Wednesday, July 24, 2024
City of Rialto
Council Chambers
150 S. Palm Ave.
Rialto, CA 92376
Rialto City Hall, Council Chambers, 150 S. Palm Ave. Rialto CA 92376 Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting - Final
REGULAR MEETING - 1:00 P.M.
1 July 24, 2024Economic Development Committee Regular Meeting - Final
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
EDC-24-1527 Minutes from the May 29, 2024 Economic Development Committee Meeting.
EDC Minutes 5-29-24.docxAttachments:
PRESENTATIONS
EDC-24-1596 Vineyard Ave. Warehouse Project
Attachment No. 1 - Location Map
Attachment No. 2 - Conceptual Plans
Attachment No. 3 - ASG Development Presentation
Attachments:
REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
EDC-24-1600 Carson Companies - 210 Pepper Commerce Center (Update Discussion) EDC-24-1595 General Plan Update Presentation for the Land Use, Safety, Circulation and Environmental Justice Elements (Master Case No. 2023-019).
Att. 1 Circulation Element_2023 Truck Routes - Revised Public Draft.pdf Att. 2 RialtoGP_EJ Element-graphics-March.pdf
Att. 3 RialtoGP_LandUse-graphics-March.pdf
Att. 4 RialtoGP_Safety Element-graphics-March.pdf
Attachments:
EDC-24-1599 HOME Program Participating Jurisdiction Option 2024
UPCOMING MEETINGS/OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
2 City of Rialto
Legislation Text
File #: EDC-24-1527, Version: 1, Agenda #:
Minutes from the May 29, 2024 Economic Development Committee Meeting.
City of Rialto Printed on 6/21/2024Page 1 of 1
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3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Call to Order/Roll Call 1:03 PM
EDC MEMBERS PRESENT
Mayor Deborah Robertson
Councilmember Ed Scott
CITY/AGENCY STAFF PRESENT
Robert Messinger, Deputy City Attorney
G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager
Timothy Sullivan, Director of Maintenance and Facilities Mike Orona, Deputy Director of Maintenance and Facilities Vicente Giron, Engineering Manager
Daniel Casey, Principal Planner
Kim Dame, Administrative Analyst
Heidy Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the February 28, 2024 EDC meeting – Accepted for the Record Minutes from the March 27, 2024 EDC meeting – Accepted for the Record
REPORTS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
EDC-24-1382
Consideration of Adding Landscaping Elements to the Newly Constructed Baseline Road Median
Presented by Timothy Sullivan
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Timothy Sullivan proposed the types of foliage that would be most suitable and drought resistant. Mr. Sullivan also discussed the possibility of solar irrigation to ensure the plants are watered accordingly. Mayor Robertson expressed her concern that the water tanks 4 will not look attractive to onlookers. Mr. Sullivan provided some examples of historic Rialto pictures that can be wrapped around the tanks. Mayor Robertson requested to see alternative “art” pieces that will be less prone to graffiti such as looking into wrought-iron installations.
EDC-24-1470
One Stop Shop Anticipated Construction Costs
Presented by Timothy Sullivan
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Timothy Sullivan discussed the ongoing history of the One Stop Shop and how costs have been brought down to around $2.5 million. Mayor Robertson advised that she is not in favor of the location of this project; she would prefer seeing other businesses move into the space instead.
Councilman Scott added that the One Stop Shop needs to have room for Code Enforcement and PD to host meetings if needed.
Mayor Robertson suggested finding different spaces , such as 308 North Riverside Avenue. This location could potentially be bought for $660,000 and renovated with modulars for city staff. Mayor Robertson also recommended looking into purchasing the old mortuary at 308 North Riversid e Avenue and flower shop next door. She requested that Colby prepare a package to purchase the property – red tag it, bring it to code and then purchase.
EDC-24-1453
ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Las Vegas 2024 Recap
Presented by Daniel Casey
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Daniel Casey advised that th e City of Rialto had eight (8) appointments and about forty (40) parties visited the booth. Mr. Casey noted that many were interested in the Lennar/Renaissance/River Ranch developments.
Mr. Casey suggested that the 99 Cents store on Baseline Road could become a possible gym or PetSmart moving forward. There were also talks of demoing and redeveloping lot on North Acacia Avenue and East Foothill Boulevard.
5 Mr. Casey informed staff that they met with FivePoint to discuss a possible hotel site at West Valley Boulevard and South Willow Avenue. Mayor Robertson recommended Miro Way and North Ayala Drive for the potential hotel site instead.
EDC-24-1469
Carson Companies – Pepper 210 Commerce Center
Presented by Daniel Casey
Committee Comments/Questions/Recommendations:
Daniel Casey advised that the Pepper 210 Commerce Center will be a one million square foot warehouse. Councilman Scott asked about having the developer apply for annexation into the city. Councilman Scott also inquired regarding filing an opposition to one of the county island developments for a warehouse.
Mayor Robertson asked city staff to find out about the annexation details that were discussed in the January 2023 meeting.
Upcoming Meetings/Other Discussion Items:
Councilman Scott asked about updates for the Bridge project (on island of county land); he wants the county to know the City opposes the project. Councilman Scott and Mayor Robertson asked for this item to be on the next EDC agenda; they want staff to prepare a letter to remind Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. that he had opposed of this project as well.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:33 p.m.
6 City of Rialto
Legislation Text
File #: EDC-24-1596, Version: 1, Agenda #:
For the Economic Development Committee [July 24, 2024]
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Colby Cataldi, Director and Community Development Vineyard Ave. Warehouse Project
DISCUSSION:
ASG Development proposes to develop a 311,315 square foot industrial warehouse building on approximately 16.55 acres of land (APN’s:1133-101-04, 1133-221-02, 1133-221-06 & 1133-221-07) located on the west side of Maple Avenue approximately 660 feet north of Casmalia Street. The project site is located within one (1) of the unincorporated “North Islands” currently under the jurisdiction of the County of San Bernardino and is also within the City’s Spere of Influence. A location map is included as Attachment No. 1.
Features of the proposed development include:
· 311,315 square foot industrial warehouse building
· 42 dock doors
· 188 parking spaces
The applicant is currently processing a development application with the County of San Bernardino Land Use Services Department for the proposed industrial warehouse building. City Staff will continue to monitor the progress of the application and coordinate with County Staff when necessary.
The conceptual site plan, conceptual elevations, and a proposed truck routing plan is attached as Attachment No. 2.
For reference, on June 11, 2019, the City Council voted 5-0 to deny a similar industrial warehouse building on the site. At the time, the project in the City included a General Plan Amendment and a Specific Plan Amendment to “pre-zone”the site to an industrial designation in advance of the City pursuing annexation of the “North Islands”.
ASG Development will conduct a presentation during the meeting, a copy of which is attached as Attachment No. 3.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the EDC discuss and provide any comments.
Attachments:
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7 File #: EDC-24-1596, Version: 1, Agenda #:
1. Location Map
2. Conceptual Site Plan and Truck Routing Plan
3. ASG Development - Presentation
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8 Location Map
N
9 311,315 sf
TRUCK AND VEHICULAR ACCESS ONLY FROM VINEYARD AVE.
100’ BUILDING SETBACK
FROM NEIGHBORING
PROPERTY LINE
EVA ACCESS ONLY
(NO VEHICULAR ACCESS ON MAPLE AVE.)
LINEAR GREENBELT AREA FOR RESIDENTS
Maple Ave.
Vineyard Ave.
VINEYARD INDUSTRIAL
LANDSCAPE PLAN (CURRENT)
10 11
Proposed
Industrial
ONLY TRUCK
ENTRANCE
Proposed
Building
311k sf
NO
TRUCKS
Locust Ave.
Vineyard Ave.
Bohnert Ave.
Casmalia st.
Vineyard Ave.
Maple Ave.
Banyan St.
Linden Ave.
Norwood St. Norwood St.
Alder Ave.
210
210
12 VINEYARD
INDUSTRIAL
13 VINEYARD INDUSTRIAL
VS BRIDGE PROJECT
VINEYARD INDUSTRIAL
BULDING SIZE = 311,315 SF
LANDSCAPE AREA = 104K SF
INCLUDES LINEAR PARK ALONG MAPLE
ACCESSIBLE TO NEIGHBORS
BUILDING SETBACK = 87 FEET
IMPROVES MAPLE ST. NORTH TO BOHNERT
(CURRENTLY DIRT ROAD N. OF VINEYARD)
CEQA DOCUMENT: EIR
ALLOWS FOR MORE COMMUNITY INPUT
BRIDGE PROJECT
BUILDING SIZE = 382,018 SF
LANDSCAPE AREA = 79K SF
NO ACCESSIBLE PARK AREA FOR
NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS
BUILDING SETBACK = 35 FEET
CEQUA DOCUMENT: MND
14 BRIDGE SITE PLAN
PREVIOUS SUBMITTAL (2019)
Small Setback (35’)
15 311,315 sf
TRUCK AND VEHICULAR ACCESS ONLY FROM VINEYARD AVE.
100’ BUILDING SETBACK
FROM NEIGHBORING
PROPERTY LINE
EVA ACCESS ONLY
(NO VEHICULAR ACCESS ON MAPLE AVE.)
LINEAR OPEN SPACE AREA FOR RESIDENTS
Maple Ave.
Vineyard Ave.
VINEYARD INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE PLAN
16 VINEYARD INDUSTRIAL
SITE PLAN (CURRENT)
Vineyard Industrial
TRUCK ROUTES
17 Industrial
Zoned
Property
ONLY TRUCK
ENTRANCE
Proposed
Building
311k sf
NO
TRUCKS
Locust Ave.
Vineyard Ave.
Bohnert Ave.
Casmalia St.
Vineyard Ave.
Maple Ave.
Banyan St.
Linden Ave.
Norwood St. Norwood St.
Alder Ave.
210
210
18 Transition Property
Residential Dilemma
1. Truck Traffic Adjacent to Residential
2. No Buffers between Truck Traffic and Residential
3. Potential for Vineyard to Connect to Maple
1 2
2 1
3 Locust Ave.
Maple Ave.
Industrial Zoned Property
19 Maple Ave.
Current Condition
Maple Ave. Looking North from Vineyard Maple Ave. Looking South from Bohnert
20 Maple Ave. Accessible Open Space
DG Trail Perspective
Maple Ave. Elevation
21 City of Rialto
Legislation Text
File #: EDC-24-1600, Version: 1, Agenda #:
Carson Companies - 210 Pepper Commerce Center (Update Discussion) City of Rialto Printed on 7/19/2024Page 1 of 1
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22 City of Rialto
Legislation Text
File #: EDC-24-1595, Version: 1, Agenda #:
For Economic Development Committee [July 24, 2024]
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development FROM: Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager
General Plan Update Presentation for the Land Use, Safety, Circulation and Environmental Justice Elements (Master Case No. 2023-019).
BACKGROUND
The General Plan is a policy document approved by the City Council to guide future development within the City. The General Plan is comprised of a minimum of seven (7) elements required by the State of California which include Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise, and Safety.
The City was awarded the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant to update the Land use, Safety, Circulation, and to add the new Environmental Justice (EJ) Element.
Senate Bill 1000 amended Government Code Section 65302 to require cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to incorporate EJ policies as a separate element in the General Plan.
Environmental Justice is defined by the state as “thefair treatment of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”
Initiation of the Focused General Plan Update
On June 23, 2020, at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, the Council authorized submittal of a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for multiple projects including a focused General Plan Update. In December 2022, the City initiated the focused General Plan Update portion of the grant and awarded a professional services agreement to the consulting firm Dudek.
The focused General Plan Update includes amendments to three (3) elements and the creation of a new element (Environmental Justice):
· The Land Use Element is being updated to retain consistency with Housing, Safety, and the new Environmental Justice Elements.
· The Safety Element is required to be updated to meet certain laws related to climate change projections, vulnerable populations, and evacuation. The Climate Adaptation Plan provides a basis for much of these requirements.
· The Circulation Element will incorporate recent data and figure updates to reflect current City of Rialto Printed on 7/19/2024Page 1 of 3
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23 File #: EDC-24-1595, Version: 1, Agenda #:
conditions and changes to the City’s truck routes.
· The Environmental Justice Element is new for Rialto and is being prepared in response to Senate Bill 1000. An Environmental Justice Element includes policies and actions related to six (6) pillars. The six (6) pillars are:
§ Access to Healthy Food
§ Promote Exercise
§ Reduce Pollution
§ Access to Public Facilities
§ Promote Safe and Sanitary Homes
§ Promote Civic Engagement
Public Engagement and Outreach
Public engagement is an important part of the General Plan Update process and is particularly important for the preparation of the Environmental Justice Element. The public engagement plan included:
· Pop-up activities at community events, which began April 2023 · Virtual and In-Person Workshops, began in May 2023
· Community Advisory Committee (CAC) formed May 2023
· Public Meetings to review the draft General Plan content and obtain public input · Draft General Plan update published for Public Review Notifications about public engagement included social media, a designated project specific website, mass email, and a direct postcard mailer to all Rialto households totaling over 25,000.
Timeline
The project schedule included:
· April 2024 EDC update
· December 2023: End of Comment Period for Environmental · November 2023: Comment Period on Environmental
· October 2023: 3rd CAC meeting
· September 2023: Public review/comment of the draft plan · June 2023: public workshops and CAC meeting
· April 2023: Two (2) community popups
· May 2023 City Council presentation and update
· May 2023: public workshops, formation of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), the first CAC meeting (tentative), and presentations to Planning Commission and City Council · April 2023: EDC update and timelines presented to committee · March 2023, public outreach
· January 2023: EDC update on General Plan and Community Engagement Future Tentative Public Meetings
· August 2024: Planning Commission Meeting
· September City Council meeting to consider the General Plan Update · November 2024 City Council meeting for a second reading of the ordinance.
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24 File #: EDC-24-1595, Version: 1, Agenda #:
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
Preparation of the focused General Plan Update does not have a direct impact on the City’sGeneral Fund. The City received a LEAP grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to fund the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Committee receive a presentation on the focused General Plan Update and provide comments.
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25 Chapter 4
Making the Connections:
the Circulation Chapter
4 A Plan for Our Streets
Riding Rail and Bus Transit
Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Goods Movement
Making the Connections: the
Circulation Chater
Making the Connections:
the Circulation Chapter
Introduction
..............................................................................4-1 A Plan for Our Streets............................................................4-3 Riding Rail and Bus Transit .................................................4-11 Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians ...................4-13 Goods Movement ................................................................4-17 Goals and Policies ................................................................4-20 26 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
THE CIRCULATION CHAPTER
Chapter
4 Page
4-1
Introduction
The Circulation Element is one of seven mandated elements of the General Plan and is intended to guide the development of the City's circulation system in a manner that is compatible with the Land Use Element. Due to the importance of a well-planned circul ation system, the State of California has mandated the adoption of a citywide Circulation Element since 1955.
The current State mandate for a Circulation Element is found in Government Code section 65302(b), which states that the General Plan shall include:
“... a circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and pr oposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan."
The anticipated level and pattern of development will generate demand for travel throughout the City that must be accommodated by the roadway system, public transportation, and non-motorized forms of transportation. In addition, Rialto’s increasing prominence as a logistics hub will create a demand for goods movement throughout the City that must be accommodated by commercial vehicles and railroads. To help meet these demands and achieve balanced growth, the City has adopted specific goals and policies which serve as the basis for the Circulation Element. 4-
Circulation and land use planning are intertwined. The nature, routing, and design of circulation facilities are among the major determinants of the form of human settlement and uses of land, and the intertie of land uses creates a demand for circulation facilities. State law requires consistency among all the elements of the General Plan.
The Circulation Chapter provides policy direction to create a system of Complete Streets. Complete Streets refers to a multi-modal transportation network designed and operated meet the needs of all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, persons with disabilities, movers of commercial goods, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely access and use streets and transportation modes to reach their destinations.
Implementing a Complete Streets program involves:
Identifying the hierarchy of travel corridors in the City; defining a Citywide Transit Plan;
identifying a Citywide Bicycle Network;
including provisions for bike lanes on many roadway types in the roadway design standards; and
includes policies and implementation actions to encourage the use of transit, bicycling, and walking.
27 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
Page
4-2
Chapter
4 This Chapter implements the Complete Streets concept by identifying a hierarchy of travel corridors that accommodates car trips, bike trips, pedestrian movement, trucks, and transit.
Exhibit 4.1 establishes a hierarchy of street classifications that allows vehicles to move efficiently through Rialto, with arterials adapted to provide for safe pedestrian movement at intersections. Complementing the road network are designated routes for transit ( Exhibit 4.2 ), including bus rapid transit along Foothill Boulevard, and a Citywide Bicycle network (Exhibit 4.4) that will make bicycling more convenient and safer. Exhibit 4.5 shows routes for trucks.
Through the goals and policies of this Chapter, the City will strive to meet diverse mobility needs and reduce vehicle miles travelled, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate change, and mitigate roadway congestion. Other benefits that come with implementation of Complete Streets will be a higher level of public safety.
Circulation Context
Rialto began as a railroad town. Rialto’s historic core and Downtown developed around two historic rail lines that connected Rialto and the Inland Empire to the rest of Southern California. These rail lines allowed the movement of citrus, goods, and people into the region. But more importantly, they allowed people from elsewhere to be introduced to Rialto.
And many found it to be a place to call home.
Today, major roadways and freeways move Rialto residents and visitors throughout the City and to regional destinations. However, the historical transportation roots are still planted in Rialto, serving Rialto residents with alternative methods of travel other than the automobile. One rail line is now used for commuter rail transit connecting to San Bernardino and Los Angeles and elsewhere via Metrolink. The former Pacific Electric line, now an abandoned rail line but currently undeveloped within Rialto, will emerge as a regional bike route, connecting designations throughout the Inland Empire.
Rialto is served by several major regional freeways, two major freight/commuter railroad lines, an extensive roadway network, and several transit lines. The regional and local roadway system is a hierarchal system of highways and local streets developed to provide regional traffic movement and local access. Interstate 10 (I-10) and State Route 210 (SR-210) traverse the City in an east-west direction, prov iding regional access to most of the City. Interstate 15 (I-15) also provides access to the northern portion of the City. The City’s roadway network is generally based on a grid system, with major arterials spaced one to two miles apart. Along the northern City border, Riverside Avenue runs from northwest to southeast, paralleling the Lytle Creek Wash.
28 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
THE CIRCULATION CHAPTER
Chapter
4 Page
4-3
A Plan for Our Streets
Rialto has established a roadway classification system with the following five functional classifications: Major Arteri al Highway, Major Arterial, Secondary Arterial, Collector Street, and Local Street. In addition, four modifications of the Major Arterial classification have been established for selected locations with special or unique characteristics.
Freeways
Freeways are multi-lane, limited-access, high-volume, high-speed roadways constructed for regional and interregional vehicular travel. Access to these facilities is restricted to interchange ramps at selected roadways along their route. Freeways are under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
SR-210 freeway
through Rialto
29 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
Page
4-4
Chapter
4 Major Arterial Highway
A Major Arterial Highway can accommodate six lanes of traffic and has a raised median. Driveway access to this roadway is typically limited to provide efficient high-volume flow. Bloomington Avenue is the only Major Arterial Highway in Rialto.
Major Arterial Highway
12’
13’ 13’
12’
120’ ROW
18’14’ 12’14’ 12’
Major Arterial
Major Arterials are generally the largest of the local surface street roadways, linking freeways with local streets to accommodate larger volumes of through traffic moving at higher speeds than local streets. These facilities carry high traffic volumes and are primary thoroughfares that connect Rialto with adjacent cities and the regional highway system. Typically, Major Arterials have at least two lanes of travel in each direction, left-turn lanes at intersections, and parking lanes, an d are designed to accommodate high speeds. To provide a sufficient level of safety and traffic flow, the number of driveways along Major Arterials is limited.
Major Arterial
12’
12’ 12’
14’
120’ ROW
16’14’ 12’14’ 14’
There are four modified versions of the Major Arterial, each having slightly varying characteristics such a different number of vehicles lanes, widths, street parking, bike lanes, medians, or dedicated bus lanes.
Major Arterial Highway
Major Arterial
30 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
THE CIRCULATION CHAPTER
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4 Page
4-5
Modified Major Arterial I
A Modified Major Arterial I has two lanes of travel in each direction, left-turn lanes at intersections, medians to accommodate high speeds, and two dedicated bus lanes. The Modified Major Arterial I only applies to Foothill Boulevard, where a planned Omnitrans Bus Rapid Transit line will operate.
Modified Major Arterial I
12’
12’ 12’
14’
Bus
Lane
Bus
Lane
120’ ROW
16’14’ 12’14’ 14’
Modified Major Arterial II
A Modified Major Arterial II has three lanes of travel in each direction and medians. The extra travel lanes are meant to accommodate the heavy traffic flow on Riverside Avenue near the I-10 and I-15 freeway intersections.
Modified Major Arterial II
12’
15’ 15’
14’
120’ ROW
14’12’ 12’12’ 14’
Modified Major Arterial I
Modified Major Arterial II
31 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
Page
4-6
Chapter
4 Modified Arterial I
A Modified Arterial I has two lanes of travel in each direction, medians, parking lanes, and bike lanes in both directions. The Modified Arterial I only applies to Riverside Avenue between Slover Avenue and the southern City boundary.
Modified Arterial II
A Modified Arterial II has at least two lanes of travel in each direction, medians, and on-street parking areas along the sidewalk and the median.
These additional parking areas are meant to serve the Downtown area where this street classification applies. The wide sidewalks are meant to serve a pedestrian-friendly environment. Riverside Avenue through the Downtown is an example of a Modified Major Arterial II.
Modified Arterial II
Modified Arterial I
Parking Parking Parking Parking
Modified Arterial II
varies varies
120’ ROW
varies 12’12’8’ 8’12’12’8’ 8’
Modified Arterial I
14’
13’ 13’
6’
Bike
Lane
Bike
Lane
104’ ROW
14’12’ 14’12’ 6’
32 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
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4 Page
4-7
Secondary Arterials
Secondary Arterials have two lanes of travel in each direction and left-turn lanes, and typically accommodate or accommodate intermediate traffic speeds. Travel lanes must be narrower than on Major Arterials. Parking is often permitted along the curb. Although through traffic will utilize Secondary Arterials, their primary purpose is to link Local Streets with Major Arterials.
88’ ROW
8’ 8’12’ 12’ 12’ 12’12’ 12’
Secondary Arterial
Parking
Collector Streets
Collector Streets provide a transition between Local Streets and higher-speed arterial roadways. These roadways typically have one travel lane in each direction and low design speeds. They provide parking along the curb as well. As their name implies, Collector St reets collect local traffic for delivery to Arterials.
64’ ROW
Collector
8’ 12’ 12’12’ 12’ 8’
Parking Parking
Secondary Arterial
Collector Street
33 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
Page
4-8
Chapter
4 Local Streets
Local Streets are neighborhood roadways with one travel lane in each direction. They are narrower in width than Collector streets. Local Streets typically accommodate on-street parking and are designed for 25 mile-per- hour speeds. Through traffic is not encouraged on Local Streets.
60’ ROW
Local
18’12’ 12’ 18’
Minimizing Local Conges tion and Protecting Our
Neighborhoods
The City of Rialto’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP) provides the City and its residents with options to address traffic-related impacts that involve local neighborh ood streets. Such impacts include speeding, other vehicle code violations, high traffic volumes, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. The NTMP encourages the formation of traffic management associations in neighborhoods. The City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) allocates annual funding for implementation of traffic improvements identified by the associations.
The NTMP includes the establishment of policy guidelines, opportunities for public participation, education an d enforcement strategies, and the recommendation of traffic control devices and criteria for their use. The NTMP provides for traffic management that actively solicits resident involvement. Resident concerns that ar e recurrent around a specific issue would require the establishment of a more comprehensive plan to address the specific issue.
Local Street
34 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
THE CIRCULATION CHAPTER
Chapter
4 Page
4-9
Eucalyptus Ave
Lytle Creek Rd
Alder Ave
Locust Ave
Acacia Ave
Terra Vista Dr
Agua
Cactus Ave
7th St
Marygold Ave
Riverside Ave
BNSF Railway
Laurel Ave
Casmalia Ave
Baseline Rd
Valley Blvd
Slover Ave
Cedar Ave
Randall Ave
Foothill Blvd
Merrill Ave
Linden Ave
Pepper Ave
Riverside Ave
11th St
Bloo
mington
Ave
Mansa
Rd
Jurupa Ave
Rialto Ave
Etiwanda Ave
Tam
arind Ave
Southern Pacific Railroad
Santa Ana Ave
H
olly St
Union Pacific Railroad
Atchison, Topeka
& Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
Cajon W
ashLytle Creek Wash
Channel
Devil Creek
Channel
Cable
Creek
Devore Rd
El Rivino Rd
M
aple Ave
Walnut St
Casa Grande Dr
Palm
etto Ave
Alder Ave
Union Pacific Railroad
San Bernardino Ave
City of
Fontana
City of
Colton
Riverside County
City of
San Bernardino
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino
County
Sierra Ave
Renaissance Specific Plan
(refer to plan for street classifications)
Riverside Ave
Cedar Ave
Lilac Ave
Cactus Ave
W
illow
Ave
Baseline Rd
Acacia Ave
Slover Ave
Linden Ave
Valley Blvd
Sycam
ore Ave
Randall Ave
Merrill Ave
Foothill Blvd
Pepper Ave
Locust Ave
Ayala Dr
Santa Ana Ave
Bohnert Ave
Etiwanda Ave
Easton St
Walnut Ave
Rialto Ave
Summit Ave
Alder Ave
Jurupa Ave
Sierra Ave
El Rivino Rd
Laurel Ave
Brown Ave
Linden Ave
Easton St
Cactus Ave
W
illow Ave
Source: Iteris, Inc. (2008)
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Miles
Base Map Features
Rialto Incorporated Area
Rialto Sphere of Influence
County Boundary
Local Road
Railroad
Hydrological Feature
Freeway
Major Arterial Highway
Major Arterial
Major Arterial
Modified Major Arterial I
Modified Major Arterial II
Modified Arterial I
Modified Arterial II
Secondary Arterial
Secondary Arterial
Secondary Arterial
Collector Street
Collector Street
Street Classification
Freeway Interchanges
Existing Interchange
Planned Future Interchange
Existing right-of-ways are indicated with
a solid line, proposed right-of-ways are
indicated with a dotted line, and right-of-ways
outside the planning area are indicated
with a gray line.
Exhibit 4.1 – Street Classifications
35 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
Page
4-10
Chapter
4 The traffic management strategies outlined in the NTMP follow the same steps for evaluation and implementation. In some cases, it may be necessary to follow every step, whereas some cases would only require certain steps to be followed. The steps include the following:
1. Input and identification of reported issue
2. Confirmation and investigation of reported issue
3. Consideration of potential alternative solutions
4. Review of selected solutions
5. Modification of selected solutions
6. Transportation Commission recommendations
7. City Council action
8. Polling of residents in the affected area
9. Design of solution to be implemented
10. Construction
11. Evaluation of effectiveness
This plan works effectively to allow residents identify concerns, and the City to investigate and resolve neighborhood traffic issues.
Unique Parking Conditions
Rialto permits on-street parking on most Local, Collector, and Secondary Arterial streets. Many Major Arterial streets do not have on-street parking available, as such parking can interfere with traffic flow. However, along Riverside Avenue through Downtown, on-street parking provides easy access to the shops and other business fronting on the avenue. Consistent with Downtown enhancement goals, unique on-street parking approaches will continue to be used on Riverside Avenue.
As Rialto encourages mixed-use development in certain areas to take advantage of nearby transit, non-stan dard parking requirements will be fully explored to respond to requests for shared parking facilities or parking districts.
Park-and-Ride Facilities
As the commuter population grows, so does the need for parking at park- and-ride facilities. Park-and-ride lots at the Rialto Metrolink Station and Cedar Avenue (to serve commuters using I-10 ) will be expanded as necessary in response to commuter demand, and the City will monitor the need for similar facilities near SR-210.
36 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
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Riding Rail and Bus Transit
Public transit service in Rialto includes local fixed-route bus services provided by Omnitrans and Metrolink commuter rail service. Omnitrans also provides para-transit services to persons with disabilities.
Fixed-Route Services
Omnitrans is the transit operator for the San Bernardino Valley area. In 2010, Omnitrans operated five bus routes se rving Rialto, with destinations to locations outside the City as well ( Exhibit 4.2 ). As Exhibit 4.2 shows, Omnitrans and Metrolink routes generally provide most residents and businesses with ready access to bus or rail service. Underserved areas are along SR-210 and in the industrial areas at the southern end of the City.
Omnitrans’ Systemwide Transit Corridor Plan for the San Bernardino Valley identifies key transit corridors for the introduction of higher-quality transit service, such as higher frequency express, or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services. Corridor 2 (Foothill East) wi ll include BRT service on Foothill Boulevard through Rialto. Another corridor being looked at for long-term growth includes San Bernardino Avenue.
Metrolink commuter ridership generally consists of people using the train to get to jobs in downtown Los Angeles or other job-dense areas. While the Rialto station serves mostly as an embarkation point, if a broader jobs base develops around the area, it may also become a commuter destination.
Rialto is fully committed to supporting transit that allows Rialto residents to easily travel within and beyond the City without a car, and to bring people into Rialto for work, shopping, and recreation.
Para-Transit Service
Omnitrans also provides persons with physical or cognitive disabilities specialized transit service through its Access program. Access is a service designed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Access provides curb-to-curb service to complement the Omnitrans fixed-route bus system. The Access service a r e a i s d e f i n e d a s u p t o t h r e e - quarter miles on either side of an existing bus route.
37 CITY OF RIALTO
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Chapter
4 Eucalyptus Ave
Lytle Creek Rd
Alder Ave
Locust Ave
Acacia Ave
Terra Vista Dr
Agua
Cactus Ave
7th St
Marygold Ave
Riverside Ave
BNSF Railway
Laurel Ave
Casmalia Ave
Baseline Rd
Valley Blvd
Slover Ave
Cedar Ave
Randall Ave
Foothill Blvd
Merrill Ave
Linden Ave
Pepper Ave
Riverside Ave
11th St
Bloomi
ngton Ave
Mansa
Rd
Jurupa Ave
Rialto Ave
Etiwanda Ave
Tam
arind Ave
Southern Pacific Railroad
Santa Ana Ave
H
olly St
Union Pacific Railroad
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
Cajon W
ashLytle Creek Wash
Channel
Devil Creek
Channel
Cable
Creek
Devore Rd
El Rivino Rd
M
aple Ave
Walnut St
Casa Grande Dr
Palm
etto Ave
Alder Ave
Union Pacific Railroad
San Bernardino Ave
City of
Fontana
City of
Colton
Riverside County
City of
San Bernardino
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino
County
Sierra Ave
Source: Iteris, Inc. (2007)
00 . 511 . 52
Miles
Base Map Features
Rialto Incorporated Area
Rialto Sphere of Influence
County Boundary
Freeway/Highway
Local Road
Railroad
Hydrological Feature
Local Bus Route
Bus Rapid Transit Route
Metrolink
Rialto Metrolink Station
Bus Transit and
Commuter Rail (Metrolink)
Local Bus Line Service Area
1/4 Mile
1/2 Mile
1/4 Mile
1/2 Mile
Bus Rapid Transit
Service Area
Metrolink Station Radius
1/4 Mile
1/2 Mile
Exhibit 4.2 – Transit and Rail Routes
38 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
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Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Bikeway Classifications
Bikeways are classified in three categories as follows:
A Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) is intended for the exclusive use of bicycles. While it may parallel a roadway, it is physically separated by distance or a vertical barrier.
A Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) shares the right-of-way with a roadway or walkway. It is indicated by a bikeway pictograph on the pavement and a continuous stripe on the pavement, or is separated by a continuous or intermittent curb or other low barrier.
A Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) shares the right-of-way with a roadway or walkway. It is not indicated by a continuous stripe on the pavement or separated by any type of barrier, but it is identified as a bikeway with signage.
The schematic diagrams in Exhibit 4.3 illustrate the width and features of each bikeway classification.
Bikeway Network
The Bikeway Master Plan illustrated in Exhibit 4.4 promotes a safe and efficient network of bikeways for recreational and commuter use within the City. The planned bike network is not a contiguous network. Efforts should be made to expand the network and provide continuity within the City and to the networks of adjacent jurisdictions. Utility easements, flood control channels, and unused rail rights-of-way provide opportunities for locations of Class I bikeways. A “rails-to-trails” conversion of the former Pacific Electric Railroad right-of-way will be pursued on ce funding is acquired and all rail activities cease operation. The line is still active from the easterly city limits to Lilac Avenue. It serves a lumber yard at Lilac Avenue and Rialto Avenue. The rail line is inactive west of Lilac Avenue.
These routes are located both on street and off street to reduce bicycle conflicts with automobiles and pedestrians while maintaining connectivity.
Continuing challenges for bikeways in Rialto include improved crossings over the SR-210 freeway, improvements at intersections, and improved cross-town connections and routes to schools.
39 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
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Chapter
4 Note: Dimensions are not to scale
Class III (Bike Route)
14' Minimum
Shared Lane
BIKE PATH
NO MOTOR
VEHICLES
OR
MO TORIZED
BICYCLES
BIKE LANE
BIKE ROUTE
BIKE PATH
NO MOTOR
VEHICLES
OR
MOTORIZED
BICYCLES
BIKE LANE
BIKE ROUTE
Class II (Bike Lane)
4' Minimum
Existing
Road
4' total width where curb occurs.
Wider bike lane recommended for
high bike volumes or if adjacent to
on-street parking.
No street striping or bike symbols.
Bike lane symbols
and 4-6" striping
on road surface
Existing
Sidewalk
Bike Lane
Curb/Gutter
1'
Wider lanes recommended for high bike
volumes or high levels of mixed use.
Class I (Bike Path)
2'2'
Outer Edge
Compact Soils
Primary Surface
Concrete
8' Minimum
Outer Edge
Compact Soils
Exhibit 4.3 – Bicycle Facility Classifications
40 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
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Eucalyptus Ave
Lytle Creek Rd
Alder Ave
Locust Ave
Acacia Ave
Terra Vista Dr
Agua
Cactus Ave
7th St
Marygold Ave
Riverside Ave
BNSF Railway
Laurel Ave
Casmalia Ave
Baseline Rd
Valley Blvd
Slover Ave
Cedar Ave
Randall Ave
Foothill Blvd
Merrill Ave
Linden A
ve
Pepper Ave
Riverside Ave
11th St
Bloo
ming
ton Ave
Mansa
Rd
Jurupa Ave
Rialto Ave
Etiwanda Ave
Tam
arind Ave
Southern Pacific Railroad
Santa Ana Ave
H
olly St
Union Pacific Railroad
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
Cajon W
ashLytle Creek Wash
Channel
Devil Creek
Channel
Cable
Creek
Devore Rd
El Rivino Rd
M
aple Ave
Walnut St
Casa Grande Dr
Palm
etto Ave
Alder Ave
Union Pacific Railroad
San Bernardino Ave
City of
Fontana
City of
Colton
Riverside County
City of
San Bernardino
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino
County
Sierra A
ve
PACIFIC ELECTRIC TRAIL
SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL
Source: Iteris, Inc. (2007)
00 . 511 . 52
Miles
Base Map Features
Rialto Incorporated Area
Rialto Sphere of Influence
County Boundary
Freeway/Highway
Local Roads
Railroad
Hydrological Features
Bike Trails
Class I - Bike Path
Class II - Bike Lane
Class II - Bike Lane (subject to change)
Class III - Bike Route
Parks
Existing
Proposed
Education Facilities
Elementary School
Middle School
Alternative School
High School
Continuation High School
Exhibit 4.4 – Bicycle Routes
41 CITY OF RIALTO
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Chapter
4 Walking
Almost every
trip begins and ends with a pedestrian trip. In addition, walking is often the only means of transportation that can satisfy the many short trips required in a city's central business district. The safety and convenience of pedestrians are important quality of life factors. A safe pedestrian system that links commercial, residential, and open space uses offers several benefits:
improved health for those who walk, reduced vehicle emissions, and improved security with “eyes on the street” as people move within their neighborhoods to nearby destinations.
Pedestrian circulation and recreation are primarily provided for on the sidewalk. Sidewalk access is sometimes reduced by the intrusion of sidewalk impediments such as newspaper boxes, signs, plantings, and garbage cans.
Sidewalk paraphernalia often appears in clusters at intersections, the most critical points in the pedestrian circulation system, where pedestrians wait for and potentially come into conflict with traffic.
To improve pedestrian safety and encourage walking, specific improvements can be made based on site-specific issues:
Sidewalk widening
Use of special paving or markings at pedestrian/vehicle interfaces Improve sidewalk signing
Improve signal phasing and pedestrian flow patterns at intersections Use turning restrictions on vehicles at intersections Provide sidewalk curb cuts for the physically challenged Use auditory cross walk signals for the hearing impaired Increase the number of street trees along sidewalks to provide shade Provide for safe, well lighted rest areas such as shaded benches or planter boxes
Countdown Pedestrian Signal
As part of a
ll development proposals, the City will require developers to investigate and provide features that will enhance the pedestrian environment. Also, the City will conduct comprehensive audits of the following areas to identify strategies to create better pedestrian experiences:
Riverside Avenue from Foothill Boulevard to Merrill Avenue Foothill Boulevard
Downtown
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Goods Movement
One of Rialto’s great strengths is its location. With easy access to I-10 and SR-210, three major rail lines, and proximity to LA/Ontario International Airport, Rialto is attractive to goods movement businesses. Many logistics companies continue to locate in Rialto.
Truck Routes
To accommodate the large volumes of truck traffic associated with goods movement, ensure appropriate road construction and maintenance, and to protect the residential neighborhoods, certain arterials have been designated as truck routes. These arterial truck routes are illustrated in Exhibit 4.5.
Caltrans has designated two trucks route classes based on California legislation: National Network and Term inal Access routes. The truck routes in Rialto are defined as Terminal Access routes, which is a State or local road. These routes are portions of State routes or local roads that can accommodate Surface Transportation Assistance Act standard trucks. TA routes allow STAA trucks to: 1) travel between National Network (NN) routes, 2) reach a truck’s operating facility, or 3) reach a facility where freight originates, terminates, or is handled in the transportation process.
Freight Rail
Three railroad corridors traverse Rialto. The primary corridor, owned by Union Pacific Railroad (UP), parallels the I-10 freeway and carries large volumes of rail freight traffic, including traffic between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the Colton rail hub east of Rialto. This rail corridor is grade separated through the City, with crossings at Cedar Avenue and Riverside Avenue.
Union Pacific
freight train
locomotive
43 44
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A second rail corridor traverses the City parallel to and one-quarter mile south of Rialto Avenue. This corridor is owned by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which op erates the Metrolink commuter rail network. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) trains also utilize this corridor. Several at-grade rail/roadway crossings exist along this corridor.
The third rail corridor traverses the City parallel to and north of Rialto Avenue. This corridor was once used by the Pacific Electric Railway and is now owned by Union Pacific. No trains traverse this corridor, and neighboring cities have reinvented the corridor as a multi-use trail. West of Riverside Avenue, Rialto will pursue development of a similar “Rails-to-Trails.” Regional Airports
Several municipal and regional airports are near Rialto. The closest commercial airport is Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAWA) LA/Ontario International Airport, located approximately 12 miles to the west. Ontario serves international travelers and is a significant shipping hub. San Bernardino International Airport, located eight miles east, has limited general aviation and cargo service but looks to expand its operations in the future.
With the closing of Rialto Municipal Airport in late 2010 or early 2011, general aviation service will continue to be available at Cable Airport at Upland, Chino Airport, Riverside Municipal Airport, Flabob Airport in Rubidoux, and Redland Municipal Airport (see Exhibit 4.6).
Exhibit 4.6 – Regional and Local Airports
45 CITY OF RIALTO
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Chapter
4 Goals and Policies
Rialto’s key objectives with regard to circulation are to:
Expand Rialto’s mobility
Meeting our parking needs
Increase rail and bus ridership
Enhance the pedestrian and bicycle environments
Facilitate goods movement
Foremost, through these goals and policies the City looks to minimize congestion on the local road network, create opportunities and incentives for people to avoid use of their cars for short trips, and maintain a circulation system that supports local businesses’ needs. These efforts will contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to State mandates.
Expanding Rialto’s Mobility
Goal 4-1:
Policy 4-1.1:
Policy 4-1.2:
Policy 4-1.3:
Policy 4-1.4:
Policy 4-1.5:
Policy 4-1.6:
Provide transportation improvements to reduce traffic
congestion associated with regional and local trip
increases.
Establish and maintain standards for a variety of street classifications to serve both local and regional traffic, including Major Arterial Highways, Major Arterials,
Secondary Arterials, Collector Streets, and Local Streets.
Establish standards for spacing between access driveways on roadways of each classification, and encourage shared access between adjacent parcels to minimize the number
of access point
s and improve safety along adjacent
roadways.
Establish and maintain standards for private roadways.
Close gaps in the City’s roadway network by extending
the roadway grid through the Rialto Municipal Airport
site as per the Renaissance Specific Plan and by pursuing UPRR overcrossing replacement/widening south of
Interstate 10.
Reduce delays to lo cal traffic, facilitate emergency
response, and enhance safety by pursuing railroad grade separations.
Coordinate with t he California Department of
Transportation, San Bernardino County Transportation
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Policy 4-1.7:
Policy 4-1.8:
Policy 4-1.9:
Policy 4-1.10:
Policy 4-1.11:
Policy 4-1.12:
Policy 4-1.13:
Policy 4-1.14:
Policy 4-1.15:
Policy 4-1.16:
Policy 4-1.17:
Policy 4-1.18:
Authority, and neighboring jurisdictions to
accommodate growing volumes of east-west traffic. This
Plan envisions Riverside Avenue, Baseline R oad, and
Foothill Boulevard to become six-lane arterials.
Cooperate with SBCTA in t he implementation of Tier 1
through Tier 4 of the San Bernardino Valley Coordinated Traffic Signal System Plan.
Cooperate with SBCTA and Omnitrans in the
implementation of the Inland Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan.
Work with Caltrans to improve coordination of traffic
signals at freeway interchanges with those on City streets.
Complete Pepper Avenue to connect to th e SR-210
freeway and Highland Street.
Pursue the replacement of the Riverside Avenue bridge
over the Union Pacific rail lines wit h a wider st ructure to accommodate larger volumes of traffic or to increase
safety of crossing traffic.
Support the County’s efforts to improve the I-10 freeway interchange at Cedar Avenue to relieve regional freeway congestion.
Support the County’s efforts to improve the I-15 freeway interchange at Sierra Avenue.
Support the construction of a new interchange on I-10 at Alder Avenue to relieve regional freeway congestion.
Support the construction of High Occupancy Vehicle
(HOV) lanes on I-10 between Ontario and Redlands.
Work with the cit y of Colton to pursue the reopening of Slover Avenue east of t he Rialto city limits in conjunction with improvements to the interchange on I-10 at Pepper
Avenue.
Require new streets and improvements to connect to
established streets.
Review the City’s Development Impact Fee for traffic
regularly to ensure compliance with the requirements of Measure I.
47 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
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Chapter
4 Policy 4-1.19:
Policy 4-1.20:
Policy 4-1.21:
Policy 4-1.22:
Goal 4-2:
Policy 4-2.1:
Policy 4-2.2:
Policy 4-2.3:
Goal 4-3:
Policy 4-3.1:
Policy 4-3.1:
Review and update the Nexus Study project list in
coordination with SBCTA.
Design City st reets so that signalized intersections
operate at Level of Service (LOS) D or better during t he morning and evening peak hours, and require new
development to mitigate traffic impacts that degrade LOS below that
level. The one exception will be Riverside
Avenue south of the Metrolink tracks all the way to the City’s southern border, which can operate at LOS E.
Design City streets so that unsignalized intersections
operate with no vehicular movement having an average
delay greater than 120 seconds during the morning and
evening peak hours, and require new development to
mitigat
e traffic impacts that increase delay above that
level.
Pursue funding for the construction of Cact us
Overcrossing at UPRR.
Protect residentia l neighborhoods from through traffic impacts.
Locate new development and their access points in such
a way that traffic is not encouraged to utilize local
residential streets for access to the development and its parking.
Discourage non-loca l t raffic from using neighborhood
streets.
Minimize new residential driveways on Arterial
Roadways.
Protect residences, sensitive la nd uses, and pedestrians from activities along rail corridors.
Require that develop ment projects within rail corridors provide protective fencing, landscaping, and/or walls
between rail tracks and new residences or other new
development sensitive to noise or danger from rail
operations.
Continue to up grade rail crossings to improve t
he
pedestrian and vehicular circulation networks.
48 MAKING THE CONNECTIONS:
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Goal 4-4: Protect school children and others from traffic hazards around schools.
Policy 4-4.1: Designate and mark school bus stops at curbs within neighborhoods to create clea r curbside boarding spaces for school bus passengers.
Policy 4-4.2: Review campus site pl ans to ensure that school bus bays, parking lots, automobile passenger pick-up and drop-off areas, bicycle sheds and paths, and pedestrian walks are designed to maximize separation of travel modes, and to minimize danger to arriving and departing students and
school personnel.
Meeting Our Parking Needs
Goal 4-5: Ensure the provision of adequate, convenient, and safe parking for all land uses.
Policy 4-5.1: Support provision of park-and-ride facilities near the I-10 and SR-210 freeways to encourage carpooling, van
pooling, and other ride sharing opportunities.
Policy 4-5.2: Provide public parkin g facilities in Downtown, including potential shared parking with the Metrolink parking
facilities.
Policy 4-5.3: Work with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority to expand the Metrolink parking facilities as demand
warrants.
Policy 4-5.4: Allow for joint use and the sharing of parking facilities in mixed-use developments and for other projects which
demonstrate the benefits of alternative parking
approaches.
Policy 4-5.5: Consider establishing parking districts at locations in addition to Downtown where such districts would assist
with economic development and redevelopment
objectives.
Policy 4-5.6: Investigate establishi ng angle parking in Downtown to increase the supply of public parking.
Encouraging Rail and Bus Ridership
Goal 4-6: Provide for all reside nts and businesses to have equal access to reliable and convenient public transit services. 49 CITY OF RIALTO
General Plan
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Chapter
4 Policy 4-6.1: Support the establis hment of an east-west Bus Rapid Transit line through the Valley along on Foothill
Boulevard.
Policy 4-6.2: Establish new bus tu rnouts along appropriate arterials based on and in coordination with local and regional
transit providers’ master plan of stops.
Policy 4-6.3: Require major develop ments to include bus turnouts, bus shelters, and other transit facilities as appropriate.
Policy 4-6.4: Encourage accessible, flexible, and efficient public transit to all major activity areas in the Inland Empire.
Policy 4-6.5: Encourage clean, ligh ted, and convenient bus shelters and transit stops that are within walking distance of major activity areas and residential neighborhoods and along
arterial roadways.
Policy 4-6.6: Provide reliable and convenient paratransit services and other transportation service for individuals with
disabilities and seniors who are unable to use fixed-route transportation systems.
Goal 4-7: Achieve optimum us e of regional rail transit.
Policy 4-7.1: Support Metrolink regi onal rail services, and work with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority to expand services.
Policy 4-7.2: Achieve better integr ation of all transit and multimodal options at the Rialto Metrolink Station.
Policy 4-7.3: Promote activity centers and transit-oriented development projects around the Rialto Metrolink Station and in Downtown.
Policy 4-7.4: Support the High Speed Train project sponsored by the California High Speed Railroad Authority.
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Accommodating Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Goal 4-8: Establish and mainta in a comprehensive system of pedestrian trails and bicycle routes that provide viable connections throughout the City.
Policy 4-8.1: Expand Class I bicycle trails with amenities, particularly adjacent to open space area s, utility and flood control corridors, and abandoned rail corridors.
Policy 4-8.2: Pursue a “rails-to-trails” conversion of the Pacific Electric Railroad right-of-way to a bicycle or multi-use path.
Policy 4-8.3: Connect school facilities, parks, and other activity nodes within residential neighborhoods with bicycle trails on neighborhood streets.
Policy 4-8.4: Require provision of secure bicycle storage, including bicycle racks and lockers, at the Metrolink station, public parks, schools, shopping centers, park-and-ride facilities, and other major activity centers.
Policy 4-8.5: Require major develo pments to include bicycle storage facilities, including bicycle racks and lockers.
Policy 4-8.6: Coordinate recreational trail plans with neighboring cities and San Bernardino County to ensure linkage of local
trails across jurisdictional boundaries and with regional trail systems.
Goal 4-9: Promote walking.
Policy 4-9.1: Install sidewalks where they are missing, and make improvements to existing sidewalks for accessibility
purposes. Priority should be given to needed sidewalk
improvement near schools and activity centers. Provide
wider sidewalks in areas with higher pedestrian volumes.
Policy 4-9.2: Require sidewalks and parkways on all streets in new development.
Policy 4-9.3: Provide pedestrian-friendly and safety improvements, such as crosswalks and pedestrian signals, in all
pedestrian activity areas.
51 CITY OF RIALTO
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Chapter
4 Policy 4-9.4: Accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists — in addition to automobiles — when considering new development
projects.
Policy 4-9.5: Seek to maintain pedestrian access in the event of any temporary or permanent street closures.
Policy 4-9.6: Encourage new development to provide pedestrian paths through projects, with outlets to adjacent collectors,
secondaries, and arterial roadways.
Policy 4-9.7: Require ADA compliance on all new or modified handicap ramps.
Facilitating Goods Movement
Goal 4-10: Provide a circulation system that supports Rialto’s position as a logistics hub.
Policy 4-10.1: Designate and enforce truck routes for use by commercial trucking as part of the project approval
process.
Policy 4-10.2: Coordinate truck routes with adjacent jurisdictions.
Policy 4-10.3: Develop appropriate no ise mitigation along truck routes to minimize noise impacts on nearby sensitive land uses.
Policy 4-10.4: Encourage the development of adequate on-site loading areas to minimize interference of truck loading activities with efficient traffic circulation on adjacent roadways.
Policy 4-10.5: Work with appropriate law enforcement agencies to regulate speed on Riverside Avenue to minimize conflicts between high-speed private vehicles and lower-speed
truck traffic.
Policy 4-10.6: Review all at-grade rail crossings for compliance with California Public Utilities Commission and Federal
Highway Administration guidelines.
52 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 i
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Prepared by
City of Rialto
Environmental
Justice
MARCH 2024 DRAFT
53 Introduction
54 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-1
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
INTRODUCTION
Generally, environmental justice is defined as the basic right of people to live, work, go to school, play, and pray in a healthy and clean environment. Low-income residents, communities of color, tribal nations, and immigrant communities have disproportionately experienced some of the greatest environmental burdens and related health problems throughout the history of the United States. Those in neighborhoods of lower income are more likely to be at a disadvantage when it comes to equal access to programs and places that make and keep us healthy. This disadvantage gave rise to the notion of environmental justice, which arose out of the social and environmental movements of the 1960s and 1970s based on the fact that polluting facilities were being located in neighborhoods that were mostly minority or low income.
Historically, low-income residents, communities of color, tribal nations, and immigrant communities have been located near freeways, dangerous intersections, and industrial uses, and this has had a direct and negative effect on the health of those communities. This inequity is the result of many factors, such as improper zoning and land use planning practices, discriminatory housing and lending practices, limited political and economic power, the prioritization of business interests over public health, and development patterns that tend to concentrate pollution and environmental hazards in certain communities. These factors often lead to communities having a less healthy environment, less access to healthy food and fully equipped parks, and unsanitary and unsafe housing conditions, with the balance of economic and environmental benefits based outside of these communities. Environmental justice seeks to remedy this imbalance based on the democratic values of fairness and equity. The purpose of the Environmental Justice (EJ) Element is to ensure that the City of Rialto is a safe and healthy place with opportunities for everyone and to focus on goals that will improve communities and reduce inequities.
Connection to Regulatory Requirements
EJ elements address six key environmental justice issues as outlined in Senate Bill (SB) 1000: community engagement, pollution exposure, access to public facilities, access to healthy food, safe and sanitary housing, and physical activity. Each of these issues has their own section with descriptions and analysis of how they exist in Rialto; the goals, policies and actions section relates back to these issues. This element provides analysis for four basic geographic areas: north of State Route (SR) 210, between SR-210 and Foothill Boulevard, between Foothill Boulevard and Interstate (I) 10, and south of I-10. As possible during policy implementation, the most specific local data will be used in place of these geographic areas.
Three other key components of SB 1000 include prioritizing disadvantaged communities, equitable development, and climate change. Each of these topics may be woven into the EJ element or other general plan elements to fit Rialto’s unique context. The prioritization of improvements and programs for disadvantaged communities is a key part of SB 1000 that will be addressed in the policy for each specific environmental justice issue. This is detailed more in the Disadvantaged Communities section, under Prioritizing Rialto’s Disadvantaged Communities. Aspects of equitable development are considered within the environmental justice issues and their associated policies and actions. Finally, climate change impacts will be partially covered in the EJ Element as it relates to air pollution; however, this topic is more comprehensively covered in the City of Rialto’s (City’s) Safety Element and Climate Adaptation Plan. 55 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-2
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Relation to Other Planning Documents
OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
Like all other general plan elements, EJ element goals, policies, and actions must be consistent with all other goals, policies, and actions included in the general plan per Government Code Section 65300.5.
For example, an EJ element policy aimed to expand park access in underserved communities must be consistent with the allowable land uses identified in the land use element. This ensures that policies throughout the general plan do not contradict or otherwise conflict with EJ policies, and vice versa.
Topics addressed in the EJ element can be related to topics that are typically addressed in any of the other general plan elements including but not limited to safety, housing, transportation, public facilities, and land use.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN
The Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) addresses air pollution exposure in vulnerable communities, which is one of the six required topics within an EJ element.
Policies in the CAP are designed to meet the needs of community members living in census tracts that are designated as disadvantaged and are the most vulnerable to air pollution hazards, such as those living within 500 feet of a designated truck route.
The CAP partially addresses the equitable use of public facilities, including parks, public transportation, active transportation corridors, and public facilities activated during hazard events. This is achieved through the CAP’s capability assessment and the policy recommendations by consistently evaluating the equity of services and prioritizing projects that benefit those most likely affected by climate change. The CAP , however, does not include a full equity and service analysis of all public facilities.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and Safe Routes to School Plan are both important components of the City’s environmental justice strategy. These plans work in tandem to plan for improved active transportation corridors that benefit residents and students alike. 56 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-3
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Disadvantaged Communities
DEFINING RIALTO’S DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES
As defined in SB 1000, a disadvantaged community (DAC) is “an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or a low- income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.” CalEnviroScreen 4.0 is used to identify census tracts that are part of DACs. Any census tract that falls within the top 25% of CalEnviroScreen scores is considered to be disadvantaged. Based on this criterion, nearly every census tract in Rialto is, to some degree, considered to be disadvantaged. As shown in Exhibit 9.1, census tracts south of SR-210 tend to have lower environmental quality and worse health outcomes than tracts north of it.
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Exhibit 9.1. Disadvantaged Communities
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PRIORITIZING RIALTO’S DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES
EJ elements are intended to prioritize programs and investments in DACs to account for past issues and create conditions that meet community needs. However, a general prioritization of DACs is less effective in Rialto due to DACs spanning most of the city. If DACs are prioritized in this simple way, resources are still spread across the majority of Rialto and issues will not be addressed as directly as possible. To account for this, this EJ Element’s policies and actions will first prioritize DACs and then consider specific environmental justice issue area data points to focus efforts based on the related environmental justice issue. If the policy or action covers multiple environmental justice issues, it may only prioritize based on DACs.
Further, the environmental justice issue areas overlap with other existing General Plan elements, goals, and policies. This element builds on what the City is already doing to address these topics by cross- referencing and, where applicable, adding to other general plan goals and policies. In order to promote the tenets of environmental justice, wherever the following goals, policies, or actions appear to conflict with others within the General Plan, the goals, policies, and actions of the EJ Element, if viewed as stricter, shall prevail.
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Community Engagement Efforts for Development of the
Environmental Justice Element
Community input played an integral role in the development of the Environmental Justice Element.
Outreach was designed to be accessible, consistent, and inclusive, and comprised of three essential phases:
‒ Phase 1 focused on gathering high-level input on the vision for the City as it relates to the four element updates, including the Environmental Justice Element.
‒ Phase 2 built upon the feedback from Phase 1 and focused on developing and refining draft policies. ‒ Phase 3 centered on gathering input and reflections on the draft Elements in preparation for the final General Plan Update.
Throughout these phases, staff utilized a variety of outreach strategies and platforms to maximize community participation and ensure that the voices of Rialto residents, stakeholders, and business owners, and specifically the DACs and traditionally underrepresented communities were heard. Through a series of pop-up events, in-person workshops, virtual workshops, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings, and an online survey, the community worked alongside staff to brainstorm, share their ideas, and participate in collaborative problem-solving activities and discussions. Each outreach event included bilingual (English-Spanish) materials and was staffed with Spanish-speaking staff and/ or Spanish interpreters to ensure that everyone had access to information and felt comfortable sharing feedback in either English or Spanish. Additionally, events were held throughout different times of the day so as to reduce the barriers to participation due to differing work or school hours.
Outreach events ranged from the traditional workshop setting to more flexible layouts, where stakeholders could either meet virtually (a more convenient option for some) or out where they were at different cultural or community events. The pop-up events served as an opportunity to reach individuals outside of the traditional public meeting setting, while the in-person and virtual workshops provided an opportunity for more in-depth feedback from members of the public who are specifically interested in the project. The CAC, an appointed group of ten stakeholders, were selected based on applications showcasing their unique position within the community. Members of the CAC were tasked with representing not only themselves, but also the communities they represent. Feedback from the CAC was pivotal as they served as a two-way conduit of information and ideas to bridge the broader community who may be less involved in local government and the actual planning process. In addition to these outlets, the City also developed an online survey to collect feedback which received 205 responses. In addition to social media posts, a website, and e-blasts (provided in both English and Spanish), City staff also sent postcards to all Rialto residences (over 30,000 households) within the City to inform them of the planning efforts underway and engage residents that prefer print materials over electronic materials and/ or may not have access to internet.
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In terms of the input received to inform the Environmental Justice Element, below is a list of themes heard throughout plan development:
TOPIC CONCERN/FEEDBACK
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Consistent and more engaging social media presence. Marquees or signage for upcoming events. Educational programs to learn about city government (e.g. Rialto Institute of Progress). Engage youth. Require language assistance, translation, organizational partnership, and cultural sensitivity on information provided to the public so that more community members are able to provide meaningful input in community planning.
Inconvenient meeting times and a lack of information on meeting times and locations are the largest barriers to attending public meetings.
POLLUTION
EXPOSURE
Freeway and warehouse traffic contributes to air pollution. Encourage alternative energy (“green”) infrastructure investment. More protected bike lanes, traffic calming or speed enforcement (on Pepper Ave.), parks, and crosswalks would encourage safe biking/walking.
Improve water quality. Stronger zoning protections for existing residents located near industrial or warehouse uses.
PUBLIC HEAL TH
AND PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
Additional biking, walking, and open space opportunities and acknowledged existing City facilities (e.g. Pacific Electric Trail and Bud Bender Park) as benefits to the community.
Additional bike lanes or sidewalks would entice more to regularly bike and walk. More parks, green spaces, community gardens, plazas, and outside gathering spaces.
ACCESS
TO PUBLIC
AMENITIES
Libraries are a great space for youth and to access computers.
ACCESS TO
HEAL THY FOOD
Healthy food is too expense and poses a challenge to maintaining a healthy diet.
Discourage future fast-food restaurants within the community, and attract more convenient healthier food opportunities, like cenadúrias, which are casual, mobile food eateries that provide traditional, home-style Mexican cuisine.
SAFE AND
SANITARY HOMES
Homebuyer assistance programs. Incentive programs in targeted areas. Code enforcement for longtime issue areas. Directory of local maintenance companies would help. More attention and resources given to homelessness. Home repairs (such as roof, window, mold) were the cause of most financial burden in Rialto households. The high cost of utilities (heating, gas, etc.) was identified as the primary source for safety and sanitary issues within neighborhoods.
Vector and pest control (mosquitos, ants, gophers, etc.) are issues within the City. 61 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-8
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Environmental
Justice Issues
in Rialto
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN RIALTO
Community Engagement
WHAT
Community engagement is the process of including community members in local decision making. Historically across the United States, various groups have been underrepresented in local decision- making processes due to a variety of social, economic, and political barriers to participation. These include but are not limited to barriers to voting, unequal political power, inaccessible locations and times for engagement events, and language barriers. These barriers create unequal power dynamics and can lead to direct, inherent, or indirect discrimination and exclusion.
As it relates to environmental justice, lack of engagement with members of DACs has often led to the adoption of planning, housing, transportation, and other policies that don’t address community desires and at times create negative social and environmental impacts.
For this reason, lack of meaningful and representative community engagement is an environmental justice issue. Making an effort to meaningfully involve underrepresented groups and members of DACs in local decision making helps to capture a representative picture of community wants and needs and ultimately can lead to better planning and community development.
WHEN
Community engagement opportunities should be incorporated throughout the development of all plans and projects, but the level and scope of engagement may vary based on the type of plan or project. Creating citywide plans, such as the General Plan or the Housing Element, requires much more community engagement than creating plans or projects that will cause more specific, localized changes, such as specific plans. Similarly, a major development, such as a distribution center or large housing complex, should involve more outreach to the surrounding communities than a smaller and less impactful project.
It is also important to ensure that engagement opportunities are available at times that maximize participation. In many working-class communities, this often means hosting outreach events outside of typical working hours or virtually. Whenever possible, it is also good practice to schedule multiple engagement opportunities that take place at different times of the day and week to give people with different schedules an opportunity to participate.
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WHERE
Historically, the City has provided engagement opportunities online and in-person in key public spaces like parks, the Civic Center, and at the farmers’ market. For example, the 6th Cycle Housing Element involved extensive online public outreach including a survey, interactive feedback map, and website, as well as in-person workshops, meetings, and events. By creating engagement opportunities in public spaces where people already gather and offering online opportunities to provide input, the City was able to engage more people including some who may not have been able to participate in a more traditional setting. Nonetheless, it is important to consider other barriers to participation such as poor internet service or access to public transportation to and from events.
WHO
Compared to San Bernardino County at large, Rialto’s population is generally younger and more racially and ethnically diverse. According to the 2019 American Community Survey, almost a third of Rialto residents are younger than 19 and nearly three-quarters of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino (see Exhibit 9.2 for an age breakdown and Exhibit 9.3 for race and ethnicity breakdowns). Moreover, Rialto has the largest average household size in the area. Considering these characteristics of the population, it is important to offer age-appropriate, family-oriented, and multilingual engagement opportunities to maximize participation and effectiveness.
Recently, the City has conducted extensive outreach among children and families for multiple planning efforts including the ATP , Safe Routes to School Program, the CAP , and the 6th Cycle Housing Element.
In creating each of these, the City distributed surveys, held public workshops, and hosted events at schools and family-friendly events in order to ensure that Rialto’s streets and housing stock are reflective of the needs of families and young people. These outreach methods were designed to be simple, easy to understand, and fun for children.
Similarly, the City has made targeted efforts to engage Spanish-speaking residents. Some notable efforts include translating outreach materials, including flyers, websites, and maps, into Spanish and hosting Spanish-only workshops and community meetings.
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Exhibit 9.2. Age Breakdown
Source: US Census Bureau. 2020. “ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2020.” Table S0101 65 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-12
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Exhibit 9.3. Race and Ethnicity Breakdown
Source: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment California Environmental Protection Agency. 2021, October. “CalEnviroScreen
4.0 Data Dashboard.” https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6b863505f9454cea802f4be0b4b49d62/ 66 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-13
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HOW
In 2022, the City developed a Community Engagement Framework with the help of the Institute for Local Government’s BOOST Program. This framework is a resource that City staff can use to understand how to meaningfully engage communities and determine which stakeholders to engage. It is based on the Spectrum of Public Participation (shown in Exhibit 9.4), which describes the different levels of community engagement. Lower levels of engagement, like informing and consulting, can be valuable to set up for deeper engagement later or to provide details and get confirmation on certain technical processes.
However, they provide less power and opportunity to influence decision making than higher levels like collaborating and empowering. The City aims to incorporate more high-level engagement by partnering with community-based organizations, hosting interactive public workshops targeting different groups and areas, and building relationships with stakeholders.
The Community Engagement Framework also summarizes current outreach efforts and provides recommendations for future outreach. Historically, the City has used engagement strategies such as distributing handouts and the Rialto Progress Magazine, hosting public meetings and informational booths at community events, and providing updates on social media and the local TV channel. The Community Services Department hosts or co-hosts approximately 21 events annually throughout the City that draw thousands of community members. To promote large-scale events, the City has also worked with local radio stations like 103.9 and Que Buena to reach more of the population. There have also been some efforts to involve and collaborate with community members and local organizations. For example, the City has worked with community-based organizations, the Rialto Unified School District, housing associations, and resident commissions. Based on the limitations and successes of past and present outreach, the BOOST Program has recommended that the City do the following to improve community engagement:
1. Tap into City Clerk’s network for outreach.
2. Utilize resident commissions to present information and involve members. Create ad hoc community advisory groups/committees.
3. Involve Teen Center for outreach.
4. Involve faith community by going to already scheduled meetings.
5. Work across departments to make booths at events more interactive and holistic. Booths can provide information about multiple ways community members can get involved with different City agencies and programs.
6. Develop kids’ activities as a part of each public outreach event (e.g., chalk on sidewalks for outdoor booths and coloring pages for indoor activity).
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Exhibit 9.4. Spectrum of Public Participation
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Pollution Exposure
WHAT
People are exposed every day to pollution in the environment, often from living near transportation corridors or industrial land uses that produce hazardous waste, such as car repair centers, gas stations, dry cleaners, manufacturing businesses, and recycling centers. Chemicals from these businesses can get into the soil, water, and air and affect nearby residents. Low-income residences are often in proximity to many polluting businesses, and higher-income areas often do not face the same level of pollution exposure.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of air with chemical, physical, or biological particles that can cause health problems. It includes but is not limited to harmful gases like carbon monoxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds; dust from agricultural activities; wildfire smoke; and fungal spores. Air pollution can be caused by human activities or can occur through natural processes. In Rialto, the main sources of air pollution are transportation and industrial land uses that produce pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory diseases like asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are substances that can cause death, serious illness, or hazard to human health or the environment when not properly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of. Many household substances are considered hazardous, including gasoline, refrigerants, paint, and some gardening supplies. Nearly all households and businesses have some amount of hazardous waste. Certain businesses and industries, such as gas stations, auto repair, dry cleaners, waste management facilities, and factories generate greater amounts of hazardous waste. In Rialto, the most significant sources of hazardous materials are industrial facilities and waste management facilities.
WHEN
Air Pollution
Air pollution in Rialto varies day to day based on pollution sources, temperature, and local wind patterns.
While sources of pollution are likely to decrease over time with improved technology and stricter regulations, climate change is projected to worsen air pollution over time in three ways. First, projected increases in temperature will result in the creation of additional ground-level ozone, as high temperatures are a key ingredient in ozone creation. Second, longer warm seasons can contribute to longer pollen seasons, which can increase allergies and asthma episodes.1 Lastly, projected increases in the frequency and intensity of wildfires contribute to smoke and particulate matter in the air. These competing factors have different time scales and certainties, making it difficult to predict their full impact. 1 Hall, A., N. Berg, and K. Reich. 2018. Los Angeles Summary Report. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. University of California, Los Angeles. Publication number: SUM-CCCA4-2018-007.
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Hazardous Materials
Incidents involving hazardous materials can happen at any time; however, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulates a wide range of hazardous materials to prevent incidents from occurring. When they do occur, the DTSC also identifies appropriate response measures to mitigate harmful effects on the environment and public health. First, incidents must be reported to and investigated by DTSC.
If special mitigation measures are required, the area where the incident occurred may be classified as a cleanup site. The duration of cleanup activities varies considerably, with timelines ranging from a few weeks to many years, depending on the types of hazardous materials and scale of the incident.
WHERE
To quickly view overall pollution burdens across Rialto, see Exhibit 9.5. This map shows a composite of pollution exposures.2
Air Pollution
Like much of the Inland Empire, Rialto experiences comparatively poor air quality. This is due in part to Rialto’s location in the San Bernardino Valley, where certain types of pollutants tend to settle until wind events circulate cleaner air. Many of these pollutants originate outside of Rialto but become concentrated in the area due to meteorological patterns. Still, some pollutants originate locally, especially from industrial uses, trucks, and vehicle travel. Air quality monitoring stations are present to the east and west of Rialto in San Bernardino and Fontana, meaning that understanding localized air pollution requires additional context about pollution sources.
Citywide, Rialto falls within the top 10% for ozone pollution relative to the State of California, meaning that ozone pollution is worse in Rialto than in most other places in California.3 This is due to a variety of factors including Rialto’s geographic location, warm and sunny climate, and proximity to large urban areas that generate a lot of air pollutants.
Other major pollutants like particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) and diesel particulate matter tend to be more concentrated in the southern and northwestern areas of Rialto, where warehouses and heavy industrial uses are located, and along major freeways like I-10 and SR-210. Rialto generally experiences higher than average levels of PM2.5 compared to the State of California as a whole, with certain areas experiencing more PM2.5 than 90% of California.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials can potentially be found anywhere as a result of improper disposal or storage, but sites with large concentrations of hazardous materials are catalogued by EnviroStor. EnviroStor is a data management program operated by the DTSC that is used to monitor, investigate, permit, and clean up sites with known contaminants.
2 OEHHA (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment). 2022a. “Pollution Indicators. ” Accessed February 16, 2022. https://oehha.ca.gov/ calenviroscreen/pollution-indicators.
3 OEHHA. 2022b. “CalEnviroScreen 4.0. ” Accessed February 16, 2022. https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen. 70 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-17
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Rialto contains 20 EnviroStor sites with hazardous materials that require cleanup. Of these EnviroStor sites, 17 are within areas identified as DACs in CalEnviroScreen 4.0, or areas disproportionately impacted by multiple sources of pollution. These sites are located throughout Rialto, but there is a slightly higher concentration of them in the southern and central areas of Rialto where industrial uses are located.
Active hazardous waste cleanup sites can be seen in Exhibit 9.6.
Geotracker is another database that contains records for sites that have potential to impact groundwater.
There are 23 active Geotracker sites in Rialto and several others nearby in the City of Colton. These sites are heavily concentrated in the two industrial areas immediately south of I-10 and north of the former Rialto Airport (see Exhibit 9.7).
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Exhibit 9.5. Pollution Exposure
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Exhibit 9.6. EnviroStor Cleanup Sites
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Figure7. Geotracker Cleanup Sites
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WHO
Air Pollution
People with existing health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, are more sensitive to air pollution. These health conditions are also caused by exposure to air pollution. This means that living in areas with poor air quality can cause generational cycles of health concerns. The majority of census tracts in Rialto fall into the top 20% for asthma-related emergency room admissions, indicating that Rialto residents are more likely to experience asthma-related complications than most other Californians.
Similarly, the majority of census tracts in Rialto fall into the top 10% for cardiovascular disease–related emergency room admissions. Because Rialto residents are more likely than most other Californians to experience these preexisting conditions, preexisting conditions are an important consideration in Rialto with regards to air quality.
People who spend more time outdoors are often exposed to polluted air at higher rates. This may include young children, people who work outdoors, and people who travel to work without a car. Both Rialto and San Bernardino County have a higher population of young children when compared to the entire state (75th percentile). Therefore, young children may be a population of special concern, but active commuters and outdoor workers likely are not. See Table 9-1 for data on health indicators and air pollution.
Table 9-1. Health Indicators Related to Air Pollution
Health Indicator
Location
City of Rialto San Bernardino County
Asthma1 7.13 6.58
Cardiovascular Disease2 1.31 1.16
Young Children3 7.37% 7.33%
Outdoor Workers4 6.58% 6.15%
Active Commuters5 2.09% 3.09%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Note: The table is colored to provide an understanding of the rate of vulnerabilities to air pollution and does not indicate that certain traits are overall “good” or “bad.”
1 Rate of emergency room visits for asthma per 100,000 visits 2 Rate of emergency room visits for heart attacks per 100,000 visits 3 Percent of residents under 5 years old
4 Percent of workers who work outdoors
5 Percent of workers who commute to work by transit, walking, or cycling 75 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-22
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Hazardous Materials
Although it is not good for anyone to be exposed to hazardous waste near their place of residence, people more vulnerable to toxic chemicals include infants and children. Infants and children have a greater pound-for-pound exposure and less ability to detoxify and excrete these chemical toxins.
Additionally, older adults and those with preexisting conditions might be more vulnerable to toxic chemicals due to compromised immune systems.4 Most census tracts in Rialto have considerably more young children than most tracts in California. However, there are no census tracts with comparatively high numbers of older adults (65+).
HOW
Air Pollution
Rialto is a part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which develops and adopts an air quality management plan every 3 years in compliance with Federal and State clean air standards.
Primarily, air quality management plans provide municipalities in the region with policy and program options to improve local and regional air quality. Additionally, the Rialto General Plan and ATP include a variety of goals and policies aimed to reduce local emissions and improve air quality. These include strategies that will reduce transportation emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled, minimize industrial emissions, and ensure that residential areas and other sensitive land uses are protected from industrial impacts and truck routes.
Hazardous Materials
For each EnviroStor cleanup site identified by the DTSC, an investigation and corresponding enforcement actions are completed in order to prevent public health impacts. Enforcement actions vary based upon the type of toxic substances on site, environmental context, future land uses, and severity of the contamination. In any case, the DTSC monitors the site and prohibits activities and uses that may have adverse impacts on the health of both current and future community members.
Public Health and Physical Activity
The places where people live can affect their health and levels of physical activity. In a healthy community, everyone has access to healthy food, parks, and safe streets; however, low-income communities often have fewer of these healthy resources and have higher rates of chronic diseases and lower lifespans as a result.5 As shown in Table 9-2, Rialto scores in the lowest 25% for coronary heart disease and diabetes in comparison to all California census tracts. 4 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2020. “Exposure Assessment Tools by Lifestages and Populations - Highly Exposed or Other Susceptible Population Groups. ” April 29, 2020. Accessed August 19, 2020. https://www.epa.gov/expobox/exposure-assessment-tools-lifestages-andpopulations-highly-exposed-or-other-susceptible. 5 McCullough, M., D. Feskanich, M. Stampfer, E. Giovannucci, E. Rimm, F. Hu, D. Spiegelman, D. Hunter, G. Colditz, and W. Willett. 2002. “Diet Quality and Major Chronic Disease Risk in Men and Women: Moving toward Improved Dietary Guidance. ” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76 (6): 1261–1271. 76 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-23
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Table 9-2. Health Outcomes
Health Indicator
Location
City of Rialto San Bernardino County
Coronary Heart Disease1 4.92% 5.32%
Diabetes2 12.3% 11.7%
Obesity3 37.2% 34.8%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2023. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Note:
1 Percent of adults diagnosed with angina or coronary heart disease 2 Percent of adults diagnosed with diabetes (other than during pregnancy) 3 Percent of adults with obesity
WALKING OR BIKING
WHAT
Walking and biking around a community offer affordable and healthy ways to get around. Walking and biking also reduce air pollution, traffic, and wear and tear on local roads. Providing safe places to walk and bike is important in a healthy community, especially if community members walk or bike as part of their regular commute to school or work.
WHEN
People can choose to walk or bike to a destination or for recreation at any point in the day. In general, some of the more dangerous times to walk or bike are on weekdays during dusk and dawn, as visibility is reduced and more cars are on the road due to commuting. In Rialto from 2016 to 2020, the most common time range for bicycle and pedestrian crashes with cars is between 6 and 9 PM, with nearly 25% of all crashes occurring during that time range. Over that span of 5 years there were 202 reported crashes involving pedestrians or bike riders in Rialto (not including collisions occurring on a state highway).6 WHERE
Generally, central neighborhoods in Rialto, including Downtown, are more walkable than other neighborhoods. In fact, the Downtown area received a walkability score of 17 from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, which is significantly higher than both State and San Bernardino County averages and puts the area in the 96th percentile for the metric. Areas north of SR-210 and south of I-10 are less walkable than the areas between the two highways, due to their lower densities and lack of common destinations. Overall, the most walkable areas of Rialto tend to be in DACs, but there is still room for improvement in many areas.
6 Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, University of California, Berkeley. 2023. “SWITRS Query & Map. ” https://tims.berkeley.edu/tools
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WHO
Walking and biking can feel or be more unsafe for certain individuals than others. Older adults and people with physical disabilities may be less able to cross an intersection during the time allotted by a stop light. People who are less-frequent bikers may be less comfortable navigating more-trafficked areas of town. However, people who regularly bike or walk to work or other regular errands are most at risk because they are on the street the most. Overall, Rialto has a moderate rate of pedestrian injuries (see Table 9-3). These injuries are much more common in the central areas of Rialto, all of which are DACs. These areas tend to be more walkable, but do not have a significantly higher percentage of active commuters than the less walkable areas of Rialto.
Table 9-3. Pedestrian Safety
Health Indicator
Location
City of Rialto San Bernardino County
Pedestrian Injuries1 0.000067 0.000059
Active Commuters2 2.09% 3.09%
Walkability Score3 12.5 11
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Note:
1 Annual average rate of severe and fatal pedestrian injuries per 100,000 population 2 Percent of employees who commute to work by biking or walking 3 This score considers intersection density, proximity to transit, and employment/housing mix 78 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-25
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HOW
In recent years, significant steps have been taken to improve active transportation options throughout Rialto. In January 2020, the City completed its ATP , which identifies problem areas and outlines specific projects that the City plans to implement. Many of these projects are already in progress and include improvements to bikes lanes, sidewalks, crossings, transit stops, accessibility, and overall network connectivity. They rely on proven strategies and infrastructure treatments that help make walking and biking safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable, which will lead to better health outcomes for residents. In addition to the ATP , the City developed a Safe Routes to School Plan, which works in tandem with the ATP to promote walking and biking trips among elementary and middle school students. It does this by providing education, incentives, programs, and safety improvements including additional crossing guards. Rialto has also developed an electric bike share program. 18 bike hubs are dispersed across the City with 100 electric pedal-assist bikes. This program also includes discounted memberships for students and low-income residents.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
WHAT
Parks are important gathering spaces for safe and healthy recreation, which is an important aspect to preventing chronic disease.7 Parks provide places for children and adults to be active. Parks, and the trees inside them, can clean the air and cool down hot days. 7 Sherer, P .M. 2006. “The Benefits of Parks: Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space. ” Trust for Public Land. http://www.tpl.org/content_documents/parks_ for_people_Jul2005.pdf.
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WHEN
Most Rialto City parks are open 6 AM to 10 PM. Exceptions to this rule include Roger Birdsall Park (open 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and 6 AM to 10 PM on Monday), and Joe Sampson Park (open 6 AM to 8 PM daily). Rental times for different amenities can vary.
WHERE
Rialto maintains 10 public parks of varying sizes and with different amenities. The area between I-10 and Foothill Boulevard includes Rialto City Park, Bud Bender Park, Margaret Todd Park, Andreson Park, and Joe Sampson Park. Rialto City Park is one of the largest parks in Rialto and is directly adjacent to the Racquet and Fitness Center, Tom Sawyer Pool, and Senior Center. The remaining parks in this area have various amenities including baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and green spaces. The area between Foothill Boulevard and SR-210 includes Flores Park, Etiwanda Park, and Frisbie Park, which include soccer fields, a dog park, a skate park, workout equipment, and other amenities. The two remaining parks, Alec Ferguson Park and Roger Birdsall Park, are located north of SR-210 and include a variety of sports facilities, greens spaces, and a skatepark.
One public amenity related to parks is tree canopy. Cities with more expansive tree canopies are better protected from various hazards like air pollution, extreme heat, and flooding. California Department of Public Health conducted a study in 2011 that determined Rialto’s percent of land with tree canopy (weighted by number of people per acre) to be 3.68% citywide. This rate was similar to San Bernardino County, but nearly half the rate for California as a whole.8 WHO
Despite this great variety of park locations and amenities, the amount and size of Rialto’s parks is below average. A common metric that is used to measure how communities are doing related to park space is park acreage per 1,000 residents. The Department of Parks and Recreation recommends 3 acres of park space per 1,000 residents, and in Rialto there are approximately 1.3 acres of park space per 1000 residents (Table 9-4).9 Moreover, only 43.3% of residents live within a half-mile walking distance of a park, as shown in Table 9-5. This means that more than half of the population likely has to walk longer distances, drive, or take public transit to get to a park.
As shown in Table 9-5, access to parks and park acres per 1,000 residents varies in different areas of Rialto. Generally, the neighborhoods north of SR-210 have the best access to parks, while those between SR-210 and Foothill Boulevard have less access. The area south of I-10 has the least access to parks in Rialto but is predominantly industrial, has very few dwelling units, and is not compatible with parks and open space. DACs tend to have less access than non-DACs, as demonstrated in Exhibit 9.8. 8 California Department of Public Health. 2011. “Tree Canopy Coverage. ” https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OHE/Pages/HCI-Search.aspx 9 Santana, A., Flegal C. 2021. “Advancing Park Equity in California. ” www.policylink.org/sites/default/files/pl_brief_ca-parks-equity.pdf 80 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-27
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Table 9-5. Park Access and Amenities
Health Indicator
Location
Citywide North of
SR-210
Between
SR-210 and
Foothill Blvd
Between
Foothill Blvd
and I-10
South of
I-10
Dwelling units within 0.25
mile of a park1 14.6% 19.3% 13.2% 18.2% 0%
Dwelling units within 0.5
mile of a park2 43.3% 58.6% 42.3% 49.8% 0%
Dwelling units within 1
mile of a park3 84.3% 97.4% 93.2% 94.4% 48%
Park acreage per 1000
people4 1.3 1.6 1.4 1.2 0
Sources: CoreLogic. 2023. “Parcel Reference Data.” https://www.corelogic.com/data-solutions/property-data-solutions/ California Protected Areas Database. 2021. “Parks and Open Spaces.” https://www.calands.org/ 1 Percent of dwelling units within a quarter mile of a park 2 Percent of dwelling units within a half mile of a park 3 Percent of dwelling units within a mile of a park
4 Park acres per 1,000 people
HOW
The City’s Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element outlines many strategies to expand park acreage and access throughout Rialto while integrating parks into the City’s expanding active transportation network. Goals 2-24 through 2-27 aim to make better use of underutilized public spaces including the Lytle Creek area, establish a Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Rialto, and increase park acreage to 3.0 acres per 1,000 residents over time. Strategies include converting underutilized sites into parks, creating more passive parks and trails wherever feasible, and increasing open space requirements for new developments. In recent years, the City has made significant investments in the local parks like Frisbie Park and Joe Sampson Park. Andreson Park is scheduled to have an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant walking track installed and fitness equipment replaced. The City is also aware of future improvements needed and is considering replacing grass sports fields with turf as a way to save water, decrease maintenance, and provide more time for use of these fields.
The City also works with organizations and agencies in the area through facility use agreements, contract classes, and other collaboration. For example, the City has an off-hours agreement with Rialto Unified School District regarding gyms and sports fields. Additionally, the City’s Youth Sports Division collaborates with youth sports leagues to provide sports at Rialto’s public parks. Rialto is a very active community and even with the upgrades to parks, the demand is still significant. 81 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-28
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Exhibit 9.8. Park Access
82 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-29
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Access to Public Facilities
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
WHAT
People’s ability to get from their home to destinations such as work, a grocery store, or a laundry service is essential for day-to-day life. Without access to a car, active transportation and public transportation are the only options. Low-income households are less likely to have access to a reliable car. Therefore, access to public transportation is an environmental justice issue.
WHEN
While Rialto is served by six Omnitrans bus routes, the frequency of service is limited. As of 2024, five out of Rialto’s six routes have services every hour. Route 14 has services every 20 minutes during peak hours and weekends and every 30 minutes during non-peak hours. However, there are planned service improvements for several routes including 15-minute headways for Route 14, 30-minute service for Routes 15 and 19, and 50-minute service for Route 312. While infrequent service is an inconvenience to transit users at any time of day, it is especially an issue during peak commute times when transit riders may need more frequent and dependable service. For that reason, there are planned service improvements during peak hours for two routes including 30-minute peak hour service for Route 10, and 30-minute peak hour service south of Baseline Road for Route 22.
WHERE
Rialto’s six Omnitrans bus routes mainly run along arterial roads. Routes 10, 14, 15, and 19 run east–west along Baseline Road, Foothill Boulevard, Merrill Avenue, and San Bernardino Avenue, respectively.10 Route 22 runs north–south along Riverside Avenue and makes several stops in neighborhoods north of SR-210, while Route 312 initially runs north–south along Linden Avenue and then east–west along Renaissance Parkway, Easton Street, and Highland Avenue. Together, these six routes cover most residential and commercial areas of Rialto, including most DACs. However, no bus routes serve the area south of San Bernardino Avenue, which is also a DAC. There are very few housing units in this area because it is mostly zoned for industrial and commercial uses and it is served by OmniRide—a reservable microtransit service with flexible routes and fixed fares that serves several communities in San Bernardino County that do not have normal bus services. For these reasons, transit may not be needed in the area.
While transit lines are distributed throughout most of Rialto, they are not always easily accessible. As shown in Exhibit 9.9, significant areas of Rialto are not within a quarter-mile walking distance of a transit stop, including many residential areas. People living in or traveling to these areas may find using existing transit options inconvenient due to the journey to and from bus stops, a concept also known as first/last mile. 10 OmniTrans. n.d. “Routes & Schedules. ” Accessed February 16, 2022. https://omnitrans.org/plan-a-trip/routes-schedules/. 83 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-30
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Exhibit 9.9. Public Transportation Access
84 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-31
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WHO
Rialto’s DACs have similar levels of access to all forms of public transportation as non-DACs. One exception is the area south of I-10 where there are no transit lines. However, this is a predominantly industrial area with very few housing units.
In general, residents of the DACs in Rialto have less access to cars than non-DAC residents. This is especially true in census tracts near Downtown Rialto, all of which are DACs. Three of these tracts fall within the bottom 20% for car access, indicating that households there are significantly less likely to have a car than most households in California. Other DACs, however, have similar levels of car access to non- DACs. For example, DACs north of SR-210 fall within the top 25%, indicating that car access is not a major issue in those areas. Table 9-6 provides data on citywide access to transportation.
Table 9-6. Transportation Access
Health Indicator
Location
Citywide North of
SR-210
Between
SR-210 and
Foothill Blvd
Between
Foothill Blvd
and I-10
South of
I-10
Dwelling units within
Walking Distance of a
Transit Stop1
73.3% 76.7% 63.3% 67.3% N/A
Dwelling units within
Biking Distance of a
Transit Stop2
99.3% 97.9% 99.3% 99.9% N/A
Sources: CoreLogic, 2023. “Parcel Reference Data.” Transitland, 2021. “Public Transit Stops.” 1 Percent of dwelling units within a quarter mile of a transit stop 2 Percent of dwelling units within a half mile of a transit stop 3 South of I-10 is served by OmniRide which includes flexible pickup locations and limits the need to bike or walk to a transit stop.
HOW
Within the City’s Circulation Element are policies that address public transportation. Goal 4-6: Provide for all residents and businesses to have equal access to reliable and convenient public transit services, includes six policies aimed at expanding and improving public transit routes, infrastructure, accessibility, and alternatives to fixed-route bus service. Additionally, the City recently completed its ATP , which, when implemented, will not only improve walking and biking conditions, but will also improve public transit stops and help solve the first/last mile problem. Most of these policies will have positive impacts on DACs throughout Rialto.
OmniTrans, Rialto’s public transit provider, also offers several programs that benefit individuals who may not have other transportation options. OmniAccess is a service available for people with a qualifying disability that prevents them from using regular fixed bus routes.11 This service allows reservations or recurring trips to locations up to three-quarters of a mile from existing bus routes. Another on-demand 11 OmniTrans. 2023. “OmniAccess & ADA Services. ” https://omnitrans.org/services/access-ada/ 85 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-32
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service offered is OmniRide Bloomington, which covers a portion of Rialto and is open to the general public.12 There are also free bus fares offered for students and discounted bus fares for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.13
Other programs for older adults or people with disabilities are available.14 For example, travel training is a program that gives people one-on-one time to learn the information and skills to ride the bus.
Reimbursement programs are also available for qualified individuals who need volunteer drivers, Ubers, or taxis for trips such as medical appointments, work, grocery shopping, and more.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
WHAT
Libraries and community centers provide important community amenities that improve quality of life.
Amenities such as community events, Wi-Fi, educational opportunities, air conditioning, technology, and recreation might all be offered in these public spaces.
WHERE
Rialto has two libraries, a community center, a fitness center, and a senior center (see Exhibit 9.10). The Carter Public Library is located in north Rialto on the Wilmer Amina Carter High School campus. It is the only community facility north of the SR-210. The Rialto Library and Rialto Community Center are located near Downtown Rialto on or near the Civic Center campus. The Grace Vargas Senior Center and Rialto Racquet and Fitness Center are located just north of I-10 and adjacent to Rialto City Park. All these community facilities are located in DACs and are within a quarter-mile walking distance of a public transit line. However, there are no community facilities in the neighborhoods between Foothill Boulevard and SR-210. Additionally, there are no community facilities south of I-10 as they are incompatible with the heavy industrial uses in the area.
12 OmniTrans. 2023. “OmniRide: Your On-Demand Ride in Bloomington, Chino/Chino Hills & Upland. ” https://omnitrans.org/promotions/omniride/ 13 OmniTrans. 2023. “Fares & Passes. ” https://omnitrans.org/buy-a-pass/fares/ 14 OmniTrans. 2023. “Mobility Services. ” https://omnitrans.org/services/ms/ 86 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-33
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Exhibit 9.10. Community Facilities Access
87 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-34
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WHEN
Hours for the different public facilities in Rialto vary, and facility-specific websites should be referenced.
Several are not open on weekends, and the Carter Branch Library has very specific hours so as to not interfere with school.
WHO
Access to community facilities is important for all residents at some point because they provide opportunities, resources, and spaces for learning, recreating, and socializing. They can be especially valuable to young children and older adults, who have unique social and developmental needs, and low-income residents because they provide plenty of free resources that they may not be able to access elsewhere. Therefore, it is important to ensure that areas with greater amounts of children, older adults, and low-income households have convenient access to public facilities.
In Rialto, community facilities are more accessible to residents because they are spread throughout the city and along public transit routes. Furthermore, facilities are more accessible to the groups mentioned above because most facilities are located in DACs and areas with higher proportions of children.15 That being said, the number of facilities is limited, which is why the percentage of people able to access community facilities easily by biking or walking is low (see Table 9-7).
Table 9-7. Community Facilities Access
Health Indicator
Location
Citywide North of
SR-210
Between
SR-210 and
Foothill
Blvd
Between
Foothill
Blvd and
I-10
South of
I-10
Dwelling units within Walking
Distance of a Community Facility1 1.76% 3.54% 0% 3.34% 0% Dwelling units within Biking
Distance of a Community Facility2 9.34% 15.99% 1.23% 18.19% 0% Source: CoreLogic. 2023. “Parcel Reference Data.” https://www.corelogic.com/data-solutions/property-data-solutions/ 1 Percent of dwelling units within a quarter mile of a community facility 2 Percent of dwelling units within a half mile of a community facility HOW
The City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department organizes and runs the public facilities described above. Equity is considered as a part of all Community Services programming; ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the same opportunities is an important part of their work. The City considers spatial equity when spending on community services programming and infrastructure throughout Rialto. Financial equity is also considered by incentivizing participation of low-income 15 Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index. ” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/. 88 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-35
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residents in programs and offerings when possible. For example, financial scholarships are offered for department hosted activities and classes to youth whose families cannot afford to register their kids for programs because of challenging financial situations.
The Grace Vargas Senior Center provides a well-rounded, informative, enjoyable, and relevant variety of services for Rialto’s senior community. Offerings include exercise classes, senior socials, workshops, special events, daily nutritious lunch, a food assistance program, and access to many other organizations for their specific needs. The City actively works to provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The City also runs an afterschool teen program that offers social and educational programs for at- risk or low-income youth. These services include tutoring, homework assistance, sports and exercise, enrichment activities, field trips, gardening, workshops, presentations, and much more. All activities are free of charge and the staff are devoted to making every day a positive experience for the youth.
Many of the City’s public facilities are centered around exercise and physical activity. Rialto Progress Magazine promotes facility offerings such as youth and adult sports programming, competitive swim, dance, self-defense classes, adult aerobic classes, and adult sports activities. This magazine is mailed to all residents and businesses in Rialto, reaching the population of 104,000. The City plans, coordinates, administers, and promotes activities and programs that encourage exercise and an active lifestyle for all. The Youth and Adults Sports Division runs year-round basketball and volleyball leagues and clinics.
The City provides a wide range of water sports and a fitness facility full of cardio, strength, and resistance equipment at the Fitness and Aquatic Center. Special events, senior services, and afterschool programs are used to create activities and programs that encourage participants to be physically active. These services and programs can include sports, exercise classes, dances, competitions, and a variety of other educational, recreational, and social activities.
The Rialto General Plan also establishes several goals and polices aimed at expanding and improving public facilities and services and ensuring that they are accessible and meet the needs of all community members. Goals 3-11 through 3-16 are all focused on improving existing facilities and recreational programs and working with community organizations and other jurisdictions to provide more programs and services.
FACILITIES FOR THOSE WITHOUT SHELTER
According to the 6th Cycle Housing Element, there are about 115 people experiencing homelessness in Rialto. Currently, there are no designated shelters within Rialto’s boundaries and the City works with San Bernardino County and community-based organizations to provide facilities and services for these individuals. This means that homeless shelters and supportive services are less accessible throughout Rialto, which represents a major environmental justice issue. However, Housing Programs 2l, 2M, 2J, and 5E all aim to create transitional housing units for people experiencing homelessness and establishing low-barrier navigation centers.
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Access to Healthy Food
WHAT
Healthy food is essential for all people but it can be hard to access and afford for some community members. Having access to affordable healthy food can encourage a healthier diet, lower the risk of chronic disease, and reduce food insecurity.16 Studies have shown that people who live near grocery stores have better health outcomes.17 For community members without a car, being able to walk or bike to a grocery store or other source of healthy food is imperative. Another aspect of healthy food access is having culturally appropriate food available where food is sold. If community members are not able to find ingredients required for certain cultural dishes, many will settle for what is affordable or convenient, which may not be a healthy option.
WHERE
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Access Research Atlas, 48.3% of Rialto is well- served by grocery stores.18 This means that nearly half of Rialto residents live within a half-mile walking distance of a supermarket. However, some areas have greater access than others as demonstrated in Exhibit 9.11. All census tracts between SR-210 and I-10 fall into the 90th percentile for supermarket access, with two tracts achieving 100% access. This means that most of Rialto’s DACs have relatively convenient access to healthy food options. Tracts north of SR-210, however, have significantly lower levels of access. All tracts in this area fall into the bottom 25% for supermarket access, with several tracts having no grocery stores within a half mile.
16 McCullough et al. 2002.
17 PolicyLink. 2018. “The Grocery Gap. ” https://healthyplacesindex.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/policy_link_grocery_gap.pdf. 18 USDA. 2022, December 15. “Food Access Research Atlas. ” https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/ 90 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-37
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Exhibit 9.11. Food Access
91 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-38
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WHO
Those most in need of nearby grocery stores include low-income residents and households without access to a car. The majority of low-income residents and households without access to a car are located in the DACs between SR-210 and I-10. Because this area has the highest level of access to grocery stores in Rialto, many DAC residents in Rialto have convenient access to healthy foods even without a car.
However, residents of north of SR-210 may have more difficulty getting to grocery stores because there are relatively few in the area and not all homes are within walking distance of them. Overall, supermarket access in Rialto is average compared to the State and better than San Bernardino County as a whole (see Table 9-8).
Table 9-8. Food Access
Health Indicator
Location1
City of Rialto San Bernardino County
Supermarket Access2 49.3% 36%
Source: Public Health Alliance 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/ Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Notes:
1 Due to data availability, supermarket access is only displayed at citywide and countywide levels. 2 Percent of urban population residing less than a half mile from a supermarket/large grocery store HOW
The City has taken a variety of approaches to addressing food inaccessibility and insecurity including promoting community gardens, the Rialto Farmers’ Market, and a variety of community and faith-based organizations that provide food to those in need. Much of this progress has been made as part of Healthy Rialto, a program developed by City Clerk Barbara McGee with strong community support. This program initiated the Rialto Farmers’ Market and continues to operate it weekly. The farmers’ market accepts EBT and has a market match program funded by the Ecology Center Market Match grant. In fact, many of Healthy Rialto’s offerings are in partnership with the County, State agencies, or private entities. For example, bus tokens are given out every second Wednesday for seniors and veterans. This transportation assistance is another way that the City assists with improving access to healthy food and other destinations in the area. Healthy Rialto has also developed and organized events such as Health Fairs and Earth to Table day to promote healthy nutrition. Furthermore, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and IHelpIE Senior Services, free nutrition classes have been held monthly at the farmers’ market to teach people how to cook and eat healthier meals. While Healthy Rialto has been successful with partnerships and outside funding over the years, further grant writing efforts by the City will be especially important to continue to provide such a variety of offerings. 92 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-39
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Safe and Sanitary Homes
WHAT
Safe and sanitary homes are important to the daily quality of life that is experienced by individuals.
Oftentimes due to the high cost of housing, tradeoffs are made related to the size, quality, maintenance, facilities, and use of utilities within homes. Some common safety and sanitary concerns within homes are described below.
Low-income residents are more likely to live in structures built before building standards regulating lead paint, asbestos, and other hazards were adopted. Living in these older homes without removal of such toxins can have significant health impacts. Many low-income communities have a higher proportion of old housing stock and are thus disproportionately exposed to these health threats. Older housing stock might also have poor ventilation, leading to uncomfortable indoor temperatures and excessive moisture, which can lead to mold. Other indoor housing conditions that can be common in older and less-expensive housing include pests and vermin. Finally, overcrowding, which often is a result of a lack of affordable housing, is a serious issue that impacts safe and sanitary homes. According to the World Health Organization, overcrowding poses health risks by creating unsanitary conditions that can contribute to the spread of disease.19
WHEN
While unsafe and unsanitary conditions can be an issue in any home, they are far more likely to become an issue as homes age. Generally, housing over 30 years old is considered aging housing and will likely require more substantial maintenance, updates, and repairs than housing under 30 years old. Moreover, older housing may have been constructed under old building codes that have since been revised to promote healthier conditions. In Rialto, nearly four out of five housing units are older than 30 years.
Therefore, it is important to continue to monitor the quality of housing stock in coming years.
Overcrowding typically becomes an issue when there is a lack of affordable housing suited to larger households. When this is the case, larger low-income households are often forced to live in smaller housing units than they need or share a home with additional people. Overcrowding has been identified as a prominent housing issue in Rialto, where 15.1% of households are overcrowded.
WHERE
Because most of Rialto’s housing stock is considered to be aging, safe and sanitary housing issues have the potential to affect much of Rialto in coming years. Currently, however, issues with deteriorating housing are not extensive and have not been found to disproportionately affect certain areas or populations. According to the 6th Cycle Housing Element, approximately 0.6% of Rialto’s housing stock, or 163 homes, are in need of substantial rehabilitation and the City aims to assist these homes with repairs and renovations via Housing Program 1A.
19 WHO (World Health Organization). 2021. “What are the Health Risks Related to Overcrowding?” https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emergencies/qa/ emergencies_qa9/en/#:~:text=For%20communities%2C%20inadequate%20shelter%20and,the%20population%20density%20is%20high. 93 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-40
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Overcrowding, on the other hand, is an issue in many parts of Rialto, but is most concentrated in the center of Rialto. All central census tracts fall in the bottom 25% of tracts statewide, meaning that they experience worse overcrowding than most other places in California. All of these tracts are also considered DACs according to CalEnviroScreen 4.0. Tracts north of SR-210, some of which are also DACs, do not experience as much overcrowding. Exhibit 9.12 shows the varying levels of overcrowding experienced across Rialto.
94 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-41
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Exhibit 9.12. Overcrowding
95 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-42
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WHO
Generally, unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions affect low-income households and overcrowded households because they often cannot afford higher-quality housing or to repair their current housing.
This is especially true for low-income households experiencing cost burden. A low income resident who is cost burdened spends 30% or more of their income on housing; those who spend 50% or more of their income on housing are severely cost burdened, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Rialto, 11.7% of low-income homeowners and 27.7% of low-income renters are severely cost burdened (see Table 9-9). While these numbers are comparable to those of San Bernardino County, Rialto and the County experience more cost burden than many other Californians. While the homes of Rialto’s low-income residents may not need substantial repairs now, it is unlikely that their residents would be able to repair them in the future if cost burden remains high.
Table 9-9. Housing Indicators
Health Indicator
Location
City of Rialto San Bernardino County
Homeowners1 63.4% 59.8%
Low-Income Homeowner Severe Cost Burden2 11.7% 10.8%
Low-Income Renter Severe Cost Burden3 27.7% 27.2%
Overcrowding4 15.1% 8.8%
Habitability5 99.5% 99%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2023. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Note:
1 Percent of homeowners
2 Percent of low-income homeowners who spend more than 50% of their income on housing 3 Percent of low-income renters who spend more than 50% of their income on housing 4 Percent of households with more than 1 occupant per room 5 Percent of households with basic kitchen facilities and plumbing HOW
The City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element outlines various programs aimed to improve existing housing stock and improve housing availability, adequacy, and affordability throughout Rialto. Housing Programs 1A- 1G, specifically, identify strategies, actors, and funding sources to repair unsafe and unsanitary homes.
They do this by acquiring and renovating properties directly, providing incentives and resources to property owners to improve their housing units, enforcing building and health codes, and establishing special districts that help improve entire residential areas. 96 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-43
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Goals and Policies
97 CITY OF RIALTO CHAPTER 9 9-44
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GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 9–1: Monitor public health outcomes.
Policy 9–1.1: Annually monitor trends of the City’s health and wellness conditions and outcomes. Use Southern California Association of Governments and San Bernardino County Department of Public Health resources and the goals and policies in this EJ Element as guides for choosing indicators.
Policy 9–1.2: Identify health inequities on a regular basis and strive to facilitate a high quality of life for all residents, focusing efforts in the DACs and areas most impacted by specific environmental justice topics.
Goal 9–2: Create shaded and safe corridors between
transit stops and important community services,
including schools, cooling centers, job centers, and
residential areas where people depend on transit.
Policy 9–2.1: In a future update of the Safe Routes to School plan add urban greening components in DACs.
Policy 9–2.2: Prioritize Safe Routes to School implementation as outlined in the Climate Adaptation Plan.
Policy 9–2.3: Implement bikeway improvements in DACs, as outlined in the San Bernardino County non-motorized transportation plan and the City’s Active Transportation Plan, prioritizing those with shade improvements where the right-of-way allows. Add parklets with mature trees along routes where feasible.
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Goal 9–3: Establish and maintain a comprehensive
system of pedestrian trails and bicycle routes
that provide viable connections throughout the
City (Circulation Element Goal 4-8) and prioritize
implementation in DACs with limited walking and
biking infrastructure.
Policy 9–3.1: Identify opportunities to expand Class 1 bicycle trails in DACs, consistent with Circulation Element 4-8.1. When creating the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) annually consider needs in DACs proportionally with non-disadvantaged communities to ensure the CIP proportionally improves DACs.
Policy 9–3.2: Convert the Pacific Electric Railroad right-of-way to a bicycle or multi-use path prioritizing improvements in DACs, consistent with Circulation Element 4-8.2.
Policy 9–3.3: Connect school facilities, parks, and other activity nodes within residential neighborhoods with bicycle trails on neighborhood streets in DACs, consistent with Circulation Element 4-8.3 when creating the CIP annually to ensure the CIP proportionally improves DACs.
Policy 9–3.4: Identify opportunities for secure bicycle storage at public facilities such as parks, schools in transit stops consistent with, Circulation Element Policy 4-8.4, when creating the CIP annually to ensure the CIP proportionally improves DACs.
Policy 9–3.5: Require major developments to include bicycle storage facilities, including bicycle racks and lockers (Circulation Element Policy 4-8.5).
Policy 9–3.6: Coordinate recreational trail plans with neighboring cities and San Bernardino County to ensure linkage of local trails across jurisdictional boundaries and with regional trail systems (Circulation Element Policy 4-8.6).
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Policy 9–3.7: Link new open space and park sites in reclaimed mining areas with bicycle trails integrated into the City’s recreational trails system (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-25.1). Consider sources of air pollution when siting the bicycle trails, including truck routes, freeways, and industrial uses.
Goal 9–4: Increase Safe and Comfortable Walking
and Wheelchair Mobility
Policy 9–4.1: Require that new development projects incorporate design features that encourage ridesharing, transit use, park and ride facilities, and bicycle and pedestrian circulation (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-36.2).
Policy 9–4.2: Identify sidewalk improvements in DACs consistent with Circulation Element Policy 4-9.1 when creating the CIP annually to ensure the CIP proportionally improves DACs.
Policy 9–4.3: Require sidewalks and parkways on all streets in new development (Circulation Element Policy 4-9.2).
Policy 9–4.4: Seek to maintain ADA compliant pedestrian access in the event of any temporary or permanent street closures consistent with Circulation Element Policy 4-9.5.
Policy 9–4.5: Encourage new development to provide ADA compliant pedestrian paths through projects, with outlets to adjacent collectors, secondaries, and arterial roadways consistent with Circulation Element Policy 4-9.6.
Policy 9–4.6: Require ADA compliance on all new or modified handicap ramps (Circulation Element Policy 4-9.7).
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Policy 9–4.7: Require pedestrian accessibility to adjacent uses with paseos, gates, pedestrian walkways, crossings, and sidewalks (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-21.6). Ensure designs include adequate protection from extreme heat for these routes through the use of trees, benches, water bottle filling stations with pet fountains, and shade structures along the route.
Policy 9–4.8: Require the use of attractive street furniture (benches, trash receptacles, planters, bicycle racks) in highly visible areas such as along Foothill Boulevard to communicate the City’s identity and pride, consistent with Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-13.1. Ensure the placement of this street furniture meets ADA compliance for pathway width.
Goal 9–5: Reduce air pollution impacts in DACs.
Policy 9–5.1: Connect low-income households to programs that offer large financial incentives to provide low-emission vehicles, as they become available. Information on these emerging programs could be delivered to the public via a city public notification system, social media platforms, community events, or through community organizational networks.
Policy 9–5.2: Locate new development and their access points in such a way that traffic is not encouraged to utilize local residential streets for access to the development and its parking (Circulation Element Policy 4-2.1).
Policy 9–5.3: Designate and enforce truck routes, for use by commercial trucking as part of the project approval process consistent with Circulation Element Policy 4-10.1 and clearly outline measures to mitigate impacts on DAC communities.
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Policy 9–5.4: Establish permitted routes through the City for use by trucks picking up or hauling mined materials, and require suitable load containment devices on all trucks hauling mined materials (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-33.3).
Policy 9–5.5: Apply conditions of approval to any industrial or warehouse use to minimize the public health impact of that use.
Build on existing City and Regional Agency efforts to create a menu of mitigation options including but not limited to building and parking orientation, vegetation and sound buffers, truck route compliance enforcement, zero emission trucks and charging stations, solar panel installation, and air filtration systems.
Policy 9–5.6: Require that new residential subdivisions adjacent to secondary or major highways be oriented inward and provided with buffers to reduce exposure to traffic, noise, and air pollution (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-22.8).
Policy 9–5.7: Encourage developments to incorporate meandering greenbelts into subdivision projects, particularly along trails, collector streets, secondary streets, and major highways, protected environmental areas, or other special features. Bicycle and pedestrian trails should be connected with similar features in neighboring projects so that upon completion newer neighborhoods will be linked at the pedestrian level. (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-22.6).
Policy 9–5.8: Require the provision of landscape buffers, walls, additional setbacks, and landscaped parking lots as buffers between commercial and/or industrial uses with residential land uses (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-22.1).
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Goal 9–6: Proactively address hazardous waste
and water pollution concerns where possible, and
aggressively pursue actions that correct spills and
contamination when it occurs.
Policy 9–6.1: Consistent with Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-8.2, pursue all appropriate methods, including litigation, site monitoring, and follow-up mediation implementation so that all responsible parties compensate for the cleanup of perchlorate contamination. Aggressively pursue all funding sources available to employ the latest technology in water cleanup.
Policy 9–6.2: Shut down any drinking water wells that have perchlorate contamination, and install wellhead treatments to reduce perchlorate to non-detection levels (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-8.3).
Policy 9–6.3: Advocate regular evaluation of the entire water supply and distribution system to ensure its continued adequacy, reliability, and safety (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-8.4).
Policy 9–6.4: Apply methodologies and assign responsibility to protect the quality of groundwater from pollution by landfills and industrial uses (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-29.5).
Policy 9–6.5: Reduce future groundwater pollution by implementing green street strategies to support a sustainable approach to stormwater, drainage, groundwater recharge, landscaping, and incorporating green streets standard and guidelines in all right-of-way and streetscape improvements where feasible.
Policy 9–6.6: Create a hub on the City website for household hazardous waste educational resources and information on safe disposal options. 103
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Policy 9–6.7: Provide public education to encourage local consumers to choose the cleanest paints and other non-pollutant consumer products (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-38.3).
Policy 9–6.8: Reduce spreading of high nitrate fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals in City landscaping that can contaminate groundwater; encourage the public to reduce the use of chemicals in maintenance of landscaping (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-29.8).
Policy 9–6.9: Focus the establishment of new industries using, manufacturing, transporting, or storing hazardous or toxic materials or wastes within the Agua Mansa Industrial Corridor Area (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-9.3).
Policy 9–6.10: Work with the County of San Bernardino to limit expansion of the sanitary landfills on Bohnert Avenue (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-9.4).
Policy 9–6.11: Require new development and significant
redevelopment proposals to incorporate sufficient design and operational controls to prevent release of noxious odors beyond the limits of the development site (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-36.4).
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Goal 9–7: Prioritize urban greening in areas with
limited parks and high pollution exposure.
Policy 9–7.1: Establish a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation that achieves a public park ratio of 3.0 acres per 1,000 residents, evenly distributes park facilities throughout the community, and contains strategies for funding facilities and maintenance (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-28.1). Within this plan, consider the 30x30 initiative, particularly related to wildlife corridors and protection of biodiversity in City open spaces.
Policy 9–7.2: Consistent with Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-18.1, require the planting of street trees, prioritizing California Native trees, along public streets and inclusion of trees and landscaping for private developments to improve airshed, minimize urban heat island effect, and lessen the impacts of high winds. Prioritize public street tree plantings along public streets in DACs with higher levels of air pollution and less tree canopy.
Policy 9–7.3: Develop a free residential yard tree program that distributes 500 trees a year to Rialto residents. Prioritize homes in DACs.
Work with a certified arborist to determine trees that should be included in this program based on resilience to hazards like fire and drought.
Policy 9–7.4: Identify locations, community partners, and funding opportunities to create pocket parks within urbanized areas for public and/or private use (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-27.3). Consider incentives for privately- owned and maintained public open spaces.
Policy 9–7.5: Plan for and designate adequate funding to maintain new and existing parks and facilities (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-28.2). Consider spatial equity when designating funding.
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Policy 9–7.6: Work with the Rialto Unified School District to further discussions on potential joint-use outdoor facilities in areas where parks are not within walking or biking distance of residential areas.
These discussions should focus on barriers or congruency issues that exist such as vandalism, wear and tear, or maintenance and how those issues could be mitigated.
Policy 9–7.7: Consistent with Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-3.2, explore redevelopment opportunities for those areas being used for landfill purposes or other legacy industrial uses which are no longer operational, such as the airport. Plan for adequate open space and recreation amenities as appropriate for each site.
Policy 9–7.8: Provide and maintain street trees and parkway landscaping within the public right-of-way for developed properties within Rialto. Require private development to do the same as per City design regulations (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-11.2).
Policy 9–7.9: Evaluate opportunities for and, where appropriate, provide planted median strips, parkway planting, and turning pockets on Riverside Avenue throughout the City, and extend the landscape median wherever possible (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-12.3).
Policy 9–7.10: Consistent with Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-25.2, landscape the areas surrounding the Cactus Basin recreation fields, water reservoirs, and publicly owned facilities to increase opportunities for low-intensity, passive recreation open spaces or temporary uses such as food vending, public art, or public gathering.
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Goal 9–8: Provide for all residents and businesses to
have equal access to reliable and convenient public
transit services (Circulation Element Goal 4-6).
Policy 9–8.1: Require major developments to include bus turnouts, bus shelters, and other transit facilities as appropriate (Circulation Element Policy 4-6.3).
Policy 9–8.2: Encourage accessible, flexible, and efficient public transit to all major activity areas in the Inland Empire (Circulation Element Policy 4-6.4).
Policy 9–8.3: Encourage clean, lighted, and convenient bus shelters and transit stops that are within walking distance of major activity areas and residential neighborhoods and along arterial roadways (Circulation Element Policy 4-6.5).
Policy 9–8.4: Provide reliable and convenient paratransit services and other transportation service for individuals with disabilities and seniors who are unable to use fixed-route transportation systems (Circulation Element Policy 4-6.6).
Policy 9–8.5: Promote activity centers and transit-oriented development projects around the Rialto Metrolink Station and in Downtown (Circulation Element Policy 4-7.3).
Policy 9–8.6: Expand residential uses and residential serving uses in Downtown and adjacent to the Metrolink Station consistent with, Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-2.2.
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Goal 9–9: Expand access and foster a welcoming
environment for all at public facilities and events in
Rialto.
Policy 9–9.1: Sponsor diversity and culture-oriented community festivals to encourage understanding of other cultures and bridge cultural boundaries (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-15.1).
Policy 9–9.2: Provide programs that will increase awareness of ethnic and cultural identification and expression (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-15.2).
Policy 9–9.3: Actively promote programs and services that foster an inclusive, multi-generational, and economically and ethnically diverse city (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-15.3).
Policy 9–9.4: Encourage improved public understanding of the unique needs and capabilities of members of special populations such as the disabled, the elderly, the non-English speaking, and the low-income (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-15.4).
Policy 9–9.5: Provide a comprehensive senior program that meets basic needs such as nutrition and healthcare, and provides supportive services such as volunteer opportunities, education, outreach, legal advice, advocacy, and case management (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-16.1).
Policy 9–9.6: Continue to operate the Rialto Senior Center to provide for a variety of social services, clubs and organizations, classes, and daily activities (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-16.2).
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Policy 9–9.7: Continue the innovative partnership with the San Bernardino County Library and Friends of the Rialto Library to improve the quality of library services in Rialto (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-13.1). Work with Friends of the Rialto Library and offer City communication resources and support for recruitment to generate input from more constituents.
Policy 9–9.8: Allocate resources for the maintenance and operations of City facilities; explore alternative funding options for maintenance and operational costs of new facilities (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-11.1). When annually developing the CIP budget and operational budget, ensure that they proportionately serve DACs.
Policy 9–9.9: Locate community facilities equitably so that they are accessible to all members of the community and serve populations of the greatest needs by removing physical, financial, and language barriers (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-11.4). When siting new facilities, prioritize sites spread spatially across the City’s residential areas and located within ¼ mile of a public transit stop. Ensure facility types adequately serve residents of DACs.
Policy 9–9.10: Consistent with Housing Element Policy 2.4, Address the housing needs of special populations and extremely low-income households through emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, and single room occupancy units. During planning for these resources, encourage on-site consolidated services and 24/7 availability.
Policy 9–9.11: Link economic development tools and incentives with the processes of community facilities district formation to improve public infrastructure and provide maintenance, improvements, and additional public facilities, consistent with Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policies 3-4.2 and 3-7.1. 109
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Policy 9–9.12: Require sufficient impact fees on new planned development to assure timely construction of public facilities and provision of expanded City services (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-7.3).
Policy 9–9.13: Require that land be set aside for community parks and other public facilities as appropriate for any large planned development (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-7.4). Consider the goal of 3 park acres per 1,000 residents and the spatial extent of existing parks and public facilities.
Goal 9–10: Expand access to healthy food
Policy 9–10.1: Continue to provide opportunities for community gardens in the City of Rialto (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-11.3). Support the use of public and private vacant lots and school yards for community gardens, as feasible or appropriate.
Policy 9–10.2: Coordinate with regional partners and local organizations to develop a database of food assistance programs.
Publicize this database of programs using the city publications, Healthy Rialto flyers, and online communication tools.
Policy 9–10.3: Continue to support Healthy Rialto programming and pursuit of grants as it relates to the farmer’s market, nutritional programming, and other public health efforts.
Policy 9–10.4: Pursue grant funding to expand the reach of the farmer’s market and community garden. Potential options include but are not limited to cost-reduction programs for low-income residents, expanded or alternative timing of services, or delivery programs for people unable to attend at the current standing time.
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Policy 9–10.5: Develop a clear path of rules and regulations that allow for temporary food vendors that celebrate diverse cultures (such as cenadúrias) in public spaces. The rules and regulations should allow vending to operate safely in the community while maintaining public access and health.
Goal 9–11: Encourage physical activity
Policy 9–11.1: Continue to encourage design concepts that inhibit and discourage criminal behavior, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques (Safety Element Policy 5-10.3). Incorporate this into new design and renovations or improvements to play areas, parks, sports facilities, streets and sidewalks, plazas, and urban pocket parks.
Policy 9–11.2: Evaluate recreational and park programs, facilities and services to ensure they meet evolving community needs. Programs and services should remain accessible and relevant to today’s residents, responding to unique cultural, historic, and social needs, as well as changing demographics and income levels.
Goal 9–12: Improve methods for consistent,
meaningful and proactive public engagement
Policy 9–12.1: Continue to build partnerships with appropriate organizations (e.g., community-based, faith-based, advocacy, school, and service) that have existing relationships and trust with community members in Rialto.
Policy 9–12.2: Incentivize families to participate in engagement events, booths, or workshops when possible. Examples include providing activities for children as part of the engagement materials, or co- locating events in places that offer childcare.
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Policy 9–12.3: Require education materials, engagement materials, and public meetings to be offered in both English and Spanish, and continue to develop and document city successes and best practices to engage people with limited English proficiency. Depending on the size and scope of the project, consider translation services for additional languages. Regularly reassess this policy based on migration patterns in the City and emerging services and technologies that may allow for expanded translation abilities.
Policy 9–12.4: Consistent with Economic Development,
Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-15.5, require advertising and publicizing services and programs use a centralized information and referral system that is accessible to persons of all language backgrounds, ages, income levels, and abilities.
Policy 9–12.5: Encourage the participation of environmental groups, the business community, civic groups, special interest groups, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of programs that effectively reduce air pollution (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-38.2). Consider joining the regional climate collaborative for broader partnerships or programs.
Policy 9–12.6: Encourage residents to be involved in civic activity by educating them on City organization and processes by reestablishing the Rialto Institute of Progress.
Policy 9–12.7: Provide cultural sensitivity training to City staff, and develop language for inclusion in Requests for Proposals to encourage consultants engaging the public on behalf of the City to have cultural sensitivity training.
Policy 9–12.8: Promote City campaigns and events using existing marquees around the City.
Policy 9–12.9: Continually reassess the accessibility of public meetings and encourage the adoption of technology that improves access and engagement.
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Goal 9–13: Promote improvements and rehabilitation
of unsafe housing in DACs, while actively preventing
displacement.
Policy 9–13.1: Consider ways to support property owners in the rehabilitation of their properties, especially those with affordable units in the DACs, to meet current building standards in tandem with affirmatively furthering fair housing policies.
Policy 9–13.2: Use the proceeds of the Housing Set-aside Funds to assist low-income households and senior households with housing maintenance and major improvements, and to develop new affordable housing stock (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Infrastructure Element Policy 3-5.1). Pursue grants or other funding methods such as the development of a revolving loan program for funding if the Housing Set-aside Funds meet the demand.
Policy 9–13.3: Consistent with Housing Element Policy 1.6, promote focused code enforcement and rehabilitation efforts to reverse the decline of transitioning neighborhoods with a focus on multi-family rental complexes. Upon the first known instance of home maintenance related violations, supply homeowners with information about available resources.
Policy 9–13.4: Support the development of rental units with three or more bedrooms to provide affordable housing that adequately accommodates larger families, thereby reducing overcrowding and overpayment (Housing Element Policy 3.4).
Policy 9–13.5: Encourage the construction of apartment complexes with strong on-site management to ensure that housing is well maintained (Housing Element Policy 3.5).
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Policy 9–13.6: Consistent with Housing Element Policy 1.1, develop and/or pursue funding options for low-income homeowners that promote the rehabilitation of residential structures that are substandard, have fallen into disrepair, have inoperable kitchen or bathroom facilities, or have suffered damage from mold, asbestos, lead, pests, or rodents, such as rotating loans or grant programs.
Policy 9–13.7: Promote the maintenance of existing sound quality housing through preventative, rather than remedial, maintenance (Housing Element Policy 1.2). Provide resources on preventative home maintenance such as educational programming, pursuing partnerships and programs with local trade schools, or promotion of available funding options for low-income homeowners.
Policy 9–13.8: Consistent with Housing Element Policy 1.3, encourage neighborhood and local involvement in addressing housing and neighborhood maintenance and improvement by supporting
community-based organizations in messaging and promotion of volunteer opportunities.
Policy 9–13.9: Encourage property maintenance by requiring new development to submit precise plans of design to maintain landscape areas that incorporate property maintenance standards from the City’s property maintenance ordinance (Land Use, Community Design, Open Space, and Conservation Element Policy 2-20.2).
Policy 9–13.10: Pursue funding to create a City Lead Paint Program to increase awareness and education around lead paint, and encourage safe practices related to lead paint abatement.
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Goal 9–14: Fair housing options for all
Policy 9–14.1: Continue to enforce fair housing laws prohibiting arbitrary discrimination in the building, financing, selling, or renting of housing based on race, religion, family status, national origin, disability, or other protected class (Housing Element Policy 5.1).
Policy 9–14.2: Ensure that residents are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding fair housing (Housing Element Policy 5.2).
Policy 9–14.3: Continue to cooperate with the Inland Mediation Board to enforce fair housing laws and provide fair housing education services (Housing Element Policy 5.3). Emphasize tenant rights within the outreach materials so that renters are not penalized for reporting dwelling units that do not meet health and safety standards. Effort should be made to translate materials into the languages of the communities.
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Prepared by
City of Rialto
Managing Our
Land Supply
MARCH 2024 DRAFT
116
Introduction
and Land Use
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INTRODUCTION
The Managing Our Land Supply Chapter combines three elements of the General Plan required by State law, plus community design:
‒ Land Use
‒ Community Design
‒ Open Space
‒ Conservation
These four topics have similar threads and intentions. The focus is on guiding physical changes over the long term, while providing and conserving community and natural resources. The Managing Our Land Supply Chapter:
‒ Describes the building blocks for the community’s land and natural resources policy; ‒ Establishes the City’s preferred land use patterns and intensities; ‒ Guides the visual character of public places and private development; and ‒ Creates the conservation and protection plans for natural resources and open space.
Managing the supply of land, whether through designating land uses, community design, or setting aside open space and conservation areas can make a difference in Rialto. Thoughtful and responsible management of land assets can create a place to admire and appreciate.
The primary role of the Managing Our Land Supply Chapter is to direct the use of the City’s land resources in the most equitable and productive manner possible, with the aim of providing a high quality of life for residents and the overall community.
Land Use
The Land Use section describes the general location, type, and intensity of development, and designates the distribution of land uses throughout Rialto. Land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open space, and public uses are planned to meet the needs of residents, support the local economy, achieve the City’s fiscal goals, and create an environment that fosters a high quality of life in Rialto.
This section sets policies for land uses in the City and the Sphere of Influence, establishing the foundation for future development. Also addressed are the permitted density and intensity of various land uses.
Density and intensity are quantitative measures used to describe how much development may occur on a property.
Using maps and text, this Land Use section defines the distribution and intensity of development for residential neighborhoods, commercial and employment districts, industrial space, parks and other 118
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open spaces, and governmental and public uses of property in Rialto. ‒ The term density refers to the population and housing units placed upon a property. The Rialto General Plan describes density in terms of the number of dwelling units allowed per acre (du/acre), exclusive of streets and public rights-of-way.
‒ Development intensity addresses the amount of building square footage on a particular parcel or lot. Intensity can be described in many ways, including building height, total floor area, the percent of the lot the building occupies, or floor-area ratio (FAR). The Rialto General Plan uses floor-area ratio to measure non- residential intensity. The FAR defines the ratio of the total gross floor area of all buildings on a lot to the total land area of the lot.
Figure 1. Floor Area Ratio
The Land Use Plan section contains Exhibit 2-1, Land Use Map, which provides a two-dimensional description of the distribution of land uses.
This map prescribes the preferred location and types of permitted uses throughout the planning area. The Land Use Plan section also includes goals and policies to guide the growth of Rialto.
Physical Context for the Land Use Policy
Rialto’s land use patterns are defined by nearly 100 years of historical growth. The historic Downtown and surrounding older neighborhoods, with smaller residential lots and small central business district, provide a walkable urban core. Suburban tract homes from the 1950s and 1960s, away from Downtown, have defined much of the City. Newer residential neighborhoods have filled in and continue to fill in the northern areas.
Commercial uses are focused along Foothill Boulevard (Historic Route 66), Riverside Avenue, Valley Boulevard, and Baseline Road at Riverside Avenue. These corridors and intersections, along with Downtown, constitute the City’s major commercial areas.
Industrial and warehouse facilities are clustered along Rialto’s rail lines, where access to shipping facilities was important through the mid-1900s, particularly for the citrus industry. Other industrial activities have clustered north of SR-210 and south of I-10. Other industrial areas include land adjacent to the Rialto Airport in the north and near SR-210, and I-10 and the Union Pacific railroad line in the south. Many of the industrial businesses take advantage of the City’s location and access to this distribution network. 119
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Vacant Land and Infill Opportunities
New development pursuant to General Plan policy will focus on infill of vacant and underutilized sites.
Opportunities include:
‒ Vacant land within the Lytle Creek Ranch Specific Plan area. This is the largest undeveloped area within the City of Rialto and is planned for low, medium, and high-density residential uses centered around parks and schools as well as community-serving commercial and mixed-uses. It also includes plans to preserve open space surrounding Lytle Creek
‒ Vacant land surrounding the Rialto Airport (the Renaissance Specific Plan) and the SR-210 freeway that allow a mix of new uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, and open space ‒ Infill and redevelopment potential along Foothill Boulevard, with extensive vacant land located along the western edge of the boulevard and redevelopment opportunities along the eastern end ‒ Pockets of vacant and underutilized land around Downtown that are suitable for higher-density housing and mixed-use development to support commercial uses in Downtown ‒ Additional areas of vacant land and redevelopment potential scattered throughout southern Rialto, particularly along Riverside Avenue and San Bernardino Road, industrial areas along Riverside Avenue south of the I-10 freeway, and along Cedar Avenue within the Sphere of Influence area of Bloomington The General Plan allows for an increase in residential densities on selected vacant and underutilized lands adjacent to appropriate infrastructure, as well as redefinition of some lands previously designated for commercial and/or industrial uses to mixed use. New development should complement established development patterns by ensuring compatibility of uses, provide appropriate buffers to safeguard health and well-being of residents, and be consistent or compatible in design. New development should also reinforce connections between neighborhoods and activity centers, creating an environment that gives people the option of walking, biking, or using transit for day-to-day needs.
Land Use Plan
The community desires to achieve the following through the Land Use Plan:
‒ Establish land use patterns that promote a healthy environment, ‒ Improve established neighborhoods,
‒ Stabilize revenues that allow for consistent delivery of community services, ‒ Promote high quality community-serving commercial uses, and ‒ Foster a sense of community through quality design of the public realm 120
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The Land Use Plan guides the development, maintenance, and improvement of land and properties for the next 30 years.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The following land use designations, together with Exhibit 2-1, Land Use Map, represent the planned distribution, density, and intensity of land uses citywide. The colors shown on the map correspond to land use designations that describe the types of uses existing and planned for Rialto.
R2 - Residential 2 (Density: 0-2 du/ac)
‒ Reserve areas for very-low density residential development. ‒ Generally single, detached homes on large lots, with a density of no more than two units per acre.
‒ Limited keeping of livestock, dog kennels, and other animals may be permitted consistent with zoning regulations.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include group homes, public facilities, and utility support systems. ‒ Population Density: 0-8 persons per acre.
R6 - Residential 6 (Density: 2.1-6 du/ac)
‒ Allows for residential development at low densities.
‒ Development consisting of detached units in suburban-style subdivisions, with one unit per lot.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include group homes, public facilities, and utility support systems. ‒ Population Density: 8-23 persons per acre.
R12 - Residential 12 (Density: 6.1-12 du/ac)
‒ Allows for residential development at moderate densities. ‒ Development may include detached single units on individual lots, low-scale attached units with private and/or shared open space, groups of attached housing with larger common open space areas, and mobile home parks.
‒ Parking for individual units may be attached to and have direct access to interior living spaces.
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‒ The overall net density of new development, inclusive of shared open space, shall not exceed 12 units per acre.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include group homes, public facilities, and utility support systems. ‒ Population Density: 23-46 persons per acre.
R21 - Residential 21 (Density: 12.1-21 du/ac)
‒ Allows for residential development at higher densities, with locations typically along major streets and near major activity centers.
‒ Development approaches may include low-scale attached units with private and/or shared open space, and groups of attached housing with larger common open space areas.
‒ Parking for individual units may either be fully enclosed with direct access to the dwelling units or common covered parking areas. ‒ Common usable open space and other recreation amenities must be provided.
‒ The overall density of new development, inclusive of shared open space, shall not exceed 21 units per acre.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include group homes, community care facilities, public facilities, and utility support systems.
‒ Population Density: 46-80 persons per acre.
R30 - Residential 30 (Density: 22.1-30 du/ac)
‒ Creates opportunities for higher-density, multi-story residential development with either surface or structured parking.
‒ Locations occur along or near major transportation corridors and within walking distance of commercial centers and transit services. ‒ Amenities shall include common recreation and/or assembly areas suited to the population served.
‒ The overall net density of new development, inclusive of shared open space, shall not exceed 30 units per acre.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, 122
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include group homes, community care facilities, public facilities, and utility support systems.
‒ Population Density: 80-114 persons per acre.
O - Office (Intensity: maximum 0.75 FAR)
‒ Provides sites for small- and large-scale professional offices and related uses that accommodate a broad range of low-intensity, service-oriented, and employment-generating uses.
‒ Where located adjacent to residential neighborhoods, office development must be sensitive in scale, site design, and activity level to the neighborhood. This means that it is important to establish landscape buffers between office development and the adjacent neighborhoods; limit or restrict office/business traffic to major streets and not use neighborhood streets; limit building heights at the boundaries to safeguard residential private spaces; etc.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include community care facilities, public facilities, and utility support systems.
DMU - Downtown Mixed Use (Intensity: 6.1- 50 du/ac; maximum
1.50 FAR)
‒ The designation applies to Rialto’s historic downtown core. ‒ The designation is established to facilitate development of a complementary mix of retail and service commercial, dining, entertainment, and residential uses within walking distance of each other and the nearby Metrolink station and Civic Center. ‒ Businesses along Riverside Avenue shall be oriented toward the street and facilitate pedestrian access.
‒ Residential uses within the Downtown district may be developed as stand-alone structure or as part of mixed-use development.
However, any mixed-use structures with both commercial and residential uses that front Riverside Avenue must have a ground- floor use that enlivens the environment and invites pedestrian access, such as retail or dining.
‒ The overall net density of new residential development, inclusive 123
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of shared open space, shall not exceed 50 units per acre. ‒ Population Density: 23-229 persons per acre.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include public facilities and utility support systems. Uses specifically prohibited due to their incompatibility with a pedestrian-oriented mixed-use district include vehicle sales and repair, industrial and manufacturing businesses, wholesaling activities, and bars not associated with restaurants.
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Casmalia Street
Slover Avenue
Jurupa Avenue
North Lilac Avenue
Linden Avenue
North Acacia Avenue
North Linden Avenue
North W
illow Avenue
West Randall Avenue
North Sycam
ore Avenue
West Merrill Avenue
Cedar Avenue
Alder Avenue
West Rialto Avenue
North Riverside Avenue
West Etiwanda Avenue
Valley Boulevard
North Pepper Avenue
East Base Line Road
North Eucalyptus Avenue
Glen Helen Parkway
North Cedar Avenue
South W
illow Avenue
West Foothill Boulevard
North Cactus Avenue
North Locust Avenue
East Foothill Boulevard
Ayala Drive
San Bernardino Avenue Bloomington Avenue
Lytle Creek Road
West Casa Grande Drive
Agua Mansa Road
East Merrill Avenue
East Walnut AvenueWest Walnut Avenue
Sierra Lakes Parkway
West Base Line Road
Locust Avenue
Renaissance Parkway
East Highland Avenue
Hall Avenue
Riverside Avenue
West Easton Street
Cactus Avenue
North Palm
etto Avenue
North Spruce Avenue
South Cedar Avenue
South Riverside Avenue
West 1st Street
Bohnert Avenue
North M
eridian Avenue
East Rialto Avenue
Country Club Drive
Cactus Avenue
Alder Avenue
Ayala Drive
Locust Avenue
Locust Avenue
Cactus Avenue
Glen Helen Parkway
Linden Avenue
Cactus Avenue
North Riverside Avenue
North Riverside Avenue
Cedar Avenue
Riverside Avenue
§¨¦
15 §¨¦
15 §¨¦
210
§¨¦
10 §¨¦
210
0 1 2 30.5
Miles
¯
Rialto Incorporated Area
Sphere of Influence
Land Use Designations
Residential 2
Residential 6
Residential 12
Residential 21
Residential 30
Office
Community Commercial
General Commercial
Downtown Mixed-Use
Business Park
Light Industrial
General Industrial
School Facility
Public Facility
Open Space - Recreation
Open Space - Resources
Specific Plan
Overlays
Residential Overlay
Specific Plan Overlay
Sphere of Influence Land Use Categories*
Rural Living
Very Low Density Residential
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Commercial
Limited Industrial
General Industrial
Public Facility
Resource/Land Management
Open Space
Special Development
* Land uses outside of the Rialto Incorporated Area
are within the Rialto Sphere of Influence.
These land use designations are determined
by the County of San Bernardino and come from
the October 2020 Land Use Map (LU-1).
Land Use MapEXHIBIT 2-1.
LAND USE MAP
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CC - Community Commercial (Intensity: maximum 0.40 FAR) ‒ Provides for a variety of retail, office, and service-oriented business activities that serve the local community, including supermarkets, restaurants, small-scale service, businesses, and specialty retail stores.
‒ Where located adjacent to residential neighborhoods,
Community Commercial development must be sensitive in scale, site design, and activity level to the neighborhood. This means that it is important to establish landscape buffers between the commercial development and the adjacent neighborhoods; limit or restrict office/business traffic to major streets and not use neighborhood streets; limit building heights at the boundaries to safeguard residential private spaces; etc.
‒ Additional permitted uses, consistent with zoning regulations, include public facilities and utility support systems.
GC - General Commercial (Intensity: maximum 0.50 FAR)
‒ Provides opportunities for general retail, commercial services, restaurants, lodging, commercial recreation, professional offices, and medical and financial institutions.
‒ May include large retail centers anchored by one or more major tenants, large stand-alone retail stores, hospitality uses, automobile dealerships, and similar uses which attract and draw from both local and regional markets.
‒ Office development may occur as part of a cohesive mixed-use development project.
‒ Uses specifically prohibited include warehousing, trucking and transportation related, auto repair, heavy manufacturing, and any use involving outdoor storage (except for vehicle sales). ‒ Businesses are oriented toward meeting the needs of local residents and residents in surrounding communities.
BP - Business Park (Intensity: maximum 1.0 FAR)
‒ Allows a mix of commercial, office, research and development, laboratories, and light industrial uses developed in a
complementary manner and displaying high-quality architecture and site design.
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LI - Light Industrial (Intensity: maximum 1.0 FAR)
‒ Allows light industrial activity such as processing, packaging, machinery repair, fabrication, distribution, warehousing and storage, research and development, and similar uses which are low impact.
‒ Uses specifically prohibited include warehousing, trucking and transportation related, heavy manufacturing, and any use involving outdoor activities.
‒ Outdoor storage areas must be screened from view.
GI - General Industrial (Intensity: maximum 1.0 FAR)
‒ Allows for a broad range of heavy industrial activities requiring large areas of land with convenient access for trucks and rail. ‒ These uses are typically not compatible with residential uses in close proximity because the operations may generate noise and traffic impacts and may involve use of hazardous materials. ‒ Permitted uses include manufacturing and processing, warehousing and distribution, chemical or petroleum products processing and refining, heavy equipment operations, and similar uses.
P - Public Facility (Intensity: maximum 1.0 FAR)
‒ Public Facility uses encompass government, civic, cultural, health, and infrastructure uses and activities which contribute to and support the needs of the community.
P - School Facility
‒ School Facility uses encompass public educational facilities such as elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and other school-related facilities which contribute to and support the needs of the community.
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OSRC - Open Space - Recreation
‒ Applies to open space areas set aside for active and passive recreation, including public and private parks of all sizes, sports fields, recreational facilities, plazas, trails, and golf courses.
OSRS - Open Space - Resources
‒ Applies to open space areas necessary for the protection and preservation of unique areas for such purposes as groundwater recharge and flood control, habitat and wildlife corridor enhancement, the managed production of aggregate resources, agricultural heritage, transmission of energy resources, and public safety.
‒ Complementary uses within Open Space – Resources include recreational facilities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian trails and related improvements.
‒ Areas restricted from development to protect health and safety, including flood control channels and fault zones.
SP – Specific Plan
‒ The Specific Plan designation requires the implementation of a specific plan. The specific plan will specify the land use designations and must be consistent with the General Plan. For determination of land use designations, refer to the corresponding specific plan.
LAND USE OVERLAYS
Land Use Overlays establish additional standards beyond the base land use designation.
Historic Agricultural Overlay
‒ The Historic Agricultural Overlay provides for the preservation of historic orchards, tree crops, and other similar historical agricultural enterprises. The destruction of orchards to allow development is strictly prohibited. The purpose of this overlay is to preserve the remaining historic citrus orchard in the City of Rialto.
Animal Overlay
‒ The Animal Overlay allows the keeping of dog kennels on any premises within a residential neighborhood setting. Dog kennel operators must obtain all appropriate dog kennel licenses and meet all required regulations established by Section 6.04.210 of the Rialto Municipal Code. Kennels 128
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shall be operated and constructed in a sanitary and proper manner so that such property does not become a nuisance to the neighborhood.
Specific Plan Overlay
‒ The Specific Plan Overlay requires the implementation of a Specific Plan. For determination of land use designations, refer to the corresponding specific plan.
Residential Overlay
‒ The Residential Overlay allows high-density residential development in areas where underlying land use designations would otherwise prevent residential uses at such densities or residential uses altogether. It is intended to increase residential development capacity and implement the Rezone Program of the 6th Cycle Housing Element that was adopted in 2022. ‒ The Residential Overlay allows maximum residential densities of up to 35 and 50 dwelling units per acre on parcels designated Community Commercial, Office, Residential 6, Residential 21, and Specific Plan by this Land Use Element. Residential development projects on these parcels must meet all relevant regulations as detailed in the Municipal Code.
Development Opportunity Areas
Rialto still has potential for tremendous development growth in the City and the Sphere of Influence. This growth, if properly managed, can provide new opportunities through economic activity, new amenities and community facilities, attractive development and commercial centers, and expanded employment growth. Table 2-1 displays the Development Opportunities Areas. Although development opportunities exist throughout the City, the majority of the City’s growth will be focused in the following five areas:
‒ Foothill Boulevard. Foothill Boulevard is one of the most important transit corridors in Rialto and is planned to be an Omnitrans bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor. As such, the area is well suited for high density, walkable communities. The focus of Foothill Boulevard is to revitalize the corridor by introducing pedestrian-friendly development that complements the planned BRT . New development will focus on pedestrian nodes, including pedestrian-oriented commercial, mixed use, and residential uses. See Table 2-1 for the potential build out of Foothill Boulevard area. ‒ Downtown Rialto. Downtown is a focal point for the City that will integrate mixed uses, residential development, bus and Metrolink transit services, a lively “Main Street,” and civic uses to create a dynamic downtown village and a pedestrian-friendly environment. Downtown will re-emerge as a vibrant City center where economic activity, culture, civic identity, transportation options (including a planned Omnitrans BRT route along Riverside Avenue), and distinct urban experiences can thrive and inspire the community. See Table 2-1 for the potential build out of the Downtown Rialto area. ‒ Renaissance Rialto. Renaissance Rialto is designed as an integrated community of various housing types, employment, retail, recreation, services, and schools all connected by a system of open spaces and amenities. Renaissance Rialto offers open spaces, paseos, walkable streets, proximity of uses, 129
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and is strategically located near recreational facilities. See Table 2-1 for potential build out of the Renaissance Rialto area.
‒ Lytle Creek Ranch. The Lytle Creek Ranch Specific Plan will include a collection of neighborhoods consisting of high-quality single-unit homes, condominiums, and apartments. Neighborhoods will be designed around schools and neighborhood parks. Some residential areas will be devoted to active adult housing. Commercial mixed-use areas will serve residential areas and be accessible to surrounding local neighborhoods on Riverside Avenue. Natural open spaces will be preserved along Lytle Creek. See Table 2-1 for potential build out of the Lytle Creek Ranch Specific Plan area. ‒ Residential Overlay. The residential overlay adds housing capacity to key areas including. This overlay will allow maximum residential densities of up to 35 in some areas and 50 dwelling units per acre in others, with building heights up to 5-stories or 60-feet.
Table 2-1 Development Opportunity Areas
FOOTHILL
BOULEVARD
SPECIFIC PLAN
DOWNTOWN
RIAL TO
RENAISSANCE
SPECIFIC PLAN
LYTLE CREEK
RANCH SPECIFIC
PLAN
TOTAL
Acres 261 65 1,315 2,178 3,819
Dwelling Units 946 1,248 1,745 8,407 12,346
Population 2,792 3,683 5,297 25,439 37,211
Non-Residential
Square Feet (000s)
366 1,699 15,704 1,029 18,798
Implications of Land Use Policy
Table 2-2 summarizes the dwelling units, population, and level of non- residential development that can be expected from full implementation of land use policies established by this General Plan. Table 2-3 identifies the planned distribution of land uses. Over time, as properties transition from one use to another or property owners rebuild, land uses and intensities will gradually shift to align with the intent of this Chapter.
Table 2-2 Summary Build Out
EXISTING LAND USE GENERAL PLAN (2040) INCREASE (PERCENT
CHANGE)
CITY SOI TOTAL CITY SOI TOTAL CITY SOI TOTAL
Dwelling Units1
27,487 7,446 27,487 35,037 16,485 51,522 27.47% 121% 87% Population2
103,043 17,655 120,698 125,256 55,447 180,703 21.56% 214% 50% Non-Residential
Square Feet3,4 29,155,874 8,274,000 29,155,874 59,954,000 10,942,000 70,897,000 105.63% 32% 143% 1 Source: Urban Footprint (2022)
2 Source: U.S. Census Planning Database (2021)
3 Source: Southern California Council of Governments (2019) 4 Includes all commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and public facility-related land uses 130
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Table 2-3 Land Use Build Out
LAND USE
DESIGNATIONS
DWELLING UNITS POPULATION (A)
NON-RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING
SQUARE FEET (000S)
CITY SOI TOTAL CITY SOI TOTAL CITY SOI TOTAL
RESIDENTIAL
Residential 2 128 2,591 2,721 477 9,551 10,027 -- -- -- Residential 6 19,050 6,531 25,582 70,214 24,070 94,284 -- -- -- Residential 12 2,668 596 3,263 9,833 2,195 12,028 -- -- -- Residential 21 6,113 -- 6,113 22,529 -- 22,529 -- -- -- Residential 30 1,499 -- 1,499 5,526 -- 5,523 -- -- --
COMMERCIAL
Office -- -- -- -- -- -- 451 -- 451
Community
Commercial
-- -- -- -- -- -- 1,395 33 1,428
General Commercial -- -- -- -- -- -- 2,364 1,608 3,972
MIXED USE (B)
Downtown Mixed Use 1,248 -- 1,248 3,683 -- 3,683 1,699 -- 1,699
INDUSTRIAL
Business Park -- -- -- -- -- -- 7,537 -- 7,537
Light industrial -- -- -- -- -- -- 13,054 4,737 17,791
General Industrial -- -- -- -- -- -- 17,181 3,736 20,917
PUBLIC FACILITIES (C)
Public Facility -- -- -- -- -- -- (477) (71) (548)
School Facility -- -- -- -- -- -- (364) (77) (441)
OPEN SPACE (C)
Open Space Recreation -- -- -- -- -- -- (256) (28) (283) Open Space Resources -- -- -- -- -- -- (222) (1,485) (1,707)
SPECIFIC PLANS (D)
Specific Plans (e) (see
Table 2-1)
4,330 6,768 11,098 12,997 19,631 32,628 16,273 828 17,102 a. Population projections are based on an average household size of 3.868 persons per household and a vacancy rate of 5.32%, based on 2008 data from the California Department of Finance, Demographic Unit. b. Mixed Use Development allows both residential and commercial development. c. Numbers in parentheses (477) denote acres and not building square footage. d. Specific Plans build out numbers include the following: Lytle Creek, Renaissance, and Foothill Boulevard Specific Plans. e. See Table 2-1 for acres, dwelling units, population, and non-residential building square footage for the Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan, Renaissance Specific Plan, and Lytle Creek Specific Plan. f. Does not include acres from the Public Facilities and Open Space land use categories. 131
Community Design
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COMMUNITY DESIGN
The Community Design section, in conjunction with the Land Use section works to create guidelines for the physical characteristics of the built environment, the scale of buildings, their relationship to one another, architectural details, neighborhood appearance, and streetscapes. Together, community design and land use create unique, community-oriented places throughout Rialto.
Community Design Context
The foundation of Rialto’s physical environment is derived from its historical beginnings. The compact Downtown served by the railroads and the vast citrus groves that covered the area have shaped the City’s suburban form and continue to influence design and development. Today’s Downtown celebrates the citrus industry, and the grid street pattern reflects the historical ownership patterns. The design and character of some of the buildings along Foothill Boulevard create a feel reminiscent of historic Route 66.
However, many commercial strip and commercial centers
lack character and identity. Creating a sense of “place” is a key objective for Rialto, both to inspire property investment and maintenance, and to distinguish Rialto from its Inland Empire neighbors.
Creating a Sense of Place for Rialto
A sense of place means that the community’s values and culture are projected upon the built environment. Identifying those qualities and encouraging the enhancement and embellishment of the public realm are critical to the success of Rialto. Public realm design elements – which are entirely within the City’s authority to design, implement, and maintain – foster a sense of authentic human attachment and belonging.
This approach will foster tighter partnerships between private development and the City, which adds value to both the public and the private realms. Over time, the improved quality of the streetscapes will encourage additional investment. The emphasis will be on improved streetscapes and corridors, clearly defined districts, gateway elements that let you know that you have arrived, and other design treatments.
Rialto will set standards for development and construction. Those standards must respond to community values of architectural integrity and distinctiveness. Foremost, the City will promote the construction and preservation of buildings which will prove to be assets to the community over time.
Public art and orange trees signify the entry
into Downtown Rialto
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Public Realm - Gateways, Corridors, and Districts
The public realm includes properties, right-of-ways, and larger areas that the City owns and controls and can enhance through urban design strategies.
DISTRICTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Districts and neighborhoods are areas that have conforming design themes and strategies that are consistent throughout the area. Each district and neighborhood has its own character in terms of development patterns, streetscape design, building scale and mass, and periods of history. Residents celebrate the uniqueness of their own neighborhoods and respect the desire of others to maintain the qualities that distinguish their surroundings. Examples of districts include the Gateway District, Downtown, and Renaissance (see Exhibit 2.4). Within those districts regulated by a Specific Plan, the design criteria will be defined by that planning document. Outside of the Specific Plan areas are many other residential neighborhoods where a design consistency exists due to the historic nature of the development. The City should strive towards preserving the fabric and consistency of neighborhoods by requiring that new construction or renovations to structures within defined neighborhoods are sensitive to existing design, use of materials, scale, and form. The integrity of a neighborhood’s aesthetics should also be preserved by the proper enforcement of codes relating to proper maintenance of properties, as well as the continual efforts of suppressing graffiti and other types of vandalism.
Wherever feasible, neighborhoods should be walkable and pedestrian friendly. This means that neighborhoods should be compact and easily walkable from end to end. Parks and schools should be within easy walking distance from homes. Those who do not have access to other modes of transportation (mainly the elderly and children) should have the ability to reach key destinations and daily activities within walking distance. Neighborhoods that are adjacent to defined districts such as those that surround the Renaissance District along Baseline Road (see Exhibit 2.4) should provide linkages in the forms of paths and walkways that allow for residents in neighborhoods to have multiple options for greater accessibility.
CITY GATEWAYS
Gateways signify a transition from one area to another. The goal of gateways are to enhance Rialto’s "front doors" by not only constructing improvements in the areas seen by the most people, but by doing so in a way that provides a unique identity along the City’s prominent entrances. Gateways include design features such as signage, landscaping, and other elements to create a distinct aesthetic tone.
In addition, gateway features help to slow traffic at these key locations, functioning as traffic-calming devices. Gateways at many residential neighborhoods have historically been important design features in Rialto that provide identity and distinguish the City from surrounding areas. Those gateways should be retained and enhanced, and new gateways should be considered for new major development projects.
Two types of gateways are established in Rialto: Major Gateways and Minor Gateways. Major Gateways are larger entryways typically located on major streets near freeway on- and off-ramps that identify entry 134
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into the City. Minor Gateways are smaller entryways on streets that cross City boundaries or identify smaller districts, including residential neighborhoods (see Exhibit 2.4).
PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY
Pedestrian friendly design is when a development, street, or neighborhood is designed to the scale of pedestrians, improves mobility, and enhances the overall pedestrian experience. A focus on pedestrian friendliness helps with a variety of issues that face a city: it can stimulate the vitality of commercial districts by generating foot traffic along store fronts; it creates additional means of access to service; it improves the quality of life for those without access to motorized vehicles; it can be conducive to healthier lifestyles and exercise; and it may help foster a sense of community and social connection in residential neighborhoods by improving the interaction and chance encounters of neighbors. To enhance pedestrian friendliness, commercial developments and neighborhoods should be compact and include a network of paths and walkways that connect people to key destinations. As described in the districts and neighborhoods section above- activities, schools, and amenities such as parks, should be within walking distance to everyone, especially those who have limited transportation options such as the elderly and children.
Left: Street furniture such as trash receptacles, street lamps, and planters are oriented toward the pedestrian and provide comfort and safety. Center:
Trees and landscaping along the sidewalks of a residential neighborhood provide shade and a pleasant natural element for a walk. Right: Street signs, benches, and sidewalk seating create a vibrant public realm that elevates the pedestrian experience.
The physical design of projects should also cater to the pedestrian. Commercial buildings should be on the scale of pedestrians, with windows and store fronts facing sidewalks avoiding long expanses of blank walls. Intersections and crossings should be well-marked and pedestrian scaled, ensuring the safety of pedestrians amongst motor vehicles and to avoid intimidating pedestrians from crossing a street. Both commercial and residential developments should integrate pedestrian amenities such as benches, street-lighting, and attractive and functional landscaping. Amenities such as trees along sidewalks can provide shade and comfort in warm and sunny weather, as well as adds to the walking experience.
Decorative street lighting can help improve the aesthetics of a development as well as provides safety and visibility for pedestrians during the night time.
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SIGNAGE
Signage includes all the signs that we see around the community- free standing commercial signs that advertise a shopping center, signs affixed to the facades of buildings, and public signs such as directional signs or gateway signs. Although these signs serve a very important function for aiding businesses and providing information, the uncontrolled use of signage can lead to signs that dominate the landscape, distract the public, and negatively affect the aesthetics of the community. To avoid such issues, the City will ensure that equal attention and focus is paid to the design and placement of signage that accompanies developments. Signs should complement the quality and design of the developments they intend to serve by utilizing the same architectural style, similar color palette, and matching materials.
Poor sign construction and haphazard placement of signs should be avoided. To maintain the integrity of developments, the City should monitor and ensure that signs are properly maintained, and that inoperable or unused/outdated signs are removed.
CORRIDORS/STREETSCAPES
Corridors improve the visual quality of the community’s major streets with abundant landscaping and trees. These corridors should have generous medians and/or parkways that support extensive landscaping and street trees. They should also accommodate distinctive gateways at the City’s boundaries. Buildings along these corridors should also complement the streetscape and provide an atmosphere that accommodates both pedestrians and automobiles. Special consideration should be given to street furniture and pedestrian friendly lighting.
Corridors should include continuous sidewalks with wide parkways that establish pedestrian connections from the residential neighborhoods to commercial districts, parks, job centers, and other activity areas. Street trees should be of appropriate height and stature for the scale and function of the street. Corridors and streetscapes are important for Rialto because they help promote the City’s commitment to improve public spaces and corridors such as Riverside Avenue, Base Line Road, and Foothill Boulevard. Exhibit 2.4 identifies key corridors in Rialto.
Streetscapes refer to the views we see of, and along, the streets. Streetscapes encompass virtually everything along the street- the street itself, the landscaping on public right-of-ways, sidewalks, street furniture on the sidewalks, and even the buildings that face the streets. When residents and visitors alike travel through the City, it is the view of streetscape that can immediately impact a person’s perception 136
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EXHIBIT 2.4 - COMMUNITY DESIGN
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and image of the City. Streets that are unkempt may evoke a sense of negativity towards that area that may be unfair. To address this issue, the City should take great care to design streetscapes in a manner that enhances the experience of those who travel through the City. Enhancements should take the form of screening any visual blight from the public right-of-way, and providing well designed and well- maintained landscaping along corridors.
PUBLIC ART
Public art enhances the aesthetic and cultural quality of the community, provides opportunities for public exposure to the visual arts, acknowledges our local artistic community, and inspires pride. Public art is an opportunity for creating a connection between the public and the unique history of the City. The City will establish policies or ordinances that encourage Public Art as part of private and public projects.
Public art can come in multiple forms such as sculptures, murals, mosaics, classic statues, etc. and can serve to reflect upon Rialto’s history, inspire creativity and thought, and provide a forum for local artists to share their work.
SCENIC VISTAS
Scenic vistas are the picturesque views that are visible from certain parts of the City. In Rialto, the views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains and the foothills provide the perfect backdrop for creating scenic vistas throughout the City. Protecting natural landforms views help develop a “sense of place.” In a sense, these scenic vistas signify to the person that they are in a special place, and the view they are experiencing is unique to that moment and to that location alone. In order to protect scenic vistas, the City should take great care in ensuring that building heights and scale of projects do not hinder or impede scenic view. In addition, building materials in such locations should also be carefully selected as to not produce glare or other distracting occurrences.
Private Realm – Architecture, Landscaping, and Quality
Development
The private realm consists of those portions of private properties that are readily accessible and visible from public streets, and that thereby contribute to the community aesthetic.
ARCHITECTURE
Architectural style gives each building a distinct character and feel. A building, development, or 138
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neighborhood can be designed in a variety of diverse architectural styles that are prominent throughout Southern California. Cohesiveness in a development and/or neighborhood can be achieved by the use of consistent architectural themes that are applied throughout. New development and renovations should pay respect to site context and the predominant existing style as to maintain visual harmony.
Examples of Architectural Styles:
The Craftsman style emerged in California in the early 20th century and is characterized by the use low roof lines, wide welcoming porches, and use of rustic materials such as stone and exposed wood beams. Organic and natural colors are dominant.
The California Mediterranean/Spanish style, popular throughout Southern California, borrows elements from architecture found in Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain. Popular elements include the use of low-pitched tiled roofs, and arches and the incorporation of materials such as stone and stucco.
Form, or the physical design of the building, can be manipulated to produce buildings that are visually pleasing, are stimulating and show that property owners have confidence and pride in their investments.
Visual interest and diversity can be achieved through the use of varying heights, mass, density, and fenestration (placement of windows) of buildings so as to not have the same building design repeated.
Developments should utilize high-quality materials that are durable and properly reflect the chosen style of architecture. As with style, new buildings and renovations should continue to be compatible with the form of adjacent buildings.
The architecture of the developments should incorporate sustainable design practices that produce buildings that are environmentally friendly. The placement and orientation of buildings should fully analyze the amount of light and heat that penetrates the interior as to find the ideal configuration for natural climate control. Maximizing natural climate control of the building can result in lowered energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting. Design should incorporate building materials that are environmentally sound (recyclable, quickly regenerates, and produced with limited impacts to the environment) and should incorporate any latest widely-available technologies that help reduce the impact of the building on the environment without inflating design costs. 139
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Left: A multi-unit development can incorporate a façade with varied colors, materials and depth; giving the feel of a series of smaller “connected” developments.
Below: A multi-unit building shares a similar architectural style with other units and includes private, ground-level entries that reinforce street frontages.
Architecture in both residential and commercial developments plays an important role in providing the desired quality, feel, and experience that Rialto is seeking. Architecture used properly in residential developments can help create neighborhood identity; build community cohesiveness; and can create a desirable, dynamic, and attractive place to live.
With multi-unit development, the City can request architects to utilize creative techniques such as articulating the façade of a larger structure through varying color, depth, and heights to present the illusion of multiple smaller developments that are connected as opposed to one large intimidating structure. In creating multi-unit developments that seem more compact than they are, architects can blend a variety of densities within a neighborhood to provide a variety of housing units available, yet maintaining a quaint, small-town feel.
Creating interesting residential blocks by varying setbacks, encouraging diverse forms in a unified architectural style, attractive landscaping, and encouraging the use of high-quality materials can boost curb appeal to potential residents and improve the desirability of a neighborhood. Commercial architecture should adapt similar design principles as described above to help create commercial and 140
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industrial developments that are attractive, well designed, people oriented, and are environmentally sustainable.
Quality architecture that draws on Rialto’s history and culture can help create a focal point and sense of place.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping within commercial areas and parking lots can soften the character of otherwise bland, asphalt-dominated environments. The City will require all new nonresidential development to incorporate well-designed landscaping that is diverse, colorful, and sustainable. This will make these areas attractive and consistent with the overall landscaped character of Rialto. New development shall use drought-resistant vegetation and smart-water systems as sustainable methods for reducing water use. Shrubs and trees should be used along major roadways to protect surrounding residential neighborhoods from noise and pollution. Street trees offer many benefits: they provide shade and cooling effects, create beautiful canopies, and soften the hard edges of urban development. The City will continue with strong street tree programs.
Parking lots that incorporate vegetation and trees appear more natural, are more appealing, and have the added benefit of providing a permeable surface for absorption of water runoff.
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The mass of asphalt in parking lots shall be broken up with trees and landscaping, providing a more natural feel and aesthetic. The provision of landscaping and permeable soils will also assist with drainage of water that would otherwise collect on non-permeable asphalt surfaces. Parking lots should also incorporate design techniques such as textured paving along pedestrian paths to provide a safe path of travel from a parking space to an entrance as well as provide visual diversity in the parking lot.
Planned Development
A planned development is a large-scale building development that is carefully designed, planned, and unified in its entirety and is usually all contained within one development or subdivision. Planned developments within Rialto should be of the highest quality and reflect all the principles described above. In order to create a desired small town feel, planned developments should incorporate housing design features such as patios that face the street, and zero lot lines, as to blend public and private space, and create moments of spontaneous social interaction. A wide rage of housing types should be incorporated to create a diversity in scale and sizes. Visibility of, and orientation towards the sidewalks and streets also provides the added benefits of increased safety for pedestrians and discouragement of graffiti and vandalism. Houses in planned developments should also be clustered and include access to a large shared common space surrounding the house as well as a smaller private yard, as to provide a wider amount of amenities to a larger population.
Sidewalks, trails, and bicycle paths of planned developments should supplement and complement street systems in establishing the character of the neighborhood. Sidewalks should be located on at least one side of every street to enable the walkability of planned developments. The network of sidewalks, trails, and bicycle paths should be link residential areas to open space areas, schools, and local shopping areas. Landscaping and greenbelts should be used effectively as buffers to provide a safety buffer between incompatible land uses.
Small-town Character and Neighborhood Preservation
Rialto started as small town and grew to become a city with many distinct residential neighborhoods.
General Plan policy looks to preserve the small-town roots of Rialto by protecting the important qualities of the residential neighborhoods that make up the City. Those qualities include safe neighborhoods, a tree canopy, well-maintained yards, and amenities such as sidewalks and street lighting. To maintain this small town atmosphere, new development shall be concentrated in defined districts and corridors, while interior residential neighborhoods are maintained and enhanced.
Neighborhoods with features such as well-maintained landscaping, street trees, and street lights contribute to the quaint, small- town character that Rialto seeks to preserve.
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Open Space
and Recreation
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OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
Open space can be broadly defined as land that is not developed with buildings or is developed with limited improvements complementary to their intended use, such as parks. Open space can be found in a variety of forms throughout the City. The City’s attractive landscaped medians along Riverside Drive, for example, are considered open space just as much as are the City’s parks.
The Open Space and Recreation component of this General Plan outlines strategies to preserve the special open space areas in Rialto and to meet the community’s recreational and conservation needs.
Open space serves many functions in Rialto:
‒ Public parks and private recreation areas allow residents to engage in healthful exercise and build relationships with neighbors.
‒ Open space areas along Lytle Creek help protect against flooding. ‒ In conservation areas, open spaces provide habitat for wildlife and plant species. ‒ Landscaped areas between buildings and the street represent private open spaces that provide greenery and visual enhancement.
‒ All open spaces enhance the beauty and character of Rialto.
Parks in Rialto
The Rialto park system consists of neighborhood parks, community parks, and mini-parks of varying sizes to meet the needs of residents.
Mini-Park/Pocket Park: A mini-park (sometimes referred to as a pocket park) serves the immediate neighborhood and typically occupies infill parcels. Mini-parks generally are no larger than one acre, address limited recreation needs, and offer only a few amenities such as benches and/or play equipment.
Neighborhood Park: These parks are the basic unit of the City’s park system. Neighborhood parks range in size from one to ten acres and generally accommodate spaces for informal activities and active recreation. These can include picnic areas and playing fields.
Rialto City Park
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Community Park: Community parks serve a broader purpose than neighborhood parks, and meet recreation needs for more formal and highly programmed activities. Frisbie, Jerry Eaves, and Rialto City Park are classified as Community Parks and can include recreational facilities, community pools, and other amenities.
School Open Space: School open space areas include recreational facilities on school property. They may include open fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, asphalt play areas (e.g., basket ball courts and hand ball courts), and other recreational amenities. These facilities, as a general rule, are open to the public during non-school hours. These facilities are included in the inventory due to joint-use agreements between the City and the Rialto Unified School District.
Exhibit 2.5 displays open space and recreational resources in Rialto and areas with potential to supplement active and passive open space resources within the planning area. Table 2-4 identifies the location and amenities for each park.
Regional Park: Regional parks meet the recreational needs of a regional population and usually include a wide variety of active and passive recreation amenities. Active amenities include sports fields, community centers, etc. Passive amenities include trails and pathways. Regional parks are operated and maintained by the San Bernardino County Regional Parks Department.
There are no regional parks in Rialto. However, the Glen Helen Regional Park is located adjacent to Rialto’s Sphere of Influence in the Devore area of San Bernardino County. 145
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EXHIBIT 2.5 - PARKS AND OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
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Table 2-4 Park and Recreational Facilities
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Table 2-4 Park and Recreational Facilities
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Park Needs
The City has a moderate shortage of parks space to serve its population. As a rule of thumb, many cities throughout California use three to five acres of parkland per 1,000 residents as a benchmark for sufficient park space. The Rialto City Council has adopted a standard of three acres per 1,000 residents and uses this ratio for park dedication/fees requirements.
Table 2-5 identifies the park acreage, population, and the ratio of park acres per 1,000 residents, as documented in 2008 and projected for 2040. It also distinguishes between the park acreage and City parks and the Rialto Unified School District open space areas.
Table 2-5 Park Needs
Source: City of Rialto Parks Master Plan and City of Rialto Recreation and Community Services Department Notes: (a) Does not include planned parks from Lytle Creek or Renaissance Specific Plans. (b) General Plan 2040 Build Out Population.
As shown in Table 2-5, the City does not meet the ratio of three acres per 1,000 residents if only City- owned parks are considered. However, the City mitigates this deficit through joint-use agreements with the Rialto Unified School District, particularly within the eastern area of the City. Local public elementary, middle, and high schools provide additional open space totaling nearly 172 acres.
This joint-use partnership has an indeterminable timeline of availability because of concerns regarding impacted and expanding campuses, vandalism, and wear and tear on school grounds, with associated maintenance and liability issues. Also, to meet new student growth, open field areas may be occupied by portable classrooms or permanent school expansion to meet future needs, thereby limiting recreational acreages.
The City also mitigates for deficiencies in parkland acreage through capital-intensive community facilities located throughout the City, such as a community center, an indoor swimming pool, a racquet and fitness center, a senior center, and a community theatre.
Because Rialto is largely built out, limited opportunities are available to develop new parks or similar open spaces. Thus, the City’s efforts are focused on making improvements to established parks that enhance safety, maintenance efficiency, aesthetics, and conservation; completing programming and construction on undeveloped portions of established parks, and developing additional acres of planned parks and open spaces within Specific Plan areas.
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Locational Park Needs
Providing sufficient parkland means more than setting aside an adequate number of acres. Equally important in parks planning is locating parks to provide ready access for all residents. When taking into account park location, service area standards recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) indicate that a park typically should cover a one-quarter to one-half-mile service area radius, depending on the size of the park. In general, most residential sections of the City are within one- half mile of a park facility, with the exception of some neighborhoods along the western boundary and some portions of Bloomington. Exhibit 2-5 shows the service area of City parkland, school open space land, and Bloomington parkland.
Open Space for the Preservation of Natural Resources
Lytle Creek Wash provides an environment for plant and animal species, as well as water resources for the City. The majority of biological resources in Rialto are associated with Lytle Creek Wash, as discussed in the Conservation section. Water from Lytle Creek is treated before it is put into the local water system.
Because Rialto’s primary sources for water are local groundwater and surface water, maintaining clean and sufficient water in Lytle Creek is an important goal.
Open Space for the Managed Production of Resources
Certain open space areas remain critical for the managed production of resources, including mineral resources and groundwater resources. By protecting these areas from urban encroachment, the City can help ensure that critical resources are used responsibly and managed for use by future generations.
Rialto’s location at the edge of an alluvial fan that extends from the base of the San Gabriel Mountains creates opportunities for aggregate mining. In addition, there are two significant aggregate mining operations that have long existed within Lytle Creek and north of SR-210, along Alder Avenue. These areas have been designated to remain as Open Space to protect these resources as long as mining activity is feasible. Once mining activity is completed, careful planning will be required, and should include provision of appropriate open space and recreation facilities to meet evolving community needs.
The Mineral Resources section of this Chapter highlights the issues and opportunities that come with aggregate mining.
A remnant orange grove located on Cactus Avenue and Carter Street serves as a reminder of Rialto’s heritage and produces a local source of citrus. Because the property owner has made a commitment to preserve the grove as a heritage grove, the Land Use map designates the property as Open Space – Resources and applies the Historic Agriculture Overlay, ensuring its conservation and protection.
The Cactus Basins, operated by the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, serve the dual purpose of:
‒ Providing flood protection, and
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‒ Serving as percolation grounds where storm water can be captured and used to replenish the groundwater supply.
Given that Rialto’s potable water source has been compromised and restricted for use by perchlorate contamination in some groundwater wells, the basin has become even more critical to meet the City’s water needs for the future. However, low-intensity, passive recreation and landscaping around the basin’s perimeter are encouraged to increase active recreation space.
Open Space for Public Health and Safety
Open space for public health and safety refers to lands restricted from development via easements, dedication, or other regulatory controls due to hazardous conditions or important flood control functions. For example, drainage channels and detention basins protect people and property from flood hazards. Open space buffers along fault zones or on otherwise geologically unstable lands prevent development from occurring in these potentially unsafe areas. 151
Conservation
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Expected effects of global climate change may include increased potential for wildfires, flooding, and drought. The Safety and Noise section identifies areas where these conditions occur.
Conservation
The establishment of Rialto can be traced to the area’s abundance of natural resources, including water sources from Lytle Creek and the Santa Ana River, the mineral resources of the alluvial plains of both the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, and climate and soil resources that were supportive of a wide range of agriculture activities beneficial to Rialto’s founders.
This Conservation section addresses the conservation, protection, development, utilization, and reclamation of Rialto’s natural resources. Local natural resources include wildlife and plant communities and their habitat, air, water, energy sources, and minerals. As these of natural resources are largely non- renewable, with the exception of possible wind energy resources, today’s community has an obligation to conserve and manage them. General Plan policies aim to protect the quality of natural resources and make them available to future generations.
Water Resources
Nearly all of Rialto’s water sources come from local surface water and groundwater supplies. Nearly two- thirds of the City’s potable water comes from the groundwater basins directly beneath Rialto. Water is pumped from many wells that tap into the Lytle, Rialto, Bunkerhill, and North Riverside aquifers. Surface water is available from treated water coming from Lytle Creek in the San Bernardino Mountains and Lake Silverwood, a California State Water Project facility. Open space areas along Cajon Wash, Lytle Creek Wash, and the Santa Ana River allow for recharge of the groundwater basins.
With Rialto relying largely on local water sources, improving the long-term management and sustainability of these sources is critical. Water resources are discussed in greater detail in the Investing in Our Future Element.
Sustainable Building Practices and Energy Conservation
Although sources of energy, unlike water, come from locations far removed from Rialto, energy conservation must be locally based. Rialto residents and the business community should employ simple conservation techniques to reduce energy use and minimize depletion of energy resources.
AB 32, codified as The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was adopted by the California Legislature in 2006 to require the State to adopt regulations that require the reporting and verification of statewide greenhouse gas emissions and to monitor and enforce compliance with this program. The bill requires the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to levels equivalent to those in 1990 by 2020.
The State has long been a leader on energy conservation and environmental stewardship efforts, and AB 32 continues this tradition by providing direction to local governments on how to reduce the levels of greenhouse gas emissions. AB 32 initiatives address ways all Californians can contribute to reducing the 153
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adverse consequences of climate change. Programs put in place toward this objective will result in more sustainable building practices. Sustainable building practices include:
‒ Designing, constructing, and operating buildings and landscapes to incorporate energy efficiency features and techniques
‒ Water conservation
‒ Waste minimization
‒ Pollution prevention
‒ Resource-efficient materials
Mineral Resources
The California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) requires that all cites address significant aggregate resources, classified by the State Geologist and designated by the State Mining and Geology Board, in their General Plans. SMARA was enacted to promote conservation and protection of significant mineral deposits. Therefore, the Rialto General Plan establishes protection of these resources through the use of special land use designations.
The law provides for significant aggregate resources to be recognized and considered before land use decisions are made that may compromise the availability of these resources. The State Geologist classifies lands in California based on geological factors, without regard to existing land use and land ownership. Because available aggregate construction material is limited, three designations have been established for the classification of sand, gravel, and crushed rock resources:
‒ MRZ-1 Mineral Resource Zone: No significant mineral deposits are present or likely to be present. ‒ MRZ-2 Mineral Resource Zone: Significant mineral deposits are present or there is a high likelihood for their presence.
‒ MRZ-3 Mineral Resource Zone: The significance of mineral deposits cannot be determined.
These mineral resource designations are intended to prevent incompatible land use development in areas determined to have significant mineral resource deposits. Permitted uses within a designated area of regional significance include mining, uses that support mining such as smelting and storage of materials, or uses that will not hinder future mining, such as grazing, agriculture, and low-intensity recreation.
Exhibits 2.6 and 2.7 identify designated aggregate sector areas and mineral resource zones and sectors within the Rialto planning area.
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EXHIBIT 2.6 - AGGREGATE RESOURCES
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EXHIBIT 2.7 - MINERAL RESOURCE ZONES
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Sand and gravel operations in Rialto.
Recycling
With several landfills located in Rialto, the importance of recycling waste materials is readily apparent.
Landfills occupy substantial land area and limit the types of uses that can be established in their vicinity. Associated impacts include truck traffic, noise, and sometimes odors. By recycling waste materials, Rialto residents and businesses can help minimize the waste stream entering landfills and reduce efforts required (energy, resource consumption) to produce new goods and products. The City manages local trash collection and recycling programs through contracts with private service providers.
Waste Management staff also conducts presentations to school groups, youth groups, service clubs, and businesses on such topics as recycling, waste reduction, composting/gardening, and household hazardous waste management.
The City sponsors free dump days to assist residents in disposing/recycling of special wastes or bulky items. The City also provides information and assistance for the disposal of hazardous waste and electronics. These programs all aim toward the goals of reduced waste production and safe, responsible disposal of household hazardous materials.
Air Quality and Climate
Rialto sits at the base of the Cajon Pass, where high winds are common meteorological events within the region. Consequently, on windy days, air quality in Rialto can be good, but on days where there is no wind, the quality of air can be unhealthful to sensitive people like young children, the elderly, and people with diminished lung capacity. This has been a characteristic of the air quality in the San Bernardino Valley region for decades.
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Rialto is home to several logistics and warehousing uses that have heavy trucking operations. However, Rialto’s local air quality conditions result largely from sources outside the immediate area, as prevailing westerly breezes push air pollution from the valleys up against the mountains. Rialto benefits from being located at the mouth of the Cajon Pass as clean, cool air drains into Rialto each evening from the top of the pass.
SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN
Rialto lies within the South Coast Air Basin, a geographic area that extends from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains, and from the Ventura County boundary east to the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. The air basin is a “non-attainment” area for Federal and State air quality standards for ozone and State standards for particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10). The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulates air quality improvement programs within the basin, and works to improve regional air quality to achieve Federal and State standards. Rialto has continued to work with the SCAQMD and in accordance with the applicable Air Quality Management Plan to improve local and regional air quality.
SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION
Sources of air pollution include but are not limited to:
‒ Motor vehicles, which represent the major source of regional emissions throughout the basin and within Rialto
‒ Land use patterns which inefficiently distribute housing densities, employment centers, and mass transit facilities, leading to significant automobile usage ‒ Vehicles idling in heavy traffic congestion, such as those crawling along the freeways during peak hours of the day, which contribute to significant exhaust ‒ Common sources of fine particulate matter, or PM10, including road dust, construction activity, grading, and fireplaces
‒ Other sources of air pollution such as auto repair businesses, dry cleaners, and businesses that regularly use chemical solvents
ATMOSPHERE AND CLIMATE
The scientific consensus is that global climate change is an increasingly acknowledged environmental problem and that it is caused as greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere faster than the Earth’s natural systems can re-absorb them. Global climate change is likely to be one of the largest problems this generation faces.
In response to these concerns, California enacted legislation in 2006 and 2008 that requires jurisdictions to comprehensively address how long-range plans will begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve statewide air quality goals. AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, established 158
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a comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifiable, cost- effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The law aims to reduce carbon emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020.
SB 375, Redesigning Communities to Reduce Greenhouse Gases, passed into law in 2008, is implementing legislation for AB 32. This legislation endeavors to control greenhouse gas emissions by curbing sprawl (the unplanned, uncontrolled spread of urban development). The legislation encourages compact development patterns that reduce the need to drive, thereby reducing air pollution from car exhaust, conserving water, and protecting habitat, among other benefits. To achieve these goals, this law is designed to align regional land use, housing, and transportation plans with greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Without a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, global changes affecting Rialto in the future could include:
‒ More frequent heat waves
‒ More extreme weather events
‒ More frequent and increased severity droughts
‒ Increased potential for tropical insect-borne diseases Rialto recognizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to preserve a high quality of life for generations to come. Many actions undertaken by the City directly or indirectly improve air quality.
These actions include:
‒ Revitalizing Downtown Rialto. Downtown is considered a focal point for the City that will integrate mixed uses, residential development, bus and Metrolink transit services, and civic uses to create a dynamic downtown village within a pedestrian-friendly environment. Future downtown residents can walk to Riverside Avenue to get a bite to eat, board a Metrolink train to travel to destinations throughout Southern California, or walk to the public library. One of the goals of revitalizing downtown is to create a pedestrian environment where walking and public transit will help reduce automobile use, both locally and in the region. See Goal 2-5 and Policies 2-5.1 to 2-5.9. ‒ Enhancing Foothill Boulevard. The Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan aims at capitalizing on bus rapid transit (BRT) with new development that will focus on pedestrian nodes, including pedestrian-oriented commercial, commercial and residential mixed use, and residential uses. These developments will be strategically located on the boulevard and take advantage of potential BRT transit stops. These land use and transit strategies will decrease vehicle miles traveled and increase pedestrian activity along this corridor, thus reducing automobile emissions. See Goal 2-4 and Policies 2-4.1 to 2-4.4.
‒ Focusing on Alternative Transportation. This General Plan encourages and supports fixed-route transit, BRT , regular bus service, a comprehensive bicycle network, and walking. These approaches can help 159
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reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce automobile emissions. See goals and policies in Making the Connections: the Circulation Chapter.
Considering air quality issues in the decision-making process will provide for new development to result in limited emission levels.
Transportation and energy production are among the leading activities associated with greenhouse gas emissions. As such, understanding how long-range planning decisions and daily activities impact local air quality can better inform decisions. As SB 375 recognizes, air quality issues are intricately related to policies in the Managing Our Land Supply and Making the Connections chapters that reduce use of and dependence on automobiles. Implementation of sustainability policies throughout this General Plan will help minimize the City’s contribution to global climate change.
Biological Resources
Although Rialto is mostly developed, some areas remain that have not been substantially disturbed. The majority of local biological resources are associated with Lytle Creek Wash, which occupies the northern edge of the City. Smaller pockets of open spaces exist east of the former Rialto Municipal Airport and south of 7th Street.
Biological resources in the Lytle Creek Wash area.
Lytle Creek Wash provides a unique and valuable habitat for a diverse collection of plants and animals within the following plant communities: Riversidian sage scrub, Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub, riparian habitat, and ruderal1. Lytle Creek Wash does not connect regions of open space and therefore 1 A ruderal species is a plant species that is first to colonise disturbed lands. The disturbance may be natural (e.g., wildfires or avalanches), or due to human influence - constructional (e.g., road construction, building construction or mining), or agricultural (e.g., abandoned farming fields or abandoned irrigation ditches). 160
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does not function as a regional corridor. It does function as a local (or small scale) corridor for wildlife movement within the creek and the San Bernardino Mountains. This local corridor reaches beyond the Rialto boundary to flood control channels approximately two miles southeast of Highland Avenue.
The City of Rialto will continue to protect local biological resources through careful land designation of resource areas, and by requiring development projects in proximity to wildlife corridors to incorporate mitigation measures to minimize impacts to such biological resources.
Areas Subject to Flooding
According to State law as revised in 2007 (AB 162), General Plan land use chapters must identify and cities must annually review areas that are subject to flooding, as identified by floodplain mapping by either the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Flooding concerns are discussed in detail in the Safety and Noise Chapter. See Exhibit 5.2, Community Exposure to Flooding, in the Safety and Noise Chapter for identification of flood hazard areas.
FEMA, through the National Flood Insurance Program, produces Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that identify property and buildings in flood insurance risk areas. FIRMs (2008) indicate areas that are subject to 100-year and 500-year floods. The areas subject to 100-year floods are located along Lytle Creek and Cajon Wash in the northern Sphere of Influence area and the Santa Ana River in the southern portion of the City.
The State Department of Water Resources has initiated the Awareness Floodplain Mapping project, with the goal of identifying all pertinent flood hazard areas in California by 2015 for areas that are not mapped under the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, and to provide the community and residents with an additional tool for understanding potential flood hazards that are currently not mapped as a regulated floodplain. The awareness maps identify the 100-year flood hazard areas using approximate assessment procedures. As of 2010, the State Department of Water Resources had not prepared any flood studies for San Bernardino County.
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Goals and Policies
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Total (f) 35,037 16,485 51,522 125,256 55,447 180,703 59,594 10,942 70,897 Land Use
FOOTHILL BOULEVARD CORRIDOR
Foothill Boulevard has been an important and vital transportation corridor through Rialto for many years. It has served as part of the historic Route 66. To create sense of place and identity unique to our community, the thematic concept for streetscape improvements will be inspired by the Rialto Bridge in Italy and will feature brick and river rock materials. The following goals and policies promote that identity and encourage new development along the corridor.
Goal 2–1: Foothill Boulevard supports economic
development and creates a strong sense of place
and identity.
Policy 2–1.1: Provide new opportunities along the Foothill Boulevard Corridor through a mix of land uses that allow mixed-use residential, retail, and community-serving commercial.
Policy 2–1.2: Incorporate the Rialto Bridge and historic Route 66 streetscape theme — including design, architecture, signage, landscaping, and other visual elements.
Policy 2–1.3: Require that properties fronting Foothill Boulevard physically connect to each other to create continual pedestrian connectivity along the corridor. Provide pedestrian-friendly amenities such as shaded walking areas, pedestrian-scale architecture, plazas, courtyards, and commercial buildings with pedestrian street entries.
Policy 2–1.4: Improve the aesthetics of Foothill Boulevard to encourage new development and revitalizing existing development and make Foothill Boulevard a distinct place, with identifying gateway treatments, that lets people know when they have entered or exited 163
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the City of Rialto.
RIVERSIDE AVENUE CORRIDOR
Riverside Avenue is the main roadway that connects the very northern tip of Rialto to its very southern end. At nearly 12 miles long, this roadway traverses a variety of neighborhoods and districts throughout Rialto. It provides convenient connections to major transportation routes, including the I-15, I-10, and SR-210 freeways. Riverside Avenue must be a corridor that balances economic development while respecting the residential areas and providing connections throughout Rialto.
Goal 2–2: Riverside Avenue acts as an economically
viable local service area.
Policy 2–2.1: Prevent strip commercial development and other inappropriate land uses such as industrial or logistics on Riverside Avenue. Uses such as commercial, multi-unit residential, and office would be deemed appropriate.
Policy 2–2.2: In the Downtown area, require development to enhance the corridor by framing the street with structures and minimal setbacks. Structures should include storefronts or restaurants along the ground floor. Shading for pedestrians such as arcades should be encouraged.
Policy 2–2.3: Encourage adaptive reuse of single-unit houses for office and commercial uses on Riverside Avenue to strengthen the compatibility of residential/commercial zones while preserving the small-town quality of Downtown.
Policy 2–2.4: Promote community cohesion through a mix of land uses that allow for residential, mixed use, and commercial uses.
Policy 2–2.5: Encourage accessibility of goods and services through a mix of both employment- and community-serving retail.
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VALLEY BOULEVARD CORRIDOR
As a roadway that includes frontage along the I-10 freeway, the City recognizes the value of revitalizing and attracting development that can provide sales tax revenues and employment opportunities, and takes advantage of freeway visibility.
Goal 2–3: Valley Boulevard contributes positively to
the economic vitality of the community and provides
new opportunities for employement.
Policy 2–3.1: Improve the visual characteristics of Valley Boulevard by seeking funding to invest in infrastructure, signage, design guidelines, etc. that enhance the public realm. Such investment may attract additional private sector investment, which will maintain the viability of the corridor. Establish programs that outline the timing of the installation of such infrastructure.
Policy 2–3.2: Attract new development and revitalize established commercial and industrial uses through economic development strategies. The first priority for development shall be areas within the City borders. Areas within the Sphere of Influence are a secondary priority.
Policy 2–3.3: Enforce code enforcement actions to advance maintenance of commercial and industrial properties, storage areas, landscaping, and other maintenance issues.
GATEWAY AREA
As one of the major southern gateways into the City of Rialto from the I-10 freeway, this area has the opportunity to make a great first impression on residents and visitors.
Goal 2–4: An attractive Gateway Area that highlights
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entry into Rialto from the I-10 freeway.
Policy 2–4.1: Improve the visual characteristics of the gateway area by removing overhead power lines, developing a street enhancement program for Riverside Avenue, removal of abandoned buildings, and enhanced and themed landscaping along the corridor.
Policy 2–4.2: Attract commercial businesses that will create a viable activity center with various retail stores, restaurants, and other complementary businesses to serve the local community and attract people from surrounding areas.
DOWNTOWN RIALTO
Downtown Rialto is the heart of the City and serves as the City’s central business district. One advantage Downtown has is its proximity to the Metrolink Station. The area creates an ideal setting for mixed-use and transit-oriented development near the transit stop at an intimate scale that will help re-establish Downtown as a vibrant place.
Goal 2–5: Downtown Rialto is a lively, pedestrian-
friendly district typical of a small-town downtown,
with a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, civic
uses, and transit-oriented development.
Policy 2–5.1: Provide a dynamic mix of uses to create a lively balance of activity and small-town charm that brings people together to create an exciting environment.
Policy 2–5.2: Support a complementary mix of land uses, including residential densities to support a multi-modal transit node at the rail station.
Policy 2–5.3: Provide an attractive park or plaza that provides a central location for community events and informal activities.
Policy 2–5.4: Create a Downtown that is a safe and walkable place for shoppers, visitors, residents, and employees, and that provides a 166
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unique environment that becomes a gathering place to shop and dine.
Policy 2–5.5: Incorporate improvements necessary to upgrade alleys to current standards, and refine their appearance, function, and safety with landscape treatment, textured paving, rear façade treatments, and parking and loading improvements.
Policy 2–5.6: Encourage a mix of retail shops and service centers to meet the needs of residents living or shopping in the Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
Policy 2–5.7: Expand and enhance programs to revitalize Downtown by enhancing its merchant promotions, merchandising, beautification programs, and marketing.
Policy 2–5.8: Improve the financial feasibility of projects by implementing flexible development standards and zoning specifically for the Downtown area.
Policy 2–5.9: Implement the Rialto Downtown Vision and Strategic Plan.
ANNEXATION OF SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AREAS
Goal 2–6: Expanded City boundaries through
the annexation of San Bernardino County
unincorporated areas.
Policy 2–6.1: Work with the County of San Bernardino to require that the City of Rialto’s building and zoning regulations be applied to new development within unincorporated County islands and other areas within Rialto’s Sphere of Influence.
Policy 2–6.2: Work toward the inclusion of the “islands” in northeast Rialto in the Rialto Sphere of Influence and annexation when current revenue sharing agreements end.
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Goal 2–7: Annexations that provide a positive benefit
to the City.
Policy 2–7.1: Require an approved specific plan for all new large unincorporated areas of vacant land prior to annexation into Rialto.
Policy 2–7.2: Require a fiscal impact statement for any new large, planned development to ensure that Rialto receives financial benefit from annexation.
Policy 2–7.3: Require sufficient impact fees on new planned development to assure timely construction of public facilities and provision of expanded City services.
Policy 2–7.4: Require that land be set aside for community parks and other public facilities as appropriate for any large, planned development.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION
Rialto has many distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood was developed during different periods of time, and each has a character of its own in terms of housing style, development pattern, streetscape design, and building mass and scale.
Goal 2–8: Established residential neighborhoods
with enhanced individual character.
Policy 2–8.1: Promote neighborhood identity and preservation of individual neighborhood character by preserving or creating neighborhood gateway features. This includes the Las Colinas Core Group and the North End (Pepper Avenue) Neighborhood Group.
Policy 2–8.2: Improve neighborhood housing maintenance and home improvements through grant pursuits and direct financial assistance for home rehabilitation.
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Policy 2–8.3: Require all new housing built adjacent to designated major or secondary highways to face a residential street, with driveways on the side street. Require landscaped barrier walls to preserve the privacy of residential side yards and protect them from traffic noise and pollution.
Policy 2–8.4: Discourage extreme changes in scale between adjacent structures (i.e., multi-story building walls immediately adjacent to single-unit residences). Encourage appropriate setbacks and other architectural features that provide a gradual change in scale.
INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES
Goal 2–9: Residential areas, schools, parks, and other
sensitive land uses are protected from the impacts
associated with industrial and trucking-related land
uses.
Policy 2–9.1: Require mitigation and utilize other techniques to protect residential development and other sensitive land uses near industrial land uses or within identified health risk areas from excessive noise, hazardous materials and waste releases, toxic air pollutant concentrations, and other impacts.
Policy 2–9.2: Require all industrial development to front on an improved street with appropriate front yard setbacks, landscaping, and façade and entrance treatments.
Policy 2–9.3: Focus the establishment of new industries using, manufacturing, transporting, or storing hazardous or toxic materials or wastes within the Agua Mansa Industrial Corridor Area. 169
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Policy 2–9.4: Encourage industrial uses to incorporate flexible commercial spaces such as retail, restaurants, and temporary vendors that can serve a broad audience.
Policy 2–9.5: Ensure that industrial land uses minimize conflict with surrounding incompatible uses through building design and truck restrictions.
Policy 2–9.6: Locate smaller buildings and less intensive uses within an industrial development site closer to adjacent residential uses, rather than large or more intensive uses.
Policy 2–9.7: Require warehousing and industrial uses to incorporate natural landscape materials (trees, shrubs, and hedges) to buffer differing land uses, and provide a transition between adjacent properties.
Policy 2–9.8: For sites with access to alleyways or other internal circulation routes, locate industrial loading docks away from public- facing streets to reduce trucking-related impacts in sensitive areas.
Policy 2–9.9: Require the inclusion of on-site truck parking and queueing for all industrial facilities located within 500 feet of residences, schools, and parks.
Policy 2–9.10: Protect residents and land intended for resident- serving retail by prohibiting warehouses in zones that allow residential uses and zones intended for neighborhood commercial uses.
Policy 2–9.11: Work with the County of San Bernardino to limit expansion of the sanitary landfills on Bohnert Avenue.
Goal 2–10: A balanced mix of land uses that provide
for convenient access to commercial, civic, and
recreational opportunities.
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Policy 2–10.1: Provide a balanced mix of land uses, increasing opportunities to access community-serving retail and commercial uses.
Policy 2–10.2: Encourage active community life and public gathering through the use of publicly accessible parks and gardens, open spaces, pathways, and plazas in large-scale development projects.
Policy 2–10.3: Allow for a range of retail, grocery, dining, and commercial service type uses within commercial and mixed use designations that will promote vibrant centers within the community.
Policy 2–10.4: Provide retail developments that are compatible with and serve the local community, and meet the overall community design goals of this General Plan.
Policy 2–10.5: Encourage community gathering by using temporary installations in public spaces. Create new recreational, entertainment and civic facilities. One example is hosting cenadurias, which are food eateries that serve primarily traditional, home-style Mexican dinner cuisine.
Community Design
PUBLIC REALM - GATEWAYS
Goal 2–11: Create distinctive gateways at all entry
points into Rialto and for individual districts or
neighborhoods.
Policy 2–11.1: Continue the use of monument signs at focal points within the community and at major and minor gateways. Establish unified entry treatments at major entries into the City.
Policy 2–11.2: Design and implement themed landscape treatments near freeway off- and on- ramps to announce entry into Rialto. 171
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Policy 2–11.3: Encourage new and established neighborhoods to provide ground signs and landscaping at a major street entrance to reinforce their identity.
PUBLIC REALM - STREETSCAPES
Goal 2–12: Design streetscapes in Rialto to support
and enhance the City’s image as a desirable place to
live, work, shop, and dine.
Policy 2–12.1: Require the screening of commercial or industrial parking areas, storage yards, stockpiles, and other collections of equipment from the public right-of-way.
Policy 2–12.2: Provide and maintain street trees and parkway landscaping within the public right-of-way for developed properties within Rialto. Require private development to do the same as per City design regulations.
Policy 2–12.3: Provide planted median strips, parkway planting, and turning pockets on Riverside Avenue throughout the City, and extend the landscape median wherever possible.
Policy 2–12.4: Incorporate street trees and other landscape treatments along corridors to provide sufficient shade canopy and promote pedestrian comfort.
Policy 2–12.5: Require that projects with perimeter walls (including gated residential communities) provide an interesting streetscape, with pedestrian access to major travel ways.
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PUBLIC REALM – PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Goal 2–13: Design new streets to be pedestrian-
friendly.
Policy 2–13.1: Require the use of attractive street furniture (benches, trash receptacles, planters, bicycle racks) in the Downtown area, along Foothill Boulevard, and other highly visible areas to communicate the City’s identity and pride.
Policy 2–13.2: Use textured paving or similar design features to define pedestrian crossings, particularly near pedestrian activity areas such as Downtown.
Policy 2–13.3: Install curb extensions (i.e., bulb out or similar enhancements) at pedestrian crossings to shorten the crossing distance required, wherever feasible. Additional pedestrian protections, including bollards and defensible space landscape treatments, should be utilized as well.
Policy 2–13.4: Enhance pedestrian walkways directly under building canopies by one or more of the following techniques: interlocking or textured paving, turf block walls, theme plantings, trees projecting through canopies, bollards and kiosks, pavilions or gazebos, and trellises and arbors planted with flowering vines.
Policy 2–13.5: Maximize potential pedestrian connections through the use of highly visible gateways, walkways, and directional signs and the installation of traffic-calming devices where appropriate.
Policy 2–13.6: Require landscape screens in new commercial developments larger than 15,000 square feet directly in front of the stores rather than leaving the façade barren. The intent of the landscape screen is to improve the scale by visually lowering the building height and mass without impeding access or identity of the buildings function.
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Policy 2–13.7: Shade bus shelters and other outdoor use areas from the sun. Commercial projects along major corridors in Rialto shall incorporate at least one bus shelter, taxi stop, bicycle rack, and/or similar transportation or pedestrian features. The design of these features shall be consistent with the identify, feel, and theme of that corridor.
PUBLIC REALM - SIGNAGE
Goal 2–14: Achieve quality aesthetic design of all
signage in the City of Rialto.
Policy 2–14.1: Prohibit the indiscriminate placement of highway directional signs, traffic signs, street identification signs, and other similar devices in any manner that creates visual blight or driver confusion.
Policy 2–14.2: Require consistent design quality and themes for directional signage along public streets.
Policy 2–14.3: Require that all ground signs incorporate landscape treatment to reduce visual height and impact from the street.
PUBLIC REALM – SCENIC VISTAS
Goal 2–15: Protect scenic vistas and scenic resources.
Policy 2–15.1: Protect views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains by ensuring that building heights are consistent with the scale of surrounding, existing development.
Policy 2–15.2: Protect views of the La Loma Hills, Jurupa Hills, Box Spring Mountains, Moreno Valley, and Riverside by ensuring that building heights are consistent with the scale of surrounding, existing development.
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Policy 2–15.3: Ensure use of building materials that do not produce glare, such as polished metals or reflective windows.
PUBLIC REALM – PUBLIC ART
Goal 2–16: Establish a public art program that
engages the public and enriches the pedestrian
experience.
Policy 2–16.1: Encourage the incorporation of public art into large- scale development projects.
Policy 2–16.2: Identify suitable sites throughout the community that would benefit from the inclusion of public art.
Policy 2–16.3: Encourage the creation of art pieces that represent the agricultural history of the community, family-first values, and vision for the future.
PRIVATE REALM
Goal 2–17: Improve the architectural and design
quality of development in Rialto.
Policy 2–17.1: Require new development and construction to exhibit a high level of quality architectural design to emphasize community uniqueness, individuality, and historical references.
Policy 2–17.2: Require architectural identity for individual commercial corridors, while also encouraging a variety of architectural features to create visual interest and pedestrian scale.
Policy 2–17.3: Discourage architectural monotony.
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Policy 2–17.4: Discourage the design of boxy structures; emphasize articulation of the front façade and the horizontal plane with multi- story structures.
Policy 2–17.5: Require developers to vary building and parking setbacks along the streetscape to create visual interest.
Policy 2–17.6: Require architectural treatments on all façades facing rights-of-way, public streets, and alleys, including windows, doors, architectural details, and landscape treatment.
Goal 2–18: Provide high-quality and environmentally
sustainable landscaping.
Policy 2–18.1: Require the planting of street trees along public streets and inclusion of trees and landscaping for private developments to improve airshed, minimize urban heat island effect, and lessen impacts of high winds.
Policy 2–18.2: Require all new development to incorporate tree plantings dense enough to shade and beautify residential and commercial areas.
Policy 2–18.3: Require the use of drought-tolerant, native landscaping and smart irrigation systems for new development to lower overall water usage.
Goal 2–19: Protect Rialto’s small-town community
character while accommodating growth.
Policy 2–19.1: Require all new development and renovations within residential neighborhoods to be consistent with the existing scale, massing, and landscaping of that neighborhood.
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the areas bordering or in close proximity to the Santa Ana River and Lytle Creek.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
Goal 2–20: Encourage neighborhood preservation,
stabilization, and property maintenance.
Policy 2–20.1: Require that new construction, additions, renovations, and infill developments be sensitive to neighborhood context and building form and scale.
Policy 2–20.2: Encourage property maintenance by requiring new development to submit precise plans of design to maintain landscape areas that incorporate property maintenance standards from the City’s property maintenance ordinance.
Policy 2–20.3: Continue the graffiti suppression and removal program and expand outreach programs that encourage neighborhoods to take an active role in the program as well.
Policy 2–20.4: Enforce and carry out code enforcement actions to advance proper maintenance of residential properties.
Policy 2–20.5: Integrate residential developments with their built surroundings and encourage a strong relationship between dwelling and the street.
Policy 2–20.6: Communicate the single-unit residential function of a building by encouraging the design of visually appealing residential dwellings that feature varied facades and pleasing compositions.
Goal 2–21: Require high-quality multi-unit design,
landscaping, and architecture.
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Policy 2–21.1: Require multi-unit buildings design to be visually and architecturally pleasing by varying the height, color, setback, materials, texture, landscaping, trim and roof shape.
Policy 2–21.2: Do not allow box-like forms with large, unvaried roofs by using a variety of building forms and roof shapes by creating clusters of units, variations in height, setback, and roof shape.
Policy 2–21.3: Require use of porches, stairs, railings, fascia boards, and trim to enhance multi-unit buildings’ character.
Policy 2–21.4: Provide for multi-unit buildings to relate to the street and be located to reinforce street frontages.
Policy 2–21.5: Emphasize private, ground-level entries to individual units so that primary building entries are prominent and visible.
Policy 2–21.6: Require pedestrian accessibility to adjacent uses with paseos, gates, pedestrian walkways, crossings, and sidewalks.
Policy 2–21.7: Require parking lots to be located at the rear or side of a site to allow a majority of dwelling units to front on the street.
Policy 2–21.8: Encourage that each unit have some form of useful private open space, such as a patio, porch, deck, balcony, yard, or shared entry porches or balconies.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Goal 2–22: Ensure high-quality planned
developments in Rialto.
Policy 2–22.1: Require the provision of landscape buffers, walls, additional setbacks, and landscaped parking lots as buffers between commercial and/or industrial uses and residential land uses. 178
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Policy 2–22.2: Require that the layout of units and/or buildings be staggered to maximize visual interest and individual identity.
Policy 2–22.3: Discourage rectangular building footprints that lack visual interest or articulation along street frontages and encourage the arrangement of structures on the site to allow for adequate screening of parking and loading areas as well as alleys on all industrial and commercial sites.
Policy 2–22.4: Encourage creative site planning, making use of patio homes, zero lot line units, planned unit “cluster” development, attached townhouse products, and auto courts.
Policy 2–22.5: Encourage the clustering of residential units which provide semi-private common areas, maximize views, and provide passive open space and recreation uses within multi-unit developments.
Policy 2–22.6: Encourage developments to incorporate meandering greenbelts into subdivision projects, particularly along trails, collector streets, secondary streets, and major highways, protected environmental areas, or other special features. Bicycle and pedestrian trails should be connected with similar features in neighboring projects so that upon completion newer neighborhoods will be linked at the pedestrian level.
Policy 2–22.7: Require parkways to be placed on the outside of the public sidewalk immediately adjoining the curb to provide shade for pedestrians and provide a canopy of trees to be either uniformly spaced or informally grouped.
Policy 2–22.8: Require that new residential subdivisions adjacent to secondary or major highways be oriented inward and provided with buffers to reduce exposure to traffic and noise.
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COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN
Goal 2–23: Promote commercial and/or industrial
development that is well designed, people-oriented,
environmentally sustainable, sensitive to the needs
of the visitor or resident, and functionally efficient
for its purpose.
Policy 2–23.1: Require that developments incorporate varied planes and textures and variety in window and door treatments on building façades.
Policy 2–23.2: Encourage architecture which disaggregates massive buildings into smaller parts with greater human scale.
Policy 2–23.3: Require that landscape plantings be incorporated into commercial and industrial projects to define and emphasize entrances, inclusive of those areas along the front of a building facing a parking lot.
Policy 2–23.4: Require all major commercial developments to incorporate theme elements to create a distinct identity, foster individuality, and provide gathering opportunities.
Policy 2–23.5: Require developments to provide pedestrian and vehicle connections and pathways between parking lots at the rear and front of buildings.
Policy 2–23.6: Require delivery areas to be separated from pedestrian areas.
Policy 2–23.7: Require outdoor storage areas, where permitted, to be completely screened from public view.
Policy 2–23.8: Insist that full architectural treatments and details be provided on all facades visible to the street of development projects. 180
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PARKING LOT DESIGN
Goal 2–24: Minimize the visual impact of parking lots.
Policy 2–24.1: Require mature trees and landscaping in off-street parking areas to make them more inviting and aesthetically appealing, and to provide sufficient shading to reduce heat.
Policy 2–24.2: Encourage the inclusion of textured paving along pedestrian walkways and under building canopies.
Policy 2–24.3: Require use of drainage improvements designed, with native vegetation where possible, to retain or detain water runoff and minimize pollutants into drainage system.
Open Space and Recreation
OPEN SPACE
Goal 2–25: Take advantage of opportunities to
increase and enhance open spaces throughout
Rialto.
Policy 2–25.1: Identify and explore opportunities for acquisition of land in the Lytle Creek floodplain and fault-impacted areas for use as open space, parkland, or recreational areas.
Policy 2–25.2: Landscape the areas surrounding the Cactus Basin recreation fields, water reservoirs, and publicly owned facilities to increase opportunities for low-intensity, passive recreation open spaces and to improve aesthetics.
Goal 2–26: Maximize public benefits in the
reclamation of mineral extraction and sanitary
landfill areas.
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Policy 2–26.1: Link new open space and park sites in reclaimed mining areas with bicycle trails integrated into the City’s recreational trails system.
Policy 2–26.2: Work with the County of San Bernardino to define the final limits of the Mid-County Landfill and to plan for reclamation of the site with open space and recreation amenities appropriate to the site.
Goal 2–27: Maximize open spaces in urban areas.
Policy 2–27.1: Require that private open space be integrated into new development by providing green spaces and landscaped plazas between buildings.
Policy 2–27.2: Enhance street corridors by incorporating small green areas, extensive landscaping, and street trees.
Policy 2–27.3: Explore opportunities to create pocket parks within urbanized areas for public and/or private use.
RECREATION
Goal 2–28: Provide a variety of park facilities
that meet the diverse needs and interest of the
community.
Policy 2–28.1: Establish a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation that achieves a park ratio of 3.0 acres per 1,000 residents, evenly distributes park facilities throughout the community, and contains strategies for funding facilities and maintenance.
Policy 2–28.2: Plan for and designate adequate funding to maintain new and existing parks and facilities.
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Policy 2–28.3: Work with the Rialto Unified School District to provide joint-use facilities in areas where park and recreation facility deficits exist. Mitigate issues associated with school open space, such as vandalism, wear and tear, maintenance, and school expansion.
Conservation
WATER RESOURCES
Goal 2–29: Protect and enhance Rialto’s surface
waters and groundwater basins.
Policy 2–29.1: Work with local water agencies and the State and Federal governments to clean up and mitigate perchlorate contamination within the basin.
Policy 2–29.2: Maximize recharge of local groundwater basins by minimizing impervious surfaces and protecting open space recharge areas.
Policy 2–29.3: Design sidewalks, roads, and driveways to minimize impervious surfaces; provide flood control channels with permeable bottoms to help restore groundwater aquifers.
Policy 2–29.4: Prohibit the use of septic tanks, and where necessary, assist in the financing of sewer connections and hookups.
Policy 2–29.5: Apply methodologies and assign responsibility to protect the quality of groundwater from pollution by landfills and industrial uses.
Policy 2–29.6: Improve surface drainage facilities and continue tertiary sewage treatment to protect the Santa Ana River watershed as a potable water source.
Policy 2–29.7: Continue to maintain Lytle Creek as a water source. 183
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Policy 2–29.8: Reduce spreading of high nitrate fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals in City landscaping that can contaminate groundwater; encourage the public to reduce the use of chemicals in maintenance of landscaping.
Goal 2–30: Conserve water resources.
Policy 2–30.1: Require new development to use features, equipment, technology, landscaping, and other methods to reduce water consumption.
Policy 2–30.2: Use reclaimed water as available for irrigation of City parks, median strips, and other public areas, and encourage its use in industrial applications, large turf and expansive landscaped areas, golf courses, mining, and other uses where potable quality of water is not necessary to its application.
Policy 2–30.3: Educate the community about the importance of water conserving techniques and avoiding wasteful water habits.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
Goal 2–31: Incorporate green building and other
sustainable building practices into development
projects.
Policy 2–31.1: Explore and adopt the use of green building standards and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar in both private and public projects.
Policy 2–31.2: Promote sustainable building practices that go beyond the requirements of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, and encourage energy-efficient design elements, as appropriate. 184
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Policy 2–31.3: Support sustainable building practices that integrate building materials and methods that promote environmental quality, economic vitality, and social benefit through the design, construction, and operation of the built environment.
Goal 2–32: Conserve energy resources.
Policy 2–32.1: Require the incorporation of energy conservation features into the design of all new construction and site development activities.
Policy 2–32.2: Provide incentives for the installation of energy conservation measures in existing multi-unit residential and commercial developments, including technical assistance and possibly low-interest loans.
Policy 2–32.3: Educate the public regarding the need for energy conservation techniques which can be employed and systems which are available.
MINERAL RESOURCES
Goal 2–33: Balance the provisions of the California
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act with City
objectives to minimize negative impacts of mining
activities on the Rialto community.
Policy 2–33.1: Allow the phasing of planned land uses on large mineral resource sites on that part of the site on which mining is not anticipated, or on that part of the site which mining is completed and reclamation has been established.
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Policy 2–33.2: Permit plant nurseries, recreational open space, and other temporary uses in State-designated mineral resource sectors prior to and pending their development for mineral extraction.
Policy 2–33.3: Establish permitted routes through the City for use by trucks picking up or hauling mined materials and require suitable load containment devices on all trucks hauling mined materials.
Policy 2–33.4: Establish buffer zones of compatible uses adjacent to mineral extraction areas. Such uses may include industry. Require planting or other visual buffers to screen mining machines, stockpiles, vehicles, and other mining related facilities from visible residential areas.
Policy 2–33.5: Require that access roads to resource extraction areas meet standards for noise, dust control, erosion control and grading to minimize adverse impacts to adjacent uses.
Policy 2–33.6: Apply noise reduction requirements for mining activity affecting adjacent noise-sensitive areas.
Goal 2–34: Require appropriate reclamation of
mineral resource extraction areas.
Policy 2–34.1: Require that permits for mineral reclamation projects specify compliance with State, Federal, and local standards and attainment programs with respect to air quality; protection of rare, threatened or endangered species; conservation of water quality, watersheds, and basins, and erosion protection.
Policy 2–34.2: Require bonded assurance of implementation of a City-approved reclamation plan prior to issuing approvals for surface mining in the City.
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RECYCLING
Goal 2–35: Achieve waste recycling levels that meet
or exceed State mandates. Achieve maximum
waste recycling in all sectors of the community:
residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and construction.
Policy 2–35.1: Develop programs that promote reuse and recycling throughout the community.
Policy 2–35.2: Utilize source reduction, recycling, and other appropriate measures to reduce the amount of solid waste generated in Rialto that is disposed of in landfills.
Policy 2–35.3: Encourage the maximum diversion from landfills of construction and demolition materials through recycling and reuse programs.
AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE
Goal 2–36: Reduce air pollution emissions from both
mobile and stationary sources in the City.
Policy 2–36.1: Replace Rialto’s vehicle fleet with low-emission, economically sensible vehicles.
Policy 2–36.2: Require that new development projects incorporate design features that encourage ridesharing, transit use, park and ride facilities, and bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
Policy 2–36.3: Establish a balanced land use pattern and facilitate developments that provide jobs for City residents in order to reduce vehicle trips citywide.
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Policy 2–36.4: Require new development and significant
redevelopment proposals to incorporate sufficient design and operational controls to prevent release of noxious odors beyond the limits of the development site.
Goal 2–37: Reduce the amount of fugitive dust
released into the atmosphere.
Policy 2–37.1: Put conditions on discretionary permits to require fugitive dust controls.
Policy 2–37.2: Support programs and policies of the South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding restrictions on grading operations at construction projects.
Policy 2–37.3: Enforce regulations that do not allow vehicles to transport aggregate or similar material upon a roadway unless the material is stabilized or covered.
Goal 2–38: Expand public awareness regarding air
pollution sources and pollutant reduction initiatives.
Policy 2–38.1: Encourage and publicly recognize innovative approaches that improve air quality.
Policy 2–38.2: Encourage the participation of environmental groups, the business community, civic groups, special interest groups, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of programs that effectively reduce air pollution.
Policy 2–38.3: Provide public education to encourage local consumers to choose the cleanest paints and other non-pollutant consumer products.
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Goal 2–39: Mitigate against climate change.
Policy 2–39.1: Consult with State agencies, SCAG, and the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) to implement AB32 and SB375 by utilizing incentives to facilitate infill and transit-oriented development.
Policy 2–39.2: Encourage development of transit-oriented and infill development and encourage a mix of uses that foster walking and alternative transportation in Downtown and along Foothill Boulevard.
Policy 2–39.3: Provide enhanced bicycling and walking infrastructure, and support public transit, including public bus service, the Metrolink, and the potential for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
Policy 2–39.4: Participate in the San Bernardino Regional Greenhouse Inventory and Reduction Plan.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Goal 2–40: Conserve and enhance Rialto’s biological
resources.
Policy 2–40.1: Protect endangered, threatened, rare, and other special status habitat and wildlife species within and along Lytle Creek by working with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game to establish Natural Community Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP), or other established biological resource protection mechanisms within this sensitive area.
Policy 2–40.2: Pursue open space, wildlife corridors, or conservation easements to protect sensitive species and their habitats. 189
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Policy 2–40.3: Continue to work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to adopt a habitat conservation plan to protect viability of the Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly. Until a habitat conservation plan is established, continue to support the implementation of the existing Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly Recovery Plan.
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SAFETY AND NOISE
Prepared by
City of Rialto
Safety and Noise
MARCH 2024 DRAFT
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Introduction
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SAFETY AND NOISE
INTRODUCTION
The Safety Element of this General Plan addresses hazards in the City of Rialto and the potential short- and long-term risks to human life, property, and economic and social dislocation resulting from hazard events, including extreme heat, flooding, geologic and seismic hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfires. This is one of seven elements required by State law (Government Code 65302). Climate change has the potential to exacerbate many of these hazards and compound their effects; for example, increased risk of wildfire and flood also increases the risk of landslide. Therefore, in accordance with Senate Bill (SB) 379, this Safety Element also addresses climate change within each applicable hazard section.
Other topics covered within this element include gangs, noise, and wind hazards. Gangs and wind hazards encompass additional safety concerns present in Rialto and are not required by state law, while noise is another required general plan element that has been consolidated into this element.
This Safety Element includes a section titled Safety Concerns in Rialto, which outlines each hazard facing Rialto, when and where hazards occur, and how the City of Rialto (City) is currently addressing these hazards. Vulnerable populations are considered throughout this Safety Element because
many hazards disproportionately affect certain populations.
Following the existing conditions is a Goals, Policies, and Actions section, which provides the City’s safety roadmap, including a comprehensive hazard mitigation and emergency response strategy. Goals, policies, and actions are organized by four planning phases designed to enhance the resilience of a community: mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover.
Relation to Other Planning Documents
OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
This Safety Element directly relates to topics in the Managing Our Land Supply and Circulation Chapters of the General Plan. The Safety Element identifies hazards and hazard abatement provisions to guide land use decisions related to zoning, subdivisions, and entitlement permits. The Safety Element also addresses emergency response and evacuation routes, which informs the Circulation Element to ensure that streets are sized adequately for fire truck access and other needs of first responders. Related to the Conservation and Open Space Element, the Safety Element addresses community greening to increase shade and mitigate extreme heat days in Rialto. There are alos connections to the Environmental Justice Element, related to identifying and prioiritizing populations vulnerable to hazards.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Vulnerable populations include
people who have heightened
exposure or increased sensitivity
to hazards. Vulnerabilities vary
by hazard, and can be caused
by physical, social, political,
or economic reasons. Climate
change can exacerbate these
vulnerabilities if not addressed.
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CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN
The Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) builds on the City’s Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to evaluate Rialto’s vulnerabilities and capabilities and to propose policies addressing four climate-related hazards: air pollution, extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding. The CAP addresses the requirements of two State laws: SB 1000, the Planning for Healthy Communities Act, and SB 379. SB 379 requires that general plans include climate-related hazards and resilience strategies; SB 1000 mandates that cities and counties adopt environmental justice elements or integrate environmental justice goals, objectives, and policies into general plans when they update two or more elements. The most recent CAP was adopted on September 28, 2021.
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
This Safety Element incorporates and augments mitigation policies contained in the LHMP . LHMPs are updated more often than safety elements and provide technical detail informing projects that mitigate potential hazards, while safety elements provide the long-term blueprint to addressing natural hazards, including how to prepare, respond to, and recover from hazard events. It is important that these documents are consistent and create a clear roadmap to a safe and resilient Rialto. Additionally, by integrating the LHMP with the Safety Element, the City will also achieve eligibility for additional post-disaster funding from the State of California. Integration also allows the Safety Element’s framework of goals, objectives, and policies to be utilized and built upon by current and future LHMPs. The most recent LHMP is available here.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
The Safety Element considers emergency preparation and response information contained in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The EOP , which the City is currently updating, summarizes threats based on results of the City’s hazard analysis, which the City last conducted in June 1996 and is currently updating as of 2023. The hazard analysis identifies the following threats: major earthquakes; hazardous materials; flooding; major air crash; transportation, trucking incident, and railroad system; civil unrest; national security emergency; and terrorist response. Of these, the Safety Element details hazards relating to earthquakes, hazardous materials, and flooding and augments policies relating to mitigation of these hazards.
As of 2023, the City is also in the process of developing several new emergency plans, including a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Threat and Hazards Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), and a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
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Overview of Regulatory Requirements
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR SAFETY ELEMENTS
Government Code Section 65302 mandates that general plans shall include a safety element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of:
‒ seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure ‒ tsunami, seiche, and dam failure
‒ slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides ‒ subsidence
‒ liquefaction
‒ other seismic hazards identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body ‒ flooding
‒ wildland and urban fires
‒ climate change
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302, the safety element must include mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards and address evacuation routes, military installations, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road widths and clearances around structures. Furthermore, for each hazard, the safety element must identify hazard-related information, such as hazard zones; establish a set of comprehensive goals, policies, and objectives based on identified information regarding hazards; and establish a set of feasible implementation measures designed to carry out the goals, policies, and objectives.
CLIMATE RISK
In recent years, new State law has required local governments to address climate change in General Plans. SB 379, Land Use General Plan: Safety Element, requires local governments to include a climate change vulnerability assessment, measures to address vulnerabilities, and a comprehensive hazard mitigation and emergency response strategy in their safety elements, as specified in Section 65032(g)(4) of the Government Code.
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Safety Concerns
in Rialto
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SAFETY CONCERNS IN RIALTO
This section outlines each hazard with five familiar questions: what, when, where, who, and how.
For each hazard, this assessment explains what the hazard is and what causes it to occur in Rialto; when the hazard occurs, including if the hazard is seasonal or is forecasted to get worse as a result of climate change; where in Rialto this hazard is most likely to occur; who is most vulnerable to each hazard; and lastly, how the City is addressing this hazard and how initiatives can be built upon and improved in the future. Several of the hazards assessed in this plan are addressed in the LHMP .
Additional hazards included in the LHMP are incorporated into this plan by reference.
This section addresses the following hazards, as well as emergency preparedness and response:
‒ Extreme heat
‒ Flooding
‒ Geologic and seismic hazards
‒ Hazardous materials
‒ Wildfires
‒ Emergency preparation and response
‒ Gangs
‒ Noise
‒ Wind hazards
Extreme Heat
WHAT
Extreme heat is a hazard that occurs on hot days, warm nights, or during heat waves and can result in heat-related illness and hospitalization. Extreme heat is measured locally, as communities are acclimatized to their historic environment. An extreme heat day is one that is in the hottest 2% of days observed between 1960 and 1990. In Rialto, an extreme heat event is a day hotter than 103.8°F.
Heat waves and extreme heat days are made worse by the
urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect inflates average annual urban air temperatures, making them 1.8°F to
5.4°F warmer than other areas. Heat islands also increase energy demand for air conditioning. Exhibit 5.1, Greenery and the Urban Heat Island Effect, illustrates the urban heat island effect.
URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
The urban heat island effect
occurs whendark urban surfaces,
such as roofs androads, absorb
heat and slowly releasethe
heat over time. At night,
thesesurfaces transfer heat to
the air, creatingwarmer nights
that do not allow peopleto
cool off, making heat waves
moredangerous.
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WHEN
Extreme heat occurs in the summer and early fall in Rialto.
Climate change is expected to increase the average temperature year-round, including the frequency of extreme heat days. Under a medium emissions scenario, extreme heat days are projected to average 24 days per year from 2035 to 2064 (mid-century), compared to 3 days per year historically. Extreme heat days are projected to average 32 days per year from 2070 to 2099 (end of century) under this scenario. Under a high emissions scenario, extreme heat days are projected to average 40 days per year during the mid-century and 58 days per year during the end of the century.1
WHERE
Areas with more asphalt surfaces, more buildings, less
vegetation, and less shade experience the urban heat island effect the most. When assessed in 2011, impervious surfaces covered approximately 77% of land citywide.2 The central part of Rialto has slightly higher rates of impervious surfaces. Overall, these rates are comparable to those of the neighboring cities of Fontana and Colton; however, they are higher than those of other local governments in San Bernardino County and Riverside County to the south. Thus, Rialto can be expected to experience a disproportionately high urban heat island effect.
WHO
People can be adversely affected by extreme heat if they have existing health conditions or spend increased time outdoors living, working, commuting, or playing. This can include people who depend on walking, biking, or transit to commute; older adults; and young children. Rialto has a significantly higher proportion of children under 5 years old compared to the State; this population is at higher risk from extreme heat.3 All other populations vulnerable to extreme heat are found at relatively low rates in Rialto (see Table 5-1).
1 California Energy Commission. 2021. “CalAdapt – Extreme Heat. ” Accessed February 2023. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-heat 2 Public Health Alliance of Southern California. 2011. “California Healthy Places Index: Impervious Surface Cover (2011). ” Access February 2023. https://map. healthyplacesindex.org/.
3 U.S. Census Bureau. 2021. “Age and Sex. ” ACS 5-Year Estimates. Table S0101.
MEDIUM EMISSIONS SCENARIO
A medium emissions scenario
refers to a type of climate
model called representative
concentration pathway (RCP)
4.5. This model assumes major
reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions through mid-century.
HIGH EMISSIONS SCENARIO
A high emissions scenario refers
to a type of climate model called
representative concentration
pathway (RCP) 8.5. This model
assumes global greenhouse gas
emissions will continue to rise
throughout the 21st century.
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Table 5-1. Populations Vulnerable to Extreme Heat
Health Indicator
Location
Rialto San Bernardino
County California
Active Commuters1 2.09% 3.09% 8.99%
Children2 8.03% 7.41% 6.54%
Older Adults3 8.8% 10.9% 13.6%
Outdoor Workers4 6.58% 6.15% 6.36%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2021. American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. Table B08006.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable Note: The table is colored to provide an understanding of the rate of populations vulnerable to extreme heat and does not indicate that certain traits are overall “good” or “bad.”
1 Percent of workers who commute to work by transit, walking, or cycling 2 Percent of residents under 5 years old
3 Percent of residents 65 years and older
4 Percent of residents who work outdoors. This does not include people who live outside of Rialto and work outdoors in Rialto.
HOW
Extreme heat is addressed by the City in the form of the urban tree canopy and a cooling center program.
The Rialto General Plan requires street trees, which provide shade for sidewalks. The City also operates three cooling centers in Downtown Rialto. The hours of these cooling centers are expanded during extreme heat events and a free shuttle is provided for those who cannot reach a cooling center on their own. However, many extreme heat programs only operate if the temperature reaches 100°F, while many vulnerable populations can have adverse health effects at lower temperatures. The San Bernardino County Transit Authority (SBCTA) Guidebook promotes shade protection at transit stops, cooling centers, and adjustments to asphalt binder grades for future temperature projections. As of 2023, Rialto has 192 bus stops and 63 have shelters providing shade. More shelters are planned to be added in the future. 199
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Exhibit 5.1. Greenery and the Urban Heat Island Effect
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Flooding
WHAT
Rialto and surrounding areas are subject to unpredictable seasonal rainfall. During intense rainfall, the geographic and geologic characteristics typical of the Upper Santa Ana River Valley, where Rialto is located, make this area especially vulnerable to flood hazards. The gently sloping alluvial fan upon which Rialto sits emanates from a deep canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains; this contributes to Rialto’s vulnerability to flood hazards.
In the early 1900s, the region was subjected to episodes of severe flooding. In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, and the City built numerous structures to control flood hazards. The first line of defense against flooding is a series of eight levees constructed along the western edge of Lytle Creek. Next, a regional storm drain system was built and is maintained by the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. Within Rialto, this system includes three buried pipelines (the East Fontana Storm Drain, the East Rialto Storm Drain, and the Rialto-Baseline Storm Drain). The region’s most significant and largest drainage facility is the Rialto Channel, a mostly open earthen and concrete-lined channel that extends from the Cactus Basins in the north-central part of Rialto south to the Santa Ana River. The County system also includes several retention basins that provide flood control and serve as recharge basins.
The developed portions of Rialto are served by an extensive municipal storm drain network that is maintained by the City and designed to collect all urban runoff. These eventually drain to the Santa Ana River. While existing flood control structures have provided significant protection from uncontrolled flooding, inadequacies in the local drainage system have caused occasional localized flooding.
WHEN
Flooding is more likely to occur in the winter months (December, January, February) when Rialto receives the most rain. Climate change is predicted to increase the number of extreme rain events, when large amounts of rain fall over a short period of time, does not have time to soak into the ground, and overwhelms stormwater infrastructure.
Flooding is expected to increase in Rialto over the next century due to an increase in the number of extreme precipitation events. Average precipitation this century is projected to be consistent with late 20th century precipitation levels; however, the intensity of extreme precipitation events is predicted to increase through the end of the century under a medium-emissions scenario.4 As a result, Rialto will likely experience more intense floods more often.
4 CEC (California Energy Commission). 2019. “Cal-Adapt. ” https://cal-adapt.org/tools/extreme-precipitation 201
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WHERE
Most flooding events are anticipated to occur within the current 100- and 500-year flood plain boundaries, which are likely to endure intense 100- and 500-year floods more often than these intervals. As indicated in Exhibit 5.2, Community Exposure to Flooding, portions of Rialto are vulnerable to inundation from 100-year flood events associated with Lytle Creek and in a low-lying area of Sycamore Flat. Rialto’s roads generally avoid floodplains, although certain roads border them and could flood over in the event of a major storm, such as North Riverside Avenue and East Highland Avenue. Areas of low flood risk per FEMA's flood mapping can also experience localized flooding if stormwater infrastructure becomes blocked or if capacity is inadequate for the particular extreme precipitation event, especially in highly impervious areas with limited stormwater infrastructure. During public engagement residents expressed recurring or recent flooding as a concern for Baseline Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, and Ayala Avenue.
Though unlikely to occur, dam breach inundation also poses significant risk of flooding for Rialto. Cactus Basin No. 3, located in central Rialto, has an “extremely high” downstream flooding hazard, according to California Dam Breach Inundation Maps of the California Division of Safety of Dams.5 This hazard classification was determined based on probable loss of human life, economic loss, environmental damage, impacts to critical facilities (also known as essential service facilities), or other significant impacts potentially caused by the failure of the dam, and does not include potential for dam failure in its classification.6 Exhibit 5.3, Dam Inundation Zones, displays areas that would be at risk of inundation if Cactus Basin No. 3 were to fail. 5 California Department of Water Resources. 2023. “California Dam Breach Inundation Maps. ” Accessed February 2023. https://fmds.water.ca.gov/maps/damim/. 6 Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 335.4. https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/All-Programs/Division-of- Safety-of-Dams/Files/Statutes-and-Regs-docs/Enforcement-Regulations-Text-Revision-August-2021.pdf. 100- AND 500-YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
Flood plains are determined
by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. A 100-year
flood plain is an area with a 1%
chance of flooding annually,
while 500-year flood plains have a
0.2% chance of flooding annually.
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Exhibit 5.2. Community Exposure to Flooding
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Exhibit 5.3. Dam Inundation Zones
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WHO
Flooding caused by extreme precipitation events presents several hazards to human life and health.
The primary risk of flooding to safety is drowning, but other effects include building damage, mold, and respiratory damage. Certain population characteristics, including disability, linguistic isolation, car access, and age (young children and older adults), increase sensitivity to flooding by reducing the ability to evacuate or escape floods. Vulnerability to flooding can also increase due to social isolation and/ or physical disabilities leading to difficulty evacuating during a flood event. Additionally, low-income renters can face greater challenges recovering from flood events because they are less likely to have renter’s insurance and can face higher levels of displacement and homelessness if their residence is damaged during a flood event. Table 5-2 presents the proportion of Rialto residents who have a disability, who are low-income renters who pay more than 50% of their income towards housing costs, who speak English “less than very well, ” and who are young children or older adults. There is a high rate of Rialto residents with limited English ability, a relatively high rate of residents who are severe housing-burdened low-income renters, and a significant proportion of the population are children, each of whom face increased vulnerability.
Table 5-2. Populations Vulnerable to Flooding
Health Indicator
Location
Rialto San Bernardino
County California
Disability1 9.41% 11% 10.6%
Low Income Severe Housing-Burdened
Renters2 27.7% 27.2% 26.2%
Speaks English Less than Very Well3 22% 14.9% 17.8%
Children4 8.03% 7.41% 6.54%
Older Adults5 8.8% 10.9% 13.6%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable 1 Percent of people who have a disability
2 Percent of low-income renters who pay more than 50% of their income towards housing costs 3 Percent of people aged 5 and older who speak English less than very well 4 Percent of residents under 5 years old
5 Percent of residents 65 years and older
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HOW
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations addresses floodplain management and flood hazard mitigation. Specifically, the regulations require local governments to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to regulate development in flood hazard areas, require permits for certain activities in floodplains, and establish requirements for building elevations, flood-resistant materials, and drainage systems.7
The City of Rialto General Plan and LHMP outline several strategies to mitigate flood hazards, including identification of flood hazard areas, implementation of land use policies that discourage development in flood-prone areas, and maintenance and improvement of stormwater infrastructure. Ordinance 1318 (2001) also addresses reducing flood losses, consistent with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management standards and the California Department of Water Resources’ Floodplain Management Regulations. The ordinance requires that new development and redevelopment projects include stormwater management plans to address potential flooding impacts and prohibits certain activities that could cause a discharge of pollutants into stormwater drains. Many of the City’s actions are intended to mitigate flood hazards; however, efforts surrounding preparedness for, response to, and recovery from flooding represent opportunities for improvements. 7 24 CCR Part 2, Chapter 10. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CABC2022P1/chapter-10-means-of-egress. 206
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Geologic and Seismic Hazards
WHAT
Geologic hazards are related to the movement of earth, including soil, rock, debris, or other material.
Some common geologic hazards that can impact safety include landslides, mudslides, and rapid subsidence. Landslide and mudslide events happen when debris and earthen materials fall down a slope. Mudslides occur specifically when the soil is saturated with water from rain or some other source.
The landslide or mudslide can pose threats to human life, buildings, and infrastructure. Additionally, if soils and debris are contaminated, they can pose a hazardous waste concern (see the Hazardous Materials section). Subsidence is when a land surface lowers (either slowly over time or rapidly).
Liquefaction and sink holes are two forms of subsidence that can occur rapidly. Rapid subsidence can pose threats to human life, buildings, and infrastructure.
Earthquakes can affect widespread areas, trigger many secondary effects, and overwhelm the ability of local jurisdictions to respond. Although it is impossible to predict the timing of seismic events, sound planning practices and public education can help minimize the associated effects.
Surface Fault Rupture
Surface fault rupture refers to the physical displacement of the ground during an earthquake. Although ground rupture usually results in minimal damage, structures located close to a rupturing fault may be severely damaged.
Ground Shaking
The greatest source of earthquake damage is caused by ground shaking. Rialto is susceptible to ground shaking caused by the activity of several local fault systems.
The San Jacinto, San Andreas, and Cucamonga faults have the potential of generating earthquakes of maximum magnitudes ranging from 6.7 to 8.0. Shaking at these levels would cause moderate damage to buildings constructed with the latest building codes.
WHEN
Geologic hazards can have several causes, which makes them difficult to predict. Landslides and mudslides can be caused by earthquakes, heavy storms, human activity, or other events able to disturb at-risk slopes.8 Rialto has no history of landslides or liquification recorded by the California Geological Survey. Climate change does not directly impact landslides, but it does impact the hazards that can cause landslides. Climate change is not projected to change the overall amount of rain in Southern California, but rain is projected to decrease in frequency and increase in intensity. Severe rainfall causes flooding, landslides, and soil erosion and jeopardizes functionality or integrity of infrastructure systems.
Infrastructure built with soil (such as earthen dams, levees, or embankments) or that interface with soil 8 Highland, L.M., and P . Bobrowsky. 2008. The Landslide Handbook—A Guide to Understanding Landslides. Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1325. https:// pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/pdf/C1325_508.pdf.
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(for example roads, bridge, pipelines, and foundations) are often more vulnerable.9 Wildfires are also projected to increase in Southern California, which could increase landslide risk (see the Wildfire section).
Regarding earthquakes, Rialto has experienced moderate to strong ground shaking associated with events such as the 1812 Wrightwood earthquake (estimated 7.5 magnitude), 1899 Cajon Pass earthquake (estimated 5.7 magnitude), 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.4 magnitude), 1971 Sylmar earthquake (6.6 magnitude), and 1994 Northridge earthquake (6.7 magnitude). Several earthquakes were associated with the San Jacinto, San Andreas, and Cucamonga faults (see Exhibit 5.4). The most recent lower- magnitude earthquakes that occurred near Rialto were a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on April 6, 1994, 2 kilometers southeast of Running Springs in the San Bernardino National Forest; a 4.6 magnitude earthquake on October 2, 1985, 3 kilometers south-southeast of Loma Linda; and a 4.6 magnitude earthquake in April 1965 north-northeast of Fontana.
In the Southern California region, magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes have a 76% change to occur within 30 years; magnitude 8 or greater earthquakes have a 5% likelihood to occur within the same timeframe10 (see Table 5-3 below).
Table 5-3. Southern California Region Earthquake Likelihoods Magnitude
(greater than or equal to)
Average repeat time
(years)
30-year likelihood of one
or more events
5 0.12 100%
6 2.3 100%
6.7 12 93%
7 25 76%
7.5 92 28%
8 645 5%
Though models such as the UCERF3 can forecast earthquakes with probability measures, it is impossible to predict with certainty when earthquakes will occur or how strong the ground shaking will be.
WHERE
In general, liquefaction is unlikely to occur in most areas of Rialto. However, liquefaction is a concern in the Lytle Creek Wash area where there are sandy soils and a high water table and in the areas near the Santa Ana River due to an extremely high water table.11 9 AghaKouchak, A. et al. August 2018. “Projected Changes in California’s Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves. ” California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/CCCA4-CEC-2018-005_ADA.pdf. 10 SCEC (Southern California Earthquake Center). 2014. “The Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3). ” https://www.scec.org/ucerf. 11 City of Rialto. 2020. Emergency Operations Plan. https://www.yourrialto.com/472/Emergency-Management. 208
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Rialto is located in a region with sharp contrasts in terrain. The gently sloping lands in south Rialto abruptly confront the rise of the San Gabriel Mountains to the north – a result of tectonic movement of the San Andreas Fault and its subsidiary faults. The poorly consolidated alluvium underlying virtually all properties in Rialto can result in devastating effects in the event of an earthquake. Seismic hazards and their secondary effects have the greatest potential for causing devastating damage citywide.
The State Alquist-Priolo Fault Zoning Act was enacted with the purpose of mitigating the hazard of fault rupture by prohibiting buildings along all active fault lines. Current Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in and near the Rialto area are shown on Exhibit 5.4. As Exhibit 5.4 indicates, significant faulting occurs along the Lytle Creek Wash. The San Andreas fault—the feature that defines the coming together of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates—crosses just to the northeast, through the City of San Bernardino. Rialto sits atop the Pacific Plate, which is moving north relative to San Bernardino.
WHO
Assets like homes or infrastructure can be more susceptible to geologic and seismic hazards based on location, but no population groups are specifically more sensitive to an earthquake, landslide, mudslide, liquefaction, or subsidence based on their inherent traits. However, certain groups may have more difficulty during the recovery stage that follows a major geologic or seismic hazard event.
People in low-income households or renters may be displaced and, if they lack insurance, may be without compensation for belongings lost as a result of the hazard. Others may struggle with the accessibility of existing emergency response communication methods. For example, some older adults may have difficulty with online or digital forms of communication. Language can be another barrier to communication (see Table 5-4).
Table 5-4. Populations Vulnerable to Geologic and Seismic Hazards Health Indicator
Location
Rialto San Bernardino
County California
Low Income Housing Burdened Renters1 27.7% 27.2% 26.2%
Older Adults2 8.8% 10.9% 13.60%
People who Speak English Less than Very
Well3 22% 14.9% 17.8%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable 1 Percent of low-income renters who pay more than 50% of their income on housing costs. 2 Percent of people aged 65 and older
3 Percent of people aged 5 and older who speak English less than very well 209
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HOW
Under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, enacted in 1972, cities are required to regulate development within the mapped zones of active earthquake faults. Specifically, cities and counties must establish setback requirements prohibiting the construction of certain structures for human occupancy within 50 feet of an active fault trace. They must also require that structures located within 500 feet of an active fault trace be subject to additional geologic investigations to identify potential hazards and building design considerations to ensure seismic safety. Finally, cities and counties must notify property owners of any known or suspected fault zones on their properties. Several other laws set requirements and standards for mitigating seismic hazards, including the following:
‒ California Building Standards Code (Title 24): This code sets minimum requirements for building design and construction to resist seismic forces.
‒ Seismic Hazard Mapping Act: This law requires the California Geological Survey to identify and map areas of the state that are prone to seismic hazards.
‒ California Disaster Act: This law requires cities and counties to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans to minimize the impact of natural disasters, including earthquakes.
The City has adopted the California Building Standards Code, so any design and construction within Rialto must be consistent with State building codes. Furthermore, Rialto’s LHMP describes potential impacts of seismic hazards, including potential fatalities, injuries, displacement, and potential economic losses.
Unreinforced masonry buildings have a high risk of damage and collapse in the event of ground shaking.
Such buildings should be identified to document at-risk structures that should be retrofitted to minimize damage; however, the City does not currently maintain a list of unreinforced masonry buildings. 210
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Exhibit 5.4. Seismic Hazards
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Hazardous Materials
WHAT
Hazardous materials are substances that can cause death, serious illness, or hazard to human health or the environment when not properly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of. Many household substances are considered hazardous, including gasoline, refrigerants, paint, and some gardening supplies, and nearly all households and businesses have small amounts of hazardous waste. Certain businesses, such as gas stations, car repair shops, and dry cleaners, generate larger amounts of hazardous waste. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories also generate medical waste, which can be hazardous. The pollution of water from various sources can also create water that is hazardous to consume. If hazardous waste is not properly disposed of it can create the need for cleanup sites, which require specialized cleanup procedures determined by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
The primary concern associated with hazardous material release is the short- and long-term effects on public health and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined a hazardous material as any material that, due to quantity, concentration, and physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant potential hazard to human health or the environment. To reduce the possibility for a hazardous material release, Federal, State, and local agencies implement and enforce stringent requirements on hazardous waste generators and users regarding storage, use, manufacturing, and handling of hazardous materials. These regulations help prevent and mitigate hazardous waste pollution.
WHEN
Given the existence of heavy industry with Rialto, hazardous materials present an ongoing but largely preventable threat. There are several sites at which hazardous materials cleanup is ongoing and several more at which cleanup activities have been completed (see below for more information on these sites).
Despite mitigation measures, hazardous materials spills may occur in the future. Risks include cascading impacts if hazards such as earthquakes and flooding cause a hazardous materials spill.
Historically, some areas of Rialto were used for the manufacturing of rocket fuel and fireworks. U.S.
Department of Defense contractors began making rockets locally in the 1950s and fuel residue has since leaked into the region’s underground water basin. The seepage has created a massive plume of perchlorate in the groundwater that in 2007 was approximately 6 miles long and 2 miles wide.
Settlements totaling as much as $100 million have resulted in a comprehensive cleanup of the site, including treating contaminated groundwater, which was completed in September 2022.12 WHERE
Rialto has a significant amount of industrial and commercial land uses, and many businesses use, store, transport, and handle hazardous materials regularly (see Exhibit 5.5, Permitted Facilities Dealing with 12 EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). January 31, 2014. “Reference News Release: EPA’s $11 Million Cleanup Settlement Helps Protect Drinking Water in Rialto. ” https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/reference-news-release-epas-11-million-cleanup-settlement-helps-protect-drinking-water. 212
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Hazardous Waste). These include several Large-Quantity Generators and a handful of Small-Quantity Generators, including several in the unincorporated area of Bloomington. There are also over a dozen registered transporters of hazardous waste within Rialto.
In addition to sites actively handling hazardous waste, there are also cleanup sites. Sites with large concentrations of hazardous materials are catalogued by EnviroStor. EnviroStor is a data management program operated by the DTSC that is used to monitor, investigate, permit, and cleanup sites with known contaminants. Rialto contains 20 EnviroStor sites with hazardous materials that require cleanup. Of these EnviroStor sites, 17 are within areas identified as DACs in CalEnviroScreen 4.0, or areas disproportionately impacted by multiple sources of pollution. These sites are located throughout Rialto, but there is a slightly higher concentration of them in the southern and central areas of Rialto where industrial uses are located. Active hazardous waste cleanup sites per EnviroStor can be seen in Exhibit 5.6.
Geotracker is another database that contains records for hazardous waste cleanup program sites.13 This database is focused on sites that have potential to impact groundwater. There are 23 active Geotracker sites in Rialto and several others nearby in the City of Colton. These sites are heavily concentrated in the two industrial areas immediately south of I-10 and north of the former Rialto Airport (see Exhibit 5.7).
In addition to stationary hazardous waste sources, freight rail that transports hazardous materials may lead to hazardous waste spills in the event of derailment. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway and the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad, each Class I railroads, are two of seven major freight railroads in the United States, and each run through Rialto.
Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks
According to the State Water Quality Control Board, nearly four dozen leaking underground fuel tank facilities have been reported in Rialto. Most have been remediated. The Regional Water Quality Control Board, in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Services, provides oversight and conducts inspections of all underground tank removals and installation of new ones. Consistent with State laws, the City will continue to pursue remediation of leaking underground fuel tank sites.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Routes
Hazardous materials are transported through or near Rialto along I-15 and I-10, SR-210, and local roads and railroad lines. Releases of hazardous materials from trucks or trains can occur during an accident.
The California Highway Patrol is the responding agency in the event of a spill on the freeways, but local emergency response agencies, such as police and fire departments, are responsible for additional 13 State Water Resources Control Board. 2023. “GeoTracker. ” https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/datadownload
CLEANUP PROGRAM SITES
include, but are not limited to,
pesticide and fertilizer facilities,
rail yards, ports, equipment
supply facilities, metals facilities,
industrial manufacturing and
maintenance sites, dry cleaners,
bulk transfer facilities, refineries,
mine sites, landfills, Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act/
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (RCRA/CERCLA)
cleanups, and some brownfields.
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enforcement and routing assistance. Per Federal and State laws, all transportation of hazardous materials is conducted under strict protocol. Material data sheets for each substance being transported are carried by the conductor. These data sheets are designed to help emergency response personnel identify the most appropriate action to contain the specific substances involved in the spill.
In addition to auto and rail transport of hazardous materials, there are also pipelines which transport hazardous liquids. The Calnev Pipeline is a buried pipeline that runs from Los Angeles oil refineries passing through Rialto and going on to northern Las Vegas.14 This pipeline carries gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. This pipeline is owned and operated by Kinder Morgan Energy Partners. Operations, construction and any future expansions must adhere to regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).15 Federal Agents from PHMSA and state agents from CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshall, Pipeline Safety Division have responsibility for inspecting the CalNev Pipeline.16
14 Kinder Morgan. 2023. “Products Pipelines. ” https://www.kindermorgan.com/Operations/Products/Index 15 U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. 2023. Safety Awareness Overview. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safety- awareness/pipeline/safety-awareness-overview
16 CAL FIRE. 2023. Pipeline Safety and CUPA. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/pipeline-safety-and-cupa/ 214
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Exhibit 5.5. Permitted Facilities Dealing with Hazardous Waste 215
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Exhibit 5.6. EnviroStor Cleanup Sites
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Exhibit 5.7. GeoTracker Cleanup Sites
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WHO
Children, older adults, and people with preexisting health conditions are more at risk of adverse health impacts from hazardous waste. Rialto has a low number of older adults and large percentage of children under 5 years of age relative to the State (see Table 5-5). Due to the large number of cleanup sites within Rialto, the risk posed by hazardous waste is somewhat high, particularly for young children; however, implementing site assessments and remediation plans significantly reduce this risk.
Table 5-5. Populations Vulnerable to Hazardous Waste
Health Indicator
Location
Rialto San Bernardino
County California
Children1
8.03% 7.41% 6.54%
Older Adults2
8.8% 10.9% 13.6%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable 1 Percent of people under 5 years old
2 Percent of people aged 65 and older
HOW
State and Federal regulations require proper storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees hazardous waste management and enforces regulations established under the Hazardous Waste Control Act, which requires generators of hazardous waste to properly label, package, and store the waste on site and to use registered transporters to transport the waste to authorized treatment, storage, or disposal facilities. Federal regulations are established under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and are enforced by the EPA. This act establishes requirements to prevent releases and ensure proper management of hazardous waste throughout its lifecycle and applies to hazardous waste generators and transporters, as well as treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. The City of Rialto LHMP recommends several strategies to mitigate the risks associated with hazardous materials, such as maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials storage and transportation facilities, identifying potential risk areas, and improving emergency response capabilities in the event of a hazardous materials spill. The LHMP also includes discussions about the potential for cascading impacts if hazards such as earthquakes and flooding cause a hazardous materials spill.
Advocacy and community groups also play an important role in protecting residents from the effects of hazardous materials spills. Pollutant-burdened communities in which hazardous waste is generated, treated, stored, or disposed of are most at risk of impacts of spills. Advocacy and community groups help to raise concerns and advocate for expedited cleanups or changes to land use when needed. 218
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Wildfires
WHAT
Wildland Fires
Several factors influence the frequency, location, and intensity of wildfire in southern California: the dry and warm climate, Santa Ana winds, topography, past fire suppression attempts, and human activities.
They are known to spread more quickly on dry, windy days and move more easily in an uphill direction and in areas with higher-density vegetation. Wildfires are a natural and important part of the ecosystem but can become more intense and dangerous as a result of climate change and poor land management.
In Rialto, wildland fire hazards are of concern where development is adjacent to wildland areas, particularly in the northern portion of Rialto. Fires starting in the foothill areas or in the large open space in the northern part of the city can easily spread south and consume urban development, especially if pushed by the Santa Ana winds that blow from the Cajon Pass.
With the devastating wildfires of 2003 that affected mountain/urban interface areas in San Bernardino County (and other areas throughout Southern California), fire codes have become much more restrictive.
Also, the City will look critically at any development proposal for in or near very high fire hazard severity zones to ensure appropriate safeguards are integrated into subdivision design, including ample defensible space zones and many access points.
Urban Fires
Structural fires, although less than 1% of the incidents that the Fire Department responds to on an annual basis, account for 55% to 60% of the yearly property losses in Rialto. Structural fires are of particular concern in high-density areas, where the potential for fire to spread from one building to the next is greater. Additionally, Rialto’s commercial and industrial districts have many uses with a high potential for fires, which could impact nearby residential areas.
WHEN
Wildfires are most common during the summer and fall, during which nearly 80% of annual wildfires occur. About 25% of annual wildfires occur during Santa Ana wind events, which typically occur from October to April and tend to be strongest in January but most frequent in December.17 The frequency and severity of wildfires is increasing both in California and globally due to climate change. Since 1950, spring and summer temperatures have warmed and spring snowmelt has occurred earlier, resulting in increasingly large areas burned by wildfires in California.18 Moreover, since wildfires release carbon dioxide through vegetation combustion, larger wildfires lead to higher carbon dioxide emissions, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.19 17 California Energy Commission. 2018. “Los Angeles Regional Report. ” California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/ files/2019-11/Reg%20Report-%20SUM-CCCA4-2018-007%20LosAngeles_ADA.pdf 18 CARB (California Air Resources Board). 2023. “Wildfires and Climate Change. ” https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/wildfires-climate-change. 19 CARB. 2020. “Public Comment Draft: Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Contemporary Wildfire and Forest Management Activities. ” December 31, 2020. https://ww2.arb. 219
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Climate change is likely to intensify the fall fire season by extending the dry season further into Santa Ana wind season. The Fire and Resource Assessment Program compiles a statewide spatial database of fire perimeters from Bureau of Land Management, National Parks Service, U.S. Forest Service, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) fires, which as of 2023 represents fire perimeters throughout the State from 1950 through 2018, but does not include fires that burned under 10 acres.
According to this database, approximately nine fires have occurred at least partially within the Rialto boundaries since 1959 (see Exhibit 5.8, Fire Perimeters). The most recent fire to burn inside of the city limits, labeled the Cactus fire, occurred in June 2010 and burned approximately 40 acres near Lytle Creek Wash. Large fires in 2003, the Old Fire, and 2007, the Harris Fire, caused dangerous air pollution, mass evacuations, loss of property, and loss of life in the greater Los Angeles region.
WHERE
CAL FIRE identifies Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which delineate areas based on their expected probability of fire. Exhibit 5.9 displays the northern portion of Rialto as being part of a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. In areas identified as Fire Hazard Severity Zones, land development is governed by special State, County, and local codes and property owners are required to follow maintenance guidelines and development regulations aimed at reducing the amount and continuity of the fuel (vegetation) available.
Depending on where fires occur, fire protection responsibility can vary. There are Local, State, and Federal Responsibility Areas.
The entirety of Rialto is within a Local Responsibility Area and is protected by the Rialto Fire Department. There are areas north of Rialto that are State and Federal Responsibility Areas, protected by CAL FIRE and the US Forest Service respectively.
WHO
People can be vulnerable to wildfire due to social or linguistic isolation and/or physical disabilities that lead to difficulty evacuating. Additionally, households without access to a car can face difficulty evacuating. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are more sensitive to hazardous air quality (i.e., smoke) caused by wildfires. Additionally, children and older adults are more vulnerable to health impacts from smoke exposure (see Table 5-6).
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Fire Hazard Severity Zones are
based on data and models of
potential fuels over a 30-50
year time horizon, and their
expected fire behavior and burn
probabilities. This does not
correlate directly to risk, as it
cannot account for varying factors
like vegetation management or
building materials.
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Table 5-6. Populations Vulnerable to Wildfire
Health Indicator
Location
Rialto San Bernardino
County California
Speaks English Less than Very
Well1 22% 14.9% 17.8%
Disability2
9.41% 11% 10.6%
Car Access3
95.4% 95.2% 92.9%
Asthma4
10.2% 9.91% 9.08%
Children5 8.03% 7.41% 6.54%
Older Adults6
8.5% 10.9% 13.6%
Source: Public Health Alliance. 2022. “The California Healthy Places Index.” https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/.
Color Code Compared to the State:
■ Quartile 1 = Least Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 2 = Somewhat Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 3 = Vulnerable, ■ Quartile 4 = Most Vulnerable 1 Percent of people over 5 years old who speak English less than very well 2 Percent of people with a disability
3 Percent of households with access to a car
4 Asthma emergency department visits per 100,000 people 5 Percent of people under 5 years old
6 Percent of people aged 65 and older
HOW
The California Public Resources Code sections 4290 and 4291 establish requirements for defensible space around structures, vegetation management in high-risk areas, and fire-safe construction practices.
The regulations require property owners to maintain their properties free of hazardous vegetation and combustible materials and mandate the use of certain fire-resistant materials in construction. CAL FIRE establishes Fire Hazard Severity Zones, designating the hazard of wildfire across geographic areas (see Exhibit 5.9).
Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) and community wildfire protection plans are two ways that communities can put additional efforts toward fire planning. The Lytle Creek FSC, a grant-funded nonprofit that provides services within San Bernardino County, is the nearest Fire Safe Council. They help to educate homeowners about community wildfire preparedness activities and work with local fire officials to design and implement projects that increase wildfire survivability. The Lytle Creek FSC, along with other FSCs, coordinate efforts and share resources through the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance, which aims to make fire prevention and protection consistent and continuous across local FSCs. Rialto does not have a community wildfire protection plan; the nearest community wildfire protection plan is the 2018 Lytle Creek Community Wildfire Protection Plan.20
20 San Bernardino County Fire Department. 2018. “Lytle Creek Community Wildfire Protection Plan. ” https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/cc929cae-ffab-43e5-8915- 90a2e87fd5ee/downloads/Lytle%20Creek%20CWPP%202018%20draft.pdf?ver=1574972878132. 221
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Several City plans address wildfire. The Rialto General Plan addresses fire through site plan standards and development phasing that requires maintaining defensible space. It also has policies that promote fire education. The LHMP aims to mitigate fire risk through a weed abatement program and includes fire safety education through publications such as social media, notices, and handouts. The SBCTA Guidebook recommends culvert sizing for post-wildfire flows, using fire resistant materials for drainage facilities, maintaining defensible space around critical assets, and creating design and operations strategies to facilitate evacuation.
When wildfire threat is high, Southern California Edison issues Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPSs) to mitigate risks associated with power infrastructure contributing to or causing fires This occurs especially during high wind events, which increase the risk of wildfire spread. Multiple City programs address the risk of planned power shutoffs for critical facilities. Each cooling center is equipped with a backup generator, which can provide community members with a place to access power and communication facilities when residents are without power.
222
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Exhibit 5.8. Fire Perimeters
223
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Exhibit 5.9. Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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Emergency Preparation and Response
Emergency preparation and response are important components in ensuring residents are ready for hazards and first responders can adequately serve residents in the event of a hazard. The City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) informs this element and acts as an extension to the State of California Emergency Plan and the San Bernardino County EOP .
PREPAREDNESS
Per the Rialto Municipal Code, the Disaster Council, chaired by the mayor and vice-chaired by the city manager, directs emergency management and planning and is responsible for development of the EOP .
All City departments and divisions contribute to planning and response to disasters. Through activation of the Emergency Operations Center, the City provides citywide priorities, communications, and logistical support to on-scene response prior to, during, and after disasters. The Emergency Operations Center follows all-hazard processes consistent with the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and operates in coordination with the San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Center.
Additionally, the City provides education and prevention activities for residents with the goal of making Rialto more resilient to impacts of disasters, including City-sponsored events with public education and outreach components. Information about such events is disseminated through the City’s Facebook page, the Police Department, and the Fire Department. The Rialto Network, a public education and government access station, produces media to inform Rialto residents about City and community events, environmental and education issues, local news briefs, police and fire information, and public service announcements.
RESPONSE
The possibility of a major disaster impacting Rialto is constant, given Rialto’s exposure to a multitude of hazards such as wildfires, floods, windstorms, hazardous materials releases, and earthquakes.
Procedures for mitigating such events are outlined in the City’s Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) Multi-Hazard Functional Plan. The Multi-Hazard Functional Plan incorporates and coordinates all the facilities and personnel of the City into an efficient organization capable of responding to any emergency. City and agency facilities related to emergency response and their relation to hazards are described in Table 5-7 and displayed on Exhibit 5.10. 225
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Table 5-7. Critical and Non-Critical Facilities (or Essential Service Facilities)
FACILITY
TYPE NAME ADDRESS
POTENTIAL
HAZARDS
Fire Station 201 131 S Willow Avenue Rialto, CA 92376
Station 202 1700 N Riverside Avenue Rialto CA 92376
Station 203 1550 N Ayala Drive Rialto, CA 92376 Flooding Station 204 3288 N Alder Avanue Rialto, CA 92377 Fire
Station 205 1485 S Willow Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 Dam Inundation, Hazardous
Materials
Police Rialto Police Headquarters 128 N Willow Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376 Rialto Police Annex 429 W Rialto Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 Dam Inundation Utilities Water Treatment Plant 501 E Santa Ana Rialto, CA 92376 Dam Inundation Wastewater Treatment Plant 501 E. Santa Ana Bloomington, CA 92316 Dam Inundation Rialto Public Works 325 W Rialto Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 Dam Inundation Highland Reservoir 100 E Easton Rialto, CA 92376
Easton Reservoir 140 W Easton Rialto, CA 92376
Cedar Reservoir 2610 N Cedar Rialto, CA 92377
Cactus Reservoir 725 W Baseline Rd Rialto, CA 92376
Other Rialto Civic Center 150 N Palm Rialto, CA 92376
Rialto Racquet and Fitness Center 1243 S Riverside Rialto, CA 92376 Carter Branch Library 2630 N Linden Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 Rialto Branch Library 251 W 1st Street Rialto, CA 92376 Rialto Senior Center 1411 S Riverside Rialto, CA 92376
Community Center 214 N Palm Rialto, CA 92376
City Garage 245 N Willow Rialto, CA 92376
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Exhibit 5.10. Critical Facilities
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Fire Department
The Rialto Fire Department is an all-risk fire agency providing fire suppression, emergency medical, technical rescue, hazardous material, and other related emergency services. The Fire Department also conducts public education programs and investigates and mitigates hazardous situations. The department actively practices hazards mitigation and fire prevention. The Fire Department deploys from five fire stations staffed 24 hours per day by career firefighters and one administrative office.
The department staff includes one battalion chief, four engine companies, one truck company, four paramedic ambulances, and a paramedic squad each day. On-duty personnel provide staffing for the Hazardous Materials unit and the Urban Search and Rescue unit.
The department is continually looking at its ability to meet the needs of the community and to ensure the department has adequate and appropriate levels of personnel and equipment. The department aims to adhere to standards recommended by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the National Fire Protection Association. Those standards allow 1-minute alarm time, 1-minute turnout time (i.e., the time it takes personnel to put on their turnout gear), and first units to respond to a fire or medical emergency within 4 minutes; the remaining equipment must respond within 8 minutes.
Police Department
The Rialto Police Department provides a full range of law enforcement and community safety programs, including field patrol, K-9, School Resource Officer, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), Street Crime Attack Team, Area Commander Program, investigations, traffic, narcotics, training/backgrounds, Strategic Weapons and Tactics, and crisis negotiations. Community programs include the Community Ambassador Program, which encourages community members who participate to become ambassadors to the Rialto community and develop positive relationships with law enforcement officers; the Every 15 Minutes program, which creates a realistic traffic collision scene followed by an educational presentation to discourage students from drinking and driving or texting and driving; the Ride to Live program that partners with the California Office of Traffic Safety to provide safety training to motorcycle riders; and many others. The Police Department encourages utilizing innovative technology for law enforcement programs, such as Fusus, a technology platform, which is used to access business surveillance cameras to respond to criminal activity and support investigations.
EVACUATION ROUTES
Pre-planning for evacuation in response to a disaster is difficult, but understanding risks and transportation networks can be valuable for community members and expedite the process. The nature, size, and location of a disaster is fluid, so when it is needed, the decision to evacuate an area will be determined by the appropriate emergency response agencies. At that time, Rialto law enforcement agencies manage the evacuation routes and facilitate traffic movement. A public notice utilizing California’s Emergency Alert System is broadcast over broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, and satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) providers to alert the community of disaster-related events.
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Evacuation warning information includes the following:
‒ Evacuation type (voluntary or mandatory)
‒ Routes available out of area
‒ Location of evacuation centers
‒ Duration of emergency (anticipated)
‒ Time remaining before the situation becomes critical
In the event of a disaster and subsequent evacuation order, affected persons are directed to the most appropriate emergency shelter. City staff works closely with the Red Cross and the Rialto Unified School District to coordinate the availability of shelters.
There are several primary corridors throughout Rialto that may be used for an evacuation, including N.
Riverside Avenue, W. Baseline Road, W. Rialto Avenue, and U.S. Route 66, among others (see Exhibit 5.11, Evacuation Route Corridors).
Another important component of planning for emergencies is ensuring access to and from residences in hazard areas. Ensuring that there is more than one point of access to a home allows for adaptable response and evacuation in case of a roadway becoming impassible. Generally, this is not an issue for Rialto, which primarily uses a grid pattern of roadways outside of the occasional short cul-de-sacs. This roadway design, combined with fire hazard severity zones only being present in northern Rialto, makes for limited risk in relation to access. Exhibit 5.12 notes residential parcels in fire hazard severity zones with only one point of access.
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Exhibit 5.11. Evacuation Route Corridors
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Exhibit 5.12. Residential Parcels in Fire Hazard Severity Zones with One Point of Access 231
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Gangs
Rialto historically has had recurring problems with gangs; gangs threaten the safety of neighborhoods and create an unfavorable image of the City that may discourage investment in the community. Gangs are differentiated from other youth groups by their frequent and intentional involvement in illegal activities and a more developed leadership structure. Many street gang activities in Rialto come from gangs located in the City, with several loosely knit Rialto gangs dating back several generations. Gangs that have originated in Los Angeles and other areas of Southern California have also infiltrated the community. The City recognizes that gangs present a significant safety concern.
As part of its operational plan, the Police Department has established the Multiple Enforcement Team (MET). The MET investigates gang, narcotics, and career criminal cases. The team also addresses specific problems and crime trends by using innovative investigative techniques and available resources until the problem are solved or controlled. The team is highly trained and motivated. In addition, Department personnel routinely attend gang training, participate in gang-related enforcement efforts in surrounding communities, and are members of various gang intelligence and training groups.
The City will continue to provide diverse after-school programs for the City’s youth and families to discourage youth involvement with gangs. Such programs will engage youth in volunteer and recreational programs that strengthen family and healthy and safe social networks. Job placements and internship programs will help Rialto youth gain job skills and spark positive interests.
Noise
Excessive noise can disrupt our lives. Noise can interrupt our conversations, thoughts, and leisure activities. Noise sensitivity varies depending on the time of day, its duration and pitch, and preferences of individuals. Despite this variability, most residents agree that too much noise or the wrong type of noise can be irritating and interfere with sleep, speech, recreation, and tasks that require concentration or coordination. Therefore, noise not only decreases environmental quality but can also adversely affect our physical and mental health.
In Rialto, street and freeway traffic represent the primary source of noise. The SR-210 freeway, which traverses the northern portion of the City, and I-10, which runs through the southern portion, present concerns where they run adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Other significant sources of noise include arterial roadways and intersections, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad lines running adjacent to I-10 and Metrolink, which runs directly through the City’s downtown.
Because Rialto is largely built out and the street system well established, the City faces challenges in separating noise-sensitive land uses from primary noise sources. Thus, the Noise Element establishes policies to guard against creation of any new noise/land use conflicts and to minimize the impact of existing noise sources on the community.
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NOISE METRICS
Sound intensity is measured and expressed by decibels (dB), with an adjustment referred to as the A-weighted measure (dBA) to correct for the relative frequency response of the human ear. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, representing points on a sharply rising curve. For example, a noise level of 10 decibels is 10 times more intense than one decibel, 20 decibels represents a noise 100 times more intense, and 30 decibels reflects a noise condition 1,000 times more intense. A sound as soft as human breathing is about 10 times greater than a zero decibel level.
The decibel system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. A 10-decibel increase in sound level is perceived by the human ear as only doubling of the loudness of the sound. Ambient sounds in the urban environment generally range from 30 dBA (very quiet) to 100 dBA (very loud), as indicated in the Typical Sound Levels table.
Because people generally are more sensitive to noise intrusions during the evening and night hours, State law requires, for planning purposes, use of such metrics as the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or Day-Night Noise Level (Ldn). These metrics add an artificial decibel increment to quiet time noise levels in a 24-hour noise descriptor to account for increased sensitivity during late hours. The CNEL descriptor requires that an artificial increment of 5 dBA be added to the actual noise level for the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 10 dBA for the 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. period. The Ldn descriptor uses the same methodology, except that no artificial increment is added to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Both descriptors yield roughly the same 24-hour level, with the CNEL being only slightly more restrictive (that is, higher).
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Table 5-8. Typical Sound Levels
NOISE SOURCE AT
A GIVEN DISTANCE
A-WEIGHTED SOUND
LEVEL IN DECIBELS
EXAMPLE NOISE
ENVIRONMENT
PERCEPTION
Shotgun (at shooter’s ear) 140 Aircraft carrier flight deck Painfully Loud Civil defense siren (100 ft) 130
Jet takeoff (200 ft) 120 Threshold of Pain
110 Rock music concert
Pile driver (50 ft) 100 Very Loud
Ambulance siren (100 ft) 90 Boiler room
Pneumatic drill (50 ft) 80 Noisy restaurant
Busy traffic; hair dryer 70 Moderately Loud
Normal conversation (5 ft) 60 Data processing center
Light traffic (100 ft); rainfall 50 Private business office Bird calls (distant) 40 Average living room/
library
Quiet
Soft whisper (5 ft); rustling
leaves
30 Quiet bedroom Very Quiet
20 Recording studio
Normal breathing 10 Threshold of Hearing
Source: Beranek, L.L. 1998. Noise and Vibration Control. Institute of Noise Control Engineering.
EFFECT OF NOISE ON PEOPLE
In general, noise may affect the average individual in the following ways:
‒ General Hearing Loss or Damage
‒ Sound levels which exceed 85 dBA, when experienced for long durations during each working day, may result in severe temporary or even permanent hearing loss. State and Federal safety and health regulations currently protect workers at levels of exposure that exceed 90 dBA for each eight-hour workday.
‒ Interference with Oral Communication
‒ Speech intelligibility is impaired when sound levels exceed 60 dBA. The amount of interference increases with sound level, and with distance between speaker and the listener. ‒ Sleep Interference
‒ Sound levels that exceed 40 to 45 dBA are generally considered excessive for sleeping areas within a residence.
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REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
The intent of this Noise section is to set goals to limit and reduce the effects of noise intrusion on sensitive land uses and to set acceptable noise levels for varying types of land uses. To this end, the City has the authority to set land use noise standards and place restrictions on private activities that generate excessive or intrusive noise. However, it should be recognized that the City, and that various agencies, such as the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the California Department of Health Services, may supersede City authority as discussed below.
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE SECTION 65302(F)
California Government Code Section 65302(f) requires that all General Plans include a Noise Element to address noise concerns in the community. State law also requires that current and future noise level contours be developed for the following sources:
‒ Highway and freeways
‒ Primary arterials and major local streets
‒ Passenger and freight on-line railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems ‒ Commercial, general aviation, heliport, and military airport operations, aircraft flyovers, jet engine test stands and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation ‒ Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards ‒ Other stationary ground noise sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment
CITY OF RIALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
The City’s Municipal Code provides a basis for controlling excessive and annoying noise. Some of the more pertinent chapters of the Municipal Code are:
‒ Chapter 9.50.030, Prohibited Acts
‒ Chapter 9.50.040, Excessive Noise and Vibration emanating from a Motor Vehicle ‒ Chapter 9.50.050, Controlled Hours of Operation
‒ Chapter 9.50.060, Exemptions
‒ Chapter 9.50.070, Disturbances from Construction Activity
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
The freeways and State routes that run through the City (I-10/SR-210/I-15) are subject to Federal funding and so are under the purview of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The FHWA has developed noise standards that are typically used for Federally funded roadway projects or projects that require either Federal or Caltrans review.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issues formal requirements related specifically to standards for exterior noise levels along with policies for approving HUD-supported or assisted housing projects in high noise areas. In general, these requirements established three zones:
‒ 65 dBA ldn or less: An acceptable zone where all projects could be approved ‒ Exceeding 65 dBA ldn but not exceeding 75 dBA ldn: A normally unacceptable zone where mitigation measures would be required and each project would have to be individually evaluated for approval or denial. These measures must provide 5 dBA of attenuation above the attenuation provided by standard construction required in a 65 to 70 dBA ldn area and 10 dBA of attenuation in a 70 to 75 dBA ldn area. ‒ Exceeding 75 dBA ldn. An unacceptable zone, in which projects would not, as a rule, be approved
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
The EPA is charged with the regulation of railroad noise under the Noise Control Act. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for enforcement of EPA regulations related to railroad noise developed as part of the Noise Control Act. FRA’s Office of Safety is responsible for enforcing the Railroad Noise Emissions Compliance Regulation that set maximum sound levels from railroad equipment and for regulating locomotive horns. The Union Pacific rail corridor that follows I-10 in the southern portion of Rialto falls under the regulation described above.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
The California Department of Health Services (DHS), Office of Noise Control studied the correlation of noise levels and their effects on various land uses. As a result, the DHS established four categories for judging the severity of noise intrusion on specified land uses. DHS standards suggest “normally acceptable,” “conditionally acceptable,” “normally unacceptable,” and “clearly unacceptable” exterior noise levels for various land uses. A “conditionally acceptable” designation implies new construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements for each land use is made and needed noise insulation features are incorporated in the design. By comparison, a “normally acceptable” designation indicates that standard construction can occur with no special noise reduction requirements.
NOISE/LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Most cities and counties in California have adopted noise/land use compatibility criteria that reflect DHS standards and based on the general assumption that higher noise levels are acceptable in business districts and industrial areas. However, the introduction of mixed-use development principles into traditionally suburban environments has changed thinking with regard to acceptable noise levels. People who choose to live in vibrant mixed-use districts know that the excitement and activity levels bring with them a noise environment distinctly different than that of traditional residential-only neighborhoods.
For example, music played in outdoor dining areas or bars can extend into late-night hours. Garbage 236
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collection early in the morning and the noise from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment also occur with greater frequency and intensity in an urban setting.
In addition, at locations along major roadways, greater traffic volumes contribute to ambient noise conditions. Projected noise levels throughout most of the Downtown, including the area designated for new mixed-use development, are expected to exceed traditionally accepted noise/land use compatibility guidelines for residential uses. Exhibit 5.13 shows Rialto’s noise guidelines for land use planning that incorporate these principles.
This General Plan encourages mixed-use development to achieve several objectives: to work toward more sustainable development approaches, to increase access to affordable housing for more people, to create a lively Downtown, and to allow people to live closer to their jobs. To meet these objectives, Rialto has adopted the flexible noise guidelines for mixed-use districts set forth in Exhibit 5.13. 237
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Exhibit 5.13. Rialto Noise Guidelines for Land Use Planning Land Use Category Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), dB 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
R2 – Residential 2,
R6 – Residential 6
R12 – Residential 12
R21 – Residential 21,
R45 – Residential 45
DMU – Downtown Mixed-Use
CC – Community Commercial
GC – General Commercial
BP – Business Park,
O - Office
LI – Light Industrial
GI – General Industrial
P – Public Facility,
P – School Facility
OSRC – Open Space - Recreation
OSRS – Open Space - Resources
■
Normally Acceptable
■
Conditionally Acceptable
■
Normally Unacceptable
■■
Clearly Unacceptable
Specified land use is
satisfactory, assuming
buildings are of conventional
construction.
New development should be
undertaken only after detailed
analysis of noise reduction
requirements are made.
New development should be
generally discouraged, if not,
a detailed analysis of noise
reduction requirements must be
made.
New development should
generally not be undertaken.
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Coupled with these guidelines are regulations for noise control contained in Chapter 9 (Noise Regulations) of the Municipal Code and State standards for interior noise control for residential uses.
Specifically, Title 24 of the California Health and Safety Code stipulates a maximum of 45 dBA CNEL for interior residential noise levels. In loud environments, insulation, double- or triple-pane windows, and special ventilation systems are among the tools used to achieve acceptable interior noise levels.
EXISTING AND FUTURE NOISE ENVIRONMENTS
The most significant noise producing activity within the City of Rialto is transportation. Transportation noise consists of several elements: 1) arterial traffic; 2) rail movements on two lines; and 3) activities at a railroad classification yard. Activities at commercial/industrial properties also contribute to the noise environment in Rialto.
Using measurement sites located along Rialto’s streets, highways, and railroads, the City has developed noise contours for year 2008 baseline conditions. Future condition noise contours have been generated based on projected traffic levels.
The noise contours represent the average measurements of noise exposure and are used to provide a general visualization of sound levels in the City. As an example, a person in an area located within a 60 dBA noise contour would hear a constant noise level roughly equivalent to 60 dBA, although unique events would generate noise levels both below and above 60 dBA. The noise contours do not reflect possible noise attenuation that could occur from structural or geographical barriers, and acoustical analysis should be conducted for each individual site in the case of a specific project.
Noise contours for year 2008 are shown in Exhibit 5.14, and projected contours for the year 2040 are shown in Exhibit 5.15.
Noise level increases are projected to occur along the Metrolink Rail Line corridor; I-10, I-15, and SR-210 freeways; Riverside Avenue; Foothill Boulevard; western Baseline Road; Rialto Avenue; and Cedar Avenue. 239
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Exhibit 5.14 – Baseline Noise Contours (2008)
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Exhibit 5.15 – Future Noise Contours (2040)
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Wind Hazards
The City of Rialto has a history of extensive windstorms, often related to Santa Ana winds that push through the Cajon Pass. The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry offshore winds that characteristically sweep through the area in late fall and early winter. High winds can also result from thunderstorm inflow and outflow or high- and low-pressure systems moving through the region. High winds have speeds reaching at least 50 miles per hour, and gusts can exceed 100 miles per hour. Wind events constitute one of the most frequent major hazards in the City. Not only do windstorms happen frequently, they can be costly in terms of property damage and can cause injury to people.
The winds sometimes reach gale-force strength. As a result, there are usually high wind advisories, particularly along the I-15 and SR-210 freeways with signs posted throughout the area. It is not uncommon to see overturned trucks during windy events.
The winds affecting Rialto can damage structures, uproot small trees, and create dust storms in the City where the soil type is susceptible to wind erosion. Winds can also push wildland fires in the Lytle Creek area. Additionally, as the northern part of the City has shifted to developed lands, the severity and frequency of high winds has been reduced moderately.
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Goals and Policies
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GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 5–1: Continue to build the City’s fire protection
and prevention programs and requirements to
minimize fire hazards.
Policy 5–1.1: Landscape plans in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall be reviewed and accepted by the Fire Department prior to installation. Within these plans, encourage consideration of fire resistive and drought tolerant plant and landscape characteristics.
Policy 5–1.2: Continue to enforce strict vegetation management requirements as stated in City Ordinance, the California Fire Code Chapter 49, and the Public Resources Code 4290 and 4291. Develop a method to track problem areas including repeat offenders or areas with special risks to the surrounding community, such as critical assets or permitted hazardous material users. Ensure ongoing vegetation management for City-maintained open space areas, future fuel breaks, or other potential city-led fire hazard reduction projects.
Policy 5–1.3: Require that all site plans, subdivision plans, and building plans be reviewed by the Fire Department to ensure compliance with appropriate fire regulations, such as California Fire Safe Regulations. 244
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Policy 5–1.4: Promote and incentivize development to occur outside of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Development in the City’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall meet the most recent version of the California Fire Code and California Building Code. A Fire Protection Plan that describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential for loss from wildfire exposure, including project specific fuel modification methods and maintenance that achieve compliance with City of Rialto and state requirements for defensible space, shall be required. If the development involves roadway development, enforce the most recent version of the California Fire Code as adopted by the State of California and the City of Rialto as it relates to roadway design, street addressing, and signage. If the development has only one point of access consider the potential for additional access points.
Policy 5–1.5: Ensure that defensible space is maintained around residential located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, pursuant to the California Fire Code. Provide homeowners with assistance or resources as possible. Resources to consider include development of a list of local home maintenance companies, the development of a volunteer vegetation maintenance program, or the pursuit of grants for low-income homeowners.
Policy 5–1.6: Require new developments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones have adequate fire flow as defined by the most recent California Fire Code.
Policy 5–1.7: Develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Prior to development of the CWPP , contact neighboring jurisdictions and regional agencies to pursue multi-jurisdictional partnerships that improve the effectiveness of programs and share costs.
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Goal 5–2: Create a more flood-safe community
through development standards and infrastructure
improvements.
Policy 5–2.1: Conduct a mud and debris flow study to determine best sizing and mitigation for culverts immediately downstream from Fire Hazard Severity Zones and in the 100- and 500-year flood plain to accommodate wildfire flows. Prioritize resizing and mitigation for any known culverts that require increased debris cleaning during the rainy season.
Policy 5–2.2: Develop a green streets program to support a sustainable approach to stormwater, drainage, groundwater recharge, and landscaping and incorporate green streets standards and guidelines in all streetscape improvements.
Policy 5–2.3: For properties located within designated 100-year flood zones, require the submittal of information prepared by qualified specialists which certifies compliance with development standards established for 100-year flood zones.
Policy 5–2.4: Require the implementation of adequate erosion control measures for development projects to minimize sedimentation damage to drainage facilities.
Policy 5–2.5: Continue to consult with the San Bernardino County Flood Control District regarding improvements and maintenance of regional flood control facilities located within the City.
Policy 5–2.6: Design new developments with water retention devices and permeable surfaces to minimize flooding of the surface drainage system by peak flows. Consult with water agencies and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District to consider the potential for larger-scale capture via diversion to large-scale spreading grounds or other options on a site-by-site basis.
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Policy 5–2.7: Require that any structure proposed within an officially designated 100-year floodplain, or other floodplain as determined through geotechnical investigation, be designed in a manner that does not negatively impede or redirect floodwaters or raise anticipated flood heights.
Policy 5–2.8: Consider development of a public database for documenting surface flooding and its causes.
Goal 5–3: Adopt development standards and
maintain the urban forest to reduce the urban heat
island effect.
Policy 5–3.1: Explore the feasibility of incentivizing cool roofs for existing residential and existing/new commercial, industrial, institutional, and similar structures in the City. Develop user-friendly standards that clearly explain the process and requirements for incorporating cool roof systems in the City and train all relevant public counter staff in processes and requirements. Consider developing and implementing a white roof project, modeled after New York City’s in the communities most highly burdened by heat island impacts.
Policy 5–3.2: Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan that considers hazards, especially wildfire, extreme heat, and water resources. During plan development and updates, update the public tree inventory.
Policy 5–3.3: Develop a street tree planting palette. Upon development of the street tree planting palette, prioritize tree planting from the approved street tree list based on the existing tree canopy and the population’s vulnerability to extreme heat. Where possible, integrate shade trees with bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Policy 5–3.4: Update the minimum landscape requirements for large commercial and residential developments to ensure that landscape areas and plantings provide for adequate shade over paved areas. 247
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Policy 5–3.5: Promote the development of a network of green spaces throughout the city, prioritizing areas with low park access.
Policy 5–3.6: Develop a program and funding mechanisms to increase and maintain the urban tree canopy, prioritizing neighborhoods with low tree canopy coverage and/or high urban heat island effect.
Goal 5–4: Minimize generation of hazardous waste
and ensure safe and responsible management by
hazardous waste facilities and households alike.
Policy 5–4.1: Continue to identify hazardous material users and generators within the City through the use of state databases for permitted facilities or field surveys, inspection programs, and licensing requirements.
Policy 5–4.2: Coordinate City enforcement efforts with San Bernardino County, the California Department of Health Services, the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the Air Quality Management District, for the management and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Policy 5–4.3: Identify and establish specific travel routes for the transport of hazardous materials and wastes, with key considerations being capacity to safely accommodate additional truck traffic, avoidance of residential areas, and use of interstate or State divided highways as preferred routes. As known problem areas arise, consider the use of temporary signage and additional monitoring in those issue areas.
Policy 5–4.4: Require all hazardous waste generators and hazardous materials handlers to report to City officials, including the Fire Department any equipment malfunction or upset which may cause hazardous waste to be emitted, released, or discharged. 248
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Policy 5–4.5: Continue to prohibit businesses from storing hazardous materials for commercial use or commercially generated hazardous wastes in residential areas.
Goal 5–5: Minimize impacts to public health, safety,
and welfare as a result of seismic and geologic
hazards.
Policy 5–5.1: Require geotechnical investigations by certified engineering geologist or other qualified professionals for all grading and construction projects subject to geologic hazards, including fault rupture, severe ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and collapsible or expansive soils. Particular attention should be paid to areas within Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones.
Policy 5–5.2: Require all construction to be in conformance with the California Building Code (CBC), and to be consistent with the Municipal Code as it provides for earthquake resistant design, excavation, and grading.
Policy 5–5.3: Require seismic retrofits for major renovations in accordance with Building Code provisions. Additionally, when supporting revitalization or rehabilitation of substandard housing, require seismic retrofits as needed, such as for unreinforced masonry buildings.
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Goal 5–6: Assess critical infrastructure and
maintenance standards and make improvements
to help the community withstand current and
forecasted hazard events.
Policy 5–6.1: Design new critical facilities, also known as essential service facilities, to minimize potential for hazard damage, and locate these facilities outside of hazard zones, including but not limited to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, FEMA flood zones, and Alquist-Priolo Fault Zones. Such facilities include those that provide emergency response such as fire stations, police stations, civil defense headquarters, utility lifelines, and ambulance services. Such facilities may also include those that do not provide emergency response but attract large numbers of people, such as schools, theaters, and other public assembly facilities with capacities greater than 100 people.
Policy 5–6.2: Continue to maintain flood control channels and storm drains, in accordance with habitat preservation policies, through periodic dredging, repair, desilting, and clearing to prevent any loss in their effective use.
Policy 5–6.3: Expand hours of operation of cooling centers when the temperature exceeds 100°F and during hazardous air days.
Policy 5–6.4: Supply cooling centers with refrigerators, backup water supplies, and social services information in multiple languages.
Establish locations to provide disaster planning assistance and supplies, which can develop backup power sources in the event of a power outage.
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Policy 5–6.5: Coordinate with the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services and specific agencies and organizations that provide homeless services in Rialto and nearby to provide shelter during hazardous conditions and severe weather events. These emergency shelters should provide information about hazardous events and basic supplies such as insect repellant, N-95 masks, and hygiene supplies that can increase the adaptive capacity of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Policy 5–6.6: Continue to study and monitor the conditions of existing evacuation routes to incorporate a range of emergency scenarios including differences in hazard types, locations, and timing. Consider collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions for hazard scenarios that may cause regional evacuation.
Policy 5–6.7: When possible and deemed necessary, or during regular road maintenance, upgrade existing roads to meet California Fire Safe Regulations minimum road widths, surface, grade, radius, and turnarounds to ensure emergency vehicle access is possible. To ensure continued emergency vehicle access, perform vegetation and road maintenance on city roads and enforcement on private roads.
Goal 5–7: Provide culturally relevant preparedness
resources, hazard education, and emergency
notifications.
Policy 5–7.1: Expand Nixle notifications and any other future emergency notification services to include Spanish.
Policy 5–7.2: Convene and regularly train neighborhood-based emergency response teams (e.g., CERT), incorporating climate change response and recovery. Ensure CERT recruiting includes a diverse set of community members and leaders.
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Policy 5–7.3: Work with local schools to create age-appropriate preparedness classes. Prioritize schools in disadvantaged communities.
Policy 5–7.4: Work with local non-profits, such as the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, to pursue funding and create disaster kits for families in disadvantaged communities. This should include disaster supplies and guidance on how to collect and store important documents.
Policy 5–7.5: As possible, update the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years in line with federal funding requirements.
Policy 5–7.6: Distribute and/or publicize appropriate emergency preparedness information to increase public awareness. Consider development of translated plans, executive summaries, or policies and programs when feasible.
Policy 5–7.7: Develop new and expand existing public fire safety education programs, including teaching fire and life safety information at the Rialto Senior Center, civic organizations, and businesses. For community-based classes, include considerations to engage family members of all ages. When developing these educational resources, include information about defensible space, evacuation, and home hardening, as well as other aspects of public fire safety.
Policy 5–7.8: Conduct regularly scheduled household hazardous waste roundup and disposal events.
Policy 5–7.9: Include educational resources for hazardous waste generators on the City website to promote safety best practices and regulation for businesses. Materials shall include information on proper labeling, placarding, and manifesting requirements. When the resources are developed and during permit approvals thereafter, make hazardous waste generators aware of these resources.
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Policy 5–7.10: As possible and applicable, have police and fire personnel at large public City events who can act as safety advocates, distribute educational resources, and answer safety-related questions.
Goal 5–8: Ensure that first responders and the
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have adequate
capacity to respond to hazard events.
Policy 5–8.1: Periodically review technology used to support the Emergency Operations Center to ensure systems are updated and effective, including City GIS.
Policy 5–8.2: Update Emergency Operations Center equipment and supplies as necessary to ensure effectiveness.
Policy 5–8.3: Provide training to all City employees on their roles and responsibilities in times of disasters and local emergencies. Training should include comprehensive and realistic disaster exercises and cross-training for multiple potential roles should be considered.
Policy 5–8.4: Provide for fire personnel, equipment, and fire stations to have adequate and appropriate resources to meet the needs and serve all areas of Rialto.
Policy 5–8.5: Develop the specifications and designs for an emergency response vehicle-operated traffic control system.
Policy 5–8.6: Add service level capability and infrastructure to meet increasing demand of new development.
Policy 5–8.7: Require that development be phased in relation to the City’s ability to provide an adequate level of fire protection, pursuant to the City standard of cover and fire department strategic plan. 253
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Policy 5–8.8: Continue to participate in Statewide Master Mutual Aid Agreements and local automatic aid agreements related to emergency response.
Goal 5–9: Include provisions for vulnerable
populations in emergency response procedures and
recovery efforts.
Policy 5–9.1: Explore the possibility and develop partnerships for providing an emergency evacuation shuttle service.
Policy 5–9.2: Coordinate a Know Your Neighbor Program where community leaders and neighbors provide resources and check in on vulnerable populations during hazard events where people shelter at home.
Policy 5–9.3: Host town hall meetings quarterly with community leaders that represent special needs populations, including seniors and non-English speakers, to maintain continuous two-way communication. Use surveys and other needs assessments to refine notification and response policies as needed.
Policy 5–9.4: When needed as a result of changing City conditions, update the Continuity of Operations Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan.
Policy 5–9.5: Develop a repository of resources or case studies on relevant hazard recovery programs that could allow for nimble emergency ordinances, facilitate speedy recovery, and increase resilience for vulnerable populations.
Policy 5–9.6: Following a major fire, consider community feedback and consult resources and case studies to reevaluate redevelopment.
Plan to facilitate post-fire redevelopment in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone that complies with the most current version of the California Building Code and California Fire Code.
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Goal 5–10: Provide effective, timely and
comprehensive policing services that meet the
safety needs of Rialto.
Policy 5–10.1: Provide timely responses to emergency and nonemergency call for service 24 hours a day, pursuant to City standards.
Policy 5–10.2: Establish the satellite Police Department in the northwest neighborhood.
Policy 5–10.3: Continue to encourage design concepts that inhibit and discourage criminal behavior, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques.
Policy 5–10.4: Initiate proactive crime suppression and prevention strategies throughout the community.
Goal 5–11: Reduce criminal gang activity and
discourage gang involvement in the City of Rialto.
Policy 5–11.1: Identify specific high crime areas in the City and when feasible, create plans/strategies to improve these areas.
Policy 5–11.2: Provide immediate consequences for minor criminal behavior.
Policy 5–11.3: Continue to work with law enforcement agencies, San Bernardino County Probation, State Parole, and the District Attorney’s Office in their endeavors to arrest and prosecute violent gang members.
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Policy 5–11.4: Work with State parole officials to identify gang members recently released from prison and develop orientation programs that inform them of services available in the community to help them get back on their feet.
Policy 5–11.5: Continue to work with the San Bernardino Movement Against Street Hoodlums (SMASH) to identify and clean up street gangs.
Policy 5–11.6: Enforce gang injunctions where needed to address neighborhood gang problems before they reach a level of felony crime activity.
Policy 5–11.7: Support Neighborhood Watch programs.
Policy 5–11.8: Encourage street and graffiti cleanup.
Policy 5–11.9: Continue to provide community programs that develop positive relationships between the Rialto Police Department and community members, such as the Community District Program and Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, which provide a safe and secure environment for the community to discuss gang-related issues and effective solutions to help reduce crime and provide a safer living environment.
Policy 5–11.10: Provide youth and family programs such as after- school recreational programs, volunteer programs, and job placements or internship programs that will help spark positive interests and discourage youth from participating in gang-related activities. 256
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Goal 5–12: Minimize the impact of point source and
ambient noise levels throughout the community.
Policy 5–12.1: Revise the City’s noise ordinance to address ongoing noise issues by using quantitative noise limits where appropriate and establishing comprehensive noise control measures.
Policy 5–12.2: Consider noise impacts as part of the development review process, particularly the location of parking, ingress/egress/ loading, and refuse collection areas relative to surrounding residential development and other noise-sensitive land uses.
Policy 5–12.3: Ensure that acceptable noise levels are maintained near schools, hospitals, and other noise sensitive areas in accordance with the Municipal Code and noise standards contained in Exhibit 5-5.
Policy 5–12.4: Limit the hours of operation at all noise generation sources that are adjacent to noise-sensitive areas.
Policy 5–12.5: Require all exterior noise sources (construction operations, air compressors, pumps, fans and leaf blowers) to use available noise suppression devices and techniques to reduce exterior noise to acceptable levels that are compatible with adjacent land uses.
Goal 5–13: Minimize the impacts of transportation-
related noise.
Policy 5–13.1: Work with responsible Federal and State agencies to minimize the impact of transportation-related noise, including noise associated with freeways, major arterials, and Metrolink and other rail lines.
Policy 5–13.2: Require development which is, or will be, affected by railroad noise to include appropriate measures to minimize adverse noise effects on residents and business persons.
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Policy 5–13.3: Require development of truck-intensive uses to minimize noise impacts on adjacent uses through appropriate site design.
Policy 5–13.4: Develop a program for monitoring noise levels and investigating complaints.
Policy 5–13.5: Provide education to the community at large about the importance of maintaining a healthy noise environment and identify ways residents can assist in noise abatement efforts.
Goal 5–14: Minimize the risks associated with wind
hazards.
Policy 5–14.1: Notify all developers, particularly those of multi-story or critical structures, of potential impacts resulting from Santa Ana Winds, and require appropriate structural and design treatment. 258
City of Rialto
Legislation Text
File #: EDC-24-1599, Version: 1, Agenda #:
For Economic Development Committee July 24, 2024
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
APPROVAL: Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development FROM: Kim Dame, Administrative Analyst
HOME Program Participating Jurisdiction Option 2024
BACKGROUND
On April 15, 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development sent a preliminary notification of Rialto’sstatus as a new HOME Participating Jurisdiction (PJ). HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low- income households. As a HOME PJ the City will receive an annual allocation of HOME funds from HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development to carry out HOME eligible activities.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use - often in partnership with local nonprofit groups - to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. In general, under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, HUD allocates funds by formula among eligible State and local governments to strengthen public-private partnerships and to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, with primary attention to rental housing, for very low-income and low-income families.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The HOME program is dedicated exclusively to housing related activities, including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. The initial HOME allocation planning target for Rialto is estimated to be $375,115 and the city would need to provide a one-time amount of $124,885 to meet the initial participation threshold of $500,000 for the HOME program. HOME funds must be matched by nonfederal resources.
Each year after the initial allocation is received, the City’s allocation will be determined based on formula allocation under § 92.50 <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/section-92.50> that is equal to or greater than $750,000.
All Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) must contribute or match no less than 25 cents for each dollar of HOME funds spent on affordable housing. As the City draws funds from HOME Investment Trust Funds, they incur a match liability, which must be satisfied by the end of each federal fiscal year. The City of Rialto Printed on 7/19/2024Page 1 of 2
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File #: EDC-24-1599, Version: 1, Agenda #:
Funds, they incur a match liability, which must be satisfied by the end of each federal fiscal year. The matching contribution adds to the resources available for HOME-assisted or HOME-eligible projects and must come in the form of a permanent contribution to affordable housing.
Generally, investments from state or local governments or the private sector qualify as matching contributions, whereas federal funds (such as CDBG) do not qualify. Eligible sources of a match for HOME funds include cash; donated construction materials or volunteer labor; value of donated land or real property; value of foregone interest, taxes, fees, or charges levied by public or private entities; investments in on-or offsite improvements; proceeds from bond financing; the cost of supportive services provided to families living in HOME units; and the cost of homebuyer counseling to families purchasing HOME-assisted units.
The HOME statute provides for a reduction of the matching contribution requirement under three conditions: 1) fiscal distress; 2) severe fiscal distress; and 3) for Presidentially declared major disasters covered under the Stafford Act. The potential for a HOME match reduction is determined by HUD every fiscal year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The initial HOME allocation planning target for Rialto is estimated to be $375,115 and the city would need to provide a one-time amount of $124,885 to meet the initial participation threshold of $500,000 for the HOME program. Staff will need to work with Finance to find available budget from the General Fund or other non-federal sources.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the EDC receive the information and provide comments.
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