Visalia City Council
April 21, 2025

Action Plan. Such complaints or grievances about the CDBG or HOME program may be directed to the City of Visalia Housing Division at 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 or via email at [email protected].

Timely Response to Complaints or Grievances
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the designated representative at the City shall respond to the complainant within 10 working days and maintain a copy of all related correspondence, which will be subject to review.

Within 10 working days of receiving the complaint, the designated representative shall discuss the matter with the department manager and respond to the complainant in writing. A copy of the City’s response will be transmitted concurrently to the complainant and to the Finance Director. If, due to unusual circumstances, the designated representative finds that they are unable to meet the prescribed time limit, the limit may be extended by written notice to the complainant. The designated representative’s notice must include the reason for the extension and the date on which a response is expected to be generated, which may be based on the nature and complexity of the complaint. Public review materials and performance reports will include data, as appropriate under confidentiality regulations, on any written complaints received and how each was resolved.

Article III. Definitions

Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice: The program participant must continue to conduct an analysis of impediments (AI) in accordance with existing HUD regulations. Future Plans will occur every five years with the Con Plan unless otherwise required by HUD.

Annual Action Plan (Annual Plan): The Annual Plan summarizes the activities that will be undertaken in the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) to meet the goals outlined in the Con Plan. The Annual Plan also identifies the federal and non-federal resources that will be used to meet the goals of the approved Con Plan.

Citizen Participation Plan (CPP): The CCP provides guidelines by which the City will promote engagement in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the distribution of federal funds, as outlined in the Con Plan, Annual Plan, and CAPERs.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): HUD’s CDBG program provides communities with resources to address a wide range of housing and community development needs that benefit very low- and low-income persons and areas.

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER): The CAPER assesses the City’s annual achievements relative to the goals in the Con Plan and proposed activities in the Annual Plan. HUD requires the City to prepare a CAPER at the end of each fiscal year.

Consolidated Plan (Con Plan): HUD requires entitlement jurisdictions to prepare a Con Plan every five years. The Con Plan is a strategic plan that identifies housing, economic, and community development needs and prioritizes funding to address those needs over a five-year period.

Department Of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD is the government agency that creates and manages programs pertaining to federal home ownership, affordable housing, fair housing, homelessness, and community and housing development.

Displacement: Displacement refers to the involuntary relocation of individuals from their residences due to housing development and rehabilitation activities paid for by federal funds.

Eligible Activity: Activities that are allowable uses of the three federal funds (CDBG, NSP and HOME) covered by the CPP as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 24 for HUD. 624

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Entitlement Community: A city with a population of at least 50,000, a central city of a metropolitan area, or a qualified urban county with a population of at least 200,000 that receives grant funding from HUD. HUD awards annual grants to entitlement community grantees on a formula basis to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons. HUD awards grants to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. The City of Visalia is an Entitlement Community jurisdiction.

Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): HOME is a federal block grant program that is designed to exclusively create affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.

Low- and Moderate-Income Benefit Area (LMA): CDBG funded activities must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in preventing or eliminating slums or blight, or meet a community development need having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and other financial resources are not available to meet that need. The City provides activities under this category, an area benefit activity which is primarily residential and who are at least 51 low- and moderate-income persons. Some activities which may meet the requirements include parks, neighborhoods, facilities, community centers and streets, which serve an identified geographic area, primarily by L/M income person.

Low- and Moderate-Income Limited Clientele (LMC): A Low/Mod income limited clientele activity is an activity which provides benefits to a specific group of persons rather than everyone in an area generally. It may benefit particular persons without regard to the area in which they reside, or it may be an activity which provides benefit on an area basis but only to a specific group of persons who reside in the area. In either case, at least 51% of the beneficiaries of the activity must be low/mod income persons. Statutory limitations preclude certain activities.

Low and Moderate Housing Activities (LMH): The housing category of Low/Mod income, qualifies activities that are undertaken for the purpose of providing or improvement permanent residential structures which, upon completion, will be occupied by Low Income households.

Low and Moderate Income (LMI): As defined annually by HUD LMI is 0-80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for a jurisdiction. This includes those individuals presumed by HUD to be principally LMI (abused children, battered spouses, elderly persons, severely disabled adults, homeless persons, illiterate adults, persons living with AIDS and migrant farm workers). HUD utilizes three income levels to define LMI households:

 Extremely low income: Households earning 0-30 percent of the AMI (subject to specified adjustments for areas with unusually high or low incomes)  Low income: Households earning 30-50 percent of the AMI (subject to specified adjustments for areas with unusually high or low incomes)
 Moderate income: Households earning 50-80 percent of the AMI (subject to adjustments for areas with unusually high or low incomes or housing costs)

Low and Moderate Job Creation or Retention (LMJ): The job creation and retention Low/Mod income category addresses activities that are designed to create or retain permanent jobs, at least 51% of which (computed on a full-time equivalent basis) will be made available to or held by Low Mod Income persons.

Program Year: the “program year” is July 1st through June 30th.

Public Hearing: Public hearings are designed to provide the public the opportunity to make public testimony and comment. Public hearings related to the Consolidated Plan are to be advertised in local newspapers and made accessible to non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities. 625

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Article III. Roles, Responsibilities, and Contact
Information

The City is a federal entitlement community jurisdiction and is a recipient of CDBG and HOME funding from the federal government.

Visalia City Council: The Visalia City Council is the elected legislative body governing the City. It is responsible for approving the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, amendments to the Plans, and CAPERs prior to their submission to HUD. City Council meetings are generally held the first and third Monday of each month beginning at 4:00 pm for a Work Session and 7:00 pm for the regular session.

The meetings are held at the City Hall, Council Chambers at 707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291. All City Council meetings are held in facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities.

The City of Visalia, beginning in 2016, moved to district elections. The adopted map sets City Council Districts is available on the City’s website at www.visalia.city.

Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC): The Citizen’s Advisory Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm in the City administration building at 220 North Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93291.

The committee acts as a liaison between the general public and the City Council concerning community issues.

City of Visalia General Contact: The General Contact Information for the City of Visalia’s HUD Entitlement Programs is:

City of Visalia
Attention: Housing Division
707 West Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
[email protected]
559-713-4460

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Article IV. Citizen Participation Policies
Availability of Draft and Approved Documents
The draft CPP, 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Action Plan, and any draft substantial amendments will be made available for public review and comment for a minimum of 30 days prior to their submission to HUD.

The draft CAPER will be available for public review and comment for a minimum of 15 days prior to its final submission to HUD. Previously approved plans and amendments will be available to residents, public agencies, and other interested stakeholders.

The CPP is designed to facilitate and encourage residents to participate in the Consolidated Plan process.

In particular, the CPP seeks to encourage the involvement of LMI persons. The draft and final versions of the CPP, Consolidated Plan, Annual Plan, CAPER, and all related amendments will be available online at the City’s Finance Department-Housing website at www.visalia.city.

Hard copies of all documents will be available at the City of Visalia, 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291.

The City will use the following process to adopt and make any subsequent changes to the documents listed below:

 The City will place public notice in the Visalia Times-Delta, on the City’s Web site (www.visalia.city) and at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.), City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 North Santa Fe Street), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W. Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.) and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.)—in advance of a 30-day public review and comment period.  Residents have 30 days to review the Citizen Participation Plan from the date of the notice.  During the 30-day public review and comment period, the document will be available for review at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 North Santa Fe Street), and copies of the document will be available to the public upon request.
 Residents may file comments in writing at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.) and/or via email at [email protected] during the 30-day period from the date of the notice.  The City Council will adopt the CPP at a public hearing.

Any change in the public participation process as outlined in this document will require an amendment to the CPP.
2025 Five Year Consolidated Plan and First Year Annual Action Plan

The steps outlined below provide opportunities for public involvement in the preparation of the Five-Year 2025 Consolidated Plan and the First Year Annual Action Plan:

The response to the surveys, community outreach and the Census Data collected for the City of Visalia are used to identify and prioritize which barriers to address which helps filter which programs to fund going forward. To solicit community input, which is essential to determining these needs and priorities, the City will:

 Consult with local public agencies that assist low- and moderate-income persons and areas, including City staff, state and federal agencies, neighboring local governments, and regional agencies.
 Consult with private agencies, including local nonprofit service providers and advocates such as the local public housing agency, health agencies, homeless service providers, nonprofit housing developers and social service agencies (including those focusing on services to children, the elderly, 627

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persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, persons with substance abuse problems, etc.).  Place public notices in the Visalia Times-Delta, the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance listserv, on the City’s Web site (www.visalia.city) and at City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave), City Hall North (220 North Santa Fe Street), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W.

Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.) and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.)—30 days in advance of a meeting. The notice will include the amount of funds available, the range of activities that could be undertaken and the amount that would benefit LMI persons.
 Hold a minimum of two public hearings within the community to solicit input on needs and priorities for the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan.
 Hold a minimum of one public hearing before the City Council to solicit input on needs and priorities for the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan.
 Provide residents with 30 days to review the draft Consolidated Plan and/or the draft Annual Action Plan from the date of the notice.
 Provide residents with a 30-day period from the date of notice to file comments at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.) and/or via email at [email protected].  Present the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and First Year Annual Action Plan to City Council for adoption.
 Consider all comments and views expressed by the public, whether given as verbal testimony at the public hearing or submitted in writing during the review and comment period. The final documents will have a section that includes all comments, along with any explanations as to why any comments were not accepted.

Substantial Amendments to Five-Year Consolidated Plan and First Year Annual Action Plan Amendments to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan are necessary whenever one of the following is proposed:

 To make a substantial change in the allocation priorities or a substantial change in the method of distribution of funds. A substantial change increases or decreases the amount allocated to a category of funding within the City’s entitlement grant programs by 75 percent or more.  To carry out an activity using funds from any program not covered by the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (including program income) not previously described in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan.  To substantially change the purpose, scope, location or beneficiaries of an activity.

The following procedures apply to Substantial amendments:

 The City will place public notices in the Visalia Times-Delta post on the City’s Web site (www.visalia.city); the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance listserv, and at City Hall West (707 W.

Acequia Ave.) City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 N. Santa Fe St.), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W. Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.) and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.)—in advance of a 30-day public review and comment period.
 Residents have 30 days to review the proposed Substantial amendment from the date of the notice.  During the 30-day public review and comment period, the document will be available for review at the City’s Finance Department-Housing office. Copies of the document will be available to the public, upon request.
 Residents may file comments at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.) and/or via email at [email protected] during the 30-day period from the date of the notice.  The City will hold a minimum of one public hearing within the community to solicit input on the Substantial Amendment.
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 The City will hold a minimum of one public hearing before the City Council to solicit input on the Substantial Amendment.
 In preparing a final Substantial amendment, careful consideration will be given to all comments and views expressed by the public, whether given as verbal testimony at the public hearing or submitted in writing during the review and comment period. The final amendment will have a section that includes all comments, plus explanations as to why any comments were not accepted.

Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) The City must submit an Annual Action Plan and a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD.

Action Plan
The Annual Action Plan summarizes the activities that will be undertaken in the upcoming FY to meet the goals outlined in the Con Plan. The following steps outline the opportunities for public involvement in the Annual Action Plan:

 The City will place public notices in the Visalia Times-Delta, provide notice to the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance for inclusion in their listserv, post notice on the City’s Web site (www.visalia.city), at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.), City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 N. Santa Fe St.), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W. Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.), and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.)—in advance of a 30-day public review and comment period.
 Residents will have 30 days to review the Annual Action Plan from the date of the notice.  During the 30-day public review and comment period, the document will be available for review at the City’s Finance Department-Housing office. Copies of the document will be available to the public upon request.
 Residents may file comments at City Hall North (220 N. Santa Fe St.) during the 30-day period from the date of the notice.
 The City will hold a minimum of one public hearing within the community to solicit input on needs and priorities for the Annual Action Plan.
 The City will hold a minimum of one public hearing before the City Council to solicit input on needs and priorities for the Annual Action Plan.
 In preparing the Action Plan, careful consideration will be given to all comments and views expressed by the public, whether given as verbal testimony at the public hearing or submitted in writing during the review and comment period. The final report will have a section that includes all comments, plus explanations as to why any comments were not accepted.

CAPER
The CAPER must describe how funds were actually used and the extent to which these funds were used for activities that benefited low- and moderate-income people. The following steps outline the opportunities for public involvement in the CAPER:

 The City will place public notices in the Visalia Times-Delta, on the City’s Web site (www.visalia.city at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.), City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 N. Santa Fe St.), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W. Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.), and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.)—in advance of a 15-day public review and comment period.
 Residents will have 15 days to review the CAPER from the date of the notice.  During the 15-day public review and comment period, the document will be available for review at 629

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the City’s Finance Department-Housing office. Copies of the document will be available to the public upon request.
 Residents may file comments at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.) and/or via email at [email protected] during the 15-day period from the date of the notice.  In preparing the CAPER, careful consideration will be given to all comments and views expressed by the public, whether given as verbal testimony at the public hearing or submitted in writing during the 15-day review and comment period. The final report will have a section that includes all comments, plus explanations as to why any comments were not accepted.

Public Hearings
The City will hold public hearings for the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, amendments made to the CPP, or Substantial amendments.

Consolidated Plan hearings will include City staffed community meetings and one City Council Public Hearing for the adoption of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.

The City Council Public Hearing will be held at City Hall Council Chambers. Listening devices, interpretation services, and other assistance to disabled persons or those with limited English proficiency will be provided upon request, requiring up to five business days prior notification to the City Clerk. Requests for disability- related modifications or accommodations required to facilitate meeting participation, including requests for auxiliary aids, services or interpreters, require different lead times, of up to five business days. Please keep this in mind and provide as much advance notice as possible to ensure availability. Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s) are available upon request.

Notice of Hearings and Review Periods
To allow the public to provide comments prior to the submission of approved documents to HUD, the City will hold a public review period of at least 30 days for each Con Plan, Annual Action Plan, CPP, and Substantial amendment.

The City will establish a public review period of at least 15 days for each CAPER to allow for public comments prior to the submission of approved documents to HUD.

Completed drafts of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and First Year Annual Action Plan, CPP, and any Substantial amendments will be available for public review and comment for 30 days.

Completed drafts of the Subsequent Annual Action Plans will be available for public review and comment for 30-days.

Completed drafts of the CAPER will be available for public review and comment for 15 days.

Copies of these draft plans will be available to the public for review, at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave) and on the City of Visalia website at www.visalia.city.

To ensure that all residents, including minorities, persons with limited English proficiency, persons with disabilities, residents of public housing, and LMI residents can participate in the public review process, the City will provide residents, public agencies and other stakeholders the following:

 Notice of opportunity to comment via e-mail, U.S. mail, and/or in person at public hearings on the Consolidated Plan, Annual Plan, CAPER, Substantial amendments, and CPP.  Notice of applicable public review period and public hearings using an email distribution list maintained by the City for those parties expressing interest in receiving information and updates related to the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, Substantial 630

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amendments and CPP. To be added to this email distribution list, please submit a request to [email protected] with the subject line: Con Plan distribution list.  Notices will be distributed through various methods, including e-mail, websites, and newspaper postings.
 Public notices will announce the availability of relevant draft documents for public review and include an introduction of the document, its contents, and purpose. The notices will describe how to obtain a copy of the document for review and clearly list all scheduled hearings with dates, times, and locations. The notices will include information on how to access staff report and related documents online and list locations where hard copies will be available.  Notices of the availability of draft documents and the review periods will be distributed, published, and posted on the City of Visalia’s Finance Department-Housing website at www.visalia.city. Notices will be distributed and published at least 15-days for CAPER’s and 30-days for Con Plan, Action Plans, Substantial Amendments, and CPP before the final public hearing and will include information regarding how to request accommodation and services available for persons with disabilities who wish to attend the public hearings.
 Newspaper postings of the notices for the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, Substantial amendments, and amendments to the CPP will be provided in the Visalia Times-Delta, or other local newspaper, and the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter.

Consolidated Plan and Action Plan notices will be sent to an e-mail distribution list maintained by the City’s Finance Department-Housing. Members of the public may be added to this distribution list by contacting [email protected]. Although the City will prioritize the use of email to distribute the public notices to residents, it will continue to send hard copies to the public via U.S. Postal Service to residents with no email access, upon request.

The City often combines notices complying with several individual requirements into one document for dissemination and publication. The City is receptive to suggestions for ways to improve its process for notifying the public of upcoming public hearings and the availability of draft documents for public review.

The City will consider comments and views expressed by residents, public agencies, and other stakeholders via email, writing, or orally at public meetings. In each Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, Substantial amendment or CPP submitted to HUD, the City will provide an attachment that includes all written communications received and a summary of each oral comment during the applicable 30-day or 15-day public review period; the City's subsequent action; and the reasons for non-action, if none was taken. This information will also be available to the public as part of the final document.

Anti-Displacement Policy

As part of the CPP, the City must maintain a displacement policy. Displacement refers to the involuntary relocation of individuals from their residence due to housing development and rehabilitation paid for with federal funds. The City will continue to use existing federal and state relocation guidelines, as applicable, to minimize displacement and to alleviate the problems caused by displacement. Both the federal government and the State of California have specific requirements dictating the number of benefits and assistance that must be provided to lower income persons and households relocated from their homes as a result of displacement. Depending on the funding source, displaced persons may be offered one or more of the following:

 A rent subsidy for another unit
 A cash payment to be used for rent or a down payment on the purchase of a dwelling unit  Moving and related expenses
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The City’s rehabilitation programs may also incur relocation issues when they provide minor additions to existing dwellings to address overcrowding. Any temporary relocation costs, if applicable are included in the rehabilitation loan package offered to clients.

Availability of and Access to Records

Information on the City’s Consolidated Plans, CPPs, Annual Action Plans, CAPERs, and program regulations will be posted on the City’s Finance Department-Housing website at www.visalia.city and will be made available for public review during normal working hours at the City of Visalia, 707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291, and upon written request addressed to the City’s Finance Department-Housing Division or via email at [email protected]. If the City is unable to provide immediate access to the documents requested, the City will make every effort to provide the documents and reports within 10 business days from the receipt of the request. These documents are also posted on the City’s Finance Department-Housing website at www.visalia.city.

Comments/Complaints

Comments or complaints from residents, public agencies, and other stakeholders regarding the Consolidated Plan or related amendments and performance reports may be submitted in writing or orally to the City’s Finance Department-Housing Division at City of Visalia, 707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 or via email at [email protected]. Written comments or complaints will be referred to appropriate City staff for consideration and response. The City will provide substantive, written responses to all comments or complaints within 10 business days.

A summary of public comments or complaints and a summary of any comments or complaints not accepted and the reasons thereto shall be attached to the respective final Consolidated Plan, any amendments to the plan, the Annual Action Plan or the CAPER.

Technical Assistance

The City will, to the extent practicable, respond to requests for technical assistance by groups representing persons of low- and moderate-income developing funding proposals for any program covered by the Consolidated Plan in accordance with grant procedures. This may include, but is not limited to, providing information regarding how to fill out applications, other potential funding sources, and referrals to appropriate agencies within and outside the City. "Technical assistance," as used here, does not include the provision of funds to groups requesting such assistance. Assistance will also be provided by the City’s Finance Department-Housing to interested individuals and resident groups who need further explanation on the background and intent of the Housing and Community Development Act, interpretation of specific HUD regulations, and project eligibility criteria for federal grants.

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2025-2029 ConPlan-Citizen Participation Summary
PR-15 Citizen Participation
Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation. Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal- setting.

Community Needs Survey

To identify the highest priority needs of the City, a Community Needs Survey was designed and distributed to residents, workers, service providers, and businesses in the City. The public was informed that the City was in the process of preparing the 2025/26 - 2029/30 Consolidated Plan and community stakeholders were encouraged to complete the Community Needs Survey to help the City prioritize areas for investment using federal entitlement funds over the next five years.

Beginning in July 2024, the City implemented a comprehensive community engagement strategy to ensure broad and meaningful participation in the planning process. This strategy included:

 Surveying residents, local businesses, and community organizations;  Holding a Public Hearing during a City Council meeting (September 3, 2024);  Presenting at a monthly Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting (September 4, 2024);  Facilitating a virtual public meeting (September 9, 2024); and  Leading two focus groups for organization consultations (September 25, and October 2, 2024).

Citizen and organization online questionnaires
To initiate its citizen participation process, the City created a 36-question Citizen Questionnaire (English and Spanish) and a 29-question Organization Questionnaire in Microsoft Forms designed to elicit feedback about community needs for housing, supportive service, economic and workforce development, planning and community development, and homelessness.

Both questionnaires were open for responses from July 12, 2024, to August 2, 2024, however the Organization Questionnaire was relaunched twice (August 12-16, 2024, and September 25-October 4, 2024) at the request of several organizations and in an effort to collect additional feedback. Additionally, the Citizen Questionnaire also relaunched between September 6-13, 2024, also to elicit additional resident feedback. Overall, the Organization Questionnaire Survey had 23 respondents, whereas the Citizen Questionnaire had 122 individual respondents. No responses were received for the Spanish Citizen Questionnaire.

The City’s Housing Division created two additional surveys to poll attendees at two events – the 2023 Farmworker Women’s Conference on housing and community development needs and the CAC meeting on September 4, 2024. These surveys asked about supportive service, housing, economic development, infrastructure, and community facility needs.

It is estimated that over 40,000 entities, organizations, or persons were informed of the preparation of the Consolidated Plan. Information on public forums was disseminated through the following methods:
 Information on the survey was shared on various social media pages. The survey link was posted to the City’s Facebook page (potential reach of 22K), City Instagram (potential reach of 19K) and Twitter page (potential reach of 6K), and the City’s “Inside City Hall” newsletter.  The survey link was emailed to approximately 1,000 entities, organizations, agencies, or individuals with a request to share the survey with their network, via the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance, the Community Care Coalition, and the Homeless Task Force listservs.  The survey link was sent to 800 members of the City’s Chamber of Commerce. 633

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 The survey link was sent to the City’s Community Center and Housing Resource Fair listservs.  The survey link was posted to the City’s webpage.
 Hard copy surveys and flyers were distributed to residents of the City at various locations, including public housing sites, school districts, health care providers, libraries, and community centers.

Focus groups

To prepare for the execution of the stakeholder focus groups, agencies were invited to register via Microsoft Forms to attend any of the two virtual focus groups being offered to provide their input. Focus groups were scheduled across a one-week timeframe for the following dates and times:

 Focus Group 1: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 9:00 A.M. PST – 11:00 A.M. PST  Focus Group 2: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 9:00 A.M. PST – 11:00 A.M. PST

A total of 46 agencies were invited to participate in the virtual focus group sessions; 14 individuals representing 11 agencies participated in at least one focus group. Agencies invited included, but were not limited to housing providers, health service providers, social service providers, organizations representing protected classes, fair housing, education agencies, and real estate organization. During the focus groups, a variety of open-ended questions were asked to address the following topics while increasing dialogue among the groups:

 Populations most in need of assistance
 Greatest unmet needs and gaps in services among qualifying populations  Potential project ideas that may be eligible under the CDBG and HOME programs

Public Hearing, CAC, and Public Meeting
The City hosted and presented at three public engagement events to gather community input A public hearing was held on September 3, 2024, a CAC meeting was held on September 4, 2024, and a virtual public meeting was held on September 9, 2024. The hearing and meetings were designed to solicit input regarding pressing community and housing needs throughout the City. Events include a public hearing (September 3, 2024), and CAC meeting (September 4, 2024), and a virtual public meeting (September 9, 2024). Designed to solicit feedback from both the general public and City Council members, these meetings were advertised across several platforms (i.e. email blast to 77 community organizations point of contacts, publication in a local newspaper, flyers, the City’s website and social media channels) to ensure broad participation. This comprehensive approach aimed to identify and prioritize the most pressing community and housing needs in Visalia, ensuring that the City's planning efforts were well-informed by diverse perspectives from residents and officials alike.

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Council Input and Direction

Staff identified and presented the need, clearly expressed by Visalia residents, and data analysis (HUD CHAS, Census, etc.). This will allow Council to reach a decision with full knowledge of community needs and provide staff with recommended priorities and activities for the next 5 years.

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
The Con Plan includes the AI, which assesses the extent of housing needs among specific income groups, evaluates housing choices, and analyzes conditions in the private and public sector that could impede a person’s access to such housing. The City is contracted with the Fair Housing Council of Central California (FHCCC) for fair housing education and testing. The results will be utilized by MBI in preparing the AI.

Preliminary AI information reflects barriers and goals related to:
 Lending practices
 Land Use Policies & Practices
 Regional Collaboration related to services
 Opportunity Indicators; and
 Housing Discrimination

As a result of the analysis to date, the City will work with its partners and consultants to provide fair housing education as well as to monitor discrimination. The City is currently working on the update of its Housing Element. The City shall continue to work with surrounding cities and non-profit providers, as well as the Continuum of Care to coordinate new programs and funding opportunities to address homelessness. The City recommends continued efforts in making programs, such as down payment assistance, available citywide to address segregation and concentration barriers, such as populations with lack of access to quality schools. MBI will also be conducting an analysis of Visalia’s market conditions, and a homeless needs assessment, as well as preparing the Strategic Plan and Action Plan, based on high priority needs identified through community outreach and City and Council input.

Housing Windshield Survey
On September 3-4, 2024, and September 18, 2024, Baker Tilly, in collaboration with City staff, conducted a windshield survey to evaluate housing conditions in real-time across five neighborhoods across Visalia. This survey assessed various housing aspects, including building types, overall neighborhood conditions, and specific elements such as roofs, siding, landscaping, fences, and right-of-way conditions. Baker Tilly and City staff conducted a drive-through survey of the identified neighborhoods, randomly selecting homes to evaluate. This approach ensured impartiality and provided a more accurate reflection of the neighborhood conditions. Neighborhoods (primarily identified by street boundaries) surveyed included:
 Oval Park Neighborhood
 Mooney to North Ben Maddox Way, bound by: North Mooney Boulevard to the west, West Riggin to the north, North Ben Maddox Way to the east, and West Houston Avenue to the south  North Shirk Road (Rd 92) to North Demaree Road, bound by: North Shirk Road to the west, West Goshen Avenue to the north, North Demaree Road to the east, and County Highway 198 to the south  South Akers Street to South Mooney Boulevard, bound by: South Akers Street to the west, County Highway 198 to the north, South Mooney Boulevard to the east, West Walnut Avenue to the south 635

Citizen Participation Plan

 South Mooney Boulevard to South Ben Maddox Way, bound by: South Mooney Boulevard to the west, County Highway 198 to the north, South Ben Maddox Way to the east, and West Walnut Avenue to the south

Homes located within these boundaries were considered a representative sample of conditions within each identified neighborhood. Using a rubric created jointly by Baker Tilly and City staff, the following variables were identified:

 Type of building (single
family/multifamily/mixed use)
 Overall neighborhood condition
 Roof condition
 Siding condition
 Landscaping condition
 Fence condition
 Right of way condition
 Average age of housing stock
The survey revealed that most of the analyzed areas (73.3%) were in good condition, with the remainder split between poor (12.4%) and fair (14.3%) conditions. The Oval Park neighborhood emerged as the area most in need of improvements, with 48% of its variables rated as poor. The South Mooney to South Ben Maddox neighborhood followed, with 45% of its variables considered fair.

Regarding building types, mixed-use neighborhoods showed the worst conditions overall, but this was largely due to the poor ratings in the Oval Park area. Multi-family buildings were found to be in the best condition, with 92% of areas predominantly featuring multi-family structures rated as good.

The survey also identified a notable concern regarding potential lead-based paint hazards in housing units throughout the city. While the average housing unit in Visalia was constructed in 1987, a substantial portion of the city's residential structures predates 1980. Specifically, 18,814 housing units, representing 39.9% of the total housing stock, were built before 1980. This is particularly important because lead-based paint was commonly used in residential construction before it was banned in 1978. Consequently, these older homes may pose health risks to occupants, particularly children and pregnant women, due to the potential presence of lead-based paint. This data highlights the importance of lead hazard assessment and mitigation efforts in Visalia's older neighborhoods to ensure safe and healthy living conditions for residents.

Overall, the windshield survey indicated that although Visalia’s neighborhoods are generally in good condition, there is potential for improvement in all areas, as no neighborhood was rated as "well-kept." Upon completion of the survey, Baker Tilly recommended that the City focus on economic development efforts primarily within the Oval Park neighborhood, followed by the South Mooney to South Ben Maddox area, with particular attention to roofing and siding improvements.

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Citizen Participation Outreach
Table 1 – Citizen Participation Outreach

Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
Response/Attendance
Summary of
Comments
Received
Summary of
Comments Not
Accepted
and Reasons
URL (If
applicable)
Public meeting
Non-English
Speaking – Specify
other language:

Spanish
On November 16, 2023, the City’s
Housing Division survey 107 individuals
attending the 2023 Farmworker Women’s
Conference held at the Visalia
Convention Center on housing and
community development.

See attached. N/A N/A
Internet
Outreach
Non-targeted/broad
community
Community Needs Assessment public
notices and surveys shared on City social
media outlets reaching 22K on Facebook,
19K on Instagram, and 6K on Twitter.

Community Needs Survey and information
also shared on the City website and Inside
City Halll newsletter.

See attached. N/A N/A
Other
Non-targeted/broad
community

Citizen Needs Assessment public notices
and surveys on various email distribution
listservs including the Kings/Tulare
Homeless Alliance to 645 individuals, the
Homeless Task Force to over 200
individuals, and the Community Care
Coalition to over 200 individuals.

See attached. N/A N/A
Other
Non-targeted/broad
community

Citizen Needs Assessment public notices
shared at various locations City Hall West,
City Hall East, City Hall North, Visalia
Transit, Visalia Senior Center, Visalia
Library, and Visalia Parks & Recreation
locations.

See attached. N/A N/A
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Citizen Participation Plan

Other Non-targeted/broad
community
Citizen community needs survey launched
from 7/12/24 – 8/2/24, and 9/6/24 –
9/13/24, and received 122 individual
respondents.

See attached. N/A N/A
Other Non-targeted/broad
community
Organization community needs survey
launched from 7/12/24 – 8/2/24, 8/12-
8/16/24, and 9/25/24-10/4/24, and
received 23 individual respondents.

See attached. N/A N/A
Newspaper Ad
Non-targeted/broad
community

Community needs assessment public
notice posted in the Visalia Delta-Times
newspaper on 8/27/24.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Hearing
Non-targeted/broad
community

On September 3, 2024, a City Council
public hearing was held on the development of the ConPlan. See attached. N/A N/A Public Meeting
Non-targeted/broad
community
Other: Citizens
Advisory
Committee
On September 4, 2024, a Community
meeting was held on the development of
the ConPlan, and community needs
assessment. 25 individuals attended.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Meeting
Non-targeted/broad
community

On September 9, 2024, a virtual
community meeting on the development
of the ConPlan and community needs
assessment. 10 individuals attended.

See attached. N/A N/A
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Citizen Participation Plan

Public Meeting
Non-targeted/broad
community
Other:

Organizations
On September 25, 2024, a focus group
was held on the development of the
ConPlan, and community needs
assessment. 10 individuals attended from
various organizations.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Meeting
Non-targeted/broad
community

Other:

Organizations
On October 2, 2024, a focus group was
held on the development of the ConPlan,
and community needs assessment. 12
individuals attended from various
organizations.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Meeting
Non-targeted/broad
community

On December 3, 2024, a City Council
work session was held to discuss the
development of the 5-year ConPlan.

See attached. N/A N/A
Newspaper Ad
Non-targeted/broad
community

30-day public comment period public
notice was published in the Visalia Times
Delta on 3/21/25 and 4/1/25.

See attached. N/A N/A
Internet
Outreach
Non-targeted/broad
community
Draft 2025-2029 ConPlan and 2025
Action Plan were available on the City's
website from 3/21/24 - 4/21/25.

See attached. N/A N/A
Internet
Outreach
Non-targeted/broad
community

City social media posts on City's website
news page, Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter pages.

See attached. N/A N/A
Listserv Notice Non-targeted/broad
community
The Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance and
Visalia Chamber of Commerce listserv
notices.

See attached. N/A N/A
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Citizen Participation Plan

Public Notices Non-targeted/broad
community
Public notices posted at the following city
sites: City Hall, Community Development,
Administrative Office, Recreation, Senior
Center, and Visalia Transit from 3/21/25 -
4/21/25.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Meeting Non-targeted/broad
community
Citizens Advisory Committee community
meeting to review draft and obtain public
comment held on 4/2/25.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Hearing Non-targeted/broad
community
Public Hearing to review draft 2025-2029
ConPlan 2025 Action Plan and obtain
public comment held on 4/7/25.

See attached. N/A N/A
Public Hearing Non-targeted/broad
community
Public Hearing to approve the 2025-2029
ConPlan and 2025 Action Plan and
authorize submission of the plan to HUD
held on 4/21/25.

See attached. N/A N/A

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Citizen Participation Plan

Community Needs Survey Results
A total of 23 organizations and 122 individuals responded to the Community Needs Survey between July 2024 to September 2024. This section provides an overview of the results of the City’s Community Needs Survey responses.

Overview
The Community Organization and Resident Surveys were used to gather feedback and information from organizations and residents within the community for the 2025/26-2029/30 Consolidated Plan. Both surveys were open for responses from July 12-August 2, 2024 (the Community Organization Survey reopened between August 12-16, 2024, and from September 25-October 4, 2024, to collect additional responses from selected organizations and solicit feedback from organizations that attended virtual focus groups; the Community Resident Survey reopened between September 6-13, 2024, in anticipation of a virtual community meeting). The Community Organization Survey had 23 respondents, and 122 individuals responded to the Resident Survey. No responses were logged for the Spanish Resident Survey.

Additionally, the City of Visalia Housing Division surveyed individuals during two other events – the 2023 Farmworker Women’s Conference on housing and community development needs and the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting on the FY 2025/26 – FY 2029/30 Consolidated Plan. Details and results from both of these surveys are also presented.

Community Organization Survey Results
A variety of organizations responded to the Community Organization Survey, as shown in Table 1. The largest number of responses came from social service organizations (6) and community development corporations (3).

The survey asked about several topics, including gaps in programs and services, housing, economic development, community services, organizational collaboration and partnerships, and funding and resource allocation.

A thorough analysis of survey responses showed that respondents repeatedly emphasized the need for more affordable housing, homeless, mental health, and job training services in the City. Affordable housing and specific housing types to support populations identified as underserved, i.e., individuals with disabilities and the elderly, were called out. Comprehensive homeless support services were cited as another major need. Public infrastructure and community services were generally found to be acceptable, except for public transportation, which was cited as a need related to accessing jobs and employment opportunities. Organizations emphasized the importance of partnerships for furthering their missions and addressing the identified needs.

Table 1: Community Organization Survey Respondents
No. Organization Name Respondent’s Role Type
1 Self-Help Enterprises Vice President
Community
development
corporation
2 Lindsay Healthy Start Family
Resource Center Director Social service
organization
3 Proteus, Inc. Planner Associate
Community
development
corporation
4 RH Community Builders LP Affordable Housing
Development Director
Social service
organization
5 Visalia Rescue Mission Director of Development Social service organization
6 Central CA Legal Services Chief Program Officer Legal aid services 641

Citizen Participation Plan

7 Tulare County Library-Visalia
Branch County Librarian Other public entity
8 Kaweah Health Foundation Director Health agency
9 Tulare County HHSA Deputy Director – Integrated
Services
Regional government
unit
10 Kingsview Case Manager/Housing
Navigator
Housing counseling
agency
11 Tulare County Office of Education
Foster and Homeless Youth
Services
Foster and Homeless Youth
Services Coordinator Other public entity
12 Tulare County Health & Human
Services Agency
Homeless Initiatives Program
Coordinator
Social service
organization
13 The Source LGBT+ Center Executive Director Civil rights organization
14 Visalia Senior Housing CEO
Community
development
corporation
15-16 Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance (2) Executive Directors (2) of Programs and Operations Continuum of Care
17 Community Services Employment
Training Executive Director Social service
organization
18 Housing Authority of the County of
Tulare
Deputy Executive Director –
Housing Management Public housing agency
19 Champions Recovery Alternative
Programs, Inc. Executive Director Social service
organization
20 TC Hope Board Member Other public entity
21-23 Anonymous (3)* --- ---
Total 23
*Three respondents did not include any identifying information.

Of the three, only two provided responses to the questions within the Organization Survey.

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Citizen Participation Plan

What is the primary population your organization serves? Figure 1 - The organizations primarily serve homeless and low-income populations, followed by the youth and elderly.

Gaps
When asked to choose the most effective existing programs and services in Visalia, respondents overwhelmingly selected affordable housing services (15) and mental health services (12), followed by job training/education/job search services (8) and substance abuse/recovery services (7). The respondents were also able to make suggestions on how existing programs and services can be improved, as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Organization Comments on Improving Existing Programs/Services Organization Name How can existing programs and services be improved to better serve the City of Visalia?
Self-Help Enterprises
Enhance case management and supportive services programs; recruit new providers to the area; invest a higher ratio of CDBG in housing supports.

Lindsay Healthy Start
Family Resource Center
Create more affordable housing, along with addressing homelessness that doesn’t split up families or require 12-year-old boys not to be with their parents. Re-evaluate rules… and are they poverty-informed? Proteus, Inc. Creating, initiating, and facilitating affordable housing for community members who are single parents with only one income.

RH Community Builders LP
The City of Visalia has been extremely supportive of supportive housing and affordable housing development. Additional funding for rental subsidies is necessary to support the continued development of these projects.

Visalia Rescue Mission There is a need to expand existing services, and to mobilize services into underserved areas.

Central CA Legal Services Increased funding to support legal aid services.

Kaweah Health Designated low barrier areas for homeless to congregate and get services.

Kingsview More funding.
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Citizen Participation Plan

Tulare County Office of
Education Foster and
Homeless Youth Services
We need a housing navigator that walks someone experiencing homelessness through the steps of accessing the available resources.

The young adults I see experiencing homelessness need to be helped at every step of the way, from applying for programs to finding housing options.

Tulare County Health &
Human Services Agency
Visalia is a beautiful city with challenges faced by communities all across the state. We want to see economic growth and vitality but are constrained by resources. Developing a plethora of housing options (low/mid/high), educational pathways, and job training are all essential but hollow without economic development to help create the jobs these individuals will need to sustain themselves. Offering mental health, substance abuse recovery, and other social support programs helps people who have stumbled or fallen get back up and on a path to stability.

The Source LGBT+ Center General lack of awareness of what exists. Better marketing and outreach. Also how to access, not just what is available.

Visalia Senior Housing
Improved communications between support services, agencies caring for seniors. When reaching out to provide help for residents, they often go unanswered.

Kings Tulare Homeless
Alliance
I think the city needs more affordable housing and more housing choice vouchers. There also needs to be a rent cap. Currently, many renters pay more than 30% of their income toward rent.

Community Services
Employment Training
Continue to work and partner with non-profits to seek solutions that address the safety net needs of marginalized members of our community. Also, support for case management services is important.

Housing Authority of the
County of Tulare Continued collaboration with community partners to work together.

Champions Recovery
Alternative Programs, Inc.

Youth need gang intervention programs. None exist in the city.

Transitional housing options are lacking, making it difficult for people transitioning out of drug treatment, hospital, and institutions to avoid homelessness.

TC Hope
We need a "drop-in" center for those experiencing homelessness. More than a warming center, and more than a cooling center. A place police (the Hope Team) can bring those on the street for shelter.

Perhaps reflecting the nature of the populations served by the responding organizations, most organizations noted a shortage of affordable housing options (20) and insufficient homeless prevention programs (17) as the largest gaps in programs and services, but respondents also called out the limited availability of mental health services (15) as a major gap.

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Citizen Participation Plan

What gaps do you see in the current programs and services in the City? Figure 2
A similar question regarding missing programs and services in the City indicates a need for mental health, economic development, senior and youth services, and job training/education/job search services.

What types of services or programs are missing in the City that should be developed? Figure 3
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Citizen Participation Plan

Underserved populations in the City were identified via a ranking scale by organization respondents. Populations identified by respondents as having above average or very high degrees of underservice include socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals/families, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and people with limited English proficiency.

Housing
Several questions dug deeper into the nature of the housing gap in the City. Similar to responses in the previous section, roughly 80% of respondents rated the availability of affordable housing as below average or low. Specific housing types needed in the community were identified as affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and shelters, evidencing a need to support the underserved populations identified in the previous section via housing services.

Organizations rated the top housing needs in the City of Visalia. As shown below in Figure 5, the five highest housing priorities in the City were:

1. Affordable rental housing

2. Permanent Supportive Housing

3. Transitional Housing

4. Shelters

5. Senior Housing

What do you believe are the top housing needs in the City of Visalia? Figure 4
On the topic of affordable housing, the biggest barriers to access were largely a limited availability, high rental costs, and homelessness and housing instability, underscoring the affordability and homelessness issues in the community. To address these issues, respondents recommended the strategies of affordable housing development, preservation, and comprehensive homeless prevention and support services.

Economic Development
Respondents were also asked about economic development needs in the City. Specific questions about the quality of public infrastructure (e.g. roads, parks, utilities) and the availability of jobs and employment opportunities showed that respondents generally found these to be at an average level of acceptability, with slightly more respondents finding access to public transportation, health and social services, and jobs and employment opportunities to be poor versus good. Respondents found the quality of public infrastructure like roads, parks, and utilities to be acceptable or good overall.
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Citizen Participation Plan

However, several economic development issues were identified as pressing, including affordable housing development and workforce development. These results track the gaps previously identified in affordable housing and job training/education/job search services.

Rank the degree to which the economic development issues are pressing needs in the City.

Figure 5
Community Services
Access to health and social services for low-income residents was generally found to be moderate. However, when asked to select the primary barriers to accessing services like education and childcare, respondents noted issues with cost, transportation, limited availability of services, and a lack of flexible hours. A public transportation-specific question underscored a perceived issue with public transportation access, with the majority of respondents identifying access as very poor to acceptable.

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Citizen Participation Plan

What are the primary barriers to accessing education and childcare services? Figure 6
Organizational Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration among community organizations was generally identified as good, with the primary barriers to effective collaboration being competition for funding, resource constraints, organizational silos, and communication.

Respondents felt that regular communications and meetings, as well as resource sharing, would enhance organizational partnerships.

In free-text responses, organizations further highlighted the need for partnerships, including the City working with schools, organizations, churches, and organizations partnering to address homelessness and other issues. One respondent noted they are unaware of planning sessions involving developers, builders, and city planners, and another said they would like to see new participants at the table.

Funding and Resource Allocation
Organizations identified unpredictable grant funding cycles and insufficient funding allocations as their most significant funding challenges, followed by matching fund requirements and complex grant requirements. The types of funding needed were operating grants and program/project-specific grants; organizations generally prioritized partnerships and collaboration as a way to improve the allocation of resources.

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Community Residents Survey Results
The Community Residents Survey gathered feedback from residents across the City to support efforts in understanding residents’ funding priorities. The survey collected information on topics including demographics, housing, supportive services, economic and community development, and social and recreational services.

This survey generally demonstrated less consensus on priorities and needs in the City when compared to the Organization Survey. Respondents were fairly well distributed in age and by area of residence and tended to have relatively high income and education levels. Over 80% of respondents were homeowners. Roughly three-quarters of respondents were employed, and the average household size is 3.23, with most respondents living in two-parent households with children or couples with no children households. About 60% of respondents identified as White, and roughly a third of respondents identified as Hispanic.

Residents were not in agreement as to whether there are areas in the City where housing is affordable. There appeared to be a slight preference for focusing on affordable rental housing, particularly for seniors, as a housing solution, however residents generally favored multiple housing and homeless solutions with few clear priority stand- outs. Respondents identified a need for job creation/retention and job training programs, similar to the Organization Survey results.

For the needs identified in this survey, respondents overwhelmingly called out Oval (95) and North Visalia (65) as the geographic areas with greatest need.

Demographics
Almost 95% of respondents lived in the City limits, with the vast majority of respondents (85%) residing in Northwest Visalia (33), Southeast Visalia (27), Southwest Visalia (23), and Northeast Visalia (12). About 70% of respondents worked in Visalia. Respondents were generally equally distributed across council districts, with slightly more respondents residing in Districts 1 and 2.

What is your age?
Figure 7

Most respondents were between the ages of 35-54 and can generally be described as higher income earners.

About two-thirds of respondents lived in a dual income household. About 65% of respondents have a Bachelor’s degree or higher; the remainder of respondents have between a high school diploma and Associate’s degree, with only one respondent having no high school diploma. Most respondents (about 75%) were currently employed; about 65% of employed respondents work full-time for an employer, while about 10% were self-employed, and the remainder worked part-time for an employer or are retired.

The average household size is 3.23; about 45% of respondents lived in a two-parent household with minor children, while 23% lived as a couple without children, 13% were single-person households, and the remainder were senior households, related adults living together, single-parent households, unrelated adults living together, or homeless. 649

Citizen Participation Plan

The racial makeup of respondents was 60% White, 7% Multiracial, 4% Asian-American, 3% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 2% Black/African-American, and 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, with the remainder choosing not to respond or selecting “Other.” About 32% of respondents identified as Hispanic.

What is your total household income?
Figure 8

Homeowners made up 80% of respondents, with an additional 15% being renters. Four respondents lived with someone else, and one respondent lived on the street, in a car, or in a homeless encampment.

Housing
Several questions asked respondents about housing needs in the City. Residents were roughly split on the question of whether there are areas of the City where low- to moderate-income households can afford rent, demonstrating a lack of consensus among residents on the topic of housing affordability in the City. If residents felt there were areas of the City where housing is affordable, about 63% of respondents said they would fear for their safety in those areas.

As evidenced below, there was no clear consensus on priority housing needs among residents, with several needs receiving high priority. The highest priority need appeared to be affordable rental housing for older adults. Similarly, there was a slight preference shown for affordable rental housing and permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals with behavioral/mental health needs.

Citizens rated the greatest housing needs in the City of Visalia. As shown below in Figure 9, the five highest housing needs in the City are:

1. Senior Housing

2. Emergency Shelter

3. Permanent Supportive Housing

4. Construction of Affordable Housing

5. Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing

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Citizen Participation Plan

What are the greatest housing needs in the City of Visalia? Figure 9
Citizens rated the level of priority should be give to the follow types of affordable housing development in the next 5-years. As shown below in Figure 10, the five types of affordable housing development solutions in the City are:

1. Senior Housing

2. Affordable Rental

3. Emergency Shelter

4. Affordable for Sale Housing

5. Permanent Supportive Housing

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Citizen Participation Plan

What priority level should be given to the following types of affordable housing development solutions if implemented during the next 5 years?
Figure 10
Residents appeared to favor down payment assistance, home repair assistance for owners, rental assistance, and energy efficiency improvements. However, residents indicated no clear preference for specific homeless solutions, with multiple types of solutions receiving roughly equal preference; generally, all homeless solutions included in the survey received a moderate to high need ranking.

What priority level should be given to the following types of affordable housing programs if implemented during the next 5 years?
Figure 11

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Citizen Participation Plan

Community Services
Resident respondents also demonstrated a lack of consensus on priority support service needs, with potential standouts being mental health services, domestic violence services, and Homeless services.

What priority level should be given to the following services during the next 5 years? Figure 12
Residents generally felt neutral about the availability of public transportation routes connecting all areas of the City. Citizens rated the level of need for community services. The five highest priorities were:

1. Mental Health Services

2. Domestic Violence Services

3. Homeless Services

4. Youth Services

5. Job Training/Placement

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Citizen Participation Plan

Economic and Community Development
Respondents were asked about priority economic development initiatives and demonstrated a preference for job creation/retention and job training programs.

What priority level should be given to the following types of economic development initiatives or projects if implemented during the next 5 years?
Figure 13
On the topic of challenges preventing individuals from getting jobs, residents selected lack of childcare, skills gap, educational barriers, lack of stable housing, and criminal background as top barriers.

What priority level should be given to the following types of community development/revitalization initiatives or projects if implemented during the next 5 years? Figure 14
When asked about infrastructure improvements, resident respondents appeared to favor street/road improvements most strongly, followed by parks.

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Citizen Participation Plan

What priority level should be given to the following types of public infrastructure improvement initiatives or projects if implemented during the next 5 years?
Figure 15
Social and Recreational Services
There was a wide range of responses on questions regarding the availability of programs like sports leagues and summer camps, and organized group activities and enrichment programs for youth in low- to moderate-income households, as well as the availability of recreational facilities in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, with respondents skewing toward agreement that these opportunities and amenities are available.

There was generally equal priority given to programs that respondents felt were lacking for low- to moderate-income persons, but the top answers were:
 Childcare assistance (69)
 Workforce development/job training (56)
 Home repair and improvement grants/low interest loans (47)  Down payment assistance (43)
 Health and wellness (e.g. affordable healthcare, mental, and behavioral health) (43)

Farmworker Women’s Conference Survey Results
On November 16, 2023, the City of Visalia Housing Division surveyed 107 individuals attending the 2023 Farmworker Women’s Conference held at the Visalia Convention Center on housing and community development needs in the City. Nearly 65% of respondents were residents of Visalia, and an additional 28% worked or owned a business in the City. 93% of respondents were low-income households and eligible populations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and/or HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds. Just over 30% of respondents completed the Spanish language survey, and nearly 85% were Hispanic or Latino. Respondents were equally split between homeowners and renters, with one respondent being homeless.

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Citizen Participation Plan

What public services are most needed in the City of Visalia?

Figure 16
On the topic of service needs, respondents prioritized homeless and homeless prevention services as well as youth services. Respondents also indicated a strong preference for homeless housing when asked specifically about types of housing needed in the City but selected affordable rental housing and the most needed housing type.

What housing type is most needed in the City of Visalia? Figure 17
Similar to the Community Organization and Resident surveys, respondents indicated a need for job training/placement as well as job creation.
45889121213131717181919293039
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45LegalTransportationTenant/LandlordCrime AwarenessDomestic ViolenceTransportationHealthPersons With DisabilitiesSubstance AbuseChildcareMental HealthJob Training /PlacementSeniorFair HousingYouthHomeless PreventionHomeless 4891117212343540 10 20 30 40 50 60Rental RehabilitationHomeowner RehabilitationHousing for DisabledAged Out of Foster Youth HousingFarmworker HousingFirst-Time Homebuyer AssistanceSenior HousingHomeless HousingAffordable Rental Housing 656

Citizen Participation Plan

What Economic Development activity is most needed in the City of Visalia? Figure 18

What infrastructure improvements are most needed in the City of Visalia? Figure 19
Street improvements were identified as the most needed infrastructure improvement. When asked about community facility needs, respondents again identified homeless facilities as a high priority, followed by youth centers, which underscores respondents’ desire for homeless and youth services.

59111538520 10 20 30 40 50 60Commercial Infrastructure DevelopmentCommercial RehabilitationSmall Business AssistanceTechnical assistanceJob CreationJob Training/Placement 151515182527630 10 20 30 40 50 60 70Flood Drainage ImprovementsADA ImprovementsCode Enforcement ServicesWater/Sewer ImprovementsPark ImprovementsSidewalk ImprovementsStreet Improvements 657

Citizen Participation Plan

What facilities are most needed in the City of Visalia?

Figure 20
Survey results also indicate that senior services and housing are a fairly high need, but respondents appear to view homeless and youth as higher-need populations in the City.

Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Survey Results
On September 4, 2024, the City of Visalia Housing Division surveyed 21 individuals in attendance during the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, which included the FY 2025/26 – FY 2029/30 Consolidated Plan in-person community meeting held at the City of Visalia Administration at 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia, CA 93292. The meeting covered housing and community development needs in the City. Nearly 76% of respondents were Visalia residents, and the remaining 24% worked or owned a business in the City. Only 10% of respondents were low- income, and most were White or Caucasian (62%) while 20% were Hispanic or Latino. About 75% of respondents were homeowners, with the rest being renters.

What housing type is most needed in the City of Visalia?

Figure 20
Housing needs identified in this survey mirror those from the Farmworker Women’s Conference; respondents 412161920202535420 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45OtherParks/Recreational FacilitiesChildcare CentersNeighborhood FacilitiesHealth FacilitiesFacilities for DisabledSenior CentersYouth CentersHomeless Facilities 11112359130 2 4 6 8 10 12 14Farmworker HousingHousing for DisabledRental RehabilitationFirst-Time Homebuyer AssistanceHomeowner RehabilitationAged Out of Foster Youth HousingSenior HousingHomelessAffordable Rental Housing 658

Citizen Participation Plan

believe affordable rental housing, homeless housing, and senior housing are top priorities.

What housing type is most needed in the City of Visalia?

Figure 21
Housing needs identified in this survey mirror those from the Farmworker Women’s Conference; respondents believe affordable rental housing, homeless housing, and senior housing are top priorities.

What public services are most needed in the City of Visalia?

Figure 22
The CAC community meeting respondents identified a slightly different mix of service needs than the Farmworker Women’s Conference respondents, identifying mental health services as a top need in addition to homeless services, and substance. However, facility needs identified by the CAC meeting were the same (homeless facilities 11112359130 2 4 6 8 10 12 14Farmworker HousingHousing for DisabledRental RehabilitationFirst-Time Homebuyer AssistanceHomeowner RehabilitationAged Out of Foster Youth HousingSenior HousingHomelessAffordable Rental Housing 111123445568110 2 4 6 8 10 12ChildcareHealthTransportationLegalDisabilityFair HousingHomeless PreventionSeniorYouthJob Training/PlacementSubstance AbuseHomelessMental Health 659

Citizen Participation Plan

and youth centers).

What facilities are most needed in the City of Visalia? Figure 23

What infrastructure improvements are most needed in the City of Visalia? Figure 24
Street, sidewalk, ADA, and flood drainage improvements were the most needed infrastructure improvements in the City of Visalia identified for the CAC community meeting respondents.

222445890 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Senior CentersNeighborhood FacilitiesParks and RecreationalChildcare CentersDisability FacilitiesHealth FacilitiesYouth CentersHomeless Facilities 23356790 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Water/Sewer ImprovementsPark ImprovementsCode Enforcement ServicesFlood Drainage ImprovementsAmerican Disability Act (ADA)Sidewalk ImprovementsStreet Improvements 660

Citizen Participation Plan

What is the most needed Economic Development activity in the City of Visalia?

Figure 25
Job training and placement was identified as the most needed Economic Development activity in the City of Visalia, followed by small business assistance, job creation, commercial rehabilitation, and technical assistance in developing businesses for the CAC community meeting respondents.

Community Forum Results
During the development of the Consolidated Plan, the City held one public hearing on September 3, 2024, two community forums on September 4th, and September 9th, 2024. In addition, the City held two focus groups to gather public input regarding community needs that could potentially be addressed by utilizing federal entitlement program funding.

During the breakout groups, forum participants were asked to identify what they viewed as the highest priority community needs. Answers given were both what currently existed and what was needed. All answers were transcribed on flip charts and grouped and categorized. The number of times each item was identified, as a community need was recorded and counted to identify the most frequently stated needs (i.e. “mental health services” was mentioned multiple times throughout all four community forums). Below is a brief summary of the feedback received at the community forums during the dialogue breakout groups.

The needs listed below are findings from both the Community Outreach and the Housing surveys. Each point was cross-referenced with the top-rated needs from both surveys. Following the list of needs identified, is a more detailed list of other findings that scored lower but are important as well because a lower percentage of Visalia’s population experience the highest need.

Top Housing Needs

1. Senior affordable housing development and senior home repairs

2. Permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness

3. Development of affordable rental housing, including for aged out foster youth.

4. Rehabilitation of single-family homes and apartments

5. Tenant-based rental assistance

1345130 2 4 6 8 10 12 14Technical assistance in developing businessesCommercial RehabilitationJob CreationSmall Business AssistanceJob Training/Placement 661

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Top Service Needs

1. Homeless services

2. Mental health services

3. Youth services

4. Job training/placement

5. Domestic violence services
Top Homeless Needs

1. Emergency shelter

2. Permanent supportive housing

3. Case management before and after housing placement

4. Tenant-based rental assistance

5. Mental health services

Community Outreach Public Comment Period for the Consolidated Plan The City of Visalia conducted a 30-day public comment period for review of the draft program year 2025-2029 Consolidated, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, Citizen Participation Plan, and 2025 Annual Action Plan. The 30-day public comment period was held from March 21, 2025, through April 21, 2025. The draft plans were available on the City’s website at www.visalia.city for the public to review. English and Spanish public notices were published in the Visalia Times Delta on March 18, 2025, March 21, 2025, and April 1, 2025. English and Spanish public notices were also posted on the City’s website (www.visalia.city) and at City Hall West (707 W. Acequia Ave.), City Hall East (315 E. Acequia Ave.), City Hall North (220 North Santa Fe Street), the Visalia Branch Library (200 W. Oak Ave.) and two community centers—Anthony Community Center (345 N. Jacob St.) and Visalia Senior Center (310 N. Locust St.), and the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance listserv to over 450 recipients. Public notices were also posted on the City’s social media outlets and newsroom. In addition, public comment was encouraged at the hearings listed below, and could be submitted in writing to the City of Visalia Housing Division, at the City Hall West, 707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 or via email at [email protected].

Public Hearings/Community Meetings

The following public hearings and meetings were held during the 30-day public comment period:

 Community Meeting – April 2, 2025, at 5:30pm at 220 N. Santa Fe St., Visalia, CA 93292  Public Hearing Review – April 7, 2025, at 7:00pm at 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291  Public Hearing Adoption – April 21, 2025, at 7:00pm at 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291

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Attachments

Attachment “A”
Summary of comments received.

To be added following the end of 30-day public comment period. 663

City of Visalia Page 1 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE CITY OF VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

AND

(Subrecipient Name)

FOR
(program funding year)

THE CITY OF VISALIA

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

(Program Name)

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City of Visalia Page 2 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1- PROJECT ............................................................................................................... 6 SECTION 1: SCOPE OF SERVICES ................................ ................................ ................................ ......6 A. Activities ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

1. General Statement ................................................................................................................................. 6

2. Program Delivery ................................................................................................................................... 6

3. Administration ....................................................................................................................................... 6 B. National Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 6 C. Goals and Performance Measures/Milestones .......................................................................................... 6 D. Staffing ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 E. Performance Monitoring ............................................................................................................................ 7 F. Special Conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 7 SECTION 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................ ................................ ................................ .7 SECTION 3: TERM OF AGREEMENT ................................ ................................ ................................ ..7 SECTION 4: PROGRAM REPORTING ................................ ................................ ................................ .8 ARTICLE 2- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 8 SECTION 1: PAYMENTS AND BUDGET ................................ ................................ ............................. 8 A. General Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 8 B. Payments .................................................................................................................................................... 8 C. Budget, Program Year _______ .................................................................................................................. 9 D. Termination: ............................................................................................................................................... 9 E. Closeout .................................................................................................................................................... 10 SECTION 2: DOCUMENTATION OF COSTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTING ............................... 10 SECTION 3: REIMBURSEMENT................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 11 SECTION 4: PROGRAM INCOME ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 11 SECTION 5: INDIRECT COSTS ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 12 SECTION 1: NOTICES ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 12 SECTION 2: GENERAL CONDITIONS ................................ ................................ .............................. 12 A. General Compliance ................................................................................................................................. 12 B. “Independent Contractor”........................................................................................................................ 13 C. Hold Harmless........................................................................................................................................... 14 D. Workers’ Compensation ........................................................................................................................... 14 E. Insurance & Bonding ................................................................................................................................ 14

1. Insurance ............................................................................................................................................. 14

2. Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance ............................................................................................. 14 a. Commercial General Liability (CGL)................................................................................................. 14 b. Automobile Liability ........................................................................................................................ 14 c. Workers’ Compensation ................................................................................................................. 14 d. Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) .................................................................................. 14

3. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions ............................................................................................. 15

4. Other Insurance Provisions .................................................................................................................. 15 a. General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverages ..................................................................... 15

5. Acceptability of Insurers ...................................................................................................................... 15

6. Verification of Coverage ...................................................................................................................... 16 665

City of Visalia Page 3 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

7. Waiver of Subrogation ......................................................................................................................... 16

8. Special Risks or Circumstances ............................................................................................................ 16

9. Subcontractors ..................................................................................................................................... 16 F. Licensing ................................................................................................................................................... 16 G. Amendments ............................................................................................................................................ 16 H. Failure to Perform .................................................................................................................................... 17 I. Suspension or Termination ....................................................................................................................... 17 J. Ownership of Documents ......................................................................................................................... 18 SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS ................................ ................................ .............. 18 A. Financial Management ............................................................................................................................. 18

1. Accounting Standards .......................................................................................................................... 18

2. Cost Principles ...................................................................................................................................... 18 B. Documentation and Record Keeping ........................................................................................................ 18

1. Records to be Maintained ................................................................................................................... 18

2. Retention ............................................................................................................................................. 19

3. Client Data ........................................................................................................................................... 19

4. Disclosure ............................................................................................................................................. 19

5. Audits & Inspections ............................................................................................................................ 19 C. Citizen Participation.................................................................................................................................. 19 D. Procurement ............................................................................................................................................. 19

1. Compliance: ......................................................................................................................................... 19

2. Standards ............................................................................................................................................ 20 E. Travel ........................................................................................................................................................ 20 F. Use and Reversion of Assets ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION 4: RELOCATION, REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND ONE-FOR-ONE HOUSING REPLACEMENT ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 20 SECTION 5: PERSONNEL & PARTICIPANT CONDITIONS ................................ ................................ ... 21 A. Civil Rights ................................................................................................................................................ 21

1. General Compliance ............................................................................................................................. 21

2. Nondiscrimination ............................................................................................................................... 21

3. Land Covenants .................................................................................................................................... 22

4. Section 504 .......................................................................................................................................... 22

5. Architectural Barriers Act/Americans with Disabilities Act ................................................................. 22 B. Affirmative Action..................................................................................................................................... 23

1. Approved Plan...................................................................................................................................... 23

2. Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (W/MBE) .......................................................................... 23

3. Access to Records ................................................................................................................................ 23

4. Notifications ......................................................................................................................................... 23

5. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Statement ................................... 23

6. Subcontract Provisions ........................................................................................................................ 24 C. Employment Restrictions.......................................................................................................................... 24

1. Prohibited Activity ............................................................................................................................... 24

2. Labor Standards ................................................................................................................................... 24

3. Drug-Free Workplace ........................................................................................................................... 24

4. “Section 3” Clause ................................................................................................................................ 25 a. Compliance ..................................................................................................................................... 25 b. Notifications .................................................................................................................................... 26 c. Subcontracts ................................................................................................................................... 26 D. Conduct .................................................................................................................................................... 26

1. Assignability ......................................................................................................................................... 26

2. Subcontracts ........................................................................................................................................ 26 666

City of Visalia Page 4 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
a. Approvals ........................................................................................................................................ 26 b. Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................... 27 c. Content ........................................................................................................................................... 27 d. Selection Process ............................................................................................................................ 27

3. Hatch Act ............................................................................................................................................. 27

4. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions .................................................................................................................................... 27

5. Confidentiality ..................................................................................................................................... 27

6. Conflict of Interest ............................................................................................................................... 28

7. Lobbying ............................................................................................................................................... 28

8. Grantee Recognition ............................................................................................................................ 29

9. Copyright ............................................................................................................................................. 29

10. Religious Activities ............................................................................................................................... 29

11. Other Program Requirements ............................................................................................................. 29 SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 29 A. Air and Water ........................................................................................................................................... 30 B. Flood Disaster Protection ......................................................................................................................... 30 C. Lead-Based Paint ...................................................................................................................................... 30 D. Historic Preservation ................................................................................................................................ 31 SECTION 8: SEVERABILITY ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 31 SECTION 9: SECTION HEADINGS AND SUBHEADINGS ................................ ................................ ..... 31 SECTION 10: WAIVER ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 31 SECTION 11: SUCCESSORS ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 31 SECTION 12: ENTIRE AGREEMENT ................................ ................................ ................................ . 31 SECTION 13: NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES ................................ ................................ .............. 32 SECTION 14: ATTORNEYS FEES ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 32 SECTION 15: GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION ................................ ................................ ...... 32

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City of Visalia Page 5 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE CITY OF VISALIA, CALIFORNIA
AND
(Subrecipient Name)
FOR

THE CITY OF VISALIA

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
(Program Name)

THIS AGREEMENT, entered this 1st day of July, 2025, by and between the CITY OF VISALIA (herein called the “Grantee” and/or “City”) and _____________________ (herein called the “Subrecipient”).

WHEREAS, the Grantee has applied for and received funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (HCD Act), Public Law 93-383; and

WHEREAS, The program year 2025 annual action plan - CDBG allocation, approved by City Council was $__________; and

WHEREAS, the CITY has the desire to secure services to assist in the preparation and completion of the items of work described as “Scope of Work” in cluded in City’s Request for Proposal (“RFP”) No. 24-25- 23;and

WHEREAS, SUBRECIPIENT is a Non-Profit with a primary business address of _________________(ADDRESS, CITY, STATE), and EIN: ---------------; and DUNS No. -----------------; and

WHEREAS, the SUB RECIPIENT shall comply with the Community Development Block Grant regulations, 24 CFR 570, including, but not limited to 2 CFR 200, 230 cost principles for non-profit organizations; and

WHEREAS, the SUB RECIPIENT represents it is licensed, qualified and willing to provide such services pursuant to terms and conditions of this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the City has determined, and Subrecipient certifies, that the activity being carried out under this Agreement further the needs of Visalia, policy and intent of the CDBG Program goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan, Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans.

WHEREAS, on ____________(date), the City Council authorized the contract for services, effective __________, for a two-year term, with the authorization and the option to extend the contract up to three (3) one-year extensions thereafter, at the same rate, based upon CDBG funding allocation to the Program, and based upon the inclusion of performance measurements (objectives and outcomes); and

WHEREAS, the Grantee wishes to engage the Subrecipient to assist the Grantee in utilizing such funds;

NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the parties hereto that:

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City of Visalia Page 6 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

ARTICLE 1- PROJECT

SECTION 1: SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. Activities

1. General Statement : The Subrecipient will be responsible for administering and providing public support services to people experiencing and at -risk of homelessness with the community. The Subrecipient will be responsible for administering a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services P rogram (“Program”) in a manner satisfactory to the City and consistent with any standards required as a condition of providing these funds. Such program implementation will include, but not be limited to, the following activities eligible under the CDBG program:

2. Program Delivery:

The 2025/26 (FY) Annual Action Plan, CDBG Allocation, approved by City Council on ______________, allocated $_________ and shall be directed toward the following deliverable:

Activity #1 Description of the Program, Services.

3. Authorized Scope of Work:

Subrecipient must utilize the funds in accordance with RFP No. 24-25-23 attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, and Subrecipient’s proposal in response to RFP No. 24-25-23, attached hereto as Exhibit “B,” ” and which includes, among other things, the Subrecipient’s scope of services, tasks to be performed and a schedule for completing the tasks. Subrecipient will use the proceeds in accordance with the Budget attached hereto as Exhibit “C”.

4. Administration: Not applicable.

B. National Objectives

All activities funded with CDBG funds must meet one of the CDBG program’s National Objectives:
benefit low- and moderate-income persons, as defined in 24 CFR 570.208.

The Subrecipient certifies that the activity/activities carried out under this Agreement will meet the National Objective of 570.208 will benefit low to moderate income persons (clientele)

C. Goals and Performance Measures/Milestones

The levels of accomplishment may include such measures as persons or households assisted, or meals served, services provided, and should also include time frames for performance.

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City of Visalia Page 7 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
The Subrecipient agrees to provide the following levels of program services:

Activity Units per Month Total Units/Year Activity #1 # #
Activity #2 # #

Units of service shall be considered: The number of units for Activity #1 is defined as the number of people who are homeless or at -risk of becoming homeless served each year (additional description of unit goal (objectives)

D. Staffing

The Subrecipient will dedicate the following staffing to the Project:

Project Oversight:
(name)

Financial Management:

Name
Implementation:

Name, Title

E. Performance Monitoring

The Grantee will monitor the performance of the Subrecipient goals and performance standards as stated above. Substandard performance as determined by the Grantee will constitute noncompliance with this Agreement. If action to correct such substandard performance is not taken by the Subrecipient within a reasonable period of time after being notified by the Grantee Agreement, suspension or termination procedures will be initiated.

F. Special Conditions

N/A

SECTION 2: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Type of Project: Public Service
Project Location: Visalia, CA
Service Area: City of Visalia
Matrix Code: 05
Basic Eligibility Citation: 24 CFR 570.208(e): Public Service Amount Funded: PY _________ - $_______

SECTION 3: TERM OF AGREEMENT

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City of Visalia Page 8 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
The term of this Agreement is ____________ through ___________. The term of this Agreement may be extended should additional time for auditing this project be required, in accordance with law; this Agreement shall be deemed automatically extended until such time as the said audit shall be completed. The provisions herein shall be extended to cover any additional time period during which the Subrecipient remains in control of CDBG funds or other CDBG assets, including program income.

SECTION 4: PROGRAM REPORTING

The Subrecipient shall submit such reports as are required by the City to meet its local obligations and its obligations to HUD. The City will prescribe the report format, as well as the time and location for submission of such reports. Required reports include, but are not limited to the following:

▪ Quarterly reports which shall include the progress made to date, or justification for lack of progress, in providing the services specified in Article 1, Section 1: Scope of Services, of this Agreement.

▪ Quarterly reports on demographic and income information regarding persons assisted by the Subrecipient through this Agreement.

▪ Closeout reports including a final performance report, inventory of all property acquired or improved by CDBG funds, and final financial report, upon termination or completion of the services specified in this Agreement.

ARTICLE 2- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

SECTION 1: PAYMENTS AND BUDGET

A. General Statement

The City shall reimburse the Subrecipient its allowable costs for the services identified in this Agreement not to exceed the annual allocation referenced under Section 2upon presentation of properly executed reimbursement forms as provided by and approved by the City.

Allowable costs shall mean those necessary and proper costs identified in the Subrecipient’s application and budget and approved by the City unless any or all such costs are disallowed by HUD. Such reimbursement shall constitute full and complete payment by the City under this Agreement.

Any reimbursement made under this Agreement must comply with the applicable requirements of 24 CFR Part 85 (or reference to superseded regulations 2 CFR 200). The Subrecipient may not request disbursement of funds under this Agreement until the funds are needed for payment of allowable costs.

B. Payments

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City of Visalia Page 9 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
Reimbursement request s must be mailed to: Rhonda Haynes , City of Visalia, 315 E. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291. Payment shall be made upon receipt of completed reimbursement requests.

Reimbursement payments shall be made to:

Name
Address

Payments may be contingent upon certification of the Subrecipient’s financial management system in accordance with the standards specified in 2 CFR 200,.

Drawdowns for the payment of allowable costs shall be made against the line-item budgets specified in Paragraph C, below, and in accordance with performance. Expenses for general administration shall also be paid against the line-item budgets specified in Paragraph C and in accordance with performance.

C. Budget, Program Year _______

Line Item Amount
Salaries $0
Fringe $0
Office Space (program only) $0
Utilities $0
Communications $0
Reproduction/Printing $0
Services (if applicable $0
Supplies and Materials $0
Mileage $0
Audit $0
Other (Specify): Direct Allocations, Operational & Program Expenses $0 Indirect Costs (Specify): $0
TOTAL $0

Any amendments to the budget must be approved in writing by both the Grantee and the Subrecipient. Any indirect costs charged must be consistent with the conditions of Article 2, Section 5 of this Agreement . In addition, the Grantee may require a more detailed budget breakdown than the one contained herein, and the Subrecipient shall provide such supplementary budget information in a timely fashion in the form and content prescribed by the Grantee.

D. Termination:
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City of Visalia Page 10 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)

This Agreement may be terminated by the City immediately and without notice for cause or by City without cause upon thirty (30) days’ written notice of termination to Subrecipient. Upon termination, Subrecipient shall be entitled to compensation for Services performed up to the effective date of termination, unless this Agreement is terminated for cause, in which case, City may withhold compensation due Subrecipient in order to reimburse City for any losses, damages or expenses caused by Subrecipient’s default under this Agreement.

E. Closeout

Upon termination of this Agreement, in whole or in part for any reason including completion of the project, the following provisions may apply:

▪ Upon written request by the Subrecipient, the City shall make or arrange for payments to the Subrecipient of allowable reimbursable costs not covered by previous payments;

▪ Disposition of program assets (including the return of all unused materials, equipment, unspent cash advances, program income balances, and accounts receivable to the Grantee); ▪ The Subrecipient shall submit within thirty (30) days after the date of expiration of this Agreement, all financial, performance and other reports required by this Agreement, and in addition, will cooperate in a program audit by the City or its designee; and

▪ Closeout of funds will not occur unless all requirements of 24 CFR 570.509 , and 2 CFR 200.343, are met and all outstanding issues with the Subrecipient have been resolved to the satisfaction of the City.

The Subrecipient’s obligation to the Grantee shall not end until all closeout requirements are completed. Activities during this close -out period shall include, but are not limited to: making final payments, disposing of program assets (including the return of all unused materials, equipment, unspent cash advances, program income balances, and accounts receiva ble to the Grantee), and determining the custodianship of records . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of this Agreement shall remain in effect during any period that the Subrecipient has control over CDBG funds, including program income.

SECTION 2: DOCUMENTATION OF COSTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTING

All costs shall be supported by properly executed payrolls, time records, invoices, vouchers or other official documentation, as evidence of the nature and propriety of the charges. All accounting documents pertaining in whole or in part to this Agreement shall be clearly identified and readily accessible, and upon reasonable notice, the City and HUD shall have the right to audit the records of the Subrecipient as they relate to the Agreement and the activities and services described herein.

The Subrecipient shall also:

▪ Maintain an effective system of internal fiscal control and accountability for all CDBG funds and property acquired or improved with CDBG funds, and make sure the same are used solely for authorized purposes.

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City of Visalia Page 11 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
▪ Keep a continuing record of all disbursements by date, check number, amount, vendor, description of items purchased and line item from which the money was expended, as reflected in the Subrecipient’s accounting records.

▪ Maintain payroll, financial, and expense reimbursement records for a period of four (4) years after receipt of final payment under this Agreement.

▪ Permit inspection and audit of its records with respect to all matters authorized by this Agreement by representatives of the City or HUD at any time during normal business hours and as often as necessary.

▪ Inform the City concerning any funds allocated to the Subrecipient, that the Subrecipient anticipates will not be expended during the term of this Agreement, and permit the reassignment of the same by the City to other Subrecipients.

▪ Repay the City any funds in its possession at the time of the termination of this Agreement that may be due to the City or HUD.

▪ Maintain complete records concerning the receipt and use of all program income. Program income shall be reported on a monthly basis on forms provided by the City.

SECTION 3: REIMBURSEMENT

The City shall reimburse the Subrecipient only for actual incurred costs upon presentation of properly executed reimbursement forms as provided and approved by the City. Only those allowable costs directly related to this Agreement shall be paid. The amount of each request must be limited to the amount needed for payment of eligible costs.

In the event that the City or HUD determines that any funds were expended by the Subrecipient for unauthorized or ineligible purposes or the expenditures constitute disallowed costs in any other way, the City or HUD may order repayment of the same. The Subrecipient shall remit the disallowed amount to the City within thirty (30) days of written notice of the disallowance.

The Subrecipient agrees that funds determined by the City to be surplus upon completion of the Agreement will be subject to cancellation by the City.

The Subrecipient aggress that upon expiration of this Agreement, the Subrecipient shall transfer to the City any CDBG funds on hand at the time of the expiration and any accounts receivable attributable to the use of CDBG funds.

The City shall be relieved of any obligation for payments if funds allocated to the City cease to be available for any cause other than misfeasance of the City itself.

The City reserves the right to withhold payments pending timely delivery of program reports or documents as may be required under this agreement.

SECTION 4: PROGRAM INCOME
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City of Visalia Page 12 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
The Subrecipient shall report monthly on all program income (as defined at 24 CFR 570.500(a)) generated by activities carried out with CDBG funds made available under this Agreement. The use of program income by the Subrecipient shall comply with the requirements set forth at 24 CFR 570.504.

By way of further limitations, the Subrecipient may use such income only during the term of this Agreement and only for activities permitted under this Agreement and shall reduce requests for additional funds by the amo unt of any such program income balances on hand. All unexpended program income shall be returned to the City at the completion of the Agreement. Any interest earned on cash advances from the U.S. Treasury and from funds held in a revolving fund account is not program income and shall be remitted promptly to the Grantee.

SECTION 5: INDIRECT COSTS

If indirect costs are charged, the Subrecipient will develop an indirect cost allocation plan for determining the appropriate Subrecipient’s share of administrative costs and shall submit such plan to the Grantee for approval, in a form specified by the Grantee.

ARTICLE 3- GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 1: NOTICES

Notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered via mail (postage prepaid), commercial courier, personal delivery or sent by facsimile or other electronic means. Any notice delivered or sent as aforesaid shall be effective on the date of delivery or sending. All notices and other written communications under this Agreement shall be addressed to the individuals in the capacities indicated below, unless otherwise modified by subsequent written notice.

Grantee/City Subrecipient
City of Visalia Name
707 W. Acequia Ave. address
Visalia, CA 93291 City, State, Zip
(559) 713-4460 Phone No.
(559) 713-4814 Email
[email protected] Website

SECTION 2: GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. General Compliance

The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the requirements of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 570 (the U.S. Housing and Urban Development regulations concerning Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)) including subpart J and subpart K of these regulations, except that (1) the Subrecipient does not assume the recipient’s environmental responsibilities described in 24 CFR 570.604 and (2) the Subrecipient does not assume the recipient’s responsibility for initiating the review process under the provisions of 24 CFR Part 52.

The Subrecipient also agrees to comply with all other applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, and policies governing the funds provided under this Agreement. The Subrecipient 675

City of Visalia Page 13 of 32 CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Name of Program)
further agrees to utilize funds available under this Agreement to supplement rather than supplant funds otherwise available.

The Subrecipient shall comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and requirements and all provisions of this Agreement, which include compliance with the provisions of the HCD Act and all rules, regulations, guidelines, and circulars promulgate d by the various Federal departments, agencies, administrations, and commissions relating to the CDBG Program . The applicable laws and regulations include, but are not limited to:

▪ 24 CFR Part 570;
▪ 2 CFR 200
▪ 24 CFR 570.502 (a), (b),
▪ 2 CFR part 2400;
▪ OMB Circular A-128, “Audits of State and Local Governments” "; ▪ The Davis-Bacon Fair Labor Standards Act;
▪ The Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act of 1962; ▪ Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act of 1934;
▪ Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA);
▪ Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; (Public Law 88-352 implemented in 24 CFR Part 1) ▪ Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Public Law 90 -234 and Executive Order 11063 as amended by Executive Order 12259 (implemented in 24 CFR Part 107); ▪ Sections 104(b) and 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; ▪ Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; ▪ Equal employment opportunity and minority business enterprise regulations established in 24 CFR part 570.904;
▪ Non-discrimination in employment, established by Executive Order 11246 (as amended by Executive Orders 11375 and 12086);
▪ Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards; ▪ The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968;
▪ The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990;
▪ The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended;
▪ National Environmental Policy of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.), as amended; ▪ Lead Based paint regulations established in 24 CFR Parts 35, 570.608, and 24 CFR 982.401; ▪ Asbestos guidelines established in CPD Notice 90-44;
▪ HUD Environmental Criteria and Standards (24 CFR Part 51); ▪ The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Public Law 94-163) and 24 CFR Part 39; ▪ Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and related laws and Executive Orders; ▪ Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, 1977 (42 FR 26951 et seq.); and ▪ Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

B. “Independent Contractor”

Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed in any manner to create or establish the relationship of employer/employee between the Grantee and the Subrecipient.

The Subrecipient shall at all times remain an “independent contracto r” with respect to the services to be performed under this Agreement. The Grantee shall be exempt from payment of 676

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all Unemployment Compensation, FICA, retirement, life and/or medical insurance and Workers’ Compensation Insurance, as the Subrecipient is an independent contractor.

C. Hold Harmless

To the extent permitted by law, the Subrecipient agrees to hold harmless, defend and indemnify the City and its appointed and elected officers and employees from and against any and all liability, loss, costs, damage and expense, including costs and attorney fees in defense thereof because of any actions, claims, lawsuits, damages, charges and judgments whatsoever that arise out of the Subrecipient’s performance or nonperformance of the services or subject matter called for in this Agreement.

D. Workers’ Compensation

The Subrecipient shall provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage for all of its employees involved in the performance of this Agreement.

E. Insurance & Bonding

1. Insurance: The Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Contractor's bid.

2. Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance: Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

a. Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office (ISO) Form CG 0001 1207 covering CGL on an “occurrence” basis, including products-completed operations, personal and advertising injury, with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

b. Automobile Liability: ISO Form Number CA 00 01 covering any auto (Code 1), or if Contractor has no owned autos, hired (Code 8), and non-owned autos (Code 9), with a limit no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

c. Workers’ Compensation: as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with a limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

d. Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions): Insurance appropriate to Contractor’s profession, with a limit of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate.

Contractor’s insurance policies shall be “occurrence” policies and not “claims -made” coverage.
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Contractor may maintain an Umbrella policy in conjunction with the insurance policies referenced above. In such case, Contractor shall be deemed to have satisfied the insurance requirements of this contract as long as: (i) the coverage limits of the Umbrella policy and of the underlying liability policy(ies), when combined, satisfy each o f the per occurrence and aggregate requirements identified in this subsection A.; and (ii) coverage under the Umbrella policy is as broad as and includes all incidents and events covered by the underlying insurance that it supplements.

3. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions: Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower deductible or retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

Alternatively, the City may require the Contractor to provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

4. Other Insurance Provisions: The policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

a. General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverages:

▪ The City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations; products used by the Contractor; or automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed by the Contractor. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor’s insurance at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or if not available, through the addition of both CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 if a later edition is used. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the City, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers.

▪ For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self -insurance maintained by the City and/or its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be in excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall be non-contributory.

▪ Any failure to comply with the reporting provisions of the policies shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers.

▪ The Contractor's insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's liability.

5. Acceptability of Insurers: Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII.
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6. Verification of Coverage: Contractor shall furnish the City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor’s obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.

7. Waiver of Subrogation: Contractor hereby grants to City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Contractor may acquire against the City and/or its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Contractor agrees to obtain endorsements necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the Entity has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

8. Special Risks or Circumstances: Entity reserves the right to modify the insurance requirements contained in this contract, including, without limitation, coverage limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

9. Subcontractors: Contractor shall include all subcontractors as insureds under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.

F. Licensing

The Subrecipient agrees to comply with and obtain at its own expense, if necessary, all applicable Federal, State, City or Municipal standards for licensing, certifications and operation of facilities and programs, and accreditation and licensing of individuals, and any other standards or criteria as described in this Agreement to assure quality of services.

In the event of an investigation or suspension regarding any Subrecipient license s related to the services for which the City is providing funding under this Agreement, the City may terminate this Agreement and withhold further Agreement funds. In addition, monies already received under this Agreement may be owed back to the City.

G. Amendments

The parties may amend this Agreement at any time provided that such amendments make specific reference to this Agreement and are executed in writing, signed by a duly authorized representative of each organization, and approved by the Grantee’s governing b ody. Such amendments shall not invalidate this Agreement, nor relieve or release the Grantee or Subrecipient from its obligations under this Agreement. The Grantee may, in its discretion, amend this Agreement to conform with Federal, State or local govern mental guidelines, policies or available funding amounts, or for other reasons. If such amendments result in a change in the funding, the scope of services, or schedule of the activities to be undertaken as part of this Agreement, such modifications will be incorporated only by written amendment signed by both Grantee and Subrecipient.
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H. Failure to Perform

In the event of a failure by the Subrecipient to comply with any terms or conditions of this Agreement or to provide in any manner activities or other performance as agreed herein, the City reserves the right to temporarily withhold all or any part of payment pending correction of the deficiency, suspend all or part of the Agreement, or prohibit the Subrecipient from incurring additional obligation of funds until the City is satisfied that corrective action has been taken or completed. The option to withhol d funds is in addition to, and not in lieu of the City’s right to suspend or terminate this Agreement. The City may consider performance under this Agreement when considering future awards.

I. Suspension or Termination

The Grantee may pursue such remedies as are available to it in accordance with 2 CFR 200.338 200.339,, including but not limited to suspension or termination of this Agreement, if the Subrecipient materially fails to comply with any terms or conditions of this Agreement, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

▪ Failure to comply with any of the rules, regulations or provisions referred to herein, or such statutes, regulations, executive orders, and HUD guidelines, policies or directives as may become applicable at any time;

▪ Failure, for any reason, of the Subrecipient to fulfill in a timely and proper manner its obligations under this Agreement;

▪ Ineffective or improper use of funds provided under this Agreement;

▪ Submission by the Subrecipient to the Grantee reports that are incorrect or incomplete in any material respect; or

▪ Failure to take satisfactory corrective action as directed by the City.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.339, this Agreement may also be terminated for convenience by either the Grantee or the Subrecipient, in whole or in part, by setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. If, in the case of a partial termination, however, the Grantee determines that the remaining portion of the award will not accomplish the purpose for which the award was made, the Grantee may terminate the award in its entirety.

In the event that funding from the Federal government is withdrawn, reduced or limited in any way after the effective date of this Agreement but prior to its normal completion, the City may summarily terminate this Agreement as to the funds reduced or limited, notwithstanding any other termination provisions of this Agreement.

Termination under this Section shall be effective upon receipt of written notice.

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In the case of a suspension or termination, monies already received under this Agreement may be owed back to the City and the City may also declare the Subrecipient ineligible for further participation in the CDBG program.

J. Ownership of Documents

All documents and other writings and electronic disks containing drawings prepared by and for Subrecipient, its officers, employees, agents and subcontractors in the course of implementing this Agreement, except working notes and internal documents, shall become the property of the City, and the City shall have the sole right to use such materials in its discretion without further compensation to Subrecipient or to any other party. Subrecipient shall, at Subrecipient’s expense, provide such reports, plans, studies, documents and other writings to City upon written request.

However, the City’s use of completed documents for other projects and/or the use of uncompleted documents without the written authorization of Subrecipient, will be at the City’s sole risk.

SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

A. Financial Management

1. Accounting Standards : The Subrecipient agrees to comply with 2 CFR 200 and agrees to adhere to the accounting principles and procedures required therein, utilize adequate internal controls, and maintain necessary source documentation for all costs incurred.

2. Cost Principles: The Subrecipient shall administer its program in conformance with 2 CFR 200 as applicable. These principles shall be applied for all costs incurred whether charged on a direct or indirect basis.

B. Documentation and Record Keeping

1. Records to be Maintained: The Subrecipient shall maintain all records required by the Federal regulations specified in 24 CFR 570.506 that are pertinent to the activities to be funded under this Agreement. Such records shall include but are not be limited to:

▪ Records providing a full description of each activity undertaken;

▪ Records demonstrating that each activity undertaken meets one of the National Objectives of the CDBG program;
▪ Records required to determine the eligibility of activities;

▪ Records required to document the acquisition, improvement, use or disposition of real property acquired or improved with CDBG assistance;

▪ Records documenting compliance with the fair housing and equal opportunity components of the CDBG program;

▪ Financial records as required by 24 CFR 570.502, and 2 CFR 200.333; and

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▪ Other records necessary to document compliance with Subpart K of 24 CFR Part 570.

2. Retention: The Subrecipient shall retain all financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the Agreement for a period of five (5) years. The retention period begins on the date of the submission of the Grantee’s annual performance and evaluation report to HUD in which the activities assisted under the Agreement are reported on for the final time. Notwithstanding the above, if there are litigation, claims, audits, negotiations or other actions that involve any of the records cited and that have started before the expiration of the four year period, then such records must be retained until completion of the actions and resolution of all issues, or the expiration of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs later.

3. Client Data: The Subrecipient shall maintain client data demonstrating client eligibility for services provided. Such data shall include, but not be limited to, client name, address, income level or other basis for determining eligibility, demographic information and d escription of service provided. Such information shall be made available to Grantee monitors or their designees for review upon request.

4. Disclosure: The Subrecipient understands that client information collected under this contract is private and the use or disclosure of such information, when not directly connected with the administration of the Grantee’s or Subrecipient’s responsibilities with respec t to services provided under this Agreement, is prohibited by California law, unless written consent is obtained from such person receiving service and, in the case of a minor, that of a responsible parent/guardian.

5. Audits & Inspections : All Subrecipient records with respect to any matters covered by this Agreement shall be made available to the Grantee, HUD, and the Comptroller General of the United States or any of their authorized representatives at any time during normal business hours, as often as deemed necessary, to audit, examine, and make excerpts or transcripts of all relevant data. Any deficiencies noted in audit reports must be fully cleared by the Subrecipient within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Subrecipient. Failure of the Subrecipient to comply with the above audit requirements will constitute a violation of this Agreement and may result in the withholding of future payments. The Subrecipient hereby agrees to have an annual agency audit conducted in accordance with current Grantee policy concerning subrecipient audits and 2 CFR 200..

C. Citizen Participation

The Subrecipient will have processes in place (satisfaction surveys, Board representation, grievance procedures, etc.) which receive, document and utilize the input from low -income persons potentially benefiting or affected by the program or project covere d under this Agreement.

D. Procurement

1. Compliance: The Subrecipient shall comply with current Grantee policy concerning the purchase of equipment and shall maintain inventory records of all non-expendable personal property as defined by such policy as may be procured with funds provided herein. All 682

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program assets (unexpended program income, property, equipment, etc.) shall revert to the Grantee upon termination of this Agreement.

2. Standards: Unless specified otherwise within this agreement, the Subrecipient shall procure all materials, property, or services in accordance with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.217 through 200.326 .

E. Travel

The Subrecipient shall obtain written approval from the Grantee for any travel outside the metropolitan area with funds provided under this Agreement.

F. Use and Reversion of Assets

The use and disposition of real property and equipment under this Agreement shall be in compliance with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.311 and 313, and 24 CFR 570.502, 570.503, and 570.504, as applicable, which include but are not limited to the following:

▪ The Subrecipient shall transfer to the Grantee any CDBG funds on hand and any accounts receivable attributable to the use of funds under this Agreement at the time of expiration, cancellation, or termination.

▪ Real property under the Subrecipient’s control that was acquired or improved, in whole or in part, with funds under this Agreement in excess of $25,000 shall be used to meet one of the CDBG National Objectives pursuant to 24 CFR 570.208 until ten (10) years after expiration of this Agreement [or such longer period of time as the Grantee deems appropriate]. If the Subrecipient fails to use CDBG assisted real property in a manner that meets a CDBG National Objective for the prescribed period of time, the Subrecipient shall pay the Grantee an amount equal to the current fair market value of the property less any portion of the value attributable to expenditures of non-CDBG funds for acquisition of, or improvement to, the property. Such payment shall constitute program income to the Grantee. The Subrecipient may retain real property acquired or improved under this Agreement after the expiration of the ten-year period [or such longer period of time as the Grantee deems appropriate].

▪ In all cases in which equipment acquired, in whole or in part, with funds under this Agreement is sold, the proceeds shall be program income (prorated to reflect the extent to that funds received under this Agreement were used to acquire the equipment). Equipment not needed by the Subrecipient for activities under this Agreement shall be (1) transferred to the Grantee for the CDBG program or (2) retained after compensating the Grantee in an amount equal to the current fair market value of the equipment less the percentage of non-CDBG funds used to acquire the equipment.

SECTION 4: RELOCATION, REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND ONE-FOR-ONE HOUSING

REPLACEMENT

The Subrecipient agrees to comply with (1) the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA), and implementing regulations at 49 CFR Part 24 683

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and 24 CFR 570.606(b); (2) the requirements of 24 CFR 570.606(c) governing the Residential Anti - displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan under section 104(d) of the HCD Act; and (3) the requirements in 24 CFR 570.606(d) governing optional relocation policies. The Grantee may, however, preempt the optional policies. The Subrecipient shall provide relocation assistance to displaced persons as defined by 24 CFR 570.606(b)(2) that are displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition or conversion for a CDBG-assisted project. The Subrecipient also agrees to comply with applicable Grantee ordinances, resolutions and policies concerning the displacement of persons from their residences.

Displacement of persons (including families, individuals, businesses, non -profit organizations and farms) as a result of activities assisted with CDBG funds is generally discouraged.

SECTION 5: PERSONNEL & PARTICIPANT CONDITIONS

A. Civil Rights

1. General Compliance: The Subrecipient agrees to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended, Section 104(b) and Section 109 of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive Order 11063, and Executive Order 11246 as amended by Executive Orders 11375, 11478, 12107 and 12086.

2. Nondiscrimination: The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the nondiscrimination in employment and contracting opportunities laws, regulations, and executive orders referenced in 24 CFR 570.607, as revised by Executive Order 13279. The applicable nondiscrimination provisions in Section 109 of the HCDA are still applicable, which stipulates that no person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part pursuant to agreement.

Additionally, the Subrecipient shall not, on the grounds of race, color, sex/gender, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, marital status, age or disability or handicap:

▪ Deny a qualified individual any facilities, financial aid, services or other benefits provided under this Agreement;

▪ Provide any facilities, financial aid, services or other benefits which are different, or are provided in a different manner, from those provided to others under this Agreement;

▪ Subject an individual to segregated or separate treatment in any facility, or in any matter if process related to receipt of any service or benefit under this Agreement;

▪ Restrict an individual’s access to or enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others in connection with any service or benefit under this Agreement;

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▪ Treat anyone differently from others in determining if they satisfy any admission, enrollment, eligibility, membership or other requirement or condition which the individual must meet to be provided a service or a benefit under this Agreement; and

▪ Deny anyone an opportunity to participate in any program or activity as an employee which is different from that afforded others under this agreement.

If assignment and/or subcontracting has been authorized in writing, said assignment or subcontract shall include appropriate safeguards against discrimination in client services binding upon each contractor or subcontractor. The Subrecipient shall take suc h actions as may be required to ensure full compliance with the provisions, including sanction for noncompliance.

3. Land Covenants: This contract is subject to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P. L. 88-352) and 24 CFR 570.601 and 570.602. In regard to the sale, lease, or other transfer of land acquired, cleared or improved with assistance provided under thi s Agreement, the Subrecipient shall cause or require a covenant running with the land to be inserted in the deed or lease for such transfer, prohibiting discrimination as herein defined, in the sale, lease or rental, or in the use or occupancy of such land , or in any improvements erected or to be erected thereon, providing that the Grantee and the United States are beneficiaries of and entitled to enforce such covenants. The Subrecipient, in undertaking its obligation to carry out the program assisted hereunder, agrees to take such measures as are necessary to enforce such covenant, and will not itself so discriminate.

4. Section 504: The Subrecipient agrees to comply with all Federal regulations issued pursuant to compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), which prohibits discrimination against the individuals with disabilities or handicaps in any Federally assisted program. The Grantee shall provide the Subrecipient with any guidelines necessary for compliance with that portion of the regulations in force during the term of this Agreement.

Any concerns regarding this provision should be directed to the City’s ADA Coordinator, at Melody Haigh, (559) 585-2583

5. Architectural Barriers Act/Americans with Disabilities Act : The Subrecipient shall meet the requirements, where applicable, of the Architectural Barriers Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as set forth in 24 CFR 570.614. A building or facility designed, constructed, or altered with funds allocated or real located under CDBG program after December 11, 1995 and that meets the definition of a “residential structure” as defined in 24 CFR Part 40.2 or the definition of a “building” as defined in 41 CFR Part 101 -19.602(a) is subject to the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 USC 4151 -4157) and shall comply with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) (42 USC 12131; 47 USC 155, 210, 218, and 255) requires that the design and construction of facilities for first occupancy after January 26, 1993 must include measures to make them readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. The ADA fu rther requires the removal of architectural barriers and communication barriers that are structural in nature in existing facilities, where such removal is readily achievable—that is, easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

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6. Notice of Non-Discrimination: Neither Grantee or Subrecipient shall not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability in the award or implementation of this Agreement.

B. Affirmative Action

1. Approved Plan: The Subrecipient agrees that it shall be committed to carry out pursuant to the Grantee’s specifications an Affirmative Action Program, in keeping with the principles as provided in President’s Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1966.

2. Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses (W/MBE): The Subrecipient will use its best efforts to afford small businesses, minority business enterprises, and women’s business enterprises the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the performance of this Agreement.

As used in this Agreement, the t erms “small business” means a business that meets the criteria set forth in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 632), and “minority and women’s business enterprise” means a business at least fifty-one (51) percent owned and controlled by minority group members or women. For the purpose of this definition, “minority group members” are Afro -Americans, Spanish -speaking, Spanish surnamed or Spanish -heritage Americans, Asian -Americans, and American Indians. The Subrecipient may rely on written representations by businesses regarding their status as minority and female business enterprises in lieu of an independent investigation.

3. Access to Records: The Subrecipient shall furnish and cause each of its own subrecipients or subcontractors to furnish all information and reports required hereunder and will permit access to its books, records and accounts by the Grantee, HUD or its agent, or other authorized Federal officials for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with the rules, regulations and provisions stated herein.

4. Notifications: The Subrecipient will send to each labor union or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding a notice, to be provided by the agency contracting officer, advising the labor union or worker’s representative of the Subrecipient’s commitments hereunder, and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.

5. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Statement : The Subrecipient will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Subrecipient, state that it is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

The Subrecipient shall comply with Executive Order 11246 as amended by Executive Order 12086 and the regulations issued pursuant thereto (41 CFR Chapter 60), and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, disability or other handicap, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. The Subrecipient will take affirmative action to ensure that all employment practices are free from such discrimination. Such employment practices include but are not limited to the following: hiring, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

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The Subrecipient agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

6. Subcontract Provisions : The Subrecipient will include the provisions of Section 5. A, Civil Rights, and B, Affirmative Action, in every subcontract or purchase order, specifically or by reference, so that such provisions will be binding upon each of its own subrecipients or subcontractors.

C. Employment Restrictions

1. Prohibited Activity : The Subrecipient is prohibited from using funds provided herein or personnel employed in the administration of the program for: political activities; inherently religious activities; lobbying; political patronage; and nepotism activities.

2. Labor Standards: The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the requirements of the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act as amended, the provisions of Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327 et seq.) and all other applicable Federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards insofar as those acts apply to the performance of this Agreement. The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the Copeland Anti - Kick Back Act (18 U.S.C. 874 et seq.) and its implementing regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor at 29 CFR Part 5. The Subrecipient shall maintain documentation that demonstrates compliance with hour and wage requirements of this part. Such documentation shall be made available to the Grantee for review upon request.

The Subrecipient agrees that, except with respect to the rehabilitation or construction of residential property containing less than eight (8) units, all contractors engaged under contracts in excess of $2,000.00 for construction, renovation or repair work financed in whole or in part with assistance provided under this contract, shall comply with Federal requirements adopted by the Grantee pertaining to such contracts and with the applicable requirements of the regulations of the Department of Labor, under 29 CFR Parts 1, 3, 5 and 7 governing the payment of wages and ratio of apprentices and trainees to journey workers; provided that, if wage rates higher than those required under the regulations are imposed by state or local law, nothing hereunder is intended to relieve the Subrecipient of its obligation, if any, to require payment of the higher wage. The Subrecipient shall cause or require to be inserted in full, in all such contracts subject to such regulations, provisions meeting the requirements of this paragraph.

3. Drug-Free Workplace: The Subrecipient will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

▪ Maintaining a Zero Tolerance Drug Policy;

▪ Posting in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited i n the Subrecipient's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition;

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▪ Stating in all solicitations or advertisements for employees or subcontractors placed by or on behalf of the Subrecipient that the Subrecipient maintains a drug-free workplace;

▪ Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:

- The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

- The Subrecipient’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; - Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and

- The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

▪ Including the provisions of the foregoing clauses in all third party contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders that exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

4. “Section 3” Clause

a. Compliance: Compliance with the provisions of Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, as amended, and as implemented by the regulations set forth in 24 CFR 135, and all applicable rules and orders issued thereunder prior to the execution of this Agreement, shall be a condition of the Federal financial assistance provided under this Agreement and binding upon the Grantee, Subrecipient and any of the Subrecipient’s subrecipients and subcontractors. Failure to fulfill these requirements shall subject the Subrecipient and any of the Subrecipient’s subrecipients and subcontractors, their successors and assigns, to those sanctions specified by the Agreement through which Federal assistance is provided.

The Subrecipient certifies and agrees that no contractual or other disability ex ists that would prevent compliance with these requirements.

The Subrecipient further agrees to comply with these “Section 3” requirements and to include the following language in all subcontracts executed under this Agreement:

“The work to be performed under this Agreement is a project assisted under a program providing direct Federal financial assistance from HUD and is subject to the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended (12 U.S .C. 1701). Section 3 requires that to the greatest extent feasible opportunities for training and employment be given to low- and very low-income residents of the project area, and that contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to busine ss concerns that provide economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons residing in the metropolitan area in which the project is located.”

The Subrecipient further agrees to ensure that opportunities for training and employment arising in connection with a housing rehabilitation (including reduction and abatement of lead-based paint hazards), housing construction, or other public construction project are 688

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given to low- and very low-income persons residing within the metropolitan area in which the CDBG-funded project is located; where feasible, priority should be given to low - and very low-income persons within the service area of the project or the neighbor hood in which the project is located, and to low - and very low-income participants in other HUD programs. The Subrecipient further agrees to award contracts for work undertaken in connection with a housing rehabilitation (including reduction and abatement of lead - based paint hazards), housing construction, or other public construction project to business concerns that provide economic opportunities for low - and very low -income persons residing within the metropolitan area in which the CDBG -funded project i s located; where feasible, priority should be given to business concerns that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income residents within the service area or the neighborhood in which the project is located, and to low - and very low -income participants in other HUD programs.

The Subrecipient certifies and agrees that no contractual or other legal incapacity exists that would prevent compliance with these requirements.

b. Notifications: The Subrecipient agrees to send to each labor organization or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, if any, a notice advising said labor organization or worker’s representative of its commitments under this Section 3 clause and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment or training.

c. Subcontracts: The Subrecipient will include this Section 3 clause in every subcontract and will take appropriate action pursuant to the subcontract upon a finding that the subcontractor is in violation of regulations issued by the grantor agency. The Subrecipient will not subcontract with any entity where it has notice or knowledge that the latter has been found in violation of regulations under 24 CFR Part 135 and will not let any subcontract unless the entity has first provided it with a preliminary stat ement of ability to comply with the requirements of these regulations.

D. Conduct

1. Assignability: The Subrecipient shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Grantee; provided, however, that claims for money due or to become due to the Subrecipient from the Grantee under this contract may be assigned to a bank, trust company, or other financial institution without such approval. Notice of any such assignment or transfer shall be furnished promptly to the Grantee. All terms and conditions of this Agreement shall apply to any approved subcontract o r assignment related to the Agreement.

2. Subcontracts

a. Approvals: The Subrecipient shall not enter into any subcontracts with any agency or individual in the performance of this Agreement without the written consent of the Grantee prior to the execution of such subcontract.

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b. Monitoring: The Subrecipient will monitor all subcontracted services on a regular basis to assure contract compliance. Results of monitoring efforts shall be summarized in written reports and supported with documented evidence of follow-up actions taken to correct areas of noncompliance.

c. Content: The Subrecipient shall cause all of the provisions of this Agreement in its entirety to be included in and made a part of any subcontract executed in the performance of this Agreement.
d. Selection Process: The Subrecipient shall undertake to insure that all subcontracts let in the performance of this Agreement shall be awarded on a fair and open competition basis in accordance with applicable procurement requirements. Executed copies of all subcontracts shall be forwarded to the Grantee along with documentation concerning the selection process.

3. Hatch Act: The Subrecipient agrees that no funds provided, nor personnel employed under this Agreement, shall be in any way or to any extent engaged in the conduct of political activities in violation of Chapter 15 of Title V of the U.S.C.

4. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions

a. The lower tier contractor certifies, by signing this contract that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency.

b. Where the lower tier contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements in this contract, such contractor will attach an explanation to this contract.

c. The contractor further agrees by signing this contract that it will not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction.

5. Confidentiality: A ll ideas, memora nda, specifications, plans, procedures, drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other Documents and Data either created by or provided to Subrecipient in connection with the performance of this Agreement shall be held confidential by Subrecipient. Such materials shall not, without the prior written consent of City, be used by Subrecipient for any purposes other than the performance of the Services under this Agreement, nor shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the Services under this Agreement. Nothing furnished to Subrecipient which is otherwise known to Subrecipient or is generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. Subrecipient shall not use City’s name, insignia, photographs, or the project for which Subrecipient’s Services are rendered, or any publicity pertaining to the Subrecipient’s Services under this Agreement in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper , television or radio production or other similar medium without the prior written consent by City. 690

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6. Conflict of Interest: The Subrecipient agrees to abide by the provisions of 2 CFR 200.318 and 24 CFR 570.611, which include, but are not limited to the following:

▪ The Subrecipient shall maintain a written code or standards of conduct that shall govern the performance of its officers, employees or agents engaged in the award and administration of contracts supported by Federal funds.

▪ No employee, officer, or agent of the Subrecipient shall participate in the selection, the award or the administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved.

▪ No covered persons who exercise or have exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to CDBG-assisted activities, or who are in a position to participate in a decision - making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, ma y obtain a financial interest in any contract, or have a financial interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect to the CDBG-assisted activity, or with respect to the proceeds from the CDBG -assisted activity, either for themselves or tho se with whom they have business or immediate family ties, during their tenure or for a period of one (1) year thereafter. For purposes of this paragraph, a “covered person” includes any person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected or appointed official of the Grantee, the Subrecipient, or any designated public agency.

7. Lobbying: The Subrecipient hereby certifies that:

▪ No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of it, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modificat ion of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement;

▪ If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a M ember of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, it will complete and submit Standard Form -LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions; and

▪ It will require that the language of paragraph (d) of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all Subre cipients shall certify and disclose accordingly:

▪ Lobbying Certification: This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by 691

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section 1352, title 31, U.S.C. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

8. Grantee Recognition: The Subrecipient shall ensure recognition of the role of the City in providing services through this Agreement. All activities, facilities, and items utilized pursuant to this Agreement shall be prominently labeled as to the funding source. In addition, the Subrecipient will include a reference to the support provided herein in all publications made possible with funds made available under this Agreement.

9. Copyright: If this Agreement results in any copyrightable material or inventions, the Grantee reserves the right to a royalty -free, non -exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, the work or materials for governmental purposes.

10. Religious Activities: The Subrecipient agrees that funds provided under this Agreement will not be utilized for inherently religious activities prohibited by 24 CFR 570.200(j), such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization.

In addition to, and not in substitution for, other provisions of this Agreement regarding the provisions of services utilizing CDBG funds the Subrecipient agrees that, in connection with such services:

▪ It will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of religion and will not limit employment or give preference in employment to persons on the basis of religion;

▪ It will not discriminate against any person applying for such public services on the basis of religion and will not limit such services or give preference to persons on the basis of religion; and

▪ It will provide no mandatory religious instruction or counseling, conduct no religious worship or services, engage in no religious proselytizing, and exert no other religious influence in the provision of such services.

11. Other Program Requirements: The Subrecipient shall carry out each activity in compliance with all Federal laws and regulations described in 24 CFR 570 Subpart K, regardless if the law is specifically stated in this Agreement, except that:

▪ The Subrecipient does not assume the City’s environmental responsibilities described in Section 570.604; and

▪ The Subrecipient does not assume the City’s responsibility for initiating the review process under 24 CFR Part 52,Executive Order 12372.

SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENTAL

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CDBG regulations require the preparation of a project Environmental Review Record (ERR) and environmental clearance before funds are expended or costs incurred. The overall governing legislation is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

City staff will complete the ERR. The time required for completion of the ERR can vary from a week to a few months. If the initial Environmental Assessment determines that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Biological Assessment (BA) is necessary, the Subrecipient will be required to make appropriate budget modifications to assure the costs of the EIS or BA are paid for from project funds.

After completing the ERR, the City may publish a notice of a Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact (FONSI) in a local newspaper declaring the intent to request release of project funds from HUD.

After the release of the funds by HUD, the City will send the Subrecipient a written notice to begin the project. Subrecipients shall not implement any project activities or incur any project costs until receipt of the notice to proceed.

The City must also determine whether the project meets other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements which include by are not limited to the following:

A. Air and Water

The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the following requirements insofar as they apply to the performance of this Agreement:

▪ Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq.;

▪ Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq., as amended, 1318 relating to inspection, monitoring, entry, reports, and information, as well as other requirements specified in said Section 114 and Section 308, and all regulations and guidelines issued thereunder; and

▪ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations pursuant to 40 CFR Part 50, as amended.

B. Flood Disaster Protection

In accordance with the requirements of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4001), the Subrecipient shall assure that for activities located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having special flood haz ards, flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program is obtained and maintained as a condition of financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes (including rehabilitation).

C. Lead-Based Paint

The Subrecipient agrees that any construction or rehabilitation of residential structures with assistance provided under this Agreement shall be subject to HUD Lead -Based Paint Regulations at 24 CFR 570.608, and 24 CFR Part 35, Subpart B. Such regulations pertain to all CDBG-assisted housing and require that all owners, prospective owners, and tenants of properties constructed prior to 1978 be properly notified that such properties may include lead -based paint. Such notification shall point out the hazards of lead-based paint and explain the symptoms, treatment 693

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and precautions that should be taken when dealing with lead -based paint poisoning and the advisability and availability of blood lead level screening for children under seven. The notice should also point out that if lead-based paint is found on the property, abatement measures may be undertaken. The regulations further require that, depending on the amount of Federal funds applied to a property, paint testing, risk assessment, treatment and/or abatement may be conducted.

D. Historic Preservation

The Subrecipient agrees to comply with the Historic Preservation requirements set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470) and the procedures set forth in 36 CFR Part 800, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Procedures for Protection of Historic Properties, insofar as they apply to the performance of this Agreement . In general, this requires concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Officer for all rehabilitation and demolition of historic properties that are fifty years old or older or that are included on a Federal, state, or local historic property list.

SECTION 8: SEVERABILITY

It is understood and agreed by the parties that if any part, term, or provision of this Agreement is held by the courts to be invalid, illegal or in conflict with any law, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby and all other parts of this Agreement shall nevertheless be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9: SECTION HEADINGS AND SUBHEADINGS

The section headings and subheadings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 10: WAIVER

The Grantee’s failure to act with respect to a breach by the Subrecipient does not waive its right to act with respect to subsequent or similar breaches. The failure of the Grantee to exercise or enforce any right or provision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

SECTION 11: SUCCESSORS

This Agreement shall be binding upon each of the parties, their assigns, purchasers, trustees, and successors.

SECTION 12: ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Grantee and the Subrecipient for the use of funds received under this Agreement and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written be tween the Grantee and the Subrecipient with respect to this Agreement.

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SECTION 13: NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES
Except as expressly provided otherwise, this Agreement is intended to be solely for the benefit of the parties and shall not otherwise be deemed to confer upon or give to any other person or third party any remedy, claim, cause or action or other right.

SECTION 14: ATTORNEYS FEES

If an action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other reasonable relief to which he may be entitled. With respect to any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the documentation related hereto, the parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of the Superior or Municipal Court, whichever is applicable, in the County of Visalia, State of California for any proceeding arising hereunder.

SECTION 15: GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. In the event of any dispute over the Agreement’s terms and conditions, the exclusive venue and jurisdiction for any litigation arising there under shall be in the Superior Court of Tulare County, California, and, if necessary for exclusive federal questions, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date of the most recent signatory.

Grantee:

City of Visalia, California

Date:

By______________________________
City Manager

Attest:

________________________

CITY CLERK

Subrecipient:

Name of Subrecipient

Date:

By______________________________
Program Director

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

______________________________

CITY ATTORNEY

695
1 FY 2025/26 – FY 2029/30
Consolidated Plan
&
1st Year Annual Action Plan
.

April 21, 2025
696
2 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan)
Outlines 5-year goals for low-moderate income
community needs using federal CDBG & HOME funds.

Includes an analysis of community needs including
Analysis of Impediments & Citizen Participation Plan.

Includes an Annual Action Plan addressing needs
identified in the Con Plan.

Once adopted, Con Plan changes require another
Community Needs Assessment with HUD submittal.
697
3 Community Engagement Review
• Organization & Citizen: July 12 - August 2, 2024
• FW Women’s Conference: November 2023
Surveys Completed
• Public Hearing & Council Meeting: September 3, 2024
• Community Meeting CAC: September 4, 2024
• Community Meeting Virtual: September 9, 2024
Community Meetings
Organization Focus Groups
• Virtual Meeting: September 25, 2024
• Virtual Meeting: October 2, 2024
698
4 Summary of Priority Community Needs
Priority Need Description
Affordable housing Development of affordable rental housing including senior housing, and tenant based rental assistance.

Public services Homeless/prevention, job training, youth services, and fair housing services.

Property
maintenance Single-family and mobile home rehab for low-income senior and/or disabled.

Neighborhood
preservation Code enforcement services in deteriorating low-mod income (LMI) areas.

Emergency shelter Development of an emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Improve community
and public facilities Infrastructure accessibility and public youth amenities improvements. 699
5 Top 5 Community Assessment Needs
1) Affordable Housing
2) Homeless/Homeless Prevention Programs
3) Emergency Drop-in Shelter
4) Home Repair Assistance
5) Job Training
700
6 Council Engagement Review
• Council Meeting: September 3, 2024
• Council Work Session: December 3, 2024
Council Meetings
Council Priorities Expressed
• Affordable Housing
• Senior Housing/Services
• Disabled Housing/Services
• Emergency Shelter
• Park Improvements
• Code Enforcement
• Home Repairs
• Homeless Services
• Homeless Prevention
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Youth Services
• Job Training
• Childcare
701
7 30-Day Public Comment Period:

March 21, 2025 – April 21, 2025
•Community Meeting – Citizen Advisory Committee
• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 5:30pm
•Public Hearing Review – Council Meeting
• Monday, April 7, 2025, at 7:00pm
•Public Hearing Adopt – Council Meeting
• Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:00pm
Public Meetings
702
8 CDBG 5-Year Proposed Activities
Resources FY 25/26 FY 26/27 FY 27/28 FY 28/29 FY 29/30 Total Annual CDBG Allocation $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $6,000,000 Program Income 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 Prior Year Resources 450,000 - - 450,000
Total CDBG Resources $1,700,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $6,700,000 Expenditures
Administration (20%) $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1,250,000 Public Services (15%) 180,000 180,000 180,000 180,000 180,000 900,000 Single-Family Home Repair Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Senior Mobile Home Repair Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Code Enforcement 170,000 170,000 170,000 170,000 170,000 850,000 Emergency Shelter 900,000 450,000 - - - 1,350,000
Sidewalk ADA Improvements - - 450,000 300,000 450,000 1,200,000 Park Youth Improvements - - - 150,000 - 150,000
Total CDBG Expenditures $1,700,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $6,700,000 703
9 HOME 5-Year Proposed Activities
Resources FY 25/26 FY 26/27 FY 27/28 FY 28/29 FY 29/30 Total Annual HOME Allocation $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $2,500,000 Program Income 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Prior Year Resources 40,000 - - - - 40,000
Total HOME Resources $640,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $3,040,000 Expenditures
Administration (10%) $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $250,000 Rancho Colegio Project 290,000 - - - - 290,000
Senior Housing Project 300,000 450,000 450,000 - - 1,200,000 Affordable Rental Housing Project - - - 450,000 450,000 900,000 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance - 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 400,000 Total HOME Expenditures $640,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 $3,040,000 704
10 FY 2025/26 CDBG Action Plan
Project Description Funding
Administration (20%) Administration $250,000
Public Services (15%) Detail on next slide $180,000
Single Family Home
.Repair Program For owner-occupied LMI seniors/disabled $100,000 Senior Mobile Home
.Repair Program For owner occupied LMI seniors/disabled $100,000 Code Enforcement Services in deteriorating LMI areas $170,000 Emergency Shelter* Development of an emergency shelter $900,000 Total $1,700,000
*Any increase/decrease of 2025 CDBG funds will be directed to the Emergency Shelter Project. 705
11 FY 2025/26 CDBG Public Services
Project (Limited to 15%) Funding
Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance – Continuum of Care/Point-in-Time $20,000 Family Services – Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Match $50,000 Kings View – Housing Flex Funds $45,000
Kings View – Eden House Transitional Housing Food Assistance $45,000 CSET – Fair Housing Services $20,000
Total $180,000
706
12 FY 2025/26 HOME Action Plan
Project Description Funding
Administration (10%) Administration $50,000
HOME-CHDO Project
.Rancho Colegio SHE 80-unit multi-family rental complex. $290,000 Senior Housing* For low-income seniors 62-years and older. $300,000 Total $640,000
*Any increase/decrease of 2025 HOME funds will be directed to the Senior Housing Project. 707
13 What’s Next in the Con Plan Process?
Citizen Engagement
Analyze Data and Public Input
Formulate Strategic Goals and Objectives
Draft Con Plan and Annual Action Plan
30-Day Public Comment Period
Adopt Plan April 21, 2025 – Due to HUD May 15, 2025
We Are Here
708
14 FY 2024/25 CDBG Action
Plan Amendment
709
15 FY 2024/25 CDBG Action Plan Amendment
Activity Approved Adjustments Proposed
ADA Compliance Project
Tree Wells (CP0618) $450,000 ($450,000)* $0
Total $450,000 ($450,000) $0
*Funds will be reappropriated in FY 2025/26 Action Plan. 710
16 CDBG 5-Year Proposed Activities
Resources FY 25/26 FY 26/27 FY 27/28 FY 28/29 FY 29/30 Total Annual CDBG Allocation $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $6,000,000 Program Income 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 Prior Year Resources 450,000 - - 450,000
Total CDBG Resources $1,700,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $6,700,000 Expenditures
Administration (20%) $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1,250,000 Public Services (15%) 180,000 180,000 180,000 180,000 180,000 900,000 Single-Family Home Repair Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Senior Mobile Home Repair Program 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Code Enforcement 170,000 170,000 170,000 170,000 170,000 850,000 Emergency Shelter 900,000 450,000 - - - 1,350,000
Sidewalk ADA Improvements - - 450,000 300,000 450,000 1,200,000 Park Youth Improvements - - - 150,000 - 150,000
Total CDBG Expenditures $1,700,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $6,700,000 711
17 Staff Recommends:
1) Conduct a second public hearing;
2) Adopt FY 2025/26 - FY 2029/30 Consolidated Plan;
3) Adopt & appropriate 2025 Action Plan;
4) Authorize to enter all contracts in 2025 Action Plan; 5) Adopt & appropriate 2024 Action Plan Amendment; &
6) Authorize submission to HUD.
712

QUESTIONS
713
Low-Income
Homeless
Youth
Elderly
Domestic
Violence Victims
Disabled
Protected Class
Members
Individuals with

HIV/AIDS
Community
Survey Results
Organization and Resident Survey
Completed: 7/12/24 – 8/2/24
• 21 Organizations Completed
• 116 Citizen Survey Completed
Farmer Worker (FW) Women’s
Conference: November 2023
• 107 Surveys Completed
• 34 Spanish Surveys Completed
Populations Served by
Organizations Surveyed
714
20 Top 5 Needs (Organization Response)
1) Shortage of Affordable Housing
2) Homeless Prevention Programs
3) Mental Health Services
4) Substance Abuse Treatment
5) Job Training Programs
715
21 Top 5 Service 15% Needs (Citizen Response)
1) Mental Health
2) Domestic Violence
3) Job Training
4) Youth
5) Homeless
716
22 Top 5 Housing Needs (Citizen Response)
1) Senior Housing
2) Development of Affordable Rental Housing
3) Emergency Drop-in Shelter
4 Rehab of Affordable Apartments
5) Rehab of Single-Family Homes
717
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0102 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 2.

Agenda Item Wording:

Annexation and General Plan Amendment - Public hearing and consideration for the following actions related to the project located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APN: 078-110-021, 078-110-006):

1. Adopt Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 for Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 (Resolution No. 2025-24); and

2. Initiation of Proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling 10.4 acres into the City limits of Visalia; and

3. Authorize the detachment from County Service Area No. 1 in accordance with State and County requirements (Resolution No. 2025-22); and

4. Approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Development Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately a quarter acre of the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation (Resolution No. 2025-23).

Deadline for Action: 4/21/2025
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:

Colleen A. Moreno, Assistant Planner, (559) 713-4031, [email protected] Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, (559) 713-4025, [email protected]
Department Recommendation:

The Planning Commission and staff recommends that the City Council initiate annexation proceedings for the subject site by taking the following actions:

1. Adopt Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 for Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05; and

2. Initiate proceedings on Annexation No. 2024-04 with the Tulare County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO); and

3. Authorize the detachment of the property from County Service Area No. 1 in accordance with State and County requirements; and

4. Approve General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Development Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately a quarter acre of the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation, located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court within the jurisdiction of the County of Tulare Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 1 of 5
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(APN: 078-110-021, 078-110-006).

If approved by the City Council, staff will file the Annexation application with LAFCO.

Summary:

The City of Visalia is the applicant and lead agency for both the requested Annexation and General Plan Amendment. The entire project is located outside of the city limits, within the jurisdiction of Tulare County, and outside of the City’sUrban Growth Boundary. The Annexation and General Plan Amendment will facilitate the development of a 1.25-acre city dog park and St Johns Trail connectivity within the entire 10.4-acre annexation area (see Exhibit A included as Attachment 4).

The City of Visalia Capital Improvement Engineering Division is managing the design and development of the project which also includes the development of an overflow parking lot located outside of the annexation area immediately to the west (see Exhibit B included as Attachment 5). The recommendation to initiate Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 is based on the conclusion that the project is consistent with General Plan Land Use and Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities Elements’policies. At the Planning Commission hearing for this item on March 24, 2025, the Planning Commission considered Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05. Both items were recommended by the Planning Commission for Council approval by a 5-0 vote. There were no public comments made about the item.

Background Discussion:

General Plan Consistency
The General Plan recognizes that community parks are an important component, as recreational and aesthetic resources that contribute to the City’scharacter. Additionally, the General Plan guides the City to make improvements to existing parks and to support a high quality of life for its residents (Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-5 & 5-6). Currently, there are three large City parks in Visalia; Plaza Park to the west, Riverway Sports Park to the north, and Mooney Grove Park to the south which is maintained and operated by the County of Tulare. According to the General Plan, “these parks each have a distinct character, and all are meant to draw residents from across the city”(Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-7).

Riverway Sports Park is considered a “LargeCity Park”which, per the General Plan, is “intendedto serve the recreational needs of all city residents and create opportunities for contact with the natural environment.”The proposed project will contribute to the existing amenities of Riverway Sports Park and will provide additional access to the existing St. Johns River Trail, which successfully meets the types of opportunities for recreation within the natural environment as well as enhances the city (Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-2).

The project site is located north of the existing Riverway Sports Park, and the development of the dog park and overflow parking lot will be considered part of the Riverway Sports Park complex. The proposed dog park and overflow parking lot are compatible with the surrounding area and is consistent with the General Plan Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities Policy PSCU-P- 14, which requires the “design of parks to enhance neighborhood character and minimize negative impacts.”The project is located on vacant parcels that were undeveloped and underutilized, and the development of the dog park and parking lot will provide a much needed amenity to the Sports Park, and will aesthetically enhance the area and provide greater access to the St. Johns River Trail (see Exhibit C included as Attachment 6). The project supports the city’scommitment to “creating and maintaining a park system that meets citizens’recreational needs, maximizes landscapes endowed by the natural environment, and contributes to the City’squality of life” (General Plan, pg. 5-1) with the addition of the dog park and overflow parking lot. Additionally, the project is consistent with Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 2 of 5
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File #: 25-0102 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 2.
the addition of the dog park and overflow parking lot. Additionally, the project is consistent with General Plan Policy PSCU-P-24, as the improvements to the Riverway Sports Park with the development of the dog park promotes “innovativepark design that responds to neighborhood needs and user groups,” as there are only two existing dog parks in the city with a population of approximately 145,000 residents.

The project is also consistent with General Plan Land Use Element Policy LU-P-29, which directs the City to “useregional and community parks and open space to enhance gateways to the City and as a buffer between adjacent communities.”As mentioned previously, Riverway Sports Park is located in the northern area of the city, along the limits of the city and of the Urban Growth Boundary. The dog park and parking lot will be considered part of Riverway Sports Park and will assist in enhancing the buffer and serving as a gateway to the communities north of Visalia. The project also will provide connectivity to St. Johns River Trail and is consistent with General Plan Land Use Objective LU-O- 17, to “useSt. Johns River and other waterways as structuring elements for the City’surban form as well as scenic and recreational features.”
GPA Consistency with State Law: Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Government Code Sec. 66300) The Housing Crisis Act of 2019 mandates that jurisdictions shall not adopt an entitlement that changes general plan land use designations of parcels to a less intensive use with regards to the site’sresidential development capacity below what was in effect on January 1, 2018 (Government Code Section 66300(b)(1)).

However, it should be acknowledged that the General Plan land use designation being eliminated amounts to approximately 0.25 acres of land that is specified for development at a density of 0.1 to 2 units per gross acre, and that the size and configuration of the land use designation does not meet City standards for accommodating any residences. Trying to develop the 0.25 acre of Very Low Density Residential area is not feasible or practical given the odd shape assigned to this land use designation. In addition, the City in 2023 approved a specific plan residential project (i.e. Pratt Family Ranch Specific Plan) that “up-zoned”16-acres of Very Low Density land use designation to Low and Medium Density residential land uses to obtain more dwelling units within that residential project, which can be used if necessary, to demonstrate that the City of Visalia has not reduced residential development capacity. Therefore, the City finds that there is reasonable argument that this statute pertaining to the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 is not in conflict by this General Plan Amendment.

GPA Consistency with State Law: No Net Loss Law (Government Code Sec. 65863) The purpose of the No Net Loss Law is to ensure that a jurisdiction continues to maintain adequate sites to accommodate its remaining unmet regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) by each income category at all times throughout the entire Housing Element planning period. Similar to the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 explained above, a jurisdiction cannot take action to reduce a parcel’s residential density without finding that the jurisdiction has other remaining sites that can accommodate its remaining unmet RHNA.

For this project, which will change approximately 0.25 acres of Very Low Density Residential land designations to Parks / Recreation designation, the parcels are currently located outside of the City limits and outside of any Growth Tier. As such, the affected parcel has not been assigned units affiliated with the jurisdiction’sRHNA or site inventory. Therefore, the City has no obligation under state law to replace the land use designation.

Local Street Connectivity and On-Site Improvements
The dog park and parking lot will be supported with street connectivity from Riverway Court.

Currently, there is no parcel frontage to a public street, with Riverway Court terminating at a cul-de- Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 3 of 5
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File #: 25-0102 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 2.

Currently, there is no parcel frontage to a public street, with Riverway Court terminating at a cul-de- sac about 1,000 feet east of Giddings Street. The abandoned portion of Riverway Court east of the parking lot will be restricted to vehicle “exit only” with only a right hand turn at North Dinuba Boulevard due to traffic restrictions and safety per the Visalia Traffic Engineer and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), who has jurisdiction over North Dinuba Boulevard (Highway 63).

Vehicles will be able to access the parking lot and dog park on the west side of Riverway Sports Park, entering through North Giddings Street. Entrance for the overflow parking lot will be through the Riverway Court cul-de-sac. Exiting this area will be either by wrapping around the parking lot to exit back towards Riverway Court and eventually North Giddings Street or by driving east to the Dinuba Boulevard restricted right-turn/exit only approach.

Fiscal Impact:

None.

Other:

At the March 24, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, staff presented the item as described in this report to the Commission. After receiving the staff presentation and receiving no public comments regarding the project, several Planning Commissioners stated their support for the project based the projects consistency with the City’sGeneral Plan and the City’scommitment to provide additional park amenities to the sports park. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and general plan amendment to the City Council by a 5-0 vote.

Alternatives:

The City Council may, in lieu of the recommended motion specified above, consider any of the following alternatives:

1. Deny the Annexation; or

2. Deny the General Plan Amendment; or

3. Refer the matter back to the Planning Commission; or,

4. Continue the matter to a future City Council hearing for additional information.

Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):

I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-24, adopting Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61; and
I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-22, to initiate proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, to authorize the detachment of property from County Service Area No. 1; and I move to approve Resolution No. 2025-23, to expand the Urban Development Growth Boundary and to change approximately a quarter acre of the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

Environmental Assessment Status: An Initial Study and Negative Declaration were prepared for the proposed project. Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 disclosed that environment impacts are determined to be less than significant and mitigation measures are not required. Staff concludes that Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 adequately analyzes and Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 4 of 5
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File #: 25-0102 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 2.
addresses the proposed project and reduces environmental impacts to a less than significant level.

CEQA Review: An Initial Study and Negative Declaration were prepared for the proposed project.

Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 disclosed that environment impacts are determined to be less than significant and mitigation measures are not required. Staff concludes that Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 adequately analyzes and addresses the proposed project and reduces environmental impacts to a less than significant level.

Attachments:

1. Resolution No. 2025-24 certifying Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61

2. Resolution No. 2025-22 initiating the Proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04 and Detachment from County Service Area No. 1

3. Resolution No. 2025-23 approving General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05

4. Exhibit “A” - Annexation Exhibit and Legal Description

5. Exhibit “B” - Site Plan

6. Exhibit “C” - Concept Master Plan for the Dog Park

7. Exhibit “D” - Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61

8. Exhibit “E” - Planning Commission Resolution No. 2024-73 recommending initiation of Annexation No. 2024-04

9. Exhibit “F” - Planning Commission Resolution No. 2024-72, recommending approval of General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05

10. Exhibit “G” Planning Commission Staff Report

11. General Plan Land Use Map

12. Zoning Map

13. Aerial Map

14. Location Map

15. PowerPoint Presentation
Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 5 of 5
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Resolution No. 2025-24
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-24

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISALIA, ADOPTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 2024-61, WHICH
EVALUATES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FOR ANNEXATION NO.
2024-04 AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05.

WHEREAS, the project consisting of Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 (hereinafter “Project”) is a request to annex 10.4-acres into the City Limits of Visalia in order to facilitate the development of an overflow parking lot and dog park. The project site is located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court within the jurisdiction of the County of Tulare (APNs: 078-110- 021 & 078-110-006); and,

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia, after t en (10) days published notice, held a public hearing before said Council on April 21, 2025; and,

WHEREAS, on the basis of this Initial Study, a Negative Declaration has been prepared for the Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended; and

WHEREAS, the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the Project were prepared and noticed for review and comment for 30 days beginning on February 13, 2025, and ending on March 14, 2025; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Visalia did not receive any comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia considered the Initial Study and Negative Declaration and found that the Initial Study and Negative Declaration contain and reflect the independent judgment of the City of Visalia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Initial Study and Negative Declaration was prepared consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Visalia Environmental Guidelines.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Visalia hereby finds, on the basis of the whole record before it, that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and hereby adopts Initial Study and Negative De claration No. 2024-61. The documents and other material which constitute the record of the proceedings upon which the decisions based are located at the office of the City Planner, 315 East Acequia Avenue, Visalia, California, 93291.

723
Resolution No. 2024-47
PASSED AND ADOPTED: April 21, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF TULARE ) ss.

CITY OF VISALIA )

I, Leslie B. Caviglia, City Clerk of the City of Visalia, certify the foregoing is the full and true Resolution 2025-24 passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Visalia at a regular meeting held on April 21, 2025.

Dated: April 22, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

By Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk

724
Resolution No. 2025-22

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-22

A RESOLUTION OF APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF VISALIA REQUESTING THE

CITY OF VISALIA TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR FILING WITH THE TULARE COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION ANNEXATION NO. 2024-04 AND DETACHMENT OF PROPERTY FROM COUNTY SERVICE AREA NO. 1, PERTAINING TO PARCELS TOTALING 10.4 ACRES. THE SITE WILL BE ZONED

QUASI-PUBLIC, WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION. THE ANNEXATION IS SUPPORTED BY A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO EXPAND THE URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY. THE SITES ARE

LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF NORTH DINUBA BOULEVARD AND WEST RIVERWAY COURT (APNS: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006)

WHEREAS, Annexation No. 2024-04 is a proposed annexation of a total of 10.4 acres into the city limits (“Project”). The project site is located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court within the jurisdiction of the County of Tulare (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006); and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia desires to initiate proceedings for annexation to said city of territory described on the legal description and map attached herein as Exhibit “A”; and

WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Visalia desires to annex said territory to the City of Visalia for the following reasons: 1) The annexation will contribute to and facilitate orderly growth and development of both the City and the territory proposed to be annexed; 2) The annexation will facilitate and contribute to the proper and orderly layout, design and construction of streets , gutters, sanitary and storm sewers and drainage facilities, both within the City and within the territory proposed to be annexed; and 3) The annexation will provide and facilitate proper overall planning and zoning of lands in said City and said territor y in a manner most conducive of the welfare of said City and said territory; and

WHEREAS, this proposal is made pursuant to the Cortese -Knox-Hertzburg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, commencing with Section 56000 of the Government Code of the State of California; and

WHEREAS, the territory proposed to be annexed is uninhabited; and

WHEREAS, the territory proposed to be annexed is adjacent to City Limits; and

WHEREAS, the territory proposed to be annexed is located in Voting District 4 as identified in the Election District Map adopted by the City Council on February 22, 2022, per Resolution No. 2022-11; and

725
Resolution No. 2025-22
WHEREAS, the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the Project were prepared and noticed for review and comment for 30 days beginning on February 13, 2025, and ending on March 14, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Visalia did not receive any comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Visalia, after duly published notice, held a public hearing before said Commission on March 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia, after a 10-day published notice, held a public hearing before said Council for Annexation No. 2024 -04 on April 21, 2025, and found the project consistent with the General Plan; and

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby makes the following findings with regard to the project:

1. That the annexation is consistent with the intent of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity

2. That the proposed Annexation, which will re -designate 10.4 acres of AE -20 (Agricultural Exclusive 20 -acre) County zone district to Q -P (Quasi -Public) zone district, will not impose new land uses or development that will adversely affect the subject site or adjacent properties.

3. That the parcels are not located within an Agricultural Preserve.

4. That the parcel will be annexed into Voting District 4 per the Council Election Voting District Map.

5. That an Initial Study was prepared for this project, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, which disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and that Negative Declaration No. 2024 -61, is hereby adopted. Furthermore, the design of the dog park and proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Visalia finds that Negative Declaration No. 2024 -61 prepared for the proposed project was prepared consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and City of Visalia Environmental Guideline, and hereby adopts the Negative Declaration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Visalia requests the actions:

1. Application is hereby made to the Executive Officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), County of Tulare, State of California, for an annexation of territory described on the attached legal description and illustrated in the map attached as Exhibit “A”.
726
Resolution No. 2025-22

2. Proceedings shall be taken for this annexation proposal pursuant to Title 5, Division 3, Part 3 of the California Government Code and other relevant provisions of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000.

3. In conjunction with the proceedings being taken for this annexation proposal, application is also hereby being made to the Executive Officer of the Local Agency Formation Commission, County of Tulare, State of California, for detachment from County Service Area No. 1.

4. The Council hereby requests waiver of the conducting authority proceedings in accordance with Government Code Section 56663(c).

5. That the proposed Annexation, which will re -designate 10.4 acres of AE -20 (Agricultural Exclusive 20 -acre) County zone district to Q -P (Quasi -Public) zone district, will not impose new land uses or development that will adversely affect the subject site or adjacent properties.

6. Upon annexation, the territory shall be assigned into Voting District 4 per the Council Election Voting District Map.

7. The City Clerk of the City of Visalia is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Executive Officer of Tulare County LAFCO.

8. That an Initial Study was prepared for this project, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, which disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and that Nega tive Declaration No. 2024-61, is hereby adopted.

PASSED AND ADOPTED: April 21, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF TULARE ) ss.

CITY OF VISALIA )

I, Leslie B. Caviglia, City Clerk of the City of Visalia, certify the foregoing is the full and true Resolution 2025-22 passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Visalia at a regular meeting held on April 21, 2025.

Dated: April 22, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

By Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk

727
Resolution No. 2025-22

Exhibit “A” of City Council Resolution No. 2025-22
– Annexation Legal and Plat
728
Resolution No. 2025-22

729
Resolution No. 2025-22

730
Resolution No. 2025-22
Exhibit “A”
731
Resolution No. 2025-23

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-23

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISALIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05: A REQUEST BY THE

CITY OF VISALIA TO EXPAND THE URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY BY ANNEXING

TWO PARCELS INTO THE CITY LIMITS, AND TO CHANGE APPROXIMATELY A

QUARTER ACRE ON THE SITE FROM RESIDENTIAL VERY LOW DENSITY LAND USE DESIGNATION TO PARKS/RECREATION LAND USE DESIGNATION. THE

PROPOSED PROJECT IS LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF NORTH DINUBA BOULEVARD AND WEST RIVERWAY COURT.
(APN: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006)

WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 is a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately a quarter acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation. The proposed Project is located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APN: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006); and
WHEREAS, an Initial Study was prepared which disclosed that no significant environmental impacts would result from this project and mitigation measures are not required; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the Project were prepared and noticed for review and comment for 30 days beginning on February 13, 2025, and ending on March 14, 2025; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Visalia did not receive any comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Visalia, after duly published notice, held a public hearing before said Commission on March 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia, after 10 -day published notice, held a public hearing before said Council for General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 on April 21, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and the City Council of the City of Visalia considered General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 to be in accordance with Section

17.54.070 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Visalia based on evidence contained in the staff report and testimony presented at the public hearing.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Visalia finds Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 prepared for Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and City of Visalia Environmental Guidelines.

732
Resolution No. 2025-23
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Visalia approves General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 based on the following specific findings and evidence presented:

1. That the proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, and i s not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.

2. That the proposed General Plan Amendment, in creating an additional one acre of Parks / Recreation designation, will not impose new land uses or development that will adversely affect the subject site or adjacent properties.

3. The loss of approximately a quarter acre of Very Low Density land use designation will not have an impact upon the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (State Government Code Section 66300) since the General Plan land use designation being eliminated amounts to approximately 0.25 acres of land that is specified for development at a density of 0.1 to 2 units per gross acre, and being that the size and configuration of the land use designation does not meet City standards for accommodating any residences.

4. That the General Plan Amendment, including the expansion of the Urban Development Boundary, will help facilitate the development of an overflow parking lot and dog park consistent with the General Plan Polices, including Policy PSCU- P-14, which requires the “design of parks to enhance neighborhood character and minimize negative impacts,” and Policy PSCU -P-24, which promotes “innovative park design that responds to neighborhood needs and user groups,” being that the improvements of Riverway Sports Park with the development of the dog park and overflow parking lot promote innovative park design and enhance the area.

5. That an Initial Study was prepared for this project, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, which disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and that Negative Declaration No. 2024-61, is hereby adopte d. Furthermore, the design of the dog park and proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Visalia approves General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, as depicted per Exhibit “A” attached herein, on the real property described herein, in accordance with the terms of this resolution and under the provisions of Section 17.54.070 of the Ordinance Code of the City of Visalia.

733
Resolution No. 2025-23
PASSED AND ADOPTED: April 21, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF TULARE ) ss.

CITY OF VISALIA )

I, Leslie B. Caviglia, City Clerk of the City of Visalia, certify the foregoing is the full and true Resolution 2025-23 passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Visalia at a regular meeting held on April 21, 2025.

Dated: April 22, 2025 LESLIE B. CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

By Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk

734
Resolution No. 2025-23
Exhibit “A” of Planning Commission Resolution No. 2024-72 – General Plan Land Use Map
735
EXHIBIT “A”

CITY OF VISALIA
ANNEXATION NO. 2024-04
The land referred to herein below is situated in the unincorporated area in the County of Tulare, State of California, being a portion of the west ha lf of the east 5 acres of the south half of the south half of the south half of the northeast quarter of Section 18, Township 18 South, Range 25 East, M.D.B. & M., and all of Parcel 3 as shown on the Parcel Map No. 4622 filed in Book 47 of Parcel Maps, Page 27, Tulare County Records, more particularly described as follows:

COMMENCING at the intersection of Road 124 and Riverway Drive, said intersection being the East 1/4 corner of said Section 18;

1. thence, North 65°06’12" West, 60.31 feet, to the Southeast corner of said Parcel 3, said point being an angle point in the existing corporate limit line of the City of Visalia, said point being the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING ;

2. thence, along the southerly line of said Parcel 3 a nd the westerly prolongation thereof, said southerly line being the existing corporate li mit line of the City of Visalia, North 89°35'34" West, 598.82 feet, to the West line of the East five (5) acres of the South 1/2 of the South 1/2 of the South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 18, said ease line being the east line of the existing corporate limit line of the City of Visalia;

3. thence along said West line, North 00°40'26" East, 307.80 feet, to an angle poin t in the existing corporate limit of the City of Visalia and an angle point in said Parcel 3;

4. thence, along the southerly line of said Parcel 3 and the existing corporate limit of the City of Visalia, North 89°37'13" West, 890.72 feet, to the Southeast corner of Parcel 2 of said Parcel Map;

5. thence, leaving the existing corporate limit of the City of Visalia, along the northeasterly line of said Parcel 2, North 53°07’31” West, 82.34 feet, to a point on the westerly line of said Parcel 3;

6. thence, along said westerly line, North 00°42’49 ” East, 126.03 feet, to the north line of said Parcel 3;

7. thence along said north line, South 89°37’13” Ea st, 1525.56 feet, to the easterly line of said Parcel 3;

8. thence, along said easterly line, South 01°15’22 ” West, 6.40 feet;

9. thence South 89°50’45” East 105.00 feet, to the east line of the land described in the grant deed recorded January 6, 1969 in Vol. 2821 at page 804 of official records; 736
EXHIBIT “A”

10. thence, along said east line, South 00°09’15” W est, 215.10 feet, to the centerline of the St.

John’s River, said centerline also being the existing corporate limit of the City of Visalia;

11. thence along said centerline and the existing corporate limit, South 68°45’35” West, 82.51 feet, to the east line the east 5 acres of the south half , of the south half, of the south half, of the northeast quarter of section 18 as shown on said Parcel Map No. 4622, said east line being the west line of the existing corporate limit of the City of Visalia ;

12. thence along the east line, South 00°40’26” Wes t, 231.60 feet, to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING .

Containing an area of 10.84 acres more or less.

A PLAT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED AREA IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “B” AND BY THIS REFERENCE MADE A PART HEREOF.

END DESCRIPTION
This real property description has been prepared by me, or under my direction, in conformance with the requirements of the Professional Land Surveyors’ Act.

February 4, 2025
Stephen J. Pyle Date
Professional Land Surveyor
California No. 8385
737
25'N00°40'26"E307.80'(3)
APN 078-330-005
APN 078-110-012
APN 078-110-021
APN 078-110-006
APN 078-110-014
APN 078-120-033
APN 078-110-019
S89°37'13"E 1525.56'(7)
N89°37'13"W 890.72'(4)N53°07'31"W 82.34'(5)N00°42'49"E 126.03'(6) N89°35'34"W 598.82'(2)
S00°09'15"W 215.10'(10)
S00°40'26"W231.60'(12)
S68°45'35"W 82.51'(11)
ROAD 124
POINT OFCOMMENCEMENTTRUE POINT OF BEGINNINGN65°06'12"W 60.31(1) ANNEXATION NO. 2010-05
ANNEXATION NO. 99-03

TULARE COUNTYCITY LIMITS

RIVERWAY DRIVE
ANNEXATIONNO. 2005-07
WEST LINE OF THE EAST 5 ACRES OF THES1/2,S1/2,S1/2,NE1/4 SEC 18-18/25 S01°15'22"W 6.40'(8)S89°50'45"E 105.00'(9)
55' PORTION OF RIVERWAY DRIVEVACATED PER RESOLUTION 2020-52RECORDED IN 2020-0066955

ADJACENT PROPERTY LINESECTION LINEANNEXATION LINELEGEND

RIGHT OF WAY LINEEXISTING CITY LIMITS
APN INFORMATION1078-110-0212078-110-006TOTAL ACRESACRES: 10.84 AC ANNEXATION NO 2024-04CITY OF VISALIATHAT PORTION OF SE 1/4 OF THE NE 1/4 SECTION 18 T. 18S., R. 25 E., M.D.B&M, IN THE COUNTY OF TULARE, STATEOF CALIFRONIA 2025-02-04

SUBJECT PROPERTYW SHANNON PARKWAY
ROAD 124

N GIDDING STREET

RIVERWAY SPORTS PARK
SEE DETAIL "A"
DETAIL "A"
S89°37'13"E 1525.56'(7)
S89°50'45"E 105.00'(9)S01°15'22"W 6.40'(8)
NOT TO SCALE 0150300 SCALE: 1" = 300'

RIVERWAY DRIVE

VICINITY MAPNOT TO SCALE
Phone(559) 451-03957110 N Fresno Street, Suite 160Fresno, CA 93720Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

Westwood
westwoodps.com
1 SHEET NUMBER:

DATE:

OF12025-01-30
Y:\Jobs\43470 Visalia Riverway SP Dog Park\Survey\MapDwg\43470-ANNEXATION-LAFCO.dwg 09:37:04 02/04/2025 SCALE: 1" = 300'
DRAWN: FB CHECKED: SP DESIGNED:N/A
JOB NUMBER: 43470
738
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STAND PIPE 12"
UNKUNK
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POST

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NO PARKINGX AHEAD
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PEDESTRIAN

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

EV CHARGINGONLY

EV CHARGINGONLY

EV CHARGINGONLY

EV CHARGINGONLY

EV CHARGINGONLY

ACCESSIBLEEV CHARGING

VANACCESSIBLEEV CHARGING

EV CHARGINGONLY

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

FUTURE EV

VAN VAN

RIVERWAY DRIVE
EX. BIKETRAIL TOREMAIN
EX. UTILITY POLE
EX. UTILITY POLEEX. UTILITY STAND PIPE
EX. SOLARLIGHT POLETO REMAIN

RAISEDBIKE LANE

UTILITY POLE

RIPARIANSETBACK

FIREBREAKSETBACK

VISALIA RIVERWAY SPPARKING LOTVISALIA, CALIFORNIA
westwoodps.com7110 N Fresno Street, Suite 160Fresno, CA 93720 # PARKING STALLSSTANDARD PARKING STALLS90 ADA STALLSADA VAN STALLSEVCS STALLSEV READY PARCEL AREA339,247S.F.
01530 SCALE: 1" = 30'

STANDARD ACCESSIBLE EVCS STALLSVAN ACCESSIBLE EV READYTOTAL PARKING STALLS 5161911123

SEE NEXT SHEET FOR CONTINUATION
739
IRR(4)

TRASH CANBENCH
FCL5'
UNK DD
1"/1'
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L

NO PARKINGX AHEAD
HC
DRAIN INLETRIM 331.03
DRAIN INLETRIM 330.75

NO TRESPASSING
E

NO PARKING

ELEC CABEE

ELEC VAULT
E
DRAIN INLETRIM 325.21
EE
WATER(2)
BIKE
HCSTOP

PEDESTRIAN

EV CHARGINGONLY

ACCESSIBLEEV CHARGING

VANACCESSIBLEEV CHARGING

VAN VAN
EX. PUMP
EX. BIKETRAIL TOREMAIN

PROPOSED BIKETRAIL CONNECTION
EX. SOLARLIGHT POLETO REMAIN

CONCRETE CURB

RIPARIANSETBACKFIREBREAKSETBACK

SEE PREVIOUS FOR CONTINUATION
westwoodps.com7110 N Fresno Street, Suite 160Fresno, CA 93720

VISALIA RIVERWAY SPPARKING LOTVISALIA, CALIFORNIA
01530 SCALE: 1" = 30'
740
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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Planning & Community Preservation Department

NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Project Title: Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 Project Description: Annexation No. 2024-04 is a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling approximately 10.4 acres into the city limits of Visalia. Upon annexation, the site area would be zoned QP (Quasi-Public), which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Design. The project area is not within an Agricultural Preserve or Williamson Act contract.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 is a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately one acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

The Annexation and the General Plan would facilitate the development of a city dog park and associated parking lot within the project site.

Project Location: The site is located on the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006).

Project Facts: Refer to Initial Study for project facts, plans and policies, and discussion of environmental effects.

Attachments:

Initial Study (X)
Environmental Checklist (X)
Maps (X)
Mitigation Measures ( )
Traffic Impact Statement ( )

DECLARATION OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT:

This project will not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons:
(a) The project does not have the potential to 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, 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) The project does not have the potential to achieve short -term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals.
(c) The project does not have environmental effects which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. Cumulatively considerable means that the incremental effects of an individual 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. (d) The environmental effects of the project will not cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly.
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City of Visalia Planning & Community Preservation Department

This Negative Declaration has been prepared by the City of Visalia Planning Division in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended. A copy may be obtained from the City of Visalia Planning Division Staff during normal business hours.

APPROVED
Brandon Smith, AICP
Environmental Coordinator

By: ______________________________
Date Approved: February 11, 2025
Review Period: 30 days
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City of Visalia Community Development

INITIAL STUDY
I. GENERAL
A. Annexation No. 2024-04 is a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling approximately

10.4 acres into the city limits of Visalia. Upon annexation, the site area would be zoned QP (Quasi -Public), which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Design. The project area is not within an Agricultural Preserve or Williamson Act contract.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 is a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately one acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

The Annexation and the General Plan would facilitate the development of a city dog park and associated parking lot within the project site.

B. Identification of the Environmental Setting:

The parcels are currently vacant and undeveloped and are located to the north of the existing Riverway Sports Park Complex. The proposed development would enhance the existing park by providing additional amenities to the community. The site is located on the north west corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006). The entire project area is primarily surrounded by open space with the exception of Riverway Sports Park to the south and the River Island Ranch subdivision to the southeast.

The project is supported by a General Plan Amendment to bring the property inside of the City’s Urban Growth Boundary, as the project site is currently outside of the Urban Growth Boundary.

The surrounding uses, Zoning, and General Plan for the 10.4-acre parcels are as follows:

General Plan Zoning Existing uses
North: Agriculture/
Conservation
X (area outside of the
City of Visalia limits)
Vacant, St. John’s River
South: Parks & Recreation QP (Quasi-Public) Riverway Sports Park East: Conservation /
Residential Low
Density
OS (Open Space), R-
1-5 (Single-family
Residential)
Dinuba Boulevard, single-family residential
subdivision
West: Conservation / Very
Low Residential
Density
X (area outside of the
City of Visalia limits)
Vacant land; proposed parking lot
Fire and police protection services, street maintenance of public streets, refuse collection, and wastewater treatment will be provided by the City of Visalia upon annexation and the development of the project area.

C. Plans and Policie s: The General Plan Land Use Diagram designates the site as Residential Very Low Density and Conservation . P er the General Plan Amendment and upon annexation the entire site would be designated Parks/Recreation land use designation and , upon annexation, zoned Quasi -Public, which is consistent with Land Use Element of the General Plan, and consistent with the standards for Quasi -Public development pursuant to the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) Chapter 17.52.

II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
No significant adverse environmental impacts have been identified for this project. The City of Visalia Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance contain policies and regulations that are designed to mitigate impacts to a level of non-significance.

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III. MITIGATION MEASURES
There are no mitigation measures for this project. The City of Visalia Zoning Ordinance contains guidelines, criteria, and requirements for the mitigation of potential impacts related to light/glare, visibility screening, noise, and traffic/parking to eliminate and/or reduce potential impacts to a level of non-significance.

IV. PROJECT COMPATIBILITY WITH EXISTING ZONES AND PLANS The project is compatible with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as the project relates to surrounding properties.

V. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are hereby incorporated into this Negative Declaration and Initial Study by reference:
• Visalia General Plan Update. Dyett & Bhatia, October 2014. • Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-38 (Certifying the Visalia General Plan Update) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• Visalia General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). Dyett & Bhatia, June 2014.
• Visalia General Plan Update Draft Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). Dyett & Bhatia, March 2014.
• Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-37 (Certifying the EIR for the Visalia General Plan Update) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• Visalia Municipal Code, including Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance). • California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
• City of Visalia, California, Climate Action Plan, Draft Final. Strategic Energy Innovations, December 2013.
• Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-36 (Certifying the Visalia Climate Action Plan) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• City of Visalia Storm Water Master Plan. Boyle Engineering Corporation, September 1994. • City of Visalia Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. City of Visalia, 1994. • City of Visalia Zoning Ordinance Update. City of Visalia, March 2017.

VI. NAME OF PERSON WHO PREPARED INITIAL STUDY

___ ____________________________
Colleen A. Moreno Brandon Smith, AICP
Assistant Planner Environmental Coordinator
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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Community Development

INITIAL STUDY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

NAME OF
PROPONENTS:

City of Visalia NAME OF AGENT: Jonathan Frausto, City of Visalia Address of Proponents: 220 N. Santa Fe Ave, Visalia CA 93292 Address of Agent: 315 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 Telephone Numbers: 559-713-4355 Telephone Number: 559-713-4369 Date of Review January 23, 2025 Lead Agency: City of Visalia

The following checklist is used to determine if the proposed project could potentially have a significant effect on the envir onment.

Explanations and information regarding each question follow the checklist. 1 = No Impact 2 = Less Than Significant Impact
3 = Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated 4 = Potentially Significant Impact

I. AESTHETICS
Would the project:
1 a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 1 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
1 c) In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
2 d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
1 a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency to non -
agricultural use?
1 b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
1 c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section
12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
1 d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
1 e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
III. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
1 a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
2 b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
2 c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
1 d) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
2 b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
1 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
1 d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
1 e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Name of Proposal Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 746
Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Community Development

1 f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 15064.5?
1 b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 15064.5?
1 c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
VI. ENERGY
Would the project:
2 a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
1 b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
1 i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
1 ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
1 iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 1 iv) Landslides?
2 b) Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil? 1 c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
1 d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?
1 e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?
1 f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the project:
2 a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
2 b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
1 a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
1 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?
2 c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -
quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
1 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?
1 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?
1 f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
1 g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
1 a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?
1 b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the
basin?
1 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:
1 i) result in a substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; 1 ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on - or offsite;
1 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;
1 iv) impede or redirect flood flows?
1 d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
1 e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
1 a) Physically divide an established community?
1 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? 747
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City of Visalia Community Development

XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 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?
1 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?
XIII. NOISE
Would the project:
2 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?
2 b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
1 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?
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
1 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)?
1 b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project:
1 a) 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 i) Fire protection?
1 ii) Police protection?
1 iii) Schools?
1 iv) Parks?
1 v) Other public facilities?
XVI. RECREATION
2 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?
2 b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? XVII. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC
Would the project:
1 a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
1 b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
1 c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
1 d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
1 a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 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:
1 i) 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
1 ii) 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 § 5024.1. In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.

XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
1 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?
1 b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during
normal, dry and multiple dry years?
1 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?
1 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?
1 e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? XX. WILDFIRE
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
1 a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
1 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?
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1 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?
2 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? XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
2 a) Does the project 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?
2 b) Does the project 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)?
2 c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings , either directly or indirectly?

Note: Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21083.05, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 65088.4, Gov. Code;
Sections 21080(c), 21080.1, 21080.3, 21083, 21083.05,
21083.3, 21093, 21094, 21095, and 21151, Public
Resources Code; Sundstrom v. County of Mendocino,(1988) 202 Cal.App.3d 296; Leonoff v. Monterey Board of
Supervisors, (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 1337; Eureka Citizens for Responsible Govt. v. City of Eureka (2007) 147
Cal.App.4th 357; Protect the Historic Amador Waterways v.

Amador Water Agency (2004) 116 Cal.App.4th at 1109; San Franciscans Upholding the Downtown Plan v. City and
County of San Francisco (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 656.

Revised 2019
Authority: Public Resources Code sections 21083 and
21083.09
Reference: Public Resources Code sections 21073, 21074, 21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3/ 21084.2 and 21084.3

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DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION

I. AESTHETICS
a. This project will not adversely affect the view of any scenic vistas. The Saint John’s River and trail may be considered a scenic vista ; however, the view will not be adversely impacted by the project.
b. There are no scenic resources on the site.
c. The City has development standards related to
landscaping and other amenities that will ensure that the visual character of the area is enhanced and not degraded upon any future development. Thus, the project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character of the site and its surroundings.
d. The project will facilitate the construction of an overflow parking lot and dog park, creating new sources of light that are typical of that use . The City has developm ent
standards that require light to be directed and/or shielded so it does not fall upon adjacent properties.

II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
a. The project is not located on property that is identified as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance.
b. The project is not located on property that is party to a Williamson Act contract. Existing Tulare County zoning for the area is AE-20 (Exclusive Agriculture Zone 20 Acre
Minimum). Although the site is zoned for agriculture no nearby agriculture would be hindered due to the site’s
separation from agriculture uses by the Saint John’s River. c. The City of Visalia does not have a zoning classification for forest land, additionally the site is not considered forest land and is currently vacant. Therefore, the site will not conflict with any forest land.
d. There is no forest land currently located on the site. e. The annexation area is located directly south of the Saint John’s River and is bounded by properties within City
Limits on the south, east and west of the site. The
surrounding area is primarily developed with
Parks/Recreation and urban uses. The project will not
result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or the conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

III. AIR QUALITY
a. The project site is located in an area that is under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). The project itself does not disrupt implementation of the San Joaquin Regional Air Quality
Management Plan , and will therefore not be a significant impact.
b. Future development of the site und er the Visalia General Plan may result in emissions that exceed thresholds
established by the SJVAPCD for PM10 and PM2.5.

However, the project being considered is a request to
annex 10.4 acres of County area into the City Limits. The annexation itself will not result in emissions that violate air quality standards or contribute substantially to existing or projected air quality violations.

Future development of the project area is required to
adhere to requirements administered by the SJVAPCD to
reduce emissions to a level of compliance consistent with the District’s regulations. Compliance with the SJVAPCD’s rules and regulations will reduce potential impacts
associated with air quality standard violations to a less than significant level.

In addition, future d evelopment of the project will be subject to the SJVAPCD Indirect Source Review (Rule
9510) procedures that became effective on March 1,
2006. The Applicant will be required to obtain permits demonstrating compliance with Rule 9510, or payment of
mitigation fees to the SJVAPCD.

Tulare County is designated non -attainment for certain federal ozone and state ozone levels. Future development of the project site, which is not bei ng considered at this time, may result in a net increase of criteria pollutants.

However, as the proposal is solely for an annexation and general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use
designation, it will not result in increases of pollutants.

Future development of the project site may be required to adhere to requirements administered by the SJVAPCD to
reduce emissions to a level of compliance consistent with the District’s regulations. Compliance with the SJVAPCD’s rules and regulations will reduce potential impacts
associated with air quality standard violations to a less than significant level.
c. Uses located near the project area may be exposed to pollutant concentrations as a result of future construction activities. However at this time, the project being
considered is an annexation which will bring two County parcels into the City Limits. The elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation will not result in the generation of substantial pollutant concentrations. d. The project involves the change of a jurisdictional
boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation and would not involve the
generation of objectionable odors.

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a. City-wide biological resources were evaluated in the Visalia General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for conversion to urban use. Staff also conducted a site visit in January 2025 to observe biological conditions , and did not observe any evidence or symptoms that would suggest the presence of a candidate, sensitive, or special species.

Based on the above, t he site has no known species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. The project would therefore not 750
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have a substantial adverse effect on a sensitive,
candidate, or special species.
b. The project is located adjacent to Saint John’s River and is considered a sensitive riparian habitat or other natural community. The City has a General Plan Policy in place
pertaining to riparian habitats and development standards.

Any development within the riparian habitat is subject to the standards and requirements outlined.
c. The project is not located within or adjacent to federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
d. This development would not interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites as it would only involve the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and affect one acre of land use designation .

This site was evaluated in the Visalia General Plan
Update EIR for conversion to urban use.
e. The City has a municipal ordinance in place to protect valley oak trees. All existing valley oak trees on the project site will be under the jurisdiction of this ordinance. Any oak trees to be removed from the site are subject to the
jurisdiction of the municipal ordinance.
f. There are no local , regional or state habitat conservation plans for the area.

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
a. There are no known historical resources located within the project area. If some potentially historical or cultural resource is unearthed during development all work should cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can
evaluate the finding and make necessary mitigation
recommendations.
b. There are no known archaeological resources located
within the project area. If some archaeological resource is unearthed during development all work should cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can evaluate the finding and make necessary mitigation recommendations.
c. There are no known human remains buried in the project vicinity. If human remains are unearthed during
development all work should cease until the proper
authorities are notified and a qualified professional
archaeologist can evaluate the finding and make any
necessary mitigation recommendations.

VI. ENERGY
a. The project only involves the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation , however future development of the site includes construction of a dog park and
overflow parking lot which could increase the energy
consumption related to worker trips and operation of
construction equipment. This increase would be temporary and limited through the compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
b. The project will not conflict with or obstruct any state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency. The proposed project will comply with all state and local
polices related to energy efficiency.

VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
a. The State Geologist has not issued an Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Map for Tulare County. The project area is not located on or near any known earthquake fault lines or areas prone to seismic activity or landslides. Therefore, the project will not expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts involving earthquakes.
b. The proposal involves the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation that will not itself affect topsoil. Future development of this site wi ll require
movement of topsoil. Existing City Engineering Division standards require that a grading and drainage plan be submitted for review to the City to ensure that on- and off- site improvements will be designed to meet City
standards.
c. The project area is relatively flat and the underlying soil is not known to be unstable and have a low capacity for
landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Soils in the Visalia area have few limitations with regard to development. Due to low clay content and
limited topographic relief, soils in the Visalia area have low expansion characteristics.
d. Due to low clay content, soils in the Visalia area have an expansion index of 0 -20, which is defined as very low
potential expansion.
e. The project site area is currently vacant and future development will not include any development that would utilize the need of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems.
f. There are no unique geological features and no known paleontological resources located within the project area.

If some potentially unique paleontological or unique
geological resources are unearthed during development
all work should cease until a qualified professional
paleontologist can evaluate the finding and make
necessary mitigation recommendations.

VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
a. The project is not expected to generate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as the proposal involves only the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Future development of the overflow parking lot and dog
park may result in the release of greenhouse gas
emissions in the short term due to construction activity and long-term due to day-to-day operation of the park.

The City has prepared and adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP), which includes a baseline GHG emissions
inventories, reduction measures, and reduction targets
consistent with local and State goals. The CAP was
prepared concurrently with the proposed General Plan
and its impacts are also evaluated in the Visalia General Plan Update EIR.

The Visalia General Plan and the CAP both include
policies that aim to reduce the level of GHG emissions
emitted in association with buildout conditions under the General Plan. Although emissions will be generated as a result of the project, implementation of the General Plan and CAP policies will result in fewer emissions than would be associated with a continuation of baseline conditions. 751
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Thus, the impact to GHG emissions will be less than
significant.
b. The State of California has enacted the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), which included provisions for reducing the GHG emission levels to 1990 “baseline” levels by 2020 and to a level 80% below 1990 baseline levels by 2050 . In addition, the State has enacted SB 32 which included provisions for reducing the GHG emission levels to a level 40% below 1990 baseline levels by 2030.

The proposed project will solely eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation and will not impede the
State’s ability to meet the GHG emission reduction targets under AB 32 and SB 32 . Current and probable future
state and local GHG reduction measures will continue to reduce the project’s contribution to climate change. As a result, the project will not contribute significantly, either individually or cumulatively, to GHG emissions.

IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
a. No h azardous materials are anticipated with the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and general plan amendment.
b. As the proposal involves only the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation , no significant hazards are foreseen as a result of accidents. Future
construction activities associated with development of
parking lot and dog park may include maintenance of on - site construction equipment, which could lead to minor fuel and oil spills. The use and handling of any hazardous
materials during construction activities would occur in accordance with applicable federal, state, regional, and local laws. Therefore, impacts are considered to be less than significant.
c. There is one school located 0.22 miles southwest of the project area (Riverway Elementary School). However,
there is no reasonably foreseeable condition or incident involving the project that could affect existing or proposed school sites or areas within one -quarter mile of school sites.
d. The project area does not include any sites listed as hazardous materials sites pursuant to Government Code
Section 65692.5.
e. The Tulare County Comprehensive Airport Land Use Plan shows the project area is located outside the Airport
Influence Area and the Airport Safety Zones . Therefore the project will not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area. f. The project will not interfere with the implementation of any adopted emergency response plan or evacuation
plan.
g. There are no wildlands within or near the project area.

X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a. The project will not viol ate any water quality standards of waste discharge requirements as it involves only the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Any future development of the project site would be
required to meet the City’s improvement standards for
directing storm water runoff to the existing City storm water drainage system; consistent with the City’s adopted City Storm Drain Master Plan.
b. The project will not substantially deplete groundwater supplies in the project vicinity as it involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation.

The project area overlies the southern portion of the San Joaquin unit of the Central Valley groundwater aquifer.

Future development within the project area will result in an increase of impervious surfaces, which might affect the amount of precipitation that is recharged to the aquifer.

As the City of Visalia is already largely developed and covered by impervious surfaces, the increase of
impervious surfaces through this project will be small by comparison. The project therefore might affect the amount of precipitation that is recharged to the aquifer. The City of Visalia’s water conversation measures and explorations for surface water use over groundwater extraction will
assist in offsetting the loss in groundwater recharge.
c. The project will not result in substantial erosion on - or off- site. The proposal involves only the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation . Future
development of the site will adhere to a 100-foot riparian setback along Saint John’s River which lies north of the project site. Development of the site will not alter the course of the river and no streams are located near the site.

Future development of the site has the potential to affect drainage patterns in the short term due to erosion and
sedimentation during construction activities and in the long term through the expansion of impervious surfaces. The
City’s existing standards may require the preparation and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the SWRCB’s General
Construction Permit process, which would address
erosion control measures.

The project will not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or off-site. Future development of the site will also not impede or redirect flood flows. The
proposal involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation.

Development of the site will create additional impervious surfaces. However, existing and planned improvements to storm water drainage facilities as required through the Visalia General Plan policies will reduce any potential impacts to a less than significant level.

The project will not create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm
water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. The proposal involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Future development will be required to meet the City’s
improvement standards for directing storm water runoff to the existing City storm water drainage system; consistent with the City’s adopted City Storm Drain Master Plan.
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d. The project area is located within Zone AE, which
indicates an area that is within a high -risk flood hazard area. T his is due to the proximity to Saint John’s River .

The project area is located along Saint John’s River;
however, it is outside potentially hazardous areas for
seiches and tsunamis. Due to the site ’s proximity to Saint John’s River there is the potential for mudflow occurrence , however these impacts are less than significant.
e. As the proposal is only for the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation , future
development of site would not expose people or structures to risks from failure of levee or dam.

However, the project area along with the entirety of the City of Visalia lies within the dam inundation area of
Terminus Dam, located approximately 35 miles to the east from the project site . In the case of dam failure, people and structures would be exposed to flooding risk. This
impact is considered significant and unavoidable.

The Visalia General Plan Update Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) has already considered the environmental
impacts of the placement of people and structures to an area at risk of dam failure. The General Plan contains
multiple polices that address the issue, and the County of Tulare maintains the Tulare County Hazard Mitigation
Plan and a Mass Evacuation Plan that will help to reduce the impact.

Because there is still a significant impact, a Statement of Overriding Considerations was previously adopted with
the Visalia General Plan Update EIR.

XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
a. The project will not physically divide an established community. Upon annexation, the project is supported by a General Plan Amendment to change approximately one
acre on the site from Residential Very Low -Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation, which is consistent with the surrounding land use
designations and future use of the site. The project site is located directly north of the existing Riverway Sports Park and is bordered by a Minor Arterial status roadway,
Dinuba Boulevard (State Highway 63) to the east.
b. The project as a whole does not conflict with any land use plan, policy or regulation of the City of Visalia , as it only involves elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use
designation. The proposed project is to be developed on land designated for Parks/Recreation which is consistent with the surrounding land use designations as identified in Table 9-1 “Consistency between the Plan and Zoning” of
the General Plan.

XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
a. No mineral areas of regional or statewide importance exist within the Visalia area.
b. There are no mineral resource recovery sites delineated in the Visalia area.

XIII. NOISE
a. The project will not result in noise generation typical of urban development, as it will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation . Future development of
overflow parking lot and dog park will result in noise generation typical of urban development, but not in excess of standards established in the City of Visalia’s G eneral Plan or Noise Ordinance. Noise levels will increase
temporarily during the construction of these facilities but shall remain within noise limits and will be restricted to the allowed hours of construction defined by the City of Visalia Noise Ordinance. Temporary increase in ambient noise
levels is considered to be less than significant.

Furthermore, the Visalia General Plan contains multiple policies, identified under Impact N -P-3 through N-P-5, that work to reduce the potential for noise impacts to sensitive land uses. With implementation of Noise Impact Policies and existing City Standards, noise impa cts to new noise sensitive land uses would be less than significant.
b. The annexation and general plan amendment itself will not result in impacts from ground -borne vibration or noise.

However, ground-borne vibration or ground -borne noise
levels may occur as a result of future construction
activities associated with development of the parking lot and dog park. Any construction activities will be temporary and will not expose persons to such vibration or noise
levels for an extended period of time; thus the impacts will be less than significant. There are no existing uses near the project area that create ground -borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.
c. The project site is not located within the Airport Influence Area nor within the Airport Safety Zones nor near a private airstrip and therefore will not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.

XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
a. The project will not directly induce substantial population growth that is in excess of that planned in the General Plan. The proposal itself will have no effect as it will only remove a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation.
b. The proposal itself will have no effect as it will only remove a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation . Future development of the parking lot and dog park will not
displace any housing or people as the proposed site is currently vacant.

XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
a.
i. Current fire protectio n facilities are located at Visalia Station 54 and can adequately serve the site without a
need for alteration. Impact fees will be paid to mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on these facilities. ii. Current police protection facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration. Impact fees will be paid to mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on
these facilities.
iii. Neither the annexation project nor the parking lot and dog park proposal will generate new students for which existing schools in the area may accommodate.
iv. Current Park facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration as the project as proposed is a request to expand the existing Riverway Sports
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Park. Impact fees will be paid upon development to
mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on these
facilities.
v. Other public facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration.

XVI. RECREATION
a. The proposed project may affect the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities as the future development of the dog park will be the third in the city providing an amenity not available at all city parks. This in turn can result in the increase of use at the park, however it is considered less than significant. b. The proposed project include s the expansion of Riverway Sports Park with the future development of the overflow parking lot and dog park. The construction of the parking lot and dog park will not have an adverse physical effect on the environment as currently the area is a vacant dirt lot, and the development will provide improvements from landscaping to park amenities.

XVII. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
a. The project will not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. Future development will result in an increase to traffic levels on arterial and collector
roadways, although the City of Visalia’s Circulation
Element has been prepared to address this increase in
traffic.
b. As the proposal will only result in elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation , the
project will not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision(b).
c. The project will only result in the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation . Future development of the site will not increase any hazards due to geometric design feature or incompatible uses. There are no planned designs that are considered hazardous.
e. The project will not result in inadequate emergency
access.

XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Tribal notification was circulated in accordance with Senate Bill

18. No response was received pertaining to the project. The proposed project would not 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.
a. The site is not 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. The site has been determined to not 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 Resource Code
Section 5024.1, because it is an isolated infill site
surrounded by existing urban development.

Further, the EIR (SCH 2010041078) for the 2014 General Plan update included a thorough review of sacred lands files through the California Native American Heritage Commission.

The sacred lands file did not contain any known cultural resources information for the Visalia Planning Area.

XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
a. The project is proposing to only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and amend the land use designation on one
acre of land use designation . Future development of the site will not include any development that will require connection to the existing City sanitary sewer lines.

The project will not result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. The proposal would only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation and will thus not
require construction or expansion of storm water facilities.

Future development will be adequately served by existing facilities.

Future development onsite will be accommodated by
existing City storm water drainage lines that handle on-site and street runoff. Usage of these lines is consistent with the City Storm Drain Master Plan. These improvements
will not cause significant environmental impacts. The
project also does not require the relocation or construction of new or expanded electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications.
b. California Water Service Company has determined that there are sufficient water supplies to sup port the site, and that service can be extended to the site.
c. The project will solely eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation and will not require wastewater services. The City has determined that there is adequate capacity
existing to serve the site’s projected wastewater treatment demands at the City wastewater treatment plant upon
future development.
d. Current solid waste disposal facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration.
e. The project will be able to meet the applicable regulations for solid waste. Removal of debris from future construction will be subject to the City’s waste disposal requirements.

XX. WILDFIRE
a. The project will not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation.
b. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation and therefore will not expose project
occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of wildfire. Additionally, the site is located on a flat area of open space land and is
considered to be at little risk of fire.
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c. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation. Future development of the site will include will include the development of infrastructure such as a road, however all improvements would be subject to City standards and Fiore Marshal approval. The proposed
project would not exacerbate fire risk.
d. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation. Future development of the dog park and
overflow parking lot will not expose people or structures to significant risks as the site is relatively flat.

XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a. The project will not affect the habitat of a fish or wildlife species or a plant or animal community. This site was
evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia’s General Plan Update for conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for
conversion to urban development. Where effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding
considerations was made.
b. This site was evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia General Plan Update for the area’s conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for conversion to urban development.

Where effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding considerations was made.
c. This site was evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia General Plan Update for conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for conversion to urban development. Where
effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding considerations was made.

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DETERMINATION OF REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT

On the basis of this initial evaluation:

X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on the attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.

I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that as a result of the proposed project no new effects could occur, or new mitigation measures would be required that have not been addressed within the scope of the Program Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). The Environmental Impact Report prepared for the City of Visalia General Plan was certified by Resolution N o. 2014-37 adopted on October 14, 2014. THE PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT WILL BE UTILIZED.

February 11, 2025
Brandon Smith, AICP Date
Environmental Coordinator
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REPORT TO CITY OF VISALIA PLANNING COMMISSION

HEARING DATE: March 24, 2025

PROJECT PLANNER: Colleen A. Moreno, Assistant Planner
Phone: (559) 713-4031
Email: [email protected]

SUBJECT: Annexation No. 2024-04: A request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling 10.4 acres into the City limits of Visalia. Upon annexation, the site will be zoned Quasi-Public, which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Designation.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05: A request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately one acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

Location: The affected sites are located at the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110- 006).

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Annexation No. 2024-04
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that City Council initiate proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, as conditioned, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2024-73. Staff’s recommendation is based on the conclusion that the request is consistent with the Visalia General Plan.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that City Council approve General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2024-72.

Staff’s recommendation is based on the conclusion that the request is consistent with the Visalia General Plan.

RECOMMENDED MOTION
I move to recommend that City Council initiate proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2024-73.

I move to recommend that City Council approve General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2024-72.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Visalia is the applicant and the lead agency for both the requested Annexation and General Plan Amendment (GPA). The entire project site is located outside of the city limits, within the jurisdiction of Tulare County, and outside of the City’s Urban Growth Boundary. The Annexation and GPA would facilitate the development of a 1.25-acre city dog park and St.

Johns Trail connectivity within the 10.4-acre annexation area, adjacent to Riverway Court (see Exhibit “A” attached herein). The project requires approval of the GPA to expand the Urban Growth Boundary and to change approximately one acre (0.25 exact) of land use designation on the site from Residential Very Low Density to Parks/Recreation to facilitate pre-zoning on the 767

entire site to Quasi-Public. The City of Visalia Capital Improvement Engineering Division is managing the design and development of the project which also includes the development of an overflow parking lot located outside of the annexation area immediately to the west (Exhibit “F”).

The proposed project will become part of the Riverway Sports Park, a designated large park, that is owned and operated by the City of Visalia. The project site is located at the north end of the City, at 3611 North Dinuba Boulevard (Highway 63); with the project site being at the northwest corner of West Riverway Court and North Dinuba Boulevard. The project will expand the transformation of Riverway Court into a parking lot, providing an exit only for vehicles to Dinuba Boulevard, and prohibiting vehicular ingress from Dinuba Boulevard. The proposed project aims to enhance the visitor experience at Riverway Sports Park by providing additional parking and the City’s third dog park with the additional two dog parks being located at Plaza Bark Park (1.25 acres) and Seven Oaks Dog Park (0.6 acres). Riverway Sports Park experiences a high level of activity in the Spring and Fall seasons due to youth sports leagues making parking heavily impacted1. The improvements are designed to address current parking limitations within the park, provide additional amenities, and support the ongoing growth and use of the Sports Park.

Currently, the Riverway Sports Park overflow parking lot functions as a dirt lot north of the existing utility and maintenance shop and north of the abandoned Riverway Drive. Per the site plan (Exhibit “B”), the project will improve the dirt lot to a city standard parking lot with lighting and Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). The area for the future dog park is currently outside of the city boundaries and is also unimproved. Improvements to the lot for the dog park include amenities such as a shade structure, benches, separate large and small breed areas, and connectivity to the St. Johns walking trail that is located north of the proposed site (Exhibit “C”).

Per the Operational Statement (Exhibit “D”) provided by the City of Visalia Parks Division, the hours of operation and maintenance of the dog park will align with the existing hours of operation for Riverway Sports Park. Riverway Sports Park’s current hours are every day of the week from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.2 Riverway Sports Parks is an 80-acre park that has softball and baseball complexes, 10 soccer fields, covered arbors, a splash pad and playgrounds. Apart from the baseball and softball complexes, all other amenities are available and open for public use (see Exhibit “E” for a full illustration and listing of amenities). Only the baseball and softball complexes limit access to the public based on agreements with various youth sport user

1 City of Visalia – Riverway Sports Park, https://www.visalia.city/depts/parks_n_recreation/recreation/parkinfo/riverway_sports_park.asp 2 City of Visalia – Park Rules, https://www.visalia.city/depts/parks_n_recreation/recreation/parkinfo/park_rules.asp Overflow Parking Lot
Dog Park
Additional Annex Area
768

groups/leagues. The dog park and overflow parking lot will enhance the existing park and provide additional amenities and services that can be utilized by the entire community and visitors.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
General Plan Land Use Designation: Conservation / Residential Very Low Density Zoning: X (Upon annexation, the site will be zoned Quasi- Public (QP))
Surrounding Zoning and Land Use: North: X (outside of the City of Visalia limits) / Vacant parcel
South: QP (Quasi-Public)/ Riverway Sports Park
East: OS (Open Space) & R-1-5 (Single-Family
Residential) / Dinuba Blvd, single-family
residential subdivision
West: X (outside of the City of Visalia limits) / Vacant land, proposed parking lot
Environmental Review: Initial Study/Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 Special Districts: None
Site Plan Review: SPR No. 2024-191

PROJECT EVALUATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend that City Council approve the initiation proceedings for the Annexation and approve the General Plan Amendment, as conditioned, based on the project’s consistency with the Land Use and Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities Elements of the Visalia General Plan.

The proposed development of the dog park and overflow parking lot, which will be part of the Riverway Sports Park, is facilitated by the Annexation and General Plan Amendment.

General Plan Consistency
The General Plan recognizes that community parks are an important component, as recreational and aesthetic resources that contribute to the City’s character. Additionally, the General Plan guides the City to make improvements to existing parks and to support a high quality of life for its residents (Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-5 & 5-6). Currently, there are three large City parks in Visalia; Plaza Park to the west, Riverway Sports Park to the north, and Mooney Grove Park to the south which is maintained and operated by the County of Tulare.

According to the General Plan, “these parks each have a distinct character, and all are meant to draw residents from across the city” (Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-7). Riverway Sports Park is considered a “Large City Park” which, per the General Plan, is “intended to serve the recreational needs of all city residents and create opportunities for contact with the natural environment.” The proposed project will contribute to the existing amenities of Riverway Sports Park and will provide additional access to the existing St. Johns River Trail, which successfully meets the types of opportunities for recreation within the natural environment as well as enhances the city (Visalia General Plan, pg. 5-2).

The project site is located north of the existing Riverway Sports Park, and the development of the dog park and overflow parking lot will be considered part of the Riverway Sports Park complex. The proposed dog park and overflow parking lot are compatible with the surrounding 769

area and is consistent with the General Plan Parks, Schools, Community Facilities, and Utilities Policy PSCU-P-14, which requires the “design of parks to enhance neighborhood character and minimize negative impacts.” The project is located on vacant parcels that were undeveloped and underutilized, and the development of the dog park and parking lot will provide a much needed amenity to the Sports Park, and will aesthetically enhance the area and provide greater access to the St. Johns River Trail. The project supports the city’s commitment to “creating and maintaining a park system that meets citizens’ recreational needs, maximizes landscapes endowed by the natural environment, and contributes to the City’s quality of life” (General Plan, pg. 5-1) with the addition of the dog park and overflow parking lot. Additionally, the project is consistent with General Plan Policy PSCU-P-24, as the improvements to the Riverway Sports Park with the development of the dog park promotes “innovative park design that responds to neighborhood needs and user groups,” as there are only two existing dog parks in the city with a population of approximately 145,000 residents.

The project is also consistent with General Plan Land Use Element Policy LU-P-29, which directs the City to “use regional and community parks and open space to enhance gateways to the City and as a buffer between adjacent communities.” As mentioned previously, Riverway Sports Park is located in the northern area of the city, along the limits of the city and of the Urban Growth Boundary. The dog park and parking lot will be considered part of Riverway Sports Park and will assist in enhancing the buffer and serving as a gateway to the communities north of Visalia. The project also will provide connectivity to St. Johns River Trail and is consistent with General Plan Land Use Objective LU-O-17, to “use St. Johns River and other waterways as structuring elements for the City’s urban form as well as scenic and recreational features.”
Staff supports the project because the project meets the overall intent of the General Plan and its policies.

Consistency with State Law: Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Government Code Sec. 66300) The Housing Crisis Act of 2019 mandates that jurisdictions shall not adopt an entitlement that changes general plan land use designations of parcels to a less intensive use with regards to the site’s residential development capacity below what was in effect on January 1, 2018 (Government Code Section 66300(b)(1)).

However, it should be acknowledged that the General Plan land use designation being eliminated amounts to approximately 0.25 acres of land that is specified for development at a density of 0.1 to 2 units per gross acre, and that the size and configuration of the land use designation does not meet City standards for accommodating any residences. Trying to develop the 0.25 acre of Very Low Density Residential area is not feasible or practical given the odd shape assigned to this land use designation. In addition, the City approved a specific plan residential project that “up-zoned” 16-acres of Very Low Density land use designation to Low and Medium Density residential land uses to obtain more dwelling units within that residential project, which can be used if necessary, to demonstrate that the City of Visalia has not reduced residential development capacity. Therefore, the City finds that there is reasonable argument that this statute pertaining to the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 is not in conflict by this General Plan Amendment.

Consistency with State Law: No Net Loss Law (Government Code Sec. 65863) The purpose of the No Net Loss Law is to ensure that a jurisdiction continues to maintain adequate sites to accommodate its remaining unmet regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) by each income category at all times throughout the entire Housing Element planning period.

Similar to the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 explained above, a jurisdiction cannot take action to 770

reduce a parcel’s residential density without finding that the jurisdiction has other remaining sites that can accommodate its remaining unmet RHNA.

For this project which will change approximately 0.25 acres of Very Low Density Residential land designations to Parks / Recreation designation, the parcels are currently located outside of the City limits and outside of any Growth Tier. As such, the affected parcel has not been assigned units affiliated with the jurisdiction’s RHNA or site inventory. Therefore, the City has no obligation under state law to replace the land use designation.

Local Street Connectivity and On-Site Improvements
The dog park and parking lot will be supported with street connectivity from Riverway Court.

Currently, there is no parcel frontage to a public street, with Riverway Court terminating at a cul- de-sac about 1,000 feet east of Giddings Street. The abandoned portion of Riverway Court east of the parking lot will be restricted to vehicle “exit only” with only a right hand turn at North Dinuba Boulevard due to traffic restrictions and safety per the Visalia Traffic Engineer and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), who has jurisdiction over North Dinuba Boulevard (Highway 63).

Vehicles will be able to access the parking lot and dog park on the west side of Riverway Sports Park, entering through North Giddings Street. Entrance for the overflow parking lot will be through the Riverway Court cul-de-sac. Exiting this area will be either by wrapping around the parking lot to exit back towards Riverway Court and eventually North Giddings Street or by driving east to the Dinuba Boulevard restricted right-turn/exit only approach.

The Site Plan Review comments for this project are attached and conditioned as part of the project which note the above requirements.

Environmental Review
An Initial Study and Negative Declaration were prepared for the proposed project consistent with the California Quality Environmental Act (CEQA). Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and mitigation measures are not required. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61 for this project.

RECOMMENDED FINDINGS
Annexation No. 2024-04

1. That the annexation is consistent with the intent of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity

2. That the proposed Annexation, which will re-designate 10.4 acres of AE-20 (Agricultural Exclusive 20-acre) County zone district to Q-P (Quasi-Public) zone district, will not impose new land uses or development that will adversely affect the subject site or adjacent properties.

3. That the parcels are not located within an Agricultural Preserve.

4. That the parcel will be annexed into Voting District 4 per the Council Election Voting District Map.

5. That an Initial Study was prepared for this project, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, which disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and that Negative Declaration No. 2024-61, is hereby adopted.

Furthermore, the design of the dog park and proposed improvements are not likely to cause 771

substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05

1. That the proposed General Plan Amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, and is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.

2. That the proposed General Plan Amendment, in creating an additional one acre of Parks / Recreation designation, will not impose new land uses or development that will adversely affect the subject site or adjacent properties.

3. The loss of approximately one acre of Very Low Density land use designation will not have an impact upon the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (State Government Code Section 66300) since the General Plan land use designation being eliminated amounts to approximately 0.25 acres of land that is specified for development at a density of 0.1 to 2 units per gross acre, and being that the size and configuration of the land use designation does not meet City standards for accommodating any residences.

4. That the General Plan Amendment, including the expansion of the Urban Development Boundary, will help facilitate the development of an overflow parking lot and dog park consistent with the General Plan Polices, including Policy PSCU-P-14, which requires the “design of parks to enhance neighborhood character and minimize negative impacts,” and Policy PSCU-P-24, which promotes “innovative park design that responds to neighborhood needs and user groups,” being that the improvements of Riverway Sports Park with the development of the dog park and overflow parking lot promote innovative park design and enhance the area.

5. That an Initial Study was prepared for this project, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act, which disclosed that environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant and that Negative Declaration No. 2024-61, is hereby adopted.

Furthermore, the design of the dog park and proposed improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.

RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS
Annexation No. 2024-04

1. Upon annexation, the territory shall be zoned Q-P (Quasi-Public) consistent with the General Plan Land Use designations and surrounding area.

APPEAL INFORMATION
For the Annexation and General Plan Amendment, the Planning Commission’s recommendation is advisory only. The final decision will be made by the Visalia City Council following a public hearing. Therefore, the Planning Commission’s recommendation on this matter is not appealable.

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Attachments:
 Related Plans and Policies
 Resolution No. 2024-73 – Annexation No. 2024-04
 Resolution No. 2024-72 – General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05  Exhibit "A" – Annexation Exhibit
 Exhibit "B" – Site Plan
 Exhibit “C” – Concept Master Plan
 Exhibit “D” – Operational Statement
 Exhibit “E” – Riverway Sports Park Amenities and Information  Exhibit “F” – Aerial overview of Riverway Sports Park & Project Site  Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61
 Site Plan Review No. 2024-191 Comments
 General Plan Land Use Map
 Zoning Map
 Aerial Maps
 Vicinity Map

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RELATED PLANS AND POLICIES

General Plan and Zoning: The following General Plan and Zoning Ordinance policies apply to the proposed project:

General Plan Land Use Policies:

LU-P-29: Use regional and community parks and open space to enhance gateways to the City and as a buffer between adjacent communities.

PSCU-P-14 Design parks to enhance neighborhood character and minimize negative impacts.

PSCU-P-24 Promote innovative park design that responds to neighborhood needs and user groups.

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Chapter 17.52
Quasi-Public Zone

17.52.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose and intent of the quasi-public zone is to provide a zone that is intended to allow for the location of institutional, academic, community service, governmental, and nonprofit uses. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7630)

17.52.015 Applicability.

The requirements in this chapter shall apply to all property within the QP zone district. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)

17.52.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses in the quasi-public zone include public uses of an administrative, recreational, public service or cultural type including city, county, state or federal administrative centers and courts, libraries, museums, art galleries, police and fire stations and other public building, structures and facilities; public playgrounds, parks and community centers. Permitted uses also include wireless telecommunication facilities on parcels that are a minimum of five (5) acres, subject to the requirements of Section 17.32.163 (Regulation of Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) of the Visalia Zoning Ordinance. The keeping of household pets, subject to the definition of household pets set forth in Section 17.04.030. Other uses similar in nature and intensity as determined by the city planner. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2015-01 § 3 (part), 2015: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7631)

17.52.030 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses in the quasi-public zone include:

A. Public and quasi-public uses of an education or religious type including public and parochial elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges; nursery schools, licensed day care facilities for more than fourteen (14) children; churches, parsonages and other religious institutions; B. Public and private charitable institutions, general hospitals, sanitariums, nursing and convalescent homes, senior care facilities, senior housing; not including specialized hospitals, sanitariums, or nursing, rest and convalescent homes including care for acute psychiatric, drug addiction or alcoholism cases; C. Ambulance service;
D. Electric distribution substations;
E. Gas regulator stations;
F. Public service pumping stations;
G. Communications equipment buildings;
H. Wireless telecommunication facilities on parcels that are a less than five (5) acres subject to the Section 17.32.163 of the Visalia Zoning Ordinance;
I. Residential development specifically designed for senior housing; J. Other uses similar in nature and intensity as determined by the city planner.

J. Emergency shelters, subject to Section 17.32.130;
K. Low barrier navigation centers, subject to Section 17.32.135; L. Other uses similar in nature and intensity as determined by the city planner. (Ord. 2022-06 (part), 2022: Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2015-01 § 3 (part), 2015: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7632)

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Chapter 17.54

GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS

17.54.010 Purpose.

As the general plan for Visalia is implemented, there may be a need for amendments to land use boundaries and policies of the general plan. Such amendments shall be made in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this chapter. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7650)

17.54.020 Initiation.

A. An amendment to the land use boundaries of the general plan may be initiated by any interested person or the owners of the property within the area for which the amendment is proposed. The area of a proposed land use amendment and/or policy amendment may be expanded in scope by the planning commission in the resolution of intention.

B. An amendment to land use boundaries and/or policies may be initiated by the city planning commission or the city council by adoption of a resolution of intention. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7651)

17.54.030 Application procedures.

A. An application for an amendment shall be filed by the applicant with the city planning commission on a form prescribed by the commission. Said application shall include the following data:

1. Name and address of the applicant;

2. Statement that the applicant is the owner of the property for which a land use boundary amendment is proposed or the authorized agent of the owner. In the case of a policy amendment the statement shall indicate the interest of the applicant;

3. Address and legal description of the subject property, if applicable;

4. The application shall include material deemed necessary by the city planner to clearly show the applicant's proposal.

B. The application shall be accompanied by a fee set by resolution of the city council to cover the cost of processing the application. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 9605 § 30 (part), 1996: prior code § 7652)

17.54.040 Public hearing—Notice.

Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days or more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the city, and by mailing notice of the time and place of the hearing to property owners within three hundred (300) feet of the boundaries of the area under consideration if an amendment to the land use element is under consideration. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2001-13 § 4 (part), 2001: prior code § 7653)

17.54.050 Investigation and report.

The city planning staff shall make an investigation of the application or the proposal and shall prepare a report thereon that shall be submitted to the city planning commission. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7654)

17.54.060 Hearing.

At the public hearing, the city planning commission shall review the application or the proposal and may receive pertinent evidence regarding the proposed amendment. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7655)

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17.54.070 Action of city planning commission.

Within forty-five (45) days following the public hearing, the city planning commission shall make a specific recommendation and shall transmit a report to the city council. The report shall include a resolution recommending either approval or denial of the proposed amendment, together with pertinent information and the report of the city planning staff. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7656)

17.54.080 Action of the city council.

A. Upon receipt of the resolution and report of the city planning commission, the city council shall hold at least one public hearing with public notice as prescribed in Section 17.54.040. Following the noticed public hearing, the city council shall approve, deny or modify the city planning commission recommendation.

B. If the element or amendment has been approved by the city planning commission, the city council shall not modify the recommendation until the proposed change or modification has been referred back to the city planning commission for a report and a copy of the report has been filed with the city council.

Failure of the city planning commission to report within forty (40) days after the reference, or such longer period as may be designated by the city council shall be deemed to be approval of the proposed change or modification. It shall not be necessary for the city planning commission to hold a public hearing on such proposed change or modification.

C. The adoption of a general plan element, or amendment, shall be by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7657)

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VISALIA RIVERWAY SPPARKING LOTVISALIA, CALIFORNIA
westwoodps.com7110 N Fresno Street, Suite 160Fresno, CA 93720 # PARKING STALLSSTANDARD PARKING STALLS90 ADA STALLSADA VAN STALLSEVCS STALLSEV READY PARCEL AREA339,247S.F.
01530 SCALE: 1" = 30'

STANDARD ACCESSIBLE EVCS STALLSVAN ACCESSIBLE EV READYTOTAL PARKING STALLS 5161911123

SEE NEXT SHEET FOR CONTINUATION
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westwoodps.com7110 N Fresno Street, Suite 160Fresno, CA 93720

VISALIA RIVERWAY SPPARKING LOTVISALIA, CALIFORNIA
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The proposed project aims to enhance the visitor experience at Riverway Sports Park through the expansion of an overflow parking lot and the addiƟon of a 1.25-acre dog park. These improvements are designed to address current parking limitaƟons, provide addiƟonal ameniƟes for residents and visitors, and support the ongoing growth and use of the Sports Park.

The Riverway Sports Park overflow parking lot remains to be a dirt lot just north of the uƟlity and maintenance shop. This project aims to improve the dirt lot to a formal parking lot with lighƟng and Electrical Vehicle Charging StaƟons (EVCS).

AddiƟonal ameniƟes included in the Dog Park are shade structures, benches, separate large and small breed areas, and connecƟvity to the St. John’s walking Trail at the Dog Park. By providing Trail Access from the St. John’s Berm and Bicycle access this promotes the exisƟng AcƟve Park designaƟon of the Sports Park.

Hours of operaƟon and maintenance of the park are going to follow the same schedule as set for the Riverway Sports Park.

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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Planning & Community Preservation Department

NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Project Title: Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 Project Description: Annexation No. 2024-04 is a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling approximately 10.4 acres into the city limits of Visalia. Upon annexation, the site area would be zoned QP (Quasi-Public), which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Design. The project area is not within an Agricultural Preserve or Williamson Act contract.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 is a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately one acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

The Annexation and the General Plan would facilitate the development of a city dog park and associated parking lot within the project site.

Project Location: The site is located on the northwest corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006).

Project Facts: Refer to Initial Study for project facts, plans and policies, and discussion of environmental effects.

Attachments:

Initial Study (X)
Environmental Checklist (X)
Maps (X)
Mitigation Measures ( )
Traffic Impact Statement ( )

DECLARATION OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT:

This project will not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons:
(a) The project does not have the potential to 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, 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) The project does not have the potential to achieve short -term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals.
(c) The project does not have environmental effects which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. Cumulatively considerable means that the incremental effects of an individual 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. (d) The environmental effects of the project will not cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly.
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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Planning & Community Preservation Department

This Negative Declaration has been prepared by the City of Visalia Planning Division in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended. A copy may be obtained from the City of Visalia Planning Division Staff during normal business hours.

APPROVED
Brandon Smith, AICP
Environmental Coordinator

By: ______________________________
Date Approved: February 11, 2025
Review Period: 30 days
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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Community Development

INITIAL STUDY
I. GENERAL
A. Annexation No. 2024-04 is a request by the City of Visalia to annex two parcels totaling approximately

10.4 acres into the city limits of Visalia. Upon annexation, the site area would be zoned QP (Quasi -Public), which is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Design. The project area is not within an Agricultural Preserve or Williamson Act contract.

General Plan Amendment No. 2024 -05 is a request by the City of Visalia to expand the Urban Growth Boundary by annexing two parcels into the City limits, and to change approximately one acre on the site from Residential Very Low Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation.

The Annexation and the General Plan would facilitate the development of a city dog park and associated parking lot within the project site.

B. Identification of the Environmental Setting:

The parcels are currently vacant and undeveloped and are located to the north of the existing Riverway Sports Park Complex. The proposed development would enhance the existing park by providing additional amenities to the community. The site is located on the north west corner of North Dinuba Boulevard and West Riverway Court (APNs: 078-110-021 & 078-110-006). The entire project area is primarily surrounded by open space with the exception of Riverway Sports Park to the south and the River Island Ranch subdivision to the southeast.

The project is supported by a General Plan Amendment to bring the property inside of the City’s Urban Growth Boundary, as the project site is currently outside of the Urban Growth Boundary.

The surrounding uses, Zoning, and General Plan for the 10.4-acre parcels are as follows:

General Plan Zoning Existing uses
North: Agriculture/
Conservation
X (area outside of the
City of Visalia limits)
Vacant, St. John’s River
South: Parks & Recreation QP (Quasi-Public) Riverway Sports Park East: Conservation /
Residential Low
Density
OS (Open Space), R-
1-5 (Single-family
Residential)
Dinuba Boulevard, single-family residential
subdivision
West: Conservation / Very
Low Residential
Density
X (area outside of the
City of Visalia limits)
Vacant land; proposed parking lot
Fire and police protection services, street maintenance of public streets, refuse collection, and wastewater treatment will be provided by the City of Visalia upon annexation and the development of the project area.

C. Plans and Policie s: The General Plan Land Use Diagram designates the site as Residential Very Low Density and Conservation . P er the General Plan Amendment and upon annexation the entire site would be designated Parks/Recreation land use designation and , upon annexation, zoned Quasi -Public, which is consistent with Land Use Element of the General Plan, and consistent with the standards for Quasi -Public development pursuant to the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) Chapter 17.52.

II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
No significant adverse environmental impacts have been identified for this project. The City of Visalia Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance contain policies and regulations that are designed to mitigate impacts to a level of non-significance.

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Environmental Document No. 2024-61
City of Visalia Community Development

III. MITIGATION MEASURES
There are no mitigation measures for this project. The City of Visalia Zoning Ordinance contains guidelines, criteria, and requirements for the mitigation of potential impacts related to light/glare, visibility screening, noise, and traffic/parking to eliminate and/or reduce potential impacts to a level of non-significance.

IV. PROJECT COMPATIBILITY WITH EXISTING ZONES AND PLANS The project is compatible with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as the project relates to surrounding properties.

V. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are hereby incorporated into this Negative Declaration and Initial Study by reference:
• Visalia General Plan Update. Dyett & Bhatia, October 2014. • Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-38 (Certifying the Visalia General Plan Update) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• Visalia General Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). Dyett & Bhatia, June 2014.
• Visalia General Plan Update Draft Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). Dyett & Bhatia, March 2014.
• Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-37 (Certifying the EIR for the Visalia General Plan Update) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• Visalia Municipal Code, including Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance). • California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
• City of Visalia, California, Climate Action Plan, Draft Final. Strategic Energy Innovations, December 2013.
• Visalia City Council Resolution No. 2014-36 (Certifying the Visalia Climate Action Plan) passed and adopted October 14, 2014.
• City of Visalia Storm Water Master Plan. Boyle Engineering Corporation, September 1994. • City of Visalia Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. City of Visalia, 1994. • City of Visalia Zoning Ordinance Update. City of Visalia, March 2017.

VI. NAME OF PERSON WHO PREPARED INITIAL STUDY

___ ____________________________
Colleen A. Moreno Brandon Smith, AICP
Assistant Planner Environmental Coordinator
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INITIAL STUDY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

NAME OF
PROPONENTS:

City of Visalia NAME OF AGENT: Jonathan Frausto, City of Visalia Address of Proponents: 220 N. Santa Fe Ave, Visalia CA 93292 Address of Agent: 315 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 Telephone Numbers: 559-713-4355 Telephone Number: 559-713-4369 Date of Review January 23, 2025 Lead Agency: City of Visalia

The following checklist is used to determine if the proposed project could potentially have a significant effect on the envir onment.

Explanations and information regarding each question follow the checklist. 1 = No Impact 2 = Less Than Significant Impact
3 = Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated 4 = Potentially Significant Impact

I. AESTHETICS
Would the project:
1 a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 1 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
1 c) In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
2 d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:
1 a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency to non -
agricultural use?
1 b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
1 c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section
12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
1 d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
1 e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
III. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
1 a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
2 b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
2 c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
1 d) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
2 b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
1 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
1 d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
1 e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Name of Proposal Annexation No. 2024-04 and General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05 788
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1 f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 15064.5?
1 b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 15064.5?
1 c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
VI. ENERGY
Would the project:
2 a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
1 b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
1 i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
1 ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
1 iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 1 iv) Landslides?
2 b) Result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil? 1 c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
1 d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?
1 e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?
1 f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the project:
2 a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
2 b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the project:
1 a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
1 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?
2 c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -
quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
1 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?
1 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?
1 f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
1 g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
1 a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?
1 b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the
basin?
1 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:
1 i) result in a substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; 1 ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on - or offsite;
1 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;
1 iv) impede or redirect flood flows?
1 d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation?
1 e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the project:
1 a) Physically divide an established community?
1 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? 789
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XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the project:
1 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?
1 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?
XIII. NOISE
Would the project:
2 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?
2 b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
1 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?
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the project:
1 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)?
1 b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the project:
1 a) 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 i) Fire protection?
1 ii) Police protection?
1 iii) Schools?
1 iv) Parks?
1 v) Other public facilities?
XVI. RECREATION
2 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?
2 b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? XVII. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC
Would the project:
1 a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
1 b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
1 c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
1 d) Result in inadequate emergency access?
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
1 a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 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:
1 i) 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
1 ii) 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 § 5024.1. In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.

XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
1 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?
1 b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during
normal, dry and multiple dry years?
1 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?
1 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?
1 e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? XX. WILDFIRE
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
1 a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
1 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?
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1 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?
2 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? XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
2 a) Does the project 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?
2 b) Does the project 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)?
2 c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings , either directly or indirectly?

Note: Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21083.05, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 65088.4, Gov. Code;
Sections 21080(c), 21080.1, 21080.3, 21083, 21083.05,
21083.3, 21093, 21094, 21095, and 21151, Public
Resources Code; Sundstrom v. County of Mendocino,(1988) 202 Cal.App.3d 296; Leonoff v. Monterey Board of
Supervisors, (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 1337; Eureka Citizens for Responsible Govt. v. City of Eureka (2007) 147
Cal.App.4th 357; Protect the Historic Amador Waterways v.

Amador Water Agency (2004) 116 Cal.App.4th at 1109; San Franciscans Upholding the Downtown Plan v. City and
County of San Francisco (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 656.

Revised 2019
Authority: Public Resources Code sections 21083 and
21083.09
Reference: Public Resources Code sections 21073, 21074, 21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3/ 21084.2 and 21084.3

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DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION

I. AESTHETICS
a. This project will not adversely affect the view of any scenic vistas. The Saint John’s River and trail may be considered a scenic vista ; however, the view will not be adversely impacted by the project.
b. There are no scenic resources on the site.
c. The City has development standards related to
landscaping and other amenities that will ensure that the visual character of the area is enhanced and not degraded upon any future development. Thus, the project would not substantially degrade the existing visual character of the site and its surroundings.
d. The project will facilitate the construction of an overflow parking lot and dog park, creating new sources of light that are typical of that use . The City has developm ent
standards that require light to be directed and/or shielded so it does not fall upon adjacent properties.

II. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
a. The project is not located on property that is identified as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance.
b. The project is not located on property that is party to a Williamson Act contract. Existing Tulare County zoning for the area is AE-20 (Exclusive Agriculture Zone 20 Acre
Minimum). Although the site is zoned for agriculture no nearby agriculture would be hindered due to the site’s
separation from agriculture uses by the Saint John’s River. c. The City of Visalia does not have a zoning classification for forest land, additionally the site is not considered forest land and is currently vacant. Therefore, the site will not conflict with any forest land.
d. There is no forest land currently located on the site. e. The annexation area is located directly south of the Saint John’s River and is bounded by properties within City
Limits on the south, east and west of the site. The
surrounding area is primarily developed with
Parks/Recreation and urban uses. The project will not
result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or the conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

III. AIR QUALITY
a. The project site is located in an area that is under the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). The project itself does not disrupt implementation of the San Joaquin Regional Air Quality
Management Plan , and will therefore not be a significant impact.
b. Future development of the site und er the Visalia General Plan may result in emissions that exceed thresholds
established by the SJVAPCD for PM10 and PM2.5.

However, the project being considered is a request to
annex 10.4 acres of County area into the City Limits. The annexation itself will not result in emissions that violate air quality standards or contribute substantially to existing or projected air quality violations.

Future development of the project area is required to
adhere to requirements administered by the SJVAPCD to
reduce emissions to a level of compliance consistent with the District’s regulations. Compliance with the SJVAPCD’s rules and regulations will reduce potential impacts
associated with air quality standard violations to a less than significant level.

In addition, future d evelopment of the project will be subject to the SJVAPCD Indirect Source Review (Rule
9510) procedures that became effective on March 1,
2006. The Applicant will be required to obtain permits demonstrating compliance with Rule 9510, or payment of
mitigation fees to the SJVAPCD.

Tulare County is designated non -attainment for certain federal ozone and state ozone levels. Future development of the project site, which is not bei ng considered at this time, may result in a net increase of criteria pollutants.

However, as the proposal is solely for an annexation and general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use
designation, it will not result in increases of pollutants.

Future development of the project site may be required to adhere to requirements administered by the SJVAPCD to
reduce emissions to a level of compliance consistent with the District’s regulations. Compliance with the SJVAPCD’s rules and regulations will reduce potential impacts
associated with air quality standard violations to a less than significant level.
c. Uses located near the project area may be exposed to pollutant concentrations as a result of future construction activities. However at this time, the project being
considered is an annexation which will bring two County parcels into the City Limits. The elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation will not result in the generation of substantial pollutant concentrations. d. The project involves the change of a jurisdictional
boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation and would not involve the
generation of objectionable odors.

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a. City-wide biological resources were evaluated in the Visalia General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for conversion to urban use. Staff also conducted a site visit in January 2025 to observe biological conditions , and did not observe any evidence or symptoms that would suggest the presence of a candidate, sensitive, or special species.

Based on the above, t he site has no known species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. The project would therefore not 792
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have a substantial adverse effect on a sensitive,
candidate, or special species.
b. The project is located adjacent to Saint John’s River and is considered a sensitive riparian habitat or other natural community. The City has a General Plan Policy in place
pertaining to riparian habitats and development standards.

Any development within the riparian habitat is subject to the standards and requirements outlined.
c. The project is not located within or adjacent to federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
d. This development would not interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites as it would only involve the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and affect one acre of land use designation .

This site was evaluated in the Visalia General Plan
Update EIR for conversion to urban use.
e. The City has a municipal ordinance in place to protect valley oak trees. All existing valley oak trees on the project site will be under the jurisdiction of this ordinance. Any oak trees to be removed from the site are subject to the
jurisdiction of the municipal ordinance.
f. There are no local , regional or state habitat conservation plans for the area.

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES
a. There are no known historical resources located within the project area. If some potentially historical or cultural resource is unearthed during development all work should cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can
evaluate the finding and make necessary mitigation
recommendations.
b. There are no known archaeological resources located
within the project area. If some archaeological resource is unearthed during development all work should cease until a qualified professional archaeologist can evaluate the finding and make necessary mitigation recommendations.
c. There are no known human remains buried in the project vicinity. If human remains are unearthed during
development all work should cease until the proper
authorities are notified and a qualified professional
archaeologist can evaluate the finding and make any
necessary mitigation recommendations.

VI. ENERGY
a. The project only involves the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation , however future development of the site includes construction of a dog park and
overflow parking lot which could increase the energy
consumption related to worker trips and operation of
construction equipment. This increase would be temporary and limited through the compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
b. The project will not conflict with or obstruct any state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency. The proposed project will comply with all state and local
polices related to energy efficiency.

VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
a. The State Geologist has not issued an Alquist -Priolo Earthquake Fault Map for Tulare County. The project area is not located on or near any known earthquake fault lines or areas prone to seismic activity or landslides. Therefore, the project will not expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts involving earthquakes.
b. The proposal involves the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation that will not itself affect topsoil. Future development of this site wi ll require
movement of topsoil. Existing City Engineering Division standards require that a grading and drainage plan be submitted for review to the City to ensure that on- and off- site improvements will be designed to meet City
standards.
c. The project area is relatively flat and the underlying soil is not known to be unstable and have a low capacity for
landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Soils in the Visalia area have few limitations with regard to development. Due to low clay content and
limited topographic relief, soils in the Visalia area have low expansion characteristics.
d. Due to low clay content, soils in the Visalia area have an expansion index of 0 -20, which is defined as very low
potential expansion.
e. The project site area is currently vacant and future development will not include any development that would utilize the need of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems.
f. There are no unique geological features and no known paleontological resources located within the project area.

If some potentially unique paleontological or unique
geological resources are unearthed during development
all work should cease until a qualified professional
paleontologist can evaluate the finding and make
necessary mitigation recommendations.

VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
a. The project is not expected to generate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as the proposal involves only the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Future development of the overflow parking lot and dog
park may result in the release of greenhouse gas
emissions in the short term due to construction activity and long-term due to day-to-day operation of the park.

The City has prepared and adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP), which includes a baseline GHG emissions
inventories, reduction measures, and reduction targets
consistent with local and State goals. The CAP was
prepared concurrently with the proposed General Plan
and its impacts are also evaluated in the Visalia General Plan Update EIR.

The Visalia General Plan and the CAP both include
policies that aim to reduce the level of GHG emissions
emitted in association with buildout conditions under the General Plan. Although emissions will be generated as a result of the project, implementation of the General Plan and CAP policies will result in fewer emissions than would be associated with a continuation of baseline conditions. 793
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Thus, the impact to GHG emissions will be less than
significant.
b. The State of California has enacted the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), which included provisions for reducing the GHG emission levels to 1990 “baseline” levels by 2020 and to a level 80% below 1990 baseline levels by 2050 . In addition, the State has enacted SB 32 which included provisions for reducing the GHG emission levels to a level 40% below 1990 baseline levels by 2030.

The proposed project will solely eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation and will not impede the
State’s ability to meet the GHG emission reduction targets under AB 32 and SB 32 . Current and probable future
state and local GHG reduction measures will continue to reduce the project’s contribution to climate change. As a result, the project will not contribute significantly, either individually or cumulatively, to GHG emissions.

IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
a. No h azardous materials are anticipated with the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and general plan amendment.
b. As the proposal involves only the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation , no significant hazards are foreseen as a result of accidents. Future
construction activities associated with development of
parking lot and dog park may include maintenance of on - site construction equipment, which could lead to minor fuel and oil spills. The use and handling of any hazardous
materials during construction activities would occur in accordance with applicable federal, state, regional, and local laws. Therefore, impacts are considered to be less than significant.
c. There is one school located 0.22 miles southwest of the project area (Riverway Elementary School). However,
there is no reasonably foreseeable condition or incident involving the project that could affect existing or proposed school sites or areas within one -quarter mile of school sites.
d. The project area does not include any sites listed as hazardous materials sites pursuant to Government Code
Section 65692.5.
e. The Tulare County Comprehensive Airport Land Use Plan shows the project area is located outside the Airport
Influence Area and the Airport Safety Zones . Therefore the project will not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area. f. The project will not interfere with the implementation of any adopted emergency response plan or evacuation
plan.
g. There are no wildlands within or near the project area.

X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
a. The project will not viol ate any water quality standards of waste discharge requirements as it involves only the
elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Any future development of the project site would be
required to meet the City’s improvement standards for
directing storm water runoff to the existing City storm water drainage system; consistent with the City’s adopted City Storm Drain Master Plan.
b. The project will not substantially deplete groundwater supplies in the project vicinity as it involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation.

The project area overlies the southern portion of the San Joaquin unit of the Central Valley groundwater aquifer.

Future development within the project area will result in an increase of impervious surfaces, which might affect the amount of precipitation that is recharged to the aquifer.

As the City of Visalia is already largely developed and covered by impervious surfaces, the increase of
impervious surfaces through this project will be small by comparison. The project therefore might affect the amount of precipitation that is recharged to the aquifer. The City of Visalia’s water conversation measures and explorations for surface water use over groundwater extraction will
assist in offsetting the loss in groundwater recharge.
c. The project will not result in substantial erosion on - or off- site. The proposal involves only the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation . Future
development of the site will adhere to a 100-foot riparian setback along Saint John’s River which lies north of the project site. Development of the site will not alter the course of the river and no streams are located near the site.

Future development of the site has the potential to affect drainage patterns in the short term due to erosion and
sedimentation during construction activities and in the long term through the expansion of impervious surfaces. The
City’s existing standards may require the preparation and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the SWRCB’s General
Construction Permit process, which would address
erosion control measures.

The project will not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or off-site. Future development of the site will also not impede or redirect flood flows. The
proposal involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation.

Development of the site will create additional impervious surfaces. However, existing and planned improvements to storm water drainage facilities as required through the Visalia General Plan policies will reduce any potential impacts to a less than significant level.

The project will not create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm
water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. The proposal involves only the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use designation .

Future development will be required to meet the City’s
improvement standards for directing storm water runoff to the existing City storm water drainage system; consistent with the City’s adopted City Storm Drain Master Plan.
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d. The project area is located within Zone AE, which
indicates an area that is within a high -risk flood hazard area. T his is due to the proximity to Saint John’s River .

The project area is located along Saint John’s River;
however, it is outside potentially hazardous areas for
seiches and tsunamis. Due to the site ’s proximity to Saint John’s River there is the potential for mudflow occurrence , however these impacts are less than significant.
e. As the proposal is only for the elimination of a
jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment
affecting one acre of land use designation , future
development of site would not expose people or structures to risks from failure of levee or dam.

However, the project area along with the entirety of the City of Visalia lies within the dam inundation area of
Terminus Dam, located approximately 35 miles to the east from the project site . In the case of dam failure, people and structures would be exposed to flooding risk. This
impact is considered significant and unavoidable.

The Visalia General Plan Update Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) has already considered the environmental
impacts of the placement of people and structures to an area at risk of dam failure. The General Plan contains
multiple polices that address the issue, and the County of Tulare maintains the Tulare County Hazard Mitigation
Plan and a Mass Evacuation Plan that will help to reduce the impact.

Because there is still a significant impact, a Statement of Overriding Considerations was previously adopted with
the Visalia General Plan Update EIR.

XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
a. The project will not physically divide an established community. Upon annexation, the project is supported by a General Plan Amendment to change approximately one
acre on the site from Residential Very Low -Density land use designation to Parks/Recreation land use designation, which is consistent with the surrounding land use
designations and future use of the site. The project site is located directly north of the existing Riverway Sports Park and is bordered by a Minor Arterial status roadway,
Dinuba Boulevard (State Highway 63) to the east.
b. The project as a whole does not conflict with any land use plan, policy or regulation of the City of Visalia , as it only involves elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one acre of land use
designation. The proposed project is to be developed on land designated for Parks/Recreation which is consistent with the surrounding land use designations as identified in Table 9-1 “Consistency between the Plan and Zoning” of
the General Plan.

XII. MINERAL RESOURCES
a. No mineral areas of regional or statewide importance exist within the Visalia area.
b. There are no mineral resource recovery sites delineated in the Visalia area.

XIII. NOISE
a. The project will not result in noise generation typical of urban development, as it will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and a general plan amendment affecting one
acre of land use designation . Future development of
overflow parking lot and dog park will result in noise generation typical of urban development, but not in excess of standards established in the City of Visalia’s G eneral Plan or Noise Ordinance. Noise levels will increase
temporarily during the construction of these facilities but shall remain within noise limits and will be restricted to the allowed hours of construction defined by the City of Visalia Noise Ordinance. Temporary increase in ambient noise
levels is considered to be less than significant.

Furthermore, the Visalia General Plan contains multiple policies, identified under Impact N -P-3 through N-P-5, that work to reduce the potential for noise impacts to sensitive land uses. With implementation of Noise Impact Policies and existing City Standards, noise impa cts to new noise sensitive land uses would be less than significant.
b. The annexation and general plan amendment itself will not result in impacts from ground -borne vibration or noise.

However, ground-borne vibration or ground -borne noise
levels may occur as a result of future construction
activities associated with development of the parking lot and dog park. Any construction activities will be temporary and will not expose persons to such vibration or noise
levels for an extended period of time; thus the impacts will be less than significant. There are no existing uses near the project area that create ground -borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.
c. The project site is not located within the Airport Influence Area nor within the Airport Safety Zones nor near a private airstrip and therefore will not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.

XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING
a. The project will not directly induce substantial population growth that is in excess of that planned in the General Plan. The proposal itself will have no effect as it will only remove a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation.
b. The proposal itself will have no effect as it will only remove a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation . Future development of the parking lot and dog park will not
displace any housing or people as the proposed site is currently vacant.

XV. PUBLIC SERVICES
a.
i. Current fire protectio n facilities are located at Visalia Station 54 and can adequately serve the site without a
need for alteration. Impact fees will be paid to mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on these facilities. ii. Current police protection facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration. Impact fees will be paid to mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on
these facilities.
iii. Neither the annexation project nor the parking lot and dog park proposal will generate new students for which existing schools in the area may accommodate.
iv. Current Park facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration as the project as proposed is a request to expand the existing Riverway Sports
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Park. Impact fees will be paid upon development to
mitigate the project’s proportionate impact on these
facilities.
v. Other public facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration.

XVI. RECREATION
a. The proposed project may affect the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities as the future development of the dog park will be the third in the city providing an amenity not available at all city parks. This in turn can result in the increase of use at the park, however it is considered less than significant. b. The proposed project include s the expansion of Riverway Sports Park with the future development of the overflow parking lot and dog park. The construction of the parking lot and dog park will not have an adverse physical effect on the environment as currently the area is a vacant dirt lot, and the development will provide improvements from landscaping to park amenities.

XVII. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
a. The project will not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. Future development will result in an increase to traffic levels on arterial and collector
roadways, although the City of Visalia’s Circulation
Element has been prepared to address this increase in
traffic.
b. As the proposal will only result in elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation , the
project will not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision(b).
c. The project will only result in the elimination of a jurisdictional boundary and will amend the land use
designation on one acre of land use designation . Future development of the site will not increase any hazards due to geometric design feature or incompatible uses. There are no planned designs that are considered hazardous.
e. The project will not result in inadequate emergency
access.

XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Tribal notification was circulated in accordance with Senate Bill

18. No response was received pertaining to the project. The proposed project would not 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.
a. The site is not 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. The site has been determined to not 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 Resource Code
Section 5024.1, because it is an isolated infill site
surrounded by existing urban development.

Further, the EIR (SCH 2010041078) for the 2014 General Plan update included a thorough review of sacred lands files through the California Native American Heritage Commission.

The sacred lands file did not contain any known cultural resources information for the Visalia Planning Area.

XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
a. The project is proposing to only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary and amend the land use designation on one
acre of land use designation . Future development of the site will not include any development that will require connection to the existing City sanitary sewer lines.

The project will not result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. The proposal would only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use designation and will thus not
require construction or expansion of storm water facilities.

Future development will be adequately served by existing facilities.

Future development onsite will be accommodated by
existing City storm water drainage lines that handle on-site and street runoff. Usage of these lines is consistent with the City Storm Drain Master Plan. These improvements
will not cause significant environmental impacts. The
project also does not require the relocation or construction of new or expanded electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications.
b. California Water Service Company has determined that there are sufficient water supplies to sup port the site, and that service can be extended to the site.
c. The project will solely eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation and will not require wastewater services. The City has determined that there is adequate capacity
existing to serve the site’s projected wastewater treatment demands at the City wastewater treatment plant upon
future development.
d. Current solid waste disposal facilities can adequately serve the site without a need for alteration.
e. The project will be able to meet the applicable regulations for solid waste. Removal of debris from future construction will be subject to the City’s waste disposal requirements.

XX. WILDFIRE
a. The project will not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation.
b. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation and therefore will not expose project
occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of wildfire. Additionally, the site is located on a flat area of open space land and is
considered to be at little risk of fire.
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c. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation. Future development of the site will include will include the development of infrastructure such as a road, however all improvements would be subject to City standards and Fiore Marshal approval. The proposed
project would not exacerbate fire risk.
d. The proposal will only eliminate a jurisdictional boundary amend the land use designation on one acre of land use
designation. Future development of the dog park and
overflow parking lot will not expose people or structures to significant risks as the site is relatively flat.

XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a. The project will not affect the habitat of a fish or wildlife species or a plant or animal community. This site was
evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia’s General Plan Update for conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for
conversion to urban development. Where effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding
considerations was made.
b. This site was evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia General Plan Update for the area’s conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for conversion to urban development.

Where effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding considerations was made.
c. This site was evaluated in the Program EIR ( SCH No. 2010041078) for the City of Visalia General Plan Update for conversion to urban use. The City adopted mitigation measures for conversion to urban development. Where
effects were still determined to be significant a statement of overriding considerations was made.

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City of Visalia Community Development

DETERMINATION OF REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT

On the basis of this initial evaluation:

X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on the attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.

I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that as a result of the proposed project no new effects could occur, or new mitigation measures would be required that have not been addressed within the scope of the Program Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2010041078). The Environmental Impact Report prepared for the City of Visalia General Plan was certified by Resolution N o. 2014-37 adopted on October 14, 2014. THE PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT WILL BE UTILIZED.

February 11, 2025
Brandon Smith, AICP Date
Environmental Coordinator
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CITY OF VISALIA

C I T Y C O U N C I L H E A R I N G
A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 2 5
City of Visalia - Planning Division
Annexation No. 2024-04
General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05
821
City of Visalia - Planning Division
Project Summary
The City of Visalia is the applicant and lead
agency for both the requested Annexation and
General Plan Amendment (GPA).
• Facilitate the development of a 1.25-acre
city dog park and trail connectivity
• Dog Park approved at the Parks &
Recreation Commission meeting on
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Recommended for approval at the
Planning Commission hearing on Monday,
March 24, 2025
822
City of Visalia - Planning Division
Project Location
Proposed project will become part of
the Riverway Sports Park
• Northwest corner of W. Riverway
Ct & N. Dinuba Blvd
• Existing overflow parking lot
functions as a dirt lot
• Area for future dog park is
outside of city boundaries and
Urban Growth Boundary, also
unimproved
823
Annex two parcels totaling 10.4 acres into
the City limits
ANNEXATION NO. 2024-04
⚬ Will be zoned Quasi-Public (QP)
Dog
Park
Additional Annex Area
Overflow Parking Lot
824
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2024-05
• Expand the Urban
Growth Boundary
• Change 0.25 acres
on the site from
Residential Very
Low Density to
Parks/Recreation
825
City of Visalia - Planning Division
826
City of Visalia - Planning Division

ACCESS & CIRCULATION
827
City of Visalia - Planning Division

ACCESS & CIRCULATION

N DINUBA BLVD

EXIT ONLY
828
Consistency with State Law: Housing Crisis Act of 2019 & No Net Loss Law • 0.25 acres - size and configuration does not meet City standards for residences • City “up-zoned” 16-acres of Very Low Density to Low and Medium Density • Parcels currently located outside of the City limits and Growth Tier General Plan Consistency
City of Visalia - Planning Division

PROJECT EVALUATION
Initial Study and Negative Declaration No. 2024-61
• Environmental impacts are determined to be less than significant • Mitigation measures are not required
Environmental Review: Negative Declaration No. 2024-61
Project is consistent with the General Plan Policies
• LU-P-29
• PSCU-P-14
• PSCU-P-24
829

S T A F F R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
City Council initiate proceedings for Annexation No. 2024-04, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2025-22
City of Visalia - Planning Division

RECOMMENDATION
City Council approve General Plan Amendment No. 2024-05, based on the findings and conditions in Resolution No. 2025-23
City Council adopt Initial Study / Negative Declaration No. 2024-61, Resolution No. 2025-24
830

QUESTIONS
City of Visalia - Planning Division
831
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0108 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 3.

Agenda Item Wording:

Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03: A request by the City of Visalia to add and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia.

Deadline for Action: 4/21/2025
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:

Brandon Smith, Principal Planner, [email protected], (559) 713-4636; Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, [email protected], (559) 713- 4025
Department Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing and introduce the first reading of Revised Ordinance No. 2024-16, to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards (ODS) and Planned Residential Development (PRD) standards applicable to new single-family residential developments.

Note on Revised Ordinance: This Ordinance and the corresponding draft Municipal Code contains revisions based on input received from interested parties, following the motion acted upon by the City Council on December 16, 2024, to continue the matter and to conduct further outreach with the residential development community.

The City Council may, in lieu of the recommended motion for the Ordinance as specified above, consider any of the following alternative motions:

1. Direct staff to make changes to the Ordinance as specified by City Council, based upon any comments shared by an interested person; or

2. Adopt the single-family residential Objective Design standards and PRD standards by resolution rather than by ordinance (adoption by resolution allows for these standards to be modified / revised in the future without holding multiple public hearings); or

3. Direct staff to conduct further outreach to stakeholders and interested individuals which could result in modifications to the residential objective design standards as proposed, and direct that any revised objective design standards be reconsidered in a public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council.

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Background Discussion:

On December 16, 2024, staff presented to the City Council a draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance and a draft Objective Design Standards (ODS) Ordinance (the original ordinance is included as Attachment 2; the staff report is also included as Attachment 5). The text would establish a new section in the Zoning Ordinance located at Chapter 17.12, Article 2, commencing at Section

17.12.140. The amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Text also include elimination of certain regulations for lots less than 5,000 square feet in Section 17.12.135 (refer to Attachment 3) since they are now addressed in the Revised Draft ODS Ordinance.

The ODS Ordinance, as originally presented to the City Council on December 16th, was crafted largely in response to current growth trends where developers have been utilizing smaller lot sizes and new design techniques. The standards address a range of topics that include appearance, landscaping, fences, off-street parking, and common open space areas within planned residential developments.

During the public hearing, staff received public comments from a few homebuilder developers requesting that City Council continue the matter to allow additional time for the development community to review and provide additional comments on the draft ODS Ordinance. The Council adopted the ADU Ordinance and elected to continue the ODS Ordinance to a date uncertain in March/April 2025 to give staff and the development community time to meet and discuss the ordinance.

Following the public hearing, City staff requested a revised scope of work and budget from Mintier Harnish, who prepared the original ODS/ADU Ordinances. These items were approved by the Change Order Committee and worked commenced. The revised scope of work called for facilitating two stakeholder roundtable discussions with local housing developers, with each meeting lasting approximately one hour each.

Stakeholder meetings were held virtually on January 30th and February 5th, with each meeting having 12-15 people in attendance. Following the meetings, letters and comments in e-mail format were also received by four persons. The response at these meetings well exceeded the participation during the original stakeholder outreach done in 2023/2024. As a result of the comments received, a Revised Public Review Draft Ordinance (“Revised Draft Ordinance”) was prepared and circulated to the stakeholders / interested persons for public comment for 15 days beginning March 14, 2024. The Revised Draft Ordinance is contained within the attached Revised Ordinance No. 2024-16, and a track changes version showing all changes between the December 2024 Ordinance and the Revised Ordinance is included as Attachment 1.

Proposed Amendments:

The Revised Draft Ordinance largely retains the same format and structure but removes certain requirements and offers a greater number of options for a builder to achieve compliance. This was done out of a desire, as expressed by stakeholders and builders, for the Ordinance to offer more variety and flexibility towards achieving compliance.

One section where options are presented for achieving compliance is Section 17.12.160 - Structure Design Standards, which addresses requirements for dwellings to provide massing elements (projections, recessions, etc.) and horizontal / vertical articulation. The Revised Draft Ordinance replaces this with a “menuof options”,requiring that units include at least three design elements from a list of 13 items (which includes protruding windows, changes in heights, gables/dormers, decorative trellises, changes in roof pitch, etc.). Whereas there have been repeated concerns expressed by stakeholders over the increased cost associated with additional requirements, the offering of different Visalia City Council Printed on 4/16/2025Page 2 of 6
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stakeholders over the increased cost associated with additional requirements, the offering of different options provides alternatives for the builders to come into compliance and allows builders to analyze the cost impact of each option.

Another section where options have been presented pertains to the “Front Entryways” Section

17.12.150.B.3 of the draft ordinance. Rather than requiring a covered porch with every unit, the Revised Draft Ordinance allows builders to choose between a front porch, recessed entry, deep overhang, or front landing.

In summary, the following standards have either been removed or listed as an option from the Revised Draft Standards (see Attachment 1) based upon input from stakeholders. The code sections refer to where the standard was found in the prior draft ordinance (see Attachment 2).

Removed:
· Section 17.12.150.A.1 - Unit staggering. Developers commented that staggering is something that they already do. Requiring staggering could further result in shortened spaces for vehicle parking in driveways.
· Section 17.12.160.D - Prohibition of balconies within 20 feet of an adjacent property line unless screened from view
Moved under options section:
· Section 17.12.150.A.2.c. Garages to be setback farther from or equal to the primary elevation. · Section 17.12.150.B.3.a and b - Placement of the main entry and at least one window visible on the primary elevation.
· Section 17.12.150.B.3.d - Pedestrian walkway connecting the front entry to the primary sidewalk/public right-of-way.
· Section 17.12.160.A and B - Massing and Articulation requirements, replaced with a menu of options.

The following items have also been revised in the Revised Draft Standards, with code sections referenced.
· Section 17.12.150.A.1.d - The amount of garage width as part of the overall primary elevation width has increased from 60% to 75% and exempts small lots (under 40 feet wide) from meeting the standard.
· Section 17.12.160.C.2 - The requirement for two or more colors on a building exterior has been separated into different sections for standalone units and subdivisions. · Section 17.12.170 - A new section was added for Utility and Service Areas to ensure that utilities and mechanical equipment are screened from view and/or designed in a manner that minimizes their view from a street.
· Section 17.12.200.A - Removing the requirement for exterior lighting to be directed downward.

The following sections remain unchanged, as there were no specific comments from stakeholders regarding these sections.
· Section 17.12.140 - pertaining to Purpose and Applicability.

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· Section 17.12.150.A.2 - pertaining to the declaration of a primary elevation. · Section 17.12.150.B.1 and 2 - pertaining to setbacks and height. · Section 17.12.170 - pertaining to landscaping, excepting the removal of a street tree requirement since it is already a City standard elsewhere. · Section 17.12.180 - pertaining to fences, walls, and hedges. · Sections 17.12.200 thru 220 which primarily pertain to planned unit developments (PUDs), dealing with off-street parking facilities, usable common open space areas, and sidewalks. · Section 17.12.230 - pertaining to the Exception powers of the Planning Commission.

Correspondence:

The Revised Public Review Draft Ordinance was shared with stakeholders / interested persons for public comment for 15 days, from March 14th to March 31st. City staff received two letters of correspondence (see A. and B. below) from stakeholders during this period containing comments and requesting certain revisions to be considered toward the Ordinance. In addition, one letter of correspondence (see C. below) was received after the public comment period. All are included as Attachment 4.

A. One correspondence was received from Lennar Homes, who had previously provided comments to the Council on the matter. Lennar Homes had four comments on the Revised Draft Ordinance summarized as follows:

Comment: Staff response:
1) Eliminate projection
requirements for lots less than
40’ wide.

Not supported. Projection requirements are one option from a menu of options for providing at least three design elements.

Staff contends that small lot developments are equally fit for utilizing projections and therefore should not be exempted from a projection standard.
2) Require window fenestration
for front facades only rather than
on all sides.

Not supported. Staff considers this requirement as imperative towards upholding a high aesthetic quality of elevations on all sides and adding visual interest, especially as seen from both major and local roadways.
3) Reduce the minimum size of
window shutters, if used, to
below 100% of the size of the
window.

No change necessary. Shutters are not a requirement in the ordinance, though a standard is provided in case they are used. The standard is intended to convey that shutters could feasibly cover the entire window area and not be dismissed as an accessory/decoration mismatched to the window.
4) Question whether decorative
carriage lights qualify for
required security lighting.

No change necessary. Decorative carriage lights would
qualify as meeting the standard.

B. Another correspondence was received from Self-Help Enterprises (“SHE”),who had not provided any previous comment to Council or staff during the entire outreach process. The correspondence contends that the standards are incompatible with SHE’scurrent plans, thereby imposing increased costs towards a non-profit housing developer. The correspondence goes into detail describing the impacts borne by each section within the ordinance and seeks consideration of “affordable housing developers using pre-approved master plans from Sections 17.12.160.A thru C”or including a waiver Visalia City Council Printed on 4/16/2025Page 4 of 6
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process.

Staff maintains that the design standards should be imposed uniformly across all types of single- family residential development in order to maintain an aesthetic quality shared among all residents. In fact, the Draft Ordinance includes Section 17.12.240 that grants the Planning Commission the authority to grant one or more exceptions to any regulations prescribed in the standards subject to approval at a public hearing. Such process may be utilized if the applicant deems that any certain standard(s) would compromise the developer’s ability for a builder to maintain a set affordability standard, particularly when subject to public funding. It should be noted that, at present, deed restricted affordable housing accounts for less than 1% of all new single-family detached units which are issued building permits in Visalia.

C. Another correspondence was received from D.R. Horton, who had previously provided comments to the Council on the matter. The letter in summary states that while the builder is generally not in favor of alterations resulting in price increases to the buyer, the builder’sexisting plans could be utilized without significant changes. The correspondence offers support of the draft standards and no opposition.

D. Another correspondence was received from San Joaquin Valley Homes, who had previously provided written comments on the original Draft Ordinance. This item was received after the close of the comment period for the Revised Public Review Draft. The email includes a mark-up with some questions and minor suggestions regarding the Revised Public Review Draft Ordinance.

Fiscal Impact:

None.

Prior Council Action: On December 16, 2024, City staff introduced separate Ordinances to adopt new regulations pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and ODS / PRD standards. The City Council proceeded with introducing the 1st Reading of the ADU Ordinance (which was subsequently passed with the 2nd Reading on January 21, 2025), and delayed action on the ODS Ordinance to allow additional time for interested parties to meet with staff.

Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):

I move to introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-03, to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards.

Environmental Assessment Status: The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ODS ordinance is exempt from CEQA per the CEQA Common Sense Exemption Section 15061(b)(3) that applies to projects which clearly do not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The project, in itself, does not allow construction of any building or structure, but sets forth design regulations that shall be followed. The regulations do not change allowable uses or building intensities. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment and thus is not subject to CEQA review.

CEQA Review: The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ODS ordinance is exempt from CEQA per the CEQA Common Sense Exemption Section 15061(b)(3) that applies to projects which clearly do not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The project, in itself, does not allow construction of any building or structure, but sets forth design regulations that shall be followed. The regulations do not change allowable uses or building intensities. It can be seen Visalia City Council Printed on 4/16/2025Page 5 of 6
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shall be followed. The regulations do not change allowable uses or building intensities. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment and thus is not subject to CEQA review.

Attachments:

1. Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Objective Design Standards

2. Attachment 1 - Revised Draft Ordinance with track Changes

3. Attachment 2 - Original Draft Ordinance presented to Council on December 16, 2024

4. Attachment 3 - Revisions to Section 17.12.135, (Standards for) Lot area less than 5,000 square feet

5. Attachment 4 - Correspondence from stakeholder received during public review period a. Lennar Homes
b. Self-Help Enterprises
c. D.R. Horton
d. San Joaquin Valley Homes

6. Attachment 5 - City Council staff report from December 16, 2024

7. Attachment 6 - Presentation Slides
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ORDINANCE NO. 2024-16

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISALIA APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 2024-03, A REQUEST BY THE CITY OF VISALIA

TO ADD TO AND AMEND REGULATIONS WITHIN THE VISALIA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 17 (ZONING ORDINANCE) PERTAINING TO SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AND PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS. THE REGULATIONS WILL APPLY CITYWIDE TO PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF VISALIA.

WHREAS, Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024 -03 is a request by the City of Visalia to add and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and to Single -Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single -family residential developments. This Ordinance only pertains to the adoption of regulations pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Visalia has initiated a Zoning Text Amendment to establish new objective design standards pertaining to single-family residential development, including lots below 5,000 square feet in size, and pertaining to Planned Residential Developments, in response to an increase of utilization of smaller lot sizes and new design techniques by proponents, and in response from proponents seeking to have a clear set of reliable codified objective design standards form which to design a project and ensure support by City staff and officials, and in response to recent state legislation such as Senate Bill 9 (2021) and Senate Bill 35 (2017) that allows for ministerial approval of residential developments under certain provisions; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Visalia, following consultation with stakeholders, prepared a Public Review Draft Ordinance and posted said ordinance online at www.housevisalia.com, and requested public comment for a 30 -day review period, beginning August 30 , 2024 , and r esponded to comments received during the review period in a Revised Public Review Draft that would be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Visalia, after duly published notice, held a public hearing before said Commission on November 12, 2024; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Visalia considered the Zone Text Amendment in accordance with Section 17.44.070 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Visalia and on the evidence contained in the staff report and testimony presented at the public hearing , and recommended that the City Council approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024 -03 by adopting the Revised Public Review Draft, as amended and presented to the Commission on November 25, 2024; and, 838
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia , after duly published notice, held a public hearing before said City Council on December 16, 2024 , and delayed action on the Ordinance to allow additional time for staff to meet with interested persons, stakeholders, and builders to address concerns regarding standards and feasibility of the Revised Public Review Draft Ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the City of Visalia conducted additional consultation and meetings with persons, stakeholders, and builders, which included two virtual meetings held on January 30th, and February 5 th, 2025, which resulted in a Revised Draft Ordinance that was circulated for a 15 -day review period beginning on March 14, 2025, and then presented to the City Council without changes; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia, after duly published notice, held a public hearing before said City Council on April 21, 2025 , and introduced the Revised Draft Ordinance as the first reading of Ordinanc e No. 2024 -16 on that date ; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Visalia finds that the project is exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines , Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption), as the proposed zone text amendment will not in and of themselves have an effect on the environment, and that the affected sites will continue to allow for residential development consistent with the land use designations and the respective density ranges specified in the Visalia General Plan Land Use Element.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the project is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Visalia approved the reading of Ordinance No. 2024 -16 associated with Zone Text Amendment No. 2024- 03 based on the following specific findings and evidence presented:

1. That the Zoning Text Amendment is consistent with the intent of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity, as described in the following Land Use and Housing Element Policies:
 Land Use Element Policy LU -O-21 - Preserve and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods while facilitating infill development.  Land Use Element Policy LU -O-23 - Provide a range of housing types and prices within new neighborhoods to meet the needs of all segments of the community.

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 Land Use Element Policy LU -P-49 - Preserve established and distinctive neighborhoods throughout the City by maintaining appropriate zoning and development standards to achieve land use compatibility in terms of height, massing and other characteristics; providing design guidelines for high - quality new development; supporting housing rehabilitation programs; and other means.
 Land Use Element Policy LU -P-50 - Provide development standards to ensure that a mix of detached and attached single -family and multi -family housing types can be compatible in a single development.  Housing Element Policy 1.4 - The City shall encourage a m ix of residential development types in the city, including single family homes, on a variety of lot sizes, as well as townhomes, row houses, live -work units, planned unit developments, accessory dwelling units, and multi-family housing.  Housing Element Pol icy 3.11 - The City shall continue to support, facilitate the construction, and provide for the development of accessory dwelling units on parcels with single -family and multi-family units while protecting the character of neighborhoods and zoned parcels a s a means of providing affordable housing.
 Housing Element Program 2.7 Missing Middle : The City will review and amend residential development standards to allow for and promote a mix of dwelling types and sizes, specifically missing middle -density housing types (e.g., duplexes, triplexes, courtyard buildings, townhomes) to encourage the development of housing types affordable to the local workforce.  Housing Element Program 3.15 Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units - The City shall promote the development of ADUs, prioritizing the higher resource areas.

2. That applying the proposed Single -Family Residential Object Design standards to future housing and residential uses will reflect sound planning principles and will assist in enhancing the character of residential neighborhoods.

3. That the City has determined that the amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Common Sense Exemption, Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3) , since there would be no possibility of a significant effect on the environment.

NOW, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISALIA, that Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03, is approved, as contained in Exhibit “A ” of this Ordinance.

Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstances, 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, subdivision, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its 840
application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council of the City of Visalia 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.

Construction. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.

Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption.

Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted according to law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED: BRETT TAYLOR, MAYOR

ATTEST: ___________________________

LESLIE CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK APPROVED BY CITY ATTORNEY

___________________________

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF TULARE ) ss.

CITY OF VISALIA )

I, Leslie Caviglia, City Clerk of the City of Visalia, certify the foregoing is the full and true Ordinance 2024-16 passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Visalia at a regular meeting held on April 21, 2025 and certify a summary of this ordinance will be published in the Visalia Times Delta.

Dated: April 22, 2025 LESLIE CAVIGLIA, CITY CLERK

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Ordinance No. 2024-16
EXHIBIT ‘A’

Section 1. Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 ( Zoning Ordinance) is hereby amended, to read as follows , as specified by as specified by underline & italics for additions and strikeout for deletions:

Chapter 17.12 Single-family Residential Zone
Article 2. Accessory Dwelling Units

17.12.140 Purpose and intent.

17.12.150 Definitions.

17.12.160 General provisions.

17.12.170 Process.

17.12.180 Development requirements.

17.12.190 Appeals.

17.12.200 Existing nonconforming accessory dwelling units.

Article 2. Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability

17.12.150 Site Planning

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards

17.12.170 Utility and Service Areas

17.12.180 Landscaping

17.12.190 Fences, Walls, and Hedges

17.12.200 Exterior Lighting

17.12.210 Off-Street Parking Facilities

17.12.220 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments

17.12.230 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments

17.12.135 Lot area less than 5,000 square feet.

A. Notwithstanding Section 17.12.050, lots in the R-1-5 zone may have a lot area of between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet if all of the following standards are met:
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1. The Planning Commission finds that the development's overall density is consistent with the General Plan Low Density Residential General Plan density range of two (2) to ten (10) dwelling units per gross acre.

2. The maximum number of lots less than 5,000 square feet that may be approved by a tentative subdivision map shall be fifty (50) percent or less of the total lots.

3. Streets shall be constructed to public street standards.

4. Each subdivision with at least 15 lots that are less than 5,000 square feet in size shall make available to buyers at least three (3) different small lot floor plans with at least four (4) available elevation designs for each floor plan to construct on those lots.

5. The development is consistent with all design standards established in Chapter 17.12 Article 2 (Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards).

5. The primary frontage of the dwelling unit shall face a public street, primary entryway, circulation walkway, or open space with sidewalks that provide delineated paths of travel.

6. The primary frontage of the dwelling unit shall include the primary entrance and at least one window.

7. Required covered parking spaces shall be in garages. Carports are prohibited.

8. The width of the garage shall not be greater than fifty (50) percent of the width of the dwelling unit.

9. The garage shall not extend beyond the front building facade (living area.)

10. All dwelling units shall include a covered front porch at least four (4) feet deep and six (6) feet wide or an uncovered front courtyard at least five (5) feet wide and five (5) feet deep that is surrounded on four sides by the dwelling unit or a wall or fence between three (3) and four (4) feet high with a pedestrian gate or entryway.

11. The building official shall not approve a building permit for a new dwelling unit on a lot with a lot area less than 5,000 square feet until the city planner, or designee, has determined that the standards identified in this section are met.

12. The subdivision shall provide a common, usable open space area of a minimum 3,000 square feet or two hundred fifty (250) square feet per lot under 5,000 square feet, whichever is greater. The area shall be landscaped and maintained with funding from either a homeowner's association or a landscape and lighting act district.
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B. Notwithstanding this Chapter, lots with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet shall have the following minimum dimensions and building setback areas, unless they were approved with a planned development permit:

1. The minimum lot depth shall be seventy (70) feet.

2. The minimum lot width shall be forty-six (46) feet for interior lots and fifty- one (51) feet for corner lots.

3. The minimum front building setback area shall be twelve (12) feet for livable space and twenty (20) feet for garages.

4. The minimum rear yard building setback area shall be fifteen (15) feet.

5. The minimum interior side yard building setback area shall be five (5) feet.

6. The minimum corner side yard building setback area shall be ten (10) feet.

7. The maximum building height shall be thirty-five (35) feet.

8. Lots shall provide for a minimum usable open space area of a minimum three hundred (300) square feet. The open space shall be have a minimum width of fifteen (15) feet wide.

C. Lots less having a lot area of 3,600 square feet, or lots between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet that do not meet all the standards in this section Subsections A and B of Section 17.12.135 may be approved through the planned development permit process per Chapter 17.26. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)

Article 2. Accessory Dwelling Units

17.12.140 Purpose and intent.

It is the purpose of this article to provide for the following:

A. To encourage a range of housing types, styles and costs to suit the varying needs and desires of the community;
B. To allow homeowners a means of obtaining, through tenants and accessory dwelling units, an additional source of income, companionship, security, and services; C. To add inexpensive rental units to the housing stock of the city; D. To create homeownership opportunities for moderate income households who might otherwise be excluded from the housing market, through the additional income derived from accessory dwelling units;
E. Develop housing in single-family neighborhoods that is appropriate for a variety of stages in the household life cycle, thereby lessening fluctuations in neighborhood demand for public services;
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F. Protect the stability, property values, and character of single family residential neighborhoods by insuring that accessory dwelling units are subject to the standards that follow. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(A))

17.12.150 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms are defined in this section:
"Principal dwelling unit" means a single-family dwelling unit situated on a residential lot in the A or R-1 zones to which an accessory dwelling unit as defined by this article has been or is proposed to be added.
"Accessory dwelling unit" means an additional dwelling unit having separate kitchen, sleeping, and sanitation facilities constructed or adopted within, onto, or detached from a single-family dwelling on a residential lot in the A or R-1 zones. Accessory dwelling units may also be efficiency units, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the health and Safety code, and manufacturing homes, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
"Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit including basements and attics but does not include a garage or an accessory structure. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(B))

17.12.160 General provisions.

An accessory dwelling unit may be established by the conversion of an attic, basement, garage (if alternative parking area is provided for the principal dwelling unit), or other portion of a principal dwelling unit. A detached accessory dwelling unit may be established by the conversion of an accessory structure or may be new construction.

Second dwelling units may be mobile homes, provided that such units are subject to all applicable standards of Section 17.32.110, governing the placement of mobile homes on single-family lots. All applications for accessory dwelling units, whether processed as a permitted use or an exception, must comply with the general provisions stated below:

A. Accessory dwelling units shall only be allowed on lots located in the A and R-1 zones;
B. In no case shall more than one accessory dwelling unit be placed on the same lot or parcel;
C. Second dwelling units shall be subject to all applicable building, fire, health and safety codes and may not have adverse impacts on any real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Places;
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D. Second dwelling units may only be constructed on lots or parcels that are at least five thousand (5,000) square feet in area;
E. A covenant running with the land between the city and the applicant shall be recorded with the Tulare County recorder prior to the issuance of any building permits requiring that the primary or the proposed accessory dwelling unit shall be occupied by the owner of record;
F. The accessory dwelling unit shall be clearly subordinate to the principal dwelling unit by size, location and appearance;
G. The second unit's scale, appearance and character shall be similar to and compatible in design with the principal dwelling unit and adjacent residences; H. In no case shall any accessory dwelling unit be approved on a site on which the principal dwelling unit has been the subject of a garage conversion pursuant to the regulations of Section 17.32.140 governing such conversions.

I. Size. A manufactured home shall not be less than eight (8) feet wide by forty (40) feet long and three hundred twenty (320) square feet in living area. An efficiency unit shall not be less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet in living area and meet all space and occupancy standards of Chapter 5 of the Uniform Housing Code; J. Access. Doorway access shall be provided either to the side or rear of the second housing unit;
K. Utility Services. Second housing units shall be provided with water, sewer, and other utilities as determined by the building official. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(C))

17.12.170 Process.

The city planner shall approve or deny accessory dwelling unit requests based upon the specified requirements. The applicant may appeal the decision of the city planner to the planning commission, setting forth the reason for such appeal to the commission.

Such appeal shall be filed with the city planner, in writing, within ten (10) days after notification of such decision. The appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the commission's next regular meeting. If the appeal is filed within five (5) days of the next regular meeting of the commission, the appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the commission's second regular meeting following the filing of the appeal. The planning commission's review shall be limited to compliance with the specified requirements. The decision of the commission shall be final unless appealed to the council pursuant to Section 17.02.145. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(D))
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17.12.180 Development requirements.

The following development requirements shall apply to accessory dwelling units:

A. The increased floor area of the second unit shall not exceed twelve hundred (1,200) square feet or ) fifty (50) percent of the main dwelling unit, whichever is greater, and shall be used as an accessory to the primary single family home.

B. Adequate parking area must be available on the streets adjacent to the accessory dwelling unit. If adequate on-street parking is not available in the immediate vicinity, or in the case of all second units located on cul-de-sac lots, one additional off-street parking space must be provided. Tandem parking shall not be deemed as meeting the above parking requirement. The additional parking space shall be waived if in any of the following instances:

1. The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half (0.5) miles of public transit.

2. The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3. The accessory dwelling unit is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.

4. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.

5. When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.

C. All standards of the underlying zoning district including, but not limited to, height, lot and yard requirements, and lot coverage shall apply.

D. Detached accessory dwelling units are subject to all applicable standards for accessory structures, as stated in the development requirements for the underlying zone, unless a variance has been granted pursuant to Chapter 17.42. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(E))

17.12.190 Appeals.

The applicant may appeal the decision of the city planner to the planning commission, setting forth the reason for such appeal to the commission. Such appeal shall be filed with the city planner in writing, within ten (10) days after notification of such decision.

The appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the commission's next regular meeting. If the appeal is filed within five (5) days of the next regular meeting of the commission, the appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the commission's second regular meeting 847
following the filing of the appeal. The planning commission's review shall be limited to compliance with the specified requirements. The decision of the commission shall be final unless appealed to the council pursuant to Section 17.02.145. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997: prior code § 7283(F))

17.12.200 Existing nonconforming accessory dwelling units.

An existing accessory dwelling unit situated on a lot or parcel in the A or R-1 zones shall constitute a violation of this title unless: (1) the unit meets the standards and criteria of Chapter 17.12, and an agreement is recorded; or (2) the accessory dwelling unit qualifies as a permitted nonconforming use and structure under the provisions of Chapter 17.40. No enlargement of habitable space shall be allowed unless the standards and criteria of Chapter 17.12 are met. This shall not apply to maintenance of the unit. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2003-23 § 2, 2003: Ord. 9717 § 2 (part), 1997:
prior code § 7283(G))

Article 2: Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

17.12.220 Purpose and Applicability
A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for all residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing subjectivity in the entitlement process . All applicable development projects are required to comply with all design standards found in this Chapter in addition to all applicable Building Permit requirements, Zoning Ordinance requirements, City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standar ds, and all other applicable City, County, and State provisions.

B. Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to all new single -family residential developments on lots regardless of parcel size, except as described below.

1. For the purposes of this Ch apter, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are considered accessory structures to a single -family residence and are subject to all applicable design standards for accessory structures established in this Chapter except where they interfere with State law or the City’s ADU Ordinance.

2. Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Structures are excluded from the requirements of this Chapter but are subject to committee review (see Chapter 17.56).
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C. Exception Powers of the Planning Commis sion. The Planning Commission may grant one or more exceptions to any of the regulations prescribed in Chapter

17.12 Article 2 (Single -Family Residential Objective Design Standards) by using the following exception process.

1. Application. Applicants seeking an exception shall follow the same procedures as those prescribed in Chapter 17.42 for obtaining a variance.

City staff shall prepare a separate form for applicants seeking an exception to file.

2. Review and Decision. In reviewing a request for an exception, the Planning Commission is not required to make any or all of the five findings required for a variance action found in Section 17.42.090. Rather, the Commission must make a finding that the standards requested through this exception process become an in tegral part of the site development (e.g., design, material, contour, height, distance, color, texture) and do not adversely affect the established and distinctive character of any existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to the site being developed to ach ieve land use compatibility in terms of height, massing and other characteristics.

3. Appeals. The decision by the Planning Commission over the requested exception may be appealed to City Council in the same manner as a variance under the appeal provisions of Section 17.02.145.

4. Revocation and Lapse of Approval.
a. If the exception is approved, then the exception shall be subject to revocation or lapse in the same manner as a variance under Chapter 17.42.
b. If a request for an exception is denied or revoked, the n no application for the same or substantially the same variance on the same or substantially the same site shall be filed within one year of the date of denial or revoked unless the Planning Commission or City Council specifically allow such further appli cations in the decision for denial or revocation.

17.12.150 Site Planning
A. Site Placement

1. Orientation
a. The primary elevation of the residence shall face the primary public 849
or private right -of-way on which the parcel is located. For the purposes of this Section the primary elevation is that in which the primary entrance is located.
b. On corner lots, the primary elevation is considered the elevation that is facing the street in which the residential address is associated with and front door is located. The
applicant/developer/property owner may file for an address change if they would like to change what street the primary elevation is located.
c. On corner lots, garages may be located on the secondary elevation and are required to include a garage setback of 22 feet. d. Garages (attached or detached) shall not exceed 75 percent of the width of the primary elevation. For lots less than 40 feet wide, this standard does not apply.

B. Site Development.

1. Setbacks. Structure setbacks shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single -family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the setback requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply.

2. Height. Structure height shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single -family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the height requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply. 850

3. Front Entryway s. Front entryways shall comply with one of the following styles:
a. Front Porch.
i. Front porches shall be at least three feet deep and six feet wide.
ii. Front porches shall be covered by a roof with a similar style and material as the primary elevation.
iii. The front porch shall include a minimum of one window. iv. Front porches may project up to six feet into the front yard setback
v. Front porches shall include at least one step
b. Recessed Entry.
i. Recessed entries shall have a depth of at least one foot from the primary elevation to create a covered landing area. c. Deep Overhang.
i. Deep overhangs shall be a minimum depth of three feet and a maximum of five feet.
d. Front Landing.
i. Front landings shall be at least one foot deep.
ii. Front landings shall include at least one step.
iii. Front landings shall be covered with a roof in similar style and material as the primary elevation.

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards.

A. All developments shall include at least three of the following design elements:

1. A projection for every 25 feet of continuous plane on each elevation. Each projection shall be at least two feet deep and five feet wide. A projected area shall be capped with an eave or gable that matches the same materials and style as the main structure. A projection may extend into the required setback if it complies with Section 17.32.090 (Yard requirements – Exceptions) of this Title.

2. A recession for every 25 feet of continuous plane. Each recession shall be at least two feet deep, but no more than six feet deep, and at least five 851
feet wide.

3. Second Floor Stepbacks. For two -story structures, the second floor shall be stepped back by at least three feet, but no more than 12 feet, from the ground floor wall plane. The stepback shall extend along at le ast 50 percent of the length of the wall plane. The stepback may be continuous or composed of multiple segments that together total the required length.

4. A protruding window (such as a bay window) at least two feet in depth.

5. A change in total height of a façade for every 15 feet of continuous plane.

Change in height shall be a minimum of two feet.

6. Change in roof pitch or form for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

7. A gable or dormer for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

8. A Juliette balcony for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

9. A second story balcony at least three feet deep and five feet wide.

10. A decorative trellis, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

11. A window for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

12. A pedestrian walkway, measuring at least three feet wide, other than the driveway, provides direct access to the front entryway of the residence to the primary sidewalk, or primary right -of-way if no sidewalk is present.

Pedestrian walkways may be constructed wi th any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil. On corner lots, where the garage is on the secondary elevation, a walkway shall provide direct access from the front entryway to the primary sidewalk.

13. A tandem garage with a maximum width of 13 feet and a minimum depth of 38 feet. This option is only allowed for lots less than 40 feet wide. 852

B. Fenestration.

1. All windows and doors shall include at least one of the following exterior design details:
a. A recess of at least two inches from the wall plane. b. Wood, metal, stucco covered foam, or engineered wood trim around the entire window or door.

2. If used, shutters shall be sized to cover 100 to 105 percent of the window and match the exact window shape.

C. Design Details.

1. Materials
a. No more than four materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) shall be used on each elevation, and no more NOTE: The rendering above is meant for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate a development in compliance with the requirements established in Section 17.12.160 (Structure Design Standards). 853 than five materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) in total shall be used across all elevations. b. The following materials are prohibited from use as exterior finishes (excluding windows and doors):
i. Vinyl siding
ii. Plastic
iii. Raw, non-treated/coated metal

2. Colors
a. Single-Family Standalone Unit. A minimum of two, but no more than five, colors (or tin ts, shades, or tones of the same color) shall be used on the entire exterior of the building.
b. Single Family Subdivisions. Single family subdivisions shall provide a minimum of three color schemes and shall not use a single color scheme on more than 40 percent of the residential units. Structures shall incorporate a color scheme that contains a maximum of four distinct colors per building. A color scheme is defined as (body one and/or body two, trim, and a contrasting accent color). Adjacent colors shall not use the same color scheme.

3. Accessory Structures. All accessory structures (i.e., accessory dwelling units, garages, workshops, storage sheds) visible from the primary street shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, and roof type as the primary structure. This standard only applies to accessory structures constructed together with the primary dwelling unit.

17.12.170 Utility and Service Areas
A. Above ground utilities, transformers, and other mechanical equipment placed between the front or street side of a residence and a public street or vehicular or pedestrian accessway, shall be screened from view by a fence, wall, or landscaping in accordance with this Chapter.

B. If private vehicle charging facilities are provided in the development, these facilities shall be located close to the garage’s electrical panel and blend in with the house design/color to provide architectural compatibility.

17.12.180 Landscaping.

A. All areas not occupied by structures or pavement in the front yard area shall be landscaped. Landscaped areas shall consist of plantings, turf, mulch, or bark. 854
B. All landscape areas shall meet the requirements of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, or if applicable, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the City of Visalia. [Source: 17.30.015.C.1.a] C. Pavement or hardscape shall not make up more than 50 percent of the front yard, unless necessary to meet other standards required by this Chapter.

17.12.190 Fences, Walls, and Hedges.

A. Height. Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed seven feet in height if on the side or rear yard setbacks, or three feet in height if in the front yard setback. A front yard fence or wall may be allowed to a height of up to four feet only if the portion exceeding three feet, at minimum, is constructed with a material that has a visibility percentage of at least 50 percent (i.e., lattice fencing). These standards also apply within five feet of the street side property line for corner lots.

B. Materials. The following materials are prohibited from use as fencing:

1. Barbed wire

2. Electric charged fencing

3. Corrugated Paneling

4. Chain link (except for three to four -foot height fences within the front yard 855
and street side yard setback)

17.12.200 Exterior Lighting.

A. All entryways, porch areas, pedestrian pathways, and gates shall include lighting for s afety and security. All exterior lighting fixtures shall comply with all of the following standards:

1. Be fully shielded and shall not spill onto adjacent properties;

2. Ground-mounted light fixtures to illuminate driveways, landscaped areas, or pedestrian pathways shall be no more than three feet in height; and

3. Use light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a maximum temperature of 3000 kelvins.

B. Permanently installed light fixtures that blink, revolve or flash are prohibited. This excludes decorative seasonal lighting.

17.12.210 Off-Street Parking Facilities.

A. The number and type of off -street parking facilities for a single -family residential development shall comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning district as established in Chapter 17.34. In addition to the prov isions in Chapter 17.34, all off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards:

B. Covered parking areas shall be in garages. Carports are allowed only if they do not serve as the required covered parking (e.g., porte cocheres, carports in front of garages). [Source: 17.12.135.A.7]
C. Uncovered parking areas (i.e., driveways) shall be paved with concrete or a permeable or impermeable surface. [Source: 17.34.030.P] D. Off-Street Guest Parking Facilities for Planned Unit Devel opments. Planned unit developments with four or more dwelling units shall provide off -street guest parking spaces when on -street parking is not allowed on the streets within the development. Planned unit developments shall provide a minimum of one guest parking space per four dwelling units within the total project. If a fraction occurs based on the specified number of guest spaces, the project applicant shall round up to the next round number of guest spaces.

17.12.220 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments.

A. Useable Common Open Space. Planned unit developments shall provide usable outdoor passive/active open space with outdoor amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities). Useable common open space means an unobstructed area or areas, accessible to all occupants of the structure it serves, having no 856
dimension less than 10 feet in any direction. Useable common open space excludes areas designated for parking, including surface parking, carports, or garages. A minimum of 60 percent of th e common useable open space shall be provided as landscaped green area (not hardscaped).

B. Recreational Amenities. Recreation amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities) can be either passive or active as described below, or a combination of the two.

1. Passive Recreational Amenities. Passive recreation refers to recreational activities that require minimal to no facilities or development to perform such activities. Passive recreation amenities include, but are not limited to, community gardens, outdoo r gathering/seating area, picnic/barbeque area, pet area/dog park, courtyard/plaza. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 200 square feet unless otherwise stated.

2. Active Recreational Amenities. Active recreation refers to recreational activities that require specific facilities or equipment to perform such activities. Active recreational amenities include, but are not limited to, playground/tot lot, sports court/field, fitness area, swimming pool, clubhouse w/kitchen, community room. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 500 square feet unless otherwise stated.

C. Seating. Seating shall be provided for all common open space areas.

D. Playgrounds/tot lots shall be located in an area with direct visibility from a minimum of three dwelling units to allow for casual surveillance.

Table 1
Open Space and Recreational Requirements
Number of Units
in Project
Minimum Number of
Amenities1 Minimum Total Area2
Less than 5 1 500 sq. ft.
5-101 1 500 sq. ft. plus 100 sq. ft per unit over 5 units 11-30 2 1,000 sq. ft. plus 150 sq. ft per unit over 10 units 31-60 2 4,000 sq. ft. plus 165 sq. ft per unit over 30 units 61-100 2 9,000 sq. ft. plus 200 sq. ft per unit over 60 units 101-150 3 plus 1 additional
amenity for every 50
units over 200
17,000 sq. ft. plus 250 sq. ft per unit over 100
units
1 – Minimum number of amenities can be passive or active amenities as described in Subsection 17.12.210.B
2 - Minimum Total Area means the combined area of all amenities. Each amenity must still meet all applicable standards established in this Section. 857

17.12.230 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments.

Sidewalks within a Planned Unit Development shall incorporate the following standards:

A. Shall be a minimum width of five feet; and
B. Shall implement the concrete specifications for sidewalks and ramps as determined by the City of Visalia City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards.
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1 17 – Zoning Code
Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards

REVISED PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 2025MARCH 2025
Table of Contents

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability ................................................................................................. 3

17.12.150 Site Planning ................................................................................................................ 443

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards. ............................................................................................ 6

17.12.170 Landscaping. .................................................................................................................. 10

17.12.180 Fences, Walls, and Hedges. .......................................................................................... 10

17.12.190 Exterior Lighting.............................................................................................................. 11

17.12.200 Off-Street Parking Facilities. ........................................................................................... 11

17.12.210 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments. ....................... 12

17.12.220 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments. ................................................................... 13

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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

2 Chapter 17.12 – Article 2
Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards
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Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – April 2025March 2025

3 Chapter 17.12 Article 2: Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability
A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for all residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing su bjectivity in the entitlement process. All applicable development projects are required to comply with all design standards found in this Chapter in addition to all applicable Building Permit requirements, Zoning Ordinance requirements, City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards , and all other applicable City, County, and State provisions.

B. Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to all new single -family residential developments on lots regardless of parcel size, except as described below.

1. For the purposes of this Chapter, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are considered accessory structures to a single -family residence and are subject to all applicable design standards for accessory structures established in this Chapter except where they interfere with State law or the City’s ADU Ordinance.

2. Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Structures are excluded from the requirements of this Chapter but are subject to committee review (see Chapter 17.56).

C. Exception Powers of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may grant one or more exceptions to any of the regulations prescribed in Chapter 17.12 Article 2 (Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards) by using the following exception process.

1. Application. Applicants seeking an exception shall follow the same procedures as those prescribed in Chapter 17.42 for obtaining a variance. City staff shall prepare a separate form for applicants seeking an exception to file.

2. Review an d Decision. In reviewing a request for an exception, the Planning Commission is not required to make any or all of the five findings required for a variance action found in Section 17.42.090. Rather, the Commission must make a finding that the standards requested through this exception process become an integral part of the site development (e.g., design, material, contour, height, distance, color, texture) and do not adversely affect the established and di stinctive character of any existing neighborhoods that are adjacent to the site being developed to achieve land use compatibility in terms of height, massing and other characteristics.

3. Appeals. The decision by the Planning Commission over the requested exception may be appealed to City Council in the same manner as a variance under the appeal provisions of Section 17.02.145.

4. Revocation and Lapse of Approval.
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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

4 a. If the exception is approved, then the exception shall be subject to revocation or lapse in the same manner as a variance under Chapter 17.42. .b. If a request for an exception is denied or revoked, then no application for the same or substantially the same variance on the same or substantially the same site shall be filed within one year of the date of denial or revoked unless the Planning Commission or City Council specifically allow such further applications in the decision for denial or revocation.

17.12.150 Site Planning
A. Site Placement

1. Site Area . Developments with two or more structures shall be staggered with a minimum of two -foot variation measured from the front setback with the intent of providing a varied street elevation . To achieve the staggered elevations garages setbacks may vary from 18 feet to 22 feet . so that front setbacks and structures on adjacent parcels differ by a minimum of two feet and a maximum of six feet.

2.1. Orientation
a. The primary elevation of the residence shall face the primary public or private right-of-way on which the parcel is located. For the purposes of this Section the primary elevation is that in which the primary entrance is located. b. On corner lots, the primary elevation is considered the elevation that is facing the street in which the residential address is associated with and front door is located. The applicant/developer/property owner may file for an address change if they would like to change what street the primary elevation is located. b.c. On corner lots, garages may be located on the secondary elevation and are required to include a garage setback of 22 feet.
c.d. Garages. Garages (attached or detached )) shall be setback farther from or equal to the primary elevation and shall not exceed 60 75 percent of the width 862
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – April 2025March 2025

5 of the primary elevation for lot’s greater than 5,000 square feet . For lots less than 5,00040 square feet wide, this standard does not apply.

B. Site Development.

1. Setbacks. Structure setbacks shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single -family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the setback requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply.

2. Height. Structure height shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single-family provisions please see Chapter

17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the height requirements specified in Section

17.12.135 shall apply.

3. Front Entryways. Front entryways shall comply with one of the following styles:
a. Front Porch.
i. Front porches shall be at least three feet deep and six feet wide. ii. Front p orches shall be covered by a roof with a similar style and material as the primary elevation.
iii. The front porch shall include a minimum of one window. iv. Front porches may project up to six feet into the front yard setback v. Front porches shall include at least one step
b. Recessed Entry.
i. Recessed entries shall have a depth of at least one foot from the primary elevation to create a covered landing area.
c. Deep Overhang.
i. Deep overhangs shall be a minimum depth of three feet and a maximum of five feet.
d. Front Landing.
. The main entry to the residence shall be located on the primary elevation.
. The primary elevation (first and/or second story) shall include a minimum of one window that is at least three feet by four feet. . i. Front entries landings shall be covered by a landing with a minimum depth ofat least threeone feetfoot deep.
ii. Front landings shall include at least one step.
863
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

6 i.iii. Front landings shall be The covered area over the front entry include a covered porch that complies with standards established in Section

17.32.090 of this Title . A porch can be recessed and/or projecting, however a canopy or awning alone cannot be utilized to fulfill this standardcovered with a roof in similar style and material as the primary elevation.
c. A minimum three-foot wide pedestrian walkway, other than the driveway, shall provide direct access to the front entryway of the residence from the driveway, primary sidewalk, or primary right-of-way if no sidewalk is present. Pedestrian walkways can be constructed with any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil.

On corner lots, where the garage is on the secondary elevation, a walkway shall be provide direct access from the front entryway to the primary sidewalk.

In addition to the pedestrian walkway described in Subparagraph 3.d, a minimum three-foot pedestrian walkway may be provided to connect the front entry to the driveway. The walkway shall match the material as the pedestrian walkway from the front entry to the sidewalk.

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards.
.A. All developments shall include at least three of the following design elements:

0. Massing. To provide for visually interesting structures, primary elevations wider than 25 feet shall incorporate at least one of the following massing elements for every 15 feet:

1. A p Projections for every 25 feet of continuous plane on each elevation . A Each projection shall be shall project at least two feet deep, but no more than six feet, from the main elevation plane and be at least and eight five feet wide. A projected area shall be capped with an eave or gable that matches the same materials and style as the main structure. A projection may extend into the required setback if it complies with Section 17.32.090 (Yard requirements – Exceptions) of this Title.

2. A recession for every 25 feet of continuous plane. Recessions. A Each recession shall be at least two feet deep, but no more than six feet deep ,, from the main elevation plane and be at least five feet wide.

3. Second Floor Stepback s. For two -story structures, the second floor may shall be stepped back by at least six three feet, but no more than 12 feet, from the ground floor wall plane. The stepback shall extend along at least 50 percent of the length of the wall plane. The stepback may be continuous or composed of multiple segments that together total the required length.

4. Bay Window. A protruding protruding window (such as a bay window) that is shall protrude at least two feet from wall planein depth.

5. 864
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – April 2025March 2025

7 6.

7.4. 0. Articulation. Structures shall be vertically (height) and horizontally (depth) articulated along the primary elevations.

5. Vertical Articulations. Vertical articulations shall include a A change in total height of a façade for every 15 feet of continuous plane. Change in heigh t shall be of a minimum of two feet., or a

6. Cchange in roof pitch or form for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane ., or the inclusion of

7. A ga gable or dormer for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

8. A Juliette balcony for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

9. A second story balcony at least three feet deep and five feet wide.

10. A decorative trellis, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

11. A window for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.

12. A pedestrian walkway, measuring at least three feet wide, other than the driveway , provides direct access to the front entryway of the residence to the primary sidewalk, or primary right -of-way if no sidewalk is present. Pedestrian walkways may be constructed with any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil. On corner lots, where the garage is on the secondary elevation, a walkway shall provide direct access from the f ront entryway to the primary sidewalk.

13. A pedestrian walkway, measuring at least three feet wide, other than the driveway, that provides direct access to the front entryway of the residence to the via the driveway.

Pedestrian walkways may be constructed with any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil. On corner lots, where the garage is on the secondary elevation, a walkway shall provide direct access from the f ront entryway to the primary sidewalk. Trees. New developments shall plant a minimum of one tree along the street frontage. Trees shall be 15 gallons at the time of planting.
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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

8 14. A tandem garage with a maximum width of 13 feet and a minimum depth of 38 feet.

This option is only allowed for lots less than 40 feet wide.

1. , and such articulation shall occur at intervals of a maximum of 15 feet.

Horizontal Articulation. Horizontal articulations shall include a change of wall plane by a minimum depth of two feet at intervals of a maximum of 20 feet.

C.B. Fenestration.

1. All windows and doors shall include at least one of the following exterior design details:
a. A recess of at least two inches from the wall plane. b. Wood, metal, stucco covered foam, or engineered wood trim around the entire window or door with a minimum width of three inches and minimum depth of three-quarters of an inch..

NOTE: The rendering above is meant for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate a development in compliance with the requirements established in Section 17.12.160 (Structure Design Standards). 866
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – April 2025March 2025

9 2. If used, shutters shall be sized to cover 100 to 105 percent of the window and match the exact window shape.

D. Balconies. No portion of a second floor balcony shall be within 20 feet of the adjacent property line (except on the primary elevation), unless the side(s) of the balcony facing the adjacent property(ies) is screened from view.

E.C. Design Details.

1. Materials
a. No more than four materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) shall be used on each elevation, and no more than five materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) in total shall be used across all elevations.
b. The following materials are prohibited from use as exterior finishes (excluding windows and doors):
i. Vinyl siding
ii. Plastic
iii. Raw, non-treated/coated metal

2. Colors.
a. Single-Family Standalone Unit. A minimum of two, but no more than five, colors (or tints, shades, or tones of the same color) shall be used on the entire exterior of the building.
.b. Single Family Subdivisions. Single family subdivisions shall provide a minimum of three color schemes and shall not use a single color scheme on more than 40 percent of the residential units. Structures shall incorporate a color scheme that contains a maximum of four distinct colors per building. A color scheme is defined as (body one and/or body two, trim, and a contrasting accent color). Adjacent colors shall not use the same color scheme.

3. Accessory Structures. All accessory structures (i.e., accessory dwelling units, garages, workshops, storage sheds) visible from the primary street shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof, and roof type as the primary structure. This standard only applies to accessory structures constructed together with the primary dwelling unit. 867
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

10 17.12.170 Utility and Service Areas
A. Above ground utilities, transformers, and other mechanical equipment placed between the front or street side of a residence and a public street or vehicular or pedestrian accessway, shall be screened from view by a fence, wall, or landscaping in accordance with this C hapter.

B. If private vehicle charging facilities are provided in the development , these facilities shall be located close to the garage’s electrical panel and blend in with the house design/color to provide architectural compatibility.

17.12.17017.12.171 Landscaping.

A. All areas not occupied by structures or pavement in the front yard area shall be landscaped.

Landscaped areas shall consist of plantings, turf, mulch, or bark.

B. All landscape areas shall meet the requirements of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, or if applicable, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the City of Visalia. [Source: 17.30.015.C.1.a]
C.A. Trees. New developments shall plant a minimum of one tree along the street frontage. Trees shall be 15 gallons at the time of planting.

D.C. Pavement or hardscape shall not make up more than 50 percent of the front yard, unless necessary to meet other standards required by this Chapter.

17.12.180 Fences, Walls, and Hedges.

A. Height. Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed seven feet in height if on the side or rear yard setbacks, or three feet in height if in the front yard setback. A front yard fence or wall may be allowed to a height of up to four feet only if the portion exceeding three feet, at minimum, is constructed with a material that has a visibility percentage of at least 50 percent (i.e., lattice fencing). These standards also apply within five feet of the street side property line for corner lots.

B. Materials. The following materials are prohibited from use as fencing:

1. Barbed wire

2. Electric charged fencing

3. Corrugated Paneling
868
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – April 2025March 2025

11 4. Chain link (except for three to four -foot height fences within the front yard and street side yard setback)

17.12.190 Exterior Lighting.

A. All entryways, porch areas, pedestrian pathways, and gates shall include lighting for safety and security. All exterior lighting fixtures shall comply with all of the following standards:

1. Be fully shielded and directed downward (not above the horizontal plane) and shall not spill onto adjacent properties;

2. Be no more than of eight feet above the ground plane;

3.2. Ground-mounted light fixtures to illuminate driveways, landscaped areas, or pedestrian pathways shall be no more than three feet in height; and

4.3. Use light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a maximum temperature of 3000 kelvins.

B. Permanently installed light fixtures that blink, revolve or flash are prohibited. This excludes decorative seasonal lighting.

17.12.200 Off-Street Parking Facilities.

A. The number and type of off -street parking facilities for a single -family residential development shall comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning district as established in Chapter

17.34. In addition to the provisions in Chapter 17.34, all off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards:
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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

12 B. Covered parking areas shall be in garages . Carports are allowed only if they do not serve as the required covered parking (e.g., porte cocheres, carports in front of garages) . [Source:

17.12.135.A.7]
C. Uncovered parking areas (i.e., driveways) shall be paved with concrete or a permeable or impermeable surface. [Source: 17.34.030.P]
D. Off-Street Guest Parking Facilities for Planned Unit Developments. Planned unit developments with four or more dwelling units shall provide off -street guest parking spaces when on-street parking is not allowed on the streets within the development. Planned unit developments shall provide a minimum of one guest parking space per four dwelling units within the total project.

If a fraction occurs based on the specified number of guest spaces, the project applicant shall round up to the next round number of guest spaces.

17.12.210 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments.

A. Useable Common Open Space. Planned unit developments shall provide usable outdoor passive/active open space with outdoor amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities).

Useable common open space means an unobstructed area or areas, accessible to all occupants of the structure it serves, having no dimension less than 10 fe et in any direction.

Useable common open space excludes areas designated for parking, including surface parking, carports, or garages. A minimum of 60 percent of the common useable op en space shall be provided as landscaped green area (not hardscaped).

B. Recreational Amenities. Recreation amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities) can be either passive or active as described below, or a combination of the two.

1. Passive Recreational Amenities. Passive recreation refers to recreational activities that require minimal to no facilities or development to perform such activities. Passive recreation amenities include, but are not limited to, community gardens, outdoor gathering/seating area, picnic/barbeque area, pet area/dog park, courtyard/plaza. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 200 square feet unless otherwise stated.

2. Active Recreational Amenities. Active recreation refers to recreational activities that require specific facilities or equipment to perform such activities. Active recreational amenities include, but are not limited to, playground/tot lot, sports court/field, fitness area, swimming pool, clubhouse w/kitchen, comm unity room. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 500 square feet unless otherwise stated.

C. Seating. Seating shall be provided for all common open space areas.

D. Playgrounds/tot lots shall be located in an area with direct visibility from a minimum of three dwelling units to allow for casual surveillance.

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13 Table 1
Open Space and Recreational Requirements
Number of Units
in Project
Minimum Number of
Amenities1 Minimum Total Area2
Less than 5 1 500 sq. ft.
5-101 1 500 sq. ft. plus 100 sq. ft per unit over 5 units 11-30 2 1,000 sq. ft. plus 150 sq. ft per unit over 10 units 31-60 2 4,000 sq. ft. plus 165 sq. ft per unit over 30 units 61-100 2 9,000 sq. ft. plus 200 sq. ft per unit over 60 units 101-150 3 plus 1 additional amenity for
every 50 units over 200 17,000 sq. ft. plus 250 sq. ft per unit over 100 units

17.12.220 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments.

Sidewalks within a Planned Unit Development shall incorporate the following standards:

A. Shall be a minimum width of five feet; and
B. Shall implement the concrete specifications for sidewalks and ramps as determined by the City of Visalia City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards. 1 – Minimum number of amenities can be passive or active amenities as described in Subsection 17.12.210.B 2 - Minimum Total Area means the combined area of all amenities. Each amenity must still meet all applicable standards established in this Section.
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Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards

REVISED PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
DECEMBER 2024
Table of Contents

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability ................................................................................................. 3

17.12.150 Site Planning .................................................................................................................... 3

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards. ............................................................................................ 6

17.12.170 Landscaping. .................................................................................................................. 10

17.12.180 Fences, Walls, and Hedges. .......................................................................................... 10

17.12.190 Exterior Lighting.............................................................................................................. 11

17.12.200 Off-Street Parking Facilities. ........................................................................................... 11

17.12.210 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments. ....................... 12

17.12.220 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments. ................................................................... 13

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2 Chapter 17.12 – Article 2
Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards
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3 Chapter 17.12 Article 2: Single-Family Residential
Objective Design Standards

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability
A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for all residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing su bjectivity in the entitlement process. All applicable development projects are required to comply with all design standards found in this Chapter in addition to all applicable Building Permit requirements, Zoning Ordinance requirements, City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards , and all other applicable City, County, and State provisions.

B. Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to all new single -family residential developments on lots regardless of parcel size, except as described below.

1. For the purposes of this Chapter, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are considered accessory structures to a single -family residence and are subject to all applicable design standards for accessory structures established in this Chapter except where they interfere with State law or the City’s ADU Ordinance.

2. Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Structures are excluded from the requirements of this Chapter but are subject to committee review (see Chapter 17.56).

17.12.150 Site Planning
A. Site Placement

1. Site Area . Developments with two or more structures shall be staggered with a minimum of two -foot variation measured from the front setback with the intent of providing a varied street elevation so that front setbacks and structures on adjacent parcels differ by a minimum of two feet and a maximum of six feet.

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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

4 2. Orientation
a. The primary elevation of the residence shall face the primary public or private right-of-way on which the parcel is located. For the purposes of this Section the primary elevation is that in which the primary entrancefront door or front entryway is located.
b. On corner lots, the primary elevation is considered the elevation that is facing the street in which the residential address is associated with and front door or front entryway is located. The applicant/developer/property owner may file for an address change if they would like to change what street the primary elevation is located.
c. Garages. Garages (attached or detached) shall be setback farther from or equal to the primary elevation and shall not exceed 60 percent of the width of the primary elevation.

B. Site Development.

1. Setbacks. Structure setbacks shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single -family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the setback requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply.
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5 2. Height. Structure height shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single-family provisions please see Chapter

17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the height requirements specified in Section

17.12.135 shall apply.

3. Front Doors / Front Entryways.
a. The main entry to the residence shall be located on the primary elevation. b. The primary elevation shall include a minimum of one window that is at least three feet by four feet.
c. Front entries entryways shall include a covered porch that complies with standards established in Section 17.32.090 of this Title . A porch can be recessed and/or projecting, however a canopy or awning alone cannot be utilized to fulfill this standard.
d. A minimum three-foot wide pedestrian walkway, other than the driveway, shall provide direct access to the front door / front entryway of the residence from the primary sidewalk, or primary right -of-way if no sidewalk is present.

Pedestrian walkways can be constructed with any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil.
e. In addition to the pedestrian walkway described in Subparagraph 3.d, a minimum three-foot pedestrian walkway may be provided to connect the front 876
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

6 door /front entryway to the driveway. The walkway shall match the material as the pedestrian walkway from the front door / front entryway to the sidewalk.

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards.

A. Massing. To provide for visually interesting structures, primary elevation s wider than 25 feet shall incorporate at least one of the following massing elements for every 15 feet:

1. Projections. A projection shall project at least two feet, but no more than six feet, from the main elevation plane and be at least eight feet wide. A projected area shall be capped with an eave or gable that matches the same materials and style as the main structure. A projection may extend into the required setback if it complies with Section

17.32.090 (Yard requirements – Exceptions) of this Title.

2. Recessions. A recession shall be at least two feet deep, but no more than six feet deep, from the main elevation plane and be at least five feet wide.

3. Second Floor Stepback s. For two -story structures, the second floor may be stepped back by at least six feet, but no more than 12 feet, from the ground floor wall plane.

The stepback shall extend along at least 50 percent of the length of the wall plane. The stepback may be continuous or composed of multiple segments that together total the required length.

4. Bay Window. A protruding window that is at least two feet from wall plane.

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7 B. Articulation. Structures shall be vertically (height) and horizontally (depth) articulated along the primary elevations.

1. Vertical Articulations. Vertical articulations shall include a change in total height of a minimum of two feet, or a change in roof pitch or form, or the inclusion of a gable or dormer, and such articulation shall occur at intervals of a maximum of 15 feet. 878
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

8 2. Horizontal Articulation. Horizontal articulations shall include a change of wall plane by a minimum depth of two feet at intervals of a maximum of 20 feet.

C. Fenestration.

1. All windows and doors shall include one of the following exterior design details:
a. A recess of at least two inches from the wall plane. b. Wood, metal, stucco covered foam, or engineered wood trim around the entire window or door with a minimum width of three inches and minimum depth of three-quarters of an inch.

2. If used, shutters shall be sized to cover 100 to 105 percent of the window and match the exact window shape.

D. Balconies. No portion of a second floor balcony shall be within 20 feet of the adjacent property line (except on the primary elevation), unless the side(s) of the balcony facing the adjacent property(ies) is screened from view.

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9 E. Design Details.

1. Materials
a. No more than four materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) shall be used on each elevation, and no more than five materials or 880
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

10 finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) in total shall be used across all elevations.
b. The following materials are prohibited from use as exterior finishes (excluding windows and doors):
i. Vinyl siding
ii. Plastic
iii. Raw, non-treated/coated metal

2. Colors. A minimum of two, but no more than five, colors (or tints, shades, or tones of the same color) shall be used on the entire exterior of the building.

3. Accessory Structures. All accessory structures (i.e., accessory dwelling units, garages, workshops, storage sheds) visible from the primary street shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, roof type as the primary structure. This standard only applies to accessory structures constructed together with the primary dwelling unit.

17.12.170 Landscaping.

A. All areas not occupied by structures or pavement in the front yard area shall be landscaped.

Landscaped areas shall consist of plantings, turf, mulch, or bark.

B. All landscape areas shall meet the requirements of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, or if applicable, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the City of Visalia. [Source: 17.30.015.C.1.a]
C. Trees. New developments shall plant a minimum of one tree along the street frontage. Trees shall be 15 gallons at the time of planting.

D. Pavement or hardscape shall not make up more than 50 percent of the front yard, unless necessary to meet other standards required by this Chapter.

17.12.180 Fences, Walls, and Hedges.

A. Height. Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed seven feet in height if on the side or rear yard setbacks, or three feet in height if in the front yard setback. A front yard fence or wall may be allowed to a height of up to four feet only if the portion exceeding three feet, at minimum, is constructed with a material that has a visibility percentage of at least 50 percent (i.e., lattice fencing). These standards also apply within five feet of the street side property line for corner lots.

B. Materials. The following materials are prohibited from use as fencing:

1. Barbed wire

2. Electric charged fencing

3. Corrugated Paneling
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Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2
Revised Public Review Draft – December 2024

11 4. Chain link (except for three to four -foot height fences within the front yard and street side yard setback)

17.12.190 Exterior Lighting.

A. All entryways, porch areas, pedestrian pathways, and gates shall include lighting for safety and security. All exterior lighting fixtures shall comply with all of the following standards:

1. Be fully shielded and directed downward (not above the horizontal plane) and shall not spill onto adjacent properties;

2. Be no more than of eight feet above the ground plane;

3. Ground-mounted light fixtures to illuminate driveways, landscaped areas, or pedestrian pathways shall be no more than three feet in height; and

4. Use light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a maximum temperature of 3000 kelvins.

B. Permanently installed light fixtures that blink, revolve or flash are prohibited.

17.12.200 Off-Street Parking Facilities.

A. The number and type of off-street parking facilities for a single -family residential development shall comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning district as established in Chapter

17.34. In addition to the provisions in Chapter 17.34, all off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards:
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Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards

12 B. Covered parking areas shall be in garages . Carports are allowed only if they do not serve as the required covered parking (e.g., porte cocheres, carports in front of garages) . [Source:

17.12.135.A.7]
C. Uncovered parking areas (i.e., driveways) shall be paved with concrete or a permeable or impermeable surface. [Source: 17.34.030.P]
D. Off-Street Guest Parking Facilities for Planned Unit Developments. Planned unit developments with four or more dwelling units shall provide off -street guest parking spaces when on-street parking is not allowed on the streets within the development. Planned unit developments shall provide a minimum of one guest parking space per four dwelling units within the total project.

If a fraction occurs based on the specified number of guest spaces, the project applicant shall round up to the next round number of guest spaces.

17.12.210 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments.

A. Useable Common Open Space. Planned unit developments shall provide usable outdoor passive/active open space with outdoor amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities).

Useable common open space means an unobstructed area or areas, accessible to all occupants of the structure it serves, having no dimension less than 10 fe et in any direction.

Useable common open space excludes areas designated for parking, including surface parking, carports, or garages. A minimum of 60 percent of the common useable op en space shall be provided as landscaped green area (not hardscaped).

B. Recreational Amenities. Recreation amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities) can be either passive or active as described below, or a combination of the two.

1. Passive Recreational Amenities. Passive recreation refers to recreational activities that require minimal to no facilities or development to perform such activities. Passive recreation amenities include, but are not limited to, community gardens, outdoor gathering/seating area, picnic/barbeque area, pet area/dog park, courtyard/plaza. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 200 square feet unless otherwise stated.

2. Active Recreational Amenities. Active recreation refers to recreational activities that require specific facilities or equipment to perform such activities. Active recreational amenities include, but are not limited to, playground/tot lot, sports court/field, fitness area, swimming pool, clubhouse w/kitchen, community room. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 500 square feet unless otherwise stated.

C. Seating. Seating shall be provided for all common open space areas.

D. Playgrounds/tot lots shall be located in an area with direct visibility from a minimum of three dwelling units to allow for casual surveillance.

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Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2
Revised Public Review Draft – December 2024

13 Table 1
Open Space and Recreational Requirements
Number of Units
in Project
Minimum Number of
Amenities1 Minimum Total Area2
Less than 5 1 500 sq. ft.
5-101 1 500 sq. ft. plus 100 sq. ft per unit over 5 units 11-30 2 1,000 sq. ft. plus 150 sq. ft per unit over 10 units 31-60 2 4,000 sq. ft. plus 165 sq. ft per unit over 30 units 61-100 2 9,000 sq. ft. plus 200 sq. ft per unit over 60 units 101-150 3 plus 1 additional amenity for
every 50 units over 200 17,000 sq. ft. plus 250 sq. ft per unit over 100 units

17.12.220 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments.

Sidewalks within a Planned Unit Development shall incorporate the following standards:

A. Shall be a minimum width of five feet; and
B. Shall implement the concrete specifications for sidewalks and ramps as determined by the City of Visalia City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards. 1 – Minimum number of amenities can be passive or active amenities as described in Subsection 17.12.210.B 2 - Minimum Total Area means the combined area of all amenities. Each amenity must still meet all applicable standards established in this Section.
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City of Visalia
Zoning Code Update
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards
October, 2024
Revisions to Section 17.12.135

17.12.135 Lot area less than 5,000 square feet.

A. Notwithstanding Section 17.12.050, lots in the R-1-5 zone may have a lot area of between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet if all of the following standards are met:

1. The Planning Commission finds that the development's overall density is consistent with the General PlanLow Density Residential General Plan density range of two (2) to ten (10) dwelling units per gross acre.

2. The maximum number of lots less than 5,000 square feet that may be approved by a tentative subdivision map shall be fifty (50) percent or less of the total lots.

3. Streets shall be constructed to public street standards.

4. Each subdivision with at least 15 lots that are less than 5,000 square feet in size shall make available to buyers at least three (3) different small lot floor plans with at least four (4) available elevation designs for each floor plan to construct on those lots.

4.5. The development is consistent with all design standards established in Chapter

17.12 Article 2 (Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards).

5. The primary frontage of the dwelling unit shall face a public street, primary entryway, circulation walkway, or open space with sidewalks that provide delineated paths of travel.

6. The primary frontage of the dwelling unit shall include the primary entrance and at least one window.

7. Required covered parking spaces shall be in garages. Carports are prohibited.

8. The width of the garage shall not be greater than fifty (50) percent of the width of the dwelling unit.

9. The garage shall not extend beyond the front building facade (living area.)

10. All dwelling units shall include a covered front porch at least four (4) feet deep and six (6) feet wide or an uncovered front courtyard at least five (5) feet wide and five (5) feet deep that is surrounded on four sides by the dwelling unit or a wall or fence between three (3) and four (4) feet high with a pedestrian gate or entryway.

11. The building official shall not approve a building permit for a new dwelling unit on a lot with a lot area less than 5,000 square feet until the city planner, or designee, has determined that the standards identified in this section are met. 885
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Zoning Code Update
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards
October, 2024

12. The subdivision shall provide a common, usable open space area of a minimum 3,000 square feet or two hundred fifty (250) square feet per lot under 5,000 square feet, whichever is greater. The area shall be landscaped and maintained with funding from either a homeowner's association or a landscape and lighting act district.

B. Notwithstanding this Chapter, lots with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet shall have the following minimum dimensions and building setback areas, unless they were approved with a planned development permit:

1. The minimum lot depth shall be seventy (70) feet.

2. The minimum lot width shall be forty-six (46) feet for interior lots and fifty-one (51) feet for corner lots.

3. The minimum front building setback area shall be twelve (12) feet for livable space and twenty (20) feet for garages.

4. The minimum rear yard building setback area shall be fifteen (15) feet.

5. The minimum interior side yard building setback area shall be five (5) feet.

6. The minimum corner side yard building setback area shall be ten (10) feet.

7. The maximum building height shall be thirty-five (35) feet.

8. Lots shall provide for a minimum usable open space area of a minimum three hundred (300) square feet. The open space shall be have a minimum width of fifteen (15) feet wide.

C. Lots less having a lot area of 3,600 square feet, or lots between 3,600 and 4,999 square feet that do not meet all the standards in this section Subsections A and B of Section

17.12.135 may be approved through the planned development permit process per Chapter 17.26. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017)
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1 Brandon Smith
From: Amie Nisbett <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2025 4:03 PM
To: Brandon Smith
Cc: Ara Chekerdemian
Subject: RE: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31
Attachments: VZCU_SFODDS_RPRD_clean_2025 03 12 NZ (002)_LENNAR RESPONSE.pdf Good afternoon Brandon,

Attached are my notes from the revised standards. Let me know if you need any clarification.

Thank you,

Amie Nisbett
Product Development Manager

We are moving April 1
New address: 5 River Park Place East, Suite 210, Fresno, CA 93720

www.lennar.com
Lennar Central Valley | 5 River Park Place East #210 | Fresno, CA 93720 Cell: 559-259-6277

From: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2025 11:22 AM
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31

Hello all, This is a remi nder that the last day to s ubmit a comme nt on the Revise d Publi c Review DraŌ of the City of Visalia’s Re sidenƟal ObjecƟve Desig n Standards is M onday, March 3 1, 2025 . A copy of the DraŌ Ordina nce is aƩa ched

Hello all,

This is a reminder that the last day to submit a comment on the Revised Public Review DraŌ of the City of Visalia’s ResidenƟal ObjecƟve Design Standards is Monday, March 31, 2025. A copy of the DraŌ Ordinance is aƩached to this email.

We anƟcipate that the City Council public hearing date to consider adopƟng this DraŌ Ordinance will be Monday, April 21, though we will confirm this in a later email.

Thank you, Brandon

887
2 From: Brandon Smith
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 10:08 AM
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards - Revised Public Review Draft Out Now

Hello all,

The Revised Public Review DraŌ of the City of Visalia’s ResidenƟal ObjecƟve Design Standards is out for public comment. A copy of the ordinance is aƩached to this email. AddiƟonally, the ordinance can be viewed and downloaded from the project website (www.housevisalia.com; click on Zoning Code Update at the top of the page).

Again, these revised standards are the result of City Council direcƟon and addiƟonal engagement conducted with the local development community which included many of you.

The draŌ standards are available for public review and comment through Monday, March 31, 2025. To submit a comment on the draŌ standards, "Comments" buƩon on the email directly to me at [email protected], or submit your comments directly through the website. Details will come later regarding a future public hearing, possibly occurring in late April 2025.

Thank you,

Brandon Smith, AICP | Principal Planner
City of Visalia Planning and Community Preservation Department Phone: (559) 713-4636
Email: [email protected]
www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning

888
1 17 – Zoning Code Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards REVISED PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFTMARCH 2025 Table of Contents 17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability ................................................................................................. 317.12.150 Site Planning .................................................................................................................... 317.12.160 Structure Design Standards ............................................................................................. 517.12.170 Utility and Service Areas .................................................................................................. 717.12.180 Landscaping ..................................................................................................................... 717.12.190 Fences, Walls, and Hedges. ............................................................................................ 817.12.200 Exterior Lighting................................................................................................................ 817.12.210 Off-Street Parking Facilities .............................................................................................. 917.12.220 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments .......................... 917.12.230 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments. ................................................................... 10 889
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Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – March 2025 3 Chapter 17.12 Article 2: Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards 17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for all residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing subjectivity in the entitlement process. All applicable development projects are required to comply with all design standards found in this Chapter in addition to all applicable Building Permit requirements, Zoning Ordinance requirements, City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards, and all other applicable City, County, and State provisions. B. Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to all new single-family residential developments on lots regardless of parcel size, except as described below. 1. For the purposes of this Chapter, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are considered accessory structures to a single-family residence and are subject to all applicable design standards for accessory structures established in this Chapter except where they interfere with State law or the City’s ADU Ordinance. 2. Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Structures are excluded from the requirements of this Chapter but are subject to committee review (see Chapter 17.56). 17.12.150 Site Planning A. Site Placement 1. Orientation a. The primary elevation of the residence shall face the primary public or private right-of-way on which the parcel is located. For the purposes of this Section the primary elevation is that in which the primary entrance is located. b. On corner lots, the primary elevation is considered the elevation that is facing the street in which the residential address is associated with and front door is located. The applicant/developer/property owner may file for an address change if they would like to change what street the primary elevation is located on. c. On corner lots, garages may be located on the secondary elevation and are required to include a garage setback of 22 feet. 891
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards 4 d. Garages (attached or detached) shall not exceed 75 percent of the width of the primary elevation. For lots less than 40 feet wide, this standard does not apply.B.Site Development1. Setbacks. Structure setbacks shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single-family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the setback requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply.2. Height. Structure height shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable zone of which the subject parcel is located in. For single-family provisions please see Chapter 17.12. For lots less than 5,000 square feet the height requirements specified in Section 17.12.135 shall apply.3. Front Entryways. Front entryways shall comply with one of the following styles:a. Front Porchi.Front porches shall be at least three feet deep and six feet wide.ii.Front porches shall be covered by a roof with a similar style and material as the primary elevation. iii.The front porch shall include a minimum of one window.iv.Front porches may project up to six feet into the front yard setbackv.Front porches shall include at least one stepb. Recessed Entryi.Recessed entries shall have a depth of at least one foot from the primary elevation to create a covered landing area. c. Deep Overhang 892
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2Revised Public Review Draft – March 2025 5 i.Deep overhangs shall be a minimum depth of three feet and a maximum of five feet.d. Front Landingi.Front landings shall be at least one foot deep.ii.Front landings shall include at least one step.iii.Front landings shall be covered with a roof in similar style and material as the primary elevation.17.12.160Structure Design StandardsA.All developments shall include at least three of the following design elements:1. A projection for every 25 feet of continuous plane on each elevation. Each projection shall be at least two feet deep and five feet wide. A projected area shall be capped with an eave or gable that matches the same materials and style as the main structure. A projection may extend into the required setback if it complies with Section 17.32.090 (Yard requirements – Exceptions) of this Title. 2. A recession for every 25 feet of continuous plane. Each recession shall be at least two feet deep, but no more than six feet deep, and at least five feet wide.3. Second Floor Stepbacks. For two-story structures, the second floor shall be stepped back by at least three feet, but no more than 12 feet, from the ground floor wall plane. The stepback shall extend along at least 50 percent of the length of the wall plane. The stepback may be continuous or composed of multiple segments that together total the required length.4. A protruding window (such as a bay window) at least two feet in depth.5. A change in total height of a façade for every 15 feet of continuous plane. Change in height shall be a minimum of two feet.6. Change in roof pitch or form for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.7. A gable or dormer for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.8. A Juliette balcony for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.9. A second story balcony at least three feet deep and five feet wide. 10. A decorative trellis, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.11. A window for, at least, every 15 feet of continuous plane.12. A pedestrian walkway, other than the driveway, that is at least three feet wide and provides direct access to the front entryway of the residence to the primary sidewalk, or primary right-of-way if no sidewalk is present. Pedestrian walkways may be constructed with any materials (i.e., aggregate or natural stone or rock, brick, gravel, wood, poured concrete), except for dirt or topsoil. On corner lots, where the garage is 1 893
Summary of Comments on VZCU_SFODDS_RPRD_clean_2025 03 12 NZ (002)_LENNAR RESPONSE.pdfPage: 5 Number: 1 Author: ANisbett Subject: Sticky Note Date: 03/27/2025 3:58:06 PM Can we omit for lots less than 40' 894
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards 6 on the secondary elevation, a walkway shall provide direct access from the front entryway to the primary sidewalk.13. A tandem garage with a maximum width of 13 feet and a minimum depth of 38 feet. This option is only allowed for lots less than 40 feet wide.

B.Fenestration1. All windows and doors shall include at least one of the following exterior design details:a. A recess of at least two inches from the wall plane.b. Wood, metal, stucco covered foam, or engineered wood trim around the entire window or door. 2. If used, shutters shall be sized to cover 100 to 105 percent of the window and match the exact window shape.C.Design Details1. Materialsa. No more than four materials or finishes (not including roofing, door, or windowmaterials) shall be used on each elevation, and no more than five materials or NOTE: The rendering above is meant for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate a development in compliance with the requirements established in Section 17.12.160.A (Structure Design Standards).Wwindow or door12 895
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Number: 1 Author: ANisbett Subject: Sticky Note Date: 03/27/2025 3:59:26 PM Can we amend for front facing facade only? Side and rear windows/doors do not need to comply? Number: 2 Author: ANisbett Subject: Sticky Note Date: 03/27/2025 3:59:32 PM this limits the ability to use shutters. Can we omit or revise to less than 100%? 896
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – March 2025 7 finishes (not including roofing, door, or window materials) in total shall be used across all elevations. b. The following materials are prohibited from use as exterior finishes (excluding windows and doors): i. Vinyl siding ii. Plastic iii. Raw, non-treated/coated metal 2. Colors a. Single-Family Standalone Unit. A minimum of two, but no more than five, colors (or tints, shades, or tones of the same color) shall be used on the entire exterior of the building. b. Single Family Subdivisions. Single family subdivisions shall provide a minimum of three color schemes and shall not use a single color scheme on more than 40 percent of the residential units. Structures shall incorporate a color scheme that contains a maximum of four distinct colors per building. A color scheme is defined as (body one and/or body two, trim, and a contrasting accent color). Adjacent colors shall not use the same color scheme. 3. Accessory Structures. All accessory structures (i.e., accessory dwelling units, garages, workshops, storage sheds) visible from the primary street shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, and roof type as the primary structure. This standard only applies to accessory structures constructed together with the primary dwelling unit. 17.12.170 Utility and Service Areas A. Above ground utilities, transformers, and other mechanical equipment placed between the front or street side of a residence and a public street or vehicular or pedestrian accessway, shall be screened from view by a fence, wall, or landscaping in accordance with this Chapter. B. If private vehicle charging facilities are provided in the development, these facilities shall be located close to the garage’s electrical panel and blend in with the house design/color to provide architectural compatibility. 17.12.180 Landscaping A. All areas not occupied by structures or pavement in the front yard area shall be landscaped. Landscaped areas shall consist of plantings, turf, mulch, or bark. B. All landscape areas shall meet the requirements of the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, or if applicable, the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the City of Visalia. [Source: 17.30.015.C.1.a] C. Pavement or hardscape shall not make up more than 50 percent of the front yard, unless necessary to meet other standards required by this Chapter. 897
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards 8 17.12.190Fences, Walls, and Hedges. A.Height. Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed seven feet in height if on the side or rear yard setbacks, or three feet in height if in the front yard setback. A front yard fence or wall may be allowed to a height of up to four feet only if the portion exceeding three feet, at minimum, is constructed with a material that has a visibility percentage of at least 50 percent (i.e., lattice fencing). These standards also apply within five feet of the street side property line for corner lots.B.Materials. The following materials are prohibited from use as fencing:1. Barbed wire2. Electric charged fencing3. Corrugated Paneling4. Chain link (except for three to four-foot height fences within the front yard and street side yard setback)

17.12.200Exterior LightingA.All entryways, porch areas, pedestrian pathways, and gates shall include lighting for safety and security. All exterior lighting fixtures shall comply with all of the following standards:1. Be fully shielded and shall not spill onto adjacent properties; 2. Ground-mounted light fixtures to illuminate driveways, landscaped areas, or pedestrian pathways shall be no more than three feet in height; and 1 898
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Number: 1 Author: ANisbett Subject: Sticky Note Date: 03/27/2025 4:00:23 PM will decorative carriage lights qualify? 899
Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Revised Public Review Draft – March 2025 9 3. Use light emitting diodes (LEDs) with a maximum temperature of 3000 kelvins. B. Permanently installed light fixtures that blink, revolve or flash are prohibited. This excludes decorative seasonal lighting. 17.12.210Off-Street Parking FacilitiesA. The number and type of off-street parking facilities for a single-family residential development shall comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning district as established in Chapter 17.34. In addition to the provisions in Chapter 17.34, all off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards: B. Covered parking areas shall be in garages. Carports are allowed only if they do not serve as the required covered parking (e.g., porte cocheres, carports in front of garages). [Source: 17.12.135.A.7] C. Uncovered parking areas (i.e., driveways) shall be paved with concrete or a permeable or impermeable surface. [Source: 17.34.030.P] D. Off-Street Guest Parking Facilities for Planned Unit Developments. Planned unit developments with four or more dwelling units shall provide off-street guest parking spaces when on-street parking is not allowed on the streets within the development. Planned unit developments shall provide a minimum of one guest parking space per four dwelling units within the total project. If a fraction occurs based on the specified number of guest spaces, the project applicant shall round up to the next round number of guest spaces. 17.12.220 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments A. Useable Common Open Space. Planned unit developments shall provide usable outdoor passive/active open space with outdoor amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities). Useable common open space means an unobstructed area or areas, accessible to all occupants of the structure it serves, having no dimension less than 10 feet in any direction. Useable common open space excludes areas designated for parking, including surface parking, carports, or garages. A minimum of 60 percent of the common useable open space shall be provided as landscaped green area (not hardscaped). B. Recreational Amenities. Recreation amenities as required in Table 1 (Outdoor Amenities) can be either passive or active as described below, or a combination of the two. 1. Passive Recreational Amenities. Passive recreation refers to recreational activities that require minimal to no facilities or development to perform such activities. Passive recreation amenities include, but are not limited to, community gardens, outdoor gathering/seating area, picnic/barbeque area, pet area/dog park, courtyard/plaza. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 200 square feet unless otherwise stated. 2. Active Recreational Amenities. Active recreation refers to recreational activities that require specific facilities or equipment to perform such activities. Active recreational amenities include, but are not limited to, playground/tot lot, sports court/field, fitness area, swimming pool, clubhouse w/kitchen, community room. All passive recreational amenity area shall be a minimum of 500 square feet unless otherwise stated. 900
Chapter 17.12 – Article 2 Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards 10 C. Seating. Seating shall be provided for all common open space areas. D. Playgrounds/tot lots shall be located in an area with direct visibility from a minimum of three dwelling units to allow for casual surveillance. Table1OpenSpaceandRecreationalRequirementsNumber of Units in ProjectMinimum Number of Amenities1 Minimum Total Area2Less than 5 1 500 sq. ft.5-101 1 500 sq. ft. plus 100 sq. ft per unit over 5 units11-30 2 1,000 sq. ft. plus 150 sq. ft per unit over 10 units 31-60 2 4,000 sq. ft. plus 165 sq. ft per unit over 30 units 61-100 2 9,000 sq. ft. plus 200 sq. ft per unit over 60 units 101-150 3 plus 1 additional amenity for every 50 units over 200 17,000 sq. ft. plus 250 sq. ft per unit over 100 units 17.12.230 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments. Sidewalks within a Planned Unit Development shall incorporate the following standards: A. Shall be a minimum width of five feet; and B. Shall implement the concrete specifications for sidewalks and ramps as determined by the City of Visalia City Engineering Division Design and Improvement Standards. 1 – Minimum number of amenities can be passive or active amenities as described in Subsection 17.12.220.B 2 - Minimum Total Area means the combined area of all amenities. Each amenity must still meet all applicable standards established in this Section. 901
1 Brandon Smith
From: David Becerra <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 12:29 PM
To: Brandon Smith
Cc: Betsy McGovern-Garcia; Tom Collishaw; Heather Mendonca; Rick Gonzales Subject: Visalia Housing Design Review
Brandon,
As a non-profit affordable housing developer, our financial viability depends on using standardized master plans to streamline approvals, reduce architectural costs, and maintain cost-effective construction. The proposed Objective Design Standards under Chapter 17.12 introduce numerous design mandates that are incompatible with our current plans, as indicated in redline comments such as “plans do not comply.” These requirements would force costly redesigns, threaten compliance with existing funding sources, and hinder the rapid deployment of affordable housing.

Below is a section-by-section breakdown of provisions that will increase costs and where our plans currently do not comply:

17.12.160 – Structure Design Standards
ඝඞ A. Architectural Design Elements (Pages 5–6)
Redline Note: “Structure Design Standards pose a major issue – we only comply with walkway” Requirements: Developments must include at least 3 of 13 design elements on each elevation (front, side, rear). Elements include:
 Projections or recessions
 Second-floor setbacks
 Multiple roof forms or gables
 Juliette balconies
 Decorative trellises
 Bay windows, etc.

Redline Comment: "Plans do not comply" was applied to most of these features.

Cost & Design Impacts:
 Our master plans are intentionally simplified for efficiency. They do not include setbacks, architectural projections, or roofline variations on every elevation.  Adding these features would require:
o Full architectural redesigns
o Additional materials (e.g., gables, eaves, trim)
o Increased framing and labor time
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 902
2 This undermines one of our greatest cost-saving tools—plan standardization across multiple lots and communities.

17.12.160.B – Fenestration Requirements
Redline Comment: “Plans do not comply”
Requirement: All windows and doors must include:
 A minimum 2-inch recess, or
 Trim of specific materials (wood, engineered wood, stucco foam) Cost Impact:
 Our windows are currently flush-mounted vinyl in master plans.  Recessing windows or wrapping them in specialty trim adds:
o Framing modifications
o Labor for trimming
o Increased inspection and material costs

17.12.160.C.1 – Materials Limitations
Redline Comment: “Plans do not comply”
Requirement:
 No more than 4 exterior materials per elevation
 Vinyl siding is prohibited
Cost Impact:
 Vinyl siding is one of our most cost-effective and durable cladding options.  Replacing it with approved alternatives (fiber cement, stucco, etc.) increases:
o Material cost by 20–40%
o Labor and insurance (due to materials requiring special handling) o Ongoing maintenance costs for homeowners
This restriction disproportionately affects affordability-focused developments.

Additional “Plans Do Not Comply” Redline Sections
Section Requirement Impact

17.12.160.A.1 Projections every 25 ft Requires design breakups our plans do not include

17.12.160.A.2 Recessions every 25 ft Structural redesign 903
3 Section Requirement Impact

17.12.160.A.3 Second-floor setbacks Not present in current 2-story plans

17.12.160.A.4 Bay windows Costly and not used in standard plans

17.12.160.A.6 Roof pitch/form changes Additional framing complexity

17.12.160.A.7 Gables/dormers Not included; adds cost

17.12.160.A.9 2nd-story balconies Not feasible within affordability model

17.12.160.A.10 Decorative trellises Unnecessary aesthetic; adds cost

17.12.160.A.11 Window every 15 ft Not met on side/rear elevations of our models ၜၝၞ Conclusion and Request
Our master plans were developed with both cost and speed of delivery in mind, which are critical in addressing the region’s housing crisis. Imposing these standards—most of which our current plans do not comply with—will:
 Result in significant architectural redesigns
 Increase per-unit construction costs beyond affordable thresholds  Delay or halt construction on projects already in the pipeline ܚܛܜRequest:

We respectfully request the City consider:

1. Exempting affordable housing developers using pre-approved master plans from Sections

17.12.160.A–C.

2. Allowing alternative compliance or a waiver process for non-profits operating under fixed public funding programs.

Preserving flexibility in design for projects that already meet all health, safety, and basic zoning standards.

Thanks again for your time.

The Team at Self-Help Enterprises

David Becerra
Sr. Project Manager

Self-Help Enterprises
8445 W. Elowin Court | P.O. Box 6520 Visalia, CA 93290

559-931-2495, Fax: 559-651-3634

[email protected]

www.selfhelpenterprises.org

904
1 Brandon Smith
From: Corine Demetreos <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 3, 2025 2:09 PM
To: Brandon Smith
Subject: RE: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31
Hi Brandon,

Sorry I didn’t get my comments to you timely.

Suffice it to say;
1) Thank you very much for including the D.R. Horton Team in the dialogue, 2) We are generally not in favor of any alterations to our plans as it results in price increase to our customers, 3) We do understand the State requires the City to have design standards and we do appreciate being considered during the process to draft the City’s design standards, 4) Our Product Development team has reviewed the latest draft Design Standards and has determined there is a way forward with most of our existing designs according to the draft design standards the city circulated last month.
5) The direct comments from our Product Development Director are; “After review, there are no significant changes that will need to be made to our current plans in order to meet these standards.

Currently, we only have pop outs on the windows and doors on the front elevations. We will need to add them to the sides and back to meet the requirements for Fenestration.”

We are supportive of the draft standards and will have no opposition to what has been proposed.

Sincerely,
Corine

Corine Demetreos
Division Vice President Forward Planning & Land Development

D.R. HORTON
6465 N. Palm Ave. Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93704
m: 559.631.6208
e: [email protected]

Home for every stage in life. | D.R. Horton ∙ Express ∙ Emerald ∙ Freedom

From: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 2:30 PM
To: Corine Demetreos <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31

[External]
Hello Corine,

905
2 Should I still be expecting a comment letter from D.R. Horton? We will be working with our consultant tomorrow to start preparing the City Council report, so please let me know ASAP!

Brandon Smith, AICP | Principal Planner
City of Visalia Planning and Community Preservation Department Phone: (559) 713-4636
Email: [email protected]
www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning

From: Corine Demetreos <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2025 12:06 PM
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31

Thanks Brandon,

Our Product Development team is reviewing and analyzing the financial impact the proposed design standards will have on our product.

I will provide a comment letter Monday.

Sincerely,
Corine

Corine Demetreos
Division Vice President of Forward Planning and Land Development D.R. HORTON
6465 N. Palm Ave. Suite 101
m: 559.631.6208
e: [email protected]

-------- Original message --------
From: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Date: 3/27/25 11:22 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: Reminder: Comments on Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards Due Monday, March 31 [External]
Hello all,

This is a reminder that the last day to submit a comment on the Revised Public Review Draft of the City of Visalia’s Residential Objective Design Standards is Monday, March 31, 2025. A copy of the Draft Ordinance is attached to this email.

We anticipate that the City Council public hearing date to consider adopting this Draft Ordinance will be Monday, April 21, though we will confirm this in a later email.
906
3 Thank you, Brandon

From: Brandon Smith
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 10:08 AM
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: Visalia's Residential Objective Design Standards - Revised Public Review Draft Out Now

Hello all,

The Revised Public Review Draft of the City of Visalia’s Residential Objective Design Standards is out for public comment. A copy of the ordinance is attached to this email. Additionally, the ordinance can be viewed and downloaded from the project website (www.housevisalia.com; click on Zoning Code Update at the top of the page).

Again, these revised standards are the result of City Council direction and additional engagement conducted with the local development community which included many of you.

The draft standards are available for public review and comment through Monday, March 31, 2025. To submit a comment on the draft standards, "Comments" button on the email directly to me at [email protected], or submit your comments directly through the website. Details will come later regarding a future public hearing, possibly occurring in late April 2025.

Thank you,

Brandon Smith, AICP | Principal Planner
City of Visalia Planning and Community Preservation Department Phone: (559) 713-4636
Email: [email protected]
www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 907
1 Brandon Smith
From: Steve Macias <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2025 2:36 PM
To: Brandon Smith
Subject: Re: Upcoming City Council Meeting - Single-Family Objective Design Standards Attachments: DOC041125-04112025142140.pdf
Brandon

I know I am a few weeks late here. Attached are some final thoughts on the design standards. Were there any other revisions after the previous email had been sent out?

Steven J. Macias
Engineering Manager
(559)786-0936
From: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 4:02 PM
To: Brandon Smith <[email protected]>
Subject: Upcoming City Council Meeting - Single-Family Objective Design Standards

Hello all,

In case you haven’t already received notice of the upcoming City Council public hearing to review the draft Objective Design Standards, I am sharing the below notice which has the Save the Date details.

Brandon Smith, AICP | Principal Planner
City of Visalia Planning and Community Preservation Department Phone: (559) 713-4636
Email: [email protected]
www.visalia.city/depts/community_development/planning

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908
2 Save the Date

City Council Meeting on
Single-Family Objective Design Standards

Meeting Information

Monday, April 21, 2025
7:00pm
City Council Chambers
(707 W. Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291)

The meeting agenda will be posted here closer to the meeting date.

On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Visalia City Council will hold a public hearing to review the revised draft Single-Family Objective Design Standards. This public hearing will include a brief presentation from City staff, discussion of the revised standards, and opportunity for public comment.

These revised standards are a result of City Council direction and additional engagement conducted with local developers. The first draft of the standards can be found on the project website under the "Resources" tab.

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3 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Revised Single-Family Objective Design Standards

What are single-family objective design
standards?

The Single-Family Objective Design Standards Ordinance establishes a set of objective design standards for developers to follow when constructing new single-family homes in Visalia. These standards provide developers a clear understanding of the City's expectations for residential project design and help promote the construction of housing units by streamlining the permitting review process.

Learn More

Visit the Project Website

910
4 Please remember to visit the Housing & General Plan Updates website for information on the project and upcoming events.
housevisalia.com

Questions?

Brandon Smith | [email protected], (559) 713-4636 Brent Gibbons | [email protected], (916) 446-0522

? House Visalia | housevisalia.com

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Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
Visalia City Council
Legislation Details (With Text)
File #: Version: 124-0522
Status:Type: Public Hearing Item Agenda Ready
File created: In control:11/20/2024 Visalia City Council On agenda: Final action:12/16/2024
Title: Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance Nos. 2024-15 and 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03: A request by the City of Visalia to add to and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia. Environmental Assessment Status:

The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 and Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3).

Sponsors:

Indexes:

Code sections:

Attachments: 1. Ordinance 2024-15 for ZTA 2024-03 ADU, 2. Ordinance 2024-16 for ZTA 2024-03 ODS, 3.

Attachment 1 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, 4. Attachment 2 - Design Standards Ordinance, 5.

Attachment 3 - Revisions to Small Lot Ordinance, 6. Attachment 4 - State ADU Law - Areas of Local Discretion, 7. Attachment 5 - Changes to Existing ADU Regulations Table, 8. Attachment 6 - Stakeholder_Interview_Summary, 9. Attachment 7 - Comment HPAC 12-11-2024 Action ByDate Action ResultVer.

Agenda Item Wording:

Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance Nos. 2024-15 and 2024-16 to adopt Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03: A request by the City of Visalia to add to and amend regulations within the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments. The regulations will apply Citywide to properties within the city limits of the City of Visalia. Environmental Assessment Status:

The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 and Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3).

Deadline for Action: 12/16/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number: Brandon Smith, Principal Planner, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, (559) 713-4636; Paul Bernal, Department Head / City Planner, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, (559) 713-4025 Department Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing and introduce the first reading of:
· Ordinance No. 2024-15, to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 1 of 12
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pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units; and,
· Ordinance No. 2024-16, to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments.

However, the City Council may, in lieu of the recommended motion for the Objective Design Standards ordinance as specified above, consider any of the following alternative motions:

1. Adopt the Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards applicable to new single-family residential developments by resolution rather than by ordinance (adoption by resolution could allow for these design standards to be modified / revised in the future without holding multiple public hearings); or

2. Direct staff to conduct further outreach to stakeholders and interested individuals which could result in modifications to the residential objective design standards as proposed, and direct that any revised objective design standards be reconsidered in a public hearing before the Planning Commission and City Council; or

3. Refer the matter back to Planning Commission for further evaluation based on comments received by the City Council.

Background Discussion:

Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2024-03 is a city-initiated request to prepare updates to the Visalia Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to development standards for residential uses, specifically applicable to accessory dwelling units and toward new single-family residential developments throughout the City.

The updates are needed for the City’s Zoning Ordinance in response to new and significantly increased state legislation in recent years which have made the City’s ordinances outdated in addressing emerging topics of both the addition of dwelling units on a parcel with new or existing residential uses and to the applicability of defined objective standards (as opposed to subjective standards) toward new residential uses.

The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Update will amend the City’sexisting ordinance to ensure compliance with state law commencing in Government Code Section 66310. As proposed, this ordinance will meet the requirements for state law. The Update also provides the City with the opportunity to reconsider its own local standards in response to both state legislation that streamlines requirements for ADUs and the increased interest by property owners to construct additional housing units on their property. Legislation has greatly expanded upon various aspects of ADUs and their development standards, including the types and number of units allowed on a property. State law has also created provisions for a relatively new type of unit called Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) which is currently not addressed in the City’sordinance. With the adoption of an updated ADU ordinance, together with other recent efforts such as the creation of permit-ready ADU plan sets, the City will be in an improved position to both encourage construction of new ADUs and ensure that such uses are compatible with other surrounding residential uses.

The Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards and Planned Residential Development standards largely responds to current growth trends where developers have been utilizing smaller lot sizes and new design techniques. As the City has had to respond to more forms of non-traditional single-family residential neighborhoods over the years, developers have desired a set of reliable codified objective design standards in keeping with the City’sSingle-Family Residential and Planned Residential Development objectives upon which developers can utilize to plan new neighborhoods and with City staff can comfortably support based on compliance with the Municipal Code. The Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 2 of 12
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and with City staff can comfortably support based on compliance with the Municipal Code. The standards address a range of topics that include appearance, landscaping, fences, off-street parking, and common open space areas within planned residential developments.

The Zoning Text Amendment is further being carried out in fulfillment of certain implementation programs in the City’sHousing Element of the General Plan. Specifically, Housing Element Program

3.15 (Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units) includes an action that requires the city to update its Ordinance to integrate changes in state housing law. Failure to update the ADU ordinance to be consistent with state law may result in the state taking action to decertify the Housing Element. Also, Housing Element Program 2.7 (Missing Middle) includes an action to review and amend residential development standards for a mix of dwelling unit types (including various types of multi-family units, which will occur in 2025).

Analysis: Accessory Dwelling Units
History
An ADU, which refers to an accessory dwelling unit and can be also called a second dwelling unit or granny flat, is a secondary residential unit that shares a lot with an existing residence.

A JADU or junior accessory dwelling unit is an ADU created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family home and may be no larger than 500 square feet. JADUs have been introduced into state law only in recent years and are not currently addressed in Visalia’s code.

In response to the state housing crisis, the California legislature in 2019 passed six bills (SB 13, AB 68, AB 587, AB 670, AB 671, AB 881) that collectively addressed state regulation toward ADUs.

Additional bills, including AB 2221 and SB 897, both passed in 2022, further amended Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 and provided clarification on number of units allowed. These code sections have since been renumbered to begin at Government Code section 66310.

This new state legislation preempts all local ordinances that do not comply with the new standards.

Cities are expected to update their local ordinances to comply with the state legislation. If cities fail to do so, the new state laws automatically apply, and applicants are permitted to develop ADUs and JADUs under the state legislation. Since the change in state law, Visalia has regulated ADUs and JADUs in accordance with state law since the current municipal ordinance is not consistent with the new state law requirements.

Visalia has not updated its ADU ordinance since legislation was passed in 2019. Its last amendment processed in 2017 pertained to parking standards that were also based on state legislation. Local jurisdictions now have very limited authority to adopt local regulations and restrictions for typical land development standards such as unit size, number, height, setback and parking. However, the city does retain limited discretion to apply land use regulations as it deems appropriate, such as imposing a height limit of 16 feet and imposing certain objective design standards to prevent impacts to historic resources but a revised ordinance must be approved before these allowed types of regulations would be allowed.

Proposed Amendments
This Zoning Text Amendment proposes to remove in its entirety the current City ordinance pertaining to ADUs that commences in Article 2 of Chapter 17.12 pertaining to the Single-family Residential Zone. A newly written code is proposed to be located as a new stand-alone chapter, Chapter 17.14, which is currently unused. The rationale behind moving the code away from the Single-family Residential Zone chapter is in recognition that ADU’s, in accordance with state law, are now permitted in any residential or mixed-use zone, as well in zones where residential uses are Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 3 of 12
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permitted in any residential or mixed-use zone, as well in zones where residential uses are conditionally allowed (ref. Section 17.14.040). The ZTA further updates references to the ADU ordinance that are found in other chapters of the ordinance.

The proposed amendments are provided in the attached Ordinance No. 2024-15 and in Attachment

1. Highlights of the proposed changes are as follows.
• Number of Units (Section 17.14.070). In compliance with state law, lots that are zoned Single-Family Residential are permitted to have one ADU and one JADU within the space of an existing dwelling or accessory structure meeting specified requirements, plus one ADU that is detached new construction. This accounts for potentially four units on one lot, as required by state law, provided that the owner resides on the property. Only inclusion of the JADU requires the owner to reside on-site.

For newly created attached or detached units:
• Size (17.14.090(A)). An ADU may not exceed 850 square feet if it has fewer than two bedrooms or 1,200 square feet if it has two or more bedrooms. An attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 50 percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling. • Height limitations (17.14.090(B)). For ADUs located within a rear yard setback which the City has limited to a 12-foot height limit, a 16 foot maximum height limit with allowance to 18 feet if located within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (or 20 feet to accommodate a matching roof pitch with the primary dwelling unit). • Front yard setback (17.14.090(D)). The City’scode mandates that an ADU be subject to the same front yard setback requirement applicable to the primary dwelling unit, unless it precludes development of an accessory dwelling unit that is at least 800 square feet. • Side and rear yard setback (17.14.090(D)). An ADU shall have a minimum setback of four feet from these property lines, consistent with the state’sallowance of an ADU no larger than 800 square feet to be placed no closer than four feet from property line. • Design standards for historic-designated properties (17.14.090(E)). Objective design standards have been added for properties located within the Historic Preservation District and/or the Local Register of Historic Structures. This is to ensure that such properties have defined parameters to maintain a character that is historic in nature, since state law prohibits jurisdictions from imposing subjective standards upon ADUs, even if imposed by a review committee.
• Standards for Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (17.14.110).

For additional information, Attachment 4 provides a summary of the level of discretion that a city can apply to local land development standards on ADUs and JADUs and Attachment 5 provides a table summarizing the city's existing ADU requirements, state law requirements, and staff’srecommended revisions to comply with state law.

The state legislature has made several modifications to ADU law to encourage more affordable housing development over the past several years, and more changes can be expected in the coming years. While such state-initiated modifications might further require regular updates to local ordinances, the City cannot simply defer to state law for all regulation toward ADUs and JADUs.

Jurisdictions are expected to update their ordinances. This is good for local ordinances as it provides greater clarity to residents on the allowances and limitations. In addition, as addressed in Attachment Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 4 of 12
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4, a local ordinance can still exercise some level of discretion towards ADU regulation.

Consistency with State Law and General Plan Policies and Local Law The proposed amendments are consistent with California Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 (now renumbered as Government Code section 66310) and the changes to state law that are now currently in effect.

The proposed amendments are consistent with the residential density ranges of the General Plan Land Use Element in that, pursuant to state law, an ADU or JADU shall not be considered to exceed the allowable density for the lot upon which it is located.

Additionally, the proposed amendments implement the following General Plan goals, policies, and programs:

LU-O-23 - Provide a range of housing types and prices within new neighborhoods to meet the needs of all segments of the community.

LU-P-50 - Provide development standards to ensure that a mix of detached and attached single- family and multi-family housing types can be compatible in a single development.

HE Policy 1.4 - The City shall encourage a mix of residential development types in the city, including single family homes, on a variety of lot sizes, as well as townhomes, row houses, live- work units, planned unit developments, accessory dwelling units, and multi-family housing.

HE Policy 3.11 - The City shall continue to support, facilitate the construction, and provide for the development of accessory dwelling units on parcels with single-family and multi-family units while protecting the character of neighborhoods and zoned parcels as a means of providing affordable housing.

HE Program 3.15 Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units. - The City shall promote the development of ADUs, prioritizing the higher resource areas. The City shall:
•By June 2024, compile and publish information regarding permit requirements, changes in State law, the Permit Ready ADU program, available incentives (such as fee waivers; see Program

3.12) and the benefits of accessory dwelling units; information shall be published on the City website, and advertised through City social media outlets and email lists at least twice a year.

To date, the changes in State law is the last major component of this program needing to be accomplished. Currently the Planning Division has websites dedicated to ADUs and to the Permit Ready ADUs. In the past year, the City has engaged the public through social media and email as it has sought to update its ADU ordinance, and has engaged with the public on ADUs at in-person events such as the twice-a-year Home Expo show.

Community Engagement
The City released a draft of the ADU ordinance together with the Single Family Residential Objective Design Standards ordinance for a public review period from August 30 to September 30, 2024 (32 days total). Announcement for the public review period was conducted via an email blast to stakeholders and interested people (signed up through www.housevisalia.com <http://www.housevisalia.com>) and through multiple City of Visalia social media announcements.

One public comment was received during the public review period on behalf of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee regarding the design requirements listed in Section 17.14.090.

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The comment sought to clarify terminology and add additional examples of window and door treatments.

An additional public comment was received on behalf of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee on December 11, 2024, included as Attachment 7. The comments recommend correcting spelling and adding the phrase “e.g.” in one section, which staff considers as grammatical changes which will be addressed in the 2nd (final) reading.

Action by Planning Commission
On November 12, 2024, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 (Norman: no) to recommend approval of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03 as presented by staff. During the public comment period of the agenda item, one person spoke on the item. Dolores Taylor, representing the Building Industry Association of Tulare / Kings Counties, Inc., in addressing concerns regarding the proposed Objective Design Standards ordinance (refer to the Analysis section of the Objective Design Standards ordinance below), stated that the two ordinances did not seem compatible, wherein the ODS ordinance was for beautifying while the ADU ordinance was for intensifying.

Objective Design Standards
History
Staff led three City Council work sessions between 2020 and 2022 to discuss concerns regarding single-family residential subdivision design, particularly directed toward developments with lots less than 5,000 square feet, planned unit developments, and the 5-pack / cluster design housing. The concerns led toward direction for the City to develop an ordinance that gives explicit codified standards on public open space, off-street parking, and structure design. Separately, the City applied for and received a State Housing and Community Development (HCD) grant to fund three development activities, including an update of the Planned Unit Residential Ordinance and the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. The grant allowed the City to request proposals for preparation of ordinance updates, which was awarded to Mintier Harnish in August 2022.

In February 2024, the City Council authorized expanding the scope of the contract with Mintier Harnish to prepare objective design standards for single-family residential development in the City.

The desire to expand the scope of work was based upon the necessity to establish clear codified standards for traditional single-family residential development in response to state legislation allowing ministerial approvals of residential development (such as SB 9 adopted in 2021 and SB 35 adopted in 2017), and based upon a desire to have improved design standards toward traditional subdivisions, including those with lot sizes below 5,000 square feet. The task for preparation of objective design standards was folded into the contract with Mintier Harnish based upon the similarity in nature to the ongoing Zoning Ordinance updates.

Having a clear and dedicated set of objective design standards has become a topic of interest for the City due to the increase of State mandates and regulations on permitting housing, thereby reducing the City’sability to enact design considerations if a City does not have adopted/codified objective design standards. Legislation such as SB 35 provides a ministerial process for facilitating housing development that removes any ability for a jurisdiction to impose conditions or design features that are not already explicitly stated in an ordinance. Such examples of design features that the City has required in the past has included adhering to a higher standard of facades or building elevations on the front or on all sides of the structure, inclusion of common open space areas, and inclusion of off- street guest parking stalls within planned unit developments. In response to current State legislation and more that is expected to come in forthcoming years, many jurisdictions in California are moving towards adopting a set of objective design standards to retain local control on the design of housing developments within their communities.

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Proposed Amendments
The resulting ordinance, now collectively referred to as the Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards (ODS), is intended to apply toward all new single-family residential construction within the city boundaries on any lot regardless of parcel size, except ADUs and properties within the Historic District or Local Register of Historic Structures.

This Zoning Text Amendment proposes a newly written code commencing in Article 2 of Chapter

17.12 (Single-family Residential Zone Ordinance), which would be the former location of the ADU Ordinance.

The proposed ODS ordinance will work in tandem with other existing objective standards that address residential development standards (i.e. setback requirements, height limits), which already exist in Chapter 17.12 Article 1, and for lots below 5,000 square feet in size, in Section 17.12.135(B).

However, most standards found in Section 17.12.135 that were intended to apply exclusively to lot sizes below 5,000 square feet are being replaced with the proposed ODS standards now applicable to all development in Single-family Residential zone districts (see Exhibit “C”for standards being removed from Section 17.12.135).

Additionally, the proposed ODS standards will work in tandem with the Planned Development (i.e.

PUD) Ordinance, found in Chapter 17.26, and will not require any changes to the PUD Ordinance.

This is because the PUD Ordinance provides more broad parameters on design considerations and outlines procedures for processing planned developments, which are not limited to residential uses alone. The proposed ODS standards that specifically apply to PUDs are off-street guest parking facilities, usable common open space areas, and sidewalks.

The objective design standards will help expedite a development’sministerial review process. This is done by providing more narrowly defined expectations up-front to ensure that new single-family residential development is compatible with Visalia’sexisting community character while complying with both state and local regulations. Builders will have access to these regulations through the City’sMunicipal Code and can apply the regulations to development prior to any preliminary or formal review process conducted by the City. The implementation of the project will also satisfy the terms of the State HCD Grant that was awarded to the city to fund the Citywide Objective Design Standards project that will help accelerate housing development.

The proposed performance standards are provided in the attached Ordinance and in Attachment 2.

Sections of the proposed ordinance are outlined below, with general descriptions provided in italics.

These standards may be used as guidelines for the development of single-family dwellings in multi- family residential and non-residential zones.

17.12.140 Purpose and Applicability

17.12.150 Site Planning
A. Site Placement
Developments with two or more structures shall be staggered with a minimum of two -foot variation measured from the front setback
B. Site Development
Front entryways on all units shall include one or more front windows, a covered porch, and a pedestrian walkway leading directly to the sidewalk.

17.12.160 Structure Design Standards
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A. Massing
Primary elevations wider than 25 feet shall incorporate at least one of the following massing elements for every 15 feet: Projection, Recession, Second Floor Step Back, Bay Window.

B. Articulation
Structures shall be vertically (height) and horizontally (depth) articulated along the primary elevations.

C. Fenestration
All windows and doors shall include a recess and/or a trim. Shutters if used shall be sized to the window shape.

D. Balconies
No portion of a second floor balcony shall be within 20 feet of the adjacent property line except when screening is incorporated.

E. Design Details
Regulations are provided for the use and number of Materials and Colors.

Accessory Structures, when constructed simultaneously, shall match the details.

17.12.170 Landscaping
Regulations are provided which require landscaping, utilization of state or local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requirements, street trees, and limitation of pavement / hardscape.

17.12.180 Fences, Walls, and Hedges
A. Height
Restatement of existing City of Visalia fence standards.

B. Materials
Use of barbed wire, electric charged fencing, corrugated paneling, and chain link (except in street fronting setbacks) is prohibited.

17.12.190 Exterior Lighting
Entryways, porch areas, pedestrian pathways, and gates shall include lighting for safety and security, subject to standards.

17.12.200 Off-Street Parking Facilities
Regulations are specified for the use of garages as covered parking and limitations on uncovered parking areas. Regulations include off-street guest parking facilities for Planned Unit Developments.

17.12.210 Useable Common Open Space Areas for Planned Unit Developments Requirements are specified for usable common open space, including passive and/or active recreational amenities, as required in Table 1 specified in the code.

17.12.220 Sidewalks for Planned Unit Developments
Sidewalks shall be a minimum of five feet width and shall implement City standards.

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17.12.230 Exception Powers of the Planning Commission
Specifies that an applicant may request an exception to one or more of the ODS regulations by following the Variance entitlement procedures wherein the Commission must make a specialized finding.

Applicability
If adopted, the new ordinance will apply to any new development project that is submitted for entitlement application following the effective date of the ordinance, which would be 30 days after a second reading of the ordinance. The new standards will not apply to previously approved projects (i.e. projects having received tentative map approval) or projects have been submitted and are in process of being deemed for completeness or are being prepared for public hearing.

Community Engagement
Engagement began early in the update process through the conducting of stakeholder interviews by the consultant. In April 2023, one-on-one interviews were conducted with three local stakeholders to gain feedback on the City’sresidential development regulations and review processes (a list of fifteen stakeholders was compiled, though only three responded for interviews). A summary and key takeaways statement was prepared and is included as Attachment 6. Findings from these interviews were taken into consideration in the preparation of the ordinance.

The City released a draft of the ODS ordinance together with the ADU ordinance for a public review period from August 30 to September 30, 2024 (32 days total). Announcement for the public review period was conducted via an email blast to stakeholders and interested people (signed up through www.housevisalia.com <http://www.housevisalia.com>) and through multiple City of Visalia social media announcements.

One public comment was received during the public review period on behalf of San Joaquin Valley Homes. In response to these comments, staff made the following changes to the Public Review Draft, which are now incorporated in the draft being proposed for adoption:
· 17.12.150.A.2.b - The term “front door” has replaced “primary entrance”. · 17.12.150.A.2.c - The garage section’sdescription of its placement with regard to the primary elevation has been changed, and the maximum width of the primary elevation has been increased from 50% to 60%.
· 17.12.150.B.3.e - Clarification that an optional pedestrian pathway from the front entry to the driveway is also allowed in addition to the pathway from the front entry to the sidewalk. · 17.12.200.B - Clarification of carport standards. In lieu of prohibiting carports, standard now reads that carports are allowed only if they do not serve as the required covered parking (e.g., porte cocheres, carports in front of garages).
· 17.12.200.C - Clarification of uncovered parking areas, stating that such areas shall be paved with concrete or a permeable or impermeable surface.
· 17.12.210.B - Clarification made to recreational amenities, stating that they may be either passive or active.

An additional public comment was received on behalf of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee on December 11, 2024, included as Attachment 7. The comment recommends also excluding properties in the Historic District from the ODS in addition to sites on the Local Register of Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 9 of 12
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excluding properties in the Historic District from the ODS in addition to sites on the Local Register of Historic Structures, which are already excluded.

Consistency with State Law and General Plan Policies and Local Law The proposed amendments are consistent with California legislation that facilitates a streamlined review preprocess subject to objective regulatory standards and affordable housing requirements, whether ministerial or discretionary. Specific legislation includes the Housing Accountability Act (1982, amended 2018; Government Code Section 65589.5), SB 35 a.k.a. Housing Accountability & Affordability Act (2017), and the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 a.k.a. SB 330 (2019) and SB 8 (2020).

Additionally, the proposed amendments implement the following General Plan goals, policies, and programs:

LU-O-21 - Preserve and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods while facilitating infill development.

LU-P-49 - Preserve established and distinctive neighborhoods throughout the City by maintaining appropriate zoning and development standards to achieve land use compatibility in terms of height, massing and other characteristics; providing design guidelines for high-quality new development; supporting housing rehabilitation programs; and other means.

LU-P-50 - Provide development standards to ensure that a mix of detached and attached single- family and multi-family housing types can be compatible in a single development.

HE Program 2.7 Missing Middle: The City will review and amend residential development standards to allow for and promote a mix of dwelling types and sizes, specifically missing middle- density housing types (e.g., duplexes, triplexes, courtyard buildings, townhomes) to encourage the development of housing types affordable to the local workforce.

Specifically, the City shall evaluate zoning standards related to minimum lot size and width, maximum lot coverage, required setbacks, open space and landscaping requirements, and parking ratios, particularly in high resource, low-density, infill parcels. The City shall meet with local developers, property owners, and non-profits agencies to identify constraints and potential incentives to infill and missing middle development in 2024 and shall adopt revised standards for such projects in 2025.

Action by Planning Commission
On November 12, 2024, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 (Norman: no) to recommend approval of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03 as presented by staff. At the request of staff, the motion included a request for staff to bring the ordinance back to the Commission on November 25, 2024, to add an appeal provision to the ODS ordinance. The new section, included as Section 17.12.230, was accepted by the Commission without further discussion.

During the public comment period of the agenda item, one person spoke on the item. Dolores Taylor, representing the Building Industry Association of Tulare / Kings Counties, Inc., voiced concerns that the proposed ODS ordinance would raise construction costs resulting in making housing less affordable, and would impose additional regulations that would require additional City staff time during project review.

The Commission felt that the ODS ordinance would help put the City in a better position to impose standards upon any future ministerial project.

In providing dissenting comments prior to a motion, Commissioner Norman expressed concern in imposing additional regulations upon residential developments that seem to be coming from the State Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 10 of 12 powered by Legistar™931
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which contributes toward increasing the cost of housing upon the buyer.

Fiscal Impact:

None.

Prior Council Action: None.

Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):

I move to introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2024-15 for Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-05 to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units; and,
I move to introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Zone Text Amendment No. 2024-05, to amend portions of Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance) pertaining to Single-Family Residential Objective Design standards.

Environmental Assessment Status:

The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ADU ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 which specifically exempts the adoption of an updated ADU ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ODS ordinance is exempt from CEQA per the CEQA Common Sense Exemption Section 15061(b)(3) that applies to projects which clearly do not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The project, in itself, does not allow construction of any building or structure, but sets forth design regulations that shall be followed. The regulations do not change allowable uses or building intensities. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, and thus is not subject to CEQA review.

CEQA Review:

The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ADU ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17 which specifically exempts the adoption of an updated ADU ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance amendment for the proposed ODS ordinance is exempt from CEQA per the CEQA Common Sense Exemption Section 15061(b)(3) that applies to projects which clearly do not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The project, in itself, does not allow construction of any building or structure, but sets forth design regulations that shall be followed. The regulations do not change allowable uses or building intensities. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, and thus is not subject to CEQA review.

Attachments:

1. Ordinance No. 2024-15 for Accessory Dwelling Units

2. Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Objective Design Standards, with addition of an appeals provision, Section 17.12.240

3. Attachment 1 - Revised Public Review Draft, Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance

4. Attachment 2 - Revised Public Review Draft, Single-Family Residential Objective Design Standards Ordinance

5. Attachment 3 - Revisions to Section 17.12.135, (Standards for) Lot area less than 5,000 square feet

6. Attachment 4 - Table of State Accessory Dwelling Unit Law - Areas of local discretion Visalia City Council Printed on 12/16/2024Page 11 of 12 powered by Legistar™932
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7. Attachment 5 - Summary of changes to existing ADU regulations

8. Attachment 6 - Stakeholder Interview Summary

9. Attachment 7 - Correspondence from Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, December 11, 2024
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City Council Public Hearing
April 21, 2025
1 Revised Single Family
Objective Design Standards
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Presentation Outline
• Project Overview and Recent Work
• Overview of Revisions to Single-Family Objective Design Standards • Staff Recommendation
2 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Project Purpose
To establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for single-family residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing subjectivity in the entitlement process. 3 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Project Background
Objective design standards were drafted based on:
▪ Existing design standards in the City’s Zoning Code and revised to be objective
▪ Industry best practices
▪ Existing/recent developments approved by the City
4 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Applicability
• All new single family residential development (including parcels <5,000 square feet)
• These design standards do not apply to:
• Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Places
• Multi-family residential development
• Discretionary review process still available to developers that want to deviate from these standards
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Summary of Recent Work
• First Public Review Draft released: August 30, 2024
• Planning Commission and City Council Meetings: November/December 2024 • Developer Roundtable Sessions: January 30, 2025; February 5, 2025 • Each meeting had 12-15 attendees
• Revised Public Review Draft released: March 14, 2025 – March 31, 2025 6 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Overview of Revised Public Review Draft
▪ The Revised Ordinance was based on discussions with
developers and verbal comments at roundtable session,
plus letters received following the sessions
▪ Removes certain standards and offers more options for complying with standards
▪ Creates more flexibility for developers while still
maintaining the City’s expectations and standards of
development
7 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Overview of Revisions
• Expanded list of Structure Design Standard options, requiring developers to incorporate at least three items from list of 13 items • Created four style options for front entryways (front porch, recessed entry, deep overhang, or front landing)
• Removed standards regarding unit staggering, garages flush with or behind living space, 2nd story balconies, walkway connection to sidewalks, strict massing and articulation requirements • Added exception powers for Planning Commission
• Other changes to garage widths, utility & service areas, lighting 8 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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9 Proposed Single-Family Communities
Lowery Ranch Subdivision, Site Plan Review #24-282, 12/11/2024 Higgins Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map, Approved 10/21/2022 942
10 Proposed Single-Family Communities
Clements Ranch Subdivision, Site Plan Review #25-013, 4/16/2024 Ritchie Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map, Pending Review 943
11 Recent Single-Family Communities
Deelynna Ranch subdivision (McAuliff & Noble)
Greystone 3 subdivision (Akers & Sedona)
Huckleberry Park (Riggin & Conyer)Huckleberry Park (Sedona & Conyer) River Island Ranch (Glendale & Court)
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12 Concept Product Built Product
• Shutters removed
• Garage side trim removed
• No pathway to sidewalk
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Staff Recommendation
▪ Hold public hearing
▪ Introduce 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Single- Family Objective Design Standards (ZTA No. 2024-03)
This recommendation is based on the findings that the ZTA is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City’s General Plan.
13 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
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Examples of Window Shutters
1215 E. Seeger Court – Morgan Enterprises Construction 5019 W. Brooke Ave., San Joaquin Valley Homes 947
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0133 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 4.

Agenda Item Wording:

Land Use License with Downtown Visalians - Approve a land use license with Downtown Visalians for the storage of property and equipment at 701 E. Race Avenue for a term of (1) year, with (2) additional 1-year terms upon mutual agreement of the two parties.

Deadline for Action: 4/21/2025
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number:

Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, [email protected], 713-4052 Department Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a land use license with Downtown Visalians for the storage of property and equipment at 701 E. Race Avenue for a term of (1) year, with (2) additional 1-year terms upon mutual agreement of the two parties.

Background Discussion:

Downtown Visalians is an organization comprised of business owners holding a City of Visalia business license that operates a business within the Downtown District’sboundaries: Conyer Street to Santa Fe Street, and Mineral King Avenue to School Avenue. The organization works with the City to forge partnerships that ensure an efficient manner of meeting the needs of its members through establishing coordinated programs for economic development and public area enhancements.

Historically, the City of Visalia and Downtown Visalians have entered into various agreements, consistent with their respective powers and purposes, in order to collaboratively and economically benefit both parties’ efforts to provide public services in the downtown Property and Business Improvement District “PBID.”
The Downtown Visalians’maintenance staff operate during the hours of 3:00 AM and 11:00 AM to supplement and enhance typical maintenance services performed by the City within the Downtown District. These types of services include, but are not limited to, landscape maintenance, sprinkler repair, graffiti removal, pressure washing, and the operations and maintenance of the downtown tree lighting.

Downtown Visalians owns the Main Street Christmas decorations and have requested a location to house a storage container for the purpose of storing them. In addition to the storage container, they are also requesting to park two vehicles and a trailer that are utilized for their daily maintenance operations.

The City owns property located at 701 E. Race Avenue, adjacent to the downtown, which currently also houses the Visalia Warming Center. City Staff has determined there is adequate space at this location to accommodate Downtown Visalians’ request to store their stated equipment at this Visalia City Council Printed on 4/18/2025Page 1 of 2
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File #: 25-0133 Agenda Date: 4/21/2025 Agenda #: 4.
location to accommodate Downtown Visalians’ request to store their stated equipment at this location. With the construction of the City’snew Civic Center, and the eventual redevelopment of the surrounding area, the long-term use of this property is still in question. So, the current limited term, up to 3 years, is recommended. However, based on the City Council’sdirection, this term could be extended pending the timing of any changes to the use of this property.

The City has other instances where City contractors that are non-profits have agreements to store materials or park on City property. These include, but are not limited to, C-set, the Warming Center and the Police Activity League.

Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Prior Council Action:

N/A
Other:

N/A
Alternatives:

Choose not to authorize the approval of a land use license with Downtown Visalians.

Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):

I move to authorize the City Manager to approve a land use license with Downtown Visalians for the storage of property and equipment at 701 E. Race Avenue for a term of (1) year, with (2) additional 1- year terms upon mutual agreement of the two parties.

Environmental Assessment Status:

N/A
CEQA Review:

N/A
Attachments:

Downtown Visalians - Land Use License for 701 E. Race Ave.

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1 Land Use License Between
Downtown Visalians
and the CITY OF VISALIA
701 E. Race Ave., Visalia, CA

This Land Use License (the “License”) made and effective April __, 2025, by and between the City OF VISALIA, a Municipal Corporation and charter law city of the State of California (hereinafter “COV”), and VISALIANS, INC. dba DOWNTOWN VISALIANS (hereinafter “Downtown Visalians”). COV and Downtown Visalians may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” or collectively as “the Parties.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, COV and Downtown Visalians have previously entered into various agreements, consistent with their respective powers and purposes, in order to collaboratively and economically benefit both Parties’ efforts to provide public services in the downtown Property and Business Improvement District “PBID”); and

WHEREAS, COV owns the real property and improvements located at 701 E.

Race Ave., which shall be referred to herein as “the Property”; and

WHEREAS, Downtown Visalians has previously utilized City owned properties for storage of personal property related to its powers and purposes of supporting business in the downtown PBID; and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into an agreement to allow Downtown Visalians to store personal property at the Property pursuant to a limited non-exclusive license; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this License is to document the terms and conditions under which Downtown Visalians may locate and utilize a storage container and parking for two (2) service vehicles and one (1) trailer on open space at the Property.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. PURPOSE: The intent of the Parties in entering into this License is to allow Downtown Visalians to locate a storage container on the Property for purposes of storing the personal property of the Downtown Visalians. This License would also allow Downtown Visalians to park two (2) service vehicles and one (1) trailer on the Property.
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2 2. TERM OF AGREEMENT: The term of this License shall be for one (1) year, to be effective April __, 2025, and ending on April __, 2026. This License may be renewed for two (2) additional one (1) year terms upon the mutual agreement of the Parties.

3. TERMINATION:

a) COV shall have the right to terminate this License at any time by giving Downtown Visalians at least ninety (90) days prior written notice by either personal delivery or first-class mail postage prepaid, specifying the effective date of termination.
b) Downtown Visalians shall have the right to terminate this License at any time by giving COV prior written notice by either personal delivery or first- class mail postage prepaid, specifying the effective date of termination. c) Either Party shall have the right to terminate this License based upon any failure by a Party to comply with the terms, covenants, and requirements contained herein. Upon notice from one Party to the other Party of any breach of this License, the Party receiving such notice shall have one (1) month to cure the breach. Failure to cure the breach within one (1) month shall result in immediate termination.

4. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE OF PROPERTY: In recognition of the public purposes associated with activities of the Downtown Visalians, COV hereby grants to Downtown Visalians a limited, non-exclusive right to locate a forty (40) foot storage container and to park its two (2) service vehicles and one (1) trailer on the grounds of the Property. City shall, at its sole discretion, determine the positioning and placement of the storage container and the areas for parking on the grounds of the Property. Downtown Visalians shall not have any right to access or utilize the structures or improvements on the Property unless expressly authorized by COV.