the I- 10 Wash). The 100-year flood zone for the Whitewater River is generally confined to the channel of the river and its tributaries, although at the bottom of Magnesia

Spring Canyon, the 100-year flood limits extend to several of the residential streets in the area. The 500-year flood limits cover a large residential and commercial section of Rancho Mirage and extend across Highway 111.

Although the City’s SOI does not extend north of I-10, there is a potential for substantial flooding in the wash north of I-10. Flooding in this area is generally shallow, between one and three feet deep, but the floodwaters move at relatively high velocities with the potential to do considerable damage. According to maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps, the velocity of the floodwaters in this area varies between five and seven feet per second.

FEMA also reports that most of the streams in the Rancho Mirage area have the potential to carry large amounts of debris. This increases the volume of peak discharges, and when flows reach the valley, the debris is deposited, com- pounding the flooding problem. Debris has the potential to fill or plug structures designed to collect and convey run- off, forcing floodwaters into the adjacent areas. Rapidly moving flows heavily laden with debris are also extremely dangerous.

Increased urbanization of the northern portions of the Coachella Valley can and will result in increased amounts of runoff during large storms. Local agencies have realized that unless adequate flood control measures are implemented, this increased runoff can damage improvements and endanger life.

The CVWD is the primary agency responsible for the management of regional drainage in the vicinity of Rancho Mirage, including rivers, major streams and their tributaries, and areas of significant sheet flooding. CVWD is empowered with broad management functions, including flood control planning and construction of drainage improvements for regional flood control facilities, as well as watershed and watercourse protection related to those facilities.

A small portion of Rancho Mirage lies within the Riverside County Flood Control District boundary, which encompasses Sections 4 and 9 along the border between Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City.

Land Use Planning as a Flood Control Strategy
Proper land use planning is one of the most effective and direct methods of controlling flooding and limiting threats to lives and property. Consistent with other primary goals of the community, land use planning can call for the preservation of natural vegetation in the foothills and mountains that function as natural watersheds for local drainage and groundwater recharge and can affect the volume of stormwater and debris that reaches down- stream facilities.

Land use planning can also limit the exposure of people and improvements to storm hazards and damage. Restrictions on the type and location of structures in the vicinity of major drainages in the community can greatly reduce potential damage. Within the limits of improved and unimproved 100-year floodplains, development should be severely limited and regulated, with the prohibition of the construction of structures for human habitation. To promote sound land use and floodplain development, FEMA provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps for local and regional planners and civil engineers. These maps provide more detailed flood hazard map information, including the boundaries of the 100-year and 500-year flood zones.

The City’s Floodplain Management Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 15.28) provides flood hazard reduction measures including standards of construction, standards for utilities, subdivisions, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. In flood zones subject to sheet flooding, development approvals should be conditioned to assure protection of improvements from flood damage. Protection measures may include raising the finished floor level above the flood depth projected for the surrounding area and providing protection against scouring. Until such time as flood protection that removes areas from severe threats of flooding is provided, development in these areas should be carefully regulated.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) implements the federal Clean Water Act and was adopted in 1990. It requires the development, adoption, and implementation of plans and programs for stormwater management, which among other things must effectively prohibit non stormwater discharge into the storm drain and require controls to reduce the discharge of pollutants from stormwater systems to designated Waters of the United States.

Riverside County municipalities and agencies, including the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and CVWD, have joined to develop and implement the 2001-2006 Stormwater Management Plan as part of NPDES
permitting requirements. This plan was designed to manage and control stormwater runoff to the maximum extent practical.

One of the primary strategies to comply with the provisions of NPDES is the use of onsite stormwater retention or detention basins in any new developments of one acre or larger. These facilities have long been required by the City and may in some instances include artificial wetlands that use a biologically active zone to break down potential pollutants before they can contaminate surface runoff or reach the water table through percolation. These intercept structures will also be important in capturing sand and sediment before it is discharged into drainage facilities. 4-143

7 Safety Element

FLOODING AND HYDROLOGY HAZARDS SAFETY GOALS, POLICIES,

AND PROGRAMS

The principal and direct implementation of the goals, policies, and programs in this section will occur through the use and enforcement of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) guidelines and mitigation measures, NPDES requirements, and the application of CVWD’s regional plans and policies. These measures and their improvements help control and confine the areawide drainage pattern to more discreet and focused routes where it can be better managed. Proper implementation may also reveal locations of new facilities that could complement land use patterns, provide cost effective flood control alternatives, and maximize opportunities for multiple uses, including enhanced groundwater recharge.

The NFIP flood plain maps and guidelines will also set critical parameters for future development along areas subject to areawide flooding. This section will also be implemented through the development guidelines and regulations of the Rancho Mirage zoning, grading, and subdivision ordinances.

GOAL SAFE 2
Protection of lives, property, and essential facilities from flooding and other hydrologic hazards in Rancho Mirage.

POLICY SAFE 2.1
The City shall ensure that updated and effective master drainage plans are implemented in a timely fashion for the near and long- term protection of the community and its residents.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.1A
Proactively participate with the CVWD and the Riverside County Flood Control District in the development and updating of Rancho Mirage Regional master drainage plans, providing land use and other relevant data and information.

POLICY SAFE 2.2
The City shall provide drainage controls and improvements that enhance local conditions and are consistent with and complement the Master Drainage Plans.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.2A
Establish and/or update local regulations and guidelines to direct the management of runoff and provide for local drainage facilities that tie into and maximize the effective use of regional drainage facilities.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.2B
Adopt or update local drainage policies and development standards that reduce the rate of runoff from developed lands, consistent with capacities of public facilities and local and regional management plans, while pro- viding opportunities for open space enhancement and multiple uses.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.2C
Confer and consult with the CVWD and Caltrans to assure adequate all weather crossings/facilities at appropriate locations along Highway 111 and I-10, especially those serving as emergency evacuation/access routes.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.2D
Ensure that emergency evacuation routes are constructed to appropriate all-weather standards.

POLICY SAFE 2.3
The City shall provide direction and guidelines for the development of onsite stormwater retention/detention facilities consistent with local and regional drainage plans and community design
standards.

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8 PROGRAM SAFE 2.3A
Establish and enforce regulations and guidelines for the development and maintenance of project-specific onsite
retention/detention basins that implement the NPDES program, enhance groundwater recharge, complement regional flood control facilities, and ad- dress applicable community design policies.

POLICY SAFE 2.4
The City shall cooperate with FEMA, when necessary, to amend Flood Insurance Rate Maps for areas in the city boundaries and SOI.

POLICY SAFE 2.5
Design major drainage facilities, including debris basins and flood control washes and channels, to balance their enhancement as wildlife habitat and community open space amenities with the functional requirements of these facilities.

PROGRAM SAFE 2.5A
Work closely with the CVWD to assure that design opportunities for enhanced open space and recreation amenities, including habitat enhancement and hiking and equestrian trails, are fully explored and incorporated when designing and constructing channels, debris and detention basins, and other major drainage facilities, to the greatest extent practical.

POLICY SAFE 2.6
The City shall establish Area Drainage Plans or Benefit Assessment Districts for purposes of funding needed drainage improvements, especially where defined tributary areas of the community are concerned.

POLICY SAFE 2.7
Development proposals located in areas that are subject to flooding shall be evaluated to minimize the exposure of life and property to potential flood risks. All development proposed on lands of one acre or larger shall be designed such that all stormwater to the level of a 100-year frequency storm, worst case of the 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour duration, shall be retained onsite.

POLICY SAFE 2.8
Locate new essential public facilities outside of flood hazard zones, including hospitals and health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities.

Fire Hazards
Purpose

The Fire Hazards section identifies existing fire hazards in or near Rancho Mirage and describes the regulatory environment
established to safely manage these hazards. The intention of the Fire Hazard section is to reinforce the City’s concern and planning for the protection of all Rancho Mirage residents. The section sets forth goals, policies, and programs that will help assure an effective management of fire hazards in Rancho Mirage, and guard the general health, safety, and welfare of the community from possible impacts associated with fire hazards. This section was reviewed to incorporate the advice included in the Office of Planning and Research’s most recent publication of “Fire Hazard Planning, General Plan Technical Advice Series” (May 2015).

Background

Fires can occur in urban environments as well as unpopulated areas that may contain brush or grassland. The central and northern portions of Rancho Mirage are urbanized with few remaining vacant lands. The remaining southern area of Rancho Mirage is in an undeveloped mountain and hillside reserve. These two area types include two fire hazard categories that are of interest to Rancho Mirage and its SOI: vegetation fires and urban or structural fires. With large portions of Rancho Mirage’s boundaries adjoining uninhabited mountain and hillside reserve areas that are rated as high fire threats, the potential for wildfires is high. The urban areas in Rancho Mirage also face common fire hazards.

Wildland Fire Hazards

Large areas of southern California are particularly susceptible to wildfire due to the region’s weather, topography, and native vegetation. The typically mild, wet winters characteristic of the region’s Mediterranean climate result in an annual growth of grass- es and plants that dry out during the hot summer months. This dry vegetation provides fuel for wildfires in the autumn, when the area is intermittently impacted by Santa Ana conditions, including the hot, dry winds that blow across the region in the late fall. These winds often fan and help spread the fires.

The undeveloped areas in Rancho Mirage are characterized by steep topographic gradients that are generally conducive to spreading wildfires. Furthermore, the area’s hot, dry summer and autumn weather is ideal for generating the dry vegetation that fuels most wildfires. Fortunately, the only recorded historical wildfire near the planning area is the Dry Falls fire that occurred in August 1980 to the southeast of Rancho Mirage. The reason that most of the undeveloped areas of Rancho Mirage have not been impacted by wildland fire is that most of the rugged terrain is so steep, rocky, and dry that few plants thrive in the area. As a result, the amount of fuel available for wildland fires is very limited, and the distance between stands of vegetation is too great for fires to spread easily.

In the developed areas of Rancho Mirage, the landscape
vegetation is carefully maintained and watered regularly, creating conditions that limit the possibility for vegetation fires to ignite and spread.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal- Fire) ranks fire hazard of wildland areas of the state using four main criteria: fuels, weather, assets at risk, and level of service. Although Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are mapped in the Rancho Mirage area, the historical record indicates that the wildland fire hazard in Rancho Mirage is relatively low. CalFire has mapped several fire hazard zones in Rancho Mirage and the SOI, shown in Exhibit 27.

There are no state responsibility areas (SRAs) in the City of Rancho Mirage. The only Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in Local Responsibility Area (LRA) within the City is in the southern end of urban areas. The VHFHSZ consists of part of a single-family residence (70000 Thunderbird Mesa Drive) and undeveloped land. The undeveloped portion is designated as Mountain Reserve per the Land Use Map and will not be developed in the future.

Urban and Structural Fires

To quantify the structural fire risk in a community it is necessary for the local fire departments to evaluate all occupancies based upon their product type, size, construction type, built-in protection (such as internal fire sprinkler systems), and risk (high-occupancy versus low-occupancy) to determine if they can control a fire if it occurs in the types of structures identified. In newer residential areas where construction includes fire-resistant materials and internal fire sprinklers, most structural fires can be confined to the building or property of origin. In older residential areas where the building materials may not be fire-rated and the structures are not fitted with fire sprinklers, there is a higher probability of a structural fire impacting adjacent structures. With the varied type and age of structures in Rancho Mirage, structural fire risk is divided into four categories:
› High Probability/High Consequences (e.g., multi-family dwellings, high-occupancy hotels and resorts, single-family residential homes in the older sections of Rancho Mirage, hazardous materials occupancies, and large shopping centers › Low Probability/High Consequences (e.g., hospitals and other medical facilities, mid-size shopping malls, industrial occupancies, office complexes, and upscale homes in the hills or mountains, in or adjacent to high to very high fire threat areas)
› High Probability/Low Consequences (e.g., older detached single-family dwellings with properly maintained landscaping) › Low Probability/Low Consequences (e.g., newer detached single-family dwellings and small office buildings with properly maintained landscaping).

Most buildings and structures in the City are not in or adjoining a mountainous area or lands covered by forest, brush or grass or other flammable material. Therefore, no mandatory clearance 4-145

10 PROGRAM SAFE 4.2C
Maintain the City’s emergency plan, including an inventory and evaluation of all local and regional emergency resources.

PROGRAM SAFE 4.2D
The City shall consider the development and identification of citywide evacuation routes.

PROGRAM SAFE 4.2E
Require redevelopment in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) to comply with the latest California Building Standards Code (Title 24), including the California Fire Code (Part 9).

Coordinate with the Fire Department on evaluation of rebuilding after a large fire and require additional fire safe measures where necessary.

POLICY SAFE 4.3
The City shall support area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication links with Riverside County authorities and other participating jurisdictions.

PROGRAM SAFE 4.3A
The City shall adhere to the guidelines set forth in the County of Riverside Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

POLICY SAFE 4.4
The City shall ensure adequate provision of public information to residents and businesses on actions to minimize damage and facilitate recovery from a natural disaster. Prioritize at-risk populations such as those within or near fire hazard zones.

PROGRAM SAFE 4.4A
Coordinate with public agencies and non-profit organizations to promote emergency preparedness and response training such as the Riverside County Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) program and the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network (CVDPN) training and resources.

Hazardous and Toxic Materials
Purpose

The Hazardous and Toxic Materials section identifies existing hazardous and toxic material locations in the community and describes the regulatory environment established to safely manage these materials. The intent of the section is to reinforce the City’s concern and planning for the protection of all Rancho Mirage residents and visitors from adverse impacts due to the presence of hazardous and toxic materials. The section sets forth goals, policies, and programs that will help assure an effective response to and protection from the use, storage, or transport of hazardous and toxic materials in Rancho Mirage.

Background

A wide variety of products, chemical and purified chemical compounds, and elements that are considered hazardous or toxic are used in households, commercial business- es, and industrial operations and processes. They range through home and pool related chlorine products, chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, stored fuels and waste oil, chemical solvents and lubricants, and a variety of medical materials. The improper use and management of hazardous materials can pose a significant potential threat to the community and its environment.

Community Hazardous Wastes Risks

There are only a few identified hazardous/toxic material generators in Rancho Mirage. These are associated with
commercial, quasi industrial, and medical operations, which have the potential to be connected to accidental spills, purposeful illegal dumping, air emission, and other uncontrolled discharges into the environment. All are considered “small quantity generators,” and some of those identified in Rancho Mirage include the Eisenhower Medical Center and Desert Orthopedic Center.

Eisenhower Medical Center (EMC) is a “small quantity genera- tor” of hazardous medical wastes associated with various procedures and treatments provided at the facility. Management 4-147

11 Safety Element
and disposal of these materials is primarily the responsibility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with additional regulatory responsibility given to the California Office of Health Planning and Development and the Riverside County Department of Health.

EMC has developed and implemented both a Medical Waste
Management Plan and a Hazardous Materials Management
Program, which set forth policies, programs, and procedures for handling, storage, use, and disposal of these materials. Wastes are stored in controlled conditions onsite and removed every 90 days, with storage typically limited to less than 100 gallons each 90 days.

Additionally, there are other sites that have been or should be monitored. These include other waste generating medical clinics and facilities, gasoline service stations, equipment and fuel storage yards, and waste haulers.

The U.S. EPA requires all service stations to retrofit or replace underground storage tanks with double walled construction. All sites in Rancho Mirage have achieved compliance with this rule.

A sanitary landfill was operated on a 57-acre site located in the southwest quarter of Section 11 in the City’s SOI, south of the Southern Pacific Railroad lines. This landfill was operated by the Cathedral City Sanitary District between 1955 and 1967 using the then standard “burn and bury” technique. From 1983 to the end of 1988, the easterly 40 acres of the site were used as a domestic sewage disposal field.

Hazardous Waste Management Plans

Per the Environmental Protection Agency of the state of California (CalEPA), Californians are protected from hazardous waste and materials by a Unified Program that ensures consistency through- out the state in regard to administrative requirements, permits,

1 Certified Unified Program Agencies
2 Riverside County Environmental

inspections and enforcement. CalEPA oversees the program as a whole, and certifies 83 local government agencies known as Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA) to implement the hazardous waste and materials standards set by five different state agencies.1

The Riverside County Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch is the sole overseeing agency for hazardous waste generation throughout the county. The purpose of the hazardous waste program is to ensure that hazardous wastes will be properly managed and disposed of in order to protect both people and environment.2

The City has the opportunity to coordinate with appropriate county, state, and federal agencies in the identification of hazardous material sites and the active regulation of their timely cleanup.

Management strategies may include establishing and maintaining information on these sites, periodic monitoring facilities, and operations that produce, utilize, or store hazardous materials in Rancho Mirage. Involvement in multi-agency monitoring of illegal dumping in Rancho Mirage, conferring in the regulation of underground storage tanks and septic systems, and regulating the transport of hazardous materials through the community is also appropriate. The City hazardous waste management policies for the General Plan are essentially an extension of the County’s policies and procedures.

Several sources provide information concerning hazardous waste sites in Rancho Mirage. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board and the CVWD maintain information concerning contaminated wells and groundwater. The state and federal environmental protection agencies and the state Department of Health also supply information concerning specific hazardous waste sites and their locations.

3 All information regarding hazardous materials was obtained from the Riverside Department of Environmental Health at
www.rivcoeh.org/hazmat
Hazardous Materials Response

Hazardous and toxic materials pose a threat to public safety if not properly regulated. CalEPA designated the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch as the CUPA for Riverside County. The role of the CUPA is to assure consolidation, consistency and coordination of the hazardous materials programs in the county. The CUPA also oversees the two participating agencies (the City of Corona Fire Department and the Riverside County Fire Department) that implement hazardous materials programs in the county.

The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Branch is responsible for overseeing the six hazardous materials programs in the county. This agency is responsible for inspecting facilities that handle hazardous mate- rials, generate hazardous waste, treat hazardous waste, own/ operate underground storage tanks, own/operate aboveground petroleum storage tanks, or handle other materials subject to the California Accidental Release Program. In addition, the branch maintains an emergency response team that handles hazardous materials and other environmental health emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.3

Hazardous And Toxic Materials Goals, Policies, And
Programs

The City has the responsibility to coordinate with the appropriate agencies in the identification of hazardous material sites and the active regulation of their timely cleanup. This section’s programs of oversight and management between responsible agencies can most efficiently be implemented through regular consultation with the RWQCB and the County Health Department and by updating information on hazardous material sites and monitoring facilities that utilize or produce hazardous materials in Rancho Mirage. The

City should also remain current regarding the monitoring and regulating of underground storage tanks and septic systems and regulating the transport of hazardous materials through Rancho Mirage.

GOAL SAFE 5
The continued safety of Rancho Mirage residents and visitors through the regulation of the manufacture, transport, use, and disposal of toxic and hazardous materials.

POLICY SAFE 5.1
The City shall regulate, to the extent empowered, the delivery, use, and storage of hazardous materials in city limits and the SOI.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.1A
The City shall compile and maintain an inventory of all hazardous waste sites in Rancho Mirage and surrounding jurisdictions.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.1B
The City shall develop a permitting process for the establishment of facilities that manufacture, store, use, or dispose of hazardous and toxic materials in the community or adjacent areas, should it be determined that the need for such a use be realized.

POLICY SAFE 5.2
The City shall require and facilitate the safe and responsible disposal and cleanup of all hazardous/toxic waste and waste sites in Rancho Mirage and the SOI.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.2A
The City shall coordinate with the appropriate state and federal agencies to activate procedures for the cleanup of existing and future hazardous and toxic waste sites. 4-148

12 PROGRAM SAFE 5.2B
The City shall prepare and/or disseminate information and instructive education program materials for residents, including direction on the identification and proper management and disposal of household hazardous waste.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.2C
To the extent empowered, the City shall prohibit the disposal of automotive and household hazardous and toxic materials in landfills.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.2D
The City shall coordinate with Burrtec and other appropriate public and quasi-public agencies to sponsor and develop drop off locations for hazardous or toxic household products for all Rancho Mirage residents.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.2E
The City shall coordinate with appropriate agencies to identify the locations and monitor the use of all underground fuel storage tanks located in city limits with the potential to release hazardous or toxic materials into the environment.

POLICY SAFE 5.3
The City shall coordinate with the Fire and Sheriff’s Department to develop a system for roadway management and for alerting emergency and medical facilities to the impending transport of hazardous and toxic materials.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.3A
The City shall coordinate with appropriate departments and agencies to establish transportation management and contingency emergency procedures and training programs for police, fire, medical, and other organizations that would be involved in an airborne release or ground spill of hazardous and toxic materials or waste.

4 Cal-Adapt
PROGRAM SAFE 5.3B
Follow the response procedures as outlined by the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health in the event of hazardous materials emergency.

POLICY SAFE 5.4
The City shall coordinate with the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the CVWD to monitor and regulate the use and phased removal of subsurface sewage disposal systems.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.4A
Through the subdivision and development review process, the City shall require, to the greatest extent practical, the connection of new development to the sewage collection system of the CVWD.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.4B
The City shall cooperate with the appropriate agencies to help assure that all subsurface sewage disposal systems, upon completion of their use, are properly removed from service.

POLICY SAFE 5.5
The City shall actively oppose any plan or attempt to establish hazardous and toxic waste dumps/landfills or hazardous industrial processes with the potential to adversely affect Rancho Mirage or the SOI.

PROGRAM SAFE 5.5A
The City shall coordinate with CVAG and its member cities to actively organize against and oppose any County, state, federal, or private effort to build or operate hazardous or toxic waste dumps/landfills or to operate hazardous industrial processes, which cannot be mitigated and have the potential to adversely affect Rancho Mirage or the SOI.

Climate Change
Purpose

Climate change is already affecting California cities, as seen by the rise in sea levels, average temperatures, and extreme hot days.

These climate driven changes have many consequences that affect California’s health and prosperity such as the increased frequency of wildfires, pressure on water supplies, shifts in growing seasons, and the increase in populations that will be exposure to intense heat waves.

Rancho Mirage recognizes that understanding its vulnerability and planning for the increased effects of climate change is crucial to the livelihood and safety of its residents. This Climate Change section provides a brief overlook of the leading climate factors that affect Rancho Mirage and its vulnerability to each. The intent of this section is to reinforce the City’s concern for the protection of all Rancho Mirage residents and visitors from the adverse impacts of climate change and to set forth goals, policies, and programs that will help the City to adapt to these changes.

Background

As discussed in the Conservation and Open Space Element, Rancho Mirage is already subject to extreme temperatures and aridity, and the intensity of these conditions will only increase with climate change. The three major climate factors that will impact Rancho Mirage in the future are temperature, precipitation, and wildfire risk.

Temperature
Average Temperature

Overall temperatures are expected to rise throughout this century.

During the next few decades, scenarios project average
temperature to rise between 1 and 2.3°F. Rancho Mirage has already experienced a 2.0°F increase compared to the end of the last century (i.e., 1961-1990). This change in temperature is projected to increase to 3.0°F by 2040. Currently, the average annual temperature for Rancho Mirage is approximately 74°F. The temperature can drop into the low 30's in the winter and can exceed 120°F in the summer.

Extreme Heat Days

The most serious threats to the public health of Californians will stem primarily from the increased frequency of extreme conditions, principally more frequent extreme heat days, and more frequent, intense, and longer heat waves. An extreme heat day is typically defined as a day in April through October where the maximum temperature exceeds the 98th historical percentile of maximum temperatures, based on daily temperature data between 1961 and 1990. A heat wave is defined as five or more consecutive extreme heat days. An increase in heat waves may increase the risk of directly related conditions such as heat stroke and dehydration.

An extreme heat day for Rancho Mirage is when the temperature exceeds 114°F.43 Even though the number of heat days varies from year-to-year, the average is projected to increase in the future (Exhibit 28). As the number of heat days per year steadily increases over time, Rancho Mirage must be prepared to protect its resident’s health and safety.

Precipitation

Changes in precipitation patterns will affect public health primarily through extreme events such as floods, droughts and wildfires. In addition, higher temperatures combined with changes in
precipitation patterns create conditions that are more conducive to the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases. On average, the projections show little change in total annual precipitation in California. Furthermore, precipitation projections do not show a consistent trend during the next century. However, even modest changes would have a significant impact because California ecosystems are conditioned to historical precipitation levels and water resources are nearly fully utilized.

Rancho Mirage has had an average rainfall of 5.74 inches over the last 30 years, which is 85 percent less than the average nationwide, and 77 percent less than the average in California.

Average rainfall in Rancho Mirage is predicted to decline to approximately four inches per year by 2040. This decrease in annual precipitation is not expected to have a significant impact on Rancho Mirage, due to the limited amount of water they already receive. 4-149

13 Safety Element

Wildfire Risk

Decreased precipitation and drought also result in increased frequency and duration of wildfires, another significant risk to public health. Wildfire frequency and intensity is expected to grow as temperatures increase and vegetation dries due to longer dry seasons, especially in mountainous areas. In addition to the as- sociated direct risk of fatalities, wildfires can lead to immediate and long-term adverse public health problems due to exposure to smoke. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other organic
chemicals, nitrogen oxides, trace metals, and fine particulate matter from burning trees, plants, and built structures. During wildfires, large populations can be exposed to a complex mixture of pollutant gases and particles, which can have both acute and chronic health impacts. Smoke can irritate the eyes, harm the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung disease, including asthma. People with existing cardiopulmonary diseases are generally at the greatest risk from smoke inhalation, with age being a complicating risk factor for the exposed population.

Further details regarding wildfire in Rancho Mirage are de- scribed in Fire Hazards above.

Climate Change Goals, Policies, And Programs

The City has the responsibility to coordinate with state, regional, and County agencies to establish and maintain an up-to-date database on climate change conditions in the region, legislation affecting the City’s regulatory responsibilities, and changing technical assessments that refine or re-characterize the climate change impacts affecting the region. The City should also monitor the effectiveness of its adaptation strategies. The City’s development review process must assure that development proposals are thoroughly evaluated with regard to climate change and that comprehensive mitigation measures are developed and implemented. The City will need to take a proactive role to assure the public is safe by informing them about severity of climate change impacts and what resources are available to them to mitigate these impacts.

GOAL SAFE 6
Maintenance of Rancho Mirage as a safe place with a high- quality of life for its residents, businesses, and visitors in the face of climate change.

POLICY SAFE 6.1
The City shall identify and periodically reassess local climate change vulnerabilities.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.1A
Conduct a climate change vulnerability assessment of vulnerable populations, structures, and functions.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.1B
Review the findings of the climate change vulnerability assessment with relevant City departments to ensure that vulnerable community populations, structures, and functions are understood and that appropriate actions are taken to protect these vulnerabilities.

POLICY SAFE 6.2
The City shall develop adaptation measures that address the climate change impacts on Rancho Mirage’s residents, businesses, and visitors.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.2A
Develop a heat response plan that includes identification of cooling centers and promotion of urban heat mitigation strategies.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.2B
Improve wildfire prevention through regulations of new
development, establish and/or maintain cooperative fire agreements, and increase vegetation management efforts to reduce wildfire potential.

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14 PROGRAM SAFE 6.2C
Incorporate newly identified adaptation measures into planning documents, including the Hazard Inventory and Hazard Mitigation Plan, as appropriate.

POLICY SAFE 6.3
The City shall support initiatives, legislation, and actions to respond to climate change and consider potential climate change impacts in planning and decision making processes.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.3A
Coordinate adaptation planning with other planning, including future General Plan/ land use code updates.

POLICY SAFE 6.4
The City shall work with local organizations to raise awareness about climate change impacts.

PROGRAM SAFE 6.4A
Collaborate with community-based organizations (e.g., health care providers, public health advocates, fire prevention organizations) to disseminate public preparedness and emergency response information related to climate change.

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ATTACHMENT 7

DRAFT NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

(SEE ATTACHED)

4-152

Notice of Determination
To: Office of Planning and Research From: City of Rancho Mirage 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121 69825 Highway 111
Sacramento, CA 95814 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
County Clerk
County of Riverside
2724 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
Subject Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resources Code.

Project Title:

Rancho Mirage Housing and Safety Element Updates
Case No. EA21-0005 and GPTA21-0001
State Clearinghouse Number: Contact Person: Area Code / Telephone / Extension:
(If submitted to Clearinghouse)
N/A Majna Dukic, Planning Manager 760-328-2266
Project Location (include county)
City-wide in the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County Project Description
The Housing Element is one of the mandated Elements of the City’s General Plan. It analyzes the demographics of the City population and existing housing stock, and considers the future needs for housing in the City, with a particular focus on affordable housing, and housing for special needs households, including seniors, disabled persons, large families, single parent households and the homeless. It also provides the City’s decision makers with Goals, Policies and Programs intended to facilitate the development and preservation of adequate housing supply to meet these needs.

The State has established a mandatory update schedule for Housing Elements, which the City is complying with. This Update addresses the planning period from 2021 to 2029.

This is to advise that the City of Rancho Mirage has approved the above described project on ____________________.

Lead Agency Responsible Agency
and has made the following determinations regarding the above described projects.

1.The project (will will not) have a significant effect on the environment.

2. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.

A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA

3.Mitigation measures ( were were not) made a condition of the approval of the project.

4.A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan ( was was not) adopted

5.A statement of Overriding Considerations ( was was not) adopted.

6.Findings ( were were not) made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.

Planning Manager
Signature (Public Agency) Date Title

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ATTACHMENT 8

NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

(SEE ATTACHED)

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CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: (760) 328-2266
Fax: (760) 324-9851

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY

Project Title: Rancho Mirage Housing and Safety Element Updates

City Project No.: General Plan Text Amendment GPTA21-0001 and Environmental Assessment EA21-0005

Lead Agency City of Rancho Mirage Name and Address: 69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: (760) 328-2266 Fax: (760) 324-9851

Project Sponsor’s Name City of Rancho Mirage
and Address: 69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270

Contact Person Majna Dukic, Planning Manager
And Phone Number: Phone: (760) 328-2266, Extension 210

Project Location: City-wide

Project Area: ±25.4 square miles—the current City boundary.

General Plan Designation: All

Zoning Designation: All
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 4 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................................................................................. 6

1. AESTHETICS.............................................................................................................................................. 9

2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ................................................................................ 10

3. AIR QUALITY .......................................................................................................................................... 11

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................... 13

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................................... 14

6. ENERGY ................................................................................................................................................... 15

7. GEOLOGY / SOILS .................................................................................................................................. 17

8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS .......................................................................................................... 19

9. HAZARDS & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ........................................................................................... 21

10. HYDROLOGY / WATER QUALITY ...................................................................................................... 23

11. LAND USE / PLANNING ........................................................................................................................ 25

12. MINERAL RESOURCES ......................................................................................................................... 27

13. NOISE ........................................................................................................................................................ 28

14. POPULATION / HOUSING ..................................................................................................................... 29

15. PUBLIC SERVICES ................................................................................................................................. 30

16. RECREATION .......................................................................................................................................... 31

17. TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................................ 32

18. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................................... 34

19. UTILITIES SERVICE SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................ 35

20. WILDFIRES .............................................................................................................................................. 37

21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................... 38

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 39

Table 1: Proposed Land Uses ......................................................................................................................3

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Source: SCAG

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Current Conditions

Project Location and Limits

The City is in Township 4 South & Township 5 South, Range 5 East, & Township 5 South Range 6 East, San Bernardino Base & Meridian (see USGS Rancho Mirage 7.5-minute quadrangle map).

Surrounding Land Uses

Not applicable. The Housing Element applies to all lands throughout the City.

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EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Summary of CEQA Findings

Purpose of this Initial Study

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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:

Top of Form

Aesthetics

Agriculture and
Forestry Resources

Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources Energy

Geology /Soils

Greenhouse Gas
Emissions

Hazards & Hazardous
Materials

Hydrology / Water
Quality

Land Use / Planning
Mineral Resources

Noise
Population / Housing
Public Services

Recreation
Transportation
Tribal Cultural Resources

Utilities / Service
Systems

Wildfires

Mandatory Findings of
Significance
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DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

________________________________________________________ Signature: Majna Dukic, Planning Manager
City of Rancho Mirage

__________________
Date:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. 10/25/2021
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Environmental Checklist and Discussion:

1. AESTHETICS – Except as provided in Public
Resource Code Section 21099, would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Rancho Mirage Zoning Ordinance, as amended; Officially Designated State Scenic Highways Map, Caltrans.

The segment of Highway 111 through the City of Rancho Mirage is not designated as scenic highways in the California State Scenic Highway Program, but classified as eligible.

a-d) No Impact. The Housing and Safety Element Updates will have no impact on aesthetics, scenic vistas or light and glare. In the future, development of individual housing projects will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for their potential effect on scenic vistas and scenic resources. The City’s building height limits in the Zoning Code and the policies of the General Plan and Specific Plans prevent the construction of large buildings that block scenic vistas. Future projects will be required to adhere to applicable zoning and other regulations on scenic quality, and this Update proposes no change to these regulations. The General Plan and Municipal Code also require view protection for new development (Municipal Code Section 17.18.090) and require any exterior light and glare to be shielded or recessed to prevent spill beyond the property line (Municipal Code Section 17.18.050). No impact is expected.

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forestland (as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 12220(g)),timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or
timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined
by Government Code Section 51104(g))?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program, California Department of Conservation, 2016.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard?

c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading
to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number
of people?

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) and EIR/EIS, 2007.

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to §
15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to § 15064.5?

c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?
Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, Leslie Heumann and Associates, February 3, 2003.

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Overall, no impact is expected.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

6. ENERGY -- Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?

b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017.

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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7. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a result
of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-
site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?

d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks
to life or property?

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of wastewater?

f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan, Exhibits 21-25 and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Background
The City is in the western portion of the Coachella Valley, which is the northwestern extension of the Salton Trough, a tectonic depression formed by regional faulting. The Salton Trough is roughly 130 miles long and 70 miles wide and extends from the San Gorgonio Pass to the Gulf of Mexico. Regional soils range from rocky outcrops within the mountains bordering the valley, to coarse gravels of mountain canyons and recently laid fine - and medium- grained alluvial (stream-deposited) and aeolian (wind-deposited) sediments on the central valley floor. Sediments from the surrounding mountains are carried into and across the valley through seasonal streams. The Whitewater River, which generally flows northwest to southeast, is the master drainage for the valley. Episodic flooding of major regional drainages results in the deposition of sand and gravel on the valley floor.

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Any potential impact as a result of future housing development will be addressed in site-specific environmental review and technical studies, where necessary.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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8. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS -- Would
the project:

b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?

• Tier 1: Is there an applicable exemption?
• Tier 2: Is the project compliant with a greenhouse gas reduction plan that is, at a minimum, consistent with the goals of AB 32?
• Tier 3: Is the project below an absolute threshold (10,000 MTCO2e/year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e/year for residential and commercial projects)?
• Tier 4: Is the project below a (yet to be set) performance threshold? • Tier 5: Would the project achieve a screening level with off-site mitigation?

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Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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9. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --
Would the project:

b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?

f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?

g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed March 2021.

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Plan approved by FEMA and adopted in 2018, which provide current guidance on hazard mitigation and emergency response in and around the City.

The sites proposed for affordable housing or housing in general do not occur on sites identified by the state as now having or previously having hazardous materials issues.

The closest airport to the City is the Palms Springs International Airport, located at least 2.63 miles to the northwest.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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10. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY --
Would the project:

b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such
that the project may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?

ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or offsite?

iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?

iv) Impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation?
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?

Source: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

CVWD’s most recent Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) indicates that sufficient water supplies are available to serve anticipated future growth.

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a-e) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Element Update will have no impact on water resources.

Mitigation: None required.

Monitoring: None required.

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11. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would
the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan 2017; Rancho Mirage Municipal Code; Rancho Mirage Highway 111 Specific Plan Intial Study, May 2020.

Both R-H and MHP designations allow up to 9 dwelling units per acre, and impact of future development on the site will be addressed in the project-level environmental review.

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Overall, no significant impacts are expected.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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12. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the
project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?

b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?

Background
In the Coachella Valley, mineral resources are largely limited to aggregates, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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13. NOISE -- Would the project result in:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact

b) Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

15.04.030). Individual projects will be reviewed under CEQA to determine whether their construction impacts will impact neighboring development.

The Palm Springs International Airport is located at least 2.63 miles from Rancho Mirage and none of the noise contours from 60 CNEL up for the airport extend into the City of Rancho Mirage.

Mitigation: None required
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Monitoring: None required

14. POPULATION AND HOUSING –
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?

Local housing products include a mix of single- and multi-family units, and a smaller number of mobile homes.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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15. PUBLIC SERVICES –
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times
or other performance objectives for any of the
public services:

Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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16. RECREATION –

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

b) Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities, which might have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

a-b) No Impact. The adoption of the Housing and Safety Elements update will have no impact on recreation.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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17. TRANSPORTATION – Would the project: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?

b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines §
15064.3, subdivision (b)?
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?

d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; CVAG Active Transportation Plan, Michael Baker International, 2016.

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Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, Leslie Heumann and Associates, February 3, 2003.

i, ii) No Impact. The entire City of Rancho Mirage and Sphere of Influence (SOI) is located in the tribal “Traditional Use Area” as identified by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI). The County of Riverside General Plan identifies the majority of the City and SOI as an area likely to contain cultural resources. Per the General Plan EIR, a qualified archaeological monitor is required for all development on Indian lands.

Overall, no impact is expected.

Mitigation: None required

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Monitoring: None required

19. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS –
Would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years?

d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals?

e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statues and regulations
related to solid waste?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (Final Report), CVWD, July 1, 2016; Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, CVWD, December 1, 2019.

Background
The City is served by the following utility providers:

Utility Service Provider(s)
Electricity Rancho Mirage Energy Authority,
South California Edison (SCE)
Natural gas Southern California Gas
Water Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
Wastewater Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD)
Solid waste Burrtec
Telecommunications Spectrum, Frontier, Hughes Net

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Overall, no impacts are anticipated.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required

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20. WILDFIRE – If located in or near state
responsibility areas or lands classified as very high
fire hazard severity zones, would the project:

Potentially
Significant
Impact

Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation

Less Than
Significant
Impact

No
Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

d) Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?

Sources: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017; California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, CalFire, last updated 1/13/2020.

Mitigation: None required

Monitoring: None required
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21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF

SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community,
substantially reduce the number or restrict the
range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the major periods
of California history or prehistory?

c) Does the project have environmental effects,
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?

Source: Rancho Mirage General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, 2017.

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REFERENCES

City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, 2017

Rancho Mirage General Plan EIR, 2006 and Addendum EIR, 2017

City of Rancho Mirage Municipal Code, as amended

Officially Designated State Scenic Highways Map, Caltrans

California Department of Conservation; Farmland Mapping & Monitoring Program. 2016

SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), 2016

Coachella Valley PM10 SIP, 2003

California Air Resource Board, website, http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm

Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), 2007

City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey, 2003

California Department of Toxic Substances Control “EnviroStor” Database, accessed February 2021

Rancho Mirage Sustainability Plan, March 2013

Rancho Mirage Highway 111 Specific Plan Intial Study, May 2020.

CVAG Active Transportation Plan, Michael Baker International, 2016

2015 Urban Water Management Plan, Final Report, CVWD, July 1, 2016

Sanitary Sewer Management Plan, CVWD, December 1, 2019

Solid Waste Information System, www2.calrecyle.ca.gov, CalRecycle, accessed December 2020

California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer, CalFire, last updated 1/13/2020.

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ATTACHMENT 9

DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT

(SEE ATTACHED)

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