Agenda packet, regular meeting — Ukiah City Council, March 19, 2025 (part 2 of 3)

ATTACHMENT 1
1 | Page
Fee Analysis – Business Licenses

NEW BUSINESS APPLICATION - BRICK AND MORTAR - IN CITY LIMITS - WITH PLANNING AND ZONING REVIEW
Application
AB
1379 Tax Fee
Ukiah
Example 2
(N) $206.00 $4.00 $112.50 $322.50

Clearlake $10.00 $4.00 $121.0 $135.00
Lakeport $150.00 $4.00 FTE 6x10.00 $60.00 $214.00
Santa Rosa $500.00 $4.00 $504.00
Application Review Tech Fee
Hayward $27.00 $4.00 $98.00 $10.00 $139.00
$-
Mendo county $357.00 $4.00 $361.00
Average $279.25
Ukiah Over/Under Average $43.25

BUSINESS RENEWAL - IN AND OUT OF CITY LIMITS
Ukiah
Example 2
(R) $30.00 $4.00 $112.50 $146.50
Clearlake $10.00 $4.00 $121.00 $135.00
Lakeport $150.00 $4.00 FTE 6x10.00 $60.00 $214.00
Santa Rosa $500.00 $4.00 $504.00
Hayward $27.00 $4.00 $98.00 $10.00 $139.00
Mendo county $40.00 $4.00 $44.00
Average $197.08
Ukiah Over/Under Average $(50.58)

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ATTACHMENT 1
2 | Page
NEW BUSINESS APPLICATION – BRICK AND MORTAR – IN CITY LIMITS

WITH PLANNING AND ZONING REVIEW

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ATTACHMENT 1
3 | Page
BUSINESS RENNWAL – IN AND OUT OF CITY LIMITS

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ORDINANCE NO.X
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING SECTION 2130 IN ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 2 OF THE CITY CODE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEES FOR BUSINESS LICENSES.

The City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby ordains as follows:

SECTION ONE.

Section 2130 in Division 2, Chapter 1, Article 3 of the Ukiah City Code is hereby amended to read as follows (unchanged text is omitted and is shown by “* * *”):
§ 2130 APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE
* * *
G. Each applicant shall pay a minimum fee to cover the cost of processing a license application. This fee shall be in addition to the business license tax and shall not be prorated. The fee shall not be refunded if the application is denied. If the applicant notifies the Finance Department of a withdrawal of the application before any field inspection or investigation has taken place, all fees paid exceeding ten dollars ($10.00) shall be refunded. The following application categories shall pay an application processing fee in the amount specified:

Application not requiring field inspection and/or investigationfor a business with a primary business address that is within the City limits. $20610.00
Application for a business with a primary business address that is outside the City limits that conducts business in the City limits.that requires field inspection and/or investigation 340.00
Annual application renewal processing fee (all licenses) 305.00 SECTION TWO.

1. Publication: Within fifteen (15) days after its adoption, this Ordinance shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Ukiah. In lieu of publishing the full text of the Ordinance, the City may publish a summary of the Ordinance once 5 days prior to its adoption and again within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.

2. Effective Date: The ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.

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Ukiah hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

Introduced by title only on , 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Adopted on , 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:

Kristine Lawler, CMC/City Clerk

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ORDINANCE NO.

ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING SECTION 2130 IN ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 1, DIVISION 2 OF THE CITY CODE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEES FOR BUSINESS LICENSES.

The City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby ordains as follows:

SECTION ONE.

Application for a business with a primary business address that is within the City limits: $206.00 Application for a business with a primary business address that is outside the City limits that conducts business in the City limits: $30.00
Annual application renewal processing fee (all licenses): $30.00 SECTION TWO.

2. Effective Date: The ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.

3. Severability: If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.

ATTACHMENT 3

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Introduced by title only on , 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Adopted on , 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:

Kristine Lawler, CMC/City Clerk

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Agenda Item No: 13.a.

MEETING DATE/TIME: 3/19/2025

ITEM NO: 2025-251

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Receive and Approve Submittal of the 2024 Annual Progress Reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.

DEPARTMENT: Community
Development PREPARED BY: Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager PRESENTER: Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. 2024 APR - Housing Element

2. 2024 APR - General Plan

3. 13a 2024 APR Presentation
Summary: Council will receive the 2024 annual progress reports from Staff and possibly approve submittal of the reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation; and provide additional direction to Staff as necessary.

Background: Government Code requires the City's Community Development Department to provide an Annual Progress Report (APR) to the City Council, Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the City's progress in implementing its adopted housing element, as well as its general plan. Annual reports are due by April 1st of the proceeding calendar year for which the reports are prepared (CY 2024 report due 4/1/2025).

Discussion: Below is a summary of the City's 2024 progress in implementing the 2019-2027 Housing Element and 2040 General Plan. For details, please refer to the Housing Element APR in Attachment 1 and General Plan APR in Attachment 2.
2024 HOUSING ELEMENT (HCD) APR
For the 2019-2027 Housing Element/6th Planning Cycle, Ukiah was assigned a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 239 residential units. The following table (Table 1) summarizes Ukiah’s progress in meeting its RHNA housing targets. This information is also provided in Table A of the Housing Element APR.

From 2019 to 2023, the City made significant progress towards its RHNA goals across all income-level categories through the permitting of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), new single-family residential homes, and large multi-family housing projects. Notably, the 'Very Low-Income' target of 86 units was met by the end of 2023, primarily through the 72-unit Acorn Valley Plaza project at 197 & 199 East Gobbi Street. In 2024, Ukiah also met its 'Above Moderate-Income' allocation with the 32-unit housing project at 191 Cooper Lane.

Table 1 – RHNA Allocation and Progress
Income Level 2019-2027 RHNA Original
Allocation Issued Units in 2024 RHNA Remaining
Very Low-Income 86 0 0
Low-Income 72 0 15

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Moderate-Income 49 8 14
Above Moderate-Income 32 33 0
Total 239 20 29
In 2024, the City issued 10 building permits for new residential units (Table 2), and with past and projected housing production, Ukiah is on track to meet and exceed its RHNA goals by 2027. The remaining RHNA targets for 'Low Income' and 'Moderate Income' households, 15 units and 14 units, respectively, are expected to be met with an upcoming housing project on Cooper Lane, as well as the continued development of ADUs and infill housing over the next two years. Full details and a year-by-year breakdown of Ukiah's RHNA progress may be found in Table B of the Housing Element Annual Progress Report.

Table 2 – 2024 Building Permits by Income
Income Level Number of Units
Moderate-Income 8
Garage and shed conversions into ADUs 3
Detached ADUs 4
Attached ADU 1
Above Moderate-Income 33
Single-family residence 1
Multi-family housing complex 32
The City of Ukiah's Housing Element APR includes multiple tables that document housing production, program implementation, and land use decisions. Below is a description of what each of these tables provides:
• Tables A, A2, and B: Provide information on housing production and progress toward the RHNA allocation.
• Table C: Not applicable, as the City is on track to meet regional housing targets without needing to rezone sites.
• Table D: Summarizes program implementation in the Housing Element. • Tables E and F: Not applicable, as the City did not utilize commercial development bonuses or acquire units for alternative sites.
• Table F2: Not applicable, as there were no conversions of above-moderate income units to lower affordability levels.
• Table G: Shows the two locally owned sites sold by the City for housing development. • Table H: Documents the City's formal action to declare surplus land. • Table I: Not applicable, as no subdivided properties used SB9 (Government Code 66411.7). • Table J: Not applicable, as the City did not use a density bonus for student housing. • Table K: Not applicable, as the City has no local tenant preference ordinance. • LEAP Reporting: Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) funds are grants provided to cities to improve processes and plans aimed at accelerating housing production. In 2024, the City successfully utilized LEAP funds by updating lot adjustment policies, implementing the new LEAP-funded electronic permit system (CitizenServe), and other projects, with final invoices submitted to HCD for reimbursement by the 2024 deadline.

Since the adoption of the 6th Cycle Housing Element in October 2019, City Staff have prioritized implementation of programs contained in Section 7 of the Housing Element to advance its goals and policies.

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All Housing Element Implementation Programs were completed in 2024. This status is reported in Table D of the Housing Element APR. Certain completed programs will continue as ongoing as Staff secures additional funding.
2024 GENERAL PLAN (LCI) APR
The Ukiah 2040 General Plan provides a long-term framework for the City’s growth, focusing on sustainable development that promotes economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, housing affordability, and improved mobility. The General Plan is organized into eight sections: Land Use, Economic Development, Mobility, Public Facilities, Services and Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainability, Safety, Agriculture, and Housing. Each section includes specific implementation programs, with goals set for completion in the 2022- 2025, 2026-2030, and 2031-2040 timeframes. Some programs are also designated as ongoing or annual tasks.

The 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) outlines Ukiah’s progress in these areas. Staff has compiled key actions that demonstrate progress in implementing the General Plan. Below are a few of the key highlights (note progress on the Housing Element is reported above):

1. Land Use Element Implementation Progress
- Missing Middle Housing Ordinance Adopted: Supports diverse housing types per Policy LU-9. - Zoning Code Updates in Progress: Ensuring consistency with General Plan land-use designations per Policy LU-10.1 (Downtown Zoning Code), LU-11.7 (Sign Regulations), and LU-11.9 (Historic Preservation and Restoration).

2. Economic Development Implementation Progress
- Economic Development Strategy Launched: Stakeholder engagement and data collection phase initiated in August 2024.
- Draft Strategic Framework Scheduled for Completion in 2025.

3. Mobility Element Implementation Progress
- School Street Multimodal Transportation Study Launched: $238,999.99 contract awarded to analyze pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle circulation.

4. Public Facilities Element Implementation Progress
- Parks Gap Analysis: The draft of this initial analysis was undertaken.

5. Environment and Sustainability Element Implementation Progress - Climate Action Plan (CAP) Initiation: The City is preparing its Municipal Climate Action Plan (CAP) for possible adoption in April 2025. The CAP outlines the City's strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
- $1.39 million CAL FIRE Grant: Grant awarded towards future (2031-2040) Implementation Program Goals.

The City was awarded $1.39 million to establish a climate-resilient forest canopy of 722 trees across the community, supporting Policy ES-3.1, which aims to expand the city’s tree canopy and promote sustainable urban forestry practices.
- Historic Resources Survey and Historic Preservation Code: Preparation work begun.

6. Safety Element Implementation Progress
- Office of Emergency Management (OES) continues to respond to community needs. - Multi Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPPP) work begun: Partnered with the County of Mendocino.
- Addressed FEMA flood map and CalFIRE High Fire Severity Zone changes.

7. Agriculture Element Implementation Progress
- Right to Farm Ordinance Adopted: Implements Policy AG-3.1.

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- Agricultural Consistency Ordinance Drafted: Supports Policy AG-2.2.

Staff recommends Council receive and approve submittal of the 2024 Annual Progress Reports to HCD and LCI and provide additional direction to Staff as necessary.

Recommended Action: Receive and approve submittal of the 2024 annual progress reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, and provide direction to Staff as necessary.

BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: N/A
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
FINANCING SOURCE: N/A
REVENUE: Yes / No GRANT: Yes / No N/A
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: N/A
COORDINATED WITH: Jim Robbins, Grants Division & Housing Division Manager; Blake Adams, Chief Resilience Officer; Jesse Davis, Chief Planning Manager; Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director; City Manager's Office
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): SP 3A - Review and revise land use planning documents to be reflective of the long-term vision for the community.

CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): N/A
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): GP-A1 - Land Use Element; GP-A2 - Economic Development Element; GP-A3 - Mobility Element; GP-A4 - Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element; GP-A5 - Environment and Sustainability Element; GP-A6 - Safety Element; GP-A7 - Agriculture Element; GP-A8 - Housing Element (2019-2027)

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ATTACHMENT 1

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Table A

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Table A2

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Table B

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Table D
Table D cont.

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Table D cont.

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Table D Cont.

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Table D cont.

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Table G

Table H

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LEAP Reporting

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City of Ukiah
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report OPR - Cover Sheet

CITY OF UKIAH
2040 GENERAL PLAN
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2024
Prepared by

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

PLANNING DIVISION
Date of City Council Review: MARCH 19, 2025
ATTACHMENT 2

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF LAND USE AND CLIMATE INNOVATION (LCI) 2024 CITY OF UKIAH

GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) MEMORANDUM
Purpose of the APR: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) Annual Progress Report (APR) provides local legislative bodies and the public with information on the implementation of the General Plan for their city or county. These APRs also serve to update the public on progress toward achieving the City’s identified goals.

City Council Review Date: The 2024 LCI APR was presented to the Ukiah City Council on March 19, 2025, for their review and acceptance.
2040 General Plan Adoption Date: On December 7, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution approving the 2040 General Plan (Resolution No. 2022-79), along with a resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), adopting the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and approving the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (Resolution No. 2022-78; State Clearinghouse No. 2022- 050556). In addition, the City’s 6th Cycle Housing element was adopted by the Ukiah City Council on October 23, 2019, and subsequently certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on December 5, 2019.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ukiah 2040 General Plan serves as the City’s long-term blueprint for sustainable growth, balancing economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, housing affordability, and mobility improvements. The 2024 APR reflects Ukiah’s commitment to implementing this vision. This report outlines the progress made in each General Plan element, highlighting key implementation milestones, policy updates, and public engagement efforts that align with the General Plan’s objectives.

GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS – 2024
This section summarizes the City’s progress in implementing the Ukiah 2040 General Plan across all elements.

General Plan Implementation Programs
For full details on the Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs of the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, please refer to the enclosed City of Ukiah 2040 General Plan – Appendix A. 1 LAND USE ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Land Use Element establishes the framework for managing Ukiah’s growth while ensuring land-use decisions align with community goals.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Missing Middle Housing Ordinance Adopted: Supports diverse housing types per Policy LU-9.

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
✔ Zoning Code Updates in Progress: Ensuring consistency with General Plan land-use designations per Policy LU-10.1 (Downtown Zoning Code), LU-11.7 (Sign Regulations), and LU-11.9 (Historic Preservation and Restoration).

The Missing Middle Ordinance was adopted to align local regulations with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan (Goal LU-9), promoting more flexible and diverse housing options while supporting the City’s commitment to sustainability and community resilience. Key changes in the Ordinance clarify that duplexes, a critical component of “Missing Middle” housing, are permitted by right in residential zones and exempt from certain objective design regulations. The ordinance also streamlines the approval process for Missing Middle housing types, reduces regulatory barriers, and ensures compatibility with existing neighborhoods. By promoting the development of Missing Middle Housing, the City can enhance housing affordability, increase density in appropriate areas, and create more walkable, livable communities.
2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Economic Development Element supports business growth, job creation, and strategic planning for a resilient economy.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Economic Development Strategy Launched: Stakeholder engagement and data collection phase initiated in August 2024.
✔ Draft Strategic Framework Scheduled for Completion in 2025.

The first phase of the community engagement process included one-on-one interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders and economic development leaders. As part of Implementation Program A, stakeholders included representatives from the local business community, Economic Development and Financing Corporation (EDFC), the Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance/Visit Ukiah, the West Business Development Center, the Mendocino Private Industry Council, Mendocino County, agricultural stakeholders, and other organizations working to promote Ukiah’s economic development. 3 MOBILITY ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Mobility Element focuses on improving multimodal transportation and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ School Street Multimodal Transportation Study Launched: $238,999.99 contract awarded to analyze pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle circulation.

Building on the success of the Downtown Streetscape project, the planning effort for School Street aims to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle circulation along the School Street corridor from Clay Street

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
to Henry Street, progressing Goal MOB-1, Policy MOB-1.1 and Implementation Program C, Right of Way Needs.
4 PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Public Facilities Element focuses on enhancing infrastructure, including water systems, sewage systems, stormwater management, and facilities.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Parks Gap Analysis: Initial draft begun.

The plan will help the City of Ukiah assess how well community park needs are currently being met, identify key considerations, and determine necessary action to meet future demands. This analysis will support the City’s efforts to prepare for population growth, shifting demographics, and potential annexations.
5 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION This element provides a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing climate resilience, protecting natural resources, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Climate Action Plan (CAP) Initiation: The City is preparing to adopt its Municipal Climate Action Plan (CAP) in April 2025. The CAP outlines the City's strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
✔ $1.39 million CAL FIRE Grant: Grant awarded towards future (2031-2040) Implementation Program Goals.
✔ Historic Resources Survey and Historic Preservation Code: Preparation work begun.

In 2024, the City hired its first Chief Resilience Officer and initiated the development of its Climate Action Plan (CAP). In 2025, the City will develop a Climate Adaptation & Resilience Strategy (CARS). Together, the CAP and CARS will establish a strategic roadmap for how the City will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate hazards, and build a more resilient community, aligning with Implementation Programs J (Water Conservation Guidelines) and M (Adopt a Municipal Climate Action Plan).

Additionally, the City of Ukiah has received $1.39 million in grant funding from CAL FIRE to establish a climate-resilient forest canopy comprising 722 trees across the community. This initiative aligns with Policy ES-3.1, which aims to expand the city’s tree canopy and promote sustainable urban forestry practices. The grant program will commence in March 2025 and conclude in March 2028, indirectly supporting the completion of the City's Urban Forest Master Plan (Implementation Program E), Tree Protection Ordinance, and Tree Management Guidelines (Implementation Program F).

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
Another highlight within this Element, the City partnered with the Mendocino County Historical Society to begin addressing Implementation Programs G (Historic Structure Preservation Policy), H (Cultural and Historic Registry) and I (Historic Preservation Ordinance). An RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for a historic resources survey consultant to complete an update to the City’s 1999 Historic Resources Survey was drafted, and planning to develop the City’s first historic preservation ordinance and code commenced. 6 SAFETY ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Safety Element ensures that Ukiah is prepared for natural disasters, public safety threats, and emergency response efforts.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Office of Emergency Management (OES) continues to respond to community needs. ✔ Multi Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPPP) work begun: Partnered with the County of Mendocino.
✔ Addressed FEMA flood map and CalFIRE High Fire Severity Zone changes.

In 2024, the Office of Emergency Management provided bilingual communication resources and increased access to emergency preparedness materials for community service organizations. Efforts included training sessions, distribution of informational handouts at community events, and regular updates to the City’s emergency preparedness webpage. These actions align with Implementation Program F (Resilient Communities) and S (Out of Compliance Roadways).

The City also partnered with the County of Mendocino to advise on vendor selection for the Mendocino Multi Jurisdiction Hazard Management Plan (MJHMP) - Implementation Program C. Additionally, the City collaborated with the County to prepare the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPPP) in support of Implementation Program J (Fire Service Funding), M (Regional Fire Protection Plans), and N (Local Fire Protection Plan).

In 2024, significant changes were proposed to California’s Flood and High Fire Severity Zones. In response, the City engaged with State and Federal entities to assess potential impacts on Implementation Programs AA (Communities at Risk), P (Fire Hazard Zone Update), Q (Public Facilities Hazard Mitigation), and E (Floodplain Development).
7 AGRICULTURE ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Agriculture Element supports the sustainability of local farms and agricultural operations.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ Right to Farm Ordinance Adopted: Implements Policy AG-3.1. ✔ Agricultural Consistency Ordinance Drafted: Supports Policy AG-2.2.

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
In 2024, the Right to Farm Ordinance became the first implementation program (Implementation Program B) completed under this element, aligning with the City’s annexation goals and the Ukiah Valley Area Plan.

The ordinance preserves agricultural operations and prevents conflicts between urban and agricultural land uses. It is also supports the Environment and Sustainability Element by protecting agricultural lands and promoting sustainable practices. The ordinance was developed with input from key stakeholders, including the Mendocino County Farm Bureau and the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo).
8 HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
The Housing Element ensures that Ukiah provides adequate housing opportunities to meet community needs.

Key 2024 Accomplishments:
✔ All Implementation Programs Completed and/or Ongoing. ✔ ‘ADU’ Ordinance and ‘Missing Middle’ Ordinance Adopted: Implements Policy H-3 – 3a. to maximize housing development.
✔ Lot Line Adjustment Ordinance Adopted: Implements Policy H-2 – 2g. to maximize housing development.
✔ RHNA Progress.

Policy H-3 – 3a. of the Housing Element saw continued implementation in 2024 with both an ‘Accessory Dwelling Unit’ (ADU) and a ‘Missing Middle’ Ordinance. This policy, which calls on the City to research, review and amend the development standards in the zoning code for opportunities to maximize housing development, has already been met via an ADU ordinance in 2020 (Ord. No. 1205), an amendment to the General Plan in 2021, an adoption of a new General Plan in 2022, and the ‘Objective Design and Development’ Ordinance in 2023 (Ord. No. 1234). Yet, the ‘ADU’ and ‘Missing Middle’ Ordinances engender additional flexibility to setbacks, height and allowed unit types.

Also in 2024, the Ukiah City Council adopted an ordinance to improve the lot line adjustment process by streamlining review and reducing unnecessary application requirements. This change facilitates residential lot consolidation, making it easier for property owners to combine parcels for residential development. While Mendocino County significantly increased lot line adjustment fees, the Ukiah City Council opted to maintain existing fees and introduce new incentives for residential lot line adjustments (LLAs). These efforts encourage parcel consolidation and modification, promoting efficient land use while ensuring cost-effective development for homeowners and developers.

This Lot Line Adjustment initiative completes the remaining Housing Element Implementation Program of the 2019-2027 cycle (Implementation Program H2-2g), which aims to: "Facilitate the consolidation of smaller, multi-family parcels by providing technical assistance to property owners and developers in support of lot consolidation." With the 2024 Housing Element APR, all Housing Element Implementation

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300 Seminary Avenue • Ukiah • CA • 95482-5400
Phone: (707) 463-6200 · Fax: (707) 463 6204
www.cityofukiah.com
Programs are either completed or remain active and ongoing.

The following table summarizes Ukiah’s progress in meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) housing targets. The City of Ukiah is well on its way to meeting its RHNA goals for the 2019-2027 cycle.

Income Level 2019-2027 RHNA Original
Allocation
Issued Units in 2024 RHNA Remaining
Very Low-Income 86 0 0
Low-Income 72 0 15
Moderate-Income 49 8 14
Above Moderate-Income 32 33 0
Total 239 20 29
In 2024, the City of Ukiah made significant progress in advancing the goals and policies outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, community resilience, and housing affordability. Key actions across multiple General Plan elements, including Land Use, Economic Development, and Housing, underscore Ukiah’s ongoing efforts to create a balanced, resilient community that serves both current and future generations. The Missing Middle Housing Ordinance aligns with the City’s vision for increased housing diversity and affordability, while the School Street Multimodal Transportation Study exemplifies Ukiah’s dedication to improving its transportation network by prioritizing sustainability and multimodal access, in alignment with the General Plan’s vision for a connected and accessible community.

Furthermore, Ukiah continues to prioritize environmental sustainability through the Climate Action Plan and the $1.39 million CAL FIRE grant, which will expand the city’s tree canopy and promote urban forestry.

The Right to Farm Ordinance supports the City’s efforts to preserve agricultural lands and protect agricultural operations, aligning with the goals of both the Agricultural Element and the Environment and Sustainability Element. These accomplishments demonstrate Ukiah’s dedication to responsible stewardship of its natural and built environment, ensuring the City remains a thriving, resilient, and sustainable community. Moving forward, Ukiah remains committed to achieving the long-term goals set forth in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, continuing progress toward a balanced and inclusive future for all residents.

Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager
Enclosed: City of Ukiah 2040 General Plan – Appendix A

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Appendix A | Goals, Policies, and A Implementation Programs

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-2 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Appendix A | Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Programs
Section Title Page
Land Use Element ........................................................................................................................ 3 Economic Development Element................................................................................................ 12 Mobility Element.......................................................................................................................... 16 Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element............................................................... 22 Environment and Sustainability Element .................................................................................... 28 Safety Element............................................................................................................................ 36 Agriculture Element..................................................................................................................... 48 Housing Element (2019-2027).................................................................................................... 51

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-3
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.

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.

LU-1.2 Connectivity. The City shall encourage new residential development to incorporate design features that promote walking and connectivity between blocks.

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.

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.

LU-1.5 Existing Neighborhoods. The City shall encourage all new multi-family residential development to comply with objective design and development standards.

Mixed-Use
LU-2 To encourage mixed-use development projects that create vibrant, walkable districts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hillside Areas
LU-6 To preserve the natural character of hillside development areas.

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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.

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.

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.

Development Pattern
LU-7 To ensure the orderly and timely growth and expansion of the City.

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.

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 for the costs it will incur due to development in its Planning Area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

LU-8.1 Contiguous Development. The City shall strongly discourage new development that is not contiguous with existing urban development.

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.

LU-8.3 Infill Development. The City shall encourage population and employment growth toward infill development sites within the city.

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.

LU-8.5 Historic Preservation. The City shall strive to preserve residential and commercial structures of historic value to the community.

LU-8.6 Historic Resource Maintenance. The City shall encourage property owners to maintain these structures in accordance with local, state and federal standards.

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.

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.

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.

LU-9.3 Adaptation of Existing Residential Units. The City shall encourage the adaptation of existing residential units to support multi-family use.

Special Planning Areas
LU-10 To assure coordination and consistency with special planning areas.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Community Character and Design
LU-11 To ensure high-quality site planning, landscaping, and architectural design for all new construction, renovation, or remodeling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

LU-13 To ensure that all community members have equal access to healthy foods, education, green spaces, and medical services.

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.

LU-13.2 Equitable Capital Improvements. The City shall promote equitable investment in capital improvements Citywide.

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.

LU-14 To develop, implement, and enforce policies to ensure access to safe and sanitary housing throughout the community.

LU-14.1 Code Enforcement. The City shall prioritize code enforcement for rental housing in disadvantaged communities to assure safe, sanitary housing.

LU-14.2 Clean and Safe Drinking Water. The City shall ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for all community members.

LU-15 To promote meaningful dialogue and collaboration between members of disadvantaged communities and decision-makers to advance social and economic equity.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

General Plan Use and Maintenance
LU-16 Promote the effective use and implementation of the General Plan Land Use Map.

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.

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.

LU-16.3 Zoning Designations. The City shall ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use Map (Figure 2-1).

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.

Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

LU – 3.4 Public Works
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

LU – 3.5 Public Works
Community
Development
◼
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.

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.

LU – 11.2 Community
Development
Public Works ◼

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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

LU – 10.1
LU – 11
LU – 11.7
LU – 11.10
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.

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.

LU – 11.1
LU – 11.4
LU – 11.5
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.

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.

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.

ED-1.1 Interagency Coordination. Coordinate with local agencies, jurisdictions, and tribes; and other groups and organizations working to promote Ukiah’s economic development.

ED-1.2 Economic Initiatives. The City shall support regional economic initiatives and marketing activities by actively participating in economic development programs.

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.

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.

ED-2 To promote a strong local economy by improving critical infrastructure, including water, transportation, and renewable energy.

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.

ED-2.2 Energy Infrastructure. The City shall work to improve energy infrastructure to increase availability, reliability, sustainability, and use of renewable energy sources.

ED-3 To provide opportunities for expansion of businesses by ensuring the availability of suitable sites, appropriate zoning, and access to infrastructure and amenities.

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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.

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.

ED-3.3 Airport Industrial Park. The City shall develop adequate linkage from the Airport Industrial Park to the east side of the airport.

ED-4 To attract visitors and provide them with the amenities and services to make their stay in Ukiah enjoyable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ED-5 To ensure Ukiah’s long-term economic success and sustainability by diversifying and expanding tourist attractions.

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.

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.

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.

ED-5.4 Special Events. The City shall support special events that benefit local businesses and contribute to the City’s overall economic success.

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.

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.

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

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efficiency in the permitting process to take advantage of opportunities for streamlining in the development permit process.

ED-7 To grow the local economy and employment base by supporting efforts to retain, expand and attract local businesses.

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).

ED-8 To cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship to encourage and support local business start-ups.

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.

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.

ED-9 To improve labor force preparedness by providing the local workforce with the skills needed to meet the requirements of evolving business needs.

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.

ED-9.2 Local Graduate Retention. The City shall actively support efforts to keep local high school and college graduates in the local workforce.

ED-9.3 City Hiring Practices. The City shall pursue best practices aimed at maximizing local hiring in coordination with education and training providers.

ED-10 To foster a robust and diversified local economy that provides quality employment and attracts stable businesses.

ED-10.1 Value-Added Agriculture. The City 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.

ED-10.2 Agricultural Support Services. The City shall encourage agricultural support services, such as vineyard and harvest management, to be based in Ukiah.

ED-10.3 Airport-Related Businesses. The City shall encourage and promote the development of airport-related businesses at the Ukiah Municipal Airport.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

ED-11.4 Sustainable 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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
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Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

MOB-1.4 Block Length. The City shall limit block lengths to 600 feet wherever feasible to enhance multi-modal circulation and connectivity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle Miles Traveled
MOB-2 To reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to and from residences, jobs and commercial uses in Ukiah.

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.

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.

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.

MOB-2.4 Transit Facility Design. The City shall require new development to include facilities designed to make public transportation convenient.

MOB-2.5 Transit Ridership. The City shall support funding and incentives to increase transit ridership opportunities.

MOB-2.6 Downtown Transit Center. The City shall support creation of a Transit Center.

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.

Transportation Safety and Planning
MOB-3 To provide a safe transportation system that eliminates traffic-related fatalities and reduces non-fatal injury collisions.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-18 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
MOB-3.1 Safety Improvements. The City shall provide safety improvements along high-injury and fatality streets and intersections.

MOB-3.2 Safe Routes to Schools . The City shall promote Safe Routes to Schools programs for all schools serving the City.

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.

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.

MOB-3.5 Community Engagement . The City shall engage the community in promoting safe walking and bicycling through education and outreach.

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.

MOB-3.7 Video Enforcement. The City shall consider the use of video surveillance for traffic enforcement.

MOB-3.8 Truck Traffic in Residential Areas. The City shall discourage truck traffic on local residential streets to increase safety and reduce noise.

Transportation and Mobility Needs
MOB-4 To maintain an ongoing periodic evaluation process to inventory transportation and mobility needs.

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.

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.

MOB-4.3 Safety Monitoring . The City shall monitor high-priority corridors and intersections to better understand the potential for safety improvements.

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.

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.

MOB-4.6 Alternate Access Routes. The City shall explore the feasibility of establishing alternate north/south and east/west access routes.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-19
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
Parking
MOB-5 To promote a balance of multi-modal options, to be reflected in flexible parking regulations.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

MOB – 1.1
MOB – 1.8
Public Works
◼ ◼ ◼
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.

MOB – 1.5 Public Works
Community
Development
◼ ◼ ◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-20 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

MOB – 1.1
MOB – 1.3
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).

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.

MOB – 2.1
MOB – 2.2
Community
Development
Public Works
◼
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.

MOB – 2.2 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.

MOB – 2.7 Public Works
Community
Development ◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-21
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which Policy(is)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

MOB – 3.1
MOB – 3.2
MOB – 3.3
MOB – 3.4
MOB – 4.3
Public Works
Community
Development ◼ ◼
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.

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.

MOB – 4.1 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.

MOB – 4.6
MOB – 4.7
Public Works
Community
Development
◼
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.

MOB – 6.1
MOB – 6.2
MOB – 6.3
Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-22 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
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.

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.

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.

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.

PFS-1.4 Water Storage. The City shall encourage the protection and expansion of existing sources and methods of water storage for future development.

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.

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.

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.

Wastewater
PFS-2 To maintain quality wastewater treatment and disposal services to meet the needs of existing and future development.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PFS-2.6 Wastewater Service Capacity. The City shall ensure there is adequate wastewater service capacity prior to annexation of additional land.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-23
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.

Solid Waste, Composting and Recycling
PFS-3 To ensure adequate solid waste, recycling, and composing services and maximize waste diversion from landfills.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PFS-4 To enforce Citywide codes and ordinances, with special attention regarding private property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, rubbish/weeds, and public nuisances.

PFS-4.1 Solid Waste Diversion Targets. The City shall provide adequate staffing to support code enforcement efforts to the extent financially feasible.

Stormwater Management
PFS-5 To maintain an adequate stormwater management system to accommodate runoff and improve environmental quality.

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).

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.

Utilities and Energy
PFS-6 Improve the efficiency and quality of utility services in the city.

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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-24 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
PFS-6.2 Undergrounding Utilities . The City shall encourage the conversion of overhead transmission and distribution lines to underground as economically feasible.

PFS-6.3 Energy Efficiency Education . The City shall support education for residents and businesses on the importance of energy efficiency.

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.

PFS-6.5 Privately-Owned Building Retrofits . The City shall promote retrofitting of privately-owned buildings to increase energy efficiency.

PFS-6.6 Local Power Generation. The City shall support local power generation and production that is economically and operationally feasible.

PFS-7 To ensure a safe and resilient utility and infrastructure system.

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.

PFS-7.2 Vegetation Clearance. The City shall require vegetation clearance and tree trimming adjacent to transmission and distribution lines and other critical electrical infrastructure.

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.

PFS-8 To transition to sustainable and renewable energy.

PFS-8.1 Utility Sustainability. The City shall continue to expand alternative, sustainable electric energy use.

PFS-8.2 Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency . The City shall encourage the site planning and design of new buildings to maximize energy efficiency.

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.

PFS-8.4 Residential Electric Appliances. The City shall encourage the use of electric appliances and utility hook-ups in all new residential development.

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.

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.

Fire Protection and Emergency Response
PFS-9 To maintain effective, fast, and dependable fire protection and emergency medical response in Ukiah.

PFS-9.1 Emergency Medical Services. The City shall coordinate emergency medical services between agencies servicing the city.

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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-25
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.

Law Enforcement
PFS-10 To provide high-quality public safety and crime reduction services to maintain a safe and secure community.

PFS-10.1 Police Staffing. The City shall prioritize the maintenance of Police Department staffing levels in line with community needs.

PFS-10.2 Interagency Coordination. The City shall coordinate with the Mendocino County Sherriff’s Office on joint operations and services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PFS-11.2 Joint-Use Facilities . The City shall partner with Mendocino County and the Ukiah Unified School District to provide joint-use facilities.

Parks and Recreation
PFS-12 To provide parks, recreational facilities, and trails for residents and visitors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-26 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
PFS-12.6 Park Safety. The City Police Department shall patrol and secure parks and recreational facilities from potential crime and misuse.

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.

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.

Education
PFS-13 To ensure high-quality educational institutions for all community members that foster diversity and educational attainment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Healthy Community
PFS-15 To ensure all residents have access to healthy lifestyle options.

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.

PFS-15.2 Healthy Food Options. The City shall support programs that guide healthy food options in the community.

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.

PFS-15.4 Vending Machine Options. The City shall support healthy food options for vending machines in City-owned and leased locations.

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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-27
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.

Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

PFS – 12.1
PFS – 12.3
Community
Services
◼
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.

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.

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.

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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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-28 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
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.

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.

ENV-1.2 Open Space Management. The City shall manage and maintain City-owned open spaces to preserve the integrity of these public spaces.

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.

ENV-2 To maintain and enhance the urban forest to create a sense of urban space and cohesiveness with the surrounding natural environment.

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.

ENV-2.3 Accommodation of Trees along Roadways. The City shall ensure future roadway plans accommodate existing and new trees without compromising sidewalk accessibility.

ENV-2.4 Tree Trimming for Fire Prevention. The City shall encourage private tree trimming as a fire hazard mitigation.

Historic-Archeological
ENV-3 To preserve and protect historic and archaeological resources in Ukiah.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-29
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.

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.

ENV-3.7 Adaptive Reuse. The City shall encourage appropriate adaptive reuse of historic resources.

Conservation
ENV-4 To conserve and protect the city’s natural woodlands and water resources for future generations.

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.

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.

ENV-4.3 Interconnected Greenways. The City shall encourage new development to incorporate and facilitate interconnected greenways that support wildlife conservation and recreational purposes.

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.

ENV-4.5 Recycled Water. The City shall support efforts to increase recycle water use.

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.

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.

ENV-4.8 Mitigate Water Resource Pollutants. The City shall protect water quality from adverse impacts of urban and agricultural runoff.

Biological Resources
ENV-5 To ensure the health and viability of the Russian River fisheries and tributaries.

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.

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.

ENV-5.3 Russian River Riparian Area. The City shall support the County in maintaining the Russian River as a natural riparian corridor.

ENV-6 To preserve and restore creeks, streams, riparian areas, and wetlands.

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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-30 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-31
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.

ENV-7.8 Residential EV Charging 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.

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.

Climate Change and Sustainability
ENV-8 To achieve carbon neutrality by or before the year 2045.

ENV-8.1 Carbon Neutrality Resolution. The City shall adopt a Carbon Neutrality Resolution that provides a foundation for all subsequent climate actions.

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.

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.

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.

ENV-8.5 Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy. 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.

ENV-9 To become a zero-waste community through responsible procurement, waste diversion, and innovative strategies.

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.

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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-32 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

ENV – 1.1
ENV – 1.2
ENV – 6.7
Community
Development
◼ ◼
Landscaping Standards
The City shall update the Zoning Code to
include landscaping standards to require
drought-resistant and native plants.

ENV – 1.1 Community
Development
◼
Open Space Management
Revise the Zoning Code to include
standards for maintaining open space and
green areas within new developments.

ENV – 1.2 Community
Development
◼
Updated Undeveloped Land Inventory
The City shall annually update the
undeveloped lands inventory.

ENV – 1.2 Community
Development ◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-33
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

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.

ENV – 3.1 Community
Development
◼
Cultural and Historic Registry
The City shall update the list of cultural and
historic resources worthy of nomination to
state or national preservation lists.

ENV – 3.1 Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-34 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

ENV – 4.5
ENV – 4.6
ENV – 4.7
Community
Development
Public Works
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-35
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

ENV – 6.1
ENV – 6.3
ENV – 6.6
Community
Development
Public Works
◼
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.

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.

ENV – 8
ENV – 8.1
ENV – 8.3
ENV – 9.1
PFS – 3 (and
supporting
policies)
Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-36 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
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.

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.

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.

SAF-1.3 Resilient 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.

SAF-1.4 Resilient 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.

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.

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.

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.

Flood Hazards
SAF-3 Minimize adverse impacts related to flooding through flood mitigation components and ongoing flood management practices.

SAF-3.1 Flood 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.

SAF-3.2 Flood Plain Management Ordinance. The City shall maintain an updated Flood Plain Management Ordinance specifying proper construction methods in identified flood hazard areas.

SAF-3.3 National Flood Insurance Program. The City shall maintain compliance with the provisions of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-37
Wildfire
SAF-4 To maintain adequate and effective fire protection services for Ukiah.

SAF-4.1 Fire 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.

SAF-4.2 Fire Service Funding. The City shall explore opportunities for increased funding for the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority in order to expand services appropriately.

SAF-4.3 Fire Protection Resources. The City shall foster cooperative working relationships with public fire agences, including CAL FIRE, to optimize fire protection resources within Ukiah.

SAF-4.4 Mutual Aid Participation. The City shall participate in mutual aid systems and agreements to supplement the capacity of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority.

SAF-4.5 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.

SAF-4.6 Local 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.

SAF-5 To minimize wildland fire risk to protect life and property.

SAF-5.1 Public 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.

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 and Public Resources Code 4291.

SAF-5.3 Evacuation 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.

SAF-5.4 Roadway Vegetation Clearance. The City shall maintain an adequate vegetation clearance on public and private roads to mitigate wildfire hazards.

SAF-5.5 Fuel 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.

SAF-5.6 Water Supply Infrastructure. The City shall regularly assess the integrity of for existing and proposed development to ensure adequate fire suppression needs are met.

SAF-5.7 Local 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.

SAF-5.8 Site 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

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-38 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
hazard risk, particularly within VHFHSZs, and ensure that new development maintains adequate access (ingress, egress). New residential development with VHFHSZs should be minimized.

SAF-5.9 Site 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.

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.

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.

SAF-6 To ensure that the City is adequately prepared for emergencies of any variety through effective planning measures.

SAF-6.1 Evacuation 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.

SAF-6.2 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City shall continue to participate in and implement the Mendocino County Hazard Mitigation Plan to ensure maximum preparedness for hazard events.

SAF-6.3 Locally 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.

Noise
SAF-7 To stabilize or reduce transportation noise impacts on residential uses.

SAF-7.1 Noise Inventory. The City shall inventory noise contours for major traffic corridors and the airport.

SAF-7.2 Sound 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.

SAF-7.3 Airport 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.

SAF-7.4 Airport 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.

SAF-7.5 Roadway 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 construction, and speed control - to minimize expansion of the existing Design to Cost (DTC).

SAF-7.6 Noise 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.

SAF-8 To reduce noise impacts through the enforcement of appropriate building and land use codes.

SAF-8.1 Update 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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-39
SAF-8.2 Noise Impact Analysis. The City shall ensure adequate analysis of noise impacts when reviewing project permits.

SAF-8.3 Noise 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.

SAF-8.4 Acoustical 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.

Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

SAF – 1.1 Community
Development
◼
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.

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.

SAF – 1.3 Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-40 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
Resilient Infrastructure – Unreinforced
Masonry
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.

SAF – 1.4 Community
Development
◼
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.

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.

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.

SAF – 3.1
SAF – 3.3
Public Works
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-41
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
Fire Protection Rating
Monitor the City’s fire protection rating
and cooperate with the Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority to correct deficiencies.

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.

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.

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.

SAF – 4.2
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.

SAF – 4.4 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
◼
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.

SAF – 4.5
SAF – 5.3
City Manager

CAL FIRE
Mendocino
Mendocino
County Fire Safe
Council
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-42 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

SAF – 4.6 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
◼
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.

SAF – 5
SAF – 5.7
SAF – 5.8
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.

SAF – 5
SAF – 5.8
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.

SAF – 5.1 Community
Development
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-43
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
Evacuation Route Standards
The City shall establish minimum road
widths and flammable vegetation
clearances for evacuation routes in
accordance with California regulatory
standards.

SAF – 5.2
SAF – 5.3
SAF – 6.1
City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Community
Development
◼
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.

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.

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.

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.

SAF – 5.5 Community
Development
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
Mendocino
County Fire Safe
Council
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-44 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

SAF – 5.7
SAF – 5.8
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.

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.

SAF – 5.10 City Manager
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority ◼
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.

SAF – 4.6
SAF – 5.10
City Manager
Community
Development
Police
Department
Ukiah Valley Fire
Authority
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-45
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

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.

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.

SAF – 6.3 Police
Department
City Manager
Community
Development
◼ ◼ ◼
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.

SAF – 7.2 Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-46 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.”
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.

SAF – 7.4 Planning
Services
Building
Services
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-47
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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).

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.

SAF – 8.1
SAF – 8.3
Planning
Services
Building
Services
◼ ◼
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.

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.

SAF – 8.4 Planning
Services
Building
Services
◼

Page 295 of 427 ends

Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-48 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Agriculture Element

GOALS AND POLICIES
AG-1 To preserve and strengthen agricultural uses in and around Ukiah that influence the regional economy.

AG-1.1 Reduce Agricultural/Urban Conflict . The City shall reduce conflict between incompatible uses and agriculture within and adjacent to the City.

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.

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.

AG-2 To create a healthy, equitable and resilient local-food system that further integrates agriculture into the City’s identity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AG-3 Help existing agricultural stakeholders move ‘Beyond the Farm’.

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.

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.

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.

Page 296 of 427 ends

Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-49
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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.

AG – 1.2 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.

AG – 1.2 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.

AG – 1.2
AG – 1.3
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.

AG – 1.2 Community
Development
City Manager ◼
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.

AG – 2.4 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’.

AG – 2.4 Community
Development
◼

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-50 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
“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.

AG – 2.4 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.

AG – 2.4 Community
Development
◼
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.

AG – 2.5
AG – 2.6
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.”
AG – 2.4 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.

AG – 2.5 Community
Development
Public Works
◼

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-51
Implementation Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2022 – 20252026 – 20302031 – 2040AnnualOngoing
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 – 2.7 Community
Development
Public Works
◼
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.

AG – 3.1 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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-52 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
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.

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.

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

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-53
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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
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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-54 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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.
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

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-55
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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.
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-Income Housing 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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-56 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-57
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.

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-58 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 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-Income Housing
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 non-residential) 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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-59
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
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

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-60 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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
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.

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Policy Document | December 2022 Page A-61
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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
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

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Ukiah 2040 General Plan Appendix A
Page A-62 Ukiah 2040 General Plan | December 2022
Implementing Programs
Responsible
Department(s) Schedule
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.

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2024
Annual Progress Reports
Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager
Presentation given 3/19/25

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Annual Progress
Reports (APR)
HCD: Each jurisdiction must prepare and submit a
Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the
Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) on status and progress in
implementing its housing element.

LCI: The General Plan APR submitted to the
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate
Innovation (LCI) should outline the status of the
General Plan and progress in its implementation over
the previous year’s 12-month reporting period.
2

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2024
Housing
Updates

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6th Cycle Housing Production: 2018-2024
Income Level 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total Building Permits Issued
RHNA
Remaining
2018 RHNA
Assignment
Very Low
Deed Restricted 30 66
96 86
Non-Deed Restricted
Low
Deed Restricted 30 24
57 15 72
Non-Deed Restricted 2 1
Moderate
Deed Restricted
35 14 49
Non-Deed Restricted 3 5 6 6 7 8
Above Moderate 3 9 3 4 5 33 57 32
Total 8 45 39 100 12 41 245 29 239
4 6th Cycle RHNA – December 31, 2028 – August 31, 2027

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Housing Element Completion and Ongoing
Progress
‘Lot Line Adjustment’
Ordinance
‘Missing Middle’
Ordinance ‘ADU’ Ordinance
5

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2024
General Plan
Updates

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General Plan Timeline and 2024 Progress
2022-2025
Land Use
E. Zoning Code Amendments
Economic Development
Economic Development Strategy
Mobility
C. Right of Way Needs
2026-2030
Environment &
Sustainability
G. Historic Structure
Preservation Policy
I. Historic Preservation
Ordinance
2031-2040
Environment & Sustainability
E. Prepare an Urban Forest
Master Plan
F. Tree Protection Ordinance
Annual
Public Facilities
A. Wastewater Annual Review
(Example)
Ongoing
Safety
A. Building and Zoning Code
(Example)
7 Public Facilities =
B. Parks Gap Analysis
Safety
CC. Mendocino Multi Jurisdiction
Hazard Management Plan (MJHMP)
Agriculture
B. Right to Farm
C. Align Agricultural Standards

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Adapting to Change: How Climate Action,
FEMA, and CAL FIRE Shape Our General Plan
Climate Action Plan (CAP) Initiated
Addressed FEMA flood map and
CalFIRE High Severity Zone changes
8

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Recommendation
Staff recommends Council receive and approve submittal
of the 2024 Annual Progress Reports to HCD and LCI and
provide additional direction to Staff as necessary.
9

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Page 1 of 2 ends

Agenda Item No: 13.b.

MEETING DATE/TIME: 3/19/2025

ITEM NO: 2025-275

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Status Report on Emergency Contract with Diamond D Construction, LLC for the Emergency Repair of the Western Hills Mudslide at the City Water Tank (Pressure Zone 1-North, or PZ1-N) and Request for Authorization to Continue Work Under This Emergency Contract.

DEPARTMENT: Water Resources PREPARED BY: Sean White, Water Resources Director PRESENTER: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution 2025-08 - Emergency Procurement for Mudslide at PZ1

2. Diamond D Estimate for PZ1

3. Purchase Order for Diamond D Slide

4. Slide Pictures
Summary: Council will receive a status report on the contract with Diamond D Construction for the emergency repair of the Western Hills mudslide at the City water tank and consider approving continued work.

Background: During the major rain event on February 4-5, a mudslide occurred in the western hills, settling at the base of a City water tank referred to at Pressure Zone 1-North (PZ1-N). Due to the muddy conditions, slope of the hillside, and specialized nature of the repairs, City crews determined that a professional contractor would be required to perform the work. Additionally, significant rain was forecast for the following days, causing concern that the water tank and hillside would potentially be compromised if emergency repairs did not commence immediately.

On February 19, 2025, City Council approved a Resolution approving the procurement without public bidding of construction services to repair the mudslide at the City water tank in the western hills (Attachment 1).

Discussion: Staff worked with the Procurement Department to assess availability and obtain proposals from local contractors. Diamond D Construction was available to begin immediately and was determined to be qualified to do the work (Attachments 2 and 3).

Work to temporarily remediate the site began on February 7th and was completed on February 12th. Work involved removing material at the toe of the slope that had built up against the tank and removing material perched immediately above the tank. Due to the extremely wet condition of the site, only material within the reach of an excavator could be graded or removed. A small ditch was also cut in the hillside above the tank to redirect runoff.

The slide area was then tarped to protect it from rainfall. City Staff also added jute netting to other portions of the site to further protect the hillside. See Attachment 4 for pictures of remediation efforts.

Once the area has dried further grading will be required.

To fully stabilize, this site will require a geotechnical investigation and plan, followed by extensive eatherwork.

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Page 2 of 2 ends

Staff is requesting the Council's approval to continue using the emergency contract with Diamond D Construction, LLC.

Recommended Action: Receive report and approve the continued work on the emergency contract with Diamond D Construction for the emergency repair of the Western Hills mudslide at the City water tank PZI-N.

BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: TBD
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT:

PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT:

FINANCING SOURCE: Water Fund; 82027113-80230-18234
REVENUE: YES / No GRANT: YES / No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: PO 48757-00
COORDINATED WITH: Sage Sangiacomo, City Manager; Sean White, Water Resources Director STRATEGIC PLAN (SP):

CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI):

GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP):

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Attachment 1

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Attachment
2

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Attachment 4

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Page 329 of 427 ends

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Page 1 of 4 ends

Agenda Item No: 14.a.

MEETING DATE/TIME: 3/19/2025

ITEM NO: 2025-248

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Receive a Report and Accept the 2025 Parks Gap Analysis as Complete and Fulfilling Implementation Goal 5.10 of the 2040 General Plan.

DEPARTMENT: Community Services PREPARED BY: Neil Davis, Community Services Director PRESENTER: Neil Davis, Community Services Director
ATTACHMENTS:

1. Gap Analysis DRAFT_3_5_25

2. PopulationNodesUPDATE

3. AOI and Sphere Map

4. Greater Ukiah node park coverage

5. Heat Map of Rec Users

6. 14a - Correspondence Received - Linda Sanders
Summary: Council will receive a report on the 2025 Park Gap Analysis and consider accepting the 2025 Parks Gap Analysis as complete and fulfilling implementation goal 5.10 of the 2040 General Plan.

Background: The City of Ukiah’s 2040 General Plan's section 5.10 (Implementation Programs; page 5-16) identifies the need for a Parks Gap Analysis. Section 5.10 B (Parks Gap Analysis) states, “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.” City Staff began the process of developing a Parks Gap Analysis in early 2024 by conducting a literature review. The geographic scope allowed comparison of park and recreation services between the Area of Interest, the Sphere of Influence, the City limits, and six areas of population concentration (population nodes).

A timeline was developed, and Staff began the process of evaluating existing conditions and community needs through site assessments by Staff, online and in-person bilingual surveys, community event tabling, one-onone meetings, and facilitated focus group discussions. Evaluations were based on eight “levels of service.” A level of service is the measure of how the City is performing per area of service. The identified levels of service include; 1) Quantity, 2) Quality and Diversity of Parks, 3) Accessibility, 4) Commitment, 5) Community and Social Capital, 6) Climate Readiness, 7) Native American Co-Stewardship, and 8) Addressing Homelessness and Gentrification. These eight levels of service created the basis for Park and Recreation Goals. All community input was oriented around assessing these eight levels of service and the Gap Analysis follows this format.

Over 300 surveys were completed and tabling took place at the Sundays in the Park and PumpkinFest. Ten facilitator-led focus groups were convened representing 1) Business people, 2) Real Estate Agents, 3) Mendocino County staff, 4) Team Sports leaders, 5) LatinX representatives, 6) Alex Rorabaugh Center participants, 7) UUSD leaders, 8) Climate Action and Healthy Communities advocates, 9) the City’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, and 10) the Public Spaces Commission (PSC).

Staff has discussed this subject with the PSC at the May 14, July 9, and the November 12, 2024, meetings. An

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initial draft Gap Analysis document was presented to the PSC on January 14th and the final draft was presented on March 11th 2025 (Attachment 1).

Discussion: While Mendocino County collectively is rural in nature, the City of Ukiah is an urban center.

Ukiah is recognized as a micropolitan area core with the primary commute flow within the “large urban cluster.” A secondary commute flow leaves Ukiah to access a larger urban area. However, most of the commute and service flow from around the Ukiah Valley is to the City of Ukiah.

Growth adjacent but outside City limits has created a population concentration this report refers to as the Greater Ukiah Node that extends beyond the City limits. For many local people, everything within this node is considered “Ukiah.” Outside the Greater Ukiah Node, an additional five population centers, or “nodes,” are within short driving distance, and have many of the characteristics and act as suburbs to the micropolitan Greater Ukiah Node (Attachment 2). For this report, the population nodes have been designated as Talmage/Knob Hill, Vichy Springs, El Dorado/Deerwood, Eastside Calpella/Lake Mendocino, and Calpella.

The populations of these nodes range from 312 to 1,912.

The Local Area Formation Commission has mapped the Sphere of Influence and Area of Interest for the Ukiah Valley and this report evaluated park and recreational opportunities between and among these zones (Attachment 3).

The City of Ukiah has over twenty designated parks. This report establishes a goal of providing a park within a half-mile of all residents. While all parks have benefits, some parks, such as pocket parks and specialty parks, lack broad appeal or use and therefore will not meet the needs of the general public. The Greater Ukiah Node includes nine parks that are large enough and include a sufficient variety of features to meet the park needs of all who live within a half mile. These nine parks are well distributed and ensure that the vast majority of residents living inside the city limits are within a half mile of a significant park. A notable exception is the Wagenseller neighborhood (Attachment 4).

Outside the City limits, but within the Greater Ukiah Node to both the north and south of the City limits, are areas underserved by parks. To meet the park needs of these residents, a new park on the north side of the node and one large and two small parks to the south of the city will likely be needed.

Outside the Greater Ukiah Node, there are few park and recreation opportunities. However, total population and population densities in these areas are too low to provide an economy of scale to allow for park and recreation opportunities. Citizens who opt to live in sparsely populated areas are prioritizing dark skies, low crime rates, inexpensive real estate, and light traffic over public services. Attempting to provide urban services to these areas is not financially feasible.

On the other hand, the City’s recreation department already provides services to residents living within the Area of Interest and beyond, with many of these residents traveling to Ukiah to utilize both parks and recreation opportunities (Attachment 5).

On-site Staff assessments of the parks concurred with community input in determining the parks to be well maintained and in overall good shape. The one exception was the County-managed Low Gap Park. While residents desire a greater diversity of park features, they also expressed overall satisfaction with existing park diversity of features. Desirable park features that are not represented in City parks include dog parks, pickleball courts, skating venues, neighborhood basketball courts, river access, shade, and cooling or misting stations.

The City of Ukiah’s budget for parks is adequate to maintain current facilities, but expanding or improving the system of parks will require additional funds. The recreation team is doing more than other similar-sized municipalities and already serves the entire Area of Interest.

While homelessness is an issue throughout the City, the problem is neither created nor solved by parks.

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Nevertheless, the impact of homelessness on parks is felt by the community, and feelings of insecurity and unsanitariness decrease the use and enjoyment of parks. Most respondents expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the City to keep parks clean and safe while also acknowledging the ongoing challenge and negative impact of the issue.

Gentrification can become an issue when parks in low-income areas are improved. Coordination and planning between the Community Services and Community Development departments can help address the issue of gentrification before it becomes an issue.

Climate change will have a disproportionately large impact on cities and Ukiah will be no exception. Parks provide an opportunity to help mitigate climate change and help residents adapt to the impacts of climate change. Existing parks will need to be adapted as possible and new parks should be designed to maximize permeable surfaces, provide flood control elements, sequester carbon with trees and plants, provide naturebased elements to help children develop an ecological awareness, and to provide a refuge from heat. Open spaces should be managed to balance the need for maximizing carbon sequestration while being fire resilient and providing recreational access to nature.

City Park and Recreation Staff should employ a continuous improvement process with a strong commitment to community engagement. As part of the Gap Analysis, the City completed the National Park and Recreation Association Agency Performance Review. This survey allows municipalities to track progress and compare levels of service to similar-sized municipalities. The City should complete the survey/review at least once every ten years. Community engagement should include efforts to ensure parks and recreation services are diverse, equitable, and inclusive and should aim for Native American co-stewardship as possible.

Should the City annex all or part of the Sphere of Influence prior to 2040, there will be both challenge and opportunity. Although annexation will not directly lead to the City taking over management of Low Gap Park, the park is an integral part of the community’s park and recreation infrastructure. The City’s large park staff is much better equipped to address the issues at Low Gap Park than is the minimally staffed County of Mendocino. Working with the County to address the substantial deferred maintenance at Low Gap Park is in the best interest of the region. Additionally, updating the Municipal Pool, creating new parks to serve residents on the north and south ends of the Greater Ukiah node, assuring parks are prepared for climate change, and addressing missing park features will be an expensive but necessary step to ensure the community's quality of life and health. As the City’s recreation team is already providing services to the entire Area of Interest, unless there is a surge in population, additional recreational staff and resources should not be needed. Further, the City’s Community Services team and grant writers from the Community Development team will be available to seek grant funding and explore creative opportunities for fundraising.

Staff recommend Council accept the 2025 Parks Gap Analysis as complete and fulfilling implementation goal

5.10 of the 2040 General Plan.

Recommended Action: Accept the 2025 Parks Gap Analysis as complete and fulfilling implementation goal

5.10 of the 2040 General Plan.

BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: NA
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: NA
FINANCING SOURCE: NA
REVENUE: NA
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: NA
COORDINATED WITH:

STRATEGIC PLAN (SP):SP 1A - Build neighborhoods that provide access for all to a compatible balance of housing, employment, commercial, medical, education, and recreational resources.SP 1A - Build neighborhoods that provide access for all to a compatible balance of housing, employment, commercial,

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medical, education, and recreational resources.SP 1B - Provide services that support a high quality of life for all residents, including fostering diverse, inclusive, sustainable, and accessible neighborhoods.

CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): 4a – Implement nature-based climate solutions.

GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP):GP-A4 - Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element; GP-A5 - Environment and Sustainability Element

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0 Attachment 1
February 2025
Adopted Some Date, 2025
City of Ukiah Park Gap Analysis 2025

A COMMITMENT OF THE
2040 GENERAL PLAN

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1 Parks Gap Analysis 2025
A Commitment of the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element of the 2040 General Plan

5.10 Implementation Programs; B. 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.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Executive Summary 3
Glossary of Terms 6
Demographics 9
Ukiah Parks Gap Analysis Planning Boundaries 11
Level of Service 13
Park and Recreation Goals 17
Current State of Parks 20
Recreation Services 29
Community Input 30
Next Steps – Case Studies 37
Funding 43
Conclusions 44
References 45
Maps 48
Tables 53

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3 Introduction
The City of Ukiah is committed to fostering a healthy and vibrant Ukiah Valley. The City Council’s Strategic plan speaks to “enhancing our neighborhoods,” and “developing quality infrastructure.” The City’s 2040 General plan and the Ukiah Valley Area Plan (2011) identify the importance of parks, recreational facilities and trails for residents and visitors, while the City’s Climate Initiatives speak to maintaining wild lands and protecting parks and recreation. Further, the City’s Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan emphasizes the need for connectivity and the Equity Action Plan asserts the City’s commitment to diversity and equity. All these diverse plans converge in support of a built environment that relies on parks and trails to achieve the overarching goal of creating a healthy and vibrant quality of life for all who live in and visit the City of Ukiah.

The City’s 2040 General Plan specifically sets an action step of performing a parks gap analysis to help the City achieve these goals. City of Ukiah staff began the analysis in the Spring of 2024 with an extensive literature review. The literature review helped inform the creation of draft level of service measures, goals, and processes for conducting the analysis.

It is hoped this analysis can assist in identifying necessary improvements to existing infrastructure as well as places where new parks may be required, while assessing the City’s ability to provide equitable park and recreation services to the City’s present and future residents within existing city limits and beyond to potential areas of annexation.

Executive Summary
Ukiah is located at the base of the Ukiah valley and approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco.

The natural landscape includes forested hillsides, the Russian river, and valley flatlands. With both City of Ukiah and County administrative offices within the city, Ukiah boasts many public sector employment opportunities, particularly in education and social services. While Mendocino County collectively is rural in nature, the City of Ukiah is an urban center. Ukiah is recognized as a micropolitan area core with the primary commute flow within the “large urban cluster.” A secondary commute flow leaves Ukiah to access a larger urban area. However, most of the commute and service flow from around the Ukiah Valley is to the City of Ukiah. While the median household income in Ukiah is modest compared to California averages, there are wide swaths of the community that are rated as “Disadvantaged” or ‘Severely Disadvantaged.” The City of Ukiah’s boundaries have remained essentially unchanged for decades. Growth adjacent but outside city limits has created a population concentration this report refers to as the Greater Ukiah Node that extends beyond the city limits. For many local people everything within this node is considered “Ukiah.” Outside the Greater Ukiah Node an additional five population centers, or “nodes,” are within short driving distance and have many of the characteristics and act as suburbs to the micropolitan Greater Ukiah Node. For this report the nodes have been designated as Talmage/Knob Hill, Vichy Springs, Eldorado/Deerwood, Eastside Calpella/Lake Mendocino, and Calpella. The Greater Ukiah node is home to 21,201 residents while the “suburban nodes have populations ranging from 312 to 1,912.

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4 The Local Area Formation Commission has mapped the Sphere of Influence and Area of Interest for the Ukiah Valley and this report evaluated park and recreational opportunities between and among these zones.

The City of Ukiah has over twenty designated parks. This report establishes a goal of providing a park within a half mile of all residents. While all parks have benefits, some parks such as pocket parks and specialty parks lack wide appeal or use, and therefore will not meet the needs of the general public. The Greater Ukiah node includes nine parks that are large enough and include a sufficient variety of features to meet the park needs of all who live within a half mile. These nine parks are well distributed and ensure that the vast majority of residents living inside the city limits are within a half mile of a significant park. A notable exception is the Wagenseller neighborhood.

Outside the city limits but within the Greater Ukiah Node to both the north and south of the city limits are areas underserved by parks. A new park on the north side of the node and one large and two small parks are likely needed to meet the needs of those residents.

Outside the Greater Ukiah Node there are few park and recreation opportunities. However, total population and population densities in these areas are too low to provide an economy of scale to allow for park and recreation opportunities, as managed by the City of Ukiah. However, these rural areas often have proximity to County, State or Federal or acquirable lands that may serve as regional parks. Additionally, these community members will still rely on the City for recreational programming and other community related services or events. Citizens who opt to live in sparsely populated areas are prioritizing dark skies, low crime rates, inexpensive real estate, and low traffic volumes over public services. Attempting to provide urban services to these areas is not financially feasible.

On the other hand, the City’s recreation department already provides services to residents living within the Area of Interest and beyond with many of these residents traveling to Ukiah to utilize both parks and recreation opportunities.

Community input for this report included bilingual online and in-person questionnaires, one-onone interviews, and a series of facilitated focus groups. The focus groups included stakeholders representing Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center, business community members, a real estate group, climate action and healthy communities, LatinX, County of Mendocino employees, competitive sports enthusiasts, Ukiah Unified School District, and elected officials. The same focus group questions were presented to the Public Spaces Commission (PSC) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI).

Community engagement was designed to elicit information in line with the report’s eight designated park goals. The goals address Quantity, Quality and Diversity of features, Accessibility, Commitment, Community and Social Capital, Climate Readiness, Native American CoStewardship, and Homelessness.

On-site staff assessments of the parks concurred with community input in determining the parks to be well maintained and in overall good shape. The one exception was the County managed Low Gap Park. While residents desire a greater diversity of park features, they also expressed overall satisfaction with existing park diversity of features. Desirable park features that are not represented

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5 in city parks include dog parks, pickleball, courts, skating venues, neighborhood basketball courts, river access, shade, and cooling or misting stations.

The City of Ukiah’s budget for parks is adequate to maintain current facilities but expanding or improving the system of parks will require additional funds. The recreation team is doing more than other similar size municipalities and already serves the entire Area of Interest.

While homelessness is an issue throughout the city, it is not created or solved with parks.

Nevertheless, the impact of homelessness on parks is felt by the community and feelings of insecurity and unsanitariness decrease the use and enjoyment of parks. Most respondents expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the City to keep parks clean and safe while also acknowledging the ongoing challenge and negative impact of the issue. Gentrification can become an issue when parks in low-income areas are improved. Coordination and planning between the Community Services and Community Development departments can help address the issue of gentrification before it becomes an issue.

Climate change will have a disproportionately large impact on cities and Ukiah will be no exception.

Parks provide an opportunity to help mitigate climate change and help residents adapt to the impacts of climate change. Existing parks will need to be adapted as possible and new parks should be designed to maximize permeable surfaces, provide flood control elements, sequester carbon with trees and plants, provide nature-based elements to help children develop an ecological awareness, and to provide a refuge from heat. Open spaces should be managed to balance the need for maximizing carbon sequestration while being fire resilient.

A continuous improvement process should be implemented with a strong commitment to community engagement. The City of Ukiah completed a survey to participate in the 2024 National Park and Recreation Association Agency Performance Review. This survey should be completed periodically to track progress and compare levels of service to similar sized municipalities.

Community engagement should include efforts to assure parks and recreation services are diverse, equitable, and inclusive and should aim for Native American co-stewardship as possible.

Should the City annex all or part of the Sphere of Influence prior to 2040 there will be both challenge and opportunity. Creating new parks to serve residents on the north and south end of the Greater Ukiah node, updating the Municipal Pool, and working with the County to address the substantial deferred maintenance at Low Gap Park, will be expensive. However, the City’s large park staff is much better equipped to address the issues at Low Gap Park than is the minimally staffed County of Mendocino. As the City’s recreation team is already providing services to the entire Area of Interest, additional staff and recreational resources would not be needed. Further, the City’s Community Services team and grant writers from the Community Development team will be available to seek grant funding and explore opportunities for fundraising and the possibility of a parks district.

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6 Glossary of Terms
Accessibility – Is the measure of the number of residents who live within a half mile of a park combined with the degree to which parks are connected to allow for free movement between parks, facilities, and neighborhoods, particularly for non-motorized transportation.

Area of Interest - An Area of Interest is a geographic area beyond the sphere of influence in which land use decisions or other governmental actions of one local agency (the "Acting Agency") impact directly or indirectly upon another local agency (the "Interested Agency"). For example, approval of a housing project developed to urban densities on septic tanks outside the city limits of a city and its sphere of influence may result in the city being forced subsequently to extend sewer services to the area to deal with septic failures and improve city roads that provide access to the development.

The City of Ukiah in such a situation would be the Interested Agency with appropriate reason to request special consideration from the Acting Agency in considering projects adjacent to the city.

Connectivity - The extent to which a landscape facilitates or impedes the movement of living things between patches.

Commitment - Is a measure of resources that are devoted to building and maintaining a parks system.

Climate Readiness - Targeted action to preserve and improve our region’s economy, infrastructure, and resources while safeguarding our community members’ health, safety, and quality of life in the face of climate change.

First Tier Facility/Park – A first tier facility or park is open all day every day and free to the public.

Feature(s) – A feature is a park amenity such as a playground, ball court or field, trail, BBQ area or picnic table, shade structure, etc.

Gentrification - The process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, leading to the displacement of current inhabitants in the process.

Level of Service - The measure of how we are performing per area of service (Park or Recreation) Micropolitan - A population area that includes a city with 10,000 to 50,000 residents and its surrounding communities such as Ukiah.

Open Space - An undeveloped or minimally developed large area conserved for habitat and general conservation value.

Park – A park is outdoors, is a named destination, is publicly accessible and advertised, encourages informal public use, and encourages socializing, play or exercise, or an opportunity to enjoy nature.
o Pocket Park - Very small park, may have a bench.
o Neighborhood Park – Often includes a playground and park area generally for nonorganized activities. May include a restroom.

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7 o Community Park - Designed for organized activity with users traveling from some distance often including parking, sports fields and restrooms. o Regional Park - Larger park which may be more isolated from population nodes.

May be limited to trails and outdoor recreation, but may have additional facilities. o Special Use Park - Specialized use recreational areas, usually single use, such as dog parks and skate parks that do not fit another category. o Linear Park - A park along a travel corridor, generally narrow and long. o School “Park” - School-owned facilities with limited availability. The City of Ukiah has a Facility Use Agreement that allows for bilateral shared use of facilities between the City and Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD). School recreation areas act as a second-tier parks during non -school hours. Their primary purpose is student education. Recreation that does not interfere with the education mandate is allowed on school grounds.

Park Pressure - Park pressure analyses park size in relation to population density and quantifies how population density affects parks.

Population Nodes - Outside the city limits, but within the Sphere of influence and the Area of Interest there are six areas of population concentration. These unnamed population concentrations will be referred to as population “nodes” for this report.

Railbank - A voluntary agreement between a railroad company and a trail sponsor to use an out-ofservice rail corridor as a trail. The goal is to preserve the corridor for possible future rail use while allowing for alternative trail use in the meantime.

Recreation Facility – A facility (as opposed to a “feature”) provides an indoors location, is a named destination, is publicly accessible and advertised, encourages informal public use, and encourages socializing, play or exercise, or an opportunity to learn about nature. The equivalent of a park, but indoors.

Rural – An area with a low population density and lots of open space.

Special District - A special district is a local government that provides specific services to a community within defined boundaries. Special districts are separate from cities, counties, and school districts. They are autonomous entities but are overseen by the state government. Special districts are accountable to the voters or landowners they serve.

Suburban - A place with a mix of residential and commercial development located on the outskirts of a city with most residents traveling to a city to shop and work.

Second Tier Recreational Facility or Park – A second tier recreational facility or park is open for limited hours or fee based thereby making it inaccessible to a percentage of the public.

Social Capital - The networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.

Sphere of Influence - The Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) establishes the Sphere of Influence (SOI), which defines the probable 20-year growth physical boundary and service area of a local agency. An SOI typically includes both incorporated and

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8 unincorporated areas within which the City will have primary responsibility for the provision of public facilities and services. The City’s Sphere of Influence was most recently updated in 2022.

Urban - A city or town with a high population density and many buildings.

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9 The Ukiah Valley Demographics History and Character
Ukiah is located at the base of the Ukiah valley and approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco.

The natural landscape includes forested hillsides, the Russian river, and valley flatlands. The Pomo lived in much of what is now Mendocino County and primarily lived in small groups which relied on hunting, fishing, and foraging. In 1859, Ukiah was designated the seat of Mendocino County and was incorporated in 1876. The name “Ukiah” draws from the history of the Pomo people as Ukiah is an anglicized version of the Pomo word yokaya, meaning “deep valley.” Ukiah’s prime soils and climate supported farming and agricultural opportunities, which became a dominant economic driver during the early settlement period of the city. The dominant crop grown during this time was hops. The city experienced rapid growth post 1920, especially after World War ll. The population growth coincided with the growth of the logging industry in California’s northern coasts. This further increased growth in the region and created additional employment opportunities.

In 2025, Ukiah is still the county seat and largest city in Mendocino County with approximately 16,296 residents. With both City of Ukiah and County administrative offices within the city, Ukiah boasts many public sector employment opportunities, particularly in education, government, and social services. Outside the public sector, the city is known for strong retail and service industries and a bustling tourism industry catering to travelers and adventurers looking to explore the Ukiah Valley.

Regional Setting
The Ukiah Valley is approximately nine miles long, running north to south, comprising more than 40,000 acres along U.S. Route 101. The Russian River follows the valley, winding through agricultural lands just outside of Ukiah to the east. The valley is approximately 630 feet in elevation, with the hills of the Mendocino and Mayacamas ranges that flank the valley reaching up to 3,000 feet in elevation. Located 45 miles north of Healdsburg and 155 miles south of Eureka, the City of Ukiah spans more than 3,000 acres (4.6 square miles). It functions as a center for commerce, recreation, medical and social services, and cultural events. The nearest major city to Ukiah is Santa Rosa, a city of 175,000, which is located approximately 60 miles to the south. Larger urban centers including San Francisco and Sacramento are approximately 100 miles to the south and southeast. Ukiah’s relative isolation from major population centers increases its importance as a regional center. Closer to Ukiah, there are several small unincorporated communities in the Ukiah Valley, as well as in the neighboring Redwood Valley to the north.

While Mendocino County collectively is rural in nature, the City of Ukiah is an urban center. The USDA Rural-Urban Commuting Area Code lists Ukiah as a micropolitan area core with the primary commute flow within the “large urban cluster.” A secondary commute flow leaves Ukiah to access a larger urban area. However, most of the commute and service flow from around the Ukiah Valley is to the City of Ukiah.

Economic Demographics:

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10 The Ukiah Valley economy is primarily driven by agriculture, government services, retail, and tourism. The surrounding region is renowned for its wine production, particularly organic vineyards, and other forms of sustainable agriculture, including the cultivation of cannabis, which has become increasingly regulated and economically significant. Small businesses and local services dominate the economy, with healthcare, education, and government being major employers. The city has also seen growing interest in sustainable practices and green technology industries. While the median household income in Ukiah is modest compared to California averages, there are wide swaths of the community that are rated as “Disadvantaged” or ‘Severely Disadvantaged” by the California State Parks Statewide Parks Program Community FactFinder (https://www.parksforcalifornia.org/communities/.) These disparities are reflected in the distribution and quality of regional parks and recreational opportunities.

Senate Bill (SB) 244 (Wolk), approved by Governor Brown in October 2011, requires cities to identify and describe disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) within or near its boundaries.

The intention of this legislation is to address the complex legal, financial, and political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and associated infrastructure deficits. State law further requires the identification and analysis of DUCs as part of municipal service reviews (MSRs), annexation requests, and sphere of influence (SOI) updates undertaken by Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos). The City identified five (5) DUCs, as part of its 2022 MSR, including:
1) Ukiah SXSW
2) Norgard Lane
3) Empire Gardens
4) Talmage
5) The Forks
Cultural Demographics:

Culturally, Ukiah reflects a mix of influences from its Native American roots, Hispanic heritage, and the area's countercultural movements. The city is known for embracing sustainable living, environmentalism, and progressive values. It's also home to a vibrant arts scene, with local artists, musicians, and cultural festivals playing a significant role in the community. The nearby City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, one of the largest Buddhist communities in the Western Hemisphere, adds to the city's diverse cultural fabric, fostering interfaith understanding and cultural exchange.

Ethnic Demographics:

Ukiah's population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic/Latino community, comprising 35-40% of the population. This reflects broader demographic trends in California, especially in agricultural regions. The city is also home to Native American communities, particularly those from the Pomo tribe, who have a longstanding historical connection to the area. Additionally, Ukiah has a small but growing Asian population, thanks in part to the presence of the Buddhist community. The remainder of the population is primarily White, with smaller percentages of African Americans and other ethnic groups.

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11 Ukiah Parks Gap Analysis Planning Boundaries
This Gap Analysis will compare Level of Service between various areas of the Ukiah Valley (Map 1).

The outer limits of the study are outlined by the Local Area Formation Commission’s (LAFCo) map of the City of Ukiah’s Area of Interest. The level of service in this area will be compared to the Sphere of Influence, the city limits, and a half dozen population nodes. The population nodes were identified by city staff for this report. All other areas are consistent with the City of Ukiah’s General Plan 2040 and LAFCo documents.

City Limits
The boundary that includes all land that has been incorporated into a city. Ukiah has land use authority over all land within its city limits. Ukiah encompasses approximately 4,300 acres.

Sphere of Influence
The Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) establishes the Sphere of Influence (SOI), which defines the probable 20-year growth physical boundary and service area of a local agency. An SOI typically includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas within which the City will have primary responsibility for the provision of public facilities and services. The City’s Sphere of Influence was most recently updated in 2022.

Area of Interest
An Area of Interest is a geographic area beyond the SOI in which land use decisions or other governmental actions of one local agency (the "Acting Agency") impact directly or indirectly upon another local agency (the "Interested Agency"). For example, the location of a new school or residential development within the City's area of interest could alter the types of recreational facilities needed or provided by the City. A new high school may create demand for additional sports fields, gymnasiums, or aquatic facilities, which could place added pressure on city-operated parks and recreation programs, whereas a new senior development would create different improvements almost entirely. The City, in this situation, may request coordination to ensure that the housing development aligns with local recreation planning and that necessary infrastructure improvements are addressed through partnerships, conditions of approval, or funding agreements.

Population Nodes
Outside the city limits, but within the Sphere of Influence and the Area of Interest there are six areas of population concentration (Map 2). These unnamed population concentrations will be referred to as population “nodes” for this report. The first node (“Greater Ukiah”) includes the City of Ukiah and an area to the north and south with existing contiguous areas of housing and associated development similar to the concentration inside the city limits. The Greater Ukiah Area node excludes undeveloped areas inside the city limits, and includes areas of population concentration outside the city Limits. This node is believed to represent what the average person thinks of as “Ukiah” irrespective of the defined city limits. The Greater Ukiah Node therefore includes fewer acres and more population than is included in the existing city limits and has nearly double the population density. This is the area of population that is actually served by the Parks and Recreation

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12 teams. For example, the Ukiah Municipal Airport and wastewater treatment center do not use Park and Recreation services so are not included in calculations.

The other five identified population nodes are seen in Map 2 and include 1) Talmage/Nob Hill, 2) Vichy Springs, 3) El Dorado / Deerwood, 4) Eastside Calpella /Lake Mendocino, and 5) Calpella.

The Greater Ukiah node is, and for the foreseeable future, will be the urban center of the Ukiah Valley. The other five nodes are effectively suburbs of Ukiah. Were the City to annex the entire Area of Interest, the City would include within its city limits an urban center, five suburbs, and surrounding rural areas. The ability for the City to provide park and recreation needs will differ for these different settings. Urban, suburban, and rural areas will each provide their own unique benefits to residents, but park and recreation opportunities will be greater in the urban population center.

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13 Level of Service Measures
The “level of service” is the measure of how we are performing per area of service. These measures were identified based on a literature review and rely heavily on National Recreation and Park Association documents11,19,26
. These measures are supported by the American Planning Association’s PAS MEMO “Alternatives for Determining Parks and Recreation Level of Service3 ”
Additional measures were added based on PolicyLink’s document “Advancing Park Equity in California15
, and Tools for Equitable Park Planning Design: Digital Workflows to Enhance Park Access and Quality 30.

For this analysis levels of service include Quantity of Parks, Quality & Diversity of Parks, Accessibility, Commitment, Community and Social Capital, Climate Readiness, Native American Co-Stewardship, and Addressing Homelessness.

Quantity of Parks
The first measure relates to the quantity of Parks. For this report, quantity of parks is measured as “Acres of Parkland per 1000 residents,” “Total Parks per 1000”, and “Facilities per 1000 residents.” Assuring adequate park space requires more than simply providing a high total acreage. The parks must be distributed equitably while providing a diversity of park types and experiences. “Although increasing parkland space is encouraged, there are situations where available land is sparse and the parks that are available may be unevenly distributed, resulting in areas where park space is unavailable within a convenient travel distance.

Park access and quality is not a quick or easy matter to resolve as it requires intimate understanding of a park system, its users, the operational and programmatic elements, and various other factors and needs which may result in unbalanced access and quality. One universal guideline is to provide equal access, park amenities, and quality of experience throughout a community as effectively as possible, while allowing parks to serve as a green infrastructure buffer for climate change where applicable.”
Tools for Equitable Park Planning and Design: Digital Workflows to Enhance Park Access and Quality30
Providing an adequate quantity of parks is key to maintaining a comfortable park pressure (avoiding crowding). Park pressure increases with the number of users per acre. When parks become too crowded, they are no longer enjoyable for the user and some amenities may be effectively rendered unavailable. An adequate quantity of parks is necessary to assure the total acreage is distributed equitably while also providing a diversity of park experiences. Observational surveys of City of Ukiah’s parks suggest existing parks are not currently over pressured.

Facilities provide indoor experiences. In Ukiah’s hot climate, exacerbated by climate change, having adequate facilities is essential. This was confirmed in this report’s focus groups with participants stating they need more indoor opportunities during inclement weather.

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14 Quality and Diversity of Parks
Quality of parks is a more subjective measure and was assessed with field visits and evaluations by City of Ukiah Community Services staff. Additionally, through online surveys and focus groups the community was asked to discuss their impressions of park quality. Ideally a parks system will be diverse with various sizes, features, and intents. The largest parks in this system (Low Gap Park and Riverside Park) are predominantly open space providing hiking and nature experiences. The smallest parks also have value.

Accessibility
The primary measure of Accessibility is the number of residents who live within a half mile of a park. “A growing number of studies have found that people who live in close proximity to parks or other green spaces experience lower levels of stress and are less likely to experience depression andother mental health problems.”14
However, accessibility also requires connectivity. Parks that are connected allow for free movement between parks, facilities, and neighborhoods, particularly for non-motorized transportation. These connections should be treated as linear parks and when possible, should provide landscaping, shade, and places to rest.

Commitment
Commitment is a measure of resources that are devoted to building and maintaining a parks system. It has been said, “if you want to know an organization’s priorities, don’t look at their stated goals, look at their budget.” Providing quality park and recreation resources to the community require a commitment to funding the efforts. Measuring commitment can be done by evaluating 1) the number of full-time equivalent staff provided per capita, and 2) the operating expenditure per capita. These figures can be used as a comparison to other communities as well as to track the trend of funding over time.

Community and Social Capital
Community and Social Capital are seen in the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. Community Capital is evidenced by mutually respectful relationships, connectedness and trustworthiness among people. Often volunteerism, voting rates, and emergency response are seen as evidence of healthy social capital in a community. Further, the 2011 Ukiah Valley Area Plan (UVAP) goal PR-1 references the need for “recreation, cultural resources, and on-going education” and PR-3 references the need to “promote a greater sense of community through events, gathering places, and shared facilities.” These UVAP goals have been included as goals 5.1 and 5.2 in this study.

This subjective measure was addressed via survey and focus group questions. The survey asked respondents to agree or disagree with the two following questions:
“Nationwide nearly one in
three people do not have a
park or natural area
within10 minutes of their
home.” 10

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15 1) “I feel like Ukiah Valley Parks provide as sense of place and history.” 2) “I feel like parks in the Ukiah Valley are safe enough for me to comfortably use.” Focus groups were asked “Do you think our parks are promoting a sense of community?” and “How could they do that better?”
Climate Readiness
The City of Ukiah’s 2040 General plan addresses climate change in the Environment and Sustainability Element and the Safety Element. Safety Element SAF – 2 is “to create a more resilient community that is prepared for, responsive to, and
recoverable from hazards created or made worse by
climate change.” Climate change induced fire, flooding, and heat island effects and will have the greatest impact on cities and population centers. City and regional parks can provide both a refuge and a buffer to these impacts. A Trust for Public Land Study of over 14,000 cities found that areas of cities and towns “within a 10-minute walk of a park are as much as 6 degrees cooler than areas beyond
that range .”10
Planting trees is an obvious intervention, but parks can also help as a defensible space in the slowing of wildfire spread and can provide swales and ponds to help absorb
storm water runoff. The inclusion of splash pads, shade, and keeping parks open during cooler evening can create areas of refuge during extreme heat.

Incorporating active mobility design elements, such as installation of bike racks and co-locating bus stops at parks, can help reduce the city’s carbon footprint, whereas planting trees and installing shade structures, misting/cooling stations, drinking fountains, and splash pads will help the community adapt to a warming climate.

For local parks, applying these principles ensures that recreational access, habitat conservation, and wildfire prevention strategies align with long-term ecological sustainability. This approach also guides decision-making on forest restoration, habitat protection, and climate adaptation in publicly managed open spaces.

With each park project, the City should evaluate options in light of the Forest Management principles of resistance, resilience, and transition. 4 Native American Co-Stewardship
The 2011 Ukiah Valley Area Plan’s (UVAP) section 10 relates to Historical and Archeological Preservation. This analysis will adopt the UVAP goal “to protect Native American cultural and archeological resources.” However, as the Native American community embodies a living culture “Climate change is bearing down on
the world faster than scientists
predicted, making life in cities
especially challenging. Densely
built environments, dominated by
concrete and pavement, absorb
and hold heat longer than natural
landscapes. They are also more
prone to flooding as extreme
precipitation dumps so-called rain
bombs on urban areas that become
inundated with dangerous—even
lethal—amounts of stormwater” 10

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16 represented by sovereign nations, simply protecting artifacts and historic sites is only the first step.

Indigenous voices are increasingly acknowledged as a vital source of time-tested land management practices. Further, current cultural needs of Native American park users need to be considered in parks and recreation planning.

Addressing Homelessness and Gentrification
Homelessness and gentrification both provide challenges related to income inequality and both need to be addressed to assure the City of Ukiah maintains safe, healthy, and equitable parks.

While parks neither create nor cure homelessness, the presence of the homeless can present both real and perceived health, safety, and security concerns. Tracking the presence and effects of the homeless in parks will assist in finding the best ways to mitigate impacts.

Gentrification is the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process. To date the City of Ukiah has not seen neighborhood improvements cause gentrification. However, the risk of gentrification is real, particularly on the south end of the Greater Ukiah node should new parks be built and housing pressures create a market transition.

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17 Park and Recreation Goals
Park services, like all other City of Ukiah services, should be subject to some kind of continuous improvement process. Ideally a circular process should be initiated that involves planning, design, implementation, and evaluation; evaluation then leads to a new planning phase and renews the cycle. Setting goals is a critically important part of this continuous improvement process. These goals provide a target to aim for, and a benchmark to measure improvement. In developing goals for this report, a review of the City of Ukiah’s 2040 general plan, the Ukiah Valley Area Plan (2011), and a robust literature review led to the formation of eight broad goals for Ukiah Parks. These eight goals are then broken down into a total of thirty sub-goals.

The Goals identified in this plan align with the plan’s Levels of Service. Additionally, both the public survey and the focus group questions were written to reflect these common themes.

The goals assess the quantity and quality of parks as well as accessibility. In this context “accessibility” is not an ADA term but the very specific measure of population within a half mile of the park. “Commitment” is a measure of resources that are devoted to building and maintaining a parks system. Goal five, “Community and Social Capital,” evaluates if the parks are addressing the community’s need for recreation, cultural resources, and on-going education. Climate readiness is addressed with goal six and goal seven addresses Native American Co-stewardship. Additionally goal eight assesses the concerns of homelessness.

Goals (coordinated with Level of Service Measures)
1 Quantity

1.1 Assure a minimum of 3 acres of parks per 1000 residents (CA Parks and Rec recommendation) in all areas with a population density greater than 5 people per acre within any area with a minimum of 2500 residents.

1.2 Evaluate “park pressure” through periodic user experience surveys and location analytics platforms.
2 Quality and Diversity of Features

2.1 Maintain and enhance the area’s natural resources by balancing protection, conservation, replenishment, and sustainable use. (UVAP Goal 9OC-1)

2.2 Conserve Open Space, hillsides, and indigenous habitats for the enjoyment of future generations. (UVAP Goal 9OC-2)

2.3 Preserve historical buildings and spaces that create a sense of place. (UVAP Goal 10 HA-1)

2.4 Work with other entities to ensure there are a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and points of river access. (UVAP Goal PR-2)

2.5 Consider resources like the Magical Bridge Foundation in developing new more accessible low-barrier parks.

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18 3 Accessibility

3.1 Assure there is a first-tier park within a half mile of all residents living inside an area with a population node greater than one thousand residents with a density greater than 5 residents per acre.

3.2 Support the development and access to second tier recreational opportunities in identified population nodes.

3.3 Create connections between parks, facilities and neighborhoods to maximize ease of access, encourage neighbor interactions, and encourage non-motorized transportation.

3.4 Treat connectors as Linear Parks and provide landscaping to make the connections appealing locations as part of the park’s infrastructure.
4 Commitment

4.1 Participate in the National Parks and Recreation Association Agency Performance Review at least once every ten years and improve area’s competitiveness with other municipalities in terms of staffing and committed funding.

4.2 Maintain a minimum of 1 Recreation staff for every 1500 residents.

4.3 Identify and create the funding mechanisms necessary to sustain maintenance and service obligations.

4.4 Reinforce partnerships and opportunities with the UUSD and County to ensure efficiencies across programming, facilities and open-space.
5 Community and Social Capital

5.1 Meet the community’s need for recreation, cultural resources, and on-going education. (UVAP Goal PR-1)

5.2 Promote a greater sense of community through events, gathering places, and shared facilities. (UVAP Goal PR-3)

5.3 Utilize best practices in new park development including utilizing the CA State Parks “Designing Parks Using Community-Based Planning Methods” or similar with an emphasis on inclusive practices.

5.4 Prioritize funding projects that increase park access for low-income communities and communities of color in terms of park proximity and the quantity of parks space available per person.
6 Climate Readiness

6.1 Assure all parks are accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.

6.2 Work with Mendocino Transit authority to improve bus access to parks.

6.3 Assure parks have tree canopy or other shade structures commensurate with the size and intent of the park.

6.4 Apply strategies of Resistance, Resilience and Transition into maintenance and preservation of local or regional parks.

6.5 Explore opportunities to include cooling, misting or similar stations in parks.

6.6 Convert all parks irrigation to achieve 100% compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance, and reduce the use of unnecessary turf as encouraged by State law.

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19 7 Native American Co-Stewardship

7.1 Protect Native American cultural and archaeological resources. (UVAP Goal 10 HA-2)

7.2 Explore options for increasing engagement and developing co-stewardship or comanagement opportunities in parks.

7.3 Include and compensate indigenous people for their time and expertise during planning. 8 Addressing Homelessness

8.1 Continue to work with Mendocino County HHSA and Sheriff to compassionately assure the health, safety, and security of parks.

8.2 Utilize the Mendocino County HHSA Homeless Encampment Coordination Protocol to manage collaboration between organizations and provide compassionate approach to homelessness in parks.

8.3 Convene a minimum one meeting per year with HHSA to discuss management of Homelessness in Parks.

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20 Current State
Ukiah City Limits and the Greater Ukiah Population Node The Greater Ukiah node (Figure 1) includes the city and the populated area to the north and south of the current city limits. The node includes the area where people
predominantly live and excludes the airport and areas that are principally industrial or open, undeveloped space. The intent is to assess “living space,” or the area where people go about their activities of daily living and to accurately capture real-world, experienced population density and
park coverage.

Quantity and Accessibility of Parks in the Greater Ukiah Node (Goal 1 and 3)
There are twenty-one designated parks inside Ukiah city limits that host over 600,000 park visits per year. Todd Grove Park is the most heavily visited with 175,000 visits. The City’s parks include small pocket parks, specialty parks, linear parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and a regional park. While all these parks provide value, some are either too small or too specialized to completely serve the park needs of those living within a half mile. Excluding the small or specialized parks, the Greater Ukiah node has nine neighborhood, community, and regional parks that are well distributed allowing the vast majority of residents to live within a half mile of a significant park (Map 3). The Wagenseller neighborhood is a notable exception. Additionally, a few underserved pockets exist that are within a half mile of a park “as the crow flies” but more than a half mile by surface street route.

Outside the city limits but within the Greater Ukiah population node there are underserved areas both to the north and the south of the City. North of Empire Drive is primarily underserved (no park within a half mile) as well as a few isolated areas to the south of Empire Drive that are farther than a half mile by actual surface street routes. Figure 2 shows the half mile radii from Vinewood and Low Gap parks showing the areas outlined in red to
be more than a half mile away from a park. The
Wagenseller neighborhood, also underserved
and outlined in red, is shown on the east side of
the map.

There are no first-tier parks to the south of
current city limits including the densely
populated, low-income area inside the Greater
Ukiah node (Map 2). Second tier options for
residents in this area include Grace Hudson
Elementary School and the Ukiah Athletic Club.

Figure 1 - Greater Ukiah Node
Figure 2 - Underserved Areas on North End of Greater Ukiah Node in Red

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21 The City of Ukiah has established goals for assuring an adequate number of parks. The goals for the number of parks only apply to areas with a population density of greater than 5 residents per acre.

The Greater Ukiah node has a population density of 8.6 residents per acre and the City of Ukiah has a population density of 5.3 residents per acre. There are sixteen parks in the City of Ukiah with a total of 152 acres. Consistent with State of California standards, Goal 1.1 establishes a minimum standard of 3 acres of parks per thousand residents. According to David Barth2 “there are no LOS standards for recreation facilities in the U.S., and the number of facilities needed can vary widely due to a number of variables between communities.” Rather than establishing a minimum quantity of “parks” the City’s focus is on assuring an adequate diversity of features in the park system while simultaneously assuring all residents are living within a half mile of a park.

With the vast majority of Ukiah residents living within a half mile of a park and with over 9 acres of parks per 1000 residents the City is meeting Goal 1. However, to meet this goal for the Greater Ukiah node at least one park will need to be added on the north end of the node, and one large, or two small parks will need to be added on the south end of the node.

Quality and Diversity of Parks in the Greater Ukiah Node (Goal 2) The quality and diversity of existing parks was determined through staff onsite evaluations, surveys, and focus groups. Surveys, focus groups, and on-site evaluations all support the conclusion that the parks are in good shape and well maintained. The playground and group BBQ area at Todd Grove Park were both replaced in 2024. While Todd Grove Park is well maintained, the municipal pool is aging and requires frequent maintenance. The eighty-year-old facility has a wading pool that is closed, a solar water heater that is non-functioning, and a variety of features that have been removed as irreparable or obsolete. The City’s Community Services team is working on a standalone Municipal Pool review and feasibility study aimed at outlining the best approach to address the many issues. Replacement of the municipal pools is a likely conclusion.

In the last ten years a steady effort from both City and grant funding has seen significant capital improvements at Vinewood, Oak Manor, and Observatory parks as well as the Skate Park. Monthly inspections of play structures by certified inspectors assure minor problems are found and corrected quickly. Parks staff consistently keeps up with routine maintenance including mowing and leaf blowing and respond to the ongoing instances of graffiti and vandalism. It’s important to note, that while graffiti, vandalism, and litter can be found around town, City crews respond quickly to these issues in our parks. Similarly, City crews respond quickly to issues that arise related to the activities of the homeless. The City has policies in place to ensure compassionate interactions with those experiencing homelessness, but camping and littering are not tolerated in City parks.

The sole exception to the conclusion of well-maintained parks is at the County managed and maintained Low Gap Park. Low Gap Park has a significant amount of deferred maintenance, has had to remove features that were failing to the point of being dangerous, and has additional features that arguably should be removed for safety reasons. The paths need repair, and the disc golf course use is taking a toll on the surrounding plant life with many of the trees suffering and at risk of death. The public restroom utilizes a fifty-year-old septic system. Remnants of the out-of-use caretaker’s site remain in place, and there are significant drainage issues at the dog park.

Additionally, the entrance to the park does not meet the standards of the Americans with

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22 Disabilities Act (ADA). Furthermore, the bridge that allows access to most of the park likely needs replacement rather than repair. Low Gap Park is a popular community asset that suffers from a combination of heavy use and insufficient maintenance.

Ideally a parks system will be diverse with various sizes, features, and park styles9
. Not all parks can have all things, so the required
diversity of park features need to be dispersed throughout the system. The parks system needs a variety of park sizes, with all community desired features represented somewhere in the system (Table 1). Not all users are looking for the same experience. As such the system of parks needs to include locations for boisterous children as well as opportunities for resting seniors. The largest parks in this system (Low Gap and Riverside) are predominantly open space, providing hiking and nature experiences. In addition to open space and trails, Low Gap Park provides a wide variety of features including disc golf, archery, a fitness course, a dog park, picnic areas, creek access, tennis courts and a playground. These regional parks provide numerous recreation opportunities for residents as well as drawing tourism and visitors from the far reaches of the County.

The smallest parks also have value. For example, the tiny Gardner Park is nestled under Redwoods along a sidewalk next to a parking lot. Though few will go out of their way to go to the park, it provides a bench on which to rest in the shade during a walk, and a picnic table for a quiet place for a lunch break close to downtown.

Community and Neighborhood parks provide a wide variety of opportunities for those living within a half mile of the park but will also attract residents from around the city. Both Todd Grove and Oak Manor have reservable picnic areas that are in frequent use by residents for parties, celebrations, and get-togethers. Todd Grove Park is also the home to the popular Sundays in the Park concert series, as well as the Community Yard Sale, the Kids Triathlon, and many more community building events.

Seven of the city parks include playgrounds, fields, and structures desired by children and their parents while Observatory, Riverside, and McGarvey Parks all provide more restful experiences.

Community input provided a long list of desired but unavailable park features. The only dog park in the Greater Ukiah node is at Low Gap Park. This is likely the most mentioned, clearly necessary addition immediately needed for our parks system. Other features that were unearthed during community input included, pickleball courts, places to roller skate, river access, volleyball, and indoor facilities and splash pads. These unavailable features offer the opportunity to improve the diversity of city parks and should be considered for inclusion in the establishment of new parks.

Park Type Distribution
Regional Parks
Low Gap Park
Mill Creek Park
Riverside Park
Lake Mendocino
Community Park
Todd Grove Park
Oak Manor Park
Neighborhood Park
Observatory Park
McGarvey Park
Orchard Park
Ukiah Civic Center
Vinewood Park
Pocket Park
Gardner Park
Railroad Depot Park
Special Use Park
Alex Rorabaugh Center
Giorno Park/Anton Stadium
Grace Hudson Museum
Ukiah Skate Park
Ukiah Sports Complex
Table 1 Ukiah Park Distribution

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23 Goal 2.1 and 2.2 both speak to the importance of preserving natural resources and open space.

With Low Gap Park, Riverside Park, and the City’s newly acquired but not yet open to the public Western Hills Watershed Protection Area the city is clearly meeting these goals. Goal 2.3 addresses the need to preserve historic spaces and is met with the historic gate and wall at Todd Grove Park and the many historic features at Observatory Park. Goal 2.4 is the most subjective of the Quality and Diversity goals. Focus group comments indicated that the community is happy with the diversity of park features while also wanting more. The lack of dog parks, pickleball courts, and river access suggest there is more to be done in this area. Additionally, the need for climate adaptation suggests a need for more opportunities to cool off such as splash pads and misting stations.

Figure 3 Observatory Park half mile radius in green. Underserved area inside city limits in red.

Park Accessibility in the Greater Ukiah Node (Goal 3)
As discussed in the Quantity of Parks section, the vast majority of Ukiah residents live within a half mile of a park (Goal 3.1). The Wagenseller neighborhood is the most notable exception. Surface transportation routes create a few additional small, underserved areas. For the Greater Ukiah node additional parks are needed to both the north and the south. Additionally, in both the city limits and the Greater Ukiah node improved connectivity (Goal 3.3) and landscaping improvements in those corridors (Goal 3.4) will enhance the park system and community quality of life.

Commitment in the Greater Ukiah Node (Goal 4)
Commitment is a measure of resources that are devoted to building and maintaining a parks system. The City Parks team has a $1.884 million dollar budget with most of the money going to

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24 support a maintenance staff of eleven full-time equivalent employees. The Parks team works under the direction of the Director of Community Services and with the advice of the City Council appointed Public Spaces Commission. The Parks team works collaboratively and partners daily with the five-member recreation staff. The Parks Superintendent and the Parks Lead Worker manage the day-to-day activities of the team. Although the maintenance work is shared by all, workers tend to specialize in either hardscape or landscape maintenance.

Goal 4.1 suggests the need to participate in the National Parks and Recreation Association (NPRA) Agency Performance Review at least once every ten years. The City has for the first time filled out this survey as a part of this analysis but results have not yet been received from the NPRA.

Compared to neighboring municipalities, the City of Ukiah (COU) has a strong commitment to parks. Neither the City of Willits, Fort Bragg, or the County of Mendocino have a parks division. For these municipalities parks are maintained by some form of general services department.

Community and Social Capital in the Greater Ukiah Node (Goal 5) Social Capital is defined as the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. Parks should help meet the community’s need for recreation, cultural resources, and on-going education (Goal 5.1).

Additionally, parks should promote a greater sense of community through events, gathering places, and shared facilities9
(Goal 5.2). Community input is the primary way to assess how well this is being achieved. Over seventy-five percent of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel like Ukiah Valley Parks provide a sense of place and history.” Focus group participants also generally stated a positive impression of the park’s role in building community and social capital. Most responses referred to recreation programs, particularly the Sundays in the Park concert series and community yard sales, but also went on to include murals, community gardens, and “connectivity” as important infrastructure elements to increase community and social capital.

Connectivity is addressed as goal 3.2 in this plan identifying the need to “create connections between parks, facilities and neighborhoods to maximize ease of access, encourage neighbor interactions, and encourage non-motorized transportation.” As addressed in the Climate Readiness section of this report, bike and pedestrian infrastructure around the parks is good. Nevertheless, there is a clear benefit to adding additional connectivity to the parks system.

The City of Ukiah has created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to help monitor Goal 5.4; “Prioritize funding projects that increase park access for low-income communities and communities of color in terms of park proximity and the quantity of parks space available per person.” The City is pursuing options to create a park in the underserved, low-income Wagenseller neighborhood. Further, a park planning process is scheduled for July of 2025 to seek community input on a proposed park at the end of Norgard Lane, which also falls into the underserved, lowincome category.

Climate Readiness (Goal 6)
Transportation is a primary contributor to climate change6 . Goal 6.1 and 6.2 suggest a need to
reduce climate impact by encouraging the use of bicycles, walking, and public transportation (alternative transportation). The first-tier parks within the Area of Interest were evaluated for

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25 alternative transportation infrastructure. A four-point scale was used with one point apiece given for 1) complete sidewalks within a half mile, 2) bike lane access to the park, 3) public transportation stop within one quarter of a mile, and 4) low traffic volume. The results (Table 2) show the most significant Greater Ukiah node parks score a three or four with good to excellent options for alternative transportation.

The need for refuge in the form of shade from trees or other shade structures is identified in goal

6.3. Some parks (Todd Grove and McGarvey) are almost entirely shaded while others have little shade (Ukiah Sports Complex) or no shade (Great Redwood Trail). The lack of shade on the Great Redwood Trail needs to be addressed and tree planting has begun. All other parks have reasonable amounts of shade.

Goal 6.4 speaks to the need to apply strategies of Resistance, Resilience and Transition4 into maintenance and preservation of local or regional parks. A more detailed discussion of this approach is covered in the “Next Steps” section on page 37 Goals 6.5 suggesting the importance of cooling stations with splash pads and misting stations is not being met. Similarly, water reduction measures spelled out in goal 6.6 require investment.

Backstrom2 et al identified a need to reconsider how playgrounds are designed, approved, and built. The consensus of subject matter experts asserted a need to utilize more permeable “naturebased” playgrounds and play structures. This approach can add shade, retain water, and help to create “ecological affiliation” in children.

Native American Co-Stewardship (Goal 7)
The Ukiah Valley is the ancestral land and current home of Northern Pomo and other displaced tribes. In November of 2021, President Biden announced the Tribal Homelands Initiative. One of the key components of the Initiative is ensuring that “Tribal governments play an integral role in decision making related to the management of Federal lands and waters through consultation, capacity building, and other means consistent with applicable authorities.”6 Ukiah City Council’s Strategic Plan Priority 1 is to “enhance our neighborhoods” and speaks to the importance of creating vibrant “ community spaces that reflect the diversity of our cultures.” Doing so requires developing strong collaborative working relationships with sovereign tribal governments.

This report has identified three aspirational goals for this area. Goal 7.1 is to protect cultural resources. This goal is being met primarily through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. Goal 7.2 is to explore options for increasing engagement and developing costewardship or co-management opportunities in parks. The City has not yet effectively engaged the Native American community in the management of parks. The City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is a partner in this effort and the City will continue to work on this goal. The City complies with all CEQA requirements including the identification and protection of cultural resources during all CEQA triggering projects. Goal 7.3 is to include and compensate indigenous people for their time and expertise during planning demonstrating another area where the City can improve.

Addressing Homelessness (Goal 8)

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26 The City of Ukiah has policies and practices in place to help mitigate the impacts of homelessness.

The City’s position is that Parks and Recreation infrastructure and programs neither create nor solve homelessness. The presence of people lingering, sleeping, or setting up “camp” in a park detracts from the experience of most users1
. Not all litter and graffiti are created by the homeless, but much of it can be attributed to their use of the park spaces. City staff are trained to treat all members of the public with decorum, compassion, and respect. When it feels safe to do so, staff will ask people to clean up their trash and remind them there is no camping in city parks. In accord with goals 8.1 and 8.2 city staff operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County to address encampments. The MOU requires seventy-two-hour notice be given before disbanding and cleaning up an encampment. Any materials collected, no matter the item or condition, is placed in storage for ninety (90) days and is made available to property owners who feel their possessions were lost during a cleanup.

The impacts of homelessness have the greatest impact on the urban center of Ukiah. Homeless activity is greatest in public spaces along creeks, and in parks and along trails. Outside city limits the areas of greatest impact are along the abandoned railroad corridor at locations where it nears services, and at Lake Mendocino’s campgrounds. The City of Ukiah’s parks and streets crews monitor and maintain the sections of developed Great Redwood Trail. The City, in collaboration with the Great Redwood Trail Agency, has the capacity to manage and mitigate the impacts of homelessness within the city limits and the Greater Ukiah node.

The creation of new or improved parks in poor neighborhoods poses the risk of gentrification11.

Gentrification is the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, leading to the displacement of current inhabitants in the process. The potential for gentrification is greatest on the south end of the Greater Ukiah node. Meeting the community needs in this area will require adding parks.

Unfortunately, few best practice park and recreation solutions for this problem have been identified. It may be that the best approaches to gentrification will be found in the Community Development and Housing arenas specifically by increasing housing stock.

Great Redwood Trail
The conversion of the old railroad corridor to a multi-use path has been established as a legislative priority by the State Legislature. The legislature created the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) tasked with building the new Great Redwood Trail (GRT) in 2021. The future GRT will bisect the Area of Interest for a total of eleven and a half miles with approximately ten miles in the Sphere of Influence. Currently approximately two miles of the trail has been built inside the city limits with an additional two miles slated to be built by the end of 2025. The Great Redwood Trail has tremendous unmet recreation potential. However, the GRTA has not yet completed the process of railbanking the rail line. Railbanking will allow the removal of the unused rails and ties and allow for a relatively inexpensive conversion to trail. Without railbanking the trail must be built alongside the rails at a much greater, potentially prohibitive cost.

The City has begun the process of adding landscaping to the existing trail to create a linear park.

The trail will provide recreational opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, skaters, and nature lovers. The 100-foot-wide corridor is wide enough to allow additional features including small playgrounds, fitness courses, and other park features but the City awaits railbanking to allow complete property

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27 access. The GRT will provide recreational benefit to residents in the Lake Mendocino and Calpella nodes and act as a regional park serving the entire Area of Interest.

Area of Interest Outside the City Limits
and the Greater Ukiah Node
The evaluation of the current state of parks within the City of Ukiah’s Area of Interest reflects the input of GIS review, on site evaluations, focus group surveys, one-on-one
interviews, and community surveys. Outside the Greater
Ukiah node, but within the Area of Interest there are three first tier park entrances at Lake Mendocino. Outside the Greater Ukiah node, these are the only first tier parks (Figure 4). While Lake Mendocino serves well as a regional park, very few people live within half a mile of the park entrances.

Neither Mill Creek Park nor Cow Mountain have trail heads inside the City’s Area of Interest. However, like Lake
Mendocino, they serve the Ukiah Valley as regional parks and provide valuable outdoor opportunities to residents as well as economic benefit through tourism.

Outside the Greater Ukiah node there are two significant second tier homeowner association (HOA) parks, three trailer park association parks, and one Ukiah Unified School District school (Calpella Elementary). There are also a few private (second tier) recreational areas including the Rifle and Pistol Club and the Vichy Springs Resort in the Vichy Hills node, while the Deerwood/ El Dorado Node includes a pool and tennis courts at the Ukiah Bible Church.

The Vichy Hills HOA park serves the vast majority of the residents in the Vichy Hills node well. It includes a 7.5-acre greenway and a 9.6-acre open space area with a trail. While these areas do not include any play equipment or other features, with over 17 acres of open space they provide an affordable approach to serve the five hundred and seventeen residents living in this rural/suburban setting.

The West Fork Estates subdivision’s HOA park includes a small area of turf, suitable for a game of “catch”,” a small play structure, and bocce courts. The HOA comprises approximately 130 homes but is not open to the majority of the 1,912 people living in the Eastside Calpella/Lake Mendocino node. Each of the three trailer parks in this node provide small parks that meet the minimum requirements for park access to those residents.

Calpella Elementary School provides after hours recreational access to the 312 residents in the Calpella Node.

Overall, outside the city limits park and recreation opportunities are very limited. Goal 1.1 and 1.2 establish a threshold density of five people per acre combined with a minimum population over Figure 4 Outside the Greater Ukiah node: First
Tier locations in green. Second Tier locations
in red.

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28 which the City expects to provide parks. The Vichy Springs node with a population density of 4.5 people per acre is the most densely populated area outside the city limits. By contrast, the Greater Ukiah population node has nearly twice that density providing a much greater economy of scale to support parks and recreation. The population density threshold of five per acre excludes the requirement of providing parks and facilities beyond the limits of the Greater Ukiah node. However, park and recreation services inside the urban Greater Ukiah node need to be adequate to serve all the residents living within the Area of Interest. Further, as outlined in Goal 1.3, the urban parks need adequate resources to not become over “pressured.” Currently the parks in the Greater Ukiah node are meeting the needs of the surrounding area without experiencing the “pressure” of overuse.

In selecting a place to live residents can choose locations that best meet their needs. Residents who choose to live in rural or lightly populated areas reap the benefits of dark skies, remote neighbors, lower land costs, and more natural home settings. Those benefits, however, come at the cost of substantially reduced park and recreation opportunities. New housing developments could increase the population and density of an identified node to a point where the City would work to provide new parks, but with the exception of the Greater Ukiah node, none of the outlaying nodes currently provide adequate density or an economy of scale to merit the development of a new park.

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29 Recreation Services
The mission of the recreation team is to fill recreation gaps that are not met by for-profit, or nonprofit organizations, but are desired by the public. In some cases, such as the municipal pool at Todd Grove Park, the recreation team provides a low-cost alternative to otherwise expensive recreational needs.

The City of Ukiah (COU) boasts a five-member recreation team providing a robust and varied slate of recreation opportunities. The Gap Analysis survey and recreation sign up lists confirm the recreation team currently serves the entire Area of Interest and beyond. While the majority of people signing up for recreation activities and attending COU recreation sponsored events are from the Greater Ukiah Node, the services are also used by many from the Area of Interest.

The COU recreation team organizes team-sports leagues,
swimming lessons, an after-school program, a summer
school program, an intramural elementary school sports
program, and a multitude of classes. Additionally, the
team partners with Ukiah Unified School District (UUSD) to organize games and practices at Anton Stadium.

Adult team sports include softball, volleyball, and
basketball. Youth team sports cover the same sports plus flag football. Cumulatively, there are year-round team
sports opportunities for residents of the Ukiah valley. The recreation team hires umpires and referees and oversees the work of the volunteer coaches for all the teams.

Ukiah’s Sports Complex hosted nearly seventy-three
thousand visits in the last year. Over 150 coaches and
volunteers are employed by the recreation team to
support team sports services. At this time adult and youth soccer leagues are provided by local non-profit organizations and therefore not conducted by the COU Recreation.

In addition to sports, the recreation team puts on multiple large events throughout the year. The largest events are the Sundays in the Park Series (six concerts per summer with close to 26,000 attendees) and the Pumpkin Fest. The Ice Rink and Hometown Holidays are now drawing over 10,000 visitors per year and the 2024 Light Parade attracted over 6,000 attendees.

City sponsored classes are held year-round linking teachers to students interested in music, art, health & fitness, aquatics, dance, pets, and children’s activities.

The recreation team publicizes these activities primarily through social media and contact lists.

Participants can review and sign up for leagues and classes through the online “Rec Desk” portal.

The Rec Desk portal includes a contact list of over 8,000 potential participants and 85 instructors and coaches.

Major Annual Events
All American Picnic
Community Yard Sale
Dias De Los Muertos
Earth Day
Friday Night Grinds
Grasshopper Gravel Bike Race
Holiday Ice Rink
Hometown Holidays
Kids Triathlon
Let it Glow Festival
Light Parade
Moonlight Movies
Pumpkin Fest
Sundays in the Park

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30 Community Input Overview
Community input for this report included a survey (online and paper, English and Spanish), focus groups, tabling events, one-on-one meetings, and discussions with the Public Spaces Commission (PSC) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI).

Community input began with the project design being discussed with the Public Spaces Commission (PSC) at its May 14th, 2024, and July 9th, 2024, meetings.

Community input solicitations were designed to be in alignment with the Goals and identified Levels of Service. The survey was designed using the Survey Monkey application and included twenty questions. Surveys were publicized via a press release, and social media outreach.

Additionally, the surveys were promoted and available via “tabling” events at two Sundays in the Park and the Pumpkinfest. A total of 283 surveys were completed.

One-on-one meetings were held with representatives from the Bureau of Land Management (Cow Mountain) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Mendocino). Although there is no public access to BLM property within the area of interest, input from BLM was requested as they provide a significant recreational opportunity in the region and additional access points could bring the recreation area into the area of interest.

A total of 10 stakeholder focus groups were convened. The focus group design, recruitment, and facilitation were done in collaboration with facilitator Jen Dalton of Kitchen Table Consulting. The focus groups included stakeholders representing Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center, business community members, a real estate group, climate action and healthy communities, LatinX, County of Mendocino employees, competitive sports enthusiasts, Ukiah Unified School District, and elected officials. The same focus group questions were presented to the Public Spaces Commission (PSC) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI).

On September 10th, 2024 the PSC Community Forum included a facilitated discussion using the Focus Group questions. This publicly noticed and publicized meeting was offered both in person and remotely and had an attendance of 15 and included Spanish language translation.

The DEI Commission provided input at their regularly scheduled and publicly noticed October 23rd, 2024, meeting.

Community Input Summation
Focus Groups
Universally, stakeholders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to provide input. When asked about the quantity of parks, an immediate request for more parks was frequently expressed. This likely has more to do with the popularity of parks rather than a true need for more parks. When asked for more detail on the need for “more parks” it often emerged that it was more specifically a greater diversity of park features that was of interest. On further questioning, most groups saw a true need for more parks on the south side of Ukiah outside current city limits. The need for parks in the Wagenseller area was also noted by many focus group members. The quantity of parks question preceded the diversity of features question about parks so both questions elicited lists of desired

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Ukiah City CouncilMarch 19, 2025

Ukiah City Council
March 19, 2025