Agenda packet — Ukiah City Council, May 21, 2025 (part 4 of 5)

45 geotechnical report must be submitted with the permit application. 68 Future projects would also be required to
comply with UCC Chapter 1, Article 9, Sections 8140-8144 which requires a soil investigation if preliminary soil reports indicate the presence of critically expansive soils or other soil problems which would lead to structural defects.
69 The Ukiah CAP does not propose specific development or land use designation changes. Some of the proposed measures and actions in the Ukiah CAP would support small-scale construction projects as discussed under Response 7b., such as new solar panels and expanding ZEV charging options. However, future Ukiah CAP-related projects and infrastructure would be reviewed for consistency with local and State geotechnical regulations prior to final siting and construction. Therefore, the implementation of Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to risks associated with unstable geologic units or soils. e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? The Ukiah CAP would not involve the development of habitable structures and, thus, no use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems would be required. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact would occur related to soil capability support of alternative wastewater disposal systems. f. Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? The Ukiah 2040 General Plan contains goals and policies to preserve and protect paleontological resources in Ukiah.

Policy ENV-3.2 establishes the City’s commitment to ensure appropriate and feasible mitigation for new development that has the potential to impact sites likely to contain archaeological, paleontological, cultural, or tribal resources.

Policy ENV-3.3 establishes the City’s requirement that any construction, grading, or other site altering activities cease if cultural, archaeological, paleontological, or cultural resources are discovered until a qualified professional has completed an evaluation of the site.
70 The Ukiah CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote infrastructure development and redevelopment primarily within previously developed areas of the City. The Ukiah CAP would not directly result in impacts related to paleontological resources or unique geologic features. Ukiah CAP measures and actions that would involve construction activities, such as those related to building electrification (Action BE-2e) and EV infrastructure (Action T-4b), would involve work within existing, previously graded and disturbed areas where the likelihood of encountering intact and previously undiscovered paleontological resources would be minimal. In general, Ukiah CAP projects would be located and designed to reduce ground disturbance to the maximum extent possible. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that small-scale construction projects may expose paleontological resources during ground-disturbing activities. To reduce such risks, future Ukiah CAP-related projects would be reviewed for consistency with geotechnical and paleontological policies and regulations prior to final siting and construction, including Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policy ENV-3.2. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to paleontological resources or unique geologic features.

Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). Future Ukiah CAP-related projects, in combination with other cumulative projects that occur to accommodate the City’s anticipated population, employment, and housing growth, could expose additional people and property to the seismic and geologic hazards that are present in the region. The magnitude of geologic hazards for individual projects, including those associated with implementation of the Ukiah CAP, depend upon the location, type, and size of development and the specific hazards associated with individual sites. Specific geologic hazards associated with individual project sites would be limited to those sites without affecting other areas. Similarly, potential impacts related to paleontological resources associated with each 68 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ukiah-2040- General-Plan_reduced.pdf (accessed January 2025).
69 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Chapter 1, Article 9, Sections 8140-8144 https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/html/Ukiah09/Ukiah0901-0900.html (accessed January 2025). 70 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element. https://cityofukiah.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/01/Ukiah-2040-General-Plan_reduced.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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46 individual site would be limited to that site without affecting other areas, and impacts related to these resources would be minimized on a project-by-project basis. Furthermore, compliance with existing regulations, including UCC requirements, City-issued permit requirements, and Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policy ENV-3.2 would minimize potential cumulative seismic and geologic hazard impacts. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in an overall less-than-significant cumulative impact related to geology and soils.

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47 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on
the environment? □ □ □ ■
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence that helps regulate the temperature of the Earth. The majority of radiation from the sun hits Earth’s surface and warms it. The surface in turn radiates heat back towards the atmosphere, known as infrared radiation. Gases and clouds in the atmosphere trap and prevent some of this heat from escaping into space and re-radiate it in all directions. This process is essential to support life on Earth, because it warms the planet by approximately 60°F. Emissions from human activities since the beginning of the industrial revolution (approximately 270 years ago) have been adding to the natural greenhouse effect by resulting in increased gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to an average increase in Earth’s temperature. Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface, and climate change is the resultant change in wind patterns, precipitation, and storms over an extended period.

GHGs produced by human activities include CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorinated compounds. Combustion of fossil fuels (gasoline, natural gas, and coal), deforestation, and decomposition of waste release carbon into the atmosphere that had been locked underground and stored in oil, gas, and other hydrocarbon deposits or in the biomass of surface vegetation. Since 1750, estimated concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere have increased by over 36 percent, 148 percent, and 18 percent respectively, primarily due to human activity. Emissions of GHGs affect the atmosphere directly by changing its chemical composition.

Changes to the land surface also indirectly affect the atmosphere by changing the way in which Earth absorbs gases from the atmosphere. Potential impacts in California due to climate change include sea level rise, more extreme-heat days and high-ozone days, larger and more frequent forest fires, and more frequent and severe drought years.71 Although GHG emissions do not typically cause direct health impacts at a local level, GHG emissions can result in indirect health impacts by contributing to climate change, which can have public health implications. The primary public health impacts of climate change include the following:
• Increased incidences of hospitalization and deaths due to increased incidences of extreme heat events; • Increased incidences of health impacts related to ground-level ozone pollution due to increased average temperatures that facilitate ozone formation;
• Increased incidences of respiratory illnesses from wildfire smoke due to increased incidences of wildfires; • Increased vector-borne diseases due to the growing extent of warm climates; and • Increased stress and mental trauma due to extreme events and disasters, economic disruptions, and residential displacement.72
71 CARB and California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). 2009. Environmental Health and Equity Impacts from Climate Change and Mitigation Policies in California: A Review of the Literature. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/SethShonkoff/publication/237420289_ENVIRONMENTAL_HEALTH_AND_EQUITY_IMPACTS_FROM_CLIMATE_CHANGE_AND_MITIGATI ON_POLICIES_IN_CALIFORNIA_A_REVIEW_OF_THE_LITERATURE/links/0deec533acf69321ea000000/ENVIRONMENTAL-HEALTHAND-EQUITY- (accessed January 2025). 72 State of California. 2019. California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment Statewide Summary Report. http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/state/ (accessed January 2025).

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48 Ukiah has completed a communitywide GHG inventory for 2022 (refer to Table 1 that provides the basis for GHG emissions forecasts for the years 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045. In 2022, Ukiah’s total GHG emissions were estimated to be 132,323 MT of CO2e, with the transportation sector contributing approximately 53 percent of overall GHG emissions. Under the business-as-usual scenario, communitywide annual GHG emissions are forecasted to increase to approximately 161,649 MT of CO2e by the year 2030 and to 218,918 of CO2e by the year 2045. With implementation of State laws (adjusted-business-as-usual scenario), communitywide annual GHG emissions are forecasted to increase to approximately 131,128 MT of CO2e by the year 2030 and to 132,758 of CO2e by the year 2045.

The CAP addresses communitywide GHG emissions and includes a discrete target for Ukiah to reach maximum annual emissions of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, or 96,544 MT of CO2e emissions annually. This is consistent with the Statewide target established by SB 32 and represents the level below which the contribution to GHG emissions from activities covered by the CAP would not be cumulatively considerable. Because SB 32 is considered an interim target toward meeting the 2045 State goal of carbon neutrality, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would be considered substantial progress toward meeting the State longer-term 2045 goal. Avoiding interference with, and making substantial progress toward, these longer-term State targets is important, because these targets have been set at levels that achieve California’s fair share of international emissions reduction targets that will stabilize global climate change effects and help avoid the associated adverse environmental consequences.

The Ukiah CAP includes measures and actions intended to reduce communitywide GHG emissions in terms of the building energy, transportation, waste, water, and carbon sequestration sectors. The Ukiah CAP also includes strategies related to community engagement and climate adaptation. Implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in the reduction of communitywide operational GHG emissions, while only generating temporary GHG emissions during construction of infrastructure such as EV charging stations and building energy efficiency upgrades.

Additionally, the Ukiah CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and introduce other beneficial environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy consumption, vehicle miles traveled (and thus air pollution), solid waste generation, and water consumption. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to generation of GHG emissions. b. Would the project conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
The CARB 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan outlines a pathway to achieving the 2030 reduction targets set under SB 32, and the CARB 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan outlines a pathway for achieving the 2045 carbon neutrality goal established by AB 1279. The Ukiah CAP would establish policies to reduce GHG emissions within Ukiah to comply with State regulations. The Ukiah CAP includes measures and actions that would reduce Ukiah GHG emissions from forecasted business-as-usual annual levels to approximately 95,564 MT of CO2e by 2030. The purpose of the Ukiah CAP is to meet Ukiah’s proportionate fair share of the Statewide GHG emissions reduction target set by SB 32 and work toward the State’s longer-term target of carbon neutrality identified by the 2022 Scoping Plan and AB 1279.

The Ukiah CAP would not conflict with any applicable GHG reduction plans, including the CARB 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan. The Ukiah CAP identifies how the City would achieve consistency with the Statewide GHG emissions reduction goals. The Ukiah CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions and introduce other beneficial environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy consumption, VMT (and thus air pollution), and solid waste generation. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with applicable GHG emissions reduction plans, policies, and regulations.

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49 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials? □ □ ■ □
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment? □ □ ■ □
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school? □ □ ■ □
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment? □ □ ■ □
e. For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard
or excessive noise for people residing or working
in the project area? □ □ □ ■
f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan? □ □ ■ □
g. Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The Ukiah CAP contains measures and actions to reduce GHG emissions. The Ukiah CAP does not involve identified site-specific development and, for the most part, would not facilitate new development that would involve the routine use of hazardous materials. Implementation of some of the Ukiah CAP actions, such as developing community-scale microgrids, decommissioning of the City’s natural gas system, implementing infill development projects, and the installation of ZEV charging stations, would require construction activities. Construction would involve the temporary use of hazardous materials such as vehicle fuels and fluids that could be released should an accidental leak or spill occur. However, these types of materials are not considered acutely hazardous, and storage, handling, and disposal of these materials are regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, USEPA, and Occupational Safety & Health Administration. In addition, standard construction BMPs for the use and handling of such materials

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50 would avoid or reduce the potential for such conditions to occur. Any use of potentially hazardous materials during construction of CAP projects would comply with all local, State, and federal regulations regarding the handling of potentially hazardous materials, including Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Title 22, Division 4.5 of the CCR. The risk of spills would cease after construction is completed. Therefore, construction activities related to implementation of the CAP measures and actions would not be anticipated to create upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials.

Operation of the majority of project types envisioned under the CAP would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. However, CAP Measure BE-1 and Action BE-1b emphasize increasing local renewable energy production and battery energy storage facilities within the City. Lithium-ion batteries, the typical battery technology used in battery storage systems, may pose a risk of upset and accidental release of hazardous chemicals contained within the batteries (e.g., in the event of a fire). Lithium-ion technology is a common battery storage medium and with low likelihood of failure. Battery storage failure rates have been estimated to be between 1 in 10 million to 1 in 40 million cells, or a one to two percent failure rate worldwide, and improvements in the technology and safety systems has resulted in decreased incidents of battery fires despite the growing use of battery energy storage systems.
73,74,75 During normal operation, lithium-ion batteries do not represent a risk to off-site receptors, and safety standards applicable to energy storage facilities and safety certification tests established by independent bodies, such as Underwriters Laboratories, National Fire Protection Association, and International Electrotechnical Commission would prevent the reasonable possibility of a substantial adverse effect on the environment related to the lithium-ion batteries. However, in the unlikely event of a fire, there is a risk of the accidental release of hazardous materials associated with renewable energy systems. Future proposed battery energy storage facilities would, thus, be carefully reviewed for appropriate locations, safety measures, and consistency with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, UCC, and applicable local, State, and federal regulations. Battery energy storage facilities would be subject to site specific review and approval by the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, Ukiah Fire Prevention Services Division, Ukiah Code Enforcement Division, and Ukiah Building Division and would be required to comply with all applicable safety standards. Therefore, with adherence to existing policies and standards, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to creation of a significant hazard through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials and reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials. c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? The Ukiah CAP contains measures and actions to reduce GHG emissions. The Ukiah CAP does not include sitespecific proposals and development. As addressed under Responses a. and b., above, implementation of some CAP actions may require future construction activities, such as active transportation infrastructure enhancements and microgrid projects. In addition, the CAP would encourage the placement of solar energy and battery storage systems through Measure BLD-1 to increase the production and use of renewable energy in Ukiah. Construction activities and new battery storage systems related to the CAP could result in hazardous emissions or the handling of hazardous materials within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school. However, Ukiah CAP projects would be reviewed to confirm the appropriate location of projects in relation to existing development in the City and would be reviewed for consistency with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, UCC, and applicable local, State, and federal regulations. Therefore, with adherence to existing policies and regulations, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-thansignificant impact related to handling and potential upset of hazardous materials, including within 0.25 mile of schools.
d. Would the project be located on a site included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
The Ukiah CAP contains measures and actions to reduce GHG emissions. The Ukiah CAP does not include sitespecific proposals and development; however, there is the possibility that CAP measures could result in future construction activities on listed hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. 73 American Clean Power. 2025. Claims vs. Facts: Energy Storage Safety. https://cleanpower.org/resources/claims-vs-facts-energystorage-leading-on-safety/ (accessed February 2025). 74 Electric Power Research Institute. 2025. BESS Failure Incident Database. https://storagewiki.epri.com/index.php/BESS_Failure_Incident_Database#:~:text=It%20is%20instructive%20to%20compare,latest% 20designs%20and%20best%20practices. (accessed February 2025). 75 Warren, Chris. 2022. As lithium-ion batteries scale, mitigating the risk of fires becomes more important. Electric Power Research Institute Journal. https://eprijournal.com/a-focus-on-battery-energy-storage-safety/ (accessed February 2025).

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51 Construction activities on previously contaminated sites could expose construction workers and the public to hazardous materials. However, future CAP-related projects, once identified, would be reviewed for potential issues related to existing site contamination and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal regulations related to hazardous materials sites, including those established by the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Future CAP projects would require site-specific development review by the City and, if required, cleanup of contamination on a project-by-project basis for projects that would be located in areas that may contain hazardous materials contaminants. Therefore, with adherence to existing policies and regulations, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to location on a listed hazardous materials site.
e. For a plan located in an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
The Ukiah Municipal Airport is located in the southern portion of the City. The location as well as goals and policies associated with the airport area are included in the Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan . 76 The Ukiah
CAP would not increase airport activity or result in additional habitable or commercial development that could increase potential exposure of residents and employees to aircraft-related hazards. CAP-related projects that could occur within the influence area zones of the Ukiah Municipal Airport would be subject to the policies of the Land Use Compatibility Plan. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to risks associated with location proximate to a public airport.
f. Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Implementation of some Ukiah CAP measures and actions, such as Action T-1a, would promote the addition of new bicycle lane infrastructure, which may involve construction within a local right-of-way. Construction activities have the potential to require lane closures and may impact traffic and vehicle speeds on the affected roadways; however, these impacts would be temporary and access to roadways would be maintained throughout project construction.

Furthermore, future projects involving work in a public right-of-way would be required to coordinate with the City through the encroachment permit to ensure appropriate construction staging and adequate vehicular and pedestrian access on adjacent roadways and to ensure that emergency evacuation routes would not be substantially impacted, pursuant to UCC Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 5601.
77 Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to impairment or interference with implementation of an emergency response or evacuation plan.
g. Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the City’s western forested areas are located within a Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Beyond the western boundary lays a State Responsibility Area VHFHSZ. On the east, the City is less than a mile from another forested State Responsibility Area VHFHSZ.78 According to the City of Ukiah Emergency Plan, Ukiah’s terrain, vegetation, and weather conditions are favorable for the ignition and rapid spread of wildland fires which makes wildfire highly likely to occur in the area.
79 UCC Chapter 3, Article 2 Sections 5205 through 5207 include regulations to mitigate the impact of hazards on new and existing developments that include zoning that prevents development in hazardous areas of the community such as floodplains, landslide areas, the wildland-urban interface, or other known hazard areas.80 76 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan https://cityofukiah.com/wpcontent/uploads/2021/11/Ukiah-Municipal-Airport-Land-Use-Compatibility-Plan-2021.pdf (accessed February 2025) 77 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 5601 https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/html/Ukiah06/Ukiah0607-0100.html (accessed January 2025). 78 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE). 2025. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/03beab8511814e79a0e4eabf0d3e7247/ (accessed January 2025). 79 Ukiah, City of. 2021. Emergency Plan. https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/City-of-Ukiah-Emergency-OperationPlan.pdf. (accessed January 2025). 80 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Chapter 3, Article 2 Sections 5205 through 5207 https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/html/Ukiah06/Ukiah0603-0200.html (accessed February 2025).

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52 The Ukiah CAP does not propose specific development or new residential or commercial land uses that could be subject to wildland fire, nor would it result in other physical changes to the environment that could increase the risk of a wildland fire, such as installation of new overheard electric power lines. The CAP recognizes the risk that wildfires pose to Ukiah and the likelihood of these risks to be exacerbated by climate change. As such, the CAP includes measures and actions to reduce wildfire risks, including Actions CS-1b and CS-2b. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to risks associated with exposure to wildland fires.

Ukiah CAP projects, in combination with other cumulative projects anticipated under Ukiah 2040 General Plan buildout, are not anticipated to contribute to cumulative hazards and hazardous materials impacts with adherence to applicable General Plan policies and local, State and federal regulatory requirements related to the handling, storage, use, disposal, and cleanup of hazardous materials. Additionally, implementation of the CAP would reduce Ukiah’s vulnerability to wildfire hazards. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant cumulative impact related to hazards and hazardous materials.

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53 10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality? □ □ ■ □
b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin? □ □ □ ■
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river or through the
addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which
would: □ □ ■ □
(i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or
off-site; □ □ ■ □
(ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on- or off-site; □ □ ■ □
(iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted
runoff; or □ □ ■ □
(iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? □ □ ■ □
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation? □ □ ■ □ e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
The Ukiah CAP intends to reduce GHG emissions within the City and does not propose specific development. CAP Action BE-1b poses to increase local renewable energy supply with battery storage within the City. Action BE-2e promotes electrification and energy efficiency upgrades for all existing building types, which may require minor construction to modify the electrical and natural gas connections to existing buildings. Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, and T-2a would encourage development of new bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure, which may involve construction activities to create new bike lanes, bike/pedestrian paths, and transit facilities throughout Ukiah. Action T-4b and T-6c would involve the installation of new EV charging stations. Measure CS-1 seeks to plant additional trees throughout Ukiah. These measures and actions may result in small scale construction activities in the future that could result in temporary water quality impacts due to soil erosion and ground disturbance, as discussed under Response 10c and in Section 7, Geology and Soils.

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54 Future Ukiah CAP projects would be reviewed for consistency with local and State regulations, including the NPDES permitting program that requires implementation of SWPPPs and UCC Chapter 8, Stormwater Discharge, that regulate stormwater management and grading and include erosion, pollution, and sediment control standards.81 These regulations require BMPs to reduce water quality impacts from construction activities. Compliance with the UCC and/or NPDES permitting program would require that BMPs are implemented during construction to minimize potential impacts to surface and groundwater quality. With compliance with these regulations, CAP-related infrastructure and retrofit projects would not result in new or different waste discharge that would violate water quality standards, waste discharge requirements, or otherwise degrade surface or groundwater quality. Additionally, the CAP includes actions CS-1b, which called for regenerative land and water management and ecosystem restoration, which may benefit drainage, water quality, and groundwater percolation. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to surface or groundwater water quality in Ukiah. b. Would the project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? The CAP would not result in new land uses, such as increased residential or commercial development, which would contribute to an increase in demand for groundwater. The CAP does not include any actions that would interfere substantially with groundwater recharge or impede sustainable groundwater management. Ukiah CAP Measure WW1 seeks to implement wastewater recycling and water conservation projects and reduce per capita potable water consumption As such, implementing the Ukiah CAP would result in reduced water use and demands. Additionally, the CAP includes actions CS-1b, which called for regenerative land and water management and ecosystem restoration, which may benefit drainage, water quality, and groundwater percolation. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to the impedance of sustainable groundwater management. c. Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
• Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? • Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site?
• Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? • Impede or redirect flood flows?
The Ukiah CAP does not propose specific development or land use designation changes but rather emphasizes strategies intended to reduce GHG emissions and increase sustainability in the City. Implementation of several Ukiah CAP actions may promote infrastructure development and small-scale construction activities within the City. CAP Action BE-1b poses to increase local renewable energy supply with battery storage within the City. Action BE-2e promotes electrification and energy efficiency upgrades for all existing building types, which may require minor construction to modify the electrical and natural gas connections to existing buildings. Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, and T-2a would encourage development of new bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure, which may involve construction activities to create new bike lanes, bike/pedestrian paths, and transit facilities throughout Ukiah. Action T-4b and T-6c would involve the installation of new EV charging stations. Measure CSA-1 seeks to plant additional trees throughout Ukiah.

Implementation of these Ukiah CAP actions would primarily occur within previously developed areas and would not result in substantial alterations to Ukiah’s existing drainage pattern and amount of impervious surface. Future construction of Ukiah projects could result in erosion as discussed in Section 7, Geology and Soils. However, impacts related to drainage and water quality during construction would be minimized through the implementation of BMPs as required by the UCC and NPDES Construction General Permit program. In addition, future Ukiah CAP projects would be developed in accordance with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, which includes Policies ENV-6.1, through ENV6.8 for the protection and preservation of wetlands, creeks, and streams within Ukiah. 82 Additionally, the CAP
includes actions CS-1b, which called for regenerative land and water management and ecosystem restoration, which may benefit drainage and water quality, and would be consistent with Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policies ENV-6.1 and 81 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Chapter 8 Stormwater Discharge https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/html/Ukiah04/Ukiah0408.html (accessed January 2025). 82 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element. https://cityofukiah.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/01/Ukiah-2040-General-Plan_reduced.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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55 ENV-6.8. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to erosion, flooding, and polluted runoff.
d. Would the project result in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
Ukiah is identified as outside of the tsunami hazard area.83 However, portions of Ukiah are located within the 100- year floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the current adopted Flood Insurance Rate Map. Therefore, areas of Ukiah are at risk of flooding.84 FEMA is currently preparing an update to the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Ukiah. The preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map for Ukiah indicates that portions of the City surrounding the Russian River and associated creeks and streams are at risk of flooding.85 The Ukiah CAP does not propose specific development or land use designation changes but rather emphasizes strategies intended to reduce GHG emissions and increase sustainability in Ukiah. Implementation of several Ukiah measures and actions may promote infrastructure development and small-scale construction activities within Ukiah.

As described under Response 10c., future Ukiah CAP projects would not impede or redirect flood flows, and as discussed under Response 9a. and 9b. in Section 9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Ukiah CAP projects would generally not involve the regular use or storage of hazardous materials with the exception of battery energy storage facilities that include the storage of lithium-ion batteries. Future Ukiah CAP projects, such as battery energy storage facilities, would be reviewed for compliance with the applicable local and State regulations related to flooding and hazardous materials use and storage, including the UCC and California Building Code standards for construction within flood-prone areas. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to flooding and inundation resulting in release of pollutants.
e. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
The Ukiah CAP would not include projects that would result in the direct extraction of groundwater. Rather, the Ukiah CAP encourages wastewater recycling and the reduction of water consumption through Action WW-1a, as discussed under Response 10a. The Ukiah CAP would not interfere with or obstruct implementation of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.

Implementation of the Ukiah CAP would not contribute to an increase in growth and development in Ukiah but could result in infrastructure development projects and minor construction activities. As such, implementation of the Ukiah CAP and other cumulative projects could have incremental impacts related to hydrology and water quality, such as erosion and sedimentation due to construction activities. However, the Ukiah CAP’s contribution to such impacts would be minor and temporary, and the Ukiah CAP would have the long-term effect of reducing water use and improving groundwater recharge. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in an overall less-thansignificant cumulative impact related to hydrology and water quality. 83 Department of Conservation, Tsunami Hazard Area Map. 2025. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps/mendocino (accessed February 2025).
84 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).2011. Flood Maps. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=ukiah (accessed January 2025).
85 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2024. Ukiah Revised Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map. https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FEMA-Proposed-Flood-Map-FINAL-10-2-24.pdf (accessed February 2024).

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56 11 Land Use and Planning
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Physically divide an established community? □ □ □ ■
b. Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating
an environmental effect? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project physically divide an established community? The Ukiah CAP is a policy document containing strategies that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and does not include actions or specific development projects that would divide an established community. CAP Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, T-2b, T-3a, T-3b, and T-3c all involve modifications to the City’s transportation system in favor of active transportation and improved pedestrian, public transit, and bicycle access. These actions include updating the Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, developing an active transportation priority list, eliminating parking minimums, developing parking maximums, requiring parking management and transportation demand management plans in high-trafficked areas, requiring new multi-family construction comply with reach codes, promoting increased density in the downtown core and along transit corridors, and including infrastructure requirements in new infill development. These active transportation improvements would help increase connectivity within Ukiah and would not divide an established community. Therefore, the plan would result in no impact related to division of an established community.
b. Would the project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? The Ukiah CAP is a policy document and does not propose specific development or changes to land use and zoning designations. The CAP contains strategies that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan goals, policies, and programs. The creation of the CAP was originally provisioned due to Program M of the 2040 General Plan: Adopt a Municipal CAP which aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all municipal operations and meet State and City GHG emission reduction goals.
86 The CAP contains measures and actions that align with land use goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan, notably in the Land Use and Mobility Elements. For example, Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policies LU-1.2 Connectivity, LU-1.3 Neighborhood Infill, and LU-1.4 High-Density Residential Uses87 align with the goals of Measures T-1 and T-3 of the CAP.

Nonetheless, implementing the plan would require some modification of existing policies including developing and implementing new programs or modifying existing ones. For example, Action BE-2a would require the City to adopt a new zero NOx threshold policy, Action BE-3a would require a new single margin hourly source energy threshold (EDR1) performance standard for new construction, and Action T-4b would require the City to adopt a reach code requiring EV capable charging spaces to promote EV chargers in new development and existing parking spaces.

Other actions that would require adoption of new land use policies include Actions BE-3c, BE-4a, T-2b, and WW-1a. In order to implement these actions, existing City policies may need to be amended to reflect new or modified requirements. However, where modifications of existing policies are needed, such as updates to policies related to electrification, alternative transportation, or water, the CAP actions would result in greater avoidance or reduction of negative environmental effects. Therefore, the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with current land use plans or policies.
86 Ukiah, City of. 2022. 2040 General Plan. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025).
87 Ukiah, City of. 2022. General Plan Land Use Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/UKGP_02_PRD_LU%20Element_2023%2002%2027.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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57 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). The Ukiah CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the City’s 2040 General Plan goals to increase sustainability and reduce the City’s contribution to climate change impacts. Nonetheless, implementing the CAP, in combination with other cumulative projects that occur to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, and housing growth, would require some modification of existing policies, including developing and implementing new programs or modifying existing ones. The proposed policy changes in the CAP are consistent with the intent of the goals and policies established within the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and would not cumulatively contribute to the division of communities or conflict with land use policies related to environmental protection. Cumulative projects, including those implemented under the CAP, would be required to adhere to City development regulations and the Ukiah 2040 General Plan policies to retain land use character and minimize environmental impacts. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to land use.

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58 12 Mineral Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and
the residents of the state? □ □ □ ■
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or
other land use plan? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?
b. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? According to the Ukiah 2040 General Plan EIR, there are no mineral resources, existing mines, major mineral deposits, or critical minerals within the City. There are no active mineral extraction operations in the City, and Mendocino County is not known to contain significant mineral resources88. Furthermore, the CAP would not facilitate projects within the City that could result in the loss of availability of known mineral resources. Therefore, no impacts to mineral resources would occur.

Cumulative Impacts
There are no mineral resources or active mineral resource extraction operations within Ukiah. As such, the CAP, in combination with other cumulative projects that occur to accommodate the anticipated population, employment, households, and service population forecasts of the City, would not contribute to cumulative impacts related to mineral resources. Thus, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to mineral resources.
88 Ukiah, City of. 2022. General Plan Update 2040 Admin Draft EIR. 4.15 Effects Found Not to be Significant. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/416_Effects_Found_Not_to_be_Significant_Ukiah_2040_Draft_EIR.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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59 13 Noise
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project result in:
a. Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the
vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies? □ □ ■ □
b. Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? □ □ ■ □
c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would the
project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels? □ □ ■ □
a. Would the project result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
Noise is unwanted sound that disturbs human activity. Environmental noise levels typically fluctuate over time, and different types of noise descriptors are used to account for this variability. Noise level measurements include intensity, frequency, and duration, as well as time of occurrence. Noise level (or volume) is generally measured in decibels (dB) using the A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA). Because of the way the human ear works, a sound must be about 10 dBA greater than the reference sound to be judged as twice as loud. In general, a 3 dBA change in community noise levels is noticeable, while 1-2 dBA changes generally are not perceived. Quiet suburban areas typically have noise levels in the range of 40-50 dBA, while arterial streets are in the 50-60+ dBA range. Normal conversational levels are in the 60-65 dBA range, and ambient noise levels greater than 65 dBA can interrupt conversations.89, 90
Noise levels typically attenuate (or drop off) at a rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance from point sources (such as construction equipment). Noise from lightly traveled roads typically attenuates at a rate of about 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise from heavily traveled roads typically attenuates at about 3 dBA per doubling of distance, while noise from a point source typically attenuates at about 6 dBA per doubling of distance. Noise levels may also be reduced by the introduction of intervening structures. For example, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 5 dBA, while a solid wall or berm that breaks the line-of-sight reduces noise levels by 5 to 10 dBA. 91, 92, 93
89 Crocker, Malcolm J. 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control Book, ISBN: 978-0-471-39599-7, Wiley-VCH, October. 90 Caltrans. 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol (CT-HWANP-RT-13-069.25.2). https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tens-sep2013-a11y.pdf (accessed February 2025).
91 Crocker, Malcolm J. 2007. Handbook of Noise and Vibration Control Book, ISBN: 978-0-471-39599-7, Wiley-VCH, October. 92 Caltrans. 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol (CT-HWANP-RT-13-069.25.2). https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tens-sep2013-a11y.pdf (accessed February 2025).
93 Federal Highway Administration. 2011. Highway Traffic Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guidance. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/regulations_and_guidance/analysis_and_abatement_guidance/revguidance.pd (accessed February 2025).

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60 The Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element identifies the largest stationary and non-stationary noise sources within the City. The largest stationary noise sources include the Ukiah Municipal Airport, industrial operations, and commercial operations. Non-stationary noise sources include vehicles, especially along California Highway 101, and construction. The Safety Element aims to ensure appropriate noise levels within the City, considered compatible for community noise environments.
94 The City uses the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation Noise Element guidelines to provide normally acceptable exterior noise exposure standards by land use category, shown in Table 6.
95 Table 6 Exterior Noise Compatibility Standards
Land Use Type
Highest Level of Exterior
Noise Exposure that is
Regarded as “Normally
Acceptable” (Ldn)
Residential: Low- Density Single-Family Homes, Duplex, Triplex, and Similar 60 dBA Residential- Multi Family 65 dBA
Transient Lodging: Motels, Hotels 65 dBA
Outdoor Activities: Golf Courses, Cemeteries, Parks 75 dBA Schools, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals, Nursing homes 70 dBA Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters, Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports
70 dBA
Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports 75 dBA
Playground, Neighborhood Parks 70 dBA
Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water Recreation, Cemeteries 75 dBA Office Buildings, Business Commercial and Professional 70 dBA Industrial, Manufacturing, Utilities, Agriculture 75 dBA Source: Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element, Figure 7-6 Construction noise is regulated by UCC Division 7, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 6054, which prohibits construction activities within 500 feet of residential zones between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 96 In addition, UCC Division
7, Chapter 1, Article 6, Section 6053 prohibits the operation of machinery and equipment that generates noise which would cause the noise level at the property line of any property to exceed the ambient base noise level by more than five dB between seven 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
97 The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan. Some of the CAP actions would support small-scale construction projects that could result in temporary noise. Action BE-1b would result in the addition of solar PV and battery storage within the City. Actions BE-2c and BE-2e promote microgrid projects and decommissioning of the City's natural gas system, which may require construction activities to modify electrical and natural gas connections to existing buildings. Actions BE-4a and BE-4b would require decarbonization of municipal buildings, which may require minor construction activities for electricity upgrades.

Actions T-1a, T-1c, and T-1d would encourage development of new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, which may involve construction activities to create new bike lanes and bike/pedestrian paths throughout Ukiah. Action T-2a would involve improvements to bus stops and the development of a local electric trolley system. In addition, Actions T-4b and T-6c seek to install EV and ZEV chargers and fueling stations throughout the City. Construction activities associated with these actions have the potential to result in temporary noise-related construction impacts. However, all construction must follow regulations set forth by the Ukiah General Plan Safety Element and UCC, including the 94 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025). 95 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025). 96 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Section 6054, Construction of Buildings and Projects. https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/Ukiah07/Ukiah0701-0600.html#6054 (accessed February 2025). 97 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Section 6053, Machinery, Equipment, Fans and Air Conditioning. https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/Ukiah07/Ukiah0701-0600.html#6054 (accessed February 2025).

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61 permitted construction hours. With compliance with these regulations, construction activities associated with implementation of the CAP would not generate excessive noise levels.

The CAP does not include future projects that would result in substantial operational noise. Rather, the CAP encompasses a suite of GHG-reduction opportunities, including those that affect the transportation sector and its associated noise. For example, Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, and T-2a encourage people to transition away from singleoccupancy vehicles towards alternative modes of transportation including public transit, walking, and biking. T-3b and T-3c prioritize infill and higher-density development in transit corridors, reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. T-3a and T-4b entail developing a reach code requiring EV capable charging spaces to encourage the use of EVs in new development and existing parking spaces. Actions T-5a and T-5b would implement education and regulations to transition to electric small off-road engines (SORE) equipment like leaf blowers and lawn mowers.

Actions T-6a and T-6c involve transitioning to an all-electric municipal fleet. All of these actions would reduce the overall noise level in the City because they would reduce vehicle noise levels or transition vehicles and other engines to electric engines, which are quieter than gas-powered alternatives. Therefore, the CAP would not generate excessive noise levels and would result in a less than significant impact related to noise exposure. b. Would the project result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
While people have varying sensitivities to vibrations at different frequencies, in general they are most sensitive to lowfrequency vibration. Vibration in buildings, such as from nearby construction activities, may cause windows, items on shelves, and pictures on walls to rattle. Vibration of building components can also take the form of an audible lowfrequency rumbling noise, referred to as groundborne noise.98 Although groundborne vibration is sometimes noticeable in outdoor environments, it is almost never annoying to people who are outdoors. The primary concern from vibration is that it can be intrusive and annoying to building occupants and vibration-sensitive land uses.

Vibration amplitudes are usually expressed in peak particle velocity (PPV) or Root Mean Square (RMS) vibration velocity. The PPV and RMS velocity are normally described in inches per second (in/sec). PPV is defined as the maximum instantaneous positive or negative peak of a vibration signal. PPV is often used in the monitoring of blasting vibration because it is related to the stresses that are experienced by buildings.99 Vibration significance ranges from approximately 50 vibration decibels (VdB), which is the typical background vibration-velocity level, to 100 VdB, the general threshold where minor damage can occur in fragile buildings. The general human response to different levels of groundborne vibration velocity levels is described in Table 7.

Table 7 Human Response to Different Levels of Groundborne Vibration100 Vibration Velocity Level Human Reaction
65 VdB Approximate threshold of perception for many people 75 VdB Approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible. Many people find that transportation-related vibration at this level is unacceptable. 85 VdB Vibration acceptable only if there are an infrequent number of events per day VdB = vibration decibels
Source: Federal Transit Administration Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan. Some of the proposed CAP actions would support small-scale construction projects, such as EV charging station construction and new bicycle lanes, that may result in a temporary, minor increase in groundborne vibration during construction.

However, CAP projects would be subject to review by the City for compliance and consistency with Division 7, Chapter 1, Article 6 of the UCC which regulates noise-related construction impacts, including the permitted construction hours. Construction activities would also be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal 98 Caltrans. 2020. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (CT-HWANP-RT-13-069.25.3). https://dot.ca.gov/- /media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tcvgm-apr2020-a11y.pdf (accessed January 2025). 99 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2006. FHWA Highway Construction Noise Handbook. (FHWAHEP-06-015; DOT-VNTSCFHWA-06-02). https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/noise/construction_noise/handbook/handbook00.cfm (accessed January 2025).
100 Federal Transit Administration. 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual. https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impactassessment-manual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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62 regulations to minimize temporary construction impacts related to groundborne vibration. Furthermore, CAP projects would not include operational sources of groundborne vibration. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-thansignificant impact related to groundborne vibration. c. For a plan located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
The City of Ukiah contains one airport, the Ukiah Municipal Airport. The Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan establishes criteria and policies to be used by the Mendocino County Airport Land Use Commission in assessing compatibility between the public-use airports in Mendocino County and the proposed land uses in the airport adjacent areas. The Plan establishes airport compatibility zones, which were adopted into the City of Ukiah Municipal Airport Master Plan. The compatibility zones impose additional standards for proposed developments in order to mitigate airport impacts.101 Strategies to mitigate noise impacts in areas adjacent to the airport are incorporated into the Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element, including SAF-7.3 which requires disclosure of potential airport noise impacts and incorporation of sound reducing measures in all new construction in airport compatibility zones.
102
The Ukiah CAP would not increase airport activity or result in additional habitable development or commercial development that could increase potential exposure of residents and employees to airport noise. CAP-related projects that could occur within the influence area zones of the Ukiah Municipal Airport would be subject to the policies of the Land Use Compatibility Plan and Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. Although Actions T-3b and T-3c encourage higher-density infill development, any new construction occurring within an airport compatibility zone would require sound reducing measures in accordance with Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policy SAF-7.3. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to aviation-related noise exposure.

Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). The CAP is a policy document containing programs that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. However, future CAP-related projects, in combination with other cumulative projects that occur to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, households, and service population growth, would support construction projects (such as EV charging station construction, bicycle infrastructure, and higher-density residential development) that may result in a temporary increase in groundborne vibration or noise levels. However, cumulative projects, including CAP projects, would be subject to review by the City for compliance with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element and UCC and would be required to comply with applicable local, State, and federal regulations governing construction noise and vibration. Additionally, the CAP encompasses a suite of GHG-reduction opportunities that would decrease VMT and roadway vehicle-related noise, as well as noise from gas-powered offroad equipment. As such, implementation of the CAP would not generate permanent, excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels. Therefore, the CAP would result in an overall less-thansignificant cumulative impact related to noise. 101 Ukiah, City of. 2021. Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. https://cityofukiah.com/wpcontent/uploads/2021/11/Ukiah-Municipal-Airport-Land-Use-Compatibility-Plan-2021.pdf (accessed January 2025). 102 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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63 14 Population and Housing
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Induce substantial unplanned population growth in
an area, either directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? □ □ ■ □
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people or
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
The CAP does not contain measures or actions that propose new habitable development or changes to land use and zoning designations. Thus, implementation of the CAP would not directly result in increased population growth within Ukiah. The CAP contains Measure CS-2, which seeks to support the City’s sustainable economic development goals and could result in new jobs in the green industry within the region. Mendocino County currently experiences an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent, with approximately 2,000 unemployed persons within the labor force.103 As detailed in Table 5, Ukiah is expected to add approximately 2,832 jobs between 2022 and 2030. While new jobs may be introduced to the area as a result of CAP-related projects, these additional jobs would not be anticipated to exceed the planned employment growth for the region. Furthermore, employees would likely be sourced from the existing labor population in the area, including the approximately 2,000 Mendocino County residents currently unemployed, and the potential increase in population related to persons relocating to Ukiah from other regions for new employment opportunities would be nominal. In addition, the CAP does not propose new roadways or utilities that could indirectly lead to new population growth or development. As such, the CAP would not directly increase the population or indirectly induce additional unplanned population growth. The CAP would result in a less-thansignificant impact related to substantial unplanned population growth. b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
The CAP is a policy document and does not contain any site-specific proposals or actions that could result in the displacement of existing housing or people. The CAP would not result in the need for construction of replacement housing. Therefore, the CAP would have no impact related to the displacement of existing people and housing.

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64 already assumed and planned for in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and in accordance with Ukiah 2030 demographic projections. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less than significant cumulative impact related to population and housing.

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65 15 Public Services
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
new or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered governmental
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response
times, or other performance objectives for any of
the public services:

1. Fire protection? □ □ □ ■

2. Police protection? □ □ □ ■

3. Schools? □ □ □ ■

4. Parks? □ □ □ ■

5. Other public facilities? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:
• Fire protection?
• Police protection?
• Schools?
• Parks?
• Other public facilities?
Implementation of the CAP and its proposed measures and actions would not result in increases in population or new employment opportunities that could induce substantial unplanned population growth, as further discussed in Section 14, Population and Housing. As such, the CAP would not require the construction of new or physically altered governmental (i.e., fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, libraries) facilities to serve additional population, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts. In addition, CAP Actions BE-2c, CS-1a, CS1b, and CS-2b improve community resiliency, enhance grid reliability, provide clean back-up power to critical community facilities, reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, and mitigate hazards such as wildfire within Ukiah, through the development of microgrids and carbon-free emergency and back-up power, creation of an Urban Forest Master Plan, recurring urban tree canopy study, regenerative land and water management, and wildfire prevention efforts. These actions would enhance the ability of public service providers to respond in emergency events and reduce the burden on local public services related to climate change-induced natural disasters.

Furthermore, future CAP-related projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and other applicable local and State regulations related to public services. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to public services in terms of need for the construction of new or altered governmental facilities.

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66 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). As a guidance document, implementation of CAP-related projects, in combination with other cumulative development that occurs to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, households, and service population growth, would not result in substantial increases in population or induce additional population growth beyond that assumed under the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and 2030 population projections. As such, implementation of the CAP would not result in cumulative need to construct or expand public services facilities. Therefore, the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to public services.

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67 16 Recreation
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated? □ □ □ ■
b. Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse physical effect on
the environment? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Would the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Ukiah has 14 local parks and recreation facilities totaling 260 acres, as well as an 80-acre open-space park called Low Gap Park, managed by Mendocino County. Low Gap Park has an existing network of trails, which extend from Low Gap Park through the hills west of the City. The greater Planning Area for Ukiah includes several County and Federal parks including Mill Creek Park (400- acres), and two Federal open space recreation areas: Lake Mendocino Recreation Area (5,110-acres) and Cow Mountain Recreation Area (60,000-acres). Adjacent to Ukiah city limits, the Russian River provides recreational opportunities for Ukiah residents including swimming, fishing, inner-tubing, and picnicking. There are four access points to the river from the city: the City’s Softball Complex, Vichy Spring-Perkins Road crossing, Riverside Park, and Talmage Road crossing. 104 Ukiah also contains four miles of the Great Redwood Trail, established by SB 1029, which is expected to be a 320-mile, multi-use rail-to-trail project from the San Francisco Bay Area to Humboldt County. In June 2020, the Ukiah City Council officially designated the entire rail corridor within City limits as a recreation/park facility and renamed it the ‘The Great Redwood Trail – Ukiah’.105 Policy ED-5.1 of the Ukiah 2040 General Plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing and promoting new outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities within the City. Policies PFS-12.1 through 12.8 are centered around the connection, expansion, equitable access, visibility, and safety of Ukiah parks. They also highlight the Great Redwood Trail and Collaborative Partnerships for Improved Park Services. Implementation Program C of the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element puts the City of track to develop a Park Maintenance and Security Program for all Ukiah Parks from 2026-2030.
106
The CAP is a policy document containing measures and actions what would improve the recreational elements of the City of Ukiah. Action BE-2b incentivizes the use of nature-based solutions in development including trees and green roofs which would enhance the natural and recreational properties of the streetscape. CAP Actions CS-1a and CS-1b would expand recreation opportunities through the beautification of the urban forest and creating more ecological recreation through restoring ecosystems, conserving forested areas, and regenerative land and water management.

These actions align with policies in the Ukiah 2040 General plan to protect and expand recreational opportunities.

Additionally, as described in Section 14, Population and Housing, the CAP would not result in substantial population growth or direct land use changes. As such, implementation of the CAP would not result in a substantial physical deterioration of parks or other recreational facilities or result in the need to expand recreational facilities. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to recreation. 104 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025). 105 Ukiah, City of. 2025. The Great Redwood Trail – Ukiah. https://cityofukiah.com/the-great-redwood-trail-ukiah/ (accessed February 2025).
106 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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68 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). As a guidance document, implementation of CAP-related projects, in combination with other cumulative development that occurs to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, households, and service population growth, would not result in increases in population or induce additional population growth beyond that assumed under the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and 2030 population projections. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would not result in increased demand for parks, substantial cumulative physical deterioration of parks or other recreational facilities, or the cumulative need to expand recreational facilities. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to recreation.

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69 17 Transportation
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including
transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? □ □ □ ■ b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines
Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? □ □ □ ■
c. Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm
equipment)? □ □ ■ □
d. Result in inadequate emergency access? □ □ ■ □
a. Would the project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
b. Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? The City of Ukiah is a part of MCOG and must comply with the regional priorities outlined in their 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan which is a long-range plan containing strategies for operating, managing, maintaining, and financing the area’s transportation system in such a way as to advance the long-term societal goals of the communities of Mendocino County and the State of California. The 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan emphasizes a strategy of investing transportation funds to bring greater mobility and access to services for all residents – including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers. The 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan aims to reduce VMT and result in less emissions of GHGs.107 In addition, the Ukiah 2040 General Plan Mobility Element includes the following applicable local goals related to the circulation system:
• Goal 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.
• Goal MOB - 2: To reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to and from residences, jobs and commercial uses in Ukiah.
• Goal MOB - 3: To provide a safe transportation system that eliminates traffic-related fatalities and reduces nonfatal injury collisions. • Goal MOB - 4: To maintain an ongoing periodic evaluation process to inventory transportation and mobility needs.
• Goal MOB - 5: To promote a balance of multi-modal options, to be reflected in flexible parking regulations. • Goal MOB - 6: To promote the Ukiah Municipal Airport for the Community's benefit and provide for the airport’s long-term viability, including ensuring future development considered by the 2040 Ukiah General Plan is consistent with the Ukiah Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.108 Additionally, the City adopted the Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2015 that has the purpose to improve bicycling and walking in the City of Ukiah and making active transportation a comfortable and convenient 107 MCOG. 2022. 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan. https://www.mendocinocog.org/files/653d21e36/2022+RTPATP+Feb+2022-Final+Adopted.pdf (accessed January 2025). 108 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Mobility Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/UKGP_04_PRD_MOB%20Element_2023%2002%2027.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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70 transportation and recreation option. Recommendations include improving bicycle infrastructure (facilities and parking), adopting a complete streets policy, improving sidewalks and lighting, lane reconfiguration, street furnishings, curb ramps, crosswalks, refuge islands, traffic signals, roundabouts, and various education and engagement.
109 The City also adopted the Great Redwood Trail-Ukiah Linear Park Master Plan in 2020, which outlines the plans and goals for developing a pedestrian and bicycle trail through Ukiah.110 The Ukiah CAP is a policy document containing strategies and policies that are consistent with the MCOG 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan, Ukiah 2040 General Plan Mobility Element, and 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. CAP Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, T-2b, T-3a, T-3b, and T-3c all involve modifications to the City’s transportation system to prioritize active transportation, improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and reduce VMT. These actions include updating the Ukiah Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, developing an active transportation priority list, eliminating parking minimums, developing parking maximums, requiring parking management and transportation demand management plans in high-trafficked areas, requiring new multi-family construction comply with reach codes, promoting increased density in the downtown core and along transit corridors, and infrastructure requirements in new infill development. Actions T-1b, T-2a, and T-2c also promote the creation of affordable public transit options for low-income residents, collaboration with MCOG and MTA to encourage use of public and multimodal transportation options, increased micro-transit options to promote first/last-mile commute access, and free or subsidized local public transit programs that service local residential and commercial areas. Lastly, Actions T-3a, T4a, and T-4b aim to increase the feasibility of using EVs in the City through the installation of EV chargers, completing an EV infrastructure inventory, and creation of an EV reach code. All of these CAP actions attempt to further the goals and priorities of the MCOG 2022 RTP and Active Transportation Plan, Ukiah 2040 General Plan Mobility Element, and 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan through improving multi-modal facilities, reducing VMT and singleoccupancy vehicles, encouraging active transportation, reducing vehicle congestion, and increasing EV adoption.

CAP actions are also consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b) as they prioritize active and public transportation projects that would reduce VMT. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with plans and policies addressing the transportation circulation system and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b).
c. Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? d. Would the project result in inadequate emergency access? The Ukiah CAP is a policy document containing strategies that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan, including the Mobility Element, and would not involve new land uses or changes to the roadway system that would increase hazards due to design changes or incompatible uses. Implementation of some CAP actions may involve construction within the public right-of-way including Actions T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, T-2a, T-4b, and T-6c which would encourage development of new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, improvements to bus stops, development of a local electric trolley system, and installation of EV and ZEV chargers and fueling stations throughout the City.

Construction activities have the potential to require lane closures and may impact traffic and vehicle speeds on the affected roadways; however, these impacts would be temporary and access to roadways would generally be maintained throughout project construction. UCC Section 9176, Certain Uses Permitted (F), states:

1. Placement of any temporary accessory object within any public right of way is prohibited without securing an encroachment permit issued by the public works department, including compliance with insurance requirements and any conditions placed thereon to ensure the public safety and convenience and compliance with this section. Applications for encroachment permits under this section shall be filed with the public works department accompanied by a plot plan sufficient to show the details of the object’s size, height, location and any other information deemed necessary by the planning director or public works director, and application fees established from time to time by resolution of the city council adopted in accordance with the procedures required by law. Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the public works director retains the right to revoke any issued encroachment permit for any object determined to be a nuisance, detrimental to the public safety or convenience, or noncompliant with this section. The placement of all objects shall comply with all requirements and orders of the fire marshal. 109 Ukiah, City of. 2015.Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ukiah-Bike-andPedestrian-Master-Plan-FINAL.pdf (accessed January 2025). 110 Ukiah, City of. 2020. Great Redwood Trail-Ukiah Linear Park Master Plan. https://cityofukiah.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/06/GRT-Park-Master-Plan-Final.pdf (accessed February 2025).

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71 2. The location and dimensions of temporary accessory objects shall be coordinated with other elements and shall provide for the safe and unobstructed movement of pedestrians and vehicles and visual attractiveness to the satisfaction of the planning director and public works director. 111
Future projects involving work in the public right-of-way would be required to coordinate with the City through the encroachment permit process to confirm appropriate construction staging and adequate vehicular and pedestrian access on adjacent roadways. Compliance with the UCC and coordination with the City would minimize impacts to the circulation system, including safety impacts and emergency access. As such, construction of CAP projects would not create transportation design hazards or result in inadequate emergency access. Furthermore, the CAP would facilitate increased active transportation and public transit use and decreased VMT within Ukiah, which in turn would reduce potential transportation hazards and congestion conditions that can hinder emergency response. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to transportation hazards and emergency access.

Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). Cumulative projects that occur to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, and housing growth could result in increases in VMT or changes affecting roadway design safety and emergency access. However, the CAP is a policy document containing measures and actions that are consistent with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan Mobility Element, MCOG RTP and Active Transportation Plan, and other applicable transportation policies and does not propose new development that would increase VMT, result in design hazards, or affect emergency access. Rather, the CAP measures and actions would promote alternative modes of transportation and reduction of VMT throughout Ukiah. Implementation of the CAP would guide future development within Ukiah and confirm that future projects within the City are planned and designed to limit VMT and improve multi-modal access. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no cumulative impacts related to transportation.
111 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Section 9176, Certain Uses Permitted (F). https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/Ukiah07/Ukiah0701-0600.html#6048 (accessed January 2025).

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72 18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or □ □ ■ □
b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe. □ □ ■ □
a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe and that is listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1 (k)? b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe and that is a resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

On January 17, 2025, in accordance with AB 52, both the Guidiville Rancheria, who has requested to be notified of projects within the City of Ukiah’s jurisdiction, and the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, were formally notified via certified mail and/or email that the City initiated environmental review of the Ukiah CAP and were invited to provide consultation. Under AB 52, Native American tribes have 30 days to respond and request further project information and formal consultation. No responses were received during the 30-day response period.

The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes that would increase development within the City but would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development within the urbanized area of Ukiah. As a policy document, the CAP would also not directly entail ground disturbing activities. However, future implementation of CAP actions related to existing building energy, active transportation, renewable energy, and tree planting may include construction activities with the potential to disturb previously undiscovered tribal cultural resources, as discussed further below.

Actions BE-2c and BE-2e promote microgrid projects and decommissioning of the City's natural gas system, which may require construction activities to modify electrical and natural gas connections to existing buildings. Actions BE4a and BE-4b would require decarbonization of municipal buildings, which may require minor construction activities for electricity upgrades. Actions T-1a, T-1c, and T-1d would encourage development of new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, which may involve construction activities to create new bike lanes and bike/pedestrian paths

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73 throughout Ukiah. Action T-2a would involve improvements to bus stops and the development of a local electric trolley system. In addition, Actions T-4b and T-6c seek to install EV and ZEV chargers and fueling stations throughout the City.

Implementation of these CAP actions could impact unknown tribal cultural resources during construction that involves below-grade activities in previously undisturbed soils. However, future CAP projects would be located and designed strategically to reduce ground disturbance to the maximum extent possible. In addition, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local, regional, and State tribal cultural and archaeological regulations prior to final siting and construction and would be required to comply with Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policies ENV-3.2 and ENV-3.3, which state that 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, and that 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.112As such, tribal cultural resources would be protected prior to and/or upon discovery and, thus, impacts would be reduced to a minimal level. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to tribal cultural resources.

Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is the population, employment, households, and service population forecasts identified in the supporting documentation for the Ukiah CAP, based on demographic data and projections from the California Department of Finance and State of California Employment Development Department, as well as projected land use as outlined in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for the City of Ukiah (refer to Table 5). Implementation of CAP-related projects, in combination with other cumulative development that occurs to accommodate Ukiah’s anticipated population, employment, households, and service population growth, could increase the potential for adverse effects to unknown tribal cultural resources in Ukiah. However, impacts to tribal cultural resources are site-specific; accordingly, as required under applicable laws and regulations, potential impacts associated with cumulative developments would be addressed on a case-by-case basis as cumulative project details and locations become known. CAP projects and other cumulative projects would be required to comply with Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policies ENV-3.2 and ENV-3.3, for the protection and proper treatment of any cultural resources discovered during ground disturbance, which would minimize the potential for significant impacts to tribal cultural resources. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in a lessthan-significant cumulative impact related to tribal cultural resources. 112 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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74 19 Utilities and Service Systems
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Require or result in the relocation or construction
of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment
or storm water drainage, electric power, natural
gas, or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause
significant environmental effects? □ □ ■ □
b. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years? □ □ □ ■
c. Result in a determination by the waste water
treatment provider, which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project’s projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments? □ □ □ ■
d. Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals? □ □ □ ■
e. Comply with federal, state, and local management
and reduction statutes and regulations related to
solid waste? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? The CAP is a policy document aimed at reducing water, solid waste, and energy consumption and related GHG emissions and does not propose development or changes to land use and zoning designations or include sitespecific infrastructure designs or project proposals. Furthermore, implementation of CAP would not result in an increase in population and housing, nor would it facilitate growth beyond that anticipated by the Ukiah 2040 General Plan projections. As such, implementing the CAP would not create new demand related to water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas power, or telecommunications utilities. However, projects resulting from implementation of the CAP could include redevelopment and/or restructuring of electricity and natural gas power facilities and infrastructure, as well as new local renewable energy generation and storage and water infrastructure projects. Potential impacts related to these strategies are discussed further as follows by utility facilities topic.

Water Supply Facilities/Infrastructure
The City is a municipal water supply agency within the Upper Russian River Watershed. The City provides water service to about 99 percent of the City limits through 5,030 active water service accounts, including residential, commercial, and institutional accounts, and maintains emergency service intertie agreements with Millview, Willow County Water District, and Redwood Valley County Water District. 113 The City’s water service area is roughly 3,000
113 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA). https://cityofukiah.com/uvwa/ (accessed February 2025).

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75 acres or 4.7 square miles in size, with a population of approximately 16,000 persons. According to the Ukiah Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update, the City’s water supply facilities and infrastructure are in good working order.114
The City has been able to share a small portion of the water right with neighboring water districts, in times of need.

The City is a member of the Russian River Watershed Association, which is a coalition of eleven cities, counties, and special districts in the Russian River watershed that coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement. The Russian River Watershed Association was formed in 2003 to create opportunities for member agencies to expand their stewardship role in the watershed. These member agencies include the Cities of Cloverdale, Cotati, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Ukiah, as well as Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, Sonoma Water, and the Town of Windsor. 115
The CAP would not result in new land uses that would contribute to an increase in water use compared to existing conditions. Rather, CAP Actions BE-2b, WW-1a, and CS-1b would facilitate a reduction in water use and enhanced water supply planning through water efficiency measures in buildings, regular updates to the Ukiah Urban Water Management Plan, updates to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, expanded greywater and recycled water use, and regenerative land and water management. As such, the CAP would result in reduced water use and, thus, relocation or construction of new or expanded water facilities would not be required. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to the need for the construction or expansion of water supply facilities and infrastructure.

Wastewater Treatment Facilities/Infrastructure
The Ukiah Wastewater Treatment Plant (UWWTP) provides wastewater treatment for the City and surrounding areas via the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District (UVSD). Recycled water is distributed through a 7.8-mile network of recycled water distribution mains. Roughly 2.7 million gallons of wastewater is treated each day. Since 2019, a portion of this wastewater is recycled within the City’s service area. The remainder of the wastewater is treated and discharged to percolation ponds for groundwater replenishment.

The UWWTP has a dry-weather capacity of 3.01 million gallons per day (MGD), and a peak wet-weather capacity of

24.5 MGD. The UWWTP includes primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment. As of 2021, about one-third of the wastewater at the UWWTP is recycled, and about two-thirds of the wastewater is discharged to percolation ponds at the UWWTP. The recycled water system allows the City to serve approximately 325 MG of water to farmers, parks, and schools each year. The City plans to expand the recycled water system by 400 acre-feet per year to serve the Ukiah Valley Golf Course, Ukiah High School, an agricultural field, adjacent parks, and softball fields.116According to the Ukiah Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update, the City’s wastewater treatment and conveyance facilities are in good working order.117
The CAP would not result in new land uses that would generate sanitary wastewater or otherwise contribute to an increase in wastewater treatment requirements. The amount and characteristics of wastewater treated at the UWWTP or by the City would not change compared to existing conditions. The CAP includes Action WW-1a, which would reduce overall water use and wastewater production within the City, as well as increased use of greywater and recycled water in the City. While implementation of this measure may require new connections to the existing greywater pipeline system as new developments occur, the relocation or construction of new wastewater collection or treatment infrastructure would not be required. Therefore, the CAP would result in less than significant impacts related to need for the construction or expansion of wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

Stormwater Drainage Facilities/Infrastructure
Stormwater can provide groundwater recharge benefits for the City, provided that the stormwater entering Basin aquifers does not compromise groundwater quality. Development of land typically increases impervious surfaces which can compromise stormwater quality. The City of Ukiah adopted a Low Impact Development (LID) Technical Manual to provide technical guidance for development projects that significantly impact the impervious surface on a 114 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update. https://www.mendolafco.org/files/831604d10/2022+Ukiah+MSR-SOI+Adopted_Complete.pdf (accessed February 2025). 115 Ukiah, City of. 2022. General Plan Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element. https://ukiah2040.com/images/docs/202212_release/UKGP_EntireGP.pdf (accessed January 2025). 116 Ibid
117 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update. https://www.mendolafco.org/files/831604d10/2022+Ukiah+MSR-SOI+Adopted_Complete.pdf (accessed February 2025).

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76 redevelopment site, and therefore require permanent stormwater BMPs to offset the impact. 118Additionally, the City
of Ukiah maintains a system of storm drains, gutters, and ditches to convey stormwater generated during rain events.

The Ukiah Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update does not identify any stormwater drainage infrastructure improvement needs.119
As discussed in Section 10, Hydrology and Water Quality, the CAP does not propose development or changes to land use and zoning designations and, thus, would not have direct construction or operational impacts related to stormwater drainage facilities. Implementation of CAP Actions BE-2c, BE-2e, BE-4a, BE-4b, T-1a, T-1c, T-1d, T-2a, T-4b, and T-6c related to microgrid projects, building electrification, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, bus stop improvements, electric trolly system, and EV charger installation may promote infrastructure development that would involve small-scale construction. Construction of projects implemented in accordance with the CAP could result in erosion and potential changes to drainage patterns. However, as described in Section 7, Geology and Soils, and Section 10, Hydrology and Water Quality, CAP projects would be required to comply with local, State, and federal requirements during construction that would reduce stormwater runoff, erosion, and potential impacts to the stormwater drainage system. Furthermore, CAP Actions WW-1a, WW-1b, BE-2b, CS-1a, and CS-1b would result in reduced stormwater runoff through low impact development requirements, updates to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the incorporation of green roofs, new urban trees and greenspaces, regenerative land and water management, and ecosystem restoration. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to need for the construction or expansion of stormwater drainage facilities and infrastructure.

Electric Power Facilities/Infrastructure
The City of Ukiah Electric Utility is a municipal utility and operates as a department of the City of Ukiah under the authority and direction of the City Council, the City Manager, and the Electric Utility Director. The Ukiah Electric Utility is composed of electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities and boasts a diverse portfolio of power sources. The Ukiah Electric Utility owns, operates, and maintains a 3.5 Megawatt hydroelectric plant located at Lake Mendocino, transmission facilities and overhead and underground distribution facilities. Additionally, the Ukiah Electric Utility is responsible for power procurement, State, and federal regulatory requirements, and providing conservation programs to its customers.
120 According to the Ukiah Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update, the City’s electric power facilities have sufficient capacity to meet needs.121 The CAP would not involve new land uses or development that require new or additional electric service. Rather the Ukiah CAP would encourage energy efficiency in existing buildings and new construction through Measures BE-2, BE3, and BE-4. The Ukiah CAP would also incentivize increased use of renewable energy sources and renewable energy production and storage within Ukiah through Measure BE-1. Additionally, the Ukiah CAP would encourage increased EV adoption through Measure T-4. These measures may alter electricity supply and demand within Ukiah. However, the CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions, including emissions related to energy consumption, and other beneficial environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include a reduction in energy consumption. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less than significant impact related to construction, expansion, or relocation of electric power facilities and infrastructure.

Natural Gas Power Facilities/Infrastructure
PG&E provides natural gas services to Ukiah. The CAP would not involve new land uses that require new or additional natural gas service that could require the construction of new or expanded natural gas facilities. Rather the Ukiah CAP would encourage energy efficiency and a transition away from natural gas use in existing buildings and new construction through Measures BE-2, BE-3, and BE-4. Implementation of these measures could involve minor alterations to existing natural gas infrastructure as natural gas use is reduced. However, the CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce GHG emissions, including emissions related to energy consumption, and other beneficial environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include a reduction in natural gas consumption. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less than significant impact related to construction, removal, or relocation of natural gas power facilities and infrastructure.
118 Ibid
119 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update. https://www.mendolafco.org/files/831604d10/2022+Ukiah+MSR-SOI+Adopted_Complete.pdf (accessed February 2025). 120 Ibid
121 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update. https://www.mendolafco.org/files/831604d10/2022+Ukiah+MSR-SOI+Adopted_Complete.pdf (accessed February 2025).

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77 Telecommunications Facilities/Infrastructure
Ukiah is served by existing telecommunications companies such as Xfinity (Comcast), AT&T, T-Mobile, Viasat, and HughesNet.
122 The CAP would not alter existing telecommunications facilities and infrastructure and would not involve new land uses or development that would require new telecommunications infrastructure. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to need for construction or expansion of telecommunication facilities and infrastructure.

Overall, the CAP would result in a less than significant impact related to need for construction, relocation, or expansion of utilities.
b. Would the project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
c. Would the project result in a determination by the waste water treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
The CAP is a policy-level document that does not propose development or changes to land use and zoning designations or include site-specific infrastructure designs or project proposals, nor does it grant entitlements for development that would have the potential to increase demand for water supply or wastewater treatment. Rather the CAP contains measures and actions to reduce water use, such as BE-2b, WW-1a, and CS-1b which incentivize water efficiency measures in buildings, require updates to the Ukiah Urban Water Management Plan every 5 years, update the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, increase the utilization greywater or recycled water for irrigation, and encourage regenerative land and water management. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to water supply and wastewater treatment.
d. Would the project generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? e. Would the project comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
The City contracts with a franchise garbage company, C&S Waste Solutions, for collection of garbage and green waste within the city limits. Green waste includes both organic food scraps and yard waste. Solid waste disposal services are mandatory for residential customers. Recycling is free and available at the Ukiah Valley Transfer Station.
123 The Mendocino Solid Waste Authority was formed in 1990 by the County of Mendocino and the Cities of Ukiah, Willits, and Fort Bragg. The Mendocino Solid Waste Authority provides administrative oversight and program implementation for solid waste and recycling in the County. 124
The CAP does not propose development or changes to land use and zoning designations and would not facilitate increased development and, thus, would not result in an increase in solid waste collection and disposal demand.

Rather, the CAP includes Measures SW-1 and SW-2 which aim to achieve and maintain SB 1383 requirements to reduce organic waste sent to landfills by 75 percent by 2030 and Achieve SB 1383 procurement requirements (0.08 tons recovered organic waste per person) by 2030. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to solid waste.

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78 not contribute to increases in population or induce additional population growth that would require additional use of existing utilities or service systems. Rather, implementation of the CAP would result in reduced energy and water consumption and solid waste and wastewater generation. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in an overall less than significant cumulative impact related to utilities and service systems.

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79 20 Wildfire
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan? □ □ □ ■
b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to pollutant concentrations
from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a
wildfire? □ □ □ ■
c. Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or
other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or
that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment? □ □ □ ■
d. Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes? □ □ □ ■
a. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? b. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? c. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?
d. If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the City’s western forested areas are located within a Local Responsibility Area VHFHSZ. Beyond the western boundary lays a State Responsibility Area VHFHSZ.

On the east, the City is less than a mile from another forested State Responsibility Area VHFHSZ. 125 According to the
City of Ukiah Emergency Plan, Ukiah’s terrain, vegetation, and weather conditions are favorable for the ignition and rapid spread of wildland fires which makes wildfire highly likely to occur in the area.126 UCC Chapter 3, Article 2 Sections 5205 through 5207 include regulations to mitigate the impact of hazards on new and existing developments 125 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE). 2025. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Viewer. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/03beab8511814e79a0e4eabf0d3e7247/ (accessed January 2025). 126 Ukiah, City of. 2021. Emergency Plan. https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/City-of-Ukiah-Emergency-OperationPlan.pdf. (accessed January 2025).

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80 which include zoning that prevents development in hazardous areas of the community such as floodplains, landslide areas, the wildland-urban interface, or other known hazard areas.127 The Ukiah CAP is a policy-level document that does not propose new residential, commercial, or institutional development that could be at risk from wildfire, nor does it grant entitlements for development that would have the potential to directly cause wildfire. Rather, the CAP would aim to reduce Ukiah’s contributions to and vulnerability to the effects of climate change, such as drought, flooding, and wildfire. CAP Actions CS-1b and CS-2b plan for wildfire mitigation activities including wildfire prevention efforts in the western hills and in forested areas within the City’s area of interest, as well as conducting a feasibility study to use forest biomass for energy which will help thin wildfire fuel in forests. In addition, Action BE-2c aims to enhance resilience to natural disaster like fire through the development of emergency backup power and community-scale microgrids. The Ukiah 2040 General Plan Policy SAF5.8 emphasizes site design standards for fire hazard reduction including maintenance and updating stringent site design standards (such as those contained within the Hillside Overlay District) to reduce potential fire hazard risk, particularly within VHFHSZs, and ensure that new development maintains adequate access. New residential development with VHFHSZs should be minimized.
128 CAP Actions T-2a and T-3b are consistent with this General Plan policy as they advocate for new development to be concentrated in infill, high-density areas, and not within the VHFHSZ at the edges of the City. Thus, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no impact related to wildfire exposure, exacerbation, or related emergency evacuation.

Rather, the CAP includes measures and actions that would reduce wildfire risk. Thus, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to wildfire. 127 Ukiah, City of. 2025. Ukiah City Code Chapter 3, Article 2 Sections 5205 through 5207 https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Ukiah/#!/html/Ukiah06/Ukiah0603-0200.html (accessed February 2025). 128 Ukiah, City of. 2022. Ukiah 2040 General Plan Safety Element. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/bjqha42l/rpc-2-b-ii-city-of-ukiahdraft-safety-element.pdf (accessed January 2025).

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81 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Does the project:
a. Have the potential to substantially degrade the
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or
animal or eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or prehistory? □ □ ■ □ b. Have impacts that are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively
considerable” means that the incremental effects
of a project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past projects, the
effects of other current projects, and the effects of
probable future projects). □ □ ■ □
c. Have environmental effects which will cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly? □ □ ■ □
a. Does the plan have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? The CAP is consistent with the Ukiah General Plan and encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to reduce energy and water use, fuel use, VMT, and solid waste generation and the associated GHG emissions. The CAP would not facilitate development that would degrade the quality of the environment (as addressed throughout this document), eliminate or threaten wildlife habitats or protected species (as addressed in Section 4, Biological Resources), or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory (as addressed in Section 5, Cultural Resources). Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in an overall less-thansignificant impact related to biological and cultural resources. b. Does the plan have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects).

Implementation of the CAP would result in a cumulatively beneficial reduction of GHG and air pollutant emissions across Ukiah. In addition, as discussed throughout the respective cumulative impacts discussions within this document, the CAP would not result in significant cumulative impacts. Rather, implementation of the CAP would be consistent with the Ukiah General Plan policies aimed at reducing emissions of GHGs and air pollutants, VMT, energy and water supply demands on utilities, and solid waste generation. As addressed in each individual impact section above, the Ukiah CAP would result in an overall less-than-significant cumulative impact related to the various CEQA topics addressed within this document.

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82 c. Does the plan have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
In general, impacts to human beings are associated with air quality, GHG emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, transportation, and wildfire impacts. As detailed in the preceding sections, the CAP would not result, either directly or indirectly, in substantial adverse effects related to air quality, GHG emissions, hazards, noise, transportation, or wildfire. As discussed in more detail in Section 3, Air Quality, Section 13, Noise, and Section 17, Transportation, the CAP could cause temporary construction impacts related to transportation, air quality, and noise that could, in turn, affect human beings but would not result in substantial adverse effects. In addition, as discussed throughout this document, the CAP would serve as a pathway to reduce operational GHG emissions and would result in other positive environmental and sustainability effects. These benefits include reduction in building energy and water consumption, VMT, and solid waste generation, as well as improved air quality and resiliency to the effects of climate change and natural disasters. Therefore, implementation of the Ukiah CAP would result in an overall lessthan-significant impact related to potential for adverse effects on human beings.

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83 List of Document Preparers
Rincon prepared this Ukiah CAP Initial Study-Negative Declaration under contract to the City of Ukiah. Persons involved in data gathering, environmental impact analysis, quality review, graphics preparation, and document formatting include the following.

RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC.

Kelsey Bennett, Principal-in-Charge
Emily Marino, Project Manager
Maya Lara, Environmental Analyst
Monet Bernard, Environmental Analyst
Luis Apolinar, Publishing Specialist
Isabelle Radis, Graphics Specialist

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84 This page intentionally left blank.

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Appendix A
Sources, Health Effects, and Typical Controls Associated with Criteria Pollutants

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A-1
Sources, Health Effects, and Typical Controls Associated with Criteria Pollutants Pollutant Sources Health Effects Typical Controls
Ozone (O3) Formed when reactive
organic gases (ROG) and
nitrogen oxides react in the
presence of sunlight. ROG
sources include any source
that burns fuels (e.g.,
gasoline, natural gas, wood,
oil); solvents; petroleum
processing and storage.

Breathing difficulties, lung
tissue damage, vegetation
damage, damage to rubber
and some plastics.

Reduce motor vehicle
reactive organic gas (ROG)
and nitrogen oxide (NOX)
emissions through emission
standards, reformulated
fuels, inspections programs,
and reduced vehicle use.

Limit ROG emissions from
commercial operations,
gasoline refueling facilities,
and consumer products.

Limit ROG and NOX
emissions from industrial
sources such as power
plants and manufacturing
facilities.

Carbon
monoxide (CO)
Any source that burns fuel
such as automobiles, trucks,
heavy construction and
farming equipment,
residential heating.

Chest pain in heart patients,
headaches, reduced mental
alertness.

Control motor vehicle and
industrial emissions. Use
oxygenated gasoline during
winter months. Conserve
energy
Nitrogen dioxide
(NO2)
See Carbon Monoxide. Lung irritation and damage.

Reacts in the atmosphere to
form ozone and acid rain.

Control motor vehicle and
industrial combustion
emissions. Conserve energy.

Sulfur dioxide
(SO2)
Coal or oil burning power
plants and industries,
refineries, diesel engines.

Increases lung disease and
breathing problems for
asthmatics. Reacts in the
atmosphere to form acid
rain.

Reduce use of high sulfur
fuels (e.g., use low sulfur
reformulated diesel or
natural gas). Conserve
energy.

Respirable
particulate
matter (PM10)
Road dust, windblown dust,
agriculture and construction,
fireplaces. Also formed from
other pollutants (NOX, SOX,
organics).

Increased respiratory
disease, lung damage,
cancer, premature death,
reduced visibility, surface
soiling.

Control dust sources,
industrial particulate
emissions, woodburning
stoves and fireplaces.

Reduce secondary pollutants
which react to form PM10.

Conserve energy.

Fine particulate
matter (PM2.5)
Fuel combustion in motor
vehicles, equipment, and
industrial sources; residential
and agricultural burning. Also
formed from reaction of
other pollutants (NOX, SOX,
organics, and NH3).

Increases respiratory
disease, lung damage,
cancer, and premature death,
reduced visibility, surface
soiling. Particles can
aggravate heart diseases
such as congestive heart
failure and coronary artery
disease.

Reduce combustion
emissions from motor
vehicles, equipment,
industries, and agricultural
and residential burning.

Precursor controls, like those
for ozone, reduce fine
particle formation in the
atmosphere.

Lead Metal smelters, resource
recovery, leaded gasoline,
deterioration of lead paint.

Learning disabilities, brain
and kidney damage. Control
metal smelters.

No lead in gasoline or paint.

Sulfur Dioxide
(SO2)
Coal or oil burning power
plants and industries,
refineries, diesel engines.

Increases lung disease and
breathing problems for
asthmatics. Reacts in the
atmosphere to form acid
rain.

Reduce use of high sulfur
fuels (e.g., use low sulfur
reformulated diesel or
natural gas). Conserve
energy.

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A-2
Pollutant Sources Health Effects Typical Controls
Sulfates Produced by reaction in the
air of SO2, (see SO2
sources), a component of
acid rain.

Breathing difficulties,
aggravates asthma, reduced
visibility.

See SO2
Hydrogen Sulfide Geothermal power plants,
petroleum production and
refining, sewer gas.

Nuisance odor (rotten egg
smell), headache and
breathing difficulties (higher
concentrations).

Control emissions from
geothermal power plants,
petroleum production and
refining, sewers, and sewage
treatment plants.

Visibility
Reducing
Particulates
See PM2.5 Reduced visibility (e.g.,
obscures mountains and
other scenery), reduced
airport safety.

See PM2.5
Vinyl Chloride Exhaust gases from factories
that manufacture or process
vinyl chloride (construction,
packaging, and
transportation industries).

Central nervous system
effects (e.g., dizziness,
drowsiness, headaches),
kidney irritation, liver
damage, liver cancer.

Control emissions from
plants that manufacture or
process vinyl chloride,
installation of monitoring
systems.

Toxic Air
Contaminant
(TAC)
Combustion engines
(stationary and mobile),
diesel combustion, storage
and use of TAC-containing
substances (i.e., gasoline,
lead smelting, etc.)
Depends on TAC, but may
include cancer, mutagenic
and/or teratogenic effects,
other acute or chronic health
effects.

Toxic Best Available Control
Technologies (T-BACT), limit
emissions from known
sources.

Source: Compiled by Rincon Consultants, Inc. in January 2025

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Appendix B
Description of Greenhouse Gases of California Concern

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B-1
Description of Greenhouse Gases of California Concern
Greenhouse
Gas
Physical Description and
Properties
Global
Warming
Potential
(100 years)
Atmospheric
Residence
Lifetime
(years) Sources
Carbon dioxide
(CO2)
Odorless, colorless, natural
gas.
1 50–200 Burning coal, oil, natural gas,
and wood; decomposition of
dead organic matter;
respiration of bacteria,
plants, animals, and fungus;
oceanic evaporation;
volcanic outgassing; cement
production; land use
changes
Methane
(CH4)
Flammable gas and is the
main component of natural
gas.
28 12 Geological deposits (natural
gas fields) extraction;
landfills; fermentation of
manure; and decay of
organic matter
Nitrous oxide
(N2O)
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
is a colorless GHG.
298 114 Microbial processes in soil
and water; fuel combustion;
industrial processes
Chloro-fluorocarbons
(CFCs)
Nontoxic, nonflammable,
insoluble, and chemically
unreactive in the troposphere
(level of air at the Earth’s
surface); formed synthetically
by replacing all hydrogen
atoms in methane or ethane
with chlorine and/or fluorine
atoms.
3,800–8,100 45–640 Refrigerants aerosol
propellants; cleaning
solvents.

Hydro-fluorocarbons
(HFCs)
Synthetic human-made
chemicals used as a
substitute for CFCs and
contain carbon, chlorine, and
at least one hydrogen atom.
140 to 11,700 1–50,000 Automobile air conditioners;
refrigerants
Per-fluorocarbons (PFCs)Stable molecular structures
and only break down by
ultraviolet rays about 60
kilometers above Earth’s
surface.
6,500 to 9,200 10,000–50,000 Primary aluminum
production; semiconductor
manufacturing
Sulfur
hexafluoride
(SF6)
Human-made, inorganic,
odorless, colorless, and
nontoxic, nonflammable gas.
22,800 3,200 Electrical power
transmission equipment
insulation; magnesium
industry, semiconductor
manufacturing; a tracer gas
Nitrogen
trifluoride
(NF3)
Inorganic, is used as a
replacement for PFCs, and is
a powerful oxidizing agent.
17,200 740 Electronics manufacture for
semiconductors and liquid
crystal displays.

Source: Compiled by Rincon Consultants, Inc. in January 2025

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B-2
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Climate Action Plan
Public Comments
April 7, 2025
Comment #1:

It's an impressive aspirational document, but I'm disappointed that another year will pass before seeing a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy.

At this point, I'm most interested in resilience plans for Ukiah. I think especially about the desirability of solar-powered cooling centers for the hot summer (plus late spring and early autumn) months. Also the creation of some sort of microgrid to protect the city from regional electrical outages. (In the past, when PG&E cut power because of wildfires miles away, and people and business fired up their generators). As a small city, Ukiah can't have much of an influence on GHG in the atmosphere; but measures CAN be taken, locally, and hopefully without endless delays, to protect us from the effects of global warming.

By the way, as transportation is the main driver of emissions, I don't see what the city can do to change individual choices/behavior to make an appreciable difference. Sure, education helps, but there are barriers to adopting desirable outcomes. Personally, I'd love to own an electric AWD vehicle, but I can't afford one. Anyway, thanks for your efforts, and good luck to our making progress.

Jane Ingalls
2545 Bus McGall Rd.

Ukiah, CA 95482
ATTACHMENT 4

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Comment #2
It’s about time so-called “leaders” grow up and accept the fact the Sun drives Earth’s climate, with natural events like volcanoes being the second-tier of climate influence. The January 2022 Hunga-Tonga underwater eruption, estimated as high as 61 megatons, ejected more “greenhouse gases” (water vapor) into the atmosphere than mere humans can hope to even if they tried. It’s pure hubris to pretend we are “changing Earth’s climate.” In short, there is no such thing as “manmade” (anthropogenic) “climate change.” In response to those who may say, "it's been hotter lately than ever before," I will point out that Aurorae have been visible in the Ukiah Valley several times recently, normally only seen at much higher latitudes, demonstrating greatly increased Solar activity.

The People DO NOT WANT these “mitigation efforts” imposed on us. They are a monumental waste of public funds and they incur enormous costs on common folks, directly & indirectly.

So, please, just STOP.

John Graf, Ukiah

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Comment #3:

Name: Heather Seggel
Email: [email protected]
Message: Hi! I read most of the draft plan and support any and all efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our community. Because my life since moving to Ukiah has been extremely socially isolated I can't comment on much more than I experience directly, and the things that would help me most would be expanded access to affordable public transit that serves more locations (I can get to Hillside clinic on the bus almost any time, but can only make it to Raley's/Dollar Tree/Grocery Outlet on Saturdays, which are the busiest day of the week for stores and thus a stressful time to try and shop, and I can't get to the City of 10,000 Buddhas at all). Safer walking routes would also help--I used to just take my rolling grocery cart up to the Dollar Tree every Sunday and roll it down to Lucky's and over to Redwood Credit Union, but I was threatened with violence on North State St. coming home one morning and had a man curse me out then kick my cart on Perkins, and now I do as much as I can by mail or try to do without altogether for as long as possible.

Conservation, fire hardening efforts, more charging stations--I see lots of good being done and think it will help in the long term, and wish I could help more in implementing those changes. To that end, a local climate jobs board would be nice.

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Comment # 4
Hi!
I read the draft version of the plan but my comments at the time were a bit shortsighted as I'm in Emergency Mode on several personal fronts. When I discussed my personal problems with walking around town safely or accessing things I need via public transportation, I failed to highlight the proposed solution to add more small electric jitneys to enable easier scheduling to a variety of locations! I love that idea, if it was affordable I would make a point to use it regularly just to show support, but even if it was a bit on the high side for me I would try to make it work. (Stuck inside today due to weather when I could be getting groceries, so definitely feeling how nice that would be.)
And I do think an emphasis on job creation is critical for Ukiah and the county as a whole, so prioritizing ways to fold that in could really help to ensure a Climate Action Plan succeeds. (I'm currently unemployed but have years of experience as a writer, if you ever need help getting the word out or documenting progress, etc.) Building new housing that is fire-resistant is a value most people can get behind (maybe we lose the arsonist vote), and many aspects of climate action simply come down to community care. If we make that case while helping people to live more comfortably, it feels much more possible to achieve.

Thanks for your consideration! I don't know how much longer I'll be living in Ukiah or housed at all for that matter (the property where I rent a tiny studio is being sold, and in the meantime the property management company is after me for a "resident benefits package" the owner specified he did not want charged to his tenants, and they're threatening me with penalties and damage to my credit rating which will make it impossible to move, happy springtime!), but I still insist it can be better for folks here, and will do whatever I'm capable of to help make that happen.

Best,
Heather Seggel
306 West Church St.

Ukiah

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Comment #5:

I was very impressed with the Climate Action Plan. There’s no way the Working Group could have put that together. It covers a lot. Thank you for sending it out for public comment.

Unsurprisingly, I do have a few comments:

On Building Electricity
1a How appropriate is that? To have battery storage front and center, first on the list! Yay! 2d. We need a workforce much sooner than Phase 3. I’ve been in touch with several people locally (MCOE, Workforce Alliance, Mendo College, Build Program, UUSD Adult Ed.) all of which are trying to move a workforce forward to address energy efficiency upgrades. I can give you more info if you need it.
3c Sure would be better to have streamlined permitting before 2027. I thought the City of Ukiah was using the Solar APP streamlining project. Maybe there’s something similar for energy upgrades?
On Transportation
1d Same as the comments above on timing. Safe bike lanes should be in sooner that 2027, no? So much work is being done on the streets that once they’re paved there should be safe bike lanes, right?
2a I’d love to see a local electric trolley year round on a continuous circuit around the business district of Ukiah: School, State, Perkins and Gobbi. Single vehicle drivers from out of town could park (we need much more parking near trolley stops if this is a possibility) and take the trolley to do their errands. DC used to have a Circular bus that was awesome.

On Solid Waste
All great ideas. Love the idea of shared collection and community wide organic waste diversion. It could become a huge community goal with enough education.

On Water Resources
1a, 4th bullet - what is a dual plumbing water system? Great to include greywater/recycled water ordinance. We have several water storage tanks that collect roof runoff and fill up quickly every year.

On Carbon Sequestration
1a I thought we were going to be putting in 700 trees, no? Also what is the Tree Protection Plan? Who would be responsible? Would the trees only be checked every 5-8 years? Seems like a regular schedule of areas to check every month or quarter would be more helpful.

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2c Sounds like a circular economy. We should be able to institute a program to do that. The folks on the coast are talking about a Repair Cafe. Let me know if you want any more info.

I loved reading the beginning. There are a couple of things that come to mind and questions. What are green roofs? Growing roofs? Or cool roofs: colors that stay relatively cool. Also nothing about encouraging people not to have lawns in Water Resources? What are point of sale discounts for disadvantaged communities? Doesn’t seem like we’ll be able to succeed on a call to restore a safe climate in the 2nd paragraph of the first page. But to adapt to a changing climate - yes! Is it possible to separate Paragraph on Page 4/5 into 2 paragraphs? Separate the CA info from the Ukiah info.

Climate Action Mendocino keeps encouraging incentives for a lot of these ideas. Publicity, Praise, banners, decals?
I’ve been way too busy lately, so these are some quick comments.

Thought I’d better get them off to you.

Thanks again for great work,
Eileen Mitro

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Comment #6:

Our first impression of the plan itself is that it is a nice wish list for the future of Ukiah, but there are no date, funding or how to get it done. Below are our thoughts and suggestions.

EV charging stations:
• Map for Ukiah
• Place new stations where people will stay or do business Infrastructure plan for the future:
◦ New housing developments. Make sure there are two ways to get out if a fire breaks out. Plan where it can be congestion and suggest alternative routes for each area. We can’t evacuate the whole population of Ukiah without direction
◦ Plan for micro-grids integration per block/street/section? The first sections should be possible to plan within a month or two ◦ Will the City help finance and plan these microgrids? ◦ What roads need to be expanded to meet traffic needs in the next 20-30 years?
Parking lots:
• Elevated and planted to drain water and clean it
• Solar panel cover to get energy
Bike lanes:
• Consider how many will be using it. Very hot in the summer. Not so very cozy in the winter.
• What about building solar panels over the parts of the bike paths where you have sunshine? That way the bikers can get shelter and we can gather power at the same time!
Building codes:
• Require solar power solutions on all new buildings
• Extra insulation in walls and attics
• Fire prevention around new buildings
There are two questions I would ask:

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1. What is the estimated cost for the plan?

2. What is the cost of not making this plan a reality?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nilsrokke/2024/03/20/cost-of-climate-change-why-savingour-planet-now-is-cheaper/ https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2021/09/can-the-economy-afford-not-to-fightclimate-change/ Thank you for the work you have put in to making this plan.

Indivisible Ukiah, Environmental subgroup

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Comment #7
More comments on Climate Change Plan for City of Ukiah:

Get more fast chargers all over town asap, as long as they are not available people will not buy EVs. in Measure T-4 (pg46) they want an adoption rate of 30% ZEVs by 2030 but on line T-a / 3. they are only identifying funding etc by 2030.

Repair shops for EVs and electric outdoor appliances such as electric riding movers etc need to be available in town not somewhere south.

Incidentally I stopped by Ken Fowler and inquired about servicing EVs.

They said that they can handle the mechanical part but not the electrical. However they also said that one of their technicians is getting trained, but it takes 1 year before accreditation. A step in the right direction!!!
Measure SW-1: we need to educate people about waste sorting etc, this might be an excellent opportunity for volunteers to go to schools and start them young. Provide recycling and trash collection to homeless people. (maybe that exists already?)
Speaking of volunteerism, where do volunteers fit within the effort to make Ukiah's environment resilient?
LAKE PILSBURRY, could the city own it? Possibly an important source of water for fire suppression.

Measure CS1: Make a selection of trees that will do well in a hot, drought prone urban setting with canopies that actually achieve shading and give those trees an actual chance to thrive (see "Green sustainable Parking guide below)
Develop and make publicly available a list of plant materials adapted for our local climate with watering guides for residential and commercial properties.
water trees not lawns
I mentioned green parking spaces and found this PDF which explains in

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detail how it all works, pulled out a couple of images to wet your appetite to read this. I think if Ukiah is serious about greening things up this is the best solution as it comes to parking wether in mall parking lots or larger apartment complexes. I know you like the idea of putting solar over parking areas but we do already have rooftops that would be a better solution, or maybe a mix of things where retrofitting roofs is just too costly.
https://library.weconservepa.org/library_items/1733/files/1953 Thank you,
Indivisible Ukiah, Environmental subgroup

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Comment #8:

Comments by Peggy Backup [email protected]
March 28, 2025
General Comments
Because the City owns and operates the Electric Utility Department, the City can prioritize, move at its own speed, and serve as a model for other communities. As a small City, Ukiah is also more nimble than larger cities. In order to take full advantage of our strategic advantages, Ukiah should set aggressive goals in those sectors it controls, such as decarbonizing municipal buildings and providing resilience center(s) with locally generated power and backup.

Based on these considerations, I suggest moving up several timetables for multiple reasons:

Ø because we can
Ø people need to see preliminary progress in order to believe more progress is possible Ø people need to know the City is serious and will protect them Ø the first 25% is often the most difficult to achieve
Ø the remaining 75% may happen almost automatically
Ø it is not wise to put targets off into the future and hope for miracles Ø the City can lead by example
The City should encourage and incentivize installing EV chargers at commercial centers and residences in order to avoid future bottlenecks.

If feasible, the City should move up creating a Climate Resilience & Adaptation Strategy.

Page numbers refer first to the online document; the following number in parentheses refers to the hard copy page number.

Specific Comments
Land Acknowledgement: I wouLd like the City to explore giving land to local tribes to own or to co-manage with the City, especially land of high cultural relevance. Recently, I became more aware of the value of land with harvestable plants; such parcels may be valuable even if small. Clearly, asking local Indigenous people what they want/need is a good first step. P 3

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Introduction: Ukiah is expanding its City limits, eg the recently annexed Western hills.

Therefore its footprint may no longer be defined by 2022 City limits. P 13 (1) Local Renewable Power & Storage: Add, the City can invest in City-owned microgrids and batteries to power essential services during blackouts. (I see that this topic is covered later in document; add here too?) p 23 (11)
Circular Economy: City can promote circular economy (CE) adoption by showcasing businesses that already utilize these principles; provide incentives for adoption of CE practices, and by prioritizing purchases from CE businesses. (Glad you are addressing CE).

P 24 (12)
Resource Conservation & Land Use: Add permanently protect the City’s watershed and aquifers. P 24 (12)
Measure BE-1: Move up timetable to 100% renewable and zero-carbon by 2030. p 25 (13) Measure BE-2: Move up timetable to 25% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Provide incentives for businesses and private residences to decarbonize. p 25 (13) Measure BE-4: Move up timetable to decarbonize 100% of municipal buildings by 2030. p 25 (13)
Measure T-4: Move up timetable to zero-emission vehicle adoption rates of 50% for passenger and commercial vehicles by 2030 and 100% for all by 2045. p 26 (14) Table 4. Growth Metrics for Ukiah: It is difficult to project growth accurately. Ukiah’s could be much higher than these projections due to potential Bay Area escapees and plentiful water locally. Are there any provisions for this possibility? For example, are there any limits to future growth? Personally I wouldn’t want to live here if Ukiah became a much larger city and lost its small town charm. It would be wise for the City to decouple its economic health from continued growth, whether or not the City population continues to grow. P 33 (21) Renewable Energy & Carbon-Free Electricity: Move up timetable to 100% by 2030 to align with revised BE-1. P 40 (28)

4.1 Measures & Actions Detail BE-1: 100% of electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources by 2030; change individual goals accordingly. P 41 (29) Measure BE-2: Decarbonize 25% of buildings by 2030 and 100% by 2040. p 41 (29) BE-2b Promoting & incentivizing increased insulation; change individual goals accordingly.

P 41 (29)

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Measure BE-4: Decarbonize 100% of municipal buildings by 2030. p 42 (30)

5.1 Measures & Actions Detail: T-1a Prioritize off-street bikeways & walkways; prioritize bikeways & walkways accessing schools, shopping, and downtown; provide some walkways separate from bikeways; figure out where e-bikes, scooters, etc. belong. P44 (32) Measure T-4: Achieve zero-emission vehicle adoption rate of 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2045; change goals accordingly for greenhouse gas emissions. P 46 (34) Table 19 Measure SW-1 Actions: Provide landfill, recyclable and compostable bins at City events (eg, Todd Grove Music in the Park, Alex Thomas festivals, Ukiah Conference Center, etc) and provide person(s) to stand by bins to direct the public in how to sort wastes. It would be helpful to also provide a person to make a short public announcement at the beginning of each event to indicate what is expected. (High school students could help with this.) p 49 (37)
Table 21 Measure WR-1 Actions: Educate about & incentivize individual greywater and rainwater catchment systems. P 51 (39)
Table 24 CAP Implementation & Monitoring: Align dates with previous recommendations for BE-1, 2, 4 and T-4 as feasible. P 55-61 (43-49)

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Comment #9 :

Name: D. E. (Rick) Johnson
Email: [email protected]
Message: In summary, I urge any action taken by the City to do the least harm to the health and (economic) well-being to the Citizens of Ukiah with the minimum amount of compliance to requirements and mandates imposed by the State of California.

The two demographics that could be most negatively impacted by measures are seniors and those with low income, both of which represent a significant portion of the population.

Seniors tend to be more sensitive to seasonal temperature changes and so they keep their dwellings warmer in the winter and need cooling systems to reduce temperatures during the hot days of summer. Hence a dependency on natural gas in the winter and more electricity in the summer. The median income in Ukiah is well below that of the State of California. Those in the lower income brackets do not have the resources to convert household appliances or to obtain electric vehicles and would feel the economic pressure of higher electric bills. A significant percentage of them travel outside of the City to their place of employment so increases in the prices of traditional fuels and/or the additional inconvenience of obtaining fuels or recharging their vehicles places an extra burden on them.

The largest reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would have to come from transportation and electricity generation. Moving from gasoline and diesel to electric requires more electricity to be generated. One study I saw concluded electric consumption would increase by 93%. In addition, a significant amount of electricity consumed in California comes from natural gas, oil, and coal. Technologies exist to fill the gap with renewables, but if solar and wind were more economic than natural gas, they would already be in place. Geothermal is economic, but it is also limited to where it can be sourced and to the amount the magma below the crust is able to heat the water to make steam. Nuclear is a great option and is used by many European nations, but is not embraced in the US, and in particular, California.

Hydroelectric is also a good source, but has pretty much been built out in California. It is unfortunate that the Potter Valley Project is being dismantled as it produces low cost hydroelectricity from three locations (Scotts Dam, Potter Valley Power Station, and Coyote Dam). I really feel that another look at whether to decommission the Project be done. The bottom line is determining where all of the green power going to come from and how much of the cost will get shifted from those in the low income to others. Businesses will have to pass on the cost, and all consumers will see higher grocery bills and higher costs for other

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services … which may cause some businesses to shutter because they become priced out of the (local) market (remember the median income here is low and so much of what Ukiah needs has to be trucked in).

An action item in the CAP should be to understand the traffic patterns. Most importantly is where do people have to travel to get to work. Also, where do people come from to work here. I would be surprised if there would be a feasible public transpiration option.

Another action item would be to estimate the increased electricity requirement, determine where that electricity will come from, and the cost the City would have to incur to upgrade the capacity of existing transmission and distribution infrastructure. With carbon-based fuel reduction targets in the not too distant future, projects need to be on the drawing board now to secure funding with construction plans soon to follow.

A part of the proposed CAP involves carbon sequestration by planting trees. Trees require water and if the Potter Valley Project is dismantled, there will be less water for trees.

Another part of the CAP includes reducing water use. What makes Ukiah a beautiful place to live are trees, plants, and gardens. Plant life absorbs solar radiation making the surrounding area cooler. Compared to bare ground or brown lawns, it probably helps to keep dwellings cooler in the summer.
——
This next part is going to fall on deaf ears because jobs and grants depend on money flowing in to combat Climate Change. The initial statement in bold is intended cause the uninformed to believe there is a serious and imminent crisis brewing and immediate drastic action is needed. There is nothing in the 70 or so pages that show Ukiah is at any more at risk than any other place in the state.

Anyone who has learned about geologic history, has to know that the planet has gone through cold periods and warm periods. Millions of years ago, the planet went through ice ages and very warm times. Even in recorded history, there was the medieval warming period in which the Vikings travelled and settled in places like Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland. This was followed by a cooling period in which the Greenland settlements disappeared. There is a lot of talk about droughts in California. The average annual rainfall in

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Ukiah is about 36”, but ‘average’ is not 'normal’. What is normal is large differences in rainfall from year to year. I have rainfall data in San Francisco in the 1860’s where difference in year to year rainfall was quite significant. This happened well before cars were invented and the widespread use of carbon-based fuels other than wood. Typically for every wet year, there are two dry years which is why California needs water storage.

Carbon dioxide is indeed a Greenhouse Gas (GHG). But water vapor is also a GHG and a product of combustion and it accounts for a significant greater amount in our atmosphere than CO2. As much as 3% compared to 400ppm. Its Heat Capacity, per unit weight, is about 50% higher than CO2.

Scientists drilled into the Antarctic and studied the Vostok Ice Cores. They found that over geologic time, there were periods when CO2 levels were much higher than today. They also determined that higher levels of CO2 levels followed periods of warming, contrary to the theory that higher CO2 levels cause significant warming. The increases in temperature that we see now are for the most part natural, but to be fair man has contributed some incremental CO2 as well as changing the climate in localized areas with paving and roofing, irrigation, and deforestation.

A warmer planet is better than a cooler planet. More people pass away from extreme cold than they do from extreme heat.

When I visited a greenhouse in Iceland, I was told that they inject CO2 which helps the crops grow and increase the yield of produce. For agriculture, more CO2 is really a good thing especially with warmer temperatures.

IPCC models have over predicted temperature rise by as much as three times. Computer models are useful tools, but they are also educated guesses. I have used them in my engineering work, but have taken the results with a grain of salt because they involve complex equations and assumptions to describe changes in physical properties and transport phenomenon. Care should be exercised in using the results when the consequences of being wrong can not only waste a lot of money but create severe economic hardship, which often leads to civil unrest and ecological destruction. (I lived a number of years in the tropics, where some locals were involved in mass deforestation and trapping of rare animals because people will do what they need to do to provide for their families).

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The planet is warming, but sea levels are increasing only fractions of an inch each year instead a predicted 8-10’ rise over 50 years. Polar bear populations were supposed to decrease with less Arctic ice instead they have increased significantly.

Extremely large CO2 emitters like China and India are exempt from controlling their emissions. I’ve heard that China commissions a new coal fired power plant about one per week. So, how will relatively minuscule reductions of CO2 here in Ukiah even make a dent? ——
I am not a credentialed climatologist, but I have a good grasp in related science. I graduated with honors from UCDavis with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I have studied solution chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, microbiology, and biochemistry among other things. I have been a registered Engineer in California for almost 50 years. I have worked with CO2 in its various forms: gas, dissolved gas, carbonate and bicarbonate solutions, and in its solid form as scale.

I believe in being a good steward of the environment and put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. We live here in town and have 14 trees on our property. We selected our home location, in part, because we can walk downtown. When it is impractical to walk, I ride a bicycle to run errands, for recreation, and when the weather is nice, to and from the health club on the south end of town. I’m a golfer and I walk our golf course. We have solar panels on our roof. When we replaced our cars, we purchased hybrids. Having done some growing up in Davis as a kid, and later as a college student, I am all in for bike paths and bike lanes.

When I worked in the tropics, I did manage to convince the management of my company to preserve 60 acres of jungle from the poachers.

I’m telling you all this so I don’t come across as a ‘skeptic’ rather than a ‘denier’. There are thousands of climate scholars who are also skeptics. There is no need to take drastic action that can significantly and negatively impact a large segment of the population. Doing something may or may not have an effect on global temperature, but it will certainly affect the health and economic wellbeing of our fellow citizens. I believe the best way to cause change is organically. When new technologies emerge that will economically replace oil and natural gas, the change will happen on its own and we will enjoy even cleaner air, water, and land. I understand that the City needs to do something to comply with the State’s mandate,

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I just ask that prudence be exercised.

Thank you for reading through my comment.
---

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Comment #10:

I appreciate all the good work that has gone into the CAP. I realize it’s an outline and will require all of us to come up with the specifics to best implement these ideas. Just a few comments:

Regarding food waste, can we add something in about food recovery? (or did I miss it?), that is work that NCO is already doing, and also required by SB 1383.

I like the idea of “low stress bikeways”, to me that means dedicated bike lanes.

On the subject of active transportation, there are some very dangerous areas on South State Street, which would be good to plan for now, even before annexation. I drive that way in the early morning and see kids lined up waiting for the school buses, in the dark in winter, no sidewalk or way to walk safely or stay safely off the road. Safe Routes to Schools! So important! I also see adults walking along South State, no protection from cars, especially where speed limit goes up to 45 MPH. If we make walking and biking safer, more people would participate!
one more thing, more related to climate adaptation but super important— Any new developments, anywhere in town, but especially in or near the hills (west or east) should have a second exit route.

Classic case of not planning for this is Brooktrails, last I heard they are still scrambling to get a safe exit route, I think they made the “top 10 list” for most dangerous in case of need to evacuate in California, let’s not duplicate this!
thank you!
Judy Luria
Ukiah

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Comment #11
Howdy Blake,
This Climate Action Plan looks good. My comments will focus specifically on the energy elements of the plan.

I understand this document is intended to be aspirational, which it is, but a supplemental document should also be drafted, if we want the nice words to become manifested reality. For example, pick a few specific projects to actualize the goals of adding local energy storage and solar production.

If the City installed a 50MWh battery right now, it would deal with the growing problem of mid day solar production, and pay for itself by using cheap mid day power to replace expensive evening power. A large utility scale battery would also give the utility practice in how to manage this new kind of power, which is a load sometimes and a source at other times.

Pick a parking lot and install a canopy solar array, just like the school district did several years ago at three of their locations. This first project would give experience in the logistics of working with land owners and businesses that are one of the barriers to wide spread solar canopies throughout the city. It would also give experience in the various kinds of funding available.

The electric utility should be working right now on how plans for expansion to deal with the decarbonization goals set be the State. It is understood that electrical power capacity needs to increase by a factor of three overall, as well has installing more local power production and storage. Managing this new distributed energy system will require new skills in the city electric utility.

The utility and the City should develop power resiliency plans, identifying and prioritizing which services and economic parts of the city need to be power resilient, without depending on any of the fossil fuels, which are not only making the planet more uninhabitable, but are finite and becoming more unaffordable each year. Backup power using fossil fuels are a sunk cost, rarely paying the cost of installation.

Sincerely,
Crispin B. Hollinshead

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April 2, 2025
Blake Adams
Chief Resilience Officer
City of Ukiah Civic Center’s Customer Service Desk
300 Seminary Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482
Submitted via email to: [email protected]
RE: City of Ukiah’s Draft Climate Action Plan
To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of Russian Riverkeeper (RRK), I welcome the opportunity to submit these comments for the “Draft Climate Action Plan” or “CAP.” Russian Riverkeeper is a local nonprofit that has been successfully protecting the Russian River watershed since 1993. Our mission is to protect and restore our watershed environment for the benefit of current and future generation. To achieve this, we actively pursue the protection and restoration of our watershed, including its mainstem and tributaries, and our groundwaters through scientifically based advocacy, public outreach, and direct engagement with the Russian River community. For that reason, we submit the following comments.

While the draft CAP acknowledges the challenges of climate change, we believe that the plan could better address water availability concerns specific to the Upper Russian River Watershed.

This watershed is a critical source of water for Ukiah and surrounding communities, and it faces increasing pressures due to prolonged droughts, extreme weather events, and growing demands.

As our region continues to be asked to do more with less and at times that do not align with the greatest needs, we must become more critical of how our limited supplies are used and begin to evoke more proactive measures so that our environment and communities are not placed at greater risk. For these reasons, we urge the City of Ukiah to incorporate stronger and more proactive measures to ensure long-term water sustainability.

In furtherance of Ukiah’s commitment to a holistic approach to climate change, it is important that the City extend this commitment to the resulting impacts of climate change itself—in particular its impacts on our water supply. Often times climate change is discussed in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but its impacts go far beyond rising temperatures and carbon levels.

One of the most immediate and severe consequences of climate change is its disruption of the water cycle, which directly affects water availability in the Upper Russian River Watershed and throughout our region as we have regularly witnessed. Increasingly unpredictable precipitation, prolonged droughts, and increased evapotranspiration are straining already over-allocated water resources. Without a comprehensive approach that prioritizes water sustainability, the consequences of climate change will continue to manifest as water shortages, ecological degradation, and threats to agricultural and municipal water security.

Comment #12

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Water availability must be recognized as a central pillar of any climate action plan. While reducing emissions is critical, communities like Ukiah must also prepare for the inevitable shifts in water supply and demand. A failure to address water resilience will undermine long-term sustainability efforts, impacting ecosystems, food production, and local economies. By further prioritizing things like proactive water conservation, groundwater management, restoration of ecological functions, transparency in use, and proactive drought preparedness, Ukiah can create a climate action plan that truly reflects the multifaceted nature of climate change, its impact on our region, and the tools needed to protect against those impacts.

Increased water protections and sustainability measures can also be directly tied to enhanced public access to the Russian River, providing a vital climate refuge for Ukiah residents. As extreme heat events become more frequent due to climate change, maintaining and expanding shaded, accessible riverfront areas can offer natural cooling and recreational benefits. By improving things like water quality, restoring riparian vegetation, protecting groundwater, and helping to ensure instream flows are not unlawfully used, Ukiah can help create a resilient natural space that supports both ecological health and community well-being. Investing in new green infrastructure along the river, like the Norgard Lane proposal, will ensure that the Russian River remains a valuable public resource in an increasingly warming climate.

We urge city leaders to integrate these recommendations to help fortify our larger community against the worsening impacts of climate change. We appreciate the opportunity to provide comment and welcome any questions that you may have.

Sincerely,
Jaime Neary Don McEnhill
Policy Director & Staff Attorney Deputy Director
Russian Riverkeeper Russian Riverkeeper

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1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADOPTING THE INITIAL

STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FOR THE CITY OF UKIAH CLIMATE ACTION PLAN.

WHEREAS:

1. The City of Ukiah has prepared a Climate Action Plan (CAP); and

2. The City of Ukiah, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, has prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) dated February 2025 which analyzes the environmental impacts of the CAP; and

3. The IS/ND concluded that the Project would not cause any significant environmental impacts; and

4. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt the Negative Declaration was circulated for 30 calendar days, beginning on February 27, 2025 and ending on March 28, 2025; and

5. The City transmitted the NOI, IS/ND, and other relevant documents in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines, to the State Clearinghouse (SCH) for review; and

6. The Notice of Intent to adopt the Negative Declaration provided notice to all interested persons and agencies inviting comments on the Draft IS/ND in accordance with the provisions of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines; and

7. The public review and state review period for the NOI, IS/ND, and other relevant documents concluded with no public comments received; and

8. On May 2, 2025, a Notice of Public Hearing was duly posted for consideration of the adoption of the Draft CAP and consideration of the IS/ND by the City Council at a public hearing on May 21, 2025; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. The above recitals are true and correct, and incorporated herein by this reference.

2. The City Council hereby adopts the Initial Study/Negative Declaration which has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:

1. The IS/ND and record of proceedings of the decision on the CAP are available for public review at the City of Ukiah Community Development Department, Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue, Ukiah, CA.

2. On May 21, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to receive public comment and consider approval of the IS/ND for the Project. The IS/ND was approved by the City Council via Resolution No. 2025-__ and reflects the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis.

ATTACHMENT 5

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2 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of May, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_______________________________
Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Kristine Lawler, City Clerk/CMC

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1 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-__XX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADOPTING THE 2025 UKIAH

CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS:

1. The City of Ukiah has prepared a 2025 Climate Action Plan (CAP) in compliance with the Ukiah 2040 General Plan and the 2024 City Council Strategic Plan; and

2. A Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive document aiming to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change locally, reflecting the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development; and

3. The 2025 CAP includes a plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and included targets to achieve 40 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction below 1990 levels by 2030, and 100 percent below 1990 levels by 2045; and

4. The CAP Project Team, consisting of City staff, consultants, and members of Climate Action Ad Hoc Committee, developed the 2025 CAP; and

5. Considerable public engagement and outreach was undertaken to support the development of the 2025 CAP, including surveys, workshops, focus groups, public comment periods, and events; and

6. The 2025 CAP, including Appendix A-F, will serve as a programmatic tiering document under CEQA and a tool for GHG analysis and mitigation review for new projects, helping guide future planning, development, and municipal policy decisions; and

7. The 2025 CAP includes a 2022 GHG emissions inventory, projecting GHG emissions forecasted to 2045, as well as GHG reduction strategies, an implementation plan, and monitoring plan; and

8. The GHG reduction strategies are divided into sectors related to Building Energy, Transportation, Solid Waste, Water Resources, and Carbon Sequestration; and

9. The 2025 CAP provides a set of implementation measures and programs to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with vehicle trips, energy consumption, and solid waste; and

10. The 2025 CAP sets forth an objective of reducing carbon emissions by 100% by 2045; and

11. The 2025 CAP incorporates all necessary components to comply with current state mandates around climate change; and

12. The 2025 CAP completes Implementation Program M, Adopt a Municipal Climate Action Plan (CAP), of the 2040 General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element, as well as fulfilling Goals ENV-8 and PFS-3 and Policies ENV-8.1, ENV-8.3, and ENV-9.1 of the General Plan.

ATTACHMENT 6

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2 13. A California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review was conducted, and an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) was prepared for the 2025 CAP that states that the proposed CAP will not result in significant environmental impacts, eliminating the need for further analysis or mitigation measures; and

14. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt the Negative Declaration was circulated for 30 calendar days, beginning on February 27, 2025 and ending on March 28, 2025; and

15. The CEQA public review and state review period for the IS/ND and other relevant CEQA documents concluded on March 28, 2025, with no public comments received; and

16. The City of Ukiah provided a Draft 2025 CAP online for review and public comment between March 3, 2025 and April 2, 2025; and

17. On May 2, 2025, a Notice of Public Hearing was duly posted for a May 21, 2025 public hearing of the City of Ukiah City Council for consideration of the adoption of the Draft CAP.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. The City Council of the City of Ukiah, based on the following findings and considering the staff report and the whole of the record related to this project, adopts the 2025 CAP as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference; and

2. The proposed 2025 CAP establishes appropriate goals, policies, and programs to address climate change, energy, waste management, resiliency, leadership, and transportation; and

3. The proposed 2025 CAP will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare of the City; and

4. The proposed 2025 CAP is consistent with the City's 2040 General Plan.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of May, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:

Kristine Lawler, City Clerk/CMC

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Agenda Item No: 12.b.

MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/21/2025

ITEM NO: 2025-565

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Review and Consider Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Fee Schedule of the Planning and Building Divisions of the Department of Community Development to Add Two Fees Associated with the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance, No. 2024-1250.

DEPARTMENT: Community
Development PREPARED BY:

Craig Schlatter, Community Development Director,
Matt Keizer, Chief Building Official / Fire Code
Official UVFD
PRESENTER:

Craig Schlatter, Community Development
Director; Matt Keizer, Chief Building Official/Chief
Code Enforcement Officer
ATTACHMENTS:

1. 1250 - Adding Code for Vacant and Abandoned Properties

2. Draft Fee Schedule Resolution- Planning and Building Summary: Council will review and consider the adoption of a resolution amending the fee schedule of the Planning and Building Divisions of the Community Development Department to add two fees associated with administration of the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance, No. 2024- 1250.

Background: On January 15, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2024-1250, adding Chapter 13 to Division 3 of the Ukiah City Code, entitled "Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance" (Attachment 1). The purpose of the Ordinance was "...to establish an abandoned and vacant property registration program for residential or commercial properties as a mechanism to protect neighborhoods and commercial areas from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned and vacated properties." The Ordinance became effective February 14, 2025, and Staff of the Code Enforcement Division has begun identifying and cataloging vacant properties throughout Ukiah.

During the December 18, 2024, public hearing at which a draft of the Ordinance was introduced, Staff recommended that two fees listed within the Ordinance- the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration Fee (Section 3482C) and Vacant and Abandoned Property Annual Monitoring Fee (Section 3486C)- not be set until after the Ordinance was effective/implemented. This would allow Staff time to analyze the costs of these activities such that fees could be proposed in alignment with costs for implementation.

Discussion: In the last three months of implementation of Ordinance No. 2024-1250, Staff has completed an analysis of staffing resources needed for effective implementation of the Ordinance pertaining to annual registration and ongoing vacant building monitoring activities. Based on this analysis, the following fees are proposed:

1. Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration Fee = $150 The Ordinance requires that all abandoned or vacant properties be registered with the Business Services Division of the City of Ukiah Community Development Department. This registration is to include an initial inspection by City of Ukiah Code Compliance staff, as well as application intake, review, and processing by Code Compliance and Business Services staff.

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2. Vacant and Abandoned Property Annual Monitoring Fee = $500 The Ordinance imposes upon every owner of a vacant building an annual vacant building monitoring fee. The monitoring fee is to include ongoing monthly monitoring and compliance tracking services by City of Ukiah Business Services and Code Compliance staff.

The two recommended fees are separate from enforcement penalties and fines already listed in the Ordinance under Section 3487, Enforcement, Subpart C, which notes: "...the enforcement official may issue an administrative citation for each day a violation exists, containing fines up to $1,000 per day, per violation, as provided in Chapter 12, Division 3 of this Code, or up to $2,500 per day, per violation, as provided in Chapter 11, Division 3 of this Code, whichever is applicable." A table within 3487C provides guidance as to how these fines would be applied.

Staff additionally notes that under Section 3486D, Fee Waiver, the vacant building monitoring fee is waived upon a showing by the owner that either 1) the owner has obtained a building permit and is progressing diligently to repair the premises for occupancy; or 2) the building meets all applicable codes and is actively being offered for sale, lease, or rent.

Staff recommends Council adopt the Resolution in Attachment 2 amending the Fee Schedule of the Planning and Building Divisions of the Community Development Department to add a Registration Fee and Annual Vacant Building Monitoring Fee in accordance with Ordinance No. 2024-1250, the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance.

Recommended Action: Adopt resolution amending the Fee Schedule of the Planning and Building Divisions of the Community Development Department to add an Annual Registration Fee and Vacant Building Monitoring Fee for the Department's administration of the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance.

BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
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: N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN (SP): N/A
CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): N/A
GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): GP-A1 - Land Use Element, Policy LU-14.1 Code Enforcement.

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ORDINANCE NO. 2024 - 1260
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH ADDING CHAPTER 13 TO DIVISION 3 OF THE CITY CODE, ENTITLED " VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE".

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

SECTION ONE. FINDINGS
Neglected vacant or abandoned properties are a major source of blight in the City of Ukiah and pose serious threats to public health, safety, and welfare. They attract criminal and unsafe activities, and as such, are vulnerable to fire, theft, and other illegal activities. The presence of neglected vacant or abandoned buildings and storefronts can lead to neighborhood decline, create nuisance conditions, lower property values, and discourage investment.

2. It is the responsibility of property owners, lenders, trustees, or others with possessory, equitable, or legal interests in the neglected vacant or abandoned lots, buildings including without limitation historic buildings or structures, to maintain, secure, and prevent these buildings and lots from becoming a burden to the neighborhood and community or a threat to public health, safety and welfare.

SECTION TWO.

A new Chapter 13, entitled " VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE," shall be added to Division 3 of the Ukiah City Code and shall read as follows:

CHAPTER 13 VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE 3480 PURPOSE
It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Ukiah through the adoption of this Chapter, to establish an abandoned or vacant property registration program for residential and commercial properties as a mechanism to protect neighborhoods and commercial areas from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned and vacated properties, which program and procedures shall be in addition to all other proceedings authorized by this Code or otherwise by law. 3481 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following words and phrases are defined as set forth below:

Abandoned Property: Real property that is vacant and either:

Under a current notice of default;

2. Under a current notice of trustee' s sale;

3. Pending a tax assessor' s lien sale;

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ATTACHMENT 1

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4. The subject of a foreclosure sale where the title was retained by the beneficiary of a deed of trust involved in the foreclosure; or

5. Transferred under a deed in lieu of a foreclosure sale.

Beneficiary: A lender or holder of a note secured by a deed of trust. When any act is required of the beneficiary and/ or the trustee by this Chapter, both are responsible for performing such act and may be charged with a violation of this Code for failure to act.

Deed of Trust: An instrument by which title to real estate is transferred to a third -party trustee as security for a real estate loan and often used in California instead of a mortgage. This term shall include any and all subsequent deeds of trust, i. e., second trust deed, third trust deed, etc.

Distressed: A property that is legally occupied, and either:

Under a current notice of default;

2. Under a current notice of trustee' s sale;

3. Pending a tax assessor's lien sale;

4. The subject of a foreclosure sale where the title was retained by the beneficiary of a deed of trust involved in the foreclosure; or

5. Transferred under a deed in lieu of a foreclosure sale.

Evidence of vacancy: Any condition that, on its own or combined with other existing conditions, would lead a reasonable person to believe that a property is vacant and not occupied by authorized persons.

Such conditions include, but are not limited to, overgrown and/ or dead vegetation, accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers and/ or mail, past due utility notices or disconnected utilities, accumulation of trash, junk and/or debris, the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds and/ or shutters, the absence of furnishings and/ or personal items consistent with residential habitation, and statements by neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, government employees that the property is vacant.

Legal owner: An owner of residential property purchased by that owner at a foreclosure sale or acquired by that owner through foreclosure under a mortgage or deed of trust, as the term is used in California Civil Code § 2929. 3.

Local: Within the City of Ukiah city limits.

Notice of default: A recorded notice that a default has occurred under a deed of trust and that the beneficiary intends to proceed with a trustee' s sale.

Out of area: outside the City of Ukiah city limits.

Owner: The person having recorded title to the property at any given point in time the record is provided by the Mendocino County recorder's office.

Property: Any unimproved or improved real property, or portion thereof, situated in the City, including the buildings or structures located thereon. 0

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Responsible person: Any person, partnership, association, corporation or fiduciary having legal or equitable title to or any interest in any real property. This term includes trustees and beneficiaries of a deed of trust on the property and any other lien holder on the property.

Secure, Securing: Such measures as may be directed by the City Manager, Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, or their authorized agents, that assist in rendering the property inaccessible to unauthorized persons, including, but not limited to, the repairing of fences and walls, chaining or padlocking of gates, the repairing or boarding of doors, windows and/ or other openings. If boarding of the property is required, such boarding shall be completed to a minimum of the current securing standards of the department of housing and urban development.

Trustee: The person, firm or corporation holding a deed of trust on a property. When any act is required of the beneficiary and/ or the trustee by this Chapter, both are responsible for performing such act and may be charged with a violation of this Code for failure to act.

Trustor: A borrower under a deed of trust who deeds property to a trustee as security for the payment of a debt.

Vacant: A property that is not occupied by authorized persons. 3482 REGISTRATION OF ABANDONED OR VACANT PROPERTIES
A. All abandoned or vacant properties shall be registered with the Business Services Division of the City of Ukiah Community Development Department in accordance with this Section. Any beneficiary and/or trustee who holds a deed of trust on a property located within the City shall, upon default by the trustor, perform an inspection of the property that is security for that deed of trust. This inspection shall be performed prior to recordation of a notice of default with the Mendocino County recorder' s office. If the property is found to be vacant, or shows evidence of vacancy, such property shall be deemed abandoned for purposes of this Chapter, and the beneficiary and/ or trustee shall, within ten days of the inspection, register the property with the Community Development Department, on a form provided by the Business Services Division. If the property is occupied by authorized persons at the time of inspection, the property shall be re -inspected on a monthly basis until:

1. The default is remedied by the trustor;

2. The foreclosure is completed and the ownership is transferred to a new owner who is not the former beneficiary and/or trustee; or

3. The property is found to be vacant, at which time it shall be registered with the Business Services Division of the Community Development Department within ten days of the inspection.

B. Registration under this Chapter shall include the following information for both the beneficiary and trustee:

1. The street address ( not a P. O. box) of the corporation or individual, and if different, the mailing address.

2. A direct contact name and telephone number for the person handling the deed of trust and/ or foreclosure.

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3. The local property manager responsible for the security and maintenance of the property, if the beneficiary or trustee is located out of the area or if the beneficiary or trustee is unable to conduct regular inspections and maintenance of the registered property.

C. The registration shall also include the annual registration fee, as established and as may be adjusted from time to time by City Council resolution. The amount of the fee charges shall not exceed the reasonable estimated cost of administering the provisions of this Chapter.

D. Registration of a property shall be valid for one year from the date that the property is registered with the City. Registration with the City shall be annually renewed prior to the expiration of the current registration.

E. Any change in the information required by Subsection B of this Section must be reported to the Business Services Division of the Community Development Department within ten days of that change.
3483 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Responsible persons, including beneficiaries and/ or trustees, shall maintain vacant, abandoned or distressed properties located within City limits, as set forth below:

A. The property shall be kept free of items that show evidence that the property is vacant or abandoned, including, but not limited to, weeds, dry brush, dead or overgrown vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, accumulated newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices, discarded personal items, such as furniture, clothing, appliances, and printed material.

B. The property, or structures thereon, shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging or similar markings by removal or painting over with an exterior grade of paint that matches the color of the exterior of the affected structure or property.

C. Visible front and side yards of such property shall be acceptably landscaped and maintained.

1. Acceptable landscaping includes, but is not limited to, grass or similar ground cover; bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings; and decorative rock or bark. Unacceptable landscaping includes, but is not limited to, weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, decomposed granite, plastic sheeting, mulch, indoor -outdoor carpet or other similar materials.

2. Acceptable maintenance includes, but is not limited to, regular watering, irrigation, mowing, cuffing, trimming or pruning of vegetation and removal thereof.

D. Pools, spas, and hot tubs shall either be:

1. Kept in working order so that the water remains clear and free of pollutants, debris, mosquitoes, mosquito larvae or other similar pests, or

2. Drained and kept dry.

All properties with pools, spas, or hot tubs must comply with security fencing requirements mandated by California law.

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E. If any vacant or abandoned property is owned by an out of area beneficiary, trustee, or owner, such person or entity shall contract with a local property management company to perform maintenance required by this Section.

F. Compliance with this Chapter does not relieve any responsible person of any other obligations set forth in this Code or other state and federal laws, or covenants conditions and restrictions, or any homeowners' association rules that may apply to the property. 3484 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
A. Responsible persons shall secure all vacant and abandoned properties against unauthorized entry.

This includes, but is not limited to, closing and locking all windows, doors (including sliding doors and garage doors), gates, and any other openings of such size that would allow a child to access the interior of the property and buildings or structures thereon. If doors or windows cannot be secured by other means, they may be boarded.

B. If any vacant or abandoned property is owned by an out of area beneficiary, trustee, or owner, and if such beneficiary, trustee, or owner cannot physically maintain and regularly inspect the property, such person or entity shall contract with a local property management company to perform weekly inspections to ensure that the requirements of this Chapter, and any other applicable laws, are being met.

C. All vacant and abandoned property shall be posted with the name and a 24- hour contact phone number for the trustee, beneficiary, owner or local property management company responsible for the maintenance and security of the property. The posting shall conform to the following requirements:

1. The posting shall be 18" X 24" and lettering on the posting shall be of a 1" font size.

2. The posting shall state " THIS PROPERTY MANAGED BY TO REPORT PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS, CALL "

3. The posting may be placed in any of the following locations, so long as the posting is visible from the street facing the front of the property:
a. In the interior of a window;
b. Secured to the exterior of the building; or
c. On a stake of sufficient size to support the posting.

Any exterior posing shall be constructed of and printed with weather -resistant materials. 3485 MONITORING PROGRAM AND PURPOSE
A, Vacant buildings are a major cause and source of blight in residential and nonresidential neighborhoods, especially when the owner of the building fails to maintain and manage the building to ensure that it does not become a liability to the neighborhood. Vacant buildings often attract transients and criminals, including drug users. Use of vacant buildings by transients and criminals, who may employ primitive cooking or heating methods, creates a risk of fire for the vacant buildings and adjacent properties. Vacant properties are often used as dumping grounds for junk and debris and are often overgrown with weeds and grass. Vacant buildings which are boarded up to prevent

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entry by transients and other long- term vacancies discourage economic development and retard appreciation of property values.

B. Because of the potential economic and public health, welfare and safety problems caused by vacant buildings, the City needs to monitor vacant buildings, so that they do not become attractive nuisances, are not used by trespassers, are properly maintained both inside and out, and do not become a blighting influence in the neighborhood. City departments involved in such monitoring include Police, Community Development, and the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority. There is a substantial cost to the City for monitoring vacant buildings ( whether or not those buildings are boarded up), which should be borne by the owners of the vacant buildings. The fees for a monitoring program pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be separate from and in addition to any registration fees or administrative penalties required or otherwise assessed pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. 3486..MONITORING PROGRAM PROCEDURES
A. Authority. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer shall be responsible for administering a program for identifying and monitoring the maintenance of all vacant buildings in the City. The program shall be documented and regularly updated. The program shall be available for public review.

B. Purposes. The purposes of the monitoring program shall be:

1. To identify buildings that become vacant;

2. To order vacant buildings that are open and accessible to be secured against unlawful entry pursuant to City codes, including the building code, or other applicable law;

3. To initiate proceedings against the owner of any vacant building found to be substandard as defined in this Chapter or a nuisance under any other provision of this Code; 1 ! I

4. To maintain surveillance over vacant buildings so that timely enforcement proceedings are commenced in the event a building becomes substandard or a nuisance; and

5. To establish and enforce rules and regulations for the implementation and compliance with the provisions of Sections 3482- 3484 of this Chapter.

C. Fee imposed. There is imposed upon every owner of a vacant building monitored pursuant to this Chapter, an annual vacant building monitoring fee in an initial amount as the City Council may establish by resolution, provided that the fee shall not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of monitoring the vacant building. The fee shall be applied as to any building, residential or nonresidential, which:

1. Is boarded up by voluntary action of the owner or as the result of enforcement activities by the City; or

2. Is vacant for more than 90 days for any reason.

D. Fee waiver. The vacant building monitoring fee shall be waived upon a showing by the owner that:

1. The owner has obtained a building permit and is progressing diligently to repair the premises for occupancy; or

2. The building meets all applicable codes and is actively being offered for sale, lease, or rent.

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E. Procedure. The vacant building monitoring fee shall be billed to the owner of the property and mailed to the owner' s address as set forth on the last equalized assessment roll of the Mendocino County assessor. Any owner billed may apply for a waiver on the grounds set forth in Subsection D of this Section by submitting a written statement of the grounds for the waiver, and the owner' s daytime telephone number, to the Chief Code Enforcement Officer within 30 days after the billing is mailed to the owner. The owner shall provide substantial evidence in support of the owner' s statement of the grounds for the waiver. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer shall review the written statement and all related evidence and may contact the owner to discuss the application for waiver. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer shall prepare a written decision which shall be mailed to the owner and shall set forth the reasons for the decision.

F. Any owner aggrieved by the decision of the Chief Code Enforcement Officer relating to an application for waiver may appeal the Chief Code Enforcement Officer' s decision to the City' s Hearing Officer by filing with the City Clerk a written notice of appeal within ten days of the decision. The Hearing Officer shall set a time and place for a hearing of such appeal, and notice of such hearing shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the owner at his or her last known address at least ten days prior to the date set for the hearing. The decision and order of the Hearing Officer on such appeal shall be final and conclusive.

G. If the fee is not paid within 60 days after billing, or within 60 days after the decision of the Chief Code Enforcement Officer, the Chief Code Enforcement Officer may thereupon order that the fee be specially assessed against the property involved. If the Chief Code Enforcement Officer orders that the fee be specially assessed against the property, it shall confirm the assessment and thereafter said assessment may be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary real property taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary real property taxes. All laws applicable to the levy, collection, and enforcement of real property taxes are applicable to the special assessment.

H. The City is also authorized to record a notice of lien. The notice shall, at a minimum, identify the record owner or possessor of the property, set forth the last known address of the record owner or possessor, a description of the real property subject to the lien, and the amount of the fee. 3487 ENFORCEMENT
A. Any violation of this Chapter shall constitute a public nuisance.

B. Any person, partnership, association, corporation, fiduciary or other legal entity, that owns, leases, occupies, controls or manages any property subject to this Chapter and that causes, permits, or maintains a violation of this Chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Violations shall be treated as a strict liability offense; a violation shall be deemed to have occurred regardless of a violator' s intent.

C. If the Chief Code Enforcement Officer determines a violation of this Chapter exists, the enforcement official may issue an administrative citation for each day a violation exists, containing fines up to $ 1, 000. 00 per day, per violation, as provided in Chapter 12, Division 3 of this Code, or up to $ 2,500 per day, per violation, as provided in Chapter 11, Division 3 of this Code, whichever is applicable. The table below provides guidance as to how these fines will be assessed. The Chief Code Enforcement Officer has discretion to charge the maximum daily penalties depending on the severity and danger to health and safety of the violation.

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Days in Violation Residential Units Commercial Units
1 to 10 100. 00 Per Da 250. 00 Per Da
11 to 30 250. 00 Per Da 500. 00 Per Da
Over 30 _ _ 1, 000. 00 Per Day 2, 500. 00 Per Da
D. This Section is intended to be cumulative to, and not in place of, other rights and remedies available to the City pursuant to this Code or state law, including any civil, criminal and/or administrative action.

E. Any and all costs, including attorney' s fees, incurred by the City in enforcing this Chapter shall be recoverable, and shall constitute a lien and special assessment against the subject property, pursuant to the definitions and procedures in Chapters 11 and 12 of this Division, whichever is applicable, and as otherwise provided by this Code.
t3488..JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
The duties/obligations specified in this Chapter shall be joint and several among and between all trustees and beneficiaries and their respective agents.

SECTION THREE.

1. 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.

2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Ordinance shall be published as required by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Ukiah, and shall become effective thirty ( 30) days after its adoption.

Introduced by title only on December 18, 2024, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Mayor Crane.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

Adopted on January 15, 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Rodin, Criss, Orozco, Sher, and Mayor Crane.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.
ouglas rane, Mayor
ATTEST: A Iq
cel anddvdl. DeDutvlClty Clerk
I

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH AMENDING THE FEE

SCHEDULE OF THE PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DIVISIONS OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO ESTABLISH TWO FEES FOR THE

VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO CITY ADOPTED ORDINANCE 880

WHEREAS,

1. Planning and Building Permit and service fees of the City of Ukiah Community Development Department have not been updated since 2024; and

2. The Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration and Maintenance Ordinance, adopted by the City Council on January 15, 2025, as Ordinance No. 2024-1250, directed the establishment of a Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration Fee (§3482C) and Vacant and Abandoned Property Annual Monitoring Fee (§3486C); and

3. Based on the estimated amount of time it takes staff to register and annually monitor vacant and abandoned properties under Ordinance No. 2024-1250, it is reasonable and appropriate to establish new fees for these services. These fees include a Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration Fee of $150 and a Vacant and Abandoned Property Annual Monitoring Fee of $500; and

4. The City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on May 21, 2025, to discuss and received public comments on the proposed fees.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ukiah hereby adopts the updated fee schedule for planning and building permits and services as listed on the attached Exhibit A.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of May 2025, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Douglas F. Crane, Mayor
ATTEST:

Kristine Lawler, City Clerk
Attachment 2

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EXHIBIT A
Planning/Building Permits and Services
Fee Resolution
Current Fees
Planning Services Fees

PERMIT APPLICATION

OR SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Staff Hourly Rate
Fully burdened hourly rate, inclusive of salary and
benefits for each position and overhead costs.

Overhead includes the at-cost charge for direct
costs and a percentage of City costs according to
the most recently adopted Cost Allocation Plan
No change.

Site Development Permit
Major
$3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400.00 and 80%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Site Development Permit
Minor $1,000 Flat Fee No change.

Use Permit
Major
$3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position, as indicated
above
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400 and 80% cost
recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position, as indicated above
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Cannabis Related
Business Use Permit
Renewal
$1,000 Deposit and 100% cost recovery, billed at
the fully burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Minor Use Permit $1,000 Flat Fee No change.

Use Permit
Site Development Permit
Amendment
$1,000 Flat Fee (Minor Amendment)
$3,000 Deposit and 100% cost recovery (Major
Amendment) at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

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PERMIT APPLICATION

OR SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Major Variance
$3,000.00 deposit and full cost recovery at the
fully burdened hourly rate per position
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400 and 80% cost
recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Minor Variance $1,000 Flat Fee No change.

Subdivision
Major
$3,000.00 deposit and full cost recovery at the
fully burdened hourly rate per position
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400.00 and 80%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Subdivision
Minor
$1,000 Flat Fee
Affordable Housing Project: $800 Flat Fee
Special Needs Housing Project: $600 Flat Fee
No change.

Subdivision
Exception
(Minor Subdivisions)
$500 Flat Fee
Affordable Housing Project: $400 Flat Fee
Special Needs Housing Project: $200 Flat Fee
No change.

Boundary Line Adjustment
Residentially Zoned
Parcel(s)
$350 Flat Fee
Affordable Housing Project: $260 Flat Fee
Special Needs Housing Project: $170 Flat Fee
No change
Boundary Line Adjustment
Non-Residentially Zoned
Parcel(s) $500 No change.

Lot Merger
Residentially Zoned
Parcel(s)
$350 Flat Fee
Affordable Housing Project: $260 Flat Fee
Special Needs Housing Project: $170 Flat Fee
No change
Lot Merger
Non-Residentially Zoned
Parcel(s)
$500 Flat Fee No change.

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PERMIT APPLICATION

OR SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Modification to Recorded
Subdivision Map
$600 Flat Fee No change
Subdivision/Parcel Map
Time Extension $200 Flat Fee No change
Appeal
Project Applicant: $500 Deposit and full cost
recovery billed at the fully burdened hourly rate
per position
Member of the Public: $500 Flat Fee
No change.

General Plan Amendment
$3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Annexation $3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per position No change.

Pre-zoning $3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Rezoning $3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Planned Development
$3,000 deposit and full cost recovery at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400 and 80% cost
recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

CEQA Document Filing
Fee
(fee subject to change
based on County
requirement)
$50 or current recording fee for CEQA document
filing as posted by the Mendocino County ClerkRecorder’s Office No change.

CA Fish and Wildlife
CEQA Fee
(fee subject to increase
based on State
requirement)
CDFW Filing Fee:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/EnvironmentalReview/CEQA/Fees (fee subject to increase every January 1st based
on State requirement)
No change.

CEQA Mitigation
Monitoring
$200 No change.

Pre-Application
Review and Zoning
Research
(Planning Division Staff)
Level 1: $0
Level 2: $200 Deposit and 100% cost recovery,
billed at the fully burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Demolition Permit
Historical Review
$350 No change
Certificate of Compliance
(to recognize existing
parcels)
$300 No change

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PERMIT APPLICATION

OR SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Temporary Objects /
Sidewalk Café
Encroachment Permit
$95
(Planning Div. = $50; Public Works Dept. = $45)
No change
Pre-Development Review
(Project Review
Committee)
$250 No change
Pre-Application Review
(Planning Commission)
$300 deposit and 100% cost recovery, billed at the
fully burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Environmental Impact
Report (EIR), Special
CEQA Document or
Complex Initial
Environmental Study
Full Consultant Cost plus 15% administration fee No change Archaeological Search –
for Environmental Review
Full Cost – Paid directly to Sonoma State
University Northwest Information Center
No change
Public Hearing
Continuations requested
by applicants that require
re-noticing
$200 No change
Penalty/Violation
(proceeding without
permit)
Double the cost of the permit No change
Specific Plan/Master Plan
Review
$3,000.00 deposit and full cost recovery at the
fully burdened hourly rate per position
Affordable Housing Project: $2,400.00 and 80%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
Special Needs Housing Project: $1,800 and 60%
cost recovery at the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Address Change $100 No change
Site Inspection Request by
Property Owner/Applicant
$0 No change
Sign Permit Minor: $50.00 (up to 1 hour of staff time)
Major: $150.00 (more than 1 hour of staff time)
No change
Building Permit Planning
Review Fee
$50 No change
General Plan/Advance
Planning Maintenance Fee
15% of the total cost of a Building Permit (Building
Permit, Mechanical Permit, Electrical Permit,
Plumbing Permit and Plan Check)
No change
Reproduction of the
following:

Document and Map Fees
General Plan
Zoning Ordinance
Subdivision Ordinance
Master Bike/Ped Plan
Airport Master Plan
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$15.00
No change

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PERMIT APPLICATION

OR SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Landscaping Guidelines
Design Guidelines
Creek Plans
General Plan Map
Zoning Map
Other Plans (misc. maps, graphics, and reports)
$15.00
$15.00
$30.00
$30.00
$5.00-$30.00
$5.00-$30.00
Photocopying $0.10 per page
First 5 copies provided at no cost
No change
Director’s Determination
(Determinations of Appropriate Use)
$500 No change
Mural Permit
Private Property: $450
Public Propert
y: No fee
No change
Violation / Penalty (Zoning Code) Double the Cost of the Permit No change

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Building Services Fees

SERVICE CURRENT FEE NEW FEE
Mandatory Training and
Certification Surcharge
4% on all Building Permits No change.

Technology and Records
Management Surcharge
3% on all Building Permits No change.

Minimum Building Permit
Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy
Based on the project size and
timeframe
>$100,000 = $500.00/ 60 days
<$100,000 = $1,000.00/ 60 days
No change.

Request for Alternate
Materials and Methods
Review
$ 100% Cost Recovery billed at
the fully burdened hourly rate per
position
No change.

Appeal to Building
Regulations Appeal Board
100% Cost Recovery, 2-hour
minimum, billed at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

Postage – Structural Plan
Check
Actual Cost and billed at the fully
burdened hourly rate per position
No change.

New Outdoor Dining Permit $250
($120 Building Division; $130
Public Works Dept)
No change.

Outdoor Dining Permit
Renewal
$50 No change.

Minimum Building Permit
Fee for Temporary
Structures
$225 No change.

Minimum Building Permit
Fee
$105 No change.

Building Permit Review Fee
for Discretionary Projects
$50 No change.

Minimum Building Permit
Fee for Temporary
Structures
$224 No change.

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Building Fees

1.00 -500.00 105.00 $ 501.00 - 2,000.00 105.00 $ for the first 500.00 plus 4.75 $ for each additional 100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 2,000.00 2,001.00 - 25,000.00 107.62 $ for the first 2,000.00 plus 21.76 $ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 25,000.00 25,001.00 - 50,000.00 608.78 $ for the first 25,000.00 plus 15.69 $ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 50,000.00 50,001.00 - 100,000.00 1,000.38 $ for the first 50,000.00 plus 10.88$ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 100,000.00100,001.00 - 500,000.00 1,545.04 $ for the first 100,000.00 plus 8.55 $ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 500,000.00500,000.00 - 1,000,000.00 5,025.24 $ for the first 500,000.00 plus 7.38 $ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 1,000,000.001,000,000.00 - And Up 8,715.99 $ for the first 1,000,000.00 plus 5.67 $ for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof Red Tagged work w/o permit Permit fee plus 3 times permit fee.Other inspection feesInspections outside of normal business hours 105.00 $ * (mininum charge - Two hours)Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of section 305.8 105 $ * .00Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated 105.00 $ *Additional plan review requred by changes, additions or revisions to plans 105.00 $ *For use of outside consultants for plan checking and inspections, or both. Cost ** Actual Cost* Or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is the greatest.

This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages, and fringe benefits of the employees involved.** Actual cost includes administrative and overhead costs.

Community Development Department - Building DivisionFees - Building Permits

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Mechanical Permit Fees Fee
For the issuance of each mechanical permit. $ 105.00
For issuing each supplemental permit for which the original permit has not expired, been cancelled or finaled. $ 12.88 Unit Fee Schedule FurnacesFor the installation or relocation of each forced-air or gravity-type furnace or burner, including ducts and vents attached to such appliance, up to and including 100,000 Btu/h (29.3 KW) $ 26.29 For the installation or relocation of each forced-air or gravity-type furnace or burner, including ducts and vents attached to such appliance, over 100,000 Btu/h (29.3 KW) $ 32.32 For the installation or relocation of each floor furnace, including vent. $ 26.29 For the installation or relocation of each suspended heater, recessed wall heater or floor-mounted unit heater. $ 26.29 Appliance VentsFor the installation, relocation or replacement of each appliance vent installed and not included in an appliance permit. $ 12.88 Repairs or AdditionsFor the repair of, alteration of, or additions to each heating appliance, refrigeration unit, cooling unit, absorption unit, or each heating, cooling, absorption or evaporative cooling system, including installation of controls regulated by the Mechanical Code. $ 24.34 Broilers, Compressors and Absorption Systems For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor to and including 3 horsepower (10.6kw), or each absorption system to and including 100,00 Btu/h (29.3kw) $ 26.11 For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 3 horsepower (10.6kw), to and including 15 horsepower (52.7kw) or each absorption system over 100,00 Btu/h (29.3kw)to and including 500,000 Btu/h (146.6kw) $ 48.22 For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 15 horsepower (52.7kw), to and including 30 horsepower (105.5kw) or each absorption system over 500,000 Btu/h (146.6kw) to and including 1,000,000 Btu/h (293.1kw) $ 66.16 For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 30 horsepower (105.5kw), to and including 50 horsepower (176kw) or each absorption system over 1,000,000 Btu/h (293.1kw) to and including 1,750,000 Btu/h (512.9kw) $ 98.48 For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 50 horsepower (176kw), or each absorption system over 1,750,000 Btu/h (512.9kw) $ 164.54 Air HandlersFor each air-handling unit to and including 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (4719 L/s), including ducts attached thereto. Note: This fee does not apply to an air-handling unit which $ 18.91 is a portion of a factory-assembled appliance, cooling unit, evaporative cooler or absorption unit for which a permit is required elsewhere in the Mechanical Code.For each air-handling unit over 10,000 (cfm) (4719 L/s) $ 32.14Evaporative Coolers For each evaporative cooler other than portable type. $ 18.91 Ventilation and Exhaust
For each ventilation fan connected to a single duct. $ 12.88 For each ventilation system which is not a portion of any heating or air-conditioning system authorized by a permit. $ 18.91 For the installation of each hood which is served by mechanicial exhaust, including the ducts for such hood. $ 18.91 Incinerators For the installation or relocation of each domestic-type incinerator. $ 32.32 For the installation or relocation of each commercial or industrial-type incinerator. $ 25.76 Miscellaneous (Mechanical)For each appliance or piece of equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code but not classed in other appliance categories, or for which no other fee is listed in this code. 18.91 $ Other Inspections and Fees (Mechanical)*Inspection outside of normal business hours, per hour (Minimum charge two hours) $ 105.00 *Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of section 305.5, per inspection. $ 105.00 *Inspection for which no fee is specifically indicated, per hour (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00 *Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plans or to plans which an initial review has been completed. (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00*Or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is greatest. This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages and fringe benefits of the employees involved.

Community Development Department - Building Division Fees Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)

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Electrical Permit Fees Fee
For the issuance of each electrical permit. $ 105.00For the issuance of each supplemental permit for witch the original permit has not expired, been cancelled, or finaled. $ 12.88 System Fee Schedule (note: the following do not include permit issuing fee)New Residential BuildingsThe following fees shall include all wiring and electrical equipment in or on each building, or other electrical equipment on the same premises constructed at the same time.Multifamily - For new multifamily buildings (apartments and condominiums) having three or more dwelling units constructed at the same time, not incluing area of garages, carports,and accessory buildings, per square ft (0.09m2) $ 0.96 Single and two family - For new Single and two family residential buildings constructed at the same time, not including area of garages, carports, and accessory buildings, per square ft (0.09m2) $ 0.96 For other types of residential occupancies and for alteration, additions, and modifications to existing residential buildings, use the unit fee schedule. Private Swimming PoolsFor new private, in-ground swimming pools for single-family and multifamily occupancies, including a complete system of necessary branch circuit wiring, bonding, grounding, underwater lighting, water pumping and other similar electrical equipment directly related to the operation of a swimming pool, each pool. $ 87.92 Carnivals and CircusesCarnivals, circuses, or other traveling shows or exhibitions utilizing transportable-type rides, booths, displays and attractions.For electric generators and electrically driven rides, each $ 41.74 For mechanically driven rides and walk-though attractions or displays having electric lighting, each. $ 12.88 For a system of area and booth lighting, each $ 12.88
For permanently installed rides, booths, displays and attractions, use the Unit Fee Schedule.For a temporary service power pole or pedestal-mounted receptacle outlets and appurtenances, each $ 41.74 For a temporary distribution system and temporary lighting and receptacle outlets for construction sites, decorative lights, Christmas tree sales lots, fireworks stands, etc. each $ 21.84 UNIT FEE SCHEDULE(Note: The following does not include permit-issuing fee.)Receptacle, Switch and Lighting OutletsFor receptacle, switch, light or other outlets at which current is used or controlled, except services, feeders and meters: First 20, each $ 1.95 Additional fixtures, each $ 1.30
Note: For multi-outlet assemblies, each 5 feet (1524 mm) or fraction thereof may be considered as one outlet.Lighting FixturesFor lighting fixtures, sockets or other lamp-holding devices:First 20 fixtures, each $ 1.95 Additional fixtures, each $ 1.30
For pole or platform-mounted lighting fixtures, each $ 1.95 For theatrical-type lighting fixtures or assemblies, each $ 1.95 Residential AppliancesFor fixed residential appliances or receptacle outlets for same, including wall-mounted electric ovens; counter-mounted cooking tops; electric ranges, self-contained room, console or through-wall air conditioners; space heaters; food waste grinders; dishwashers; washing machines; water heaters; clothes dryers; or other motor-operatedappliances not exceeding one horsepower (HP) (746 W) in rating, each $ 8.43 Note: For other types of air conditioners and other motor-driven appliances having larger electrical ratings, see Power Apparatus.Nonresidential AppliancesFor nonresidential appliances and self-contained factory-wired, nonresidential appliances not exceeding 1 horsepower (HP), kilowatt (kW) or kilovolt-ampere (kVA), in rating, including medical and dental devices, food, beverage and ice cream cabinets; illuminated show cases, drinking fountains, vending machines, laundry machines, or similar types of equipment, each. Note: For other types of air conditioners and motor-driven appliances having larger electrical ratings, see Power Apparatus. $ 8.43 Power ApparatusFor motors, generators, transformers, rectifiers, synchronous converters, capacitors, industrial heating, air conditioners and heat pumps, cooking or baking equipment and other apparatus, as follows:Rating in horsepower (HP), kilowatts (kW), kilovolt-amperes (kVA), or kilovolt-amperes-reactive (kVAR):Up to and including 1, each $ 8.43 Over 1 and not over 10, each $ 21.84

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Over 10 and not over 50, each $ 43.70
Over 50 and not over 100, each $ 87.92
Over 100, each $ 132.32Note: For equipment or appliances having more than one motor, transformer, heater, etc., the sum of the combined ratings may be used.Note: These fees include all switches, circuit breakers, contractors, thermostats, relays and other directly related control equipment.BuswaysFor trolley and plug-in-type busways, each 100 feet (30 480 mm) or fraction thereof $ 12.88 Note: An additional fee will be required for lighting fixtures, motors and other appliances that are connected to trolley and plug-in-type busways. Fee not required for portable tools.Signs, Outline Lighting and MarqueesFor signs, outline lighting systems or marquees supplied from one branch circuit, each $ 43.70 For additional branch circuits within the same sign, outline lighting system or marquee, each $ 8.43 ServicesFor services of 600 volts or less and not over 200 amperes in rating, each $ 54.18 For services of 600 volts or less and over 200 amperes to 1,000 amperes in rating, each $ 110.38For services over 600 volts or over 1,000 amperes in rating, each $ 220.75Miscellaneous Apparatus, Conduits, and ConductorsFor electrical apparatus, conduits, and conductors for which a permit is required but for which no fee is herein set forth $ 32.32 Note: This fee is not applicable when a fee is paid for one or more services, outlets, fixtures, appliances, power apparatus, busways, signs or other equipmentOTHER INSPECTIONS AND FEES (Electrical)*Inspection outside of normal business hours, per hour (Minimum charge two hours) $ 105.00*Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of section 305.8, per inspection. $ 105.00*Inspection for which no fee is specifically indicated, per hour (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00*Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plans or to plans which an initial review has been completed. (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00 *Or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is greatest. This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages and fringe benefits of the employees involved.Plumbing Fees FeeFor the issuance of each plumbing permit. $ 105.00For issuing each supplemental permit for which the original permit has not expired, been cancelled or finaled. $ 12.88 Unit Fee Schedule Fixtures and vents. For each plumbing fixture or trap set of fixtures on one trap. (Including water, drainage piping and backflow protection thereof) $ 17.41 For repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping each fixture. $ 8.43 Sewers, Disposal Systems and InterceptorsFor each building sewer and each trailer park sewer. $ 43.78 For each cesspool. $ 66.16
For each private sewage disposal system. $ 132.32For each industrial waste pretreatment interceptor, Including its trap and vent (exception kitchen-type grease interceptors functioning as fixture traps). $ 35.34 Rainwater systems per drain (inside building). $ 17.41
Water Piping and Water HeatersFor installation, alteration, or repair of water piping or water treating equipment, or both, each. $ 8.43 For each water heater including vent. (For vents only see Table 3-C). $ 21.84 Gas Piping SystemsFor each gas piping system of one to five outlets. $ 10.93 For each additional outlet over five, each. $ 1.95
Lawn Sprinklers, Vacuum Breakers and Backflow Protection DevicesFor each lawn sprinkler system on any one meter, including, backflow protection devices thereof. $ 26.29 For atmospheric-type vacuum breakers or backflow protection devices not included in Item 1: 1 to 5 devices. $ 21.84 For over 5 devices, each $ 4.00
For each backflow-protection device other than atmospheric-type vacuum breakers: 2 inches (50.8mm) and smaller. $ 21.84 Over 2 inches (50.8mm) $ 43.78

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Swimming Pools For Each Swimmimg Pool Or Spa.

Public Pool $ 162.06Public Spa $ 107.89Private pool $ 107.89Private Spa $ 53.73 Miscellaneous (Plumbing)For each appliance or price of equipment regulated by the plumbing code but not classed in other appliance categories, or for which no other fee is listed in this code. $ 17.41 Other Inspections and Fees (Plumbing)*Inspection outside of normal business hours, per hour (Minimum charge two hours) $ 105.00*Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of section 305.5, per inspection. $ 105.00*Inspection for which no fee is specifically indicated, per hour (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00*Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plans or to plans which an initial review has been completed. (Minimum charge one half hour) $ 105.00 *Or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is greatest. This cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages and fringe benefits of the employees involved.City Of Ukiah FeesMandatory Training and Certification surcharge. (based on a % of building permits, plan review, and utility permit fees) 4%Technology and records management surcharge. (based on a % of building permits, plan review, and utility permit fees) 3%General plan update fund. (based on a % of building permits, plan review, and utility permit fees) 15%Temporary certificate of occupancy. (Based on the project size and timeframe. ) (60 Days)> $100,000.00 $ 500.00<$100,000.00 $ 1,000.00Request for alternate materials and methods review. (100% cost recovery fully burdened rate per hour) $ 230.00Appeal to building regulations appeal board. (Two Hours of Building Official time minimum) Cost Postage - 3rd party plan check. (100% cost recovery)Red Tagged work without permits violation fee (Permit fee plus violation fee) 3 Times New deck/decking. (per square foot) $ 37.80Re-roofing shingles only. (per square foot) $ 2.70Re-roof sheathing/ plywood. (per square foot) $ 2.70Temporary structure ( Max 60 days) $ 225.00Residential Solar permit. Max permit Fee 450.00 to come in to compliance with AB 1414 $ 368.50

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New Fees (Building Services Schedule)

NEW PERMIT

APPLICATION

OR SERVICE

CURRENT FEE RECOMMENDED FEE DISCUSSION
Vacant and Abandoned
Property Registration
Fee
N/A $150 Per Ordinance
No. 2024-1250
Vacant and Abandoned
Property Annual
Monitoring Fee
N/A $500 Per Ordinance
No. 2024-1250

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Agenda Item No: 12.c.

MEETING DATE/TIME: 5/21/2025

ITEM NO: 2025-521

AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SUBJECT: Introduction by Title Only of an Ordinance Modifying Ukiah City Code to Update the City's Sign Regulations, Modifying Standards for Signage Type, Placement, Illumination, and Design Consistency Across Zoning Districts.

DEPARTMENT: Community
Development PREPARED BY: Jesse Davis, Chief Planning Manager, Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager PRESENTER: Jesse Davis, Chief Planning Manager; Katherine Schaefers, Planning Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. Design Guidelines – Sign Highlights (1992)

2. Design Guideilnes - Checklist (2007)

3. City of Ukiah Signage Handout (2012)

4. Draft Ordinance

5. Planning Commission 2025-01 Resolution
Summary: Council will consider introducing by title only an ordinance modifying Ukiah City Code to update the City's sign regulations, modifying standards for signage type, placement, illumination, and design consistency across zoning districts.

Background: The City of Ukiah’s sign regulations are codified in Division 9, Chapter 7 of the Ukiah City Code and govern the size, placement, and design of signage across most zoning districts, with the exception of the Airport Industrial Park – Planned Development/Airport Park Boulevard area. Although the City has made incremental updates over time, the current regulatory framework remains largely based on Ordinance No. 685, originally adopted in 1976 and subsequently amended by Ordinances 756 (1981), 822 (1983), 1106 (2008), and 1148 (2014).

In 1992, the Ukiah Redevelopment Agency adopted two sets of Design Guidelines, one for the Downtown Design District and one for commercial areas outside of downtown (Attachment 1). These guidelines were mostly aligned with existing City Code requirements, especially for sign placement, location, and size. In most cases, they referred back to the existing Code for specific standards such as allowable sign area.

In 2007, the Planning Commission adopted a Commercial Development Design Guidelines Checklist (Attachment 2) to help developers, Staff, and decision-makers evaluate whether proposed projects met the intent of the 1992 Guidelines. This checklist applied to projects requiring a Site Development Permit or seeking financial support from the City for façade improvements or restoration. Like the guidelines, the checklist relied on City Code for signage regulations, but it did offer some clarifications, outlined below.

Outside the Downtown Design District
• Signs shall be compatible with the architectural character of buildings by avoiding visual dominance on the site, using colors and materials that are compatible with the building, incorporating lighting that is restrained and harmonious, and utilizing sandwich boards that are both creative and subdued.

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Inside the Downtown Design District
• Signs shall be compatible with the architectural character of buildings by reflecting the historic period, style, location, size, and configuration; using materials and colors that harmonize with the building’s design; and avoiding the obstruction of architectural features. • Sign programs shall minimize visual clutter by reducing the number and size of signs, limiting sign area to the minimum necessary for business identification, restricting window signs to no more than 25% of the window area, using subdued sandwich boards placed outside the public right-of-way, minimizing sign size on converted residential buildings, and ensuring signs projecting over the public right-of-way are at least 8 feet above grade.
• Preferred commercial sign types shall include painted signage on the band above windows of stucco buildings, painted window signs, narrow or flat signs suspended from fixed canopies, flat signs mounted flush to building façades, projecting signs attached to the front of buildings, exposed neon tube signs integrated into the architectural design, and signage incorporated into awnings. • Detached freestanding signs shall not be permitted for structures located on the sidewalk line.

Following the statewide dissolution of redevelopment agencies in 2012, the City of Ukiah no longer had financial tools to encourage design compliance outside of the discretionary review process. As a result, property owners had little incentive to pursue Site Development Permits, especially given the limited new construction in the City since that time. Without redevelopment funding, the relevance of the Design Guidelines declined, as they were primarily used for projects requiring discretionary review. These guidelines were typically applied through the findings associated with Site Development Permits, which often referenced them for context and direction. Attachment 3 presents a simplified version of the Design Guidelines Checklist, created in 2012, which continues to serve as the City's primary reference for evaluating signage compliance in the absence of redevelopment-driven design oversight.

While the 2008 and 2014 updates to the City’s sign ordinance amended general provisions, the current regulations still do not fully reflect the goals of the 2040 Ukiah General Plan. Specifically, Land Use Element Policy LU-11.7 (Sign Regulations) calls for streamlining and clarifying the sign review and approval process.

This policy, originally derived from a similar goal in the 1995 General Plan (Existing Program CD-13.1c, modified), remains unfulfilled, as past efforts focused more on design guidance for new development than on updating the permitting process. Given Ukiah’s largely built-out environment, there is now a clear need for updated sign regulations that support existing business owners, clarify permitting requirements, and improve Staff efficiency. For example, Staff notes that in recent years, very few sign permits have been submitted for projects not requiring building review, such as changes in sign copy or temporary banners, even though these typically require a permit under existing guidelines. When these types of permits are submitted, they are difficult to reconcile with the amount of staff time required and the fee collected.

Where new commercial development has occurred, such as along Airport Park Boulevard, the City has relied on comprehensive Sign Programs to guide the type and location of signage approved during the project’s Planning Commission review. One example is the phased development at 1236 Airport Park Boulevard (Panda Express), where a standard Sign Program was used to ensure consistency in sign placement and design across current and future tenants.

In addition to business signage, murals on private structures are also regulated under Division 9, Chapter 7 of the Ukiah City Code and require a Mural Permit. Per Section 3225.G, murals are treated as a form of signage or advertisement and are subject to Planning Commission review. Since 2019, the City has evaluated two mural proposals through this process, one at 810 North State Street and the other at 534 East Perkins Street.

These private murals, including the one at the Pear Tree Center, have contributed to community identity, enhanced public spaces, and supported local artists. As discussed at the Planning Commission’s Public Art Workshop on February 28, 2024, public art on private property has increasingly become a tool for revitalization, helping to activate underused areas and express shared community values.

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Currently, murals on public structures are reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board, in accordance with the City’s adopted public art policy. This policy, established in 2016, applies to murals located in public places, including:

1. City-owned parks

2. City-owned open space or public right-of-way

3. City-owned pathways or trails

4. City-owned buildings

5. City-owned parcels
Because murals are still treated as signage under the Code, they are evaluated for compatibility with the surrounding environment, their appropriateness to the site, relationship to the use of the building, potential impact on motorists or traffic safety, and any advertising content.

Discussion: The proposed ordinance (Attachment 4) amends Ukiah City Code Division 9, Chapter 7, “Signs,” to ensure consistency across zoning districts and address prohibited signage. If adopted, the amendments will clarify existing regulations, align with the 2040 General Plan, and improve readability and enforcement, particularly regarding prohibited signage. The goal is to balance business visibility with community aesthetics, minimize visual clutter, and address potential concerns from digital signage. It also streamlines the review of signage that doesn’t require a building permit by using objective standards. Additionally, murals on private structures will no longer require Planning Commission review but will be evaluated by the Design Review Board to encourage more public artwork by reducing application barriers.

These updates are part of the City’s ongoing efforts to modernize development standards, support local businesses, and enhance the visual character of commercial and neighborhood areas. While the existing sign regulations balance business visibility with aesthetic and safety considerations, updates are needed to reflect technological advances, new advertising methods, and streamline the administrative process. The proposed amendments include the following changes:

Prohibited Signs
The ordinance clarifies and expands sign prohibitions to address emerging technologies and advertising trends. It directly prohibits attention-getting devices like flashing, rotating, animated, or moving signs, including digital signage with video screens, LED displays with frequent image changes, and scrolling text. Air-powered inflatable devices and motion-based flags are also prohibited. Signs that emit sound or visual effects, such as interactive fuel dispenser screens, are banned. Additionally, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco signage that depicts minors or uses imagery appealing to children would be further restricted. Outdoor advertising, such as billboards and off-site signs, remains prohibited. The ordinance also explicitly bans signs that physically move or create the illusion of movement, including digital signs with frequently changing images or videos. Current regulations allow 60 days to remove prohibited or nonconforming signs, but this would be reduced to 30 days to improve visual aesthetics and minimize distractions.

Staff also recommends tightening regulations on cannabis-related signage, in line with California Code of Regulations §15040, and extending similar provisions to alcohol- and tobacco-related signage, although these entities appear effectively regulated by a variety of industry, state and federal standards.

Streamlined Review Process
To better align with the General Plan, the City proposes streamlining the sign review process by processing all sign approvals through the Building or Encorachment Permit process, eliminating the need for separate signspecific permits. Temporary signage regulations would also be simplified by allowing certain temporary signage without a permit. The allowable display period for temporary banners, pennants, and balloons would

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be reduced from 45 days to 15 days per year. Additionally, the proposed changes expand the types of signs exempt from permits, such as painted wall and window signs that don’t require building, electrical, or encroachment permits. Property owners could also replace sign copy without requiring approval, as long as no building or encroachment permits are necessary.

These changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens, improve efficiency, and support local businesses by streamlining the review process.

Minor Modifications
The ordinance includes provisions to encourage artistic murals on private structures by shifting review to the Design Review Board, making it easier to install public art and improve community character. The ordinance also updates signage allowances for churches and schools in R1 zoning districts, acknowledging their unique role in Ukiah’s neighborhoods and the limitations of the City's existing sign regulations. Additionally, provisions are included to allow advertisements on public sidewalks for City-sponsored events, such as “Pastels in the Plaza.” Lastly, the ordinance updates titles and internal references to align with current City procedures and removes subjective terms, such as "tasteful," that were hard to define.

Design Standards & Illumination
In line with regulations from other California jurisdictions, the proposed ordinance sets clear design standards and illumination requirements to ensure high-quality, architecturally compatible signage while minimizing light pollution.
• Design Standards (UCC §3228): Signs must integrate with building architecture, using proportional designs and appropriate materials that preserve architectural and historic features. New internally illuminated signs would be restricted in non-commercial zones, and durable materials would be required for long-term integrity.
• Illumination (UCC §3229): To prevent glare and light pollution, signs must shield light sources, dim after 10:00 PM, and limit brightness. External and halo lighting are preferred for new monument signs, and illuminated signs must avoid light spill onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

These updates aim to balance visibility needs with community character and environmental considerations.

Code Compliance
The proposed amendment enhances enforcement by clarifying fines, expanding the Community Development Director’s authority, and strengthening penalties. Compliance timeframes would also be shortened, improving the regulation and oversight of temporary signage. The Planning Division and Code Enforcement staff will use the interim period before the ordinance takes effect to conduct outreach, educate property owners, and offer businesses a chance to rectify non-compliant signage before penalties are imposed.

Design Review Board
The Design Review Board (DRB) met on February 27, 2025, to review the proposed amendment. The DRB unanimously recommended that the Planning Commission approve the amendment, with the following modifications:

1. Change the hearing body for Mural Permits from the Zoning Administrator to the Design Review Board.

2. Strengthen enforcement and clarity in the following sections: UCC 3230: Maintenance and Repair; UCC 3231: Abandoned Signs; UCC 3232: Sign Removal
The DRB also suggested that it serve as the body to evaluate mural permits on private commercial structures and provide recommendations on architecture, site design, signage, and other urban design elements to City staff, the Zoning Administrator, the Planning Commission, and City Council.

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Planning Commission
On April 23, 2025, the Ukiah Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to the Ukiah City Code and unanimously recommended approval to the City Council, adopting Resolution No. 2025-01 (Attachment 5). In addition to supporting the ordinance, the Commission recommended that the City Council consider removing Section 3227(12) of the Ukiah City Code. This section refers to the “Freeway Logo Board System,” which is now in place.

California began implementing the freeway logo sign program in 1971. These blue signs display gas, food, and lodging services. The special provisions allowing increased sign height were intended to be temporary and only applicable until the freeway logo system became available. Now that the system is in place, those provisions no longer apply. All affected signs must conform to the general provisions of the City of Ukiah sign ordinance and be removed within three years of the logo system’s availability.

Analysis Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act The proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3), the Common Sense Exemption, as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. The ordinance does not authorize new development, intensify land uses, or permit physical alterations that would result in environmental impacts.

Instead, it updates and clarifies existing regulations related to signage, streamlines administrative procedures, and establishes objective standards for review.

Additionally, the project is categorically exempt under the following CEQA Guidelines:
• §15301 (Existing Facilities): Applies because the ordinance pertains primarily to continued use and minor alterations of existing signage infrastructure with negligible or no expansion of use. • §15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures): Applies to occasional new, small freestanding signs or minor structural modifications consistent with the updated standards. • §15311 (Accessory Structures): Applies to on-premises signage accessory to legally established uses.

The project does not trigger any exceptions under §15300.2 that would preclude use of these exemptions.

Staff recommends the Council introduce by title only an ordinance amending the Ukiah City Code to update the City's sign regulations, modifying standards for signage type, placement, illumination, and design consistency across zoning districts.

Recommended Action: Introduce by title only an Ordinance modifying Ukiah City Code to update the City's sign regulations, modifying standards for signage type, placement, illumination, and design consistency across zoning districts.

BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: N/A
CURRENT BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
PROPOSED BUDGET AMOUNT: N/A
FINANCING SOURCE: N/A
REVENUE: No GRANT: No
PREVIOUS CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER NO.: N/A
COORDINATED WITH: Darcy Vaughn, Assistant City Attorney STRATEGIC PLAN (SP):SP 3A - Review and revise land use planning documents to be reflective of the longterm vision for the community.

CLIMATE INITIATIVES (CI): CL 5A – Update zoning ordinance.

Page 472 of 591 ends

Page 6 of 6 ends

GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS (GP): GP-A1 - Land Use Element. Land Use Element Implementation Program E: Zoning Code Amendments; Goal LU-11, Policy LU-11.7.

Page 473 of 591 ends

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Welcome to Downtown Ukiah ...

Adopted on May 20, 1992, this Design Guide is the result of our efforts lo assist you in developing and improving your property. We hope it helps you plan your exterior work within Ukiah's Downtown District.

This Guide is dedicated to meeting our community goals and assisting those involved with the development process in Ukiah's downtown. The Downtown Design District is illustrated on the map on page 7 and encompasses the historical commercial core of the City.

As a member of our community, you own a part of our city's heritage - its past charm, present vitality, and future direction. our goal is to preserve this quality of life by:
o: Promoting a healthy commercial environment that is attractive and convenient for residents and visitors.
o: Enhancing the pedestrian shopping experience in the downtown. o: Promoting an attractive and visually unified downtown core with its own distinctive image.
~ Upgrading and maintaining the overall character of our downtown. ~ Building on the distinctive architectural and historic character currently existing in the downtown.
o: Providing better coordination between the design character of new development and redevelopment of existing buildings.

The special standards set forth in this booklet will help protect those assets and fulfill the visions created for the Downtown Design District.

New buildings should attempt to be compatible with the character of the existing viewscape in terms of building height, massing, setbacks and design character. New development should contribute to the visual quality and cohesiveness of its setting, but need not imitate or mimic the details of adjacent development. Reconstruction, repairs, or alterations to existing structures should endeavor to preserve as much of the original character of the building as is possible. While this can be accomplished through the use of alternative materials, the use of original materials provided on the site is encouraged.
- 1-
ATTACHMENT 1

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Downtown Ukiah Design District
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-2-

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Historical Overview
T he arrival of A.T. Perkins in the Ukiah Valley
in 1857, marked the beginning of the settlement
of Ukiah as a town. The Perkins family purchased
a log cabin and acreage from temporary settlers
... .. .
and started a blacksmithing business In downtown Ukiah at what Is now the comer or Main and Perkins Streets. The
town grew rapidly due to migrations from the depleting
California Gold fields. Ukiah captured the coveted county seat designation in 1859, and by May I, 1860, a City map had been filed at the Recorder's office.

The first buildings, both residential and commercial, were built along Main Street. However, by the I 860's, most
businesses had moved up to State Street and into those blocks nearest the Courthouse. The primary building materials of the early periods were wood but a series of disastrous fires prompted use of more fireproof materials. The Ukiah Valley is rich in clay deposits and several brick kilns were started to accommodate the growing demand for local brick. Brick remained the primary material until the l 920's when the use of reinforced concrete emerged.

Early downtown colors, prior to 1910, were usually white, cream, mustard yellow, green or cinnabar. The majority or brick buildings remained In their natural color.

Multi-color painted exteriors were generally not used in the downtown at the time. In later years, building received a stucco finish with earth tones such as cream, beige, or putty predominately used. lrim colors were often red or dark brown. Black tile on bulkhead or under window space was very popular.

The new Courthouse, built In the late I 940's used a soft green tile on its lower half. This color was very popular and was used repeatedly on other buildings. The use of pink concrete block and rose-colored flagstone was also popular at this time. m :in::~t1®WtID O@Ilo Uil@@
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The I 920's brought many changes to the downtown. With completion of the Redwood Highway, signage along State Street proliferated and extended from the buildings, and traditional Victorian facades were stripped to modernize Ukiah's storefronts. The desire of Uklahans to capture the tourist trade resulted in the demolition of older homes and the large lots being converted into auto courts, restaurants, and gas stations along State Street.

The downtown character of Ukiah essentially remained the same until after World War II. With the arrival of large timber companies after the war, an era of prosperity throughout the greater valley began. The downtown received extensive and rapid modernizations. The I 872 Courthouse was torn down and many of the existing commercial buildings received metal-sheathing facades. Modern design and construction favored long, low single-story buildings, often built from concrete block. The decline in the downtown's economy did not occur until the construction of the I 965 freeway and proliferation of outlying shopping centers.

The personality and appearance of our downtown has been greatly influenced by these events. From the destruction of wood frame buildings by fire In the early i 890's, to modernization of the building facades in post WWII, downtown Ukiah has experienced numerous changing identities. These changes should be considered when initiating new development or rehabilitation. No specific historical period is targeted, however, Integrated architectural designs with the heritage of a building and its environs are an ultimate goal of this program.
- 3 -

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Approval Process
An important objective of the design review
procedure is to better coordinate the
processing of your development plans prior
to obtaining your Building Permit. This includes
streamlining the process to minimize the steps
and hurdles in the path to completion of your
project. The process outlined here is provided
to inform you of how our design review system
works from start to finish. We hope it will assist
you in understanding what will occur when
your project is proposed in the downtown.

At the back of this Guide you will find a
checklist of general considerations. You will
want to review the checklist once you have
reviewed the Guide to determine the
compatibility of your project with the
downtown design goals.

Steps of the Approval Process
Step I: Your first step will be to go to the
Planning & Community Development
Department in the Civic Center and request
information to answer the following
questions:
a.I What do I need to apply for development?
b. I Is my project appropriate for zoning
regulations?
c.I What is my approval process and how
much time is involved?
d.1 Is my project in the Downtown Design I
District? Are the Design Guidelines applicable to
my project? What types of requirements are
I
likely to be imposed?
e.1 Do I need encroachment permits for
I
outdoor activities in the public right of way?
- 4-
Step 2: Upon completion of your application,
submit the application to staff at the City of
1 Ukiah, 300 Seminary Avenue.
a.1 If your project involves a site development
permit or use permit, City staff will review your
project and schedule a public hearing. The final
decision will typically be made by the Zoning
Administrator or Planning Commission
depending on the project scope (refer to step
Sa on page 5 of this Guide).
b.1 During project planning you should consult
with professionals regarding building
construction or renovation requirements. If
your building is constructed after 1972, refer to
the current Uniform Building Code for seismic
1 requirements. For historic buildings
, constructed prior to 1972, you may refer to the
1 State Historic Building Code or most recent
adopted California building code series. You
should verify whether unreinforced masonry
1 walls are part of your building.

Preliminary Review with City Staff
Step Ja: This is an advisory review of your
project with the Planning and Community
' Development Department Staff.

At this time, the Staff will have reviewed your
plans with the necessary City Departments and
utilities and will be discussing with you
information regarding their requirements and
recommendations. These Departments include
City Electric, Engineering, Building, Public
1 Works and Fire.

For historical renovations, photodocumentation of the chosen period in the building's development should be presented.

This information can be obtained

Page 477 of 591 ends

at the Held-Poage Memorial Home and
Library, 603 West Perkins Street, or by
calling 462-6969. Property owners
completing facade renovations are
encouraged to review the building's
historical background for restoration in
accordance with the selected period of the
building's development.

Design Review Board
Approval Process rcom.J
New Development Public notice and a staff report will be provided in advance of the meeting. You
Step Sa: Since your project is for new should plan to attend the public hearing development and involves a site before the Zoning Administrator or development permit or use permit, City Planning Commission at the Ukiah Civic staff and possibly other agencies will Center. Public comment is also provided review your project. City staff will at this time.
schedule a public hearing. The final
decision will be made by the Zoning When the decision-making body approves Administrator or Planning Commission
depending on the project scope (refer to
Step 4a: The fourth step is to attend step SC on page 5 of this Guide). your application, the discretionary review
process is complete and you may apply
for a building permit following the 10 day
a Design Review Board meeting. appeal period. You must comply with all This is the last step towards New development or substantial conditions of approval. completion of your project design.

The Design Review Board is comprised of
members of the community and is
advisory to the decision-making body.

They will review your project for
compliance with the Design Guidelines
and exchange concerns and comments
with you. It may be advantageous to
conduct this step earlier in the process.
modifications to existing development
require a more comprehensive review by Should the decision-making body City departments and public utilities. This disapprove your application, you may helps ensure seismic, building, utility and resubmit a modified application or appeal other codes and standards will be the decision to the Ukiah City Council adequate and incorporated into your within 10 days of the decision. project. This review will help you
understand what your project
requirements will be upon approval. You Zoning Administrator meetings are should be aware that substantial scheduled as needed. Planning construction may trigger city seismic, fire Commission meetings are scheduled the sprinkler, sidewalk, accessibility, impact second and fourth Wednesday of each fee and other requirements.

Staff Review
month. Your project will be scheduled as
soon as the review process including
environmental review and staff review are Step Sb: At this stage Staff reviews the permit to insure compliance with the conducted. The entire process may take G 'd 1 Downtown Design • Uk' h from about 2 to 6 months depending on uI e mes, Ia d t d ·your application completeness and General Plan and other a op e requirements. Staff also performs complexity and the type of environmental environmental review according to state
and local laws.

Planning Commission
Step Sc: Your final step in the approval
process is review by the Zoning
Administrator or Planning Commission.
- 5-
document required.

Page 478 of 591 ends

Site Planning
Buffer Strip & Parking Lot Planning
( RECOMMENDED)
Street Tree
Screen frees,
alternate spacing
wHh street trees
Parking Lot Planting:

One tree Island req•rt
for each six stalls, min.

Site Features
Significant site features such as existing trees, lot
size and shape, and relationship to surrounding
development should be a compelling consideration
in determining site design.

Parking
Site design should emphasize the aesthetic
screening and shading of parking and be clearly
designated by directional signs. Whenever possible,
parking areas should be dispersed into smaller
components to avoid massing and emphasize
landscaping. Parking area walkways should be
constructed with safe and well marked materials.

Pedestrian Orientation ____ Canopytrees All developments should emphasize pedestrian orientation by creating attractive, friendly
pedestrian spaces. Outdoor space should be well
landscaped and include appropriate furniture and
other elements of interest such as sculpture,
displays and kiosks.
at 20' on center
Compatibility
Note: All dimensions are from face of curb or edge of sidewalk Development should attempt to be compatible with
surrounding land uses from both functional and
aesthetic standpoints. The location of businesses
should be coordinated with adjoining properties to avoid inconsistency in use. For example, professional offices would be more appropriate adjacent to residential neighborhoods than high volume retail or restaurant uses. Street level businesses should be oriented to retail, restaurant and personal services. Professional offices are discouraged as storefronts, but should be encouraged as back offices or second stories
Development should not create unattractive views for neighbors or traffic corridors. All exposed elevations should maintain consistent architectural character. Service areas, trash enclosures, utility meters, and mechanical and electrical equipment should be screened from view by solid walls constructed with materials similar to the building. Screening of these areas should be integrated into the overall building and landscape design.

Coordination With
Adjacent Properties
Property owners are encouraged to develop
shared facilities such as driveways, parking
areas, pedestrian plazas and walkways to
maximize usable areas and create unique
design opportunities.

Setbacks
Setbacks for new development should consider
the character of existing adjacent frontages. In
the downtown core, minimal setbacks have
created a strong architectural presence and
(RECOMMENDED) . Create convement
Locate parking pedestrian access
behlng buildings
/ Use landscaping to shade, screen & enhance parking
-6-

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Site Planning (Cont.)
more intimate visual scale along storefronts. With that in mind, deeper setbacks are encouraged only in order to allow for sidewalk widening or the creation of special pedestrian areas such as entryways, courtyards, outdoor cafes, shopping arcades and other features Intended to enhance the pedestrian environment.

Vary facade setbacks
to enhance pedestrian scale and interest .

RECOMMENDED
Maintenance
Avoid setbacks
n
§~;'.
that disrupt the
rhythm or tho streets
11rchitecturol edge
A commitment to regular maintenance of the
landscaping and building facade ensures continued
high p roperty values and creates a desirable
downtown envlronment.
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Building Materials
..
•: ..... • .... ·
·· .. ,
--- Provide convenient, P::---
safe and attractive
pedestrian access
Since the late nineteenth century, the primary building material in Ukiah's downtown core has been masonry. The early buildings in the downtown core were constructed of locally fired brick, while No use of
landscape
screening
NOT I

RECOMMENDED
those built after World War II were of concrete block. Many of these buildings have since been resurfaced with either paneling or stucco for either aesthetic or structural reasons, or both. Exposed concrete block should not be used on any wall visible lo neighbors or pedestrians. If concrete block is used on visible exterior walls, creative design and surface texturing will be required.

Concrete block used on walls not visible to the public; i.e., firewall construction, may be left untreated. Care should be taken when renovating brick surfaces so damage to the bricks does not result from renovation efforts. If it is necessary to replace original brick surfaces, new material should match the color and size of the original brick and mortar. Bonding pattern and size of joints should also match the original sections. Totally new building construction should select exterior finish materials that are compatible in quality, color, texture, finish, and dimension to the surrounding properties.

Suggestion: If you are cleaning any masonry surfaces, methods or materials that you might consider are gentle detergents, appropriate chemicals used per the manufacturer's recommendations, and high water pressure cleaning using correct pressure so as not ta destroy brick surface or mortar joints. Sandblasting is not recommended because it defaces or causes severe damage ta the brick and stone and accelerates erasion by al/awing water to enter the pares.

Color
The Downtown Design Review Board does not approve or disapprove specific colors. However, exterior colors should relate lo natural building materials and/or be compatible without being identical to surrounding properties. The use of more than one vivid color per building ls discouraged. Color selection for the purpose of individual statement at the sacrifice of the compatibility of the surrounding area is discouraged. Multiple store fronts with a common facade or appearance should strive to coordinate colors during renovation efforts.

Suggestion: If you are having difficulty in selecting colors, the best approach may be to drive or walk through the district looking at other buildings and noting color combinations you prefer. You will notice, too, that it ls important for colors to blend with the neighborhood. Very darlc colors, too many co/ors on one building, or stained surfaces are very obvious and often do not harmonize with surrounding buildings. Remember that the colors you select will have an impact on your entire block. A good rule of thumb is: One ( l) primary color for the body of the building; one ( I) secondary color for major trim and/or cornice work; and one (I) or two (2) co/ors for minor trim. Your design review board is available to assist you in selecting compatible and harmonious color combinations upon request. -7-

Page 480 of 591 ends

Roofs, Facades & Store Front Openings
Roofs & Rooflines
The form, color, and texture of the roof should be considered an integral part of the building design. Rooflines, materials, and colors of adjacent development should be considered.

Ukiah's downtown core is comprised mainly of traditional relatively flat roofs hidden by the extension of the front wall plane or parapet. Consideration of historical roof forms and decorations is encouraged, particularly If the roof Is exposed to public view. Diversity in parapet shapes will add interest to the building or rhythm of existing storefronts.

Suggestion: When installing a new roof that will be exposed to public view, choose a neutral color that will be adaptable to future color changes on the building. Screening for roof-mounted apparatus will be required.

Upper story setback
to maintain storefront
bulk and height
Facade scale and materials
New roof lines exposed to public view should carry on tradition of existing roof slopes and shapes should relate to adjacent buildings
Facades & Store Front Openings
Facades
Property owners that are contemplating facade improvements are highly encouraged to review the building's historical background so that the restoration may reflect a selected period of the building's development conducive with Ukiah's Facade Redevelopment Program. Building facades should be varied and articulated to add visual variety and distinctiveness, and be designed to human scale. Long, straight facades without openings or changes In whole planes should be avoided. Articulation will add three dimensional interest to the building.

Elements typically used to articulate a building's facade Include cornice lines, parapets, eaves, awnings, windows, balconies, entry insets and signs. Building entries should be accented with strong architectural definition. Facades without a strong sense of entry should be avoided. Projecting elements such as awnings, trellises and overhangs are effective in adding three dimensional interest to facades and enhancing the sense of entry into the building. Such elements can also Improve the pedestrian environment by providing protection from adverse weather conditions. Awnings can be a very effective and inexpensive method of providing storefront dimension, with the added benefit of area for signage. Awning material should be cloth or similar material. Metal awnings are actively discouraged. - ll -

Page 481 of 591 ends

Facades & Store Front Opening
BEFORE Lack of archtectural elemcnts create a monotonous facade l~DJJ1.wi:1JD11Jl@JJ.
@uihfJJ..~ cef!ImmJ71,7f.l..o.,
If stucco Is to remain, the use of
medium & Ilg ht color areas wlll help to break up the mass of the facade AFTER If brick Is undor tho stucco :ind
tho stucco Is not fer structural
slabllily of the brick the building's
apprearanae would be greaUy , enhanced by exposing the brick Awnings on separate store fronts Si b • within a single building should gns may e painted be the same color on the windows ~
illw:1iWid/J.B&ilotB ~ & rfliiDiu~ <;/I r11m@W= -- O~der building that has been stnpped or architectural detall
--- -... .... ------- --· _ .._ ... ___ _ . .. . .._ : . Corbelled cornice Double hung windows
r-:;:=~~~~~~~~~=~-...='i:.~=;_..;.~;;;.~:.(=~iiii~;I-- Brlckveneer Awnings of same size
~~
and color with main signage
on awning valance
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Painted bands of light and dark
accent colors can oe used to
define building as lost detaillng
once did
Awnings over 2nd floor windows
Window planter boxes
Slgnage band with
Individual signs
( AFTER )

Page 482 of 591 ends

Facades & Store Front Openings <cont.J
( tlif11if1 til~ ) =-= =,i
Older building that has been
stripped of architectural detail
[]] [[]] a:nl a:a
-!;tf\..~"laz~~- -· ~ ......... ···· .. ·- ..... -· .. _ . Corbelled cornice • =.-- - •• ~ 1•
'~'\:""" . . . .. -.

Single Building That Has Been
Artlficially Treated As Two
Double hung windows
·1':'\.:=-i:;;;;;.J~af-- Briel< veneer
Awnings of same size
andcolorwllhmalnslgnage \ ( BEFORE) on awning valance ,, _ _ ',;=====::=:::.=====:::= =~ l~IH!:::t-- Logo painted on glass
( AFTER )
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: i . 1 : DI . '
..

Mulllple Wall Signs Should
Ba Tho same Size And Shape
Hanging Signs Should Bo
Localed In the Center of tho
Building to Avoid Vlslblllty
Problems Caused by Awnings
And Signs on Adjacent Bulldlngs
New Bulkhead Treatmont
-10-
Painted bands of light and dark
accent colors can oe used to
define building as lost detailing once did
Awnings over 2nd Door windows
Window planter boxes
Signage band with
lntllvldual signs
Planter boxes ( )
_ AFTER _
Bacldlt Awnings
Main Slgnage on Awning Valance
Logo Painted on Glass
Planter Boxes

Page 483 of 591 ends

Facades & Store Front Openings (cont.J

WINDOW OPENINGS
The display window is the link between the pedestrian environment outside and the business activity inside. Window space along a commercial building's frontage should be designed to provide a maximum amount of retail exposure with entryway insets to help break up the building's volume into smaller components and reduce apparent mass, while increasing visual interest.

When renovating a residential structure or converting il lo commercial use, care should be taken to preserve the residential characteristics of the building's original architecture.

Wide Pedestrian Level Windows Provide
Retail Exposure for Shoppers

REAR ENTRIES
It is important for rear and
side entrances to be equally
as attractive as the front. The
design of each of the
building's elevations should '
be coordinated so that
complimentary design and
treatment is used on all
elevations visible to the
public.
( RECOMMENDED)
Restored or
Exposed Bri
Signage
.

Basic Commercial Facade
Cornice: Building cap
Upper Facade:

Regularly
Spaced Windows
storefront:

Entrance&
Windows

RECOMMENDED
SUGGESTION : Corner properties may want to place
primary entryways at the corner of the building to
reinforce the street intersection as a focus of
pedestrian activity.

REAR ENTRY TREATMENT
New Stair &
Hand Railing
Planter Boxes
• ·-,,~;..... ~----Pa I • • ,, .... ~~ . _ ____ __v ng
- II -

Page 484 of 591 ends

Signs
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RECOMMENDED
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Signs
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mro, ffrf/n ,i,..~m.m. w @\!!.!11!}/.JlJ;CM{f/l)u"'@O 00 The primary purpose of signs should be to identify the business or businesses located with a specific site. The design of a sign should be simple and easy to read. Signs with messages limited to the business name and logo are most effectlve.

Sign Design
Slgn design should conform lo the architectural character of the building in terms of historic period, style, location, size, configuration, materials and colors. Awnlng surfaces are appropriate for sign placement and buildlng owners are encouraged to utilize these areas for signage. Signs attached to a building should be designed to be integral with the building and not obscure or conceal architectural elements. Signing which does not relate to the building architecture is discouraged.

To reduce the visual competition between signs, sign a rea should be limited to the minimum amount necessary to identify the business. Maximum standards for total slgn area are provided In the City of Ukiah Sign Code. Large signs are discouraged and should be broken up lnto multiple low-impact signs.

Sandwich board signs shall conform to the requlrements of the Ukiah Municipal Code, and shall be tastefully designed with subdued colors, minimal sign copy, and a creative appearance.

The types of signs permitted are set forth in the City of Ukiah Sign Code; however, all signs constructed in the downtown must be approved by the Design Review Board. You have severa l options for the placement of signs. The most appropriate will depend upon your building.
- 12 -

Page 485 of 591 ends

Ukiah City CouncilMay 21, 2025

Ukiah City Council
May 21, 2025