September 3, 2024
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Travis Randel, Deputy City Manager, Development Services APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Annual Progress Report - General Plan 2040
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2024 General Plan 2040 Annual Progress Report.
DISCUSSION:
The City of San Jacinto's General Plan 2040 is a strategic blueprint for sustainable growth and development, guiding the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The purpose of this staff report is to present the City Council with an update on the status of the implementation of the General Plan 2040. This includes what has been accomplished to date, what remains to be achieved, and how understanding the status of the implementation better positions the City for future development.
ANNUAL REPORTING
Given the long-term nature of the General Plan, it is critical to periodically evaluate its effectiveness and document the implementation status of the various policies and actions it contains. State law provides direction on how cities and counties can maintain the General Plan as a useful policy guide and requires the City to annually report "the status of the plan and progress in its implementation" (California Government Code Section 65400(b)) to the City Council. The attached Implementation Summary identifies each action outlined in the General Plan along with its current status (as of June 2024) and associated notes. Below is a summary of the achievements completed by the City and ongoing efforts to implement General Plan 2040.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Land Use
Since the adoption of the General Plan, the City has made significant strides in aligning its development with the General Plan Land Use Map and Element. Ordinances 22-10 and 22-11, adopted in December 2022, successfully updated the Development Code and Zoning Map, creating new zoning districts to support Downtown Village and Mixed-Use designations. The City has actively addressed code violations, initiating 2,376 cases to tackle substandard buildings and landscape areas, weed abatement, and unpermitted non-conforming uses, with 1,808 cases successfully closed. Notably, this effort included the demolition of unsafe buildings at 163 and 173 Main Street. Code enforcement loads are regularly analyzed to ensure adequate staffing levels during the budget process. Additionally, the City has been seeking funding for residential rehabilitation and landscape improvements to enhance community aesthetics and safety.
Economic Development
The City has demonstrated a robust commitment to fostering economic development. By establishing partnerships with the Riverside County Workforce Development Center and Mount San Jacinto College, the City supports entrepreneurship and business resources. The launch of San Jacinto Connect Online has streamlined the business license process and expedited entitlement and permit processes, enhancing efficiency. Marketing strategies are actively pursued to attract healthcare facilities and hotel uses, leveraging comprehensive market studies to inform potential developers. Collaborations with regional partners, such as the Building Industry Association (BIA), have led to the development of a wayfinding program that includes signage for new home developments, regional recreational facilities, and City landmarks. The City is also exploring options to revitalize Main Street with entryway signage and transitioning to the official City Seal to reinforce identity on public documents, vehicles, buildings, and facilities.
Mobility
The City’s commitment to enhancing mobility is evident in the substantial investments made in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). For FY23/24, the CIP includes $36 million allocated for road repairs, rehabilitation, replacement, and widening. Key projects utilizing non-city funds include the widening of Esplanade Avenue, Warren Road, and State Street, funded through the TUMF program. The City is also identifying funding for the extension of Seventh Street across the Metropolitan Water District Aqueduct to connect with Warren Road, providing critical eastwest traffic connectivity. New roadway projects are reviewed to ensure compliance with Complete Streets concepts, promoting safety and accessibility for all users. Significant investments have been made to improve ADA access throughout the community, including sidewalk repairs and ADA ramp installations, ensuring inclusivity for all residents.
Public Safety
Ensuring public safety remains a top priority for the City. All development projects undergo thorough reviews for compliance with seismic and safety standards, with the Emergency Operations Plan regularly updated to ensure effective resource allocation during emergencies.
The City maintains Mutual Aid Agreements with neighboring entities and has updated the Fire Code to the most recent standards. Efforts to enhance police protection are ongoing, with the City Council actively working toward achieving a goal of 1 officer per 1,000 residents.
Comprehensive reviews ensure that new developments address hazards related to air pollution, hazardous materials, and natural disasters, fostering a safe living environment for all residents.
Resource Management
The City has been proactive in managing and protecting open space areas through collaboration with public and private agencies. Efforts to enhance water conservation, stormwater management, and the use of recycled water are ongoing. In partnership with EMWD, the City successfully converted Catalpa Park from potable water to recycled water irrigation, saving approximately 330,000 gallons of potable water annually. Sustainable energy initiatives are also being explored, with the City evaluating opportunities to expand or add new renewable energy facilities. The commitment to resource management ensures that San Jacinto remains a sustainable and resilient community.
Environmental Justice
The City is dedicated to promoting equitable development and public health. Rigorous environmental assessments are conducted to address potential health risks from industrial projects. Public participation is encouraged to ensure equitable outcomes, with multilingual materials and outreach events tailored to engage diverse communities. The City values its history and indigenous people, actively supporting the telling of their story through art installations and community initiatives.
REMAINING ACTIONS AND ONGOING EFFORTS
Building on the substantial progress made, the City remains dedicated to advancing several ongoing actions as we evaluate these programs and identify funding opportunities. The General Plan 2040 is a long-term document designed to guide the City's decisions over the next 16 years, ensuring sustainable and strategic growth. As such, it is essential to recognize that while many milestones have been achieved, there are additional tasks that the City will undertake to fully realize the Plan's vision.
In the area of Economic Development, the City is committed to maintaining and expanding business engagement efforts. This includes regular interaction with the local business community through roundtable events, surveys, local and regional development conferences (such as ICSC) and awards recognition programs. Additionally, the City is actively pursuing the establishment of new partnerships with regional entities to enhance business development and support. Identifying and promoting available commercial properties continues to be a priority, with efforts to provide real-time information to prospective developers and businesses.
Mobility remains a critical focus as the City identifies funding sources for the extension of 7th Street and other critical roadway projects. These efforts aim to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion, ensuring that the transportation infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population. The City's proactive approach in seeking alternative funding sources, such as grants and partnerships, will be crucial in bringing these projects to fruition.
Public Safety is another area where ongoing efforts are essential. The City is exploring establishing a comprehensive Neighborhood Watch program, which will involve collaboration with residents to enhance community security. Additionally, exploring options to increase staffing levels for police and fire services remains a priority. Ensuring adequate public safety resources is vital for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents.
In Resource Management, the City is exploring the feasibility of implementing a Mills Act program for historic property preservation. This program, which provides economic incentives to owners of historic properties, requires significant vetting and resource allocation before full implementation. Additionally, the City continues to expand the use of recycled water and implement advanced water conservation programs. These initiatives are critical for sustainable water management, particularly in a region prone to drought. Furthermore, the City is evaluating opportunities to add new renewable energy facilities, aligning with broader environmental goals and reducing the community's carbon footprint.
Environmental Justice is a cornerstone of the City's commitment to equitable development. The City actively engages with diverse communities to ensure their voices are heard in the planning process. This engagement includes promoting equitable development practices and ensuring that all residents have access to the benefits of growth and development. By fostering inclusive participation, the City ensures that development decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community.
By staying committed to these actions, the City ensures continuous progress toward achieving the goals set forth in the General Plan 2040. This long-term commitment will guide San Jacinto's development, ensuring a resilient, vibrant, and inclusive future for all its residents. The Planning Commission's ongoing support and acknowledgment of these efforts are vital in maintaining the momentum of our strategic goals and ensuring the successful implementation of the General Plan 2040.
REVIEW BY PLANNING COMMISSION
At its August 27, 2024, meeting, the Planning Commission reviewed the implementation summary and was invited to provide feedback for staff to incorporate into the final version to be presented to the City Council. However, the Planning Commission did not request any changes or provide any comments on the summary. Additionally, no public comments—written or oral— were received by the City or the Planning Commission. Consequently, the document submitted to the City Council remains unchanged from the version presented to the Planning Commission.
CONCLUSION:
Understanding the status of the General Plan 2040 implementation provides the City with valuable insights into its progress and areas needing attention. This knowledge positions the City better for future development by ensuring that growth is managed sustainably and strategically.
The continued proactive planning and diligent implementation of the Plan's policies demonstrate the City’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Through ongoing collaboration with local, regional, and state partners, as well as active engagement with the community, the City aims to create a resilient, vibrant, and inclusive future for San Jacinto. By adhering to the legal requirements and regularly updating our progress, we ensure transparency and accountability, which are crucial for the sustained growth and development of our community. The City Council’s review and acknowledgment of this summary is an important step in maintaining the momentum of our long-term strategic goals.
ATTACHMENTS:
General Plan 2040 Implementation Summary 2024