Final Draft Policy Document
Agriculture Element
Section Title Page
8.1 Agriculture................................................................................................................................................. 8-3
8.2 Ukiah Valley Agricultural Stakeholders ........................................................................................................ 8-5
8.3 Implementation Programs .......................................................................................................................... 8-6
8. Agriculture Element
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Formalized agriculture within the Ukiah Valley began in the 1850s. Efforts included the raising of livestock and the growing of various grains, and predominantly hops. When the Northwestern Pacific Railroad was completed in 1889, prunes, potatoes, pears, and hops were sent from the Ukiah Valley to San Francisco and other regional markets.
Hops, pears, prunes and grapes were the most widely planted crops in the 1950s, and today the Ukiah Valley is home to a number of productive agricultural activities, including organically produced crops and notable vineyards.
The Valley’s rich bottom-land, resourced by the Russian River, consists of prime, fertile soils and benchlands highly productive for grapes. Presently, agricultural land within the region is mostly comprised of vineyards and pear orchards but also includes row crops and pasturelands.
Agricultural production has been an important part of the regional economy for generations and will continue to be a foundational component for decades to come. In addition to the economic benefits, agricultural lands provide a pastoral quality that helps define the character of the Ukiah Valley.To preserve this agricultural identity, the City has historically limited agricultural land under its jurisdiction to non-urban, agricultural uses. Increasingly, however, If undertaken appropriately by addressing issues related to health andenviornmental factors, potential nusiances (e.g., noise, odor, ashetics), as well as profitability, urban agriculture can improve access to healthy food, promote community development, and create jobs. 1
While agricultural resources are addressed and protected by numerous State laws, this Agriculture Element is included here to implement new approaches to local agriculture and strengthen existing City policies regarding preservation and enhancement of regional working lands.
Goals and Policies
To preserve and strengthen agricultural uses in and around Ukiah that influence the regional economy. (Source: New Goal)
AG-1.1 Reduce Agricultural/Urban Conflict
The City shall reduce conflict between incompatible uses and agriculture within and adjacent to the City. (Source: New Policy)
AG-1.2 Preserve Agricultural Lands
With the exception of presently proposed or approved subdivisions, the City shall discourage urban development on unincorporated land within its Sphere of Influence until annexed by the City. The City shall support County land use regulations that protect the viability of local agriculture in the Ukiah Valley. (Source: New Policy)
1 Golden, S. (2013). Urban Agriculture Impacts: Social, Health, and Economic: A Literature Review. University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis.
Final Draft Policy Document
AG-1.3 Plan Together
The City shall identify and involve stakeholders, as well as advisors with knowledge and expertise, to create and implement a comprehensive planning framework that preserves and strengthens agricultural uses in and around Ukiah that inform and influence the regional economy. (Source: New Policy)
To create a healthy, equitable and resilient local-food system that further integrates agriculture into the City’s identity. (Source: New Goal) AG-2.4 Backyard Food
The City shall allow and encourage residents to undertake supplementary local agriculture, including backyard gardens, apiaries, poultry, and ‘foodscaping’. Examples include community, school, backyard, and rooftop gardens with a purpose extending beyond home consumption and education. (Source: New Policy)
AG-2.5 Buy Local, Enjoy Local
The City shall encourage additional farmer and community markets, food trucks, and farm stands to support production, distribution, and sale of locally grown foods and continue to support communitybased food production and local, nutritious food by working with local landowners for the creation of additional community gardens. (Source: New Policy)
AG-2.6 Support Gardeners
The City shall coordinate with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Mendocino County Master Gardener Program, to connect city residents with backyard gardening knowledge. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy OC-21.1)
AG-2.7 Farmer’s Markets
In conjunction with the Mendocino County Farmers Market Association, the City shall research and identify additional ways to support the sale of local produce and goods at farmers markets within the City of Ukiah. (Source: New Policy)
Help existing agricultural stakeholders move ‘Beyond the Farm’. (Source: New Goal)
AG-3.1 Establish Infrastructure to Grow the Agricultural Economy The City shall support existing agriculture operators by encouraging a diverse, vibrant, and innovative agriculture economy that creates new opportunities and products from regional producers for local consumption and export. In conjunction with stakeholders, the City shall encourage the creation of agricultural business incubators, shared kitchens, and workforce development programs that create locations to strengthen agricultural operators within the region. (Source: New Policy)
Glossary 10
the sun's intensity or slow changes in the earth's orbit around the sun; natural processes within the climate
system (e.g., changes in ocean circulation); human
activities that change the atmosphere's composition
(e.g., through burning fossil fuels); and the land
surface (e.g., deforestation, reforestation,
urbanization, desertification, etc.). (Source: New)
Collector Streets. Collector streets provide
connections between neighborhoods and activity
centers, and convenient access to land uses, via all
modes of travel including walking, bicycling, vehicle
and transit. Collectors also provide connections
between arterial and local streets. (Source: New)
Community Policing. According to the U.S.
Department of Justice’s publication on community
polcing, titled “Community Policing Defined”, which
can be found online at: https://cops.usdoj.gov/, the
term “community policing” refers to a philosophy that
promotes organizational strategies that support the
systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving
techniques to proactively address the immediate
conditions that give rise to public safety issues such
as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.
Community Noise Equivalent Levels CNEL. The
average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day,
obtained after addition of five decibels to noise levels occurring in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
and the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels
measured in the night between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m. (Source: New)
Complete Streets. Refers to a balanced, multimodal
transportation network that meets the needs of all
users of streets - including pedestrians, bicyclists,
children, seniors, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, and public transit
(Source: New)
Conservation. The management of resources,
including natural resources, cultural resources
(incldes archaeglogical and historic resources), and
man-made resources in a manner that avoids waste,
destruction, or neglect. (Source: Existing General Plan) Critical Habitat. A term defined and used in the
Endangered Species Act. It is a specific geographic
area(s) that contains features essential for the
conservation of a threatened or endangered species
and that may require special management and
protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be
needed for its recovery. (Source: New)
Cultural Resources. Any prehistoric or historic
remains or indicators of past human activities,
including artifacts, sites, structures, landscapes, and objects of importance to a culture or community for
scientific, traditional, religious, or other reasons.
(Source: New)
D
Day/Night Average Sound Level (Ldn). The average
A-weighted noise level equivalent sound level during a
24-hour day, obtained after the addition of ten
decibels to sound levels in the night after 10:00 p.m.
and before 7:00 a.m. (Source: New)
Decibel (db). A physical unit commonly used to
describe noise. It is a unit for describing the
amplitude of sound as heard by the human ear.
(Source: New)
Defensible Space. An area around a building in which
vegetation, debris, and other types of combustible
fuels have been treated, cleared, or reduced to slow
the spread of fire to and from the building. (Source:
New)
Density. Residential developments are regulated by
an allowed density range (minimum and maximum)
measured in “dwelling units per acre.” Residential
density is calculated by dividing the number of
Appendix A | Goals, Policies, and AImplementation Programs
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Appendix A | Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Programs
Section Title Page
Land Use Element ........................................................................................................................ 3 Economic Development Element................................................................................................ 14 Mobility Element.......................................................................................................................... 18 Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element............................................................... 26 Environment and Sustainability Element .................................................................................... 34 Safety Element............................................................................................................................ 43 Agriculture Element..................................................................................................................... 59 Housing Element (2019-2027).................................................................................................... 64
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Land Use Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
Residential
LU-1 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Ukiah residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods. (Source: New Goal)
LU-1.1 Existing Neighborhoods. The City shall maintain and enhance the quality of existing residential neighborhoods, ensuring adequate public facilities such as parks, streets, water supply, and drainage. (Source: New Policy)
LU-1.2 Connectivity. The City shall encourage new residential development to incorporate design features that promote walking and connectivity between blocks. (New Policy) LU-1.3 Neighborhood Infill. The City shall encourage objectively designed infill developments that enhance neighborhood quality and respond to community input in the planning and design of infill projects or non-residential, neighborhood-serving uses. (Source: New Policy)
LU-1.4 High-Density Residential Uses. The City shall encourage new high-density residential development to locate in areas close to services and transit. (Source: New Policy) LU-1.5 Existing Neighborhoods. The City shall encourage all new multi-family residential development to comply with objective design and development standards. (Source: New Policy) Mixed-Use
LU-2 To encourage mixed-use development projects that create vibrant, walkable districts. (New Goal) LU-2.1 Downtown Mixed-Use. The City shall encourage mixed-use development to locate within the Downtown. Such developments include housing, retail commercial, offices, open space, and other compatible uses. This development pattern should create vibrant, walkable areas, rather than non-pedestrian friendly strip retail developments along downtown corridors.
LU-2.2 Compatibility with Adjacent Uses. The City shall require new mixed-use development to be compatible with adjacent land uses, particularly residential uses, through site and architectural design techniques that establish transitions between uses and minimize negative impacts. (Source: New Policy) LU-2.3 Mixed-Use Design. The City shall require new mixed-use development to limit the number of access driveways, minimize building setbacks, and provide public ground floor spaces adjacent to sidewalks. (Source: New Policy)
LU-2.4 Pedestrian Orientation. The City shall require new mixed-use and commercial developments with street or bike route frontage to include amenities that connect and create a comfortable environment for walking, sitting, and socializing. (Source: New Policy)
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LU-2.5 Live/Work. The City shall encourage mixed-uses in appropriate non-residential or existing mixed-use areas, facilitate the adaptive reuse of otherwise obsolete structures, and promote the growth of the arts and small business ventures in the community by allowing combined workspace and living quarters in appropriate buildings in commercial or industrial zoning districts. (Source: New Policy) Downtown
LU-3 To improve and enhance the appearance and vibrancy of Downtown Ukiah to create a high-quality place for residents, businesses, and visitors. (Source: Existing GP Goal CD-9, modified) LU-3.1 Downtown Activities and Functions. The City shall maintain the Downtown as a center for shopping and commerce, social and cultural activities, and government and civic functions. (Source: New Policy) LU-3.2 New Downtown Development. The City shall ensure new development in the Downtown is compatible with existing uses and enhances the character of the area. (Source: Existing Policies CD-9.2 and CD-9.3, modified) LU-3.3 Downtown Arts Entertainment. The City shall encourage private-sector investment in Downtown to transform it into a safe, vibrant, and prosperous arts and entertainment district that offers enhanced shopping, dining, recreational, and cultural experiences and events for residents, families, and visitors. (Source: New Policy) LU-3.4 Downtown Pedestrian Improvements. The City shall work with public agencies and private entities to create a safe, convenient, and pleasant pedestrian environment that supports the continued revitalization of the Downtown area. Improvements could include pedestrian-oriented amenities such as lighting, wider sidewalks, clearly marked pedestrian crossings, benches, landscaping, signage, sidewalk seating areas, and public art. (Source: New Policy) LU-3.5 Downtown Parking. The City shall prepare and implement a Downtown parking plan that provides enough parking downtown to support area businesses while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment. (Source: New Policy)
Commercial
LU-4 To encourage the growth and development of retail, office, service, and entertainment uses in Ukiah to provide jobs, support City services, and make Ukiah an attractive place to live. (New Goal) LU-4.1 High-Quality Building Design. The City shall encourage distinctive and high-quality commercial building design and site planning that respects the character of Ukiah. (Source: New Policy) LU-4.2 Commercial Center Design. The City shall require new commercial centers to incorporate standards of site design, construction, buffering, and screening when located adjacent to residential neighborhoods. (Source: New Policy)
LU-4.3 Clustering Commercial Uses. The City shall encourage new commercial uses to group into clustered areas or centers containing professional offices, retail sales and services. New commercial clusters shall be located at the intersections of major thoroughfares and exclude “strip” commercial. (Source: New Policy) LU-4.4 Commercial Property Landscaping. The City shall require that landscaping on commercial properties be well maintained and encourage those commercial properties currently without landscaping to provide landscaping. (Source: Existing Program CD-17.2a, modified)
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LU-4.5 Pedestrian Access to Commercial Uses. The City shall support convenient and direct pedestrian access to commercial uses that are located adjacent to residential areas. (Source: New Policy) Industrial
LU-5 To encourage, facilitate, and support the development of new employment and industrial uses and retention of existing industry to ensure compatibility with existing surrounding uses and planned uses. (Source:
New Goal)
LU-5.1 Industrial Park Development. The City shall encourage the development of well-designed industrial park areas to attract new light industrial development to Ukiah. (Source: New Policy) LU-5.2 Industrial Design standards. The City shall ensure that new industrial developments contribute to the overall attractiveness of the community through appropriate site design, architectural design, and landscaping. (Source:
New Policy)
LU-5.3 Screening Industrial Areas. The City shall require the screening of loading areas and open storage areas so that they are not visible from major roads. (Source: New Policy) Hillside Areas
LU-6 To preserve the natural character of hillside development areas. (Source: New Goal) LU-6.1 Natural Features. The City shall require development to preserve outstanding natural physical features, such as the highest crest of a hill, natural rock outcroppings, major tree belts, and water features.;. (Source: New Policy) LU-6.2 Hillside Development. The City shall require new development in hillside areas to minimize grading to retain a natural hillside setting. The City shall encourage clustered dwelling units in hillside areas and roadways to be designed to preserve the ecological and scenic character of the hillsides. (Source: New Policy) LU-6.3 Open Space Access. The City shall encourage new hillside developments to provide public access (as appropriate) to adjacent greenways, open space corridors, trails, and parks if development is proposed adjacent to such facilities. (Source: New Policy)
Development Pattern
LU-7 To ensure the orderly and timely growth and expansion of the City. (Source: New Goal) LU-7.1 Development Pattern. The City shall ensure an orderly, contiguous development pattern that prioritizes infill development, phases new development, encourages compactness and efficiency, preserves surrounding open space and agricultural resources, and avoids land use incompatibilities. (Source: New Policy) LU-7.2 Annexations. The City shall support property owners and applications that seek to annex adjoining unincorporated land within the City’s Sphere of Influence where the City determines it to be in residents’ interests to do so, to promote orderly development, to implement General Plan goals, and if the annexation would improve the fiscal health of the City, provide a more efficient delivery of municipal services to the area, and/or create a more logical City boundary. The City shall consider annexation of lands outside of the SOI but within the Planning Area if the City and all local agencies with relevant jurisdiction, arrive at an agreement ensuring adequately compensated
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for the costs it will incur due to development in its Planning Area (Source: New Policy; City Staff; City Council Annexation Policies).
LU-7.3 Annexation Considerations. The City shall consider the following factors when reviewing annexation proposals:
a. Availability of public services and facilities;
b. Proximity to existing urban development;
c. Existing agricultural uses;
d. Fiscal impacts on City finances;
e. Potential economic benefits;
f. Regional housing needs; and
g. Public health and safety. (Source: New Policy)
LU-7.4 Required Public Facilities and Services. The City will support annexation of land for new development only if public services and facilities meeting City standards are available or plans are in place demonstrating their availability in the near future. (Source: New Policy)
LU-7.5 Agriculture and Annexation. The City shall discourage urban development of unincorporated land in the City’s Sphere of Influence until such lands are annexed by the City. The City shall support County land use regulations that require minimum lot sizes to protect the viability of local agriculture and to prevent the development of incompatible or undesirable land use patterns prior to eventual annexation and urbanization. (Source: New Policy)
LU-7.6 Fair Share Housing Needs Reduction. The City shall amend the Housing Element as a condition of annexation of residential lands from the County, to increase the City's housing fair share by the number of needed housing units the County is surrendering. (Source: Existing Program LU-4.1a, modified) LU-7.7 County Housing Needs. The City shall give consideration to the County's regional "fair share" housing needs when reviewing applications for new development within the City’s Planning Area. (Source: Existing Program LU4.1b, modified) LU-7.8 Legal Non-conforming Uses. The City shall allow the continued use of legally existing non-conforming land uses in conformance with approved permits. (Source: Existing Policy LU-1.1, modified) Growth Management
LU-8 To promote growth and development practices that improve quality of life, protect open space, natural and historical resources, and reduce resource consumption. (Source: New Goal) LU-8.1 Contiguous Development. The City shall strongly discourage new development that is not contiguous with existing urban development. (Source: New Policy)
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LU-8.2 Protection of Agricultural Areas. The City shall support the long-term economic viability of agriculture and agri-tourism and encourage landowners with land in agricultural production to undertake succession planning or agricultural preservation, as appropriate. (Source: New Policy) LU-8.3 Infill Development. The City shall encourage population and employment growth toward infill development sites within the city. (Source: New Policy)
LU-8.4 Reuse of Underutilized Property. The City shall encourage property owners to revitalize or redevelop abandoned, obsolete, or underutilized properties to accommodate growth. (Source: New Policy) LU-8.5 Historic Preservation. The City shall strive to preserve residential and commercial structures of historic value to the community. (Source: New Policy).
LU-8.6 Historic Resource Maintenance. The City shall encourage property owners to maintain these structures in accordance with local, state and federal standards. (Source: New Policy).
Missing Middle Housing
LU-9 To provide opportunities for housing that can accommodate the needs, preferences, and financial capabilities of current and future residents in terms of different housing types, tenures, density, sizes, and costs. (Source: New Goal)
LU-9.1 Mixed Residential Neighborhoods. The City shall encourage creation of mixed residential neighborhoods through new and innovative housing types that meet the changing needs of Ukiah households and expand housing choices in all neighborhoods. These housing types include, but are not limited to, single dwelling units, multi-family dwelling units, accessory dwelling units, small and micro units, use of pre-fabricated homes, and clustered housing/cottage housing. (Source: New Policy)
LU-9.2 Housing Types and Designs. The City shall support housing types and designs that increase density while remaining consistent with the building scale and character present in existing neighborhoods. This includes multifamily units or clustered residential buildings that provide relatively smaller, less expensive units within existing neighborhoods. (Source: New Policy)
LU-9.3 Adaptation of Existing Residential Units. The City shall encourage the adaptation of existing residential units to support multi-family use. (Source: New Policy) Special Planning Areas
LU-10 To assure coordination and consistency with special planning areas. (Source: New Goal) LU-10.1 Downtown Zoning Code. The City shall update the Downtown Zoning Code to assure consistency with the General Plan goals, policies, and land use designations. (Source: New Policy) LU-10.2 Ukiah Valley Community. The City shall recognize that the Ukiah Valley is one community and foster collaborative decision-making between the City, county, and other public agencies. (Source: UVAPGoal LU-7, modified)
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LU-10.3 Ukiah Valley Area Plan. The City shall coordinate with Mendocino County to assure consistency with the Ukiah Valley Area Plan goals and policies. (Source: New Policy) LU-10.4 Ukiah Airport Master Plan. The City shall periodically update the Ukiah Airport Master Plan to reflect changing airport needs, aircraft type and use, and new noise and safety standards. (Source: New Policy) LU-10.5 Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The City shall require new development within each airport zone that conforms to the height, use and intensity specified in the land use compatibility table of the Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (UKIALUCP). (Source: UVAP Policy LU 2.1b, modified) LU-10.6 Mendocino County Airport Land Use Commission. As required within the UKIALUCP, the City shall refer new development projects in the Ukiah Airport area of influence to the Mendocino ALUC for review and comment. (Source: New Policy)
Community Character and Design
LU-11 To ensure high-quality site planning, landscaping, and architectural design for all new construction, renovation, or remodeling. (Source: New Goal)
LU-11.1 Commercial Character. The City shall update and maintain objective commercial design standards for all commercial land use designations, to enhance community character and encourage economic development. (Source: Existing Policy CD-1.1)
LU-11.2 Gateways. The City shall establish key gateways to Ukiah through landscape design, appropriately-scaled signage, and building form, and historic themes to create a unique sense of place. (New Policy) LU-11.3 Neighborhood Character. The City shall ensure that Zoning Code standards and design guidelines are reflective of neighborhood character and land use intensity, complement views from US 101. (Source: Existing Programs CD-1.1a, -3.1a, and 5.3a, modified)
LU-11.4 Public Buildings and Spaces. The City shall ensure that all new public buildings and places are consistent with City design review guidelines and standards, designed to be attractive, safe, and serve the neighborhood needs, and conform to standards similar to those applied to private development. (Source: Existing Programs CD-16.1a, -
16.1b, 16.2a, and 16.2b, modified)
LU-11.5 Public Street Furniture. The Public Works Department shall establish public design standards for street furniture and landscaping that enhance the streetscape and general fabric of the City. (Source: Existing Program CD12.1a) LU-11.6 Public Art. The City shall encourage the installation of public art and identify permanent funding mechanisms to support new installations and maintenance. (New Policy) LU-11.7 Sign Regulations. The City shall update the Zoning Code sign provisions to incorporate a consistent program for new signs to simplify the signage process. (Source: Existing Program CD-13.1c, modified) LU-11.8 Tree Preservation. The City shall encourage the preservation of trees on public and private property. Priority should be given to the preservation of trees considered significant due to their size, history, unusual species or unique quality. (Source: Existing Program CD-4.3b, modified)
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LU-11.9 Historic Preservation and Restoration. The City shall encourage restorative maintenance to deteriorated buildings, particularly in Downtown, and restrict the demolition of historically and/or architecturally significant buildings to accommodate new development. The City shall encourage adaptive re-use of historic structures to maintain their historic character while supporting economic development. (Source: New Policy) LU-11.10 Water Efficient Landscaping. The City shall ensure that Zoning Code landscape standards and design guidelines reflect the most current water efficient landscape standards that include native, adaptive, and drought resistant vegetation, as well as provisions for street canopies and streetscape enhancement. (Source: Existing Programs CD-4.2a and -4.3a)
Environmental Justice
LU-12 To ensure that land use decisions do not adversely impact disadvantaged individuals and groups differently than the population as a whole. (Source: New Goal) LU-12.1 Fair Treatment and Meaningful Involvement. The City shall provide for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement in respect to the development and review of land use decision and policies for all people regardless of income, race, color, or national origin. (Source: New Policy) LU-12.2 Disproportionate Land Use Impacts. The City shall evaluate and avoid, reduce, or mitigate disproportionate adverse health and safety impacts of land use decisions on identified disadvantaged communities. (Source: New Policy)
LU-12.3 Coordination on Siting of Utilities . The City shall coordinate with utility providers in the siting, site layout, and design of gas and electric facilities, including changes to existing facilities, to minimize environmental, and safety impacts on disadvantaged communities. (Source: New Policy) LU-13 To ensure that all community members have equal access to healthy foods, education, green spaces, and medical services. (Source: New Goal)
LU-13.1 Access to Community Resources. The City shall identify and address gaps in access to residential, commercial, recreation, natural open spaces, and public resources, and ensure these community resources are accessible to all, regardless of income, race, color, or national origin. (Source: New Policy) LU-13.2 Equitable Capital Improvements. The City shall promote equitable investment in capital improvements Citywide. (Source: New Policy) [ LU-13.3 Public Assistance Collaboration. The City shall support non-profit organizations and public agencies which provide assistance to the homeless and access to healthcare, rental assistance and food assistance, and other poverty alleviating programs and services. (Source: New Policy) LU-14 To develop, implement, and enforce policies to ensure access to safe and sanitary housing throughout the community. (Source: New Goal)
LU-14.1 Code Enforcement. The City shall prioritize code enforcement for rental housing in disadvantaged communities to assure safe, sanitary housing. (Source: New Policy)
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LU-14.2 Clean and Safe Drinking Water. The City shall ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for all community members. (Source: New Policy)
LU-15 To promote meaningful dialogue and collaboration between members of disadvantaged communities and decision-makers to advance social and economic equity. (Source: New Goal) LU-15.1 Community Input. The City shall continue to facilitate opportunities for disadvantaged community residents and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout the public review process. (Source: New Policy) LU-15.2 Communication Channels. The City shall continue to improve communication channels and methods for meaningful dialogue between community members and decision-makers. The City shall also continue to share public information across a variety of media, technological, and traditional platforms, and languages based upon the demographics of the community. (Source: New Policy)
LU-15.3 Public Engagement. The City shall hold special meetings, workshops, and other public engagement opportunities at times and locations that make it convenient for disadvantaged community members to attend, particularly stakeholders who are the most likely to be directly affected by the outcome. (Source: New Policy) LU-15.4 Translation Services. The City will continue to evaluate the need for the provision of translation services, to the extent feasible, in conveying important information to the community. (Source: New Policy) General Plan Use and Maintenance
LU-16 Promote the effective use and implementation of the General Plan Land Use Map. (Source: New Goal) LU-16.1 Land Use Map. The City shall maintain and implement a Land Use Map describing the types of allowed land uses by geographic location and the density of allowed uses within each designation. (Source: New Policy) LU-16.2 Land Use Designations. The City shall apply the land use designation specific parcels of land as designated on the General Land Use Map (Figure 2-1), even if a parcel does not meet other criteria specified in the General Plan. (Source: New Policy)
LU-16.3 Zoning Designations. The City shall ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Map (Figure 2-1). (Source: New Policy)
LU-16.4 Five-year General Plan Review. The City shall conduct a technical review of the General Plan every five years and revise and update as necessary to assure compliance with State law and responsiveness to current City needs. (Source: New Policy)
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Downtown Pedestrian Improvements
The City shall, in collaboration with
interested public agencies and downtown
businesses, prepare a study of potential
sidewalk and streetscape improvements,
including lighting, wider sidewalks, clearly
marked pedestrian crossings, benches,
landscaping, signage, sidewalk seating
areas, and public art, to create a safe,
convenient, and pleasant pedestrian
environment Downtown.
(Source: Existing Program CD-9.3a,
modified)
LU – 3.4
LU – 7.7
Public Works
Downtown Parking Plan
The City shall prepare and implement a
Downtown parking plan that provides
enough parking downtown to support area
businesses while maintaining a
pedestrian-friendly environment. The City
will collaborate with other public agencies,
Downtown businesses, and the Chamber
of Commerce to identify parking
deficiencies, consider alternatives, and
prepare a comprehensive parking strategy.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU – 3.5 Public Works
Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Housing Element Amendments to Address
Annexation-related RHNA Changes
The City shall amend the Housing Element
in conjunction upon the annexation of any
County land designated for residential
uses and identified in the Mendocino
County Housing Element as satisfying a
portion of the County’s RHNA. The City
Housing element amendment will increase
the City’s RHNA by a commensurate
amount. The City shall coordinate any
proposed amendment in advance with the
Mendocino Council of Governments and
the California Department of Housing and
Community Development to assure the
amendment is acceptable to both
agencies.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU – 7.6 Community
Development
City Gateway Design Standards
The City shall prepare gateway design
standards for all City gateways, The
standards will address landscape design
and materials, signage, building form, and
historic themes that create a unique sense
of place.
(Source: New Implementation Policy)
LU – 9.2 Community
Development
Public Works
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Zoning Code Amendments
The City shall amend the Zoning Code to
address the following topics:
• Downtown Zoning Code and Design
Guidelines;
• Commercial Design standards that
address neighborhood character and
compatibility, including materials,
siting, scale, and landscaping;
• Sign regulations;
• Water efficient landscape standards;
• Historic Structure Preservation; and
• Zoning districts and map consistency
with the 2040 Land Use Diagram.
(Source: Existing Program CD-4.1a,
4.2a, modified and expanded)
LU – 10.1
LU – 11
LU – 11.4
LU – 11.8
Community
Development
Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan
The City shall review every five years and
update as necessary the Ukiah Municipal
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The
review and potential update shall consider
changing airport facility and aviation
needs, new aircraft types, and new noise
and safety standards.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU – 10.4
LU – 10.5
LU – 10.6
Airport
Design Standards
The City shall update the Commercial
Design Guidelines to establish design
standards for street furniture and
streetscape landscaping.
(Source: Existing Program CD-4.3a)
LU – 11.6 Community
Development
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Five Year General Plan Review
The City shall conduct a technical review
of the General Plan every five years and
revise and update as necessary to assure
compliance with State law and
responsiveness to current City needs.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
LU – 16.4 Community
Development
Annexation Guide. The City shall develop,
maintain, and make publicly-available a
City of Ukiah Annexation Guide that
includes an annexation applicant’s
responsibilities, the requirements for
environmental review, requirements for
development plans, and fees associated
with applications for annexation. (Source:
New Implementation Program; City Council
Annexation Policies)
LU-7.2 Community
Development
Economic Development Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
ED-1 To be a key partner with other agencies and organizations to achieve the City’s and the region’s economic goals. (Source: New Goal)
ED-1.1 Interagency Coordination. Coordinate with local agencies, jurisdictions, and tribes; and other groups and organizations working to promote Ukiah’s economic development. (Source: New Policy) ED-1.2 Economic Initiatives. The City shall support regional economic initiatives and marketing activities by actively participating in economic development programs. (Source: New Policy) ED-1.3 Public /Private Partnerships. The City shall support and encourage public/private partnerships and other efforts to implement key development projects that meet the City’s economic development goals. (Source: New Policy)
ED-1.4 Economic Development Strategy. The City shall prepare and periodically update an Economic Development Strategy, which shall be used as an operational guide to implement the economic development goals, policies, and programs of the General Plan. (Source: New Policy)
ED-2 To promote a strong local economy by improving critical infrastructure, including water, transportation, and renewable energy. (Source: New Goal)
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ED-2.1 City Investment Priorities. During review and updates of public facility master plans and the Capital Improvement Program, the City shall prioritize investment in infrastructure, services, and other assets that are critical to future economic vitality, including public safety, water supply and quality, transportation, energy, and environmental resources, to support job growth and economic development. (Source: New Policy) ED-2.2 Energy Infrastructure. The City shall work to improve energy infrastructure to increase availability, reliability, sustainability, and use of renewable energy sources. (Source: New Policy) ED-3 To provide opportunities for expansion of businesses by ensuring the availability of suitable sites, appropriate zoning, and access to infrastructure and amenities. (Source: New Goal) ED-3.1 Land Supply Inventory . The City shall maintain and/or annex an adequate land supply to meet projected commercial and industrial land demand. (Source: New Policy) ED-3.2 Infill Sites. The City shall coordinate with interested developers and relevant public agencies to develop infill sites consistent with the Land Use Diagram. (Source: New Policy) ED-3.3 Airport Industrial Park. The City shall develop adequate linkage from the Airport Industrial Park to the east side of the airport. (Source: New Policy)
ED-4 To attract visitors and provide them with the amenities and services to make their stay in Ukiah enjoyable. (Source: New Goal)
ED-4.1 Supporting Tourism. The City shall encourage and support the development of sustainable and innovative visitor-serving attractions that expand on the tourism market in Ukiah and Mendocino County and add to the quality of life for residents. (Source: New Policy)
ED-4.2 Downtown. The City shall reinforce the Downtown as the civic and cultural heart of Ukiah by supporting public arts, cultural and entertainment programs, restoration of aging structures, lodging, and a robust mix of residential, retail, and service uses. (Source: New Policy) ED-4.3 Boutique Hotel. The City shall encourage and support the development of a boutique hotel in Downtown to provide an opportunity for overnight stays in the heart of Downtown and for visitors to enjoy and explore Ukiah’s local business, restaurants, and nightlife. (Source: New Policy) ED-4.4 Public Art. The City shall reduce barriers for private efforts that create art in public places (e.g., murals, sculptures), and support development of a Public Art Master Plan with appropriate funding mechanisms to support and maintain public art installations. (Source: New Policy) ED-4.5 Tourism-Supporting Services. The City shall support the local dining, lodging, and retail sectors to ensure visitors enjoy Ukiah to the fullest. (Source: New Policy) ED-5 To ensure Ukiah’s long-term economic success and sustainability by diversifying and expanding tourist attractions. (Source: New Goal)
ED-5.1 Outdoor Recreation. The City shall maintain existing and promote new outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities at a high level to solidify Ukiah’s position as a leader in outdoor recreation. (Source: New Policy)
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ED-5.2 Bicycle Tourism. The City shall support efforts to promote and expand the local and regional bicycle trail network to attract visitors seeking a quality outdoor recreation experience. (Source: New Policy) ED-5.3 Great Redwood Trail. The City shall continue to support the expansion of the Great Redwood Trail linking Marin, Sonoma, and Humboldt counties and enhancing trail access in Ukiah. (Source: New Policy) ED-5.4 Special Events. The City shall support special events that benefit local businesses and contribute to the City’s overall economic success. (Source: New Policy)
ED-5.5 Agricultural Tourism. The City shall strive to attract tourism centered on the agriculture industry throughout the Mendocino County region, including wineries, cannabis farm tours, farm stays, tasting rooms, and beverage production tours. (Source: New Policy)
ED-6 To maintain a supportive business climate and a healthy economy that leads to the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new ones. (Source: New Goal) ED-6.1 Regulatory Environment. The City shall promote business-friendliness in the regulatory and permitting process through collaboration, innovation, exchange of ideas and best practices, and the improvement in clarity and efficiency in the permitting process to take advantage of opportunities for streamlining in the development permit process. (Source: New Policy)
ED-7 To grow the local economy and employment base by supporting efforts to retain, expand and attract local businesses. (Source: New Goal)
ED-7.1 Attract Skilled Workers. The City shall support, maintain, and enhance the social and cultural amenities of the city (such as attractive public spaces, public art displays, museum(s), historic venues and sites, and recreational facilities and programs). (Source: New Policy)
ED-8 To cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship to encourage and support local business start-ups. (Source:
New Goal)
ED-8.1 Business Incubators. The City shall encourage and support the establishment of local business incubators and programs designed to support the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services. (Source: New Policy) ED-8.2 Home-Based Businesses. The City shall support and expand the opportunities for establishment and operation of home-based businesses that are compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. (Source: New Policy).
ED-9 To improve labor force preparedness by providing the local workforce with the skills needed to meet the requirements of evolving business needs. (Source: New Goal) ED-9.1 Interagency Workforce Collaboration. The City shall work with Mendocino College, Ukiah Unified School District, and Mendocino County to support innovation and the development, retraining, and retention of a skilled workforce. (Source: New Policy)
ED-9.2 Local Graduate Retention. The City shall actively support efforts to keep local high school and college graduates in the local workforce. (Source: New Policy)
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ED-9.3 City Hiring Practices. The City shall pursue best practices aimed at maximizing local hiring in coordination with education and training providers. (Source: New Policy) ED-10 To foster a robust and diversified local economy that provides quality employment and attracts stable businesses. (Source: New Goal)
ED-10.1Value-Added Agriculture. TheCity shall encourage and support the expansion of value-added agricultural products (e.g., processing, packaging, product development) with an emphasis on local distribution and consumption. (Source: New Policy)
ED-10.2Agricultural Support Services. TheCity shall encourage agricultural support services, such as vineyard and harvest management, to be based in Ukiah. (Source: New Policy) ED-10.3Airport-Related Businesses. The City shall encourage and promote the development of airport-related businesses at the Ukiah Municipal Airport. (Source: New Policy) ED-10.4 Local-Serving Retail. The City shall encourage the establishment and expansion of commercial businesses that increase local spending within Ukiah and provide needed goods and services to residents and businesses. (Source: New Policy)
ED-10.5 Culturally Diverse Businesses. The City shall review and amend its policies and procedures to ensure equity of opportunity to encourage and support a diverse business community. (Source: New Policy) ED-11 To diversify the economic base of Ukiah through the development and expansion of environmental, creative, and innovative businesses, including the non-profit sector. (Source: New Goal) ED-11.1 Creative Economy. The City shall encourage the expansion of the local creative economy, including arts businesses, creative and performing arts, and non-profit organizations, as well as professional service sectors built around the creative arts. (Source: New Policy)
ED-11.2Green Economy. The City shall support the development and reduce local regulatory barriers for industries and businesses that promote and enhance environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas reductions, decarbonization, climate change adaptation, resiliency, and renewable energy generation, storage, and transmission, including solar power and other appropriate renewable sources. (Source: New Policy) ED-11.3Support Green Businesses. The County shall promote the efforts of existing businesses that meet green business criteria; job training in green building techniques and regenerative farming; and strive to build green technologies into and decarbonize existing public facilities. (Source: New Policy) ED-11.4Sustainable Business Development. The City shall encourage the development and expansion of businesses that advance social equity, environmental quality, and economic sustainability, as well as capitalize on key industry strengths. Economic sustainability includes planning and preparation for disaster response and long-term resiliency of businesses and economic assets in the city. (Source: New Policy)
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Economic Development Strategy
The City shall prepare, adopt, and regularly
update an Economic Development
Strategy, which shall be used as an
operational guide to implement the
economic development goals and policies
of the General Plan. The strategy should
address business attraction, retention, and
expansion, infrastructure priorities,
tourism, intergovernmental coordination
and cooperation, economic diversification,
and workforce development. The
Economic Development Strategy should be
prepared in coordination with the local
business community, Economic
Development and Financing Corporation,
Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce,
West Business Development Center,
Mendocino Private Industry Council,
Mendocino County, and other groups and
organizations working to promote Ukiah’s
economic development. Following
completion of the Economic Development
Strategy, the City shall review and update
the Strategy every five years.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ED – 1.4 City Manager
Community
Development
Mobility Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
MOB-1 To provide a citywide network of complete streets that meet the needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit, movers of commercial goods, children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. (Source: New Goal)
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MOB-1.1 Complete Streets. The City shall design streets holistically, using a complete streets approach, which considers pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit users, and other modes together to adequately serve future land uses. (New Policy)
MOB-1.2 Multi-modal Access. The City shall require that all new development and redevelopment projects include provisions for multi-modal access provisions such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and vehicle and transit where relevant. (Existing Policy CT-3.1, modified)
MOB-1.3 Reallocate Space for Complete Streets. The City shall reallocate roadway space to allow complete streets improvements on streets with excess traffic capacity. (New Policy) MOB-1.4 Block Length. The City shall limit block lengths to 600 feet wherever feasible to enhance multi-modal circulation and connectivity. (New Policy)
MOB-1.5 Balance Transportation Spending. The City will provide funding for transportation improvements for each of the key travel modes to support the long-term viability and safety of each mode, as well as required maintenance. (New Policy)
MOB-1.6 Roundabouts. The City shall consider the installation of roundabouts to enhance safety at intersections, and as a key component of Ukiah’s sustainability strategy. (New Policy) MOB-1.7 Land Use and Street Classification Compatibility. The City shall ensure that General Plan land use density and intensity standards are compatible with the classification of streets from which the land uses are accessed. (Source: Existing Program CT-1.1a, modified)
MOB-1.8 New Development and Complete Streets. The City shall require all new development to provide adequate access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit users, and persons with disabilities, as well as facilities necessary to support the City’s goal of maintaining a complete street network. (Source: Existing Program CT-1.1b, modified)
MOB-1.9 Bikeway Network . The City shall strive to complete the citywide bicycle network to create a full network of bicycle facilities throughout Ukiah, including bicycle lanes on all arterial and collector street segments where feasible. (New Policy)
MOB-1.10 Bicycle Parking Standards. The City shall maintain efficient and updated parking standards for bicycle parking to ensure development provides adequate bicycle parking, while reducing reliance on automobiles. (New Policy)
MOB-1.11 Pedestrian Barriers & Utility Relocation. The City shall support elimination of barriers to pedestrian travel on sidewalks and walking paths including requiring the relocation or undergrounding of utilities where appropriate. (New Policy)
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Vehicle Miles Traveled
MOB-2 To reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to and from residences, jobs and commercial uses in Ukiah. (Source: New Goal)
MOB-2.1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction. The City shall support development and transportation improvements that help reduce VMT below regional averages on a “residential per capita” and “per employee” basis. (New Policy)
MOB-2.2 Transportation Demand Management. The City shall support programs to reduce vehicle trips, including measures such as reduced parking requirements that aim to increase transit use, car-pooling, bicycling and walking. (New Policy)
MOB-2.3 Pedestrian Facilities . The City shall encourage new development and redevelopment that increases connectivity through direct and safe pedestrian connections to public amenities, neighborhoods, shopping and employment destinations throughout the City. (New Policy) MOB-2.4 Transit Facility Design. The City shall require new development to include facilities designed to make public transportation convenient. (Source: Existing Policy CT-9.1, modified) MOB-2.5 Transit Ridership. The City shall support funding and incentives to increase transit ridership opportunities. (Source: Existing Policy CT-9.2, modified)
MOB-2.6 Downtown Transit Center. The City shall support creation of a Transit Center. (Source: Existing Policy CT10.5) MOB-2.7 Bicycle Accessible Transit. The City shall encourage the MTA and other public transportation providers to make bus routes connecting Ukiah with other areas bicycle accessible. (Source: Existing Program CT-8.1e, modified)
Transportation Safety and Planning
MOB-3 To provide a safe transportation system that eliminates traffic-related fatalities and reduces non-fatal injury collisions. (Source: New Goal)
MOB-3.1 Safety Improvements. The City shall provide safety improvements along high-injury and fatality streets and intersections. (Source: New Policy)
MOB-3.2 Safe Routes to Schools . The City shall promote Safe Routes to Schools programs for all schools serving the City. (Source: New Policy)
MOB-3.3 Safety and Traffic Calming. The City shall use traffic calming methods within residential and mixed-use areas, where necessary, to create a pedestrian-friendly circulation system. (Source: New Policy) MOB-3.4 Safety Considerations. The City shall ensure that planned non-transportation capital improvement projects, on or near a roadway, consider safety for all travel modes during construction and upon completion. (Source: New Policy) [SO]
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MOB-3.5 Community Engagement . The City shall engage the community in promoting safe walking and bicycling through education and outreach. (Source: New Policy)
MOB-3.6 Emergency Access. The City shall work with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to address street design and the accessibility required for emergency vehicles. (Source: New Policy) MOB-3.7 Video Enforcement. The City shall consider the use of video surveillance for traffic enforcement. (Source:
New Policy)
MOB-3.8 Truck Traffic in Residential Areas. The City shall discourage truck traffic on local residential streets to increase safety and reduce noise (Source: New Policy)
Transportation and Mobility Needs
MOB-4 To maintain an ongoing periodic evaluation process to inventory transportation and mobility needs. (Source: Existing GP Goal CT-5)
MOB-4.1 Multi-modal Transportation Studies. The City shall conduct multi-modal transportation studies in association with required updates to the Regional Transportation Plan to update the General Plan and appropriately update and amend the Mobility Element. (Source: Existing Policy CT-5.1, modified) MOB-4.2 Transportation Performance Measures .The City shall evaluate transportation performance holistically, taking into consideration multi-modal system performance measures that emphasize the efficient movement of people. (Source: New Policy)
MOB-4.3 Safety Monitoring . The City shall monitor high-priority corridors and intersections to better understand the potential for safety improvements. (Source: New Policy) MOB-4.4 Level of Service. The City shall use peak-hour traffic level of service (LOS) to consider whether a street or intersection has adequate remaining capacity to service the traffic generated by a proposed project, except that meeting traffic LOS goals should not occur in a manner that would limit travel by other modes or result in increased VMT. (Source: New Policy)
MOB-4.5 Peak Hour Traffic LOS Goals. The City shall adopt the following intersection peak hour traffic Level of Service (LOS) goals to guide street network planning (but not to be used for assessing CEQA impacts):
a) At intersections with signals, roundabouts or four-way stop signs: operation at LOS D, except where pedestrian volumes are high in which case LOS E may be acceptable. b) At intersections with stop signs on side streets only: operation at LOS E, except where side streets have very low traffic volumes, in which case LOS F conditions may be acceptable. (Source: Existing Program CT-16.4e, modified)
MOB-4.6 Alternate Access Routes. The City shall explore the feasibility of establishing alternate north/south and east/west access routes. (Source: Existing Goal CT-19, modified) MOB-4.7 Meet Future Travel Demand. The City shall extend existing streets or construct new streets as needed to meet existing and future travel demands. (Source: Existing Policies CT-19.1, CT-19.2, modified)
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Parking
MOB-5 To promote a balance of multi-modal options, to be reflected in flexible parking regulations. (Source:
Existing GP Goal CT 14)
MOB-5.1. Incentives for Travel Alternatives. The City shall work with downtown businesses and employers reduce the need for and expenses of off-street parking by supporting and encouraging alternatives to single-occupant vehicles such as incentives and priority parking for carpools and vanpools, secure bicycle parking, and free bus passes. (Source: Existing Policy CT-14.2, modified)
MOB-5.2 Support for Charging Stations. The City shall support the provision of charging stations for electric vehicles, as well as other types of vehicles, as new technologies emerge. (Source: New Policy) Aviation
MOB-6 To promote the Ukiah Municipal Airport for the Community's benefit and provide for the airport’s longterm viability, including ensuring future development considered by the 2040 Ukiah General Plan is consistent with the Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (UKIALUCP). (Source: combines Existing GP Goals AE 1 to AE-4)
MOB-6.1 Airport Promotion. The City shall ensure that the airport is a key part of the City's economic development strategy and promotional efforts. (Source: ExistingProgram AE-1.1a, modified) MOB-6.2 Uniform Airport Area Development Regulations. The City shall coordinate with the County to develop a similar or duplicate implementing code for development in and around the airport. (Source: Existing Policy AE-3.1) MOB-6.3 Infill Policy for Compatibility Zones. The City shall work collaboratively with the County to develop an In-fill Policy within the Municipal Airport Compatibility Zones. (Source: New Policy) Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Street Design Standards
The City shall update street design
standards and street classifications every
five years to support provision of a
citywide network of complete streets,
based on the National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban
Street Design Guide.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB – 1.1
MOB – 1.3
MOB – 1.4
MOB – 1.6
Public Works
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Transportation Impact Fees
The City shall reevaluate and update its
transportation impact fees every five years
to ensure fees are adequate and fairly
apportion to new development.
(Source: Existing Program CT-1.3a,
modified)
MOB – 1.5 Public Works
Community
Development
Right-of-Way Needs
The City shall revise and update the
projected street right-of-way needs for
completion of the City’s future mobility
network to ensure provision of complete
streets and completion of the planned
citywide bicycle and pedestrian networks.
(Source: Existing Programs CT-5.1c and
5.2a, modified)
MOB – 1.1
MOB – 1.3
MOB – 2.5
MOB – 3.6
MOB – 4.2
Public Works
Community
Development
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Performance Measures
The City shall adopt criteria for assessing
significant transportation impacts based
on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) consistent
with State CEQA Guidelines, incorporating
best practices including guidance provided
by the Governor’s Office of Planning &
Research (OPR).
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB – 2.1
MOB – 2.2
Community
Development
Public Works
VMT Modeling
The City shall develop a model for
assessing VMT for new development
consistent with new VMT performance
measures.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB – 2.1
MOB – 2.2
Community
Development
Public Works
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Page A-24 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
TDM Program
The City shall, in coordination with
Caltrans and the Mendocino Transit
Authority, amend the Development Code to
include a menu of options to facilitate and
encourage alternate modes of travel and
transportation.
(Source: Existing Program CT-3.1a,
modified)
MOB – 2.2
MOB – 2.3
MOB – 2.5
MOB – 2.6
Community
Development
Public Works
Transit Center
The City shall, in coordination with MTA
and other agencies and organizations seek
funding for and conduct a feasibility study
to develop a downtown transit center,
located as close to retail and services as
feasible.
(Source: Existing Program CT-10.5a,
modified)
MOB – 2.7 Public Works
Community
Development
Net Zero
The City shall develop and implement a
“net zero” strategy aimed at achieving zero
fatalities due to collisions on Ukiah’s
street network.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
MOB – 3.1
MOB – 3.2
MOB – 3.3
MOB – 3.4
MOB – 4.3
Public Works
Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Regional Transportation Plan Updates
The city shall conduct transportation
studies every five years in association with
required updates to the Regional
Transportation Plan. The transportation
studies shall, at a minimum, assess the
need to provide additional future mobility
facilities based on the long-term projected
traffic, transit, bicycle paths, and
pedestrian access needs.
(Source: Existing Programs CT-5.1a and
CT-5.2b, modified)
MOB – 4.1
MOB – 4.2
Public Works
Community
Development
Short-term Transportation Study
The City shall complete a transportation
study to make recommendations for the
purpose of increasing the provision of
multi-modal transportation facilities,
enhancing safety, lowering the rate of
collisions and reducing travel delays.
(Source: Existing Program CT-2.1a,
modified)
MOB – 4.2 Public Works
Community
Development
North/South and East/West Access
Routes
The City shall prepare a study to explore
the feasibility of establishing alternate
north/south and east/west access routes,
as well as the extension of existing streets
or construction new streets meet existing
and future travel demands.
(Source: Existing Goal CT-19, modified,
Existing Policies CT-19.1, CT-19.2,
modified)
MOB – 4.6
MOB – 4.7
Public Works
Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Airport Parcels
The City shall prepare a study to identify
parcels on which new development could
benefit the airport and supports
annexation of those parcels.
(Source: Existing Program AE-2.1a,
modified)
MOB – 6.1
MOB – 6.2
MOB – 6.3
Community
Development
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
Water
PFS-1 To maintain a safe and adequate water system to meet the needs of existing and future development. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-1, modified)
PFS-1.1 Water Service Annexation Impacts. The City shall ensure newly annexed areas within the city do not negatively affect water services to existing customers. (Source: New Policy) PFS-1.2 Russian River Water Rights. The City shall protect and confirm all Russian River tributary water rights to which the Ukiah Valley and City may be entitled. (Source: Existing Policy CF-1.1, modified) PFS-1.3 Consolidation of Water Districts . The City shall support the consolidation of water districts as part of future annexations to establish efficient services and ensure adequate water supply and delivery. (Source: New Policy) PFS-1.4 Water Storage. The City shall encourage the protection and expansion of existing sources and methods of water storage for future development. (Source: Existing Policy CF-1.2. modified) PFS-1.5 Recycled Water Project. The City shall explore the potential expansion of the Recycled Water Project to provide non-potable water to areas of large-scale urban irrigation, such as Todd Grove Park and the golf course. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-1.6 Reduce Reliance on the Russian River. The City shall continue to support the reduction on the reliance of surface water from the Russian River as a water source to serve the community. (Source: New Policy) PFS-1.7 Groundwater Recharge. The City shall enhance groundwater supply by looking to expand its capacity to recharge by developing storm ponding and retention basins where feasible. In some areas these ponds or basins can be incorporated into a recreational area, used as wildlife habitat area, or may be required by new development to offset impacts associated with new nonpermeable surfaces. (Source: New Policy)
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Wastewater
PFS-2 To maintain quality wastewater treatment and disposal services to meet the needs of existing and future development. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-6, modified)
PFS-2.1 Level of Service. The City shall maintain an adequate level of service in the City's wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system to meet the needs of existing and projected development and all State and Federal regulations. (Source: Existing Policy CF-6.1)
PFS-2.2 Wastewater System Funding. The City shall ensure that the wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system has adequate funds and programs for maintenance, upgrades when required, and day-to-day operations. (Source: Existing Program CF-6.1(a), modified)
PFS-2.3 Wastewater Service Coordination. The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District to ensure ongoing wastewater treatment capacity within the wastewater treatment plant for future development. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-2.4 Ukiah Valley Sanitation District . The City should collaborate with Ukiah Valley Sanitation District to ensure adequate wastewater collection and treatment is provided to properties within City limits and their jurisdictional boundaries. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-2.5 Out of Area Service Agreements. The City shall require out of service area agreements in rural areas where the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District cannot feasibly provide wastewater services. (Source: Existing Program CF7.1(b), modified) PFS-2.6 Wastewater Service Capacity. The City shall ensure there is adequate wastewater service capacity prior to annexation of additional land. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-2.7Protect Groundwater Quality . The City shall preserve and protect groundwater quality through the implementation of best practices and innovative methods for modern wastewater disposal. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-7, modified)
Solid Waste, Composting and Recycling
PFS-3 To ensure adequate solid waste, recycling, and composing services and maximize waste diversion from landfills. (Source: New Goal)
PFS-3.1Solid Waste Diversion Targets. The City shall encourage increased community participation in recycling and composting programs and weekly collection of recyclables and organic waste to achieve 85 percent diversion for community waste and municipal operations by 2030. (Source: New Policy aligning with the Ukiah Climate Action Plan, Strategy/Objective SW.1.2 which was not adopted.) PFS-3.2 Waste Management Services. The City shall continue waste management service contracts to provide quality and cost-effective solid waste removal throughout the city and require all residents and businesses to comply with solid waste collection and recycling service requirements. (Source: New Policy) PFS-3.3 Construction and Demolition Waste. The City shall require all new development to comply with the current CALGreen requirements for construction and demolition waste diversion. (Source: New Policy)
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PFS-3.4 Recycling Receptacles and Biodegradable/Recycled-Materials Products. The City shall require the availability of recycling and composting receptacles and use biodegradable or recycled-material products instead of single-use plastic products at all City facilities and City-sponsored events. (Source: New Policy) PFS-3.5Sustainable Purchasing Policy. The City shall prioritize purchasing products that are environmentally friendly; made with postconsumer recycled content; are recyclable, compostable, or reusable; are less toxic than conventional goods; are manufactured locally; and are fairly traded. (Source: New Policy based on the Ukiah Climate Action Plan, Action SW.1.2(C), which was not adopted) PFS-3.6 Waste Reduction Education. The City shall collaborate and partner with local organizations to provide waste reduction education programs to residents and businesses. (Source: New Policy) PFS-4 To enforce Citywide codes and ordinances, with special attention regarding private property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, rubbish/weeds, and public nuisances. (Source: New Goal) PFS-4.1Solid Waste Diversion Targets. The City shall provide adequate staffing to support code enforcement efforts to the extent financially feasible. (Source: New Policy aligning with the Ukiah Climate Action Plan,Strategy/Objective SW.1.2 which was not adopted.)
Stormwater Management
PFS-5 To maintain an adequate stormwater management system to accommodate runoff and improve environmental quality. (Source: New Goal)
PFS-5.1 Low Impact Development . The City shall require new developments to install green infrastructure consistent with Stormwater Low Impact Development Technical Design Manual and the sustainable objectives of the State and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID). (Source: New Policy)
PFS-5.2Pollutants Discharge Reduction. The City shall provide non-point source pollution control programs to reduce and control the discharge of pollutants into the storm drain system and Russian River. (Source: New Policy) Utilities and Energy
PFS-6 Improve the efficiency and quality of utility services in the city. (Source: New Goal) PFS-6.1 New Initiatives. The City shall support innovative, sustainable, and alternative practices and technologies for delivering energy and utility services to the community. (Source: New Policy) PFS-6.2 Undergrounding Utilities . The City shall encourage the conversion of overhead transmission and distribution lines to underground as economically feasible. (Source: New Policy) PFS-6.3Energy Efficiency Education . The City shall support education for residents and businesses on the importance of energy efficiency. (Source: Existing GP Goal, EG-7, modified) PFS-6.4Energy Efficient Municipal Buildings. The City shall require municipal and public buildings to operate at the highest energy efficiency level economically and operationally feasible. (Source: Existing GP Policy, EG-6.2)
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PFS-6.5Privately-Owned Building Retrofits . The City shall promote retrofitting of privately-owned buildings to increase energy efficiency. (Source: Existing GP Policy, EG-6.3, modified) PFS-6.6 Local Power Generation. The City shall support local power generation and production that is economically and operationally feasible. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-7 To ensure a safe and resilient utility and infrastructure system. (Source: New Goal) PFS-7.1 Resilient Electric Grid. The City shall explore options for hardening the electric grid to continue to provide ongoing service to the community without disruption caused by natural (seismic events, flooding, wildfires, extreme wind events) or man-made hazards. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-7.2Vegetation Clearance. The City shall require vegetation clearance and tree trimming adjacent to transmission and distribution lines and other critical electrical infrastructure. (Source: New Policy) [RDR] PFS-7.3Electric Infrastructure Upgrades. The City shall implement electrical infrastructure upgrades as outlined in the Ukiah Wildfire Mitigation Plan to reduce the risk of wildfires. (Source: New Policy) PFS-8 To transition to sustainable and renewable energy. (Source: New Goal) PFS-8.1 Utility Sustainability. The City shall continue to expand alternative, sustainable electric energy use. (Source:
New Policy)
PFS-8.2Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency . The City shall encourage the site planning and design of new buildings to maximize energy efficiency. (Source: Existing Policy EG-6.1, modified) PFS-8.3Solar Photovoltaic Use. The City shall encourage solar photovoltaic systems for existing residential uses to reduce the reliance on the energy grid. (Source: New Policy) PFS-8.4 Residential Electric Appliances. The City shall encourage the use of electric appliances and utility hook-ups in all new residential development. (Source: New Policy) PFS-8.5 LEED Certification. The City shall encourage new construction, including municipal building construction, to achieve third‐party green building certifications, such as LEED rating system, or an equivalent. (Source: New Policy) PFS-8.6 Incentivize Energy Efficiency . The City shall consider providing incentives, such as prioritizing plan review, permit processing, and field inspection services, for energy efficient building projects. (Source: New Policy) Fire Protection and Emergency Response
PFS-9 To maintain effective, fast, and dependable fire protection and emergency medical response in Ukiah. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-8, modified)
PFS-9.1 Emergency Medical Services. The City shall coordinate emergency medical services between agencies servicing the city. (Source: Existing Policy CF-8.1, modified) PFS-9.2 Fire Prevention . The City shall require all new development to include provisions for onsite fire suppression measures and/or management of surrounding vegetation to provide minimum clearance between structures and vegetation. (Source: New Policy)
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PFS-9.3 Interagency Coordination . The City shall coordinate with Cal Fire and the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority regarding the fire protection and wildfire safety standards. (Source: New Policy) Law Enforcement
PFS-10 To provide high-quality public safety and crime reduction services to maintain a safe and secure community. (Source: New Goal)
PFS-10.1 Police Staffing. The City shall prioritize the maintenance of Police Department staffing levels in line with community needs. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-10.2 Interagency Coordination. The City shall coordinate with the Mendocino County Sherriff’s Office on joint operations and services. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-10.3 Community Policing Strategies. The City shall promote community policing strategies that strengthen trust and collaboration with the residents of Ukiah, including those of all races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, economic status, sexual orientation, and disabilities, and ensure public safety through meaningful cooperation and problem-solving techniques. (Source: New Policy) [MPSP] PFS-10.4 School Safety. The City shall collaborate with the Ukiah Unified School District to enhance school security and student, teacher, and administrator safety. (Source: New Policy) PFS-10.5 Public Safety Communications. The City shall use a variety of communication methods (e.g., social media, text messaging, television and radio alerts, website postings) to communicate and inform residents and businesses about crimes, investigations, and emergencies. (Source: New Policy) Community Facilities
PFS-11 To ensure adequate community facilities. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-10, modified) .
PFS-11.1 Adequate Community Facilities . The City shall develop or identify adequate and appropriate community facilities for public meetings and cultural activities. (Source: Existing Policy CF-10.1, modified) [SO] PFS-11.2 Joint-Use Facilities . The City shall partner with Mendocino County and the Ukiah Unified School District to provide joint-use facilities. (Source: Existing Policy CF-10.1, modified) [IGC] Parks and Recreation
PFS-12 To provide parks, recreational facilities, and trails for residents and visitors. (Source: New Goal) PFS-12.1 Connected Park System. The City shall provide an interconnected park system that creates an urban greenbelt and links all trail systems within the City. (Source: New Policy) PFS-12.2 Expansion of Recreational Amenities and Programs. The City shall expand amenities and recreational programs in parks and recreational facilities that accommodate a variety of ages and address the needs of families. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-12.3 Equitable Access to Parks and Recreation Facilities . The City shall establish new parks and recreation facilities to ensure all residents have access within a one-mile radius of their place of residence regardless of socioeconomic status. (Source: New Policy)
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PFS-12.4 Access for Persons with Disabilities. The City shall design all parks and recreation facilities to have adequate access for those with accessibility issues. (Source: New Policy) PFS-12.5 Park Visibility. The City shall assure that all parks are visible from the public right-of-way when possible and remain clear of visual obstructions that reduce visual connections for safety concerns. (Source: New Policy) PFS-12.6 Park Safety. The City Police Department shall patrol and secure parks and recreational facilities from potential crime and misuse. (Source: Existing Policy PR-2.4, modified) PFS-12.7 Great Redwood Trail – Ukiah. The City shall support the continued phased development of the Great Redwood Trail through and beyond the city limits, to connect adjoining regional trail networks. (Source: New Policy) PFS-12.8 Collaborative Partnerships for Improved Services. The City shall work with Mendocino County, Ukiah schools, and other large land or facility owners to establish and maintain partnerships to improve access and maintenance to parks and recreation. (Source: New Policy) Education
PFS-13 To ensure high-quality educational institutions for all community members that foster diversity and educational attainment. (Source: New Goal)
PFS-13.1 Consideration of Impacts. The City shall consider potential impacts on the Ukiah Unified School District during the review of new development projects. (Source: Existing Policy CF-11.2, modified) PFS-13.2 Planning for Future Growth. The City shall collaborate with Ukiah Unified School District in its long-range planning efforts to ensure the adequacy of school facilities to serve new development. (Source: New Policy) PFS-13.3 School Siting Coordination. The City shall coordinate with Ukiah Unified School District on the future location of schools in relation to transportation and land use plans and seek to avoid traffic impacts and facilitate joint use of community parks and other public facilities by schools. (Source: Existing GP Program CF-11.3(b), modified)
Lifelong Learning
PFS-14 To enhance the educational support system serving the City to the benefit of all residents, regardless of age and location within the community. (Source: New Goal) PFS-14.1 Implementing Continuing Education. The City should encourage Mendocino College, local vocational schools, and technical training institutes to maintain and improve continuing education courses and certificate programs, including opportunities for on-line learning. (Source: New Policy) Healthy Community
PFS-15 To ensure all residents have access to healthy lifestyle options. (Source: New Goal) PFS-15.1 Alcohol and Tobacco Sales. The City shall shall study the feasibility of establishing zoning code provisions limiting the location and concentration of businesses selling alcohol and tobacco near sensitive land uses.
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PFS-15.2 Healthy Food Options. The City shall support programs that guide healthy food options in the community. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-15.3 Support Government-Issued Vouchers. The City shall support the acceptance of Government-issued food vouchers (such as WIC and Cal FRESH) via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at food retailers and farmers markets. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-15.4 Vending Machine Options. The City shall support healthy food options for vending machines in City-owned and leased locations. (Source: New Policy)
PFS-15.5 Healthy Food at Government-sponsored Events. The City shall support the provision of healthy foods at City-sponsored meetings and events when food is provided. (Source: New Policy) PFS-15.6 Healthy Homes. The City shall promote green building practices that support “healthy homes,” such as low VOC materials, environmental tobacco smoke control, and indoor air quality construction pollution prevention techniques. (Source: New Policy)
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Wastewater Annual Review
The City shall annually review the
wastewater collection, treatment, and
disposal system to ensure the financing
structure and viability of the system.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
PFS – 2.2
PFS – 2.3
PFS – 2.6
Public Works
Parks Gap Analysis
The City shall prepare a parks gap analysis
identifying areas of the city underserved by
parks and recreation facilities access. The
analysis shall, at a minimum, establish
equitable access standards, including the
minimum distance between parks every
residence, and potential funding
mechanisms.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
PFS – 12.1
PFS – 12.3
Community
Services
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Park Maintenance and Security Program
The City shall establish a comprehensive
maintenance and security program for all
recreational facilities, parks, and trails in
the Ukiah area. (Source: Existing Policy
PR-2.1)
PFS – 12.1
PFS – 12.5
PFS – 12.6
Community
Services
Alcohol and Tobacco Ordinance
The City shall prepare a feasibility analysis
studying the establishment of establishing
zoning code provisions related to the
location and number of businesses selling
alcohol and tobacco near sensitive land
uses. (Source: New Implementation
Program)
PFS- 15.1 Community
Development
Solid Waste Reduction
The City shall review existing
programs, and study the feasibility of new
or expanded programs related to waste
reduction. These efforts should be
coordinated with preparation of the City’s
Climate Action Plan and incorporated
where necessary (Source: New
Implementation Program)
PFS-3.1
PFS-3.2
PFS-3.3
PFS-3.4
PFS-3.5
PFS-3.6
Public Works
Community
Development
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Environment and Sustainability Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
Open Space
ENV-1 Preserve open space land for the commercial agricultural and productive uses, the protection and use of natural resources, the enjoyment of scenic beauty and recreation, protection of tribal resources, and the protection from natural hazards. (Source: New Goal)
ENV-1.1 Landscaping Compatibility. The City shall require landscaping in new development to be compatible with preservation and restoration goals of open space management and native vegetation. (Source: Existing Policy OC1.3,modified) ENV-1.2 Open Space Management. The City shall manage and maintain City-owned open spaces to preserve the integrity of these public spaces. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-1.3 Open Space and Renewable Energy Production. The City shall seek, where feasible, to develop renewable energy production within City-owned open space. (Source: New Policy) ENV-2 To maintain and enhance the urban forest to create a sense of urban space and cohesiveness with the surrounding natural environment. (Source: Existing GP Goal OC-29, modified) ENV-2.1 Tree Preservation. The City shall update and maintain City tree inventories to support landmark trees preservation and urban biodiversity, including trees designated for streets and parking lots, and city facilities. The City shall also prepare an Urban Forest Master Plan, review its Tree Management Guidelines and study the feasibility of preparing a Tree Protection Ordinance.
ENV-2.2 Protect Healthy Trees. The City shall review new construction and landscaping site plans to ensure that healthy trees are not removed unnecessarily. (Source: Existing Program OC-29.1b, 22-1a) ENV-2.3 Accommodation of Trees along Roadways. The City shall ensure future roadway plans accommodate existing and new trees without compromising sidewalk accessibility. (Source: New Policy) ENV-2.4 Tree Trimming for Fire Prevention. The City shall encourage private tree trimming as a fire hazard mitigation. (Source: New Policy).
Historic-Archeological
ENV-3 To preserve and protect historic and archaeological resources in Ukiah. (Source: New Goal) ENV-3.1 The City shall support the listing of eligible properties, sites, and structures as potential historic designations and their inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources and National Register of Historic Places. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-3.2 Archaeological Resource Impact Mitigation. The City shall ensure appropriate and feasible mitigation for new development that has the potential to impact sites likely to contain archaeological, paleontological, cultural, or tribal resources. (Source:New Policy)
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ENV-3.3 Protect Archaeological Resources. The City shall require any construction, grading, or other site altering activities cease if cultural, archaeological, paleontological, or cultural resources are discovered during until a qualified professional has completed an evaluation of the site. (Source: New Policy) ENV-3.4 Tribal Consultation. The City shall proactively engage local Native American tribes in the planning process, particularly when matters related to Native American culture, heritage, resources, or artifacts may be affected. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-3.5 Educational Outreach. The City shall coordinate with the museum to provide education to the public on how to protect sites and structures. (Source: Existing Policy HA-8.1, modified) ENV-3.6 City-owned Historic Sites and Structures. The City shall maintain, preserve, and improve City-owned historic structures and sites in an architecturally and environmentally sensitive manner. (Source: Existing Policy HA-5.1, modified)
ENV-3.7 Adaptive Reuse. The City shall encourage appropriate adaptive reuse of historic resources. (Source:
Existing Policy HA7.3)
Conservation
ENV-4 To conserve and protect the city’s natural woodlands and water resources for future generations. (Source:
New Goal)
ENV-4.1 Habitat Preservation. The City shall require new development to preserve and enhance natural areas that serve, or may potentially serve, as habitat for special-status species. Where preservation is not feasible, the City shall require appropriate mitigation. (Source: New Policy) ENV-4.2 Trail Connectivity. The City shall identify appropriate areas for trails along the ridge line that can be connected to trails in the valley. (Source: Existing Policy OC-10.3) ENV-4.3 Interconnected Greenways. The City shall encourage new development to incorporate and facilitate interconnected greenways that support wildlife conservation and recreational purposes. (Source: Existing Policy OC11.2, modified) ENV-4.4 River and Creek Preservation. The City shall work cooperatively with the County and private landowners to develop pedestrian access along creeks flowing through the City where safe and feasible to do so and where it will not cause adverse impacts. (Source: Existing Program OC-9.4a) ENV-4.5 Recycled Water. The City shall support efforts to increase recycle water use. (Source: New Policy) ENV-4.6 Groundwater Protection. The City shall require, for new development that could result in a significant reduction in groundwater recharge area or water quantity, an analysis, prepared by a licensed hydrologist, of the project impacts on groundwater recharge and quality. (Source: Existing Program OC-12.1a) ENV-4.7 Water Capturing Permits. The City shall encourage and support residents to have an on-site water capturing system for landscaping and household use. (Source: New Policy)
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ENV-4.8 Mitigate Water Resource Pollutants. The City shall protect water quality from adverse impacts of urban and agricultural runoff. (Source: Existing Policy OC-15.1, modified) Biological Resources
ENV-5 To ensure the health and viability of the Russian River fisheries and tributaries. (Source: Existing GP Goals OC-7 and OC-26, modified)
ENV-5.1 Local Collaboratives. The City shall participate in local collaborative efforts to restore and preserve the health of the Russian River as a habitat for riparian species. (Source: New Policy) ENV-5.2 Community Education. The City shall work with schools’ education providers, and non-profit community groups, to organize educational trips, cleanup days, and similar activities that promote involvement with and knowledge of the Russian River habitat. (Source: New Policy) ENV-5.3 Russian River Riparian Area. The City shall support the County in maintaining the Russian River as a natural riparian corridor. (Source: Existing Policy OC-7.5, modified) ENV-6 To preserve and restore creeks, streams, riparian areas, and wetlands. (Source: New Goal) ENV-6.1 Restoration Master Plans The City shall establish a Creek and Stream Restoration Master Plan for each creek flowing through the City limits. (Source: Existing Policy OC-9.1, modified) ENV-6.2 Contamination and Sedimentation Prevention. The City shall require new development to use site preparation, grading, and construction techniques that prevent contamination and sedimentation of creeks and streams. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-6.3 Waterway Restoration. The City shall encourage and provide resources to landowners in the city to remove invasive species, plant native plant species, and prevent pollution from entering local creeks and waterways. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-6.4 Waterway Channelization. The City shall actively support the use of natural waterways within the city by avoiding any new waterway channelization within the city and collaborating with local and regional agencies to restore channelized waterways where feasible. (Source: New Policy) ENV-6.5 Creek Protection. The City shall require new development located adjacent to stream corridors to include appropriate measures for creek bank stabilization, erosion and sedimentation prevention, and natural creek channel and riparian vegetation preservation. (Source: Existing Programs OC-7.5(a), OC-9.2d, OC-9.2e, modified) ENV-6.6 Erosion Control Plans. The City shall require new development that requires significant grading near creeks, streams, wetlands, and riparian areas to prepare erosion control plans that address grading practices that prevent soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and drainageway scour, consistent with biological and aesthetic values. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-6.7 Public Open Space. The City shall work with Mendocino County and the Public Spaces Commission to identify and select appropriate locations along creek channels, hillsides, and ridgelines that would be appropriate for future acquisition and development as trails, pocket parks, wildlife preserves, or other public open space. (Source: Existing Programs OC-9.4b, -10.3a, -10.3b, -27.1a modified)
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ENV-6.8 Research and Educational Access. The City shall work with public and private landowners adjacent to creeks to allow public access to creeks, streams, waterways, and riparian areas for educational and research programs. (Source: New Policy)
Air Quality
ENV-7 To improve air quality to the benefit of public health, welfare, and reduce air quality impacts with adverse effects on residents’ health and wellbeing. (Source: New Goal) ENV-7.1 Transit Oriented Development. The City shall encourage concentration of new development near areas served by transit access and reduce single-occupancy vehicle dependency. (Source: Existing Policy OC-31.1, modified)
ENV-7.2 Active Transportation. The City shall prioritize pedestrian and bicycle access, infrastructure, and education to encourage increased use of alternative modes of transportation as a means to reduce direct and indirect air contaminant emissions. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-7.3 Implement Clean Air Plan. The City shall cooperate with Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (MCAQMD) to implement the Clean Air Plan required by the Clean Air Act, reduce non-attainment pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, and ozone, and enforce air quality standards as required by State and Federal statutes. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-7.4 Public Outreach. The City shall cooperate with the MCAQMD and Mendocino County Public Health to create public awareness and education programs about air quality issues and safety measures during hazardous air events. (Source: Existing Policy OC-36.1, modified)
ENV-7.5 Construction and Operations. The City shall require that development projects incorporate feasible measures that reduce construction and operational emissions for reactive organic gases, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). (Source: Existing Program OC-37.2b, modified) ENV-7.6 Wood Burning Fireplace Replacement. The City shall promote the replacement of non-EPA certified fireplaces and woodstoves and encourage city residents to participate in MCAQMD and NSCAPCD programs, such as the Wood Stove Rebate Program. (Source: Existing Program OC-38.1a, OC-38.1e, modified) ENV-7.7 City Vehicle and Equipment Fleet. The City shall continue to purchase low-emission vehicles and use clean alternative fuels as part of their fleet. When possible, the City will replace gas and hybrid vehicles with electric vehicles. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-7.8 Residential EVCharging Stations. The City shall encourage new development to install EV charging stations in homes to increase the potential for the public to use zero-emission vehicles, lessening the impacts to air quality through pollution. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-7.9 Public EV Charging Stations. The City shall install public charging stations in its commercial areas to provide additional charging options for city visitors. (Source: New Policy)
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Climate Change and Sustainability
ENV-8 To achieve carbon neutrality by or before the year 2045. (Source: New Goal) ENV-8.1 Carbon Neutrality Resolution. The City shall adopt a Carbon Neutrality Resolution that provides a foundation for all subsequent climate actions. (Source: New Policy) ENV-8.2 Micro-grid and Small Battery Storage. The City shall encourage the development of small-scale battery storage and micro grid capacity for storing renewable power for nighttime energy use. (Source: New Policy) ENV-8.3 Municipal Building Electrification Plan. The City shall adopt an electrification plan for all municipal buildings to convert them to all electric using energy from carbon-free and renewable sources by 2035. (Source:
New Policy)
ENV-8.4 Municipal Preference of Emissions-Reduced Equipment. The City shall contract only with providers who use electric-powered equipment where available and feasible for City construction projects or contract services. (Source: New Policy)
ENV-8.5 Energy Conservation and RenewableEnergy. The City shall promote energy conservation in municipal facilities by seeking opportunities to install energy efficient fixtures and appliances, solar panels, solar battery storage, and other retrofits to new and existing structures. (Source: New Policy) ENV-9 To become a zero-waste community through responsible procurement, waste diversion, and innovative strategies. (Source: New Goal)
ENV-9.1 Zero Waste. The City shall promote innovative activities that reduce waste and increase waste diversion, including sourcing products with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging; establishing food diversion programs; gasification, and promoting and educating on waste diversion and its importance. (Source: New Policy) ENV-9.2 Household Waste Programs. The City shall provide convenient, easy-to-use bulky item and household hazardous waste programs that facilitate the reuse and recycling of materials. (Source: New Policy)
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Hillside Ordinance
The City shall update its Hillside Ordinance
periodically to provide regulations and
provisions that balance hillside
development and preservation. At a
minimum the Hillside Ordinance shall:
• Protect of natural terrain and
hillside areas on the west side of
Ukiah;
• Promote habitat connectivity and
scenic viewsheds;
• Include development standards for
grading, road and trail
improvements, density, structure
design and placement, clustering,
erosion and sediment control,
habitat preservation; and
• Promote wildfire safety standards
and site development regulations.
(Source: OC-11.2a, modified)
ENV – 1.1
ENV – 1.2
Community
Development
Landscaping Standards
The City shall update the Zoning Code to
include landscaping standards to require
drought-resistant and native plants.
(Source: Existing Program OC-23.1b,
modified)
ENV – 1.1
ENV – 4.7
Community
Development
Open Space Management
Revise the Zoning Code to include
standards for maintaining open space and
green areas within new developments.
(Source: Existing Program OC-2.1a)
ENV – 1.2 Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Updated Undeveloped Land Inventory
The City shall annually update the
undeveloped lands inventory.
(Source: Existing Program OC-1.1a)
ENV – 1.2 Community
Development
Prepare an Urban Forest Master Plan
The City shall prepare an Urban Forest
Master Plan that includes the types of trees
appropriate for Ukiah and locations where
the city would receive the greatest benefits
of new trees. This plan should include trees
within commercial and residential areas, as
well as those at city parks and facilities.
This plan shall be updated every five years.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 2.1 Community
Development
Public Works
Community
Services
Tree Protection Ordinance
The City shall review its Tree Management
Guidelines and study the feasibility of
preparing a Tree Protection Ordinance.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 2.1
ENV – 2.2
Community
Development
Historic Structure Preservation Policy and
Architectural Inventory
The City shall update the Historic Structure
Preservation policy and architectural
resource inventory in collaboration with the
Mendocino County Historical Society to
focus on preservation of identified historic
and architectural resources, while also
streamlining development/demolition of
older, non-resource structures.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 3.1 Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Cultural and Historic Registry
The City shall update the list of cultural and
historic resources worthy of nomination to
state or national preservation lists.
(Source: Existing Program HA-2.1a)
ENV – 3.1 Community
Development
Historic Preservation Ordinance
The City shall adopt a Historic
Archaeological Preservation Ordinance to
review permanent changes to the exterior or
setting of designated historic or impacts to
Archaeological resources. Among other
topics, the Ordinance should address the
following: archaeological resource impact
avoidance, new development in historicallysensitive neighborhood, compatibility of energy conservation retrofitting, design
review standards for new structures
replacing demolished historic structures,
and requirements for preservation of
records and artifacts from demolished
historic structures.
(Source: Existing Programs HA-2.2a, 5.1b,
6.1a, 7.2b, 7.4b, HA-7.4c)
ENV – 3.1
ENV – 3.5
ENV – 3.6
ENV – 3.7
Community
Development
Water Conservation Guidelines
The City shall prepare guidelines for
drought period water conservation
strategies for residential zones.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 4.5
ENV – 4.6
ENV – 4.7
Community
Development
Public Works
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Page A-42 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Creek and Stream Protection Zone
Establishment for New Development
The City shall establish creek and stream
protection zones for waterways that extend
a minimum of 30 feet (measured from the
top of a bank and a strip of land extending
laterally outward from the top of each
bank), with wider buffers where significant
habitat areas or high potential wetlands
exist. The City shall prohibit development
within a creek and stream protection zones,
except as part of greenway enhancement,
including habitat conservation, bike and
walking paths, wildlife habitat, and native
plant landscaping). City approval is required
for the following activities within the creek
and stream protection zones.
1. Construction, alteration, or removal
of any structure;
2. Excavation, filling, or grading;
3. Removal or planting of vegetation
(except for removal of invasive
plant species); or
4. Alteration of any embankment.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 6.1 Community
Development
Public Works
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Erosion Prevention Program
The City shall revise the Zoning Code to
include design standards for new
development that require riparian habitat
integration into project design as a means
of avoiding potential impacts of river
sedimentation and lessening the effects of
erosion.
(Source: Existing Program OC-7.5a,
modified)
ENV – 6.1
ENV – 6.2
ENV – 6.4
ENV – 6.5
ENV – 6.6
Community
Development
Adopt a Municipal Climate Action Plan
(CAP)
The City shall adopt a municipal Climate
Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality for
all municipal operations and meet State and
City GHG emission reduction goals.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
ENV – 8
ENV – 8.1
ENV – 8.3
ENV – 9.1
Community
Development
Safety Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
Geologic and Seismic Hazards
SAF-1 Minimize risk to people and property resulting from geologic and seismic hazards through effective development regulation (Source: UVAP Policy HS1.1)
SAF-1.1 Building Code Requirements. The City shall mitigate the potential impact for harm associated with geologic hazards by adopting and implementing the requirements outlined within the California Building Code and State seismic design guidelines. (Source: New Policy).
SAF-1.2 Geotechnical Report. Where projects are proposed within designated risk zones, require professionally prepared geotechnical evaluations prior to site development. If a discretionary permit is required, the geotechnical report shall be submitted with the permit application. (Source: UVAP, HS1.1c)
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-44 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
SAF-1.3Resilient Infrastructure – Gathering Places. Encourage privately owned critical facilities (e.g. churches, hotels, other gathering facilities) to evaluate the ability of the buildings to withstand earthquakes and to address any deficiencies identified. (Source: MJHMP, 2021)
SAF-1.4Resilient Infrastructure – Unreinforced Masonry. Continue an outreach and education program for owners and tenants in downtown unreinforced masonry buildings to understand earthquake risks and precautions and, for owners, to understand retrofitting options and available funding mechanisms. (Source: MJHMP, 2021) Climate Change Hazards
SAF-2 To create a more resilient community that is prepared for, responsive to, and recoverable from hazards created or made worse by climate change. (Source: CAVA).
SAF-2.1Community Service Organization Coordination. The City shall collaborate with community service organizations to ensure that the information and services related to emergency preparedness are made available to persons with limited transportation, communication, and other lifeline resources and services (Source: New Policy) SAF-2.2Vulnerable Populations Coordination. The City shall coordinate with the Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care and other existing programs to ensure that emergency shelters are available during extreme heat events, severe weather and flooding events, and other highly hazardous conditions. (Source: New Policy)
Flood Hazards
SAF-3 Minimize adverse impacts related to flooding through flood mitigation components and ongoing flood management practices. (Source: New Goal)
SAF-3.1Flood Control Regulation. The City shall coordinate with FEMA to ensure that the City’s regulations related to flood control are in compliance with Federal, State, and local guidelines. (Source: New Policy) SAF-3.2Flood Plain Management Ordinance. The City shall maintain an updated Flood Plain Management Ordinance specifying proper construction methods in identified flood hazard areas. (Source: New Policy) SAF-3.3National Flood Insurance Program. The City shall maintain compliance with the provisions of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). (Source: New Policy) Wildfire
SAF-4 To maintain adequate and effective fire protection services for Ukiah. (Source: New Goal) SAF-4.1Fire Service Rating. The City shall optimize the ISO ratings of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to Class 1 by prioritizing agency needs and balancing cost/quality trade-offs. (Source: New Policy) SAF-4.2Fire Service Funding. The City shall explore opportunities for increased funding for the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority in order to expand services appropriately. (Source: New Policy) SAF-4.3Fire Protection Resources. The City shall foster cooperative working relationships with public fire agences, including CAL FIRE, to optimize fire protection resources within Ukiah. (Source: New Policy)
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SAF-4.4Mutual Aid Participation. The City shall participate in mutual aid systems and agreements to supplement the capacity of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority. (Source: New Policy) SAF-4.5Regional Fire Protection Plans. The City shall coordinate with CAL FIRE and the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council to implement and regularly update regional fire protection plans. (Source: New Policy) SAF-4.6Local Fire Protection Plans. The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to continue developing local fire protection planning and programs particularly for new development in VHFHSZs. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-5 To minimize wildland fire risk to protect life and property. (Source: Existing GP Goal SF-7, modified) SAF-5.1Public Facilities Hazard Mitigation. The City shall to the extent possible, ensure that future public facilities are not located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in an area lacking service. If facilities are located within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones the City shall reduce the hazard potential by requiring the incorporation of hazard mitigation measures during planned improvements. If facilities are proposed in areas lacking existing service, service shall be expanded to such areas to provide adequate fire protection .(Source: New Policy) SAF-5.2Vegetation and Fuel Management. The City shall require that structures located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management specified within the California Fire Code and Public Resources Code 4291. (Source: New Policy) SAF-5.3Evacuation Routes. The City shall identify and maintain adequate evacuation routes in the city to safeguard human life in the case of fire. Evacuation routes shall be analyzed for their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios in accordance with Assembly Bill 747. Evacuation routes within VHFHSZs shall be developed in accordance with SRA Fire Safe Regulations (Title 14, Division 1.5), and residential development in VHFHSZs that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes shall also be identified in accordance with Senate Bill 99. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-5.4Roadway Vegetation Clearance. The City shall maintain an adequate vegetation clearance on public and private roads to mitigate wildfire hazards. (Source: New Policy) SAF-5.5Fuel Breaks. The City shall prioritize increasing funding for and the maintenance ofappropriate fuel breaks, reductions, and pest management in high fire hazard areas to prevent the spread of fire and limit potential damages. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-5.6Water Supply Infrastructure. The City shall regularly assess the integrity of for existing and proposed development to ensure adequate fire suppression needs are met. (Source: New Policy) SAF-5.7Local Fire Ordinance. The City shall adopt and maintain a local fire ordinance in compliance with the Statewide SRA Fire Safety Regulations, including but not limited to, Public Resources Code 4291. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-5.8Site Design Standards for Fire Hazard Reduction. The City shall prioritize the maintenance and update of stringent site design standards (such as those contained within the Hillside Overlay District) to reduce potential fire hazard risk, particularly within VHFHSZs, and ensure that new development maintains adequate access (ingress, egress). New residential development with VHFHSZs should be minimized. (Source: New Policy).
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Page A-46 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
SAF-5.9Site Design Standards for Fire Hazard Reduction. The City shall prioritize the maintenance and update of stringent site design standards to reduce potential fire hazard risk. (Source: New Policy) SAF-5.10 Adequate Water Supply Infrastructure. All new development shall have adequate fire protection resources.
The City shall prioritize new development in areas with adequate water supply infrastructure. This shall include providing information to at-risk populations related to evacuation routes and wildfire evacuation events, defensible space, fire hazard impacts (such as structural damage, wildfire smoke, etc.), fire prevention measures, and structural hardening. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-5.11 Fire Safety Education Programs. The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to inform property owners and residents of the most recent best practices in building and land management and fire safety measures to protect people and property from fire hazards. (Source: Existing Policy SF-10.1, modified) SAF-6 To ensure that the City is adequately prepared for emergencies of any variety through effective planning measures. (Source: New Goal)
SAF-6.1Evacuation Routes. The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to review, update, and periodically exercise emergency access, protocols, and evacuation routes to assess their effectiveness. (Source:
New Policy)
SAF-6.2Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City shall continue to participate in and implement the Mendocino County Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure maximum preparedness for hazard events. (Source: New Policy) SAF-6.3Locally Focused Plans. The City shall maintain and implement locally focused plans, including an Emergency Operations Plan, to maintain consistency with State and Federal requirements. This shall include developing a plan for repopulation and redevelopment after large disaster events. (Source: New Policy) Noise
SAF-7 To stabilize or reduce transportation noise impacts on residential uses. (Source: Existing GP Goal NZ-1) SAF-7.1Noise Inventory. The City shall inventory noise contours for major traffic corridors and the airport. (Source:
Existing Policy NZ-1.1)
SAF-7.2Sound Attenuation Strategies. The City shall require all new residential development located along major transportation corridors to incorporate sound attenuation strategies to mitigate noise levels to acceptable levels. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-7.3Airport Noise Disclosure. The City shall require disclosure of potential airport noise impacts for property transactions located within the 55 to 65 decibal airport noise contours. (Source: Existing Policy NZ-1.5- Modified) SAF-7.4Airport Noise Attenuation. The City shall require the incorporation of sound reducing measures in all new construction in the airport compatibility zones, consistent with the Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan. (Source:
New Policy)
SAF-7.5Roadway Expansion. The City shall require the use of accepted acoustic engineering features when designing for the expansion of existing roads examples include low landscaped berms, landscaping, below-grade
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-47
construction, and speed control -to minimize expansion of the existing Design to Cost (DTC). (Source: Existing Program NZ-1.2c, modified)
SAF-7.6Noise Equipment. The City shall require that commercial passenger service aircraft comply with the best available noise equipment standards to reduce noise impacts on the ground. (Source: Existing Program NZ-1.4c) SAF-8 To reduce noise impacts through the enforcement of appropriate building and land use codes. (Source:
Existing GP Goal NZ-2- Modified)
SAF-8.1Update Noise Attenuation Standards. The City shall review and update Article 6 of the City Municipal Code to ensure enforcement of best practices for noise attenuation standards. (Source: New Policy) SAF-8.2Noise Impact Analysis. The City shall ensure adequate analysis of noise impacts when reviewing project permits. (Source: Existing Policy NZ-2.2)
SAF-8.3Noise Attenuation Requirements. The City shall require all new commercial and manufacturing uses that could produce excessive noise to incorporate applicable noise mitigation measures to reduce noise levels to acceptable levels. (Source: New Policy)
SAF-8.4Acoustical Studies. The City shall require acoustical studies for all new development projects with potential to generate excessive noise to identify potential noise impacts and appropriate mitigation measures. (Source: New Policy)
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Building and Zoning Code
The City shall review and update the
building and zoning code upon
amendments to the California Building
Code, Alquist-Priolo Act, and all
published regulations related to
development and construction.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 1.1 Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Geotechnical Report
The City shall update Municipal Code
with provisions to require professionally
prepared geotechnical evaluations prior
to site development. If a discretionary
permit is required, the geotechnical
report shall be submitted with the permit
application.
(Source: UVAP, HS1.1c)
SAF – 1.2 Community
Development
Resilient Infrastructure
The City shall reach out to property
owners of privately owned critical
facilities (e.g., hospitals, emergency
shelters) and coordinate building
inspections to evaluate the ability of the
buildings to withstand moderate to
significant earthquakes and to address
any deficiencies identified.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 1.3 Community
Development
Resilient Infrastructure
The City shall continue an outreach and
education program for owners and
tenants in downtown unreinforced
masonry buildings and provide ongoing
information regarding earthquake risks,
precautions, retrofitting options, and
available funding mechanisms.
(Source: MJHMP, 2021, modified)
SAF – 1.4 Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Floodplain Development
The City shall review and update the City
Code to incorporate FEMA Flood
Insurance Program standards and
regulations for development within
identified floodplains or areas subject to
inundation by a one-hundred-year flood.
The standards shall prohibit development
within floodways except as permitted by
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Flood Insurance Program.
(Source: Existing Program SF-3.1a)
SAF – 3.1
SAF – 3.2
SAF – 3.3
Community
Development
Resilient Communities
The City shall coordinate and collaborate
with community service organizations to
ensure that the information and services
related to emergency preparedness are
made available through handouts,
outreach meetings, and online resources
to persons with limited transportation,
communication, and other lifeline
resources and services.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF-2.1
SAF-2.2
City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Storm Drain Maintenance for Flood
Control
The City shall maintain and regularly
assess the local storm drains for
adequate operation to prevent flooding
and debris flows.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 3.1
SAF – 3.3
Public Works
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-50 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Fire Protection Rating
Monitor the City’s fire protection rating
and cooperate with the Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority to correct deficiencies.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.1 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Insurance Services Officer (ISO)
The City shall work with the County,
special districts, and the State to
implement ISO recommendations and
take steps necessary to maintain or
improve the areas’ ISO Rating.
(Source: Existing Program SF-6.1a)
SAF – 4.1 City Manager
Community
Development
Fire Service Funding
The City shall explore opportunities such
as state and federal grants and
partnerships with other organizations for
increased funding related to fire risk
mitigation. Funding opportunities for
private landowners will be promoted
through City communications channels.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.2 Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Fire Liaison
Designate a Fire Safety Liaison to
regularly coordinate with CAL FIRE and
neighboring fire agencies on staffing,
local programs, and key issues.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.3 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Mutual Aid Participation
The City shall participate in mutual aid
systems and agreements to supplement
the capacity of the Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.4 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-51
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Regional Fire Protection Plans
The City shall coordinate with CAL FIRE
and the Mendocino County Fire Safe
Council to implement and regularly
update regional fire protection plans
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.5 City Manager
CAL FIRE
Mendocino
Mendocino
County Fire Safe
Council
Local Fire Protection Plans
The City shall request quarterly meetings
with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to
develop and implement local fire
protection planning and programs. If new
residential subdivisions are proposed
within the VHFHSZ a Fire Protection Plan
with the following components shall be
included in the proposal and reviewed by
the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority:
• Risk Analysis.
• Fire Response Capabilities.
• Fire Safety Requirements –
Defensible Space, Infrastructure,
and Building Ignition Resistance.
• Mitigation Measures and Design
Considerations for NonConforming Fuel Modification.
• Wildfire Education Maintenance
and Limitations
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 4.6 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-52 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Fire Safety Standards
The City shall review the Ukiah City Code
every five years to confirm compliance
with all applicable State regulatory
standards related to fire safety and
update the Code as necessary.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5 Community
Development
Fire Hazard Zone Update
The City shall continue to update and
adopt local fire hazard zones
designations as changes to the state
zoning designation occur.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5 Community
Development
Public Facilities Hazard Mitigation
The City shall require the incorporation of
hazard mitigation measures during
planned improvements for public
facilities located in the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.1 Community
Development
Evacuation Route Standards
The City shall establish minimum road
widths and flammable vegetation
clearances for evacuation routes in
accordance with California regulatory
standards.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.2
SAF – 5.3
SAF – 6.1
City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Community
Development
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-53
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Out of Compliance Roadways
The City shall identify all road networks in
VHFHSZs that do not meet State
standards outlined in Title 14, Chapter 7
of the California Code of Regulations and
prepare recommendations and a program
for bringing the roadways into
compliance with State standards.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.4 Public Works
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Fuel Break Assessment
The City shall develop a strategic Fuel
Break Assessment to establish priorities
for developing and maintaining fuel
breaks within the city.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.5 Community
Development
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Cooperative Pest Management
The City shall collaborate with state and
federal land management agencies on
pest and fuel management activities.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.5 Community
Development
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Community Chipper Program
The City shall participate annually and
expand the Mendocino County Fire Safe
Council’s Community Chipper Program to
provide a free service to chip and haul
limbs and brush for residences
defensible space.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.5 Community
Development
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Mendocino
County Fire Safe
Council
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Page A-54 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Water Supply Infrastructure
The City shall regularly assess the
integrity of existing water supply
infrastructure through water tests and
inspections of water lines and prioritize
developments in areas with adequate
water supply infrastructure.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.6
SAF – 5.9
Public Works
Hillside Development Standards
The City shall review and update the
Hillside Development Standards outlined
within the Ukiah City Code by 2030 for
consistency with new wildfire safety
legislation.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.7
SAF – 5.8
SAF – 5.10
Community
Development
Site Design Standards
The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah
Valley Fire Authority to update site design
standards in accordance with published
State guidance and current conditions.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.8 Community
Development
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Public Information Program
The City shall develop a comprehensive
public information program related to fire
safety to inform residents of present
hazards and strategies for mitigation.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.10 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-55
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Communities at Risk
The City shall identify and map existing
multi-family housing, group homes, or
other community housing located in
VHHSZs and require the development of
adequate evacuation or shelter in place
plans.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.10 City Manager
Community
Development
Police
Department
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Fire Safety Education
The City shall coordinate with the Ukiah
Valley Fire District to schedule and host
annual public meetings to review
established wildfire prevention and
protection measures as well as
emergency response plans, especially
evacuation plans and routes.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 5.10 City Manager
Police
Department
Mendocino MJHMP
The City shall update city plans,
regulations, and standards to implement
the 2020 Mendocino County MultiJurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 6.2 Police
Department
Community
Development
Mendocino County EOP
The City shall update city plans,
regulations, and standards every five
years to assure compatibility with the
Mendocino County Emergency
Operations Plan.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 6.3 Police
Department
City Manager
Community
Development
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Page A-56 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Sound Attenuation Regulations
The City shall require any new residential
development located along a major
transportation corridor to reduce any
potential noise impacts to a less than
significant level by using current best
practices, including building materials,
site design, barriers and berms, and other
methods of noise reduction.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 7.2 Community
Development
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Airport Disclosure
The City shall prepare an ordinance
requiring that the following statement be
included in all property transactions or as
a part of the issuance of use permits for
property or projects within the airport's
area of influence, both core and
peripheral.
• This project/residence is in close
proximity to the Ukiah Municipal
Airport which is a major noise
generating source. Development
in this area will be subject to
overflights of aircraft taking off
from and landing at the airport.
These aircraft include privatelyowned corporate jets and firefighting air tankers from the
California Department of
Forestry. It is anticipated that the
volume of traffic and resulting
noise may increase in future
years."
(Source: Existing Program NZ1.5a)
SAF – 7.3 Planning
Services
Building
Services
Airport Noise Attenuation
The City shall update the Municipal Code
to require the incorporation of sound
reducing measures, as needed, in all new
construction in the airport compatibility
zones, consistent with the Ukiah
Municipal Airport Master Plan. (Source:
New Implementation Program)
SAF – 7.4 Planning
Services
Building
Services
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-58 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Roadway Expansion
The City shall require the use of accepted
acoustic engineering features when
designing for the expansion of existing
roads where such expansion has the
potential to result in a noise impact that
can be feasibly mitigated. Examples
include low landscaped berms,
landscaping, below-grade construction,
and speed control -to minimize
expansion of the existing Design to Cost
(DTC).
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 7.5 Public Work
Department
Noise Attenuation
The City shall review and update Article 6
of the City Municipal Code to ensure
enforcement of best practices for noise
attenuation standards, and to include a
requirement for all new commercial and
manufacturing uses that could produce
noise that exceeds the noise limit
regulations listed in Article 6 to
incorporate applicable noise mitigation
measures to reduce noise levels to
acceptable levels.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 8.1
SAF – 8.3
Planning
Services
Building
Services
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-59
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Noise Impact Analysis
Where noise analysis has been required
as a condition of project approval, the
City shall ensure adequate analysis of
noise impacts when reviewing project
permits by requiring noise details and
specifications as part of the submittal
packet.
(Source: Existing Policy NZ-2.2)
SAF – 8.2 Planning
Services
Building
Services
Acoustical Studies
The City shall add provision to Municipal
Code to require acoustical studies for all
new development projects with potential
to generate excessive noise to identify
potential noise impacts and appropriate
mitigation measures.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
SAF – 8.4 Planning
Services
Building
Services
Agriculture Element
GOALS AND POLICIES
AG-1 To preserve and strengthen agricultural uses in and around Ukiah that influence the regional economy. (Source: New Goal)
AG-1.1 Reduce Agricultural/Urban Conflict . The City shall reduce conflict between incompatible uses and agriculture within and adjacent to the City (Source: New Policy).
AG-1.2 Preserve Agricultural Lands. With the exception of presently proposed or approved subdivisions, the City shall discourage urban development on unincorporated land within its Sphere of Influence until annexed by the City.
The City shall support County land use regulations that protect the viability of local agriculture in the Ukiah Valley. (Source: New Policy)
AG-1.3 Plan Together. The City shall identify and involve stakeholders, as well as advisors with knowledge and expertise, to create and implement a comprehensive planning framework that preserves and strengthens agricultural uses in and around Ukiah that inform and influence the regional economy. (Source: New Policy).
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AG-2 To create a healthy, equitable and resilient local-food system that further integrates agriculture into the City’s identity. (Source: New Goal)
AG-2.4 Backyard Food The City shall allow and encourage residents to undertake supplementary local agriculture, including backyard gardens, apiaries, poultry, and ‘foodscaping’. Examples include community, school, backyard, and rooftop gardens with a purpose extending beyond home consumption and education. (Source: New Policy) AG-2.5 Buy Local, Enjoy Local. The City shall encourage additional farmer and community markets, food trucks, and farm stands to support production, distribution, and sale of locally grown foods and continue to support communitybased food production and local, nutritious food by working with local landowners for the creation of additional community gardens. (Source: New Policy)
AG-2.6 Support Gardeners. The City shall coordinate with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Mendocino County Master Gardener Program, to connect city residents with backyard gardening knowledge. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy OC-21.1)
AG-2.7 Farmer’s Markets. In conjunction with the Mendocino County Farmers Market Association, the City shall research and identify additional ways to support the sale of local produce and goods at farmers markets within the City of Ukiah. (Source: New Policy)
AG-3 Help existing agricultural stakeholders move ‘Beyond the Farm’. (Source: New Goal) AG-3.1 Establish Infrastructure to Grow the Agricultural Economy. The City shall support existing agriculture operators by encouraging a diverse, vibrant, and innovative agriculture economy that creates new opportunities and products from regional producers. In conjunction with stakeholders, the City shall encourage the creation of agricultural business incubators, shared kitchens, and workforce development programs that create locations to strengthen agricultural operators within the region. (Source: New Policy) AG-3.2 Agritourism. The City shall support expansion of the agricultural tourism industry by assessing utilization use of tourism facilities (e.g., hospitality, restaurants, etc.), as well as supporting efforts to plan and integrate the Great Redwood Trail into the agricultural economy. (Source: New Policy) AG-3.3 University Research. The City shall encourage research, particularly at the University of California Cooperative Extension, pertinent to the Ukiah Valley to identify new potential uses and enhancement for existing agricultural industries, especially pomology, ‘forestry, livestock, ‘and viticulture. (Source: New Policy)
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-61
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Agricultural Buffer
The City shall work with Mendocino County
to establish setback or buffers for new
non-agricultural development adjacent to
agricultural lands to reduce hazardous
exposures and conflict between
incompatible land uses.
(Source: OC-20.1(b)
AG – 5.1 Community
Development
Right to Farm
The City shall adopt a right-to-farm
ordinance to ensure appropriate disclosure
of agricultural activities both within and
adjacent to the City of Ukiah.
(Source: OC-17.3)
AG – 5.1 Community
Development
Align Agricultural Standards
The City shall revise agricultural standards
and use terminology to be consistent with
adjacent jurisdictions within the Ukiah
Valley for the support of future annexation
efforts.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.1 Community
Development
Williamson Act
In coordination with the County Assessor,
the City shall establish a Williamson Act
program that aligns with ongoing efforts to
preserve agricultural lands across
Mendocino County.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.1 Community
Development
City Manager
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-62 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Reduce Regulation – Local Agriculture
The City shall revise the Zoning code to
allow low-intensity agricultural activities
on residential parcels, including but not
limited to back yard beehives, chickens
and gardens. The revision will include
objective use, development, and
environments standards, and minimal
permit fee requirements.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.4 Community
Development
City Attorney
Foodscaping
The City shall revise the City’s objective
development and design standards for
multi-family housing projects to include
the definition of and provisions for
‘foodscaping’.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.4 Community
Development
“No Mow May”
To encourage additional pollinators, the
City shall prepare a pilot program for a “No
Mow May” to encourage more ecologically
beneficial lawns within the City of Ukiah.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.4
AG – 5.5
Community
Development
City Manager
Urban Agricultural Definitions
The City shall revise the City Zoning Code
definitions, standards, and limitations for
“Urban Agriculture”, including rooftop
gardens, aquaculture, hydroponics, etc.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.5
AG – 5.8
Community
Development
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-63
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Support Community Gardens
The City shall revise the Zoning code to
streamline the regulatory permitting
process to support the creation of
additional community gardens within the
City.
(Source: Existing Implementation Program
OC-30.2(b))
AG – 5.5
AG – 5.6
Community
Development
City Manager
Urban Agricultural Incentive Zone
The City shall research and consider
implementation of an Urban Agricultural
Incentive Zone (AB 551). “The Urban
Agriculture Incentive Zones Act authorizes
a city… and a landowner to enter into a
contract to restrict the use of vacant,
unimproved, or otherwise blighted lands
for small-scale production of agricultural
crops and animal husbandry.”
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.5 Community
Development
City Manager
Local Food: Food Trucks & Farm Stands
The City shall revise the Zoning Code to
support the distribution and sale of locallygrown food via Food Trucks, Farm Stands, and farmer/community markets.
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.6 Community
Development
Public Works
Farmers Markets
In conjunction with the Mendocino County
Farmers Market Association, the City shall
research and identify additional ways to
support the sale of local produce and
goods at farmers markets within the City
of Ukiah. (Source: New Implementation
Program)
AG – 5.6 Community
Development
Public Works
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-64 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022
– 2025
2026
– 2030
2031
– 2040
Annual Ongoing
Local Purchasing
The City shall research and prepare a local
preference purchasing policy for future
adoption to promote and support local
preference purchasing policies for the City
of Ukiah, local school districts and other
institutions as a means to foster
awareness and build relationships across
the regional economy. In conjunction,
(Source: New Implementation Program)
AG – 5.6 Community
Development
City Manager
Housing Element (2019-2027)
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal H-1 Conserve, rehabilitate, and improve the existing housing stock to provide adequate, safe, sustainable, and decent housing for all Ukiah residents.
Policy 1-1: Encourage the rehabilitation of existing residential units.
Policy 1-2: Promote the use of sustainable and/or renewable materials and energy technologies (such as solar and wind) in rehabilitated housing and new housing construction; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy 1-3: Preserve at-risk housing units.
Policy 1-4: Promote increased awareness among property owners and residents of the importance of property maintenance to long-term housing quality.
Policy 1-5: Continue to implement effective crime prevention activities.
Goal H-2 Expand housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community, including special needs populations.
Policy 2-1: Continue to allow placement of manufactured housing units on permanentfoundations in residential zoning districts.
Policy 2-2: Encourage the development of a variety of different types of housing.
Policy 2-3: Ensure that adequate residentially designated land is available to accommodate the City’s share of the Regional Housing Need. In order to mitigate the loss of affordable housing units, require new housing developments to replace all affordable housing units lost due to new development.
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-65
Policy 2-4: Pursue State and Federal funding for very low, low, and moderate income housing developments.
Policy 2-5: Facilitate the production of housing for all segments of the Ukiah population, including those with special needs.
Policy 2-6: Expand affordable housing opportunities for first time homebuyers.
Goal H-3 Remove governmental constraints to infill housing development.
Policy 3-1: Improve building and planning permit processing for residential construction.
Policy 3-2: Encourage the use of density bonuses and provide other regulatory concessions to facilitate housing development.
Policy 3-3: Encourage the development of mixed residential and commercial uses in the commercial zoning districts where the viability of the commercial activities would not be adversely affected.
Goal H-4 Promote well-planned and designed housing opportunities and projects for all persons, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or national origin.
Policy 4-1: Promote fair housing practices in the sale or rental of housing with regard torace, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability/medical conditions, sex, age, marital status, familial status, source of income, sexual orientation/gender identify, or any other arbitrary factors.
Policy 4-2: Promote and facilitate community awareness of the City of Ukiah’s goals, tools, available resources and programs for lower income households.
Goal H-5 Provide support for future housing needs.
Policy 5-1: Pursue annexation efforts that lead to an orderly expansion of growth, where services are adequate for future residential development.
Policy 5-2: Continue to encourage and facilitate public participation in the formulation and review of the City’s housing and development policies.
Policy 5-3: Assume a leadership role in the development of all types of housing in the community.
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-66 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
1a Implement a residential rehabilitation program.
Emphasize rehabilitation of mobile homes, detached singlefamily dwelling units, and lower-income multifamily housing projects. Prioritize funding for health and safety repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and ADA accommodations.
Assist in completing the rehabilitation of at least 25 lower income housing units in the planning period.
Funding: CDBG, HOME, and/or other local, state or federal sources
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Ongoing, as funding is
available
1b Continue the City’s Energy Efficiency Public Benefits Fund and renewable energy and energy efficiency rebate
programs.
Funding: Energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate
program funds
Electric Utility
Department
Ongoing, as funding is
available
1c Support funding or other applications that would
preserve/conserve existing mobile home parks. This might include programs such as the Mobile Home Park
Rehabilitation and Resident Ownership Program.
Funding: N/A – application support through technical
assistance.
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division.
Ongoing, as funding is
available
1d Continue providing informational materials to the public through the Green Building Information Center and at the public counter.
Provide updated information regarding sustainable and green building practices and materials and provide information on the maintenance of residential units.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Building
Services
Division
Ongoing, as funding is
available
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-67
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
1e Develop standards and design guidelines for residential development in the Medium Density Residential (R-2) and High Density Residential (R-3), Community Commercial (C-1) and Heavy Commercial (C-2) zoning districts.
Given the significant increase in the City’s RHNA over the next eight years, the City proposes to create development
standards and design guidelines that would both facilitate development at the allowable densities and provide guidance and certainty in design standards to ensure quality housing is developed in the community.
Funding: General Funds and/or other funding if available.
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Establish development
standards and design
guidelines by the end of
calendar year 2020.
1f Develop an At-Risk Units Program.
Maintain an inventory of at-risk affordable housing units and work with property owners and non-profit affordable housing organizations to preserve these units by identifying and seeking funds from Federal, State, and local agencies to preserve the units.
Funding: Ukiah Housing Trust Fund, CDBG, HOME, and/or
other funding sources as available and as needed
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Develop At-Risk Program
by the end of calendar
year 2020.
1g Tenant Education and Assistance for Tenants of At-Risk Projects.
Require property owners to give notice to tenants of their intent to opt out of low-income use restrictions. Provide tenants of at-risk units with education regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Develop education
program and notification
procedures by June 30,
2020; implement program
on an ongoing basis
throughout the 2019-2027
planning period.
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-68 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2a Update the inventory of vacant and underutilized parcels.
Make copies of the inventory available on the City’s website and at the public counter for distribution.
Funding: Departmental budget.
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Updated annually, by
June 30 of each year;
posted on the City’s
website and at the public
counter.
2b Monitor the rate of conversion of primary residences to short-term rental units.
Research ordinances limiting short-term rentals and present report to City Council.
Funding: General Funds.
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division; City
Council.
Develop monitoring
program by June 30,
2020; annually track
number of
short-term rentals and
present information along
with annual progress
report to City Council
each year; short-term
rental ordinance research
report due June 30, 2025
2c Monitor the conversion of single-family residential homes to commercial uses.
If conversions continue and the City’s vacancy rate for homeownership is greater than three percent citywide, the City will design an ordinance that restricts the conversion of single-family residences to commercial uses.
Funding: Departmental budget.
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division.
Gather data and report
findings to City Council by
June 30, 2021.
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-69
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2d Pursue additional funding sources to augment the Ukiah Housing Trust Fund, creating a permanent source of funding for affordable housing.
Utilize funding to develop and support affordable housing programs and projects, providing financial assistance to private developers and nonprofit agencies, principally for the benefit of extremely low-income, very low-income, and lowincome households. Prepare and/or support the preparation of at least eight applications for additional funding within the 2019-2027 planning period.
Funding: Low- and Moderate-IncomeHousing Asset Fund;
other local, State, and Federal funding sources as they become available.
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division.
Ongoing.
2e Continually engage with a variety of housing developers who specialize in providing housing to each economic segment of the community.
This effort is designed to build long-term development
partnerships and gain insight into specialized funding
sources, particularly in identifying the range of local resources and assistance needed to facilitate the
development of housing for extremely low-income (ELI)
households and households with special needs, including persons with disabilities and persons with developmental disabilities. This policy is also designed to encourage the production of a variety of housing types, including multifamily supportive, single room occupancy, shared housing, and housing for the “missing middle.”
Funding: Departmental budget.
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division; City
Manager’s
OfficeEconomic
Development
Section
Ongoing community and
stakeholder outreach,
occurring at least on a
quarterly basis and
continuing throughout the
2019-2027 planning
period.
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-70 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2f Amend the zoning code as follows:
Emergency Shelters. The City will amend the Zoning Code to redefine homeless facilities as emergency shelters, according to State Government Code.
Transitional/Supportive Housing. Pursuant to SB 2, the City must explicitly allow both supportive and transitional housing in all zones that allow residential uses and supportive and transitional housing is to be only subject to those restrictions applicable to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone (note: this is not limited to residential zones).
The City will amend the Zoning Code to specifically define transitional/supportive housing as defined in Government Code.
Single-Room Occupancy Housing. The City will amend the
Zoning Code to allow Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units in the medium density residential (R-2) and high density
residential (R-3) zoning districts for the purpose of increasing the number of units affordable to extremely low, very low, and low-income persons.
Manufactured/Factory-Built Homes. The City will amend the Zoning Code to define and allow manufactured and factorybuilt homes in the same manner and use as all other types of residential dwellings in all zoning districts.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Complete draft Zoning
Code amendments by
December 30, 2020;
secure
adoption by June 30,
2021.
2g Facilitate the consolidation of smaller, multi-family parcels by providing technical assistance to property owners and developers in support of lot consolidation.
Research and present a report on possible lot consolidation incentives to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Present report to
Planning Commission
and City Council, with
recommendations, by
June 30, 2026.
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-71
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2h Ensure capacity of adequate sites for meeting RHNA. The City of Ukiah has been assigned a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 239 units for the 2019-2027 Housing Element. To accomplish this mandate by the State, the City will:
Update C1 and C2 Zones to allow by-right housing
development, with objective design and development
standards. Units allowed by-right will include multifamily, SROs, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. 92 2019-2027 City of Ukiah Housing Element Adopted October 23, 2019
Update the R-2 Zone to allow up to 15 dwelling units per acre instead of 14 dwelling units per acre.
Update the C-N Zone to increase residential density and allow similar housing types as those allowed in R-2.
By-right housing program for select parcels. Specific to APNs 00304077, 00304078, and 00304079, rezone these
parcels at the default density of 15 du/ac. Also rezone these parcels to allow residential use by-right for developments with at least 20% of the units affordable to lower income
households.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Ongoing, with annual
reports to HCD and the
City Council; develop and
implement a project
evaluation procedure
pursuant to Government
Code 65863, by June 30,
2021.
2i Monitor residential capacity (no net loss).
Proactively monitor the consumption of residential acreage to ensure an adequate inventory is maintained for the City’s RHNA obligations. Implement a project evaluation procedure pursuant to Government Code 65863. Should residential
capacity fall below the remaining need for lower income housing, the City will identify and if necessary rezone sufficient sites to accommodate the shortfall and ensure “no net loss” in capacity to accommodate the RHNA.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Ongoing, with annual
reports to HCD and the
City Council; develop and
implement a project
evaluation procedure
pursuant to Government
Code 65863, by June 30,
2021.
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-72 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2j First Time Homebuyer Assistance.
The City of Ukiah offers assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers to purchase new or existing single-family or condominium units in the City. The program utilizes a
combination of HOME, CalHome, CDBG, and/or other
resources as they become available-through the Ukiah
Housing Trust Fund. Restrictions apply and funds are
available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding: CDBG, HOME, Low- and Moderate-IncomeHousing
Assets Funds, CalHome, and/or other funding sources as
available
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Ongoing
2k Collaborate with local service providers on addressing homelessness.
Continue participation in the Mendocino County Continuum of Care.
Funding: N/A
City Manager’s
Office
Ongoing
2l Review existing City processes for compliance with AB 2162.
Revise zoning codes/processes to allow supportive housing by right in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are
permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting
multifamily uses.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Complete review of
existing City processes by
June 30, 2020; revise
zoning codes/processes
by December 31, 2020
2m Housing Units Replacement Program.
The City will require replacement housing units subject to the requirements of Government Code, section 65915,
subdivision (c)(3) on sites identified in the site inventory when any new development (residential, mixed-use or nonresidential) occurs on a site that has been occupied by or restricted for the use of lower-income households at any time during the previous five years. This requirement applies to 1) non-vacant sites; and 2) vacant sites with previous residential uses that have been vacated or demolished.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
The replacement
requirement will be
implemented immediately
and applied as
applications on identified
sites are received and
processed.
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-73
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
2n Homeless Shelter Overlay District Evaluation.
Evaluate the Homeless Shelter Overlay District to determine suitability for accommodating the identified number of
homeless persons. At the minimum, this evaluation will
include an analysis of environmental conditions, physical features, location, and capacity of the zone to accommodate the identified number of homeless persons. Depending on the results of this evaluation, the City will consider options including possible amendment of the District to maintain compliance with SB 2.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Complete evaluation of
overlay district on a biannual basis, with the
first report due to
Planning Commission by
June 30, 2020. Depending
on results of
evaluation(s), make
recommendations to
Planning Commission
and/or City Council for
options including
possible amendment of
the District within 6
months of the date the
report is due.
3a Research, review and amend the development standards in the zoning code for opportunities to maximize housing
development. Specific areas of research and amendments
may include the following:
Increasing maximum allowable height for new residential buildings.
Increasing density.
Reducing yard setbacks.
Reducing minimum site area.
Upzoning R-1 (Single-family Residential) and R-1-H (Singlefamily-Residential Hillside Combining) zoning districts to allow by-right and/or permit other residential building types and densities.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division;
Planning
Commission;
City Council
Complete draft Zoning
Code amendments by
December 30, 2021;
secure adoption by June
30, 2022
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-74 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
3b Develop flexible parking policies for new residential development.
The intent of this policy is to reduce parking requirements, especially in zoning districts that allow for lower-income housing developments.
Funding: Departmental budget and other funding sources as available
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division;
Planning
Commission;
City Council
Complete draft policy by
June 30, 2020
3c Explore other policies and regulations that facilitate new infill housing development.
Produce report with recommendations and present to
Planning Commission and City Council. Possible areas of research include, but are not limited to, the following:
Temporary housing options.
Low Impact Development offsite mitigation.
Community benefit zoning.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division;
Planning
Commission;
City Council
Complete draft report by
June 30, 2026
3d Facilitate improvements to permit processing to streamline housing development.
Continue to work on improving processing procedures and by June 30, 2021 develop a brochure to guide developers
through City processes.
Continue to offer a pre-application conference with project applicants to identify issues and concerns prior to application submittal.
Funding: Departmental Funding
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division,
Building
Services
Division
Pre-application
conferences ongoing; City
processing procedures
brochure developed by
June 30, 2021
Public Review Draft Policy Document | 2022 Page A-75
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
3e Continue to apply the CEQA infill exemption to streamline environmental review.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Ongoing
3f Review Site Development Permit and Use Permit Processes.
Produce report for City Council analyzing processes and making recommendations for how to revise processes and/or Ukiah City Code such that project approval process is
accelerated.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Report due to City Council
by December 31, 2020;
process and/or code
improvements to be
implemented immediately
thereafter.
4a Continue to collaborate with the Ukiah Police Department and property owners and managers to keep housing safe.
Support the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design standards through continued referral of residential new construction projects to the Ukiah Police Department.
Funding: General Funds
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division,
Building
Services
Division; and
Ukiah Police
Department
Ongoing
4b Continue to refer housing discrimination complaints to Legal Services of Northern California, State Fair Employment and Housing Commission, and the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD).
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Ongoing
Final Draft Policy Document
Page A-76 Ukiah General Plan Update | 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
4c Develop project referral procedural for referral of all proposed General Plan amendments to the appropriate
military office for review and comment.
Revise the planning permit application form to include this step of referral.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Services
Division
Develop referral
procedure and revise
planning permit
application form by
December 31, 2019;
implement on January 1,
2020.
5a Maintain a housing resources webpage.
Included on the webpage are resources such as funding
sources and programs, affordable housing developers, and a list of publicly assisted housing providers.
Funding: Departmental budget
Community
Development
Department,
Housing
Services
Division
Updated regularly, as new
and relevant information
is available.
5b Complete the update of the 2020 Sphere of Influence, Municipal Service Review, and Ukiah 2040 General Plan.
Include an annexation policy.
Funding: Departmental budget, other funding as available 2020- Sphere
of Influence
and Municipal
Service
Review; 2021-
Ukiah 2040
General Plan.
Community Development
Department, Planning
Services Division
5c Work collaboratively with stakeholder jurisdictions for opportunities to lessen or remove development constraints, and update the housing plan accordingly.
Funding: Departmental budget, other funding as available Community
Development
Department, in
conjunction
with
stakeholder
jurisdictions.
Ongoing, at least on an
annual basis.
ATTACHMENT 2
Written Public Comments Received on the Draft General Plan as of November 30, 2022 Comment
No.
Commenter Date Received Staff Response
1 Judy Luria (1) August 8, 2022 Made text suggestion to Agriculture Element
2 Rick Johnson September 15, 2022 Made suggestions to Mobility and Economic Development
elements, as appropriate. Other
topics raised are discussed in
the DEIR (Sections 4.6,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions;
4.9, Population and Housing;
4.11, Transportation; 4.13,
Utilities and Service Systems)
3 Climate Action
Mendocino (1)
September 21, 2022 List of existing goals and policies
with thoughts from a 2019
community workshop. See
Environment and Sustainability
Element for a list of goals,
policies and implementation
programs and their sources
4 NorCal 4 Health
Project (1)
September 23, 2022 List of example language for
policies and goals related to
health. See Public Facilities
Public Facilities, Services, and
Infrastructure element Goal PFS
15-1, related policies and
implementation programs
5 Russian River Flood
Control and Water
Conservation
Improvement District
September 26, 2022 Corrected agency name
6 Linda Sanders September 26, 2022 Corrected Figure 2-6 and made suggestions to the Land Use
and Public Facilities, Services,
and Infrastructure elements, as
appropriate
7 Tree Advisory Group September 27, 2022 Modified Environment and Sustainability policies and
implementation programs, as
appropriate
8 Climate Action
Mendocino (2)
October 4, 2022 See Mobility Element Goal
MOB-1 and associated policies
and implementation programs
9 Healthy Mendocino October 12, 2022 See Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure element Goal
PFS 15-1, related policies and
implementation programs.
Added implementation program
D
10 California Geological
Survey (Informal)
October 20, 2022 Added suggested reference to
the Safety Element
11 NorCal 4 Health
Project (2)
October 20, 2022 Incorporated suggestions as
appropriate to the Agriculture,
Economic Development and
Public Facilities, Services and
Infrastructure elements
12 Pinky Kushner (1) November 1, 2022 No action needed by Staff at this time; The Community
Development Department
thanks you for your comments
13 Matthew Gilbert November 6, 2022 No action needed by Staff; The Community Development
Department thanks you for your
comments
14 Pinky Kushner (2) November 9, 2022 Responded to comments via email
15 Pinky Kushner (3) November 9, 2022 Responded to comments via email
16 Judy Luria (2) November 9, 2022 No action needed by Staff at this time; The Community
Development Department
thanks you for your comments
17 Mendocino County
Farm Bureau
November 9, 2022 Responded to comments
verbally at the 11/9 Planning
Commission meeting.
Land Use Table 2-2 has been
revised for clarification.
From: Judy Luria
To: Planning Division
Subject: GP comments
Date: Monday, August 8, 2022 2:26:59 PM
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello dear planners,
Wow, so much good stuff in the GP!
When do we need to have our comments to you by? What happens to our comments? I’m still studying this document and welcome the opportunity for input.
Meanwhile there is an item that I believe is inaccurate:
On page 177, Agriculture
"Formalized agriculture within the Ukiah Valley began in the 1850s. Efforts included the raising of livestock and the growing of various grains, predominantly hops”.
Hops is not a grain, but a flower, used to flavor beer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hops
Thanks for all your hard work,
Judy Luria
Comments on General Plan 2040 Draft
Rick Johnson
The document is quite large and it took a few sittings to go through all of it. Following are my comments. My intent is to have them coherent to share with the rest of the Planning Commission, but given the limited time I have, they are written informally.
OVERARCHING
A. Population and Demographic Data/Projections. The City had conducted some events over the last couple of years to solicit community input. For the most part, the ideas and comments were from the standpoint of improvements and directions for the next few years.
As I was reading through the various elements I was thinking in terms of what Ukiah might be like in 2030 to 2040 in terms of population, demographics, and state/federal requirements. While I saw a lot of data on what is and was, I did not see any projections which might be helpful for anticipatory or pro-active planning.
1. What will the population be? (this will be helpful to plan that services will have the required capacity when needed)
2. What will the ethnic make-up be? (probably, like most of California, the Hispanic population will proportionally increase and the White will proportionally decrease. This could influence differences in desires for things like types of housing, recreation, entertainment, etc.)
3. Will our local economy expected to be roughly the same mix of activity in about the same proportions as it is now? (If different, then it could influence traffic patterns and utilization of current and future transportation systems such as roads & streets, public transportation, personal transportation )
4. In todays dollars, do we expect the distribution of incomes to be about the same? That is, the median income to be below the state median? This influences affordability of housing, transportation, food, discretionary income for dining, recreation, and goods, also the ability to generate tax revenue for government services.
Anyway, it would be helpful if a forecast of these parameters were provided that will help guide us to a plan that will take us into 2040. I would like us to have a City government/infrastructure that supports the needs of the citizens in 2040 and avoid investing heavily in infrastructure that may not be utilized then or becomes costly to maintain at the expense of important needs. (As an example without going into specifics, I am associated with an organization that made landscape and architectural decisions over twenty years ago and today, because of changing demographics within that organizations, struggles to generate the revenue needed to maintain the property.)
B. Climate Change/Decarbonization. The authors have included a number of statements indicating where they propose the City be by 2040. This future condition will be a significant change from where we are today. The General Plan should discuss how we will get from where we are now to the future state so the citizens can understand the impact on their quality of life, and of course their pocketbook.
1. Currently, the electrical power provided by the City utility is 70% renewable (https:// www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2015/07/03/renewable-energy-ukiah-70-percent-carbon-free/) According to ICF, a global consulting services company, there will be a 40% increase in energy demand from EVs (www.icf.com/insights/climate-electric-vehicle-revolution).
What plans does the city have to replace the 30% non-renewable electric power source and provide the extra power for the EVs? Mathematically, the City would have to double its renewable generation assuming no growth in population or economic activity. Is it contemplated that additional solar panel roof top installations will fill the gap? What would that look like in terms of quantities of additional roof top panels? Would the city contemplate a solar farm or a wind farm?
On top of this, it sounds like there is the possibility that there will no longer be diversions from the Eel River to Potter Valley with Scotts and Cape Horn Dams being taken taken and their power generation capacity eliminated. With flow eliminated through Potter Valley, the amount of water available to produce electricity at Coyote Dam would decrease.
How would that power be replaced?
2. In the Mobility Element, specifically page 4-6, 51% of Ukiah’s workforce live outside the City; 28% live in the City, but work outside; and just 21% live and work inside the City.
Further, per Table 2.13 of the Housing Element, the median income of households in Ukiah and in the County is between $35,000 and $50,000. Clearly, at current prices, the cost of EVs is well beyond the reach of half our residents and as much as two-thirds. How will this work for the 72% for those who commute out of or into the City? Possibly, for the non-commuters and those using transportation to get them and their families to school, health care providers, shopping and recreation, walking and cycling is an alternative for many. Maybe some other creative solutions would include the use of more affordable electric golf carts to move around town … but our streets would need to be designed to accommodate a mix of these smaller slower moving vehicles to share the city streets with larger vehicles including delivery trucks.
3. From what I read, the conversion to EVs would require cities to upgrade the capacity of its distribution system to power EV Charging Stations. Perhaps distribution systems to homes would be upgraded so residents could charge their vehicles at home or would there be neighborhood EV Charging Stations at various curbside locations? Just looking at the activity at the various filling stations in town and knowing that charging an EV takes longer than filling a gas tank, I think a lot of thought needs to go into this in order to understand the do-ability.
I realize much of the Climate Change/Decarbonization policy vision comes out of Washington, DC and Sacramento, but where we have flexibility in complying with state mandates, our General Plan should have reasonable goals with realistic strategies that could be implemented to get us to a some level of decarbonization considering our location, our demographics, and our economy which minimizes impacts on our quality of life.…particularly those at lower income levels.
C. Water It would be helpful to have a couple of pie charts showing the current amount of water needed (diameter of pie) and its sources (pieces of the pie) compared to the amount forecast need in 2040 (population growth)
1. I’ve seen in some publications that our prime water source are aquifers, elsewhere, I’ve seen it is the underflow from the Russian River (the river has a very thick gravel bed … so although not much water might be seen on the surface, there is a lot more flowing through the gravel bed. If the City’s policy is to reduce dependency on the Russian River itself, our prime source would then shift to aquifers. If the Potter Valley Project is curtailed, this will have a profound and immediate effect on water supply from the Russian River, both surface and through the gravel bed. It will have a slower and longer term effect on the aquifers as these depend on recharge from surface water percolating from surface water to underground aquifers. How would the city continue to provide sufficient water to its citizens without the Potter Valley Project?
2. A great strategy is being able to use water more than once. The initial phases of the purple pipe project do this. A few years back, the plan was really gung-ho to get treated water to the high school, Todd Grove Park, the golf course, and the Anton Field complex. Is this still the plan? Is there sufficient excess water from the waste water treatment plant for this? This would be part of the pie chart.
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS & EDITS
There was a lot of material to read through and as I was doing so, I jotted down some notes, but did not have the time to do a comprehensive review. Here are some short comments on some items:
a. FAR … Page 2-4 discusses Floor Area Ratio. It states “ the Floor area means the entire enclosed area of all floors that are more than four (4) feet above the existing or proposed grade…” So even if a commercial structure is built to the lot lines, if it is a single story and that story is at grade, the FAR would be ‘zero’. Is that correct? A two story building would be 1.00. But the diagrams for FAR seem to disregard the greater than four feet above grade requirement and show the single story as FAR 1.00 and a two story as FAR 2.00 b. On the same page there are diagrams depicting dwelling unit density per acre…..1, 6, 18, & 32 In other sections citing the code, there is reference to 15-28 du/ac. It would be helpful to have diagrams illustrate 15 and 28.
c. 2-27 shows the Downtown Area extending on Perkins to Orchard. Since Orchard and the Pear Tree Centers are really more like Highway Commercial, couldn’t the Downtown Area begin about where the future courthouse is built and into the downtown core? There is a lot of opportunity to spiff up the parcels occupied by Romis BBQ, the Dragon Lady, and Curry’s (all closed) while encouraging business activity with reduced restrictions on the parcel next to Chipotle, the MendoSavingsBank, and where the fast food restaurant was located (now just a concrete slab). Also, the map should show a Clay St/Peach St connector. (if we want to get people out of cars, this connector would provide a safe conduit for walkers, cyclists, eBikes, and golf cart vehicles). Also the map shows railroad tracks, instead it should show the Great Redwood Trail.
d. 2.34 has a figure showing Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities, but I don’t see any on the map. Although I can think of some because of density that lack close access to parks and grocery shopping would meet my definition, but since this is a defined term … maybe only the residential areas that back up on Hwy 101 would be included…. e. p 3-2 lists types of employment and economic activity. I would include education mentioning both the public school system and the numerous private schools both inside (e.g.,St. Marys and the Buddhist University) and those immediately outside like UJA, the Charter Schools at the Fairgrounds, and Mendocino College. As for value-adding businesses, most of which are outside the city limits, but do lend prestige and expertise to our community would include Factory Pipe, Maverick, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. f. Tourism is covered in a couple of places in the plan. It certainly is an important part of our local economy and there is good opportunity for growth. I see mention of a Boutique Hotel and a Transit Center. The sentiment is that people do not want Ukiah to become a Healdsburg.
I have been in and around Healdsburg most of my life and know residents there. Their big complaint is that the central plaza is no longer their plaza but is for the tourists….high end tourists.
If people want to enjoy visiting an affordable and welcoming ‘small town’, this is us. Aside from our downtown, the Sun House, Grace Hudson Museum, visitors can enjoy a nice walks in the westside neighborhoods, visit Todd Grove Park, and play a round of golf. What really struck me when I first spent time here was how friendly people were and they conversed with you like you were a neighbor.
We would all like to see the Palace Hotel replaced with something usable and if the new courthouse is ever built, there would be an opportunity for housing and/or a boutique hotel built there. For tourism also to work, we also have to make sure streets are safe and cars won’t get broken into.
g. 4.2 mentions highways 20 and 101. There is also 253 to Anderson Valley and the unsigned 222 Talmage Road. Orr Springs Road to the hot springs, Montgomery Woods, and eventually the coast.
h. 4-10 shows collector streets. I would include Wabash, W Mill and W Clay to the hills, and Helen.
i. 4-14 I would show biking around Todd Grove Park, on Standley all the way around to Anton, all links to the Great Redwood Trail, routes to Observatory Park, River Park, Vinwood Park, and to all schools and commercial areas.
j. 9-74 has a statement that says ‘Greenhouse Gases appear to cause …climate change’ I think this statement is inappropriate and we shouldn’t be making policy based on conjecture.
In an earlier part of the General Plan, there is a better statement which is more accurate mentioning solar activity, human activities, urban construction, as well as greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide is at most, a contributor to climate change and is one we can, to some extent, mitigate. All I want to say on this is that we need to recognize that although there could be some environmental benefits to reducing CO2 emissions, going too far has a negative impact on the population by increasing the cost of goods, reducing movement of goods and people, and reducing economic activity. I do think the General Plan should steer away from providing opinion on the contribution of carbon dioxide, methane, et al to climate change and instead clearly state what Sacramento is requiring the City of Ukiah to do in its General Plan and the General Plan should cover its initiatives to comply with the State of California’s mandates.
Whatever flexibility we have within the state mandates, lets try to consider cost to the community (especially low income and seniors) vs. benefit. k. GHG … the definition lists a number of these. According to this article from NASA https://climate.nasa.gov/ask-nasa-climate/3143/steamy-relationships-how-atmospheric-watervapor-amplifies-earths-greenhouse-effect/ , Water Vapor is the most abundant Greenhouse Gas and contributes to half of the Earth’s greenhouse effect. The definition should include water vapor.
Climate Action Mendocino
Review of the City of Ukiah Draft General Plan
August, September, 2022
LAND USE
LU -3 To improve and enhance the appearance and vibrancy of Downtown Ukiah to create a high-quality place for residents, businesses, and visitors. (Source: Existing GP Goal CD-9, modified)
LU - 3.5 Downtown Parking
The City shall prepare and implement a Downtown parking plan that provides enough parking downtown to support area businesses while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment. (Source: New Policy)
Might there be a way to empower the parking enforcement person to cite cars that are moved throughout the day to avoid citations, thereby taking up space for shoppers? The parking enforcement person is aware of these vehicles, but has no means to address the problem.
LU-11- To ensure high-quality site planning, landscaping, and architectural design for all new construction, renovation, or remodeling. (Source: New Goal) LU-11.5 Public Street Furniture
The Public Works Department shall establish public design standards for street furniture and landscaping that enhance the streetscape and general fabric of the City. (Source: Existing Program CD-12.1a)
There are wooden or concrete benches along the new Headlands trail in Ft. Bragg that are very interested and offered by local woodworkers and other artists. This could be done to enhance the streetscapes in Ukiah.
LU-11.8 Tree Preservation
The City shall encourage the preservation of trees on public and private property. Priority should be given to the preservation of trees considered significant due to their size, history, unusual species, or unique quality. (Source: Existing Program CD-4.3b, modified) The Urban Forest Plan under Environment and Sustainability in the Implementation section could address this well, but the timeline is too far in the future at 2031-2040.
LU-11.9 Historic Preservation and Restoration
The City shall encourage restorative maintenance to deteriorated buildings, particularly in Downtown, and restrict the demolition of historically and/or architecturally significant buildings to accommodate new development. The City shall encourage adaptive re-use of historic structures to maintain their historic character while supporting economic development. (Source: New Policy)
Are there ideas to restore the Palace Hotel?
LU-11.10 Water Efficient Landscaping
The City shall ensure that Zoning Code landscape standards and design guidelines reflect the most current water efficient landscape standards that include native, adaptive, and drought resistant vegetation, as well as provisions for street canopies and streetscape enhancement. (Source: Existing Programs CD-4.2a and -4.3a)
Could solar street canopies be used to generate power for the City and local businesses and provide shade and decreasing a heat island effect.
LU-15- To promote meaningful dialogue and collaboration between members of disadvantaged communities and decision-makers to advance social and economic equity. (Source: New Goal) LU-15.1 Community Input
The City shall continue to facilitate opportunities for disadvantaged community residents and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout the public review process. (Source: New Policy) How would this happen? How is the City defining disadvantaged communities?
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ED - 2 To promote a strong local economy by improving critical infrastructure, including water, transportation, and renewable energy. (Source: New Goal) ED- 2.2 Energy Infrastructure
The City shall work to improve energy infrastructure to increase availability, reliability, sustainability, and use of renewable energy sources. (Source: New Policy) Where would this be implemented? How would this happen and what would it look like? ED - 4 To attract visitors and provide them with the amenities and services to make their stay in Ukiah enjoyable. (Source: New Goal)
What is being done to build fast charging stations to attract visitors? ED - 7 To grow the local economy and employment base by supporting efforts to retain, expand and attract local businesses. (Source: New Goal)
What is being done to attract people and businesses? Is Human Resources making a concerted effort to advertise our attractiveness?
ED - 9 To improve labor force preparedness by providing the local workforce with the skills needed to meet the requirements of evolving business needs. (Source: New Goal) Is there an effort to align with Mendocino College for workforce training, particularly in green construction?
ED-10 To foster a robust and diversified local economy that provides quality employment and attracts stable businesses. (Source: New Goal)
Can we provide a strong program that offers better jobs for low income people, even put homeless people to work?
ED - 11 To diversify the economic base of Ukiah through the development and expansion of environmental, creative, and innovative businesses, including the non-profit sector. (Source:
New Goal)
ED- 11.2 Green Economy
The City shall support the development and reduce local regulatory barriers for industries and businesses that promote and enhance environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas reductions, decarbonization, climate change adaptation, resiliency, and renewable energy generation,
storage, and transmission, including solar power and other appropriate renewable sources. (Source: New Policy)
ED-11.3 Support Green Businesses
The County shall promote the efforts of existing businesses that meet green business criteria; job training in green building techniques and regenerative farming; and strive to build green technologies into and decarbonize existing public facilities. (Source: New Policy) How would this be done? Would there be workshops for the trades? Incentives? Affordable Tool Sharing through the libraries or businesses? A facility akin to the Sonoma Clean Power’s Advanced Energy Center?
MOBILITY
General Comments:
8 miles of street bike lanes is too small. Why is biking being decreased, it isn’t safe to bike in Ukiah.
Arterial Streets are dedicated bicycle lanes, will there be bicycle facilities there, such as bike racks, places to pull over to attend to flats, water, rest? Collector Streets designate that bike lanes “should be provided wherever feasible collector street segments”. Better wording should be shall be provided wherever feasible.
Local Streets - some should be designated for bikes
MTA should offer more convenient scheduling, especially along South State Street where a lot of workers, walkers and children walk along the side of the road and presumably cannot ride the MTA because the schedule is restricted. A survey could be done to elicit needs.
Some cities have provided free public transportation. The MTA could offer that as a promotion to people who have been reluctant to use public transportation, e.g. a month free pass.
MOB - 1 To provide a citywide network of complete streets that meet the needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit, movers of commercial goods, children, seniors, and persons with disabilities. (Source: New Goal) MOB -1.9 Bikeway Network
The City shall strive to complete the citywide bicycle network to create a full network of bicycle facilities throughout Ukiah, including bicycle lanes on all arterial and collector street segments where feasible. (New Policy)
What is a bikeway network? Instead of “shall strive”, insert shall institute or something like that? An underlying goal of complete streets shall include bikes and the bikes shall be adequately accommodated.
MOB 1.11 Pedestrian Barriers & Utility Relocation
The City shall support elimination of barriers to pedestrian travel on sidewalks and walking paths including requiring the relocation or undergrounding of utilities where appropriate. (New Policy)
Vehicles are a barrier to pedestrian and bike travel in certain areas, e.g. Orr St. bridge MOB - 2 To reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to and from residences, jobs and commercial uses in Ukiah. (Source: New Goal)
MOB -2.1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction
The City shall support development and transportation improvements that help reduce VMT below regional averages on a “residential per capita” and “per employee” basis. (New Policy) How will this be done? What is the process?
MOB - 2.3 Pedestrian Facilities
The City shall encourage new development and redevelopment that increases connectivity through direct and safe pedestrian connections to public amenities, neighborhoods, shopping and employment destinations throughout the City. (New Policy) Where would the connectivity be?
MOB - 2.4 Transit Facility Design
The City shall require new development to include facilities designed to make public transportation convenient. (Source: Existing Policy CT-9.1, modified) Would this involve more flexible, frequent schedules?
MOB - 2.5 Transit Ridership
The City shall support funding and incentives to increase transit ridership opportunities. (Source:
Existing Policy CT-9.2, modified)
Free passes to acclimate people to using public transportation? MOB - 2.6 Downtown Transit Center
The City shall support creation of a Transit Center. (Source: Existing Policy CT-10.5) Where might this be located?
MOB - 3 To provide a safe transportation system that eliminates traffic-related fatalities and reduces non-fatal injury collisions. (Source: New Goal) Mob - 3.2 Safe Routes to Schools
The City shall promote Safe Routes to Schools programs for all schools serving the City. (Source: New Policy)
Walking School Bus programs at each school. Program to reduce idling of vehicles during school start and dismissal times.
MOB 3.3 Safety and Traffic Calming
The City shall use traffic calming methods within residential and mixed-use areas, where necessary, to create a pedestrian-friendly circulation system. (Source: New Policy) Calming methods on some through streets in some heavily traveled residential neighborhoods.
MOB 3.5 Community Engagement
The City shall engage the community in promoting safe walking and bicycling through education and outreach. (Source: New Policy) PI]
How would this education and outreach look? Possible training at schools?
PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICE, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
PFS - 2 To maintain quality wastewater treatment and disposal services to meet the needs of existing and future development. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-6, modified)
PFS - 2.7 Protect Groundwater Quality
The City shall preserve and protect groundwater quality through the implementation of best practices and innovative methods for modern wastewater disposal. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-7, modified)
Need to test for “forever chemicals” and ban pesticide use, which adversely affect public health, pollinators and soil microbes.
PFS - 3 To ensure adequate solid waste, recycling, and composing services and maximize waste diversion from landfills. (Source: New Goal)
PFS - 3.1 Solid Waste Diversion Targets
The City shall encourage increased community participation in recycling and composting programs and weekly collection of recyclables and organic waste to achieve 85 percent diversion for community waste and municipal operations by 2030. (Source: New Policy aligning with the Ukiah Climate Action Plan, Strategy/Objective SW.1.2 which was not adopted.) Will both the City and the waste hauler provide education? How will that be done? How can the hauler do a better job: ensuring adequate education to improve our diversion rate. Kitchen bins for customers? Possible flyer with Best Practices for Homeowners and another for Businesses.
What are the enforcement plans?
PFS - 3.2 Waste Management Services
The City shall continue waste management service contracts to provide quality and costeffective solid waste removal throughout the city and require all residents and businesses to comply with solid waste collection and recycling service requirements. (Source: New Policy) Concern about rates. Cost effective rates are not cost effective for customers who are strong recyclers compared to other cities who reward recyclers.
PFS - 3.4 Recycling Receptacles and Biodegradable/Recycled-Materials Products The City shall require the availability of recycling and composting receptacles and use biodegradable or recycled-material products instead of single-use plastic products at all City facilities and City- sponsored events. (Source: New Policy) Require vendors at City events to use compostable materials with no PFAS materials such as lids or wrapping.
PFS - 3.5
Sustainable Purchasing Policy
The City shall prioritize purchasing products that are environmentally friendly; made with postconsumer recycled content; are recyclable, compostable, or reusable; are less toxic than conventional goods; are manufactured locally; and are fairly traded. (Source: New Policy based on the Ukiah Climate Action Plan, Action SW.1.2(C), which was not adopted) What does fairly traded mean in this goal?
PFS - 4 To enforce Citywide codes and ordinances, with special attention regarding private property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, rubbish/weeds, and public nuisances. (Source:
New Goal)
PFS - 4.1 Solid Waste Diversion Targets
The City shall provide adequate staffing to support code enforcement efforts to the extent financially feasible. (Source: New Policy aligning with the Ukiah Climate Action Plan, Strategy/Objective SW.1.2 which was not adopted.)
Who will monitor this? We need stronger action language than financially feasible. How will staff coordinate with C&S?
PFS - 5 To maintain an adequate stormwater management system to accommodate runoff and improve environmental quality. (Source: New Goal)
PFS - 5.1 Low Impact Development
The City shall require new developments to install green infrastructure consistent with the sustainable objectives of the State and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID). (Source: New Policy)
Encourage the removal of laws that waste water.
PFS - 5.2 Pollutants Discharge Reduction
The City shall provide non-point source pollution control programs to reduce and control the discharge of pollutants into the storm drain system and Russian River. (Source: New Policy) What is non-point pollution> Do pollutants include pesticides? PFS - 6 Improve the efficiency and quality of utility services in the city. (Source: New Goal) PFS - 6.1 New Initiatives
The City shall support innovative, sustainable, and alternative practices and technologies for delivering energy and utility services to the community. (Source: New Policy) Instead of using the word ‘alternative’ wouldn’t ‘renewable' be a better choice? PFS - 6.3 Energy Efficiency Education
The City shall support education for residents and businesses on the importance of energy efficiency.
(Source: Existing GP Goal, EG-7, modified)
How would this be done, through a brochure or through staff? PFS - 6.4 Energy Efficient Municipal Buildings
The City shall require municipal and public buildings to operate at the highest energy efficiency level economically and operationally feasible. (Source: Existing GP Policy, EG-6.2) Add ‘with a goal to decarbonize municipal buildings’
PFS - 6.5 Privately-Owned Building Retrofits
The City shall promote retrofitting of privately-owned buildings to increase energy efficiency. (Source: Existing GP Policy, EG-6.3, modified)
Including rebate programs for heat pumps, solar, wind, etc.
PFS - 6.6 Local Power Generation
The City shall support local power generation and production that is economically and operationally feasible. (Source: New Policy)
Including solar arrays and even the idea of a floating solar array on ponds south of town as well as community microgrids where possible
PFS - 7 To ensure a safe and resilient utility and infrastructure system. (Source: New Goal) PFS - 7.3 Electric Infrastructure Upgrades
The City shall implement electrical infrastructure upgrades as outlined in the Ukiah Wildfire Mitigation Plan to reduce the risk of wildfires. (Source: New Policy) What are the infrastructure upgrades?
NEW GOAL PFS - 7.4 As gasoline powered generators are costly, dangerous and create unhealthy fumes and odors the City shall encourage renewable energy option for backup power, e.g. solar on the Conference Center with battery backup instead of a generator.
PFS - 8 To transition to sustainable and renewable energy. (Source: New Goal) PFS - 8.1 Utility Sustainability
The City shall continue to expand alternative, sustainable electric energy use. (Source: New Policy)
Use the terminology ‘renewable, sustainable” instead of ‘alternative’ PFS - 8.2 Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency
The City shall encourage the site planning and design of new buildings to maximize energy efficiency.
(Source: Existing Policy EG-6.1, modified)
Instead of ‘shall encourage’ use ‘shall require’
PFS - 8.3 Solar Photovoltaic Use
The City shall encourage solar photovoltaic systems for existing residential uses to reduce the reliance on the energy grid. (Source: New Policy
Encourage solar photovoltaic systems and community microgrids PFS - 8.4 Residential Electric Appliances
The City shall encourage the use of electric appliances and utility hook-ups in all new residential development. (Source: New Policy)
Instead of ‘shall encourage’ use ‘shall require’
PFS - 8.6 Incentivize Energy Efficiency
The City shall consider providing incentives, such as prioritizing plan review, permit processing, and field inspection services, for energy efficient building projects. (Source: New Policy) Reword to read ‘The City shall provide incentives’ instead of ‘considering’ them.
PFS - 9 To maintain effective, fast, and dependable fire protection and emergency medical response in Ukiah. (Source: Existing GP Goal CF-8, modified) PFS - 9.2 Fire Prevention
The City shall require all new development to include provisions for onsite fire suppression measures and/or management of surrounding vegetation to provide minimum clearance between structures and vegetation. (Source: New Policy) Recommend that the City speed up the process of summer weed trimming. There’s too much time between the notice and action.
PFS - 11
PFS - 11.1 Adequate Community Facilities
The City shall develop or identify adequate and appropriate community facilities for public meetings and cultural activities. (Source: Existing Policy CF-10.1, modified) Need to add ‘affordable’
PFS - 12 To provide parks, recreational facilities, and trails for residents and visitors. (Source:
New Goal)
PFS - 12.3 Equitable Access to Parks and Recreation Facilities The City shall establish new parks and recreation facilities to ensure all residents have access within a one-mile radius of their place of residence regardless of socio-economic status. (Source: New Policy)
Decrease the radius to 1/2 mile? Prioritize new park development in underserved neighborhoods first. Riverside Park could be co-managed with tribes to provide access to and management of traditional native materials.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
ENV - 1 Preserve open space land for the commercial agricultural and productive uses, the protection and use of natural resources, the enjoyment of scenic beauty and recreation, protection of tribal resources, and the protection from natural hazards. (Source: New Goal) ENV - 1.3 Open Space and Renewable Energy Production
The City shall seek, where feasible, to develop renewable energy production within City-owned open space. (Source: New Policy)
Needs to exclude any renewable energy production or development of open space set aside for recreation or nature in the future.
ENV - 4 To conserve and protect the city’s natural woodlands and water resources for future generations. (Source: New Goal)
ENV - 4.1 Habitat Preservation
The City shall require new development to preserve and enhance natural areas that serve, or may potentially serve, as habitat for special-status species. Where preservation is not feasible, the City shall require appropriate mitigation. (Source: New Policy) What are ‘special-status’ species? Endangered species?
ENV - 4.7 Water Capturing Permits
The City shall encourage and support residents to have an on-site water capturing system for landscaping and household use. (Source: New Policy)
Delete ‘encourage and’ and add something that discourages lawns.
ENV - 5 To ensure the health and viability of the Russian River fisheries and tributaries. (Source: Existing GP Goals OC-7 and OC-26, modified)
ENV 5.1 Local Collaboratives
The City shall participate in local collaborative efforts to restore and preserve the health of the Russian River as a habitat for riparian species. (Source: New Policy) Change ‘riparian species’ to “native riparian species”
ENV - 5.3 Russian River Riparian Area
The City shall support the County in maintaining the Russian River as a natural riparian corridor. (Source: Existing Policy OC-7.5, modified)
City to consult with tribes to maintain riparian corridors with original species used by native people.
ENV - 6 To preserve and restore creeks, streams, riparian areas, and wetlands. (Source: New Goal)
ENV - 6.4 Waterway Channelization
The City shall actively support the use of natural waterways within the city by avoiding any new waterway channelization within the city and collaborating with local and regional agencies to restore channelized waterways where feasible. (Source: New Policy) Daylighting streams, where feasible.
ENV - 7 To improve air quality to the benefit of public health, welfare, and reduce air quality impacts with adverse effects on residents ’health and wellbeing. (Source: New Goal) ENV - 7.3 Implement Clean Air Plan
The City shall cooperate with Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (MCAQMD) to implement the Clean Air Plan required by the Clean Air Act, reduce non-attainment pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, and ozone, and enforce air quality standards as required by State and Federal statutes. (Source: New Policy)
What is a Clean Air Plan?
ENV - 7.7 City Vehicle and Equipment Fleet
The City shall continue to purchase low-emission vehicles and use clean alternative fuels as part of their fleet. When possible, the City will replace gas and hybrid vehicles with electric vehicles. (Source: New Policy)
Use of renewable fuels, as soon as possible.
ENV 8 To achieve carbon neutrality by or before the year 2045. (Source: New Goal) ENV 8.2 Micro-grid and Small Battery Storage
The City shall encourage the development of small-scale battery storage and micro grid capacity for storing renewable power for nighttime energy use. (Source: New Policy) Delete the word ‘capacity’.
ENV -8.3 Municipal Building Electrification Plan
The City shall adopt an electrification plan for all municipal buildings to convert them to all electric using energy from carbon-free and renewable sources by 2035. (Source: New Policy) Change date to ’as soon as possible and by 2030’
ENV - 9 To become a zero-waste community through responsible procurement, waste diversion, and innovative strategies. (Source: New Goal) ENV - 9.1 Zero Waste
The City shall promote innovative activities that reduce waste and increase waste diversion, including sourcing products with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging; establishing food diversion programs; gasification, and promoting and educating on waste diversion and its importance. (Source: New Policy)
What is ‘gasification’? How does that work?
Implementation Program E: Urban Forest Master Plan is too late at 2031-2040. Needs to be sooner.
SAFETY
SAF - 2 To create a more resilient community that is prepared for, responsive to, and recoverable from hazards created or made worse by climate change. (Source: CAVA).
SAF- 2.1 Community Service Organization Coordination
The City shall collaborate with community service organizations to ensure that the information and services related to emergency preparedness are made available to persons with limited transportation, communication, and other lifeline resources and services (Source: New Policy) How will this be done and by whom, Fire Safe Councils?
SAF - 2.2 Vulnerable Populations Coordination
The City shall coordinate with the Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care and other existing programs to ensure that emergency shelters are available during extreme heat events, severe weather and flooding events, and other highly hazardous conditions. (Source: New Policy)
Also need to include low income, marginalized communities and include mobile home parks and provide cooling centers there, among other emergency facilities.
Safety Section on Flood Hazards 7.4
FEMA Flood Zones
Atmospheric Rivers are happening a lot more often than the 100 year or 500 year floods.
SAF - 5 To minimize wildland fire risk to protect life and property. (Source: Existing GP Goal SF7, modified) SAF- 5.2 Vegetation and Fuel Management
The City shall require that structures located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity zone maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management specified within the California Fire Code. (Source: New Policy)
Native vegetation that hold soil moisture is recommended here.
AGRICULTURE
AG - 1 To preserve and strengthen agricultural uses
AG - 1.2 Preserve Agricultural Lands
With the exception of presently proposed or approved subdivisions, the City shall discourage urban development on unincorporated land within its Sphere of Influence until annexed by the City. The City shall support County land use regulations that protect the viability of local agriculture in the Ukiah Valley. (Source: New Policy)
No cannabis on unincorporated land.
AG - 2 To create a healthy, equitable and resilient local-food system that further integrates agriculture into the City’s identity. (Source: New Goal) AG 2.4 Backyard Food
The City shall allow and encourage residents to undertake supplementary local agriculture, including backyard gardens, apiaries, poultry, and ‘foodscaping’. Examples include community, school, backyard, and rooftop gardens with a purpose extending beyond home consumption and education. (Source: New Policy)
Possibility of garden tours for foodscaping examples, maybe through the Garden Clubs.
Foodscaping could be encouraged on the space between sidewalks and the street. Lawns should be discouraged because of water use. Possible education program to promote growing food instead of lawns = less water, more local food consumption. Implement a No Mow May to encourage flowers in fields for pollinators. Support the Right to Farm concept.
AG - 2.6 Support Gardeners
The City shall coordinate with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Mendocino County Master Gardener Program, to connect city residents with backyard gardening knowledge. (Source: Existing General Plan Policy OC-21.1) Possible Master Gardener help line available for residents? AG - 3 Help existing agricultural stakeholders move ‘Beyond the Farm’. (Source: New Goal) AG - 3.1
Establish Infrastructure to Grow the Agricultural Economy The City shall support existing agriculture operators by encouraging a diverse, vibrant, and innovative agriculture economy that creates new opportunities and products from regional producers. In conjunction with stakeholders, the City shall encourage the creation of agricultural business incubators, shared kitchens, and workforce development programs that create locations to strengthen agricultural operators within the region. (Source: New Policy) Caring Kitchen, Mendocino College and Willits Grange as places for food production and kitchen space. Need space for people to rent land to produce food for Farmers Markets to encourage local food production.
AG 3.2 Agritourism
The City shall support expansion of the agricultural tourism industry by assessing utilization use of tourism facilities (e.g., hospitality, restaurants, etc.), as well as supporting efforts to plan and integrate the Great Redwood Trail into the agricultural economy. (Source: New Policy) Possible thematic offerings such as meals prepared from local livestock (lamb, beef, pork, vegan classes and cooking demonstrations, vegetarian fare, wine focused meals, etc. Maybe even the potential of the tourism industry hiring a local food purchasing director to create programs and encourage and publicize Ukiah’s food opportunities.
AG - 3.3 University Research
The City shall encourage research, particularly at the University of California Cooperative Extension, pertinent to the Ukiah Valley to identify new potential uses and enhancement for existing agricultural industries, especially pomology, ‘forestry, livestock, ‘and viticulture. (Source:
New Policy)
Another perfect partnership to encourage research is through UC’s Hopland Research and Extension Center.
1 Michelle Irace
From: Craig Schlatter
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2022 9:27 AM
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: FW: Follow up from last night's public comment session Attachments: Sample Language - General Plans - SHS MUH.pdf; FINAL Mendocino - Poor Health Generates Costs for Businesses; Community-level Solutions Prove Promising.pdf From: JoAnn Saccato <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2022 11:37 AM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: Follow up from last night's public comment session [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Craig,
That was a really engaging session last night‐‐thank you again.
I had a couple thoughts around the community engagement question. One is that I’d be glad to write a quick letter to the editor talking about the public comment period‐‐of course I would do it from community health perspective‐‐and encourage the public to get involved. That may be treated a little differently than a press release.
Second, the idea of having a place where a public conversation can be seen and held reminded me of comment sections on blogs and websites. I found this free one: https://nowcomment.com/ as just one example. I’m not sure if Minter Harnish‐‐who I believe you said is managing the Ukiah 2040 site ?‐‐ can embed something like this on the site, but it looks like you could easily set up different topic threads which would then be housed there for all to see and comment.
It could be a pretty dynamic conversation space.
If you can send me the slide that shows the upcoming dates with the Planning Commission, etc. I’d be glad to share those out through my sources and encourage participation.
Also, I think I included some sample language sheets in the packet I left for you when we met, but just in case, I’m attaching one here. These are pieces gleaned from planning language from communities around California. The Clearlake example uses language that addresses tobacco, alcohol, and drug dependency, which may help address the inquiry by the mom.
I’m also attaching an article we wrote with local Mendocino data addressing the connection of community health with community economic wellness. I’ve recently submitted it to the UDJ, but it’s a long one with graphics, so not sure it will make it into print. The article is based on a presentation we offer organizations and teams like yours to help make that connection. Let me know if you think it could be helpful and I’d be happy to present it at your convenience either in person or via Zoom to your staff or whoever else you think could benefit from it.
Not sure if it’s too late in the game for these ideas, but just a few thoughts rattling around this morning. :)
2 Hope you have a good weekend. You and your team are highly deserving and greatly appreciated! Together, we can!
JoAnn Saccato, MA
She/her
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lake & Mendocino
NorCal 4 Health project
California Health Collaborative
Phone: 707 530-5171
www.NorCal4Health.org
Like us on Facebook
Creating greater wellness and prosperity
for all through advancing health and equity
in community planning and policies.
Poor Health Generates Costs for Businesses; Community-level Solutions Prove Promising
We’ve heard it before and yet it may still be hard to believe: Our zip code determines our health more than our genetic code. Why is this important for business owners? Because poor health impacts us all through greater costs for businesses and higher taxes. Specifically, businesses are impacted by:
x Healthcare expenses are a direct cost for employers, whether through employerprovided insurance or public options supported by taxes. x Higher rates of disability due to illness and injury generate higher insurance rates. x Absences for illnesses and doctor’s appointments plus presenteeism (working while sick) affect productivity.
x Poor health can lead to higher rates of employee turnover, causing greater costs for recruitment and training.
On a national level, this leads to what is known as the U.S. Healthcare Disadvantage and impacts our competitiveness globally. Chronic illnesses and injuries in the workforce cost U.S. employers more than half a trillion dollars (+$500,000,000) and 1.5 billion days in lost productivity each year. That’s a cost of almost $4,000 per employee on average! What can be done? Many communities are
looking for solutions ‘upstream’—before
the illnesses and injuries occur. This is costeffective because every $1 spent on prevention saves $5.60 on health spending
“downstream.”
“Most of the time we’re busy paying for
illness and injuries on an individual basis
‘downstream’—or after they’ve occurred,”
explained Amber Wier, previously a small
business advisor for the North Coast Small
Business Development Center and
currently the Project Director of the
California Health Collaborative’s NorCal 4
Health project. “This can be really costly
for everyone, but specifically for
businesses through direct and indirect costs, such as productivity loss, insurance rates and higher taxes.”
As it turns out, most poor health outcomes are preventable and those that contribute to over 50% of deaths in California are due to personal behaviors around food, activity, and tobacco use. This phenomenon can be summed up by what is known as the 3-4-50 framework:
How do these behaviors translate in Mendocino County? In the graphic below we can see that while Mendocino County is ahead of the state and nation in some areas, it is behind in others:
Below we can see Mendocino County residents suffer from higher rates of tobacco/nicotine use, heart disease, and food insecurity, which contribute to the county’s “poor” to “very poor” health rankings:
Promising Community-level Solutions
While we bring to light the three behavior areas that contribute to the four diseases that account for more than 50% of the deaths, addressing those behaviors on an individual level is just one point of opportunity for change. Remember the zip code determinant above? Health starts long before illness. As we now know, in America, 80-90% of health outcomes are the result of conditions in communities.1
Additionally, the same vital conditions that shape health are the very features that attract and retain talented workers, loyal customers, tourists and prosperous businesses to a community.
Some of these features include safe parks and green spaces, quality, affordable housing and public transportation, access to healthy foods, access to childcare and early childhood education, quality schools, and feelings of civic pride and responsibility. 1 Hood, C. M., Gennuso, K. P., Swain, G. R., & Catlin, B. B. (2016). County health rankings: Relationships between determinant factors and health outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(2), 129–135. Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/chep-sgr-causes-health-disadvantage-fs3.pdf.
As it happens, in America, 80-90% of health outcomes are the result of conditions in communities.1 Additionally, the same vital conditions that shape health are the very features that attract and retain talented workers, loyal customers, tourists and prosperous businesses to a community.
Policies and planning decisions that build in healthier choices, like bike lanes, smoke-free outdoor spaces, smoke-free shared-wall housing (also known as multi-unit housing), and increasing access in neighborhoods for most things needed for daily living, like healthy food and household items, lead to better health outcomes naturally.” Further, for many rural communities that rely on tourism dollars, reducing harmful tobacco consumption, secondhand smoke, and tobacco product waste helps attract tourists, especially those from urban areas who expect a tobacco-free environment. “What we’re noticing is that communities that put specific features in place in their built environment have created natural and effortless conditions for not only better health for everyone,” concluded Wier. “but, also for better local economies. In other words, how we shape our community, in turn, shapes us.”
“We know it’s hard to think about when we’re busy working our business and assisting people in immediate need,” acknowledged Wier, “but spending a little more time addressing why they are in need, improving community conditions, and tackling the problem before it happens will ultimately save us time, money and provide a better quality of life for the long run.” She continued, “Community health is part of business health and local business owners can have influence. They can use their voice to let elected officials know they want to create a more viable economic future through upstream prevention and planning. Speak up at public meetings. Email or call their representatives. Small businesses can influence community health and prosperity by encouraging government and local planning projects to incorporate upstream thinking and design.”
Wier invites business owners to learn more at their website www.NorCal4Health.org and looks to the Community Health and Economic Prosperity (CHEP) initiative enacted by previous Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, for inspiration: “Health and the economy are inextricably linked and both most thrive if either is to be strong.” NorCal 4 Health is a project of the California Health Collaborative serving Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. It provides education and resources on community-level solutions to elevate health and economic prosperity. The project is funded by the California Department of Public Health and works alongside local residents and organizations. Learn more at www.NorCal4Health.org
From: Craig Schlatter
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: FW: Zoom link for Ukiah General Plan Community Meeting Date: Monday, September 26, 2022 9:26:08 AM
Attachments: image001.png
image004.png
From: Elizabeth Salomone <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2022 8:39 AM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Zoom link for Ukiah General Plan Community Meeting [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thanks!
Elizabeth Salomone, General Manager
Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District NEW ADDRESS: 304 N. State Street, #2, Ukiah, CA 95482
Cell: 707-462-5278 www.RRFC.net
From: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2022 7:16 PM
To: Elizabeth Salomone <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Zoom link for Ukiah General Plan Community Meeting Hi Beth- thank you so much for attending, and many apologies for the hybrid meeting technical issues. I will make sure we correct the “improvement” typographical error in the general plan, and please let me know if you’d like to discuss anything further or have questions.
Craig
Craig Schlatter, Director
Department of Community Development
300 Seminary Ave. Ukiah, CA 95482
P: (707) 463-6219; F: (707) 463-6204
http://www.cityofukiah.com/community-development/
From: Elizabeth Salomone <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2022 6:27 PM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Zoom link for Ukiah General Plan Community Meeting [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Craig,
Thanks for offering the hybrid meeting. The Plan looks great and is easy to read; congratulations! One small note, the official name of the District includes the word “improvement” Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Flood Control District),
City of Ukiah General Plan Update
Zoom Link Now Provided for Community Meeting Held at Ukiah Valley Conference Center this Evening (please see below) Should be
Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation Improvement District (Flood Control District), Not sure the District will make any formal comments but I’ve already linked it in our website and plan to refer back to it often! Thank you, Beth
Elizabeth Salomone, General Manager
Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District NEW ADDRESS: 304 N. State Street, #2, Ukiah, CA 95482
Cell: 707-462-5278 www.RRFC.net
From: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2022 2:28 PM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: Zoom link for Ukiah General Plan Community Meeting Topic: Ukiah 2040 General Plan Community Meeting
Time: Sep 22, 2022 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83831051007
Meeting ID: 838 3105 1007
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1 City of Ukiah Draft General Plan Update
9-22-2022
Comments submitted by Linda Sanders
On Page 12 titled under the header “Maintaining the General Plan” states, “For the General Plan to be a useful document, it must be monitored and periodically revised to respond to and reflect changing conditions and needs over time. The General Plan should be reviewed annually.” How will a new General Plan be monitored and followed on an annual basis? The above statements have not been followed by the City in years’ past. As stated above, an annual review of the General Plan is important and useful as a planning tool for future growth and development. The City has spent thousands of dollars in its creation, required by the State and it is a public compact for the people of Ukiah. If a project or development is not “income enhancing” the City has demonstrated time and again its lack of motivation in pursuing any stated goals for open space, parks and the urban forest unless it is required by the state or federal government. I present my comments here to illustrate my concern that quality- of- life enhancements are desirable and cherished when they exist.
The City of Ukiah has stymied many public benefits identified in the 1995 Ukiah General Plan.
Commercial Property Landscaping- The City shall require that landscaping on commercial properties be well maintained and encourage those commercial properties currently without landscaping to provide landscaping. (Source: Existing Program CD-17.2a, modified) The City has not implemented this existing goal. Once a project has been approved by the Planning Commission and the conditions of approval are adopted with landscaping requirements, landscaping violations occur on commercial properties that go unenforced. What commonly happens postplanning commission or ministerial hearing when the project was approved then at some later time the owner or their designee decides to have their trees removed and they are not replaced and/or the irrigation system is disconnected allowing the landscaping to dry up and die with no follow up from the City. What specific modification has been made to actually implement this policy? LU-6 Page 42
Hillside Areas-To preserve the natural character of hillside development areas. (Source: New Goal) Natural Features. The City shall require development to preserve outstanding natural physical features, such as the highest crest of a hill, natural rock outcroppings, major tree belts, and water features. (Source: New Policy)
Hillside Development-The City shall require new development in hillside areas to minimize grading to retain a natural hillside setting. The City shall encourage clustered dwelling units in hillside areas and roadways to be designed to preserve the ecological and scenic character of the hillsides. (Source: New Policy)
Open Space Access- The City shall encourage new hillside developments to provide public access (as appropriate) to adjacent greenways, open space corridors, trails, and parks if development is proposed adjacent to such facilities. (Source: New Policy)
How will the City implement this goal and policy? The City has approved hillside development and has not allowed for public access. The City Council needs to adopt hillside development ordinance.
2 Figure 2-6 Page 60
The map titled “Identified Disadvantaged and Unincorporated Communities” is the same map as shown in Figure 2-5 Airport Zone on Page 56. Please correct this error.
4.3 Page 87
The General Plan states, “A commitment to providing Complete Streets is a key to effective transportation planning and will maximize the effectiveness of the existing street network. One means of increasing the capacity of the existing system is to consider all forms of transportation when making planning decisions.”
How will the City implement this goal and policy? Past practices have shown that the City has been adverse in implementing ‘Complete Streets’ in their transportation planning. “Emphasis on Sustainable Mobility Planning that respects the small-town quality of life in Ukiah will retain the intimacy of streets that attract pedestrian usage. Maintaining a balance between the various travel mode options during the planning process ensures that getting from home to work, shop, or play is convenient and easy without requiring use of a motor vehicle. “ How will the City implement this goal and policy? The argument the City has consistently used to eliminate pedestrian only access is there must be adequate width to accommodate a large fire truck.
This has been a decade-long struggle by the Wagonseller neighborhood begging that the City of Ukiah fix the Orrs’ Street Bridge for pedestrian and bicycle travel. A “special project reserve fund” was set aside by former City Councils to make this happen but it was objected by city staff. The bridge now has been demolished.
Pedestrian Corridor Network- The UBPMP identifies a Pedestrian Corridor Network that upon completion would provide a connected network of streets intended to improve pedestrian connections to neighborhood destinations, transit and recreational opportunities and serve high volumes of existing or expected pedestrian activity. The network includes corridors that serve the following land uses: • Retail shopping areas • Transit • Schools • Parks and community centers • Higher density residential development • Libraries • Community centers • Senior centers or senior living facilities • Large employment centers.
MOB 1.11 Page 98
Pedestrian Barriers & Utility Relocation-The City shall support elimination of barriers to pedestrian travel on sidewalks and walking paths including requiring the relocation or undergrounding of utilities where appropriate. (New Policy)
Pedestrians walk or travel in wheelchairs using the street to avoid the many obstructions encountered on the sidewalk, a few examples are: poorly maintained or non-existent sidewalks, driveway dips, unmaintained vegetation encroaching into the public right of way.
Figure 4.3 Page 96
The Orr Creek Trail Feasibility Study if implemented will at long last join an under resourced neighborhood to an existing park that is across four-lanes of interstate highway and is not easily accessible by walking or biking.
3 5.2 Page 109
Ukiah Valley Sanitation District- The City should collaborate with Ukiah Valley Sanitation District to ensure adequate wastewater collection and treatment is provided to properties within City limits and their jurisdictional boundaries. (Source: New Policy)
Why is “should” used in the above statement and not “shall”? Given the long, drawn out and expensive litigation the City has had with the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District in the past it would be advantageous to the ratepayers that the City maintain a collegial relationship with the District.
5.4 Page 111
PFS 5.1 & 5.2 are listed as new policy goals.
Low Impact Development- The City shall require new developments to install green infrastructure consistent with the sustainable objectives of the State and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID). (Source: New Policy)
The “Stormwater Low Impact Development Technical Design Manual” has been adopted by the Ukiah City Council since 2014 and has been in effect. The Ukiah Paths, Open Space and Creek Commission prepared the “City of Ukiah Creek Maintenance Policies and Procedures” that were also adopted by the Ukiah City Council back in May 18, 2010.
Pollutants Discharge Reduction-The City shall provide non-point source pollution control programs to reduce and control the discharge of pollutants into the storm drain system and Russian River. (Source:
New Policy)
How will the City communicate to the public about maintaining an adequate stormwater management system to accommodate run-off and improve environmental quality? Most residents believe that it is lawful to blow their leaves onto city streets. Unfortunately, the services of the street sweeper are often inconsistent and inadequate thus hindering the goal of improving stormwater management and water quality.
PFS 7.2 Page 112
Vegetation Clearance- The City shall require vegetation clearance and tree trimming adjacent to transmission and distribution lines and other critical electrical infrastructure. (Source: New Policy) How will the City address the conflict that comes from vegetation clearance and the loss of important shade canopy which then leads to added energy consumption by air conditioning usage and with increasing outdoor irrigation?
PFS-10 Page 114
To provide high-quality public safety and crime reduction services to maintain a safe and secure community. (Source: New Goal)
PFS 10.3-Community Policing Strategies- The City shall promote community policing strategies that strengthen trust and collaboration with the residents of Ukiah, including those of all races, ethnicities,
4 and cultural backgrounds, and ensure public safety through meaningful cooperation and problem-solving techniques. (Source: New Policy)
Who in the City is responsible for policing the Ukiah Police Department? A new structure is essential for the public’s safety given the astronomical litigation payouts that have resulted from a poorly handled insular internal affairs structure and from past command blunders. How will complaints from the public be handled in the future? Citizen and visitor complaints shall receive a thorough and thoughtful response to their complaints so that they are reassured that identified problems or excessive police actions are properly corrected.
12.1 & 12.3 Page 116
Equitable Access to Parks and Recreation Facilities- The City shall establish new parks and recreation facilities to ensure all residents have access within a one-mile radius of their place of residence regardless of socio-economic status. (Source: New Policy)
Connected Park System- The City shall provide an interconnected park system that creates an urban greenbelt and links all trail systems within the City. (Source: New Policy) Both above items are listed as a new policy, however in the previous Ukiah General Plan that was adopted by the Ukiah City Council on December 6, 1995 on Page 13 under the heading V.2 Parks and Recreation, number 2.05 titled, Orr Creek-Wagonseller Neighborhood Park was identified with the General Plan goal to “Develop parks and recreation facilities in the Orr Creek Wagonseller neighborhood.” Policy PR-4.1 states, “Establish new neighborhood parks and recreation facilities in the Orr Creek-Wagonseller neighborhood area to serve the needs of residents.” 27 years later the neighborhood continues to grow and in the last couple of years has added another three major multi-family developments. The only action City staff have taken to create a neighborhood park was in authoring a draft document titled, “Wagonseller Neighborhood Park Feasibility Analysis, December 2017 that was presented to the Planning Commission on February 14, 2018. Yet, It still lingers on the planning shelf waiting for the City Council decision makers to take action.
Will the City of Ukiah ever invest resources into this neighborhood or will the decision makers continue making policies to keep it disenfranchised?
6.1 Page 123
City Tree Inventories- The City shall update and maintain City tree inventories to support landmark trees preservation and urban biodiversity, including trees designated for streets and parking lots. (Source: New Policy)
On Page 8 of the “City of UkIah Tree Management Guidelines, revised November 19, 2014” specifies the following, “at least one tree shall be planted for every tree that is removed from City property,” with the purpose of maintaining the urban canopy. Unfortunately, past practices resulted in large amounts of city trees being removed and not replaced because no mechanism was used to track the loss of trees on city property. The City has required tree lists that are available on the city website and this list includes: Required Riparian Tree List, Required Street Tree List, Required Parking Lot Tree List and Required Parks Tree List and all were approved and adopted by City Council.
5 ENV 3.6 Page 126
City-owned Historic Sites and Structures- The City shall maintain, preserve, and improve City-owned historic structures and sites in an architecturally and environmentally sensitive manner. (Source: Existing Policy HA-5.1, modified)
The City of Ukiah has a demolition committee to review requests for demolishing buildings 50 years or older. This committee is comprised of two staff positions and one volunteer position. To my knowledge no historic building in Ukiah has ever been saved from demolition unless the building was listed on the federal or state registrar. The Palace Hotel still stands because of its listing.
ENV 6.1 Page 128
Restoration Master Plans- The City shall establish a Creek and Stream Restoration Master Plan for each creek flowing through the City limits. (Source: Existing Policy OC-9.1, modified) There are currently two studies that were conducted on Orrs and Gibson creeks. The final draft of the “Orrs Creek Habitat Enhancement and Flood Control Study” was submitted to the City in the Summer of 1999. The second study, titled “Gibson Creek Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Study” was submitted to the City of Ukiah in September of 2000. The Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission over a period of two years prepared the “Doolin Creek, A Vision for Restoration and Enhancement” document which was submitted to the City Council in 2015. Unfortunately, all these studies sit on the Planning shelf gathering dust.
ENV 6.5 Page 129
Creek Protection- The City shall require new development located adjacent to stream corridors to include appropriate measures for creek bank stabilization, erosion and sedimentation prevention, and natural creek channel and riparian vegetation preservation. (Source: Existing Programs OC-7.5(a), OC-9.2d, OC9.2e, modified) In 2015 the Paths, Open Space and Creeks Commission began discussing creek setbacks for future development. Unfortunately, the planning staff was not supportive of this goal and no ordinance was ever prepared for City Council to adopt.
6
Goals and Policies Each element contains the goals and policies to guide future land use, development, resource management, and environmental protection decisions in Ukiah. The goals and policies in the General Plan are presented in a standard format. Goal A goal is a statement that describes, in general terms, a desired future condition or “end” state. Goals describe ideal future conditions for a topic and are intentionally general and broad. Policy A policy is a statement that guides a specific course of action for decision-makers to achieve a desired goal. “Shall” vs. “Should” Policies and implementation measures throughout the General Plan use terms such as “shall” and “should” to define the intentions of the City relative to these components. These modifiers are used as follows in the General Plan:
“Must” or “shall” or “required” are used to signify a mandatory requirement that the City will follow. For example, Policy ED-3.2 says: “The City shall coordinate with interested developers and relevant public agencies to develop infill sites consistent with the Land Use Diagram.” Words such as “should” or “may” are used to signify a less rigid directive, that will be honored in the absence of compelling or contravening considerations. For example, Policy PFS-14.1 says: “The City should encourage Mendocino College, local vocational schools, and technical training institutes to maintain and improve continuing education courses and certificate programs, including opportunities for on-line learning..” This provides flexibility in addressing the policy in the context of the project or proposal. Figure I-3 shows an example goal and policy that illustrates this standard presentation format Implementation Programs While many policies can be implemented as part of standard City operations, some policies require specific implementation programs to ensure their implementation. The last section of each element includes a table of implementation programs in a format illustrated on Figure I-4. Similar to policies, implementation programs that address one or more of the cross-cutting topics described earlier include an icon to highlight the implementation program’s relationship to these topics, as applicable. To ensure all policies can be implemented, the General Plan contains a wide range of implementation programs.
While the City intends to pursue the implementation programs included in the General Plan, the City will need to evaluate each program in light of City resources. This includes resources such as financial, staffing, and technology. Over the 20-year planning period, the City Council and staff will need to prioritize various implementation programs based on the resources available, and some implementation programs may not be completed as planned. Figure I-4 shows an example implementation program that illustrates this standard presentation format.
Tree Advisory Group Recommendations
City of Ukiah General Plan Update
March 2, 2020
Long term 20-year goal: Maintain and expand the City’s Urban Forest as an economic asset and environmental resource that improves the quality of life for all residents.
To achieve this goal, implement short-term and long-term measures as follows:
• Provide adequate funding in the annual budget for tree-related activities, such as tree replacement planting, young tree care, staff training.
• Evaluate existing City code relating to street trees, parking lot trees, and new developments and combine into a tree ordinance for all City properties and right-of-ways. • Review and update every 5 years the City’s Required Tree Lists, with emphasis on native trees that are adaptable to hotter, drier climate conditions • Promote the Landmark Tree Program and expand protection for future listings. • Develop tree inventories and planting plans for all City parks • Establish a tree commission to assure public input, oversight and coordination of treerelated activities. • Review and update every 10 years the City’s Tree Management Guidelines • Complete and implement a City-wide tree planting, preservation and protection ordinance. • Develop and continually update a tree inventory within the City.
With the purposes of providing input and monitoring the success of the General Plan, and identifying important goals, elements and policies identified in the 1995 General Plan should be included in the General Plan Update. They are as follows:
Policy GP-10.6 Ensure a City response to all citizen requests related to citizen involvement activities.
3.02.03 Responsible use of resources
Goal GP-20 Maintain and enhance area natural resources balancing the use of the resources, replenishment, and remaining supply.
Goal GP-21 Conserve open space, hillsides, stream courses, and indigenous flora and fauna for the enjoyment of future generations.
3.02.04 Aesthetics in planning and development
Goal GP-24 Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Ukiah Valley.
Goal GP-25 Ensure aesthetic qualities in the design and construction of the community.
Goal GP-26 Require that landscaping be significant component of development and redevelopment.
IV. The Resource Elements Open Space and Conservation
Policy OC-1.3 Coordinate landscaping of public and private development with preservation and restoration of open space and native vegetation Goal OC-22 Conserve and replenish valley oaks in the Valley.
Goal OC-23 Native plant landscaping shall be encouraged.
Goal OC-24 Replace aging trees with new trees.
Goal OC-25 Maintain and enhance the City’s canopy of shade trees.
Goal OC-29 Maintain and enhance the “urban forests” which create a sense of urban space.
IV.2 Noise
Policy NZ-2.4 Protect existing residential areas from future noise impacts.
IV.4 Energy
Goal EG-5 Site design shall incorporate shade trees for energy conservation.
V.5 Circulation and Transportation
5.01 …wide streets which may inappropriately encourage higher speeds and remove trees or natural landscaping that enhance much of the areas rural character
Goal CT-7 Develop pedestrian access.
VI.2 Community Design
Goal CD-4 Seek uniform, attractive landscaping standards for non-single-family residential development throughout the Valley.
Policy CD-4.2 Encourage planting of native trees and plants.
Policy CD-4. 3 Require landscaping that will result in the creation of new street canopies.
2.02 The Ukiah Valley setting
…Many outstanding large trees of all species, which are significant visual resources and part of the heritage of the community, can be conserved or protected through creative site design.
Policy CD-5.2 Preserve native vegetation on the Russian River and along tributary creeks in the Ukiah Valley.
Policy CD-6.1 Enhance, protect and preserve view-scapes and visually important community separators
Goal CD-7 Improve the appearance of area gateways.
Policy CD-12.1 Maintain and improve Ukiah’s streets, lighting, trees, landscaping, and parks in a manner that enhances the City’s beauty and historic fabric.
Goal CD-17 Require commercial and industrial parking lots to be designed and sited so as to increase the attractiveness of the areas in which they are located.
To: Brent Gibbons; [email protected]; Michelle Irace Subject: FW: Complete Streets
Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 8:03:25 AM
Additional comments here from Climate Action Mendocino. -----Original Message-----
From: Judy Luria <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2022 1:22 PM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>; Eileen Mitro <[email protected]> Subject: Complete Streets
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Craig,
I hope the GP Plan presentation and public input went well, sorry I had to miss it! I’m looking back over my notes on our recent meeting on the GP and want to make sure I have this correct. — "Ukiah Complete Streets Policy is in compliance with the state”. I’m wondering where I would find that, or maybe it’s irrelevant because:
— "General Plan to say that we need to develop a Complete Streets policy”, not sure if I’m quoting you right here.
It seems like a really good idea to define Complete Streets standards somewhere, maybe you have an idea on the best way to go about this.
And another question, as the Planning Commission is meeting in October, might this be something they would get involved with?
Somewhat obsessed here, thanks in advance for your advice! Judy
HEALTHY MENDOCINO 413 S. STATE STREET, UKIAH CA 95482 HEALTHYMENDOCINO.ORG Dear City of Ukiah Council Members, Planning Staff and Consultants, Firstly, we would like to thank you for all you do to support and serve our community. We feel strongly that our city employees and City Council devote great efforts to keeping our citizens safe and healthy and our community moving in a positive direction. We also realize that our region faces many hurdles in accomplishing these goals.
Healthy Mendocino is an active coalition whose members include individuals and organizations from a variety of sectors, including community wellness, health service workers, education, tribal partners, family and child services.
We appreciate this opportunity to provide public input on the General Plan update underway and wish to voice our support for the inclusion of language and goals in the General Plan that address the overall health of all our community members.
While we encourage you to consider community health in all planning and policy decisions, particularly, we would like you to consider these options that can be influenced and/or addressed in the General Plan:
• Creating conditions for all residents to have easy access to healthy foods and smoke-free outdoor spaces (e.g. parks, sidewalks, parking lots, worksites). • Creating secondhand and thirdhand smoke protections for families and children through smoke-free multi-unit housing (e.g. apartments, condominiums, duplexes, and other shared wall living spaces).
• Limiting the number of tobacco and vape retailers in our community to the California average of 2 per 2,500 residents. (Ukiah currently has 4 per 2,500 residents.)i • Restricting tobacco, vape and other nicotine product retailing within 1,000 feet of youthfriendly locations such as parks, schools, and activity centers. (Ukiah currently has 3 retailers within 1,000 feet of a school.)ii
Behaviors such as limited physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use contribute to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and lung disease. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
The Mendocino County 2021 adult smoking rate was 15%, higher than the statewide rate of 10%.iii According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and families living in rental housing are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke.iv
HEALTHY MENDOCINO 413 S. STATE STREET, UKIAH CA 95482 HEALTHYMENDOCINO.ORG Lack of smokefree housing, therefore, creates health disparities among those living in rental housing.
While individual behavior is a contributing factor to poor health, we now know that 80 - 90% of health outcomes are the results of conditions in communities.v Most of these conditions can be addressed through planning and policies.
We recognize the power of planning in our communities and encourage you to take these considerations to heart when updating our General Plan.
Thank you, again for this opportunity to have input in this valuable process that helps create a vibrant, healthy, and prosperous Ukiah.
Sincerely,
Holly Madrigal, Program Director
Healthy Mendocino
i Stanford CTHAT. https://cthat.org/ . Accessed 9 June 2022. ii Stanford CTHAT. https://cthat.org/ . Accessed 9 June 2022. iii County Health Rankings & Roadmaps,
https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/california/2022/rankings/mendocino/county/outcomes/overall/snapsh ot. Accessed 9 June 2022.
iv Vital Signs: Disparities in Nonsmokers’ Exposure to Secondhand Smoke — United States, 1999–2012. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6404a7.htm?s_cid=mm6404a7_w. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021. v Hood, C. M., Gennuso, K. P., Swain, G. R., & Catlin, B. B. (2016). County health rankings: Relationships between determinant factors and health outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(2), 129–135. Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/chep-sgr-causes-health-disadvantage-fs3.pdf .
From: CGS SHMP@DOC
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: RE: City of Ukiah General Plan Safety Element review Date: Thursday, October 20, 2022 10:03:30 AM
Attachments: image001.png
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out. We have reviewed the City of Ukiah’s proposed Safety Element and have the following comments:
1. Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards
The California Geological Survey (CGS) has not yet assessed the potential for liquefaction and seismically induced landslides in the Ukiah area, although the Safety Element does include a discussion of these hazards. The City may wish to supplement the discussion of landslide hazards with information available in CGS Map Sheet 58, which analyzes landslide susceptibility throughout the state. The full map publication is available here:
https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Publications/Map-Sheets/MS_058.pdf The GIS data for Map Sheet 58 is available at the link below. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the use of these data.
https://gis.conservation.ca.gov/portal/home/item.html?
id=87289025c11d4ba7ae65f0f472bf7c2d
I understand the proposed Safety Element has already been submitted to the State Clearinghouse for CEQA review, however, it has not yet been routed to CGS for review and comment. In the case that it is routed to CGS, I will resubmit these comments and copy the State Clearinghouse.
Erik
Dr. Erik Frost
Senior Engineering Geologist | Seismic Hazards Program
Comment 10
October 19, 2022
Dear City of Ukiah Mayor, Councilmembers, and Community Development Department Staff, NorCal 4 Health is honored to take part in public comments for the Ukiah 2040 General Plan update. We applaud the work of the staff, consultants, and Council in preparing this important visioning document.
NorCal 4 Health’s main concern in our region is access to healthy options and opportunities for all. We understand that 80%-90% of health outcomes are a result of conditions in the community.1 Our project supports communities working on these conditions through their planning documents and policies.
In 2021-22, NorCal 4 Heath conducted a public opinion survey of Mendocino County residents, of which we received 171 responses. We want to share a few things of note:
● Eighty-six percent (86%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their city/town should take steps to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to live a healthy life.2 ● Over 70% of respondents had to take an action at an outdoor event or park in Mendocino County in response to secondhand smoke. Actions included moving from a location, leaving an event early, asking someone to stop smoking, and/or asking staff to intervene.3 ● Seventy-five percent (75%) of respondents living in multi-unit housing were exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis.
● Thirty-four percent (34%) of respondents living in multi-unit housing have a health condition affected or made worse by secondhand smoke.4
We know that Ukiah citizens envision a healthy community which may include protecting children from exposure and initiation to harmful tobacco and nicotine products. We know there is no safe level of 4 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
2 NorCal 4 Health, a California Health Collaborative project. 2022. Public Opinion Poll, June-December 2021.
Mendocino County, CA.
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Community health and economic prosperity: Engaging businesses as stewards and stakeholders—A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy.
Comment 11
secondhand smoke5 and we also know that in 2019, 33% of Ukiah 9th graders and 36% of Ukiah 11th graders tried vaping devices that include nicotine and other dangerous substances.6 What our project has come to learn is that these are things that can be addressed at the community planning and policy level. Below we offer some opportunities to strengthen what is already included in the health, health equity, economic, and sustainability portions of the General Plan. We hope they are taken in the light they are intended--to elevate community intentions and benefit the long-term health and prosperity of Ukiah residents and visitors.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnn Saccato, MA
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lake & Mendocino
NorCal 4 Health project
California Health Collaborative
Phone: 707 530-5171
www. NorCal4Health.org
6 Ukiah Unified School District. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2018-19: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health and Justice Program for the California Department of Education. 5 CDCTobaccoFree. (2022, August 22). Health effects of secondhand smoke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/index.htm
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
1-Introduction 1.1 Purpose and
use of the General
Plan
1-2 “Communities may also include other optional
elements that address issues of local interest.
Common themes include air quality, capital
improvements, community design, economic
development, energy, healthy lifestyle options,
parks and recreation, and water.”
1.3 GP Vision and
Guiding Principles
/ Vision
1-7 Opportunity for more inclusion. “The city offers a great place for people of all ages, abilities, incomes, religious preferences, ethnicities, cultures, gender identities, and sexual orientations
to live, work and visit.“
1.3 GP Vision and
Guiding Principles
/ Guiding
Principles /
Community
Vitality
1-7 Opportunity for more inclusion. “…where people of all ages, abilities, incomes, religious preferences, ethnicities, cultures, gender
identities, and sexual orientations thrive socially,
economically, academically, and physically.“
1.3 GP Vision and
Guiding Principles
/ Guiding
Principles /
Economic
Development
1-7 ‘Development’ of businesses and jobs can
offer greater potential to a community
than singling out “job growth.” As well,
keeping in mind the sustainability aspect
of all development.
“Promote a diverse, local, business-friendly
economy that fosters healthy and sustainable
business and job development that is adaptable to
changes in consumer habits and market trends.”
1.3 GP Vision and
Guiding Principles
/ Guiding
Principles /
Inclusivity
1-8 Opportunity for more inclusion. “…housing options for community members of all ages, abilities, incomes, religious preferences,
ethnicities, cultures, gender identities, and sexual
orientations.
Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 1
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
2- Land Use Element LU-2.4 Pedestrian
Orientation
2-14 “…to include amenities that connect and create a
comfortable, healthy, clean air environment for
walking, sitting and socializing.
LU-3.4 Downtown
Pedestrian
Improvements
2-14 “Improvements could include smoke-free public
spaces and pedestrian-oriented amenities such as
lighting…”
2.2 Pattern of
Development
2-17 “New development should minimize resource
consumption, reduce dependency on the
automobile, preserve sensitive environmental
resources, reduce maintenance and utility
expenses, and improve promote physical, mental,
and social well-being. social health and interaction.”
3- Economic
Development
Element
3.0 Economic
Development
3-2 It is understood that 80-90% of health
outcomes are a result of conditions in a
community.
1 In its efforts “to position itself
as a place to do business” and by “helping
make Ukiah attractive as a place to live for
creative and skilled residents…”, it is
important to note that the same vital
conditions needed for health are the
features that attract and retain talented
workers, loyal customers and prosperous
businesses to a community. They are also
helpful for tourism.
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Community health and economic prosperity: Engaging businesses as stewards and stakeholders—A report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy.
Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 2
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
3.0 Economic
Development
(Cont.)
3-2
(Cont.)
Some of these vital conditions include:
healthy living conditions; access to healthy
foods; smokefree outdoor air protections
(public and private spaces); access to parks
and green spaces; and quality schools.
Protecting workers from secondhand
smoke is key to maintaining a healthy
workforce, which is key for business
success.
ED 7.1 Attract
Skilled Workers
3-8 In efforts to attract skilled workers, the
City may want to consider all outdoor
workplaces to be smokefree.
3.5 Workforce
Training and
Education
3-8 “Businesses depend on having enough healthy,
reliable workers suited…”
3.6 Diversified
Economy -
ED-10.1
Value-Added
Agriculture
3-9 Addressing environmental sustainability,
healthy food choices, food security, and
local economic development.
“…support the expansion of value-added
agriculture products with an emphasis on local
distribution and local consumption.”
4- Mobility Element 4-2 Since safety and health are driving factors for this element, consider adopting all
public access methods (sidewalks, parking
lots, streets) to be smokefree.
“…and support Ukiah’s health, economic, and
sustainability goals.”
4.3 Planned
Transportation
Network –
Guiding Principles
4-7 “…during the planning process ensures that
getting from home to work, shop, or play is healthy,
convenient and easy…”
Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 3
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
5- Public Facilities,
Services, and
Infrastructure
Element
5.9 Healthy
Community—Goal
s and Policies
5-14 Recognizing that Ukiah already bans
smoking in parks, consider adding a
secondhand and thirdhand smoke goal
Continue crafting policies that reduce exposure to
harmful effects of secondhand and thirdhand
smoke in indoor and outdoor areas. Continue to
make efforts to protect vulnerable populations such
as children and seniors.
5.9 Healthy
Community—Goal
s and Policies
5-14 Due to the dangers of secondhand smoke
exposure, consider adding a goal that
addresses it on City owned properties.
Prohibit smoking on all City-owned campuses and
facilities.
5.9 Healthy
Community—Goal
s and
Policies—PFS-15.1
Alcohol and
Tobacco Sales
5-14 “In efforts to protect children from exposure and
initiation to commercial tobacco products and
alcohol use, the City shall establish zoning code
provisions…”
5.9 Health
Community –
Goals and
Policies—PFS-15.6
Health Homes
5-15 “…that support ‘healthy homes,’ such as low VOC
material, environmental tobacco smoke control,
adopting comprehensive policies that eliminate
multi-unit housing resident’s exposure to
secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and indoor air
quality…”
6-Environment and
Sustainability
Element
ENV-7 –Goals and
Policies
6-10 Consider adding a goal that addresses
secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit
housing and outdoor public spaces.
The City shall adopt comprehensive policies that
reduce exposure to secondhand and thirdhand
smoke in shared-wall (MUH) and other public
outdoor spaces.
Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 4
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
ENV-9—Zero
Waste
community—9.1
6-12 In addition to being a source of wildfires,
cigarette butts are the most common form
of trash collected during debris cleanups.
Cigarette filters pose significant health
risks to wildlife and to humans as they
leach toxic chemicals and microplastics
that impact food supplies. Electronic
cigarettes pose a new environmental
threat including discarded plastics, heavy
metals, toxic residues and lithium-ion
batteries which can create a significant fire
hazard. There is currently no safe
procedure established for consumers to
dispose of these products.
2 The City may
want to consider adopting a goal to review
and implement policies and plans that
either seek to remove the hazards from
entering the consumer stream or create
means and methods to dispose of
materials in an environmentally sound
way.
The City shall review and implement plans to
address tobacco product waste.
2 World Health Organization. Tobacco and its Environmental Impact: An Overview. 2017. California Coastal Commission. Statewide Results for Cleanups from 1988 to 2020 [dataset]. 2020. https://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/stats/data.xlsx. Truth Initiative. Tobacco and the Environment. 2021. https://truthinitiative.org/sites/default/files/media/files/2022/07/Truth_Environment%20FactSheet%20Update%202021_071222.pdf Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 5
Ukiah GP 2040
Chapter
Section Page Comments Language Suggestions / Opportunities (noted in red text)
8: Agriculture
Element
AG-3—Help
existing ag
stakeholders
move ‘beyond the
farm’ –3.1
Establish
infrastructure…
8-4 Addressing environmental sustainability
and local economies.
“….innovative agriculture economy that creates
new opportunities and products from regional
producers for local consumption and export.”
AG-8.3
Implementation
Programs—A
Right to Farm
8-6 “adjacent to agricultural lands to reduce hazardous exposures and conflict between…”
AG-8.3
Implementation
Programs—B
Right to Farm
8-6 Would concern about the movement of
potentially hazardous materials (e.g. toxic
levels of organic and non-organic
pesticides and herbicides) into residential
areas be addressed in this proposed
ordinance?
9: Housing Element
(2019-27)
Future updates could possibly address
second- and third-hand smoke exposure of
multi-unit housing residents.
Ukiah GP 2040 public comments submitted by NorCal 4 Health. October 19, 2020. 6
From: Craig Schlatter
To: Jesse Davis; Michelle Irace
Subject: FW: The GP
Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 11:19:55 AM
From: Pinky Kushner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 11:18 AM
To: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: The GP
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Craig,
I have reviewed the General Plan and also the comments from the Climate Action group about the General Plan. I found myself sympathetic with each and every comment of the Climate Action group. Their comments, however, helped me realize how good the proposed GP is. Yes, it could be tweaked, but it is so much better than Ukiah’s last GP, by a lot. So, my feeling now is to complement you on the fine job your group did.
Perhaps others may have thoughts on how to improve the proposed GP. For me, I never thought I would agree so easily to this document. I find it to be a fine and fitting accomplishment for the future of the City of Ukiah.
Respectfully,
Pinky Kushner
510 459-8289
Comment 12
From: Craig Schlatter
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: FW: [#20221107023507] Comment from Ukiah2040 Website Ukiah 2040 General Plan Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 10:41:54 AM
From: Ukiah 2040 General Plan <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, November 6, 2022 6:35 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>; Michelle Irace <[email protected]>; Mireya Turner <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20221107023507] Comment from Ukiah2040 Website Ukiah 2040 General Plan [EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Ticket: [#20221107023507]
Name: Matthew Gilbert
e-mail: [email protected]
Comments:
Hello all,
As we, the city of Ukiah grows, it is critical that we do so in a way that minimizes our reliance on cars. Already we are starting to have traffic problems. The solution is to ensure that there is as much mixed use as possible. Alternative 3 since it has far more Community Commercial which allows for mixed use would have huge environmental and quality of live benefits compared to the others.
Thank you.
Matthew Gilbert
Page title: Ukiah 2040
Comment 13
From: Pinky Kushner <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 11:58 AM
To: Jesse Davis <[email protected]>
Subject: Time is running out to get something to you before the meeting tonight, something that you will have the time to read.
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Jesse,
Here’s what I am thinking about.
Unfortunately our conversation did not quite get to some basic questions about annexations. In the below, I have bolded my questions and the points within the errata section that relate to my questions. Bolding is not meant to be ’shouting.’ Rather bolding is meant to help identify my voice from the texts I am critiquing.
Thank you for your service to the City of Ukiah,
Pinky
____________________________
From the errata section of the GP:
Add the following Implementation Program for consistency with adopted City Council Annexation Policies:
Implementation Program I, Annexation Guide. The City shall develop, maintain, and make publicly-available a City of Ukiah Annexation Guide that includes an annexation applicant’s responsibilities, the requirements for environmental review, requirements for development plans, and fees associated with applications for annexation.
Question: Is there an annexation guide at the present? Is there a ‘draft annexation guide’? • Revise Policy LU-7.2 for consistency with adopted City Council Annexation Policies:
LU-7.2 Annexations. The City shall support property owners and applications that seek to annex adjoining unincorporated land within the City’s Sphere of Influence where the City determines it to be in residents’ interests to do so, to promote orderly development, to implement General Plan goals, and if the annexation would improve the fiscal health of the City, provide a more efficient delivery of municipal services to the area, and/or create a more logical City boundary. The City shall consider annexation of lands outside the SOI but within the Planning Area if the City and all local agencies with relevant jurisdiction, arrive at an agreement ensuring adequately compensated for the costs it will incur due to development in its Planning Area (Source: New Policy; City Staff; City Council Annexation Policies)
Comment 14
Question: Who is meant in the above described as “The City”? Is that Staff or Council Members?
Question: Who initiates annexations? I understand the City is initiating the 3 proposed annexations just presented to LAFCo and include land the City owns and uses for its public services. My question is, what about a developer wanting to build a housing project? It appears that the GP and the errata indicated that a future annexation is a process whereby a developer goes to the Planning Dept with a proposal and then the proposal moves to the Planning Commission? In that situation, Council Members seemingly come in after a plan has been proposed, approved and moved into the line of landmasses for annexations. The problem that arrises at that point is how can council members say no since the client and the City have supported a lot of hours of effort? After all the planning commission is not an elected body, but an appointed body, albeit appointed by elected council members. Commissioners themselves do not report directly to a voting public.
A possible resolution to this conundrum is not an “ad hoc committee” of two council persons. That is just does not involve the public until the end of the process. It was this ad hoc process that promoted the misguided notions about the cannabis ordinances. (No limit in number; too close to schools and churches; being zoned PF, which is rather inappropriate; and so on.). I do not know what the resolution to this problem is—I am of the opinion, however, that the large a municipality becomes, the more expensive it is to operate. I also know that the State of California has as its goal in establishing the LAFCo process, to limit sprawl and preserve agriculture. [https://www.iclafco.com/assets/forms/guide-to-lafco---application-submittal-wexhibits.pdf].
The public wanted very much to be involved in the cannabis decisions, just as the public very much wants to be involved in annexations. How can annexations be more democratic? The GP should not be a vehicle to permit an easier process for annexations. Democracy is not easy.
Below is an interesting passage from California code— Especially interesting in that the Staff report only cited the first three requirements (1), (2) and (3).
California Code, Government Code - GOV § 56742
(a) Notwithstanding Section 56741, upon approval of the commission a city may annex noncontiguous territory not exceeding 300 acres if the territory meets all of the following requirements:
(1) It is located in the same county as that in which the city is situated. (2) It is owned by the city.
(3) It is used for municipal purposes at the time commission proceedings are initiated. (b) Territory which is used by a city for the reclamation, disposal, and storage of treated wastewater may be annexed to the city pursuant to this section without limitation as to the size of the territory.
(c) If territory is annexed pursuant to this section, the annexing city may not annex any territory not owned by the city, not used for municipal purposes, and not contiguous to the city, although the territory is contiguous to the territory annexed pursuant to this section. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a city which annexes territory pursuant to this section may annex additional territory in the same county as that in which the city is situated which is owned by the United States government or the State of California and which is contiguous to the first annexed territory if the total acreage of the first annexed and the subsequently annexed territory together does not exceed 300 acres in area. If after the
completion of the subsequent annexation, the city sells any or all of the first annexed territory, the subsequently annexed territory shall cease to be part of the city if the subsequently annexed territory is no longer contiguous to territory owned by the city. (e) When any or all of the territory annexed to a city pursuant to this section is sold by the city, all of the territory that is no longer owned by the city shall cease to be a part of that city. (f) A city may lease territory annexed pursuant to this section for any of the purposes authorized pursuant to Sections 37380 to 37396, inclusive, as well as enter into leases for the construction and operation of electrical generation, transmission, and distribution. If, however, a city enters into a lease on and after April 24, 2002, pursuant to Section 37395, 37396, or any other provision of law, that would authorize the development of a shopping center, hotel, motel, or lodging house on territory annexed pursuant to this section, the affected territory shall cease to be a part of the city.
(g) When territory ceases to be part of a city pursuant to this section, the legislative body of the city shall adopt a resolution confirming the detachment. The resolution shall describe the detached territory and shall be accompanied by a map indicating the territory. Immediately upon adoption of the resolution, the city clerk shall make any filing required by Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 57200) of Part 4.
(h) If territory annexed to a city pursuant to this section becomes contiguous to the city, the limitations imposed by this section shall cease to apply.x
From: Pinky Kushner
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: Re: Time is running out to get something to you before the meeting tonight, something that you will have the time to read.
Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 3:29:54 PM
Attachments: image001.png
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Yes
PinkyKushner
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 9, 2022, at 2:44 PM, Michelle Irace <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello again,
One more follow-up. Did you want the below questions, as well as the initial email you sent to Jesse included in the public record as correspondence received for tonight’s meeting?
Thank you
Michelle
From: Michelle Irace
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 2:33 PM
To: Jesse Davis <[email protected]>; Pinky Kushner <[email protected]> Cc: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Time is running out to get something to you before the meeting tonight, something that you will have the time to read.
Hi Pinky,
I wanted to address your second question. The errata sheet included in Attachment 1 of the Staff Report for tonight’s PC meeting includes all pages of the General Plan showing the proposed revisions in track changes as Exhibit A. These pages will be incorporated into the final document if approved.
Michelle
From: Jesse Davis <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 2:10 PM
To: Pinky Kushner <[email protected]>
Comment 15
Cc: Craig Schlatter <[email protected]>; Michelle Irace <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Time is running out to get something to you before the meeting tonight, something that you will have the time to read.
Hi Pinky,
Sounds good. Please let me know if myself or other Staff can address anything further prior to tonight’s hearing. I remain available via phone and email. I wish you the best of luck with your car registration, and look forward to talking with you further.
Best Regards,
Jesse Davis
Jesse Davis, AICP
Chief Planning Manager
Department of Community Development
300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482
P: 707.463.6207
www.cityofukiah.com/community-development
From: Pinky Kushner <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 2:07 PM
To: Jesse Davis <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Time is running out to get something to you before the meeting tonight, something that you will have the time to read.
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Hi Jesse,
Have run into technical difficulties regarding, would you believe, my car registration. So unfortunately I must spend the afternoon attending to that….
MY two questions for tonight are
1. This issue of annexation, and you have given me valuable assurances about that, but I will need to digest more of what you have told me before I will be completely satisfied, AND
2. The is of having the errata instead of incorporating the changes into the appropriate locations into the GP itself. (We are calling it the EROTICA instead of the errata.)
From: Judy Luria
To: Michelle Irace
Subject: comments for Planning Commission
Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 4:33:37 PM
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Thanks Michelle!
Thank you to the City of Ukiah Planners for all your hard and skillful work on the Ukiah General Plan! If we follow the new Plan, giving it the urgency it deserves, Ukiah will be on track to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions and do our share to alleviate global warming.
We will also be on track to improve our quality of life, with special emphasis on underserved neighborhoods, children, pedestrians and bicyclists. One thing I hope our new City Council will address is defining "Complete Streets" so that it’s not up to the discretion/ opinion of Public Works staff. I also hope that the Planning Department will now go full speed ahead on a Climate Action Plan for Ukiah. (but do enjoy Thanksgiving if you celebrate).
Judy Luria
Comment 16