Wildomar City Council
December 9, 2024

firefighting services for land in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), conducts educational and training programs, provides fire planning guidance and mapping, and reviews general plan safety elements to ensure compliance with State fire safety requirements. CAL FIRE staff, or a designee, also reviews building permit applications, parcel maps, and use permits for construction or development in SRAs and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA).

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is a government-appointed approval body within CAL FIRE. It is responsible for developing the general forest policy of the state, determining the guidance policies of CAL FIRE, and representing the state’s interest in federal forestland in California. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection also promulgates regulations and approves general plan safety elements that are adopted by local governments for compliance with State statutes.

The California Office of the State Fire Marshal supports the mission of CAL FIRE by focusing on fire prevention. These responsibilities include regulating buildings in which people live, congregate, or are confined; controlling substances and products that may, in and of themselves or by their misuse, cause injuries, death, and destruction by fire; providing statewide direction for fire prevention within wildland areas; regulating hazardous liquid pipelines; developing and renewing regulations and building standards; and providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities. These are accomplished through major programs, including engineering, education, enforcement, and support from the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. For jurisdictions in SRAs or very high fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ), the Land Use Planning Program division of the Office of State Fire Marshal reviews safety elements during the update process to ensure consistency with California Government Code, Section 65302(g)(3).

Together, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, Office of State Fire Marshal, and CAL FIRE protect and enhance the forest resources of all wildland areas of California that are not under federal jurisdiction.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Responsibility Areas
CAL FIRE designates Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) as authorized under California Government Code Sections 51175 et seq. FHSZs may be designated Very High, High, or Moderate. CAL FIRE considers many factors when designating FHSZs, including fire history, existing and potential vegetation fuel, flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and weather patterns for the area. CAL FIRE designates FHSZs in two types of areas depending on which level of government is financially responsible for fire protection.  Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Incorporated communities are financially responsible for wildfire protection.
 State Responsibility Area (SRA). CAL FIRE and contracted counties are financially responsible for wildfire protection.

CAL FIRE Strategic Fire Plan
CAL FIRE produced the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, with goals, objectives, and policies to prepare for and mitigate the effects of fire on California’s natural and built environments (CAL FIRE 2018). The 2018 Strategic Plan focuses on fire prevention and suppression activities to protect lives, property, and 750

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ecosystems in addition to providing natural resource management to maintain state forests as a resilient carbon sink to meet California’s climate change goals. A key component of the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California is the collaboration between communities to ensure fire suppression and natural resource management is successful (CAL FIRE 2018).

State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Fire Safe Regulations California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2, SRA/Very High FHSZ Fire Safe Regulations, establishes minimum wildfire protection standards for construction and development in the SRA and Very High FHSZs and requires CAL FIRE to review development proposals and enact recommendations that serve as conditions of approval in these zones. These regulations apply to all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and all tentative and parcel maps in the SRA and Very High FHSZs. These standards include basic emergency access and perimeter wildfire protection measures, signing and building numbering, private water supply resources for emergency fire use, and vegetation modification.

Fire Safe Regulations also include a minimum setback of 30 feet for all buildings from property lines and/or the center of a road. Section 1273.08, Dead-End Roads, of these standards provides regulations for the maximum lengths of single-access roadways:
 Parcels zoned for less than one acre: 800 feet
 Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres: 1,320 feet
 Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres: 2,640 feet
 Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger: 5,280 feet
Fire Safe Regulations, Section 1299.03, Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structure Requirements, provides defensible space requirements for areas within 30 feet of a structure (Zone 1) and between 30 and 100 feet from a structure (Zone 2). In Zone 1, all dead and dying plants must be removed, as must any vegetation that could catch fire. In Zone 2, horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees must be created and maintained.

Public Resources Code Section 4291
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 4291, Mountainous, Forest-, Brush- and Grass-Covered Lands, is intended for any person who owns, lease, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in a mountainous area, forest-covered lands, shrub-covered lands, grass-covered lands, or land that is covered with flammable material, regardless of whether the property is in an SRA or Very High FHSZ. This section requires defensible space to be maintained within 100 feet from each side of a structure. An ember-resistant zone is also required within 5 feet of a structure and more intense fuel reduction between 5 and 30 feet of a structure.

California Fire Code
The CFC incorporates, by adoption, the International Fire Code of the International Code Council, with California amendments. This is the official fire code for the State and all political subdivisions. It is found in 24 CCR Part 9, and like the CBC, is revised and published every three years by the California Building 751

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Standards Commission. Also like the CBC, the CFC is effective statewide, but a local jurisdiction may adopt more restrictive standards based on local conditions. The City of Wildomar regularly adopts each new CFC update under Section 8.28, Fire Code, of the Wildomar Municipal Code. The CFC is a model code that regulates minimum fire safety regulations for new and existing buildings; facilities; storage; processes, including emergency planning and preparedness; fire service features; fire protection systems; hazardous materials; fire flow requirements; and fire hydrant locations and distribution. Typical fire safety requirements include installation of sprinklers in all buildings; the establishment of fire resistance standards for fire doors, building materials, and particular types of construction; and the clearance of debris and vegetation within a prescribed distance from occupied structures in wildfire hazard areas.

Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition
Chapter 33 of the CFC, Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition, provides requirements for fire safety precautions during construction and demolition of a development project. The purpose of this chapter is to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during construction and demolition operations, including those in underground locations. Specific requirements include a prohibition of smoking on-site, except for in approved areas; management of combustible materials and debris; cutting and welding; electrical wiring; and cooking. Additional requirements include the preparation of site safety plans prior to building permit issuance, providing fire watch during nonworking hours, and maintaining water supply for fire protection as soon as combustible materials arrive on a project site.

Wildland-Urban Interface Areas
Chapter 49, Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas, of the CFC applies to any geographical area identified as a FHSZ by CAL FIRE. It defines FHSZs, connects to the SRA/Very High FHSZ Fire Safe Regulation requirements for defensible space, and parallels requirements for wildfire protection building construction and hazardous vegetation fuel management in other sections of the CCR and the PRC. Chapter 49 of the 2022 CFC includes a definition for the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and provides requirements for fire protection plans, landslide plans, long-term vegetation management, and creation and maintenance of defensible space for all new development within the WUI.

California Building Code
The California Building Code (CBC), Part 2 of CCR Title 24, identifies building design standards, including those for fire safety. It is effective statewide, but a local jurisdiction may adopt more restrictive standards based on local conditions under specific amendment rules prescribed by the State Building Standards Commission. Residential buildings are plan-checked by local city building officials for compliance with the CBC and any applicable local edits. Typical fire safety requirements of the CBC include the installation of sprinklers in buildings and other facilities; the establishment of fire-resistance standards for fire doors, building materials, and particular types of construction in high FHSZs; requirements for smoke-detection systems; exiting requirements; and the clearance of debris.

Chapter 7A of the CBC, Materials and Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure, prescribes building materials and construction methods for new buildings in an FHSZ or Wildland Urban Interface. Chapter 7A contains requirements for roofing; attic ventilation; exterior walls; exterior windows and glazing; exterior doors; 752

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decking; protection of underfloor, appendages, and floor projections; and ancillary structures. Other requirements include vegetation management compliance, as prescribed in the CFC Section 4906 and PRC Section 4291.

California Public Utilities Commission
In 2007, wildfires in southern California were ignited by overhead utility power lines and aerial communication facilities near power lines. In response, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) began considering and adopting regulations to protect the public from fire hazards due to overhead power lines and nearby aerial communication facilities. The CPUC published a Fire Threat Map under Rulemaking 15-05-006, following procedures in Decision 17-01-009, revised by Decision 17-06-024, which adopted a work plan for the development of a utility High Fire Threat District where enhanced fire safety regulations in Decision 17-12-024 apply (CPUC 2021). The fire regulations require electric utilities to (CPUC 2017):
 Prioritize the correction of safety hazards.
 Correct nonimmediate fire risks in “Tier 2” (elevated fire threat) areas on the CPUC High Fire-Threat District within 12 months, and in “Tier 3” (extreme fire threat) areas within 6 months.  Maintain increased clearances between vegetation and power lines within the High Fire Threat District.  Maintain stricter wire-to-wire clearances for new and reconstructed facilities in Tier 3 areas.  Conduct annual inspections of overhead distribution facilities in rural areas of Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas.  Prepare a fire prevention plan annually if overhead facilities exist in the High Fire Threat District.

Regional Regulations
CAL FIRE’s County of Riverside Unit Strategic Plan
CAL FIRE prepares a California Strategic Plan to govern operations statewide. The California Strategic Plan is implemented through individual “unit plans” that are prepared for different regions for the state. CAL FIRE’s fire suppression operations are organized into 21 units that geographically follow county lines. CAL FIRE has adopted a Riverside Unit Fire Plan that covers Riverside County. The unit plan sets forth the agency’s priorities for the prevention, protection, and suppression of wildfires. The overall goal of the Riverside County Unit Fire Plan is to reduce total costs and losses from wildland fire in the unit by protecting assets at risk through focused pre-fire management prescriptions increasing initial attach success.

Local Regulations
City of Wildomar Municipal Code
The purposes of Chapter 2.32, Disaster Relief, are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this City in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this City with all other public 753

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agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons. As indicated in Section 2.32.080, Emergency Plan, the Wildomar Disaster Council is responsible for the development of the City’s emergency plan, which shall provide the effective mobilization of all the resources of the City, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency or state of war emergency; and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, and staff of the emergency organization.

Moreover, according to Section 8.28, Fire Code, of the Wildomar Municipal Code, the City adopted the 2022 California Fire Code. The State adopts a new California Fire Code every three years.

Section 13.16, Underground Utility Districts, of the Wildomar Municipal Code, was adopted in 2008 with the goal of creating districts throughout the City where poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures would be prohibited. This designation requires utility owners and property owners to underground utility lines in the district.

Section 15.96, Flood Hazard Area Regulations, of the Wildomar Municipal Code, was adopted in pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program to protect public health, safety and welfare and minimize public and private costs caused by flooding by regulating development within flood hazard areas. 2022 Wildomar Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The purpose of the LHMP is to identify the City’s hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences and set goals and actions to reduce and/or eliminate potential risks to people and property from natural and manmade hazards (Wildomar 2022).

City of Wildomar Emergency Operations Plan
The City of Wildomar Emergency Operations Plan outlines the City’s response to extraordinary emergencies, including natural disasters, technological incidents, and national security emergencies. The Emergency Operations Center is responsible for directing and coordinating various departments and agencies in emergency response activities. The plan aims to establish the framework for implementing Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for Wildomar, located within Riverside County and Mutual Aid Region VI. The plan aims to facilitate multiagency and multi-jurisdictional coordination in emergency operations, particularly between the City of Wildomar, Riverside County, special districts, and State agencies. 2021-2029 Safety Element
The City’s Safety Element conveys the City’s goals, policies, and actions to minimize the hazards to safety in and around Wildomar. It identifies the natural and human-caused hazards that affect existing and future development and provides guidelines for protecting residents, employees, visitors, and other community members from injury and death. It describes present and expected future conditions and sets policies and standards for improved public safety. The Safety Element also seeks to minimize physical harm to the buildings and infrastructure in and around Wildomar to reduce damage to local economic systems, community services, and ecosystems (Wildomar 2021). The following policies from the Safety Element pertain to wildfires:
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 Policy S-1. Enforce state laws aimed at identification, inventory, and retrofit of existing vulnerable structures and mitigate hazard impacts through adoption and strict enforcement of current building codes, which will be amended as necessary when local deficiencies are identified.  Policy S-7. Require geological and geotechnical investigations in areas with potential for earthquakeinduced liquefaction, landslides, or settlement, for any building proposed for human occupancy and any structure whose damage would cause harm, except for accessory buildings.  Policy S-11. Require the following in landslide susceptibility classes III and above, or when deemed necessary by the California Environmental Quality Act, prior to the issuance of development permits or approval of project designs:

1. Preliminary geotechnical and geologic investigations, including certification regarding the stability of the site against adverse effects of earthquake and subsidence.

2. Evaluations of site stability, including any possible impact on adjacent properties.

3. Consultant reports, investigations, and design recommendations required for grading permits, building permits, and subdivision applications, prepared by state-licensed professionals.  Policy S-12. Require new development in areas prone to geologic hazards (e.g., landslides, steep topography, slope instability) to be designed to adequately reduce these hazards and loss of native vegetation. Grading plans, environmental assessment, engineering and geologic technical reports, irrigation and landscaping plans, including ecological restoration and revegetation plans, shall be required as appropriate, to ensure the adequate demonstration of a project’s ability to mitigate these potential impacts. Any development in hillside areas shall prepare drainage plans to direct runoff and drainage away from potentially unstable slopes.
 Policy S-13. During permit review, identify and require mitigation of on-site slope instability, debris flow, and erosion hazards on lots undergoing substantial improvements. “Substantial improvements” means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.
 Policy S-14. Conduct slope stabilization practices on existing public property and support slope stabilization activities on private property located on unstable hillside areas, especially slopes with recurring failures where City property or public right-of-way is threatened from slope instability, or where considered appropriate and urgent by the City of Wildomar Engineer, Fire Department, or Sheriff Department.
 Policy S-19. For new construction and proposals for substantial improvements to residential and nonresidential development within 100-year floodplains as mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or as determined by site-specific hydrologic studies for areas not mapped by FEMA, Wildomar shall apply a minimum level of acceptable risk and disapprove projects that cannot mitigate the hazard to the satisfaction of the Building Official or other responsible agency. 755

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 Policy S-20. All residential, commercial, and industrial structures shall be flood-proofed from the mapped 100-year storm flow, or to an appropriate level determined by site-specific hydrologic studies for areas mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This may require that the finished floor elevation be constructed at such a height as to meet this requirement. Nonresidential (commercial or industrial) structures may be allowed with a “flood-proofed” finished floor below the Base Flood Elevation (i.e., 100-year flood surface) to the extent permitted by state, federal, and local regulations. New critical facilities shall be constructed above-grade to the satisfaction of the Building Official, based on federal, state, or other reliable hydrologic studies. To the extent that residential, commercial, or industrial structures cannot meet these standards, they shall not be approved.  Policy S-44. All proposed development and construction within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall be reviewed by the Riverside County Fire Department and Wildomar Building and Safety Development for consistency with the following requirements before the issuance of any building permits:

1. All proposed development and construction shall meet minimum state, county, and local standards for fire safety, as defined in the City of Wildomar Building or Fire Codes, or by City zoning, or as dictated by the Building Official or the Transportation Land Management Agency based on building type, design, occupancy, and use.

2. In addition to the standards and guidelines of the California Building Code, California Fire Code, the Wildomar Municipal Code, and other appropriate fire safety provisions, developments shall incorporate additional standards for high-risk, high-occupancy, and dependent facilities where appropriate under the City of Wildomar Fire Code. These shall include assurance that structural and nonstructural architectural elements of the building will not impede emergency egress for fire safety staffing/personnel, equipment, and apparatus; nor hinder evacuation from fire, including potential blockage of stairways or fire doors.

3. Proposed development and construction in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall provide secondary public access, in accordance with City of Wildomar ordinances. There shall be multiple points of ingress and egress that allow for emergency response vehicle access. Points of access shall also include visible street signs and sufficient water supplies and infrastructure for structural fire suppression.

4. Proposed development and construction in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall use single roads to enhance fuel modification areas, unless otherwise determined by the Riverside County Fire Chief.

5. Proposed development and construction in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall provide a fire protection plan that includes defensible space or fuel modification zones to be located, designed, constructed, and maintained to provide adequate defensibility from wildfires.

6. Prior to the approval for all parcel maps and tentative maps, the City shall require as a conditions of approval, the developer meet or exceed the California Fire and Building code including Title 14 Regulations, particularly those regarding road standards for ingress, egress, and fire equipment access (see California Government Code, Section 66474.02.).
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 Policy S-45. Monitor fire-prevention measures (e.g., fuel reduction) required through a site-specific fireprevention plan to reduce long-term risks in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.  Policy S-46. For existing non-conforming development, the City shall work with property owners to improve or mitigate access, water supply and fire flow, signing, and vegetation clearance to meet current State and/or locally adopted fire safety standards.
 Policy S-47. Require proposed development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to be located where fire and emergency services are available or will be constructed as part of the proposed development activities. These services shall meet the minimum travel times identified in Riverside County Fire Department Fire Department Fire Protection and Emergency Management Services’ Strategic Master Plan.
 Policy S-48. The City shall require all new development projects with land classified as state responsibility areas (Public Resources Code Section 4102), land classified as very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZs; Section 51177), or within areas defined as a “wildland urban interface” (WUI), to prepare a long-term comprehensive fuel reduction and management program, including provisions for multiple points of ingress and egress to improve evacuation and emergency response access and adequate water infrastructure for water supply and fire flow, and fire equipment access.  Policy S-49. Require that conceptual landscaping plans for development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones identified by CAL FIRE and reviewed by Planning and Fire Departments prior to the issuance of development permits. The conceptual landscaping plan of the proposed development shall, at the minimum, include:

1. Site plan, planting plan, planting palette, and irrigation plan to reduce the risk of fire hazards with consideration to site conditions, including slope, structures, and adjacencies.

2. Defensible space maintenance plan.

3. Provision of multiple points of ingress and egress to improve evacuation and emergency response access and adequate water infrastructure for water supply and fire flow, and fire equipment access.  Policy S-50. Site design for development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall be required to account for topographical conditions and reduce the increased risk for sites located near ridgelines, plateau escarpments, saddles, hillsides, peaks, or other areas where the terrain or topography affect its susceptibility to wildfires by:

1. Providing fuel modification zones with removal of combustible vegetation while minimizing visual impacts and limiting soil erosion.

2. Replacing combustible vegetation with fire-resistant to stabilize slopes.

3. Submitting topographic map with site-specific slope analysis.

4. Submitting erosion and sedimentation control plans

5. Providing a minimum 30-foot setback from the edge of the fuel modifications zones. 757

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6. Minimizing disturbance of 25 percent or greater natural slopes.  Policy S-51. Locate new critical public facilities outside of Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Critical facilities include emergency shelters, emergency command and communication facilities, and hospital and healthcare centers. If no feasible alternative site exists, ensure that these facilities incorporate all necessary protections to allow them to continue to serve community needs during and after disaster events.  Policy S-52. Site all new non-critical public facilities in areas outside of identified fire hazard severity zones and wildland-urban interface or fire threat areas, as feasible.  Policy S-102. Coordinate with utility companies to minimize service interruptions, such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs, before, during, and after hazardous conditions, including options to harden and underground utility lines.

5.20.1.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The City of Wildomar is in western Riverside County and is bordered by the City of Lake Elsinore to the north and northwest, unincorporated Riverside County to the west, City of Murrieta to the south, and City of Menifee to the east. The City is characterized by its predominantly low- to medium-density residential uses.

Wildfire Background
The term “wildfire” refers to fires that usually result from the ignition of dry grass, brush, or timber.

Historically, wildfires commonly occurred in areas that are characterized by steep or heavily vegetated areas, which make suppression of the fire difficult. More recently, wildfires have been encroaching into more urban areas within the wildland-urban interface, threatening homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. While wildfires play an important role in the ecology of many natural habitats, as urban development moves into areas susceptible to wildfire hazards, risks to human safety and property increase.

Types of Wildfires
There are three basic types of wildfires (NRC 2021):
 Crown fires burn up the entire lengths to the tops of trees and are the most intense and dangerous wildland fires.
 Surface fires burn surface litter and duff1 and are known for being the easiest fires to extinguish and to cause the least damage. Brush and small trees enable surface fires to reach treetops, and so are referred to as ladder fuels.
 Ground fires occur in deep accumulations of dead vegetation that become dry enough to burn. These fires move very slowly but can become difficult to extinguish. 1 Duff: partially decayed leaves, needles, grass or other organic material accumulated on the ground (CAL FIRE 2021a). 758

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Wildfires burn in many types of vegetation—forest, woodland, scrub, chaparral, and grassland. Many species of native California plants are adapted to fire, and habitats such as chaparral shrubs and conifer forests can recover from fire. For example, some species of chaparral plants, such as ceanothus, require intense heat for germination and therefore have flammable resins on leaves and roots that can quickly sprout up in burned areas (NPS 2018). Annually since 2000, the average annual acres burned in California has more than doubled the average of the 1960s (CAL FIRE 2018). Wildfires have been observed to be more frequent and growing in intensity, with 4,304,379 acres burned in 2020, 2,569,386 acres burned in 2021, 331,360 acres in 2022, and 257,220 acres burned in 2023 (as of September 10) (CAL FIRE 2020a, 2021b, 2022, 2023a).

Wildfire Causes
Although the term “wildfire” suggests natural origins, a 2017 study that evaluated 1.5 million wildfires in the United States between 1992 and 2012 found that humans were responsible for igniting 84 percent of wildfires, accounting for 44 percent of acreage burned (Balch et al. 2017). The three most common types of human-caused wildfires are debris burning (e.g., burning logging slash, farm fields, and trash), arson, and equipment use (PBI 2007). Power lines can also ignite wildfires through downed lines, vegetation contact, conductors that collide, and equipment failures (TWMP 2014). CAL FIRE determined that the 5-year average between 2019 and 2023 was 5,812 wildland fires and 1,027,913 acres burned (CAL FIRE 2023b). Lightning is the most common cause of nature-induced wildfire (Balch et al. 2017).

An analysis of U.S. Forest Service wildfire data from 1986 to 1996 published by the Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI) determined that 95 percent of human-caused wildfires and 90 percent of all wildfires were within 0.5 miles of a road, and that about 61 percent of all human-caused wildfires occurred within approximately 650 feet of a road. The study concluded that the increase in human-caused ignition greatly outweighs the benefits of increased access for firefighters (PBI 2007).

There are three primary methods of wildfire spread:
 Embers. Embers are glowing or burning pieces of vegetation or construction debris that are lofted during a wildfire and can move up to a mile ahead of a wildfire, especially during high winds. Embers are the most prolific cause of igniting homes, at a rate of two out of every three homes destroyed. These small embers or sparks may fall on the vegetation near a home (e.g., on dry leaves, needles, or twigs on the roof) and subsequently ignite the home. Constructing homes of fire-resistant materials can harden homes and prevent them from being ignited by flying embers, which can travel as much as a mile away from a wildfire (CAL FIRE 2019).
 Direct Flame Contact. Direct flame contact refers to the transfer of heat by direct flame exposure.

Direct contact will heat the building materials of the home, and if the time and intensity of exposure is severe enough, windows will break, and materials will ignite.  Radiant Heat. A house can catch fire from the heat that is transferred to it from nearby burning objects, even in the absence of direct flames or embers. By creating defensible space around homes, the risk from radiant heat is significantly reduced.
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Secondary Effects of Wildfires
After a high intensity wildfire is suppressed, the burn scar is typically bare of its vegetative cover, which had supported the hillsides and steeper slopes. As a result, rainstorms increase the possibility of severe landslides and debris flows in these areas. The intense heat from the fire can also cause a chemical reaction in the soil that makes it less porous, causing water to run off during precipitation events, which can lead to flooding downstream.

In addition to damaging natural environments, wildfires can injure and cause fatalities to residents and firefighters, as well as damage or destroy structures and personal property. Wildfires also deplete water reserves, down power lines, disrupt communication services, and block evacuation routes, which can isolate communities. Wildfires can also indirectly cause flooding if flood control facilities become inadequate to handle increases in storm runoff, sediment, and debris that are likely to be generated from burn scars.

Regionally, smoke from wildfires can create poor air quality that can last for days or weeks depending on the scale of the wildfire and wind patterns.

Wildfire in Wildomar
The geography, weather patterns, and vegetation in Wildomar and surrounding areas provide ideal conditions for recurring wildfires. As recent wildfire activity revealed, several areas of Wildomar face some level of threat from wildland fire. As shown in Figure 5.20-1, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, very high FHSZs are located throughout the City, including north of I-15 and east towards the City boundary, southwest of Grand Avenue, and south of Clinton Keith Road between Palomar Street and I-15.

Figure 5.20-2, Wildland-Urban Interface, shows the WUI areas in Wildomar. WUI areas occur when urban development is intermixed with wildland vegetation, or when pockets of wildland vegetation occur inside developed areas. The WUI is subdivided into the intermix zone (where houses and wildland vegetation directly mingle), the interface zone (housing adjacent to wildland vegetation, but not mingled with it), and the influence zone (areas of wildfire-susceptible vegetation surrounding the other zones). The interface and intermix zones carry the highest risk for wildfires affecting developed areas. Unlike wildfire in wildland areas, fires in WUI areas are more likely to damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure that support populations, the economy, and key services in the City.

California Government Code Chapter 6.8 directs CAL FIRE to identify very high FHSZs within LRAs.

Mapping of the areas is based on data models of potential fuels over a 30- to 50-year time horizon and their associated expected fire behavior and expected burn probabilities, which quantifies the likelihood and nature of vegetation fire exposure to buildings.
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Wildomar Safety Element – August 2021 SE-42

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
Wildomar Safety Element – August 2021 SE-42

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
PlaceWorks
Source: Generated using ArcMap 2023; CAL FIRE 2010.
0 Scale (Miles)
1 Figure 5.20-1 - Fire Hazard Severity Zones

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15 15
15 City Boundary
City of Wildomar
Boundary
Local Law
Enforcement
Office
Hospital
Fire Station
Transmission Line Very High Fire
Hazard Severity
Zone
Local Responsibility Area
> 15% of
Population
Percent of Population
Whose Income is Below
Poverty Level (2019)
761
PlaceWorks
Source: Generated using ArcMap 2023; CAL FIRE 2021.
0 Scale (Miles)
1 Figure 5.20-2 - Wildland Urban Interface

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15 15
15 City Boundary
City of Wildomar
Boundary
Local Law
Enforcement Office
Hospital
Fire Station
Transmission Line
Percent of Population Whose Income
is Below Poverty Level (2019)
> 15% of Population
CAL FIRE Wildland/Urban Interface
Influence Zone
Intermix Zone
Interface Zone
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According to CAL FIRE, the eastern and western portions of the City are within a very high FHSZ, as shown in Figure 5.20-1. As shown in Figure 3-4, Proposed Land Use Plan, future potential development under the Proposed General Plan would occur within Very High FHSZs and WUI areas of the City. Future development under the proposed project would be required to comply with the California Building Code and the California Fire Code. The California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) includes Section 4905.2, Construction Methods and Requirements within Established Limits. Fire Code Chapter 49 cites specific requirements for wildland-urban interface areas that include, but are not limited to, providing defensible space and hazardous vegetation and fuel management.

Wildfire History
Wildfires in Riverside County
CAL FIRE maintains a list of historic fires throughout the state. According to CAL FIRE, Riverside County has experienced several medium to large wildfires throughout Riverside County. Table 5.20-1, Wildfires in Riverside County, lists wildfire incidents that have burned 100 acres or more within Riverside County.

Table 5.20-1 Wildfires in Riverside County
Date Fire Name Size (Acres)
06/08/2020 Sierra Fire 100
09/01/2014 Interstate Fire 100
07/02/2009 De Luz Fire 100
07/30/2020 Rabbit Fre 104
06/15/2017 Canyon Fire 105
01/14/2010 Tenaja Fire 107
06/25/2022 Union Fire 110
08/08/2006 Mountain Fire 113
05/24/202 Lake Fire 115
05/25/2017 Lamb Fire 120
09/03/2010 Palmer Fire 120
06/28/2021 Stowe Fire 122
08/04/2017 Stewart Fire 122
05/25/2013 Smiley Fire 124
06/22/2010 Ranch Fire 127
06/02/2020 Smoketree Fire 129
05/18/2019 Shady Fire 130
06/24/2011 Sage Fire 134
06/04/2016 Temecula Fire 139
07/24/2020 Jack Fire 145
07/01/2015 Merwin Fire 150
07/16/2013 Redlands Fire 150
06/29/2012 Cary Fire 150
06/18/2017 Smiley Fire 153
06/12/2018 Euclid Fire 154
06/02/2011 Trilogy Fire 160
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Table 5.20-1 Wildfires in Riverside County
Date Fire Name Size (Acres)
09/15/2019 Bautista Fire 167
08/19/2017 Hills Fire 168
07/12/2016 Briggs Fire 173
09/22/2009 Norco Fire 175
03/03/2020 Mann Fire 180
08/22/2011 Garza Fire 189
12/03/2020 Cerritos Fire 200
07/31/2017 Rose Fire 200
08/12/2006 Creek Fire 200
07/26/2018 Ribbon Fire 205
07/04/2017 Eagle Fire 205
06/29/2019 Wolf Fire 214
07/23/2006 Oak Fire 225
05/05/2021 Bridge Fire 226
07/25/2020 Karen Fire 250
05/27/2012 Lakepointe Fire 256
08/10/2010 Potrero Fire 256
4/13/2008 Dos Palmas Fire 261
07/07/2009 Elm Fire 270
10/21/2007 Roca Fire 270
07/19/2018 Skyline Fire 282
11/12/2006 Lookout Fire 290
05/18/2021 Davis Fire 300
02/28/2013 Jurupa Fire 300
10/31/2019 46 Fire 328
09/19/2009 Vail Fire 340
10/10/2019 Reche Fire 350
03/15/2014 Pierce Fire 350
08/01/2012 Volcano Fire 355
08/12/2006 Gilman Fire 360
09/29/2012 Range Fire 364
06/18/2012 View Fire 376
10/22/2007 Rosa Fire 411
09/10/2007 Colina Fire 430
09/29/2020 Candy Fire 454
08/29/2011 Keller Fire 458
07/23/2006 Coyote Complex 460
06/21/2019 Jerry Fire 500
08/10/2015 Anza Fire 500
08/20/2012 Vista Fire 500
09/14/2019 Horseshoe Fire 503
07/15/2010 Skinner Fire 503
05/27/2009 Oliver Fire 503
09/24/2011 Windy Point Fire 541
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Table 5.20-1 Wildfires in Riverside County
Date Fire Name Size (Acres)
08/14/2017 Mias Fire 600
10/31/2019 Hill Fire 628
05/04/2013 Gorgonio Fire 650
07/15/2010 Cactus Fire 706
04/29/2008 Apache Fire 784
08/08/2003 Golf Fire 800
05/12/2010 Pedley Fire 856
10/26/2017 Wildomar Fire 866
08/06/2011 Gilman Fire 945
10/10/2019 Sandalwood Fire 1,011
05/20/2010 McKinley Fire 1,028
12/01/2020 Airport Fire 1,087
05/17/2018 Patterson Fire 1,261
4/30/2017 Opera Fire 1,350
08/05/2013 Falls Fire 1,383
08/30/2016 Bogart Fire 1,470
08/13/2017 Blaine Fire 1,500
09/16/2006 Orchard Fire 1,536
09/17/2006 Ranch Fire 1,658
09/04/2019 Tenaja 1,926
12/13/2020 Sanderson Fire 1,954
06/22/2005 Soboba Fire 2,080
06/16/2012 Highland Fire 2,171
08/27/2009 Cottonwood Fire 2,409
08/14/2012 Buck Fire 2,681
05/01/2013 Summit Fire 2,956
09/02/2017 Palmer Fire 3,800
05/26/2022 Lost Lake Fire 5,856
09/17/2020 Snow Fire 6,254
06/26/2017 Manzanita Fire 6,309
05/02/2004 Eagle Fire 8,900
07/25/2018 Cranston Fire 13,139
05/03/2004 Cerritos Fire 16,460
08/07/2013 Silver Fire 20,292
07/15/2013 Mountain Fire 27,531
07/31/2020 Apple Fire 33,424
Source: CAL FIRE 2023c
Wildfires in Wildomar
According to the City of Wildomar 2021 Safety Element, several fires have occurred in the City of Wildomar from 1950 to 2019. Table 5.20-2, Fires in Wildomar, 1950 to 2019, lists historic fires in the City that range from 31 acres to 31,447 acres.
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Table 5.20-2 Fires in Wildomar, 1950 to 2019
Fire Name Date
Acres
burned Vegetation Type Cause
Structures
Destroyed Damaged
Morrell Fire 8/4/1950 5,118 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Gilbert Fire 7/26/1955 486 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Sandia Fire 9/11/1956 2,053 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Pederson Fire 6/16/1957 1,979 Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Howell Fire 5/15/1959 369 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Lemon Fire 8/22/1978 2,943 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Wildomar Fire 6/14/1979 101 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Turner Fire 11/15/1980 31,447 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Cottonwood Fire 6/14/1981 1,279 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A 1981 Fire 6/14/1981 9,182 Grass/Brush Arson N/A N/A
Rail Fire 9/2/1982 476 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A 1987 State Fire 10/2/1987 3,276 Grass/Brush Equipment Use N/A N/A 1999 State Fire 3/13/1999 127 Grass/Brush Underdetermined N/A N/A Gafford Fire 5/1/2004 406 Brush Underdetermined 2 0
Lakeview Fire 7/12/2004 361 Grass/Brush Underdetermined 0 0 Wright Fire 10/5/2007 31 Grass/Brush Underdetermined 0 0 Rock Fire 8/18/2010 39 Brush Human 0 0
Source: Wildomar 2021.

Factors Influencing Wildfire
Several factors influence wildfire conditions and facilitate the spread of wildfires, including weather conditions, fuels, topography, and climate change. Human actions are also the leading cause of wildfires in California, increasing the risk of wildfire impacting natural lands and communities. This section describes these five factors in the context of Wildomar.

Weather
The City of Wildomar experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Because the summer months are generally hot and dry, the risk of wildfires has historically been greatest in summer and fall. Relative humidity is also an important fire-related weather factor. As humidity levels drop, the dry air causes vegetation moisture levels to decrease, thereby increasing the likelihood that plant material will readily ignite and burn; the risk of wildfire increases when lightning strikes occur during dry periods.

Wind is a primary weather factor of wildfire behavior. Santa Ana Winds occur when air from a region of high pressure over the dry, desert region of the southwestern U.S. flows westward towards low pressure off the California Coast. Santa Ana winds can be strong and extremely dry downslope winds that can blow over 40 766

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mph. Gusty and erratic wind conditions can cause a wildfire to spread irregularly, making it difficult to predict its path and effectively deploy fire suppression. Wind shifts can also occur suddenly due to temperature changes and interactions with steep slopes or hillsides, causing fires to spread unpredictably.

Fuel
Each type of vegetation contributes to fire hazard severity to varying degrees. The qualities of vegetation that directly influence fire risk include fuel type and size, loading, arrangement, chemical composition, and dead and live fuel moisture, which contributes to the flammability characteristics of the vegetation. Grass and brush fuel types react quickly to changes in weather such as low humidity or high wind speeds. Fires in areas covered by this vegetation type can spread quickly in gusty wind conditions. The threat of wildfire is highest during dry fall months and when there are strong Santa Ana winds and dry fuels.

Topography
Steep terrain or slopes play a key role in the rate and direction in which wildfires spread since fires will normally burn much faster uphill. When the gradient of a slope doubles, the rate of spread of a fire will also likely double. The City of Wildomar is relatively flat, with slopes and hillsides in northern, southwestern, and eastern portions of the City.

Human Actions
Most wildfires are ignited by human action, either the result of direct acts of arson, carelessness, or accidents.

Many fires originate in populated areas along roads and around homes and are often the result of the careless disposal of cigarettes, mowing of dead grass, electricity equipment malfunction, use of equipment, or burning of debris. Recreation areas with increased human activity that are in high or very high fire hazard areas also increase the potential for wildfires to occur.

Climate Change
Climate change is likely to increase annual average temperatures in Wildomar from a historical 79.4 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) from 1961 to 1990, to 85.1°F by 2050 and 88.3°F by 2100 (Cal-Adapt 2023a). Precipitation levels are projected to increase slightly over the course of the century, changing from a historical annual average of 14.2 inches per year to an annual average of 14.6 inches by 2050 and an annual average of 15.7 inches by 2099 (Cal-Adapt 2023b). Variations in precipitation patterns will also lead to an increase in frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events, as well as prolonged periods of drought. The combination of extreme heat and droughts can cause soils and vegetation to dry out, creating more fuel for wildfires. These factors are expected to increase wildfire conditions, creating a risk of more frequent and intense wildfires. Because wildfires burn trees and other vegetation that help stabilize a hillside and absorb water, more areas burned by fire may also lead to an increase in landslides and floods. Historically, an average of 214 acres burned annually in the City (Cal-Adapt 2024). Wildfires are projected to decrease to an annual average in the City of 150 acres burned annually by 2050 and to an annual average of 119 acres burned annually by 2100 (Cal-Adapt 2024).
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Fire Protection Resources
Fire protection services within the City of Wildomar are provided by the Wildomar Fire Department through contract services with the Riverside County Fire Department (RCFD) and CAL FIRE. As discussed in Chapter 5.15, Public Services, of this DEIR, the City has a partnership with the RCFD and CAL FIRE to provide fire suppression, emergency medical, technical rescue, fire prevention, and related services to the City.

The RCFD and CAL FIRE participate in a Cooperative Fire Response Agreement, where fire agencies have agreed to automatically support each other on incidents using the closest available resource. Wildomar Fire Station 61 is located at 32637 Gruwell Street and is staffed daily with five fire personnel, including a fire engine and medical team.

Evacuation and Access
Evacuation routes are designated roadways that allow for people to quickly leave an area due to a potential or imminent disaster. These routes should have a sufficient capacity to accommodate the needs of the community, be safely and easily accessible, and allow people to travel far enough away to be safe from any emergency conditions.

Primary evacuation routes throughout the City of Wildomar include interstates and major roadways, which include but are not limited to I-15, Palomar Street, Bundy Canyon Road, Mission Trail, and Clinton Keith Road.

During emergencies, the Riverside County Sheriff ’s Department, (on contract as the police service providers for the City) coordinates evacuation warnings and orders. Evacuations are also coordinated through the Riverside County emergency alert program, Alert RivCo.

In secluded areas of the City, several neighborhoods have evacuation constraints, such as only one road in and out of a neighborhood. Figure 5.20-3, Residential Parcels with Evacuation Constraints, shows identified evacuation-constrained residential areas throughout the City, all of which are in wildfire hazard zones pursuant to California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5).

The City of Wildomar has annual fire safety programs at schools and special community events throughout the year. The City partners with the following agencies in the event of a hazard:
 County of Riverside Emergency Management Department (EMD)  Riverside County Emergency Managers Association (RCEMA)  Riverside County Fire Department/ CAL Fire
 Southwest Emergency Management Group
 California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
 RedCross
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
 Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
768
ildomar Safety Element – August 2021 SE-66

RESIDENTIAL PARCELS WITH EVACUATION CONSTRAINTS
Wildomar Safety Element – August 2021 SE-66

RESIDENTIAL PARCELS WITH EVACUATION CONSTRAINTS
PlaceWorks
Source: City of Wildomar; Riverside County 2021.
0 Scale (Miles)
1 Figure 5.20-3 - Residential Parcels with Evacuation Constraints

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15 15
15 City Boundary
City of Wildomar Boundary
Local Law Enforcement Office
Hospital
Fire Station
Transmission Line
> 15% of Population
Percent of Population Whose Income is Below Poverty Level (2019) Evacuation Constrained Parcel*
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5.20.2 Thresholds of Significance
According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if it was located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones and would:

W-1 Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

W-2 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.

W-3 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.

W-4 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.

5.20.3 Proposed General Plan Goals and Policies
There are no applicable policies in the Proposed General Plan pertaining to wildfire hazards; all applicable policies pertaining to wildfire hazards are included in the 2021-2029 Safety Element as listed under Local Regulations, in Section 5.20.1.1, above.

5.20.4 Environmental Impacts
The applicable thresholds are identified in brackets after the impact statement.

Impact 5.20-1: Buildout of the proposed project would not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. [Threshold W-1] As indicated in Section 2.32.080, Emergency Plan, of the Wildomar Municipal Code, the Wildomar Disaster Council is responsible for the development of the City’s emergency plan, which provides the effective mobilization of all the resources of the City, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency. Adopted emergency response plans and emergency evacuation plans include those discussed under Section 5.20.1.1, such as the City of Wildomar Emergency Operations Plan. The proposed project could result in a significant impact if it would substantially impair the implementation emergency response/evacuation plans. As discussed in Chapter 3, Project Description, of this Draft EIR, the proposed project would increase development potential within the City, including land in very high FHSZs and the WUI.

However, buildout under the Proposed General Plan would not result in substantial changes to the circulation patterns or emergency access routes as future development would be required to integrate the Emergency Operations Plan as necessary into development to continue its facilitation in evacuation for the people in 770

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wildfire-prone areas. Furthermore, future development in the WUI or very high FHSZs would be required to comply with the SRA and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Fire Safe Regulations, the California Building Code, the California Fire Code, the 2021-2019 Safety Element, and the Wildomar Municipal Code, which have maximum requirements for lengths of single-access roads, minimum widths of roadways, and vegetation fuel management around roadways. The Safety Element includes policies that would ensure effective emergency response, such as Policy S-48, which requires new development projects within a very high FHSZ or wildland-urban interface to provide multiple ingress and egress points to improve evacuation and emergency response access. To ensure emergency services in the City are not impaired by future development, all development projects in the City would also be reviewed by the City and CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, prior to approval. In accordance with the California Fire Code, CAL FIRE requires site design to consider fire access. Several of these requirements include vegetation management requirements, construction standards, and subdivision and building access, among others.

Construction of new development or redevelopment could cause a temporary impairment of an evacuation route due to road closures. If temporary roadway closures or reduction in access/capacity are necessitated during construction (i.e., to connect to utilities) the City will require issuance of an encroachment permit approved by the Public Works Directo. Section 12.08.020 of the Wildomar Municipal Code allows the City to condition issuance of an encroachment permit to assure safety of the travelling public. The encroachment permit would identify road closures or detours, duration of the construction period, and direct impacts of construction. As part of its development review practices, the City will coordinate the permit review process with RCFD, and/or CAL FIRE. Review and approval of any temporary lane closures. The review and coordination of the encroachment permit required by municipal code will ensure that that no inconsistencies with emergency evacuation plans would occur.

Implementation of the Proposed General Plan policies and applicable plans, as well as compliance with the California Fire Code and Building Code would ensure impacts to emergency response and evacuation plans are reduced. Future development, regardless of whether it includes new development or redevelopment, is required to comply with adopted local, regional, and State plans and regulations addressing emergency access, response, and evacuation. Additionally, all development projects in the City would be required to implement Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 and Mitigation Measure HAZ-2, which require compliance with the 2022 California Building Code and 2022 California Fire Code (or most recent versions) and compliance with the vegetation management requirements in California Fire Code Section 4906 and California Government Code Section 51182, respectively. As such, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Level of Significance Before Mitigation: Impact 5.20-1 would be potentially significant.

Mitigation Measures
HAZ-1 Prior to the issuance of building permits for all projects, the project applicant/developer shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City Building Official and the Riverside County Fire Chief, compliance with the 2022 California Building Code (or the most recent edition) (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) and the 2022 California Fire Code (or the most recent edition) (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), 771

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including those regulations pertaining to materials and construction methods intended to mitigate wildfire exposure as described in the 2022 California Building Code and California Residential Code (or most recent edition); specifically California Building Code Chapter 7A; California Residential Code Section R327; California Residential Code Section R337; California Referenced Standards Code Chapter 12 7A; and California Fire Code Chapter 49.

HAZ-2 Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for all projects, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City Building Official and the County Fire Chief, compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in California Fire Code Section 4906 and California Government Code Section 51182.

Level of Significance After Mitigation: Impact 5.20-1 would be less than significant.

Impact 5.20-2: The proposed project would not exacerbate wildfire risks due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, thereby exposing project occupants to elevated particulate concentrations from a wildfire. [Threshold W-2]
The City of Wildomar is vulnerable to and at significant risk of wildfires. Bordered by undeveloped hillsides in the northern, eastern, and southwestern portions of the City, the City is in proximity to areas with fuel mixes that could easily ignite and encroach into the community. During a wildfire event, people within the air basin are exposed to elevated levels of fine particulate matter due to smoke. The type and extent of vegetation and fuel, wind and climatic patterns, general topography and canyons, and other local characteristics make the City more vulnerable to wildfires.

The eastern and western portions of the City are in very high FHSZs, as shown on Figure 5.20-1. Residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses under the Proposed General Plan would be located in the very high FHSZs and WUIs. To protect development in these areas, the City and State require adherence to a wide range of state and local codes (California Fire Code, California Building Code, Very High FHSZ Fire Safe Regulations, and other standards). Additionally, future potential development under the Proposed General Plan would be required to comply with 2021-2029 Safety Element Policy S-50, which requires site design to account for topographical conditions and reduce the increased risk for sites located near ridgelines, plateau escarpments, saddles, hillsides, peaks, or other areas where the terrain or topography affect its susceptibility to wildfires. Therefore, future potential develop would be designed to reduce the spread of wildfire due to topography and slopes, and reduce the potential to exposure occupants to pollutant concentrations Furthermore, all development projects in the City would be required to implement Mitigation Measure HAZ1 and Mitigation Measure HAZ-2, which require compliance with the 2022 California Building Code and 2022 California Fire Code (or most recent versions) and compliance with the vegetation management requirements in California Fire Code Section 4906 and California Government Code Section 51182, respectively.

Other factors, such as vegetation, have the potential to exacerbate wildfire risks. During late summer and fall when temperatures and winds are high and relative humidity is low, brush vegetation can dry out, particularly in areas with unirrigated vegetation, becoming extremely flammable and increasing wildfire risks. The 2021- 2029 Safety Element and the City of Wildomar LHMP contain several vegetation management, fuel 772

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reduction, and fuel break policies which are aimed to reduce the uncontrolled spread of wildfire due to vegetation. For example, Policy S-46 of the Safety Element calls for the City to work with property owners of existing developments to meet current State and/or locally adopted fire safety standards to ensure adequate vegetation clearance. Policy S-49 of the Safety Element requires conceptual landscaping plans for development in Very Fire Hazard Severity Zones prior to the issuance of development permits. Policy S-46 and Policy S-50 of the Safety Element would ensure that sources of fuel would be minimized, thereby reducing the spread of fires.

Future development in the City would be required to comply with the California Building Code and California Fire Code. Moreover, the City of Wildomar is under the Wildomar Emergency Operations Plan, which provides guidance to effectively respond to and mitigate emergencies, including wildfires.

Implementation of the Proposed General Plan policies and applicable plans, as well as compliance with the California Fire Code and California Building Code would ensure that wildfire risks due to slopes, prevailing winds, and other factors are not exacerbated. As such, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Level of Significance Before Mitigation: Impact 5.20-2 would be potentially significant.

Mitigation Measures
See Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 and Mitigation Measure HAZ-2.

Level of Significance After Mitigation: Impact 5.20-2 would be less than significant.

Impact 5.20-3: The proposed project would require the installation and maintenance of associated infrastructure in areas that are undeveloped or vacant, which could exacerbate fire risk or result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. [Threshold W-3] Buildout of the Proposed General Plan would result in additional infrastructure, such as roadways, transmission lines, and other utilities, in underdeveloped and undeveloped areas of the City in order to serve new development. Some of this new infrastructure would likely be constructed in the very high FHSZs. To protect development in these areas from the risk of wildfire, the City requires adherence to a wide range of state and local codes, such as the California Fire Code, which provides minimum standards to increase the ability of a building to resist the intrusion of flames or embers from a vegetation fire and building with materials that meet performance standards; SRA and Very High FHSZ fire safe design requirements that include standards for setbacks and maintenance of defensible space and for secondary egress; California Public Utilities Commission requirements for managing vegetation around electrical transmission lines, and other standards and recommendations outlined in the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and 2021-2029 Safety Element. Public Resources Code Section 4291 also requires vegetation around buildings or structures to maintain defensible space within 100 feet of a structure and an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of a structure. Additionally, CAL FIRE SRA Fire Safe Regulations require parcels to provide a minimum 30-foot setback for all buildings from all property lines and/or the center of a road (CAL FIRE 2020b). As such, these requirements would reduce the potential for new roadways to exacerbate wildfire risks. 773

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The California Public Utilities Commission requires maintenance of vegetation around power lines, strict wire-to-wire clearances, annual inspections of above-ground power lines, and the preparation of fire prevention plans for above-ground power lines in high fire-threat districts. These measures would reduce the wildfire risks associated with the installation and maintenance of power lines. Additionally, all utilities would be installed to meet service provider requirements and could be required to be undergrounded pursuant to Wildomar Municipal Code Section 13.16, Underground Utility Districts, and Safety Element Policy S-102, which requires the coordination with utility companies to minimize service interruptions.

Such infrastructure and maintenance activities would also be required to comply with the adopted State regulations, Wildomar Municipal Code standards, and the Wildomar Safety Element policies to mitigate the impact of infrastructure on the environment. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Level of Significance Before Mitigation: Impact 5.20-3 would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Level of Significance After Mitigation: Impact 5.20-3 would be less than significant.

Impact 5.20-4: The proposed project would not 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. [Threshold W-4]
Wildfires can create favorable conditions for other hazards, such as flooding and landslides. Wildfires on steep slopes can burn the vegetation that stabilizes the slope and create hydrophobic conditions that prevent the ground from absorbing water. This can lead to landslides, debris flows, and flooding. A project would result in a significant impact if—due to slopes, drainage patterns, or post-fire slope instability—it would expose people or structures to significant risks from landslides, debris flows, or flooding.

As shown in Figure 3-0, Landslide Susceptibility, of the Wildomar Safety Element, the northern, eastern, and southwestern parts of the City are in high landslide susceptibility zones (Wildomar 2021) (also refer to Figure

5.7-3, Areas With Landslide Susceptibility, in Section 5.7, Geology and Soils, of this DEIR). According to the California Department of Conservation, the eastern portion of the City is located within a landslide zone (CDC 2022). Landslides are most likely to occur during seasons of high precipitation and after fires. Future development in the City is required to comply with State and local regulations, such as the California Building Code, Wildomar Municipal Code, and the Wildomar Safety Element. For example, Section 1803 of the 2022 California Building Code requires that a geotechnical investigation must assess existing landslide susceptibility on a project site. Additionally, there are several policies in the Wildomar Safety Element that address development in landslide susceptibility areas, such as Policy S-11 through Policy S-14. These policies work to minimize the risk of landslides by regulating development in landslide susceptibility areas by requiring geotechnical investigations, site design to reduce landslides, slope stability mitigation, and slope stabilization practices, respectively.
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According to Figure 5-0, Flood Hazard Zones, of the Wildomar Safety Element, the southwestern portion of the City includes 100-year and 500-year flood zones, which have a 1 percent and 0.2 percent chance of flooding in any given year, respectively (Wildomar 2021) (also refer to Figure 5.10-3, FEMA Flood Zones, in Section 5.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, of this DEIR). While there is a low chance of flooding in the majority of the City, Section 15.96, Flood Hazard Area Regulations, of the Wildomar Municipal Code, was adopted in pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program to protect public health, safety, and welfare and minimize public and private costs caused by flooding by regulating development within flood hazard areas. Furthermore, Policy S-19 and Policy S-20 of the Wildomar Safety Element call for the City to disapprove new development within 100-year floodplains that cannot mitigate flood hazards and require development within 100-year storm flow zones to be floodproofed.

Future construction activities related to the proposed project would be subject to compliance with the California Building Code and California Fire Code, and would include landslide and flood hazard prevention best management practices. These may include but are not limited to covering of the soil, use of a dustinhibiting material, landscaping, use of straw and jute, hydroseeding, and grading in a pattern than slows stormwater flow and reduces the potential for erosion, landslides, and downstream flooding.

All future development, regardless of the location, would be required to comply with adopted local, regional, and State plans and regulations addressing wildfire prevention, landslides, and floods, which would minimize risks of post-fire hazards. As such, compliance with these policies and regulatory requirements would ensure impacts from post-fire instability would be less than significant.

Level of Significance Before Mitigation: Impact 5.20-4 would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.

Level of Significance After Mitigation: Impact 5.20-4 would be less than significant.

5.20.5 Cumulative Impacts
Implementation of the proposed project would result in new development in the very high FHSZs. To protect development in the City, including in very high FHSZs, the City requires that future development adhere to State and local regulations and plans, and that all development in the City implement Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2. With adherence to these building practices and wildfire management requirements, development associated with the proposed project would reduce wildfire risk to the extent possible. However, when combined with past and future development in the adjacent cities and unincorporated county areas, the proposed project’s contribution to the cumulative impact would be cumulatively considerable. Cumulative development in adjacent jurisdictions would, however, be subject to the same State regulations applicable to future projects under the Proposed General Plan. 775

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5.20.6 Level of Significance Before Mitigation
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, some impacts would be less than significant: 5.20-3 and 5.20-4.

Without mitigation, these impacts would be potentially significant:
 Impact 5.20-1: Buildout of the proposed project would not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
 Impact 5.20-2: The proposed project would not exacerbate wildfire risks due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, thereby exposing project occupants to elevated particulate concentrations from a wildfire.

5.20.7 Mitigation Measures
Impact 5.20-1
HAZ-1 Prior to the issuance of building permits for all projects, the project applicant/developer shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City Building Official and the Riverside County Fire Chief, compliance with the 2022 California Building Code (or the most recent edition) (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) and the 2022 California Fire Code (or the most recent edition) (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including those regulations pertaining to materials and construction methods intended to mitigate wildfire exposure as described in the 2022 California Building Code and California Residential Code (or most recent edition); specifically California Building Code Chapter 7A; California Residential Code Section R327; California Residential Code Section R337; California Referenced Standards Code Chapter 12-7A; and California Fire Code Chapter 49.

HAZ-2 Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for all projects, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the City Building Official and the County Fire Chief, compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in California Fire Code Section 4906 and California Government Code Section 51182.

Impact 5.20-2
Implement Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2.

5.20.8 Level of Significance After Mitigation
Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 requires compliance with the 2022 California Building Code and the 2022 California Fire Code (or most recent versions), and Mitigation Measure HAZ-2 requires that an applicant demonstrate that a project is in compliance with the vegetation management requirements. Therefore, Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2 would reduce potential impacts associated with wildfires to a level that is less than significant.
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5.20.9 References
Balch, Jennifer, Bethany Bradley, John Abatzoglou, et al. (Balch et al.). 2017, January 6. Human-Started Wildfires Expand the Fire Niche Across the United States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS): Volume 114 No. 11. https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/114/11/2946.full.pdf.

Cal-Adapt, 2023a. Annual Averages Maximum Temperature. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual-averages. ———. 2023b. Annual Average Precipitation. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual-averages. _____. 2024. Wildfire. Accessed February 20, 2024, at https://cal-adapt.org/tools/wildfire.

California Department of Conservation (CDC). 2022. Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2018, August 22. 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/5590/2018-strategic-fire-plan-approved -08_22_18.pdf.
———. 2019. Know the Law for Defensible Space and Hardening Your Home. https://www.readyforwildfire.org/more/fire-safety-laws/#:~:text=By%20following%20the%20law %2C%20you,mile%20away%20from%20a%20wildfire.
———. 2020a. 2020 Incident Archive. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020. ———. 2020b. SRA Fire Safe Regulations. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/9267/6-sra-fire-safe-regulations -2020-approved-ada.pdf.
———. 2021a. California Power Line Fire Prevention Field Guide. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/ 3vqj2sft/2021-power-line-fire-prevention-field-guide-ada-final_jf_20210125.pdf. ———. 2021b. 2021 Incident Archive. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2021. ———. 2022. 2022 Incident Archive. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022. ———. 2023a. 2023 Incidents Archive. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2023. ———. 2023b. Statistics. https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics. ———. 2023c, Wildfire Incidents: Riverside County.
https://www.fire.ca.gov/Search-Results?search=riverside%20county&programsCategoryFilters =&activeFilters=&page=&contenttype=&type=incidents.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), revised August 19, 2021, CPUC Fire-Threat Map, https://files.cpuc.ca.gov/safety/fire777

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threat_map/2021/CPUC%20Fire%20Threat%20Map_v.3_08.19.2021.Poster%20Size.pdf, accessed February 20, 2024.

CPUC, December 14, 2017, Press Release: CPUC Adopts New Fire-Safety Regulations, http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M201/K352/201352402.PDF, accessed February 20, 2024.

National Park Service (NPS). 2018, January 8. Wildland Fire in Chaparral: California and Southwestern United States. https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildland-fire-in-chaparral.htm.

Natural Resources Canada (NRC). 2021, April 16. Fire Behavior. https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/ fire-insects-disturbances/fire/13145.

Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI). 2007, May. Roads and Wildfires, http://www.pacificbio.org/publications/wildfire_studies/Roads_And_Wildfires_2007.pdf.

Texas Wildfire Mitigation Project (TWMP). 2014. How Do Power Lines Cause Wildfires? https://wildfiremitigation.tees.tamus.edu/faqs/how-power-lines-cause-wildfires.

Wildomar, City of. 2021, October 13. Wildomar Safety Element. https://www.cityofwildomar.org/ DocumentCenter/View/395/2021-2029-Safety-Element-Adopted-October-13-2021-PDF. ———. 2022, September 19. Wildomar Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. https://www.cityofwildomar.org/ DocumentCenter/View/733/City-of-Wildomar-LHMP-2022-PDF?bidId=. 778
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6. Unavoidable Impacts, Irreversible Changes, and
Growth-Inducing Impacts

6.1 SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE AND ADVERSE IMPACTS
At the end of Chapter 1, Executive Summary, is Table 1-2, Summary of Environmental Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Levels of Significance After Mitigation, that summarizes the impacts, mitigation measures, and levels of significance before and after mitigation. Mitigation measures would reduce the level of impact, but the following impacts would remain significant, unavoidable, and adverse after mitigation measures are applied:

Agriculture and Forestry Resources
 Impact 5.2-1: The proposed project would convert farmland to nonagricultural uses.

Air Quality
 Impact 5.3-1: Buildout of the Proposed General Plan, and associated emissions, would exceed the assumptions of the South Coast AQMD’s AQMP.
 Impact 5.3-2: Construction activities associated with future development that would be accommodated under the Proposed General Plan could generate short-term emissions in exceedance of the South Coast AQMD’s threshold criteria.
 Impact 5.3-3: Implementation of the proposed project would generate additional, long-term emissions in exceedance of South Coast AQMD’s threshold criteria and cumulatively contribute to the South Coast Air Basin’s nonattainment designations.
 Impact 5.3-4: The proposed project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial toxic air contaminant concentrations.

Biological Resources
 Impact 5.4-1: Buildout of the proposed Land Use Plan could impact sensitive or special-status plant and animal species known to occur in the City of Wildomar.

Cultural Resources
 Impact 5.5-1: Future development under the proposed project could impact an identified historic resource.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions
 Impact 5.8-1: Implementation of the Proposed General Plan would result in an increase in GHG emissions and would not place the City on a trajectory to achieve the goals established under Executive Order S-03-05 or progress toward the State’s carbon neutrality goal.

Noise
 Impact 5.13-1: Construction activities would result in temporary noise increases in the vicinity of the proposed project.
 Impact 5.13-2: Project implementation would result in temporary construction and long-term operationrelated noise that would exceed local standards.

Transportation
 Impact 5.17-2: The proposed project would conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b).

6.2 SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES DUE TO PROPOSED

PROJECT
Section 15126.2(c) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) describe any significant irreversible environmental changes that would be caused by the proposed project should it be implemented. Specifically, the CEQA Guidelines state:

Uses of nonrenewable resources during the initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such resources makes removal or nonuse thereafter unlikely. Primary impacts and, particularly, secondary impacts (such as highways improvement which provides access to a previously inaccessible area) generally commit future generations to similar uses. Also, irreversible damage can result from environmental accidents associated with the project. Irretrievable commitments of resources should be evaluated to assure that such current consumption is justified.

The following are the significant irreversible changes that would be caused by the proposed project, should it be implemented:
 Implementation of the proposed project would include construction activities that would entail the commitment of nonrenewable and/or slowly renewable energy resources; human resources; and natural resources such as lumber and other forest products, sand and gravel, asphalt, steel, copper, lead, other metals, water, and fossil fuels. Operation of the proposed project would require the use of natural gas and electricity, petroleum-based fuels, fossil fuels, and water. The commitment of resources required for the construction and operation of the proposed project would limit the availability of such resources for future generations or for other uses during the life of the project. 780

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 An increased commitment of social services and public maintenance services (e.g., police, fire, schools, libraries, and sewer and water services) would also be required to accommodate the proposed project.

The energy and social services commitments would be long-term obligations in view of the low likelihood of returning the land to its original condition once it has been developed.  An increase in vehicle trips would accompany project-related population growth. Over the long term, emissions associated with such vehicle trips would continue to contribute to the South Coast Air Basin’s nonattainment designation for ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) under the California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS), and nonattainment for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) under the California AAQS.
 The visual character of the planning area would be altered by the construction of the new structures onsite. Landscaping, grading, and construction of the project site would also contribute to an altered visual character of the existing site. This would result in a permanent change in the character of the project site and on- and off-site views in the project’s vicinity.

Given the low likelihood that the land in the City would revert to its original form, the proposed project would generally commit future generations to these environmental changes.

6.3 GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
Pursuant to Sections 15126(d) and 15126.2(d) of the CEQA Guidelines, this section is provided to examine ways in which the proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. Also required is an assessment of other projects that would foster other activities which could affect the environment, individually or cumulatively. To address this issue, potential growth-inducing effects will be examined through analysis of the following questions:
 Would this project remove obstacles to growth, e.g., through the construction or extension of major infrastructure facilities that do not presently exist in the project area, or through changes in existing regulations pertaining to land development?
 Would this project result in the need to expand one or more public services to maintain desired levels of service?
 Would this project encourage or facilitate economic effects that could result in other activities that could significantly affect the environment?
 Would approval of this project involve some precedent-setting action that could encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment? Please note that growth-inducing effects are not to be construed as necessarily beneficial, detrimental, or of little significance to the environment. This issue is presented to provide additional information on ways in 781

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which this project could contribute to significant changes in the environment, beyond the direct consequences of developing the land use concept examined in the preceding sections of this EIR.

Would this project remove obstacles to growth, e.g., through the construction or extension of major infrastructure facilities that do not presently exist in the project area, or through changes in existing regulations pertaining to land development?
Implementation of the Proposed General Plan would allow for development to occur in the City, such as infill development, intensification, redevelopment, and new development. This would indirectly induce construction of site-specific extensions and improvements, such as roadways, storm drains, water pipes, solid waste collection systems, and energy/communications extensions. In addition, the proposed project would increase demand for electricity and natural gas that could require expansion of energy infrastructure. Given the urbanized nature of the City, as well as the existing infrastructure in place, there would be no obstacles to accommodate growth.

Buildout of the Proposed General Plan may require additional firefighting and police personnel/facilities, and construction of new and/or expanded schools within LEUSD. Additionally, updates to the City’s circulation system, as proposed in the Proposed General Plan Circulation Element, would improve roadways with multimodal amenities and features to promote pedestrian bicycle and transit use. Subsequent impacts would not significantly affect the environment because site-specific analyses would need to be prepared to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations. Additionally, this DEIR addresses impacts associated with future growth within the City.

The proposed project also includes an update to the zoning ordinance and map to reflect the Proposed General Plan. While the new zoning code reflects changes anticipated by the Proposed General Plan, most of the development standards are identical to the existing requirements. New zone districts are proposed that would allow for horizontal and vertical mixed use, taller building heights in some areas, and more land coverage, however these would apply only in the focus areas identified in the Proposed General Plan. As the focus areas are within the existing urban areas of the City, the new zoning regulations would not remove an impediment to growth and therefore encourage unplanned growth.

Would this project result in the need to expand one or more public services to maintain desired levels of service?
Over time, the City anticipates the need to expand services to meet the needs of growth envisioned in the Proposed General Plan. There are several mechanisms in place to ensure there is adequate funding for expansion such as budgets, development impact fees, and coordination with local and regional agencies. The growth anticipated in this Proposed General Plan would occur in areas that are already within the public services’ boundaries.
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Would this project encourage or facilitate economic effects that could result in other activities that could significantly affect the environment?
Implementation of the Proposed General Plan would encourage or facilitate economic effects. Several temporary jobs would be created during project development (e.g., design, planning, engineering, construction, etc.), which would be a direct growth inducing effect of the Proposed General Plan.

As the population grows and occupies new dwelling units in accordance with the Proposed General Plan, new residents would seek shopping, entertainment, employment, home improvement, auto maintenance, and other economic opportunities in the surrounding area. This would facilitate economic goods and services and could, therefore, encourage the creation of new businesses and/or expansion of existing businesses to address these economic needs. Furthermore, the proposed increases in development capacity for office, commercial, and retail uses allowed under the Proposed General Plan would serve the shopping needs of the future residents and would generate additional employment opportunities. The physical impacts of job growth and commercial and retail uses are reflected in the analysis contained in this DEIR and are expected to be localized in the City. There is nothing unusual about the anticipated growth that would significantly affect the environment.

Would approval of this project involve some precedent-setting action that could encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment? The Proposed General Plan is the first City-specific General Plan, which will replace the Riverside County General Plan the City adopted upon incorporation in 2008. The Proposed General Plan includes goals and policies and land use changes in the City. The new goals and policies are designed to be City-specific. The Proposed General Plan would not set a precedent that could encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment. Subsequent development projects in accordance with the Proposed General Plan would require environmental analyses and associated mitigation to ensure that any subsequent impacts would not adversely affect the environment.

Moreover, no changes to any of the City’s building safety standards (building, grading, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire codes), and zoning, are proposed or required to implement the Proposed General Plan.

Therefore, the Proposed General Plan would not involve a precedent-setting action that would encourage and/or facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment. 783
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7. Alternatives to the Proposed Project

7.1 INTRODUCTION

FOCAL POINT
For a project like a general plan update, there are many design options that are considered along the way and changes discussed with the community. For an alternative to be considered in the EIR, however, it needs to reduce or eliminate an impact found significant in the EIR while still meeting key objectives of the project. The Proposed General Plan should be considered a subsequent update to the existing General Plan with few truly transformative changes. This restraint is by design as the community did not want to fundamentally change the nature of their community. Being a small rural community, an important objective is to maintain the look and feel of most of the neighborhoods. The alternatives discussed in this section are intended to explore ways that the Proposed General Plan might be changed to reduce or eliminate a significant environmental impact. The options are few, partly because the amount of change is limited by design, and because some of the significant impacts are regional (e.g., air quality) or even global in nature (e.g., GHG emissions), and solutions at the local level are limited or beyond the City’s jurisdiction. Regardless, as required by CEQA, this section discusses alternatives that were considered but rejected, as well as the impacts if the Proposed General Plan was not adopted. Finally, while this section identifies the environmentally superior alternative to be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council, the adopted project will be determined following public input and hearings.

7.1.1 Purpose and Scope
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that an environmental impact report (EIR) include a discussion of a reasonable range of project alternatives that would “feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives” (CEQA Guidelines § 15126.6[a]). As required by CEQA, this chapter identifies and evaluates potential alternatives to the proposed project.

Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines explains the foundation and legal requirements for the alternatives analysis in an EIR. Key provisions are:
 “[T]he discussion of alternatives shall focus on alternatives to the project or its location which are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project, even if these alternatives would impede to some degree the attainment of the project objectives or would be more costly.” (15126.6[b])  “The specific alternative of ‘no project’ shall also be evaluated along with its impact.” (15126.6[e][1]) 784

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 “The no project analysis shall discuss the existing conditions at the time the notice of preparation is published, or if no notice of preparation is published, at the time environmental analysis is commenced, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services. If the environmentally superior alternative is the ‘no project’ alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative among the other alternatives.” (15126.6[e][2])  “The range of alternatives required in an EIR is governed by a ‘rule of reason’ that requires the EIR to set forth only those alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice. The alternatives shall be limited to ones that would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project.” (15126.6[f])  “Among the factors that may be taken into account when addressing the feasibility of alternatives are site suitability, economic viability, availability of infrastructure, general plan consistency, other plans or regulatory limitations, jurisdictional boundaries…, and whether the proponent can reasonably acquire, control or otherwise have access to the alternative site (or the site is already owned by the proponent)” (15126.6[f][1]).
 “Only locations that would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project need be considered for inclusion in the EIR.” (15126.6[f][2][A])  “An EIR need not consider an alternative whose effect cannot be reasonably ascertained and whose implementation is remote and speculative.” (15126.6[f][3]) For each development alternative, this analysis:
 Describes the alternative.
 Analyzes the impact of the alternative as compared to the proposed project.  Identifies the impacts of the project that would be avoided or lessened by the alternative.  Assesses whether the alternative would meet most of the basic project objectives.  Evaluates the comparative merits of the alternative and the project.

According to Section 15126.6(d) of the CEQA Guidelines, “[i]f an alternative would cause…significant effects in addition those that would be caused by the project as proposed, the significant effects of the alternative shall be discussed, but in less detail than the significant effects of the project as proposed.”

7.1.2 Project Objectives
As described in Section 3.2, the following objectives have been established for the proposed project and will aid decision makers in their review of the project, the project alternatives, and its potential environmental impacts.

1. Increase jobs in the City to encourage more residents to shop and work locally and reduce commuting out of the City.
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2. Maintain and enhance conservation areas.

3. Focus growth along major corridors thereby reducing change in the neighborhoods.

4. Provide for mixed use development in areas of the City where services and transportation converge, at a density and intensity that is modestly higher than the surrounding neighborhood.

7.2 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND REJECTED DURING THE

SCOPING/PROJECT PLANNING PROCESS
The following is a discussion of the land use alternatives considered during the scoping and planning process and the reasons why they were not selected for detailed analysis in this EIR.

7.2.1 Alternative Development Areas/Annexation Alternative CEQA requires that the discussion of alternatives focus on alternatives to the project or its location that are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project. The key question and first step in the analysis is whether any of the significant effects of the project would be avoided or substantially lessened by putting the project in another location. Only locations that would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project need be considered for inclusion in the EIR (CEQA Guidelines § 15126[5][B][1]). Given the nature of the Proposed General Plan, it is not possible to consider an off-site alternative because the City boundaries have been established through incorporation, and the City does not have authority to carry out functions pursuant to its Proposed General Plan outside of its boundaries.

Additionally, land annexation outside is not possible because there is limited room for growth outside of the City boundaries due to the proximity of the neighboring cities—the City of Wildomar is bordered by the City of Lake Elsinore to the north and northwest, unincorporated Riverside County to the west, the City of Murrieta to the south, and the City of Menifee to the east—as well as topographical constraints from the Cleveland National Forest to the southwest. For this reason, an Alternative Development Areas/Annexation Alternative was considered infeasible pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(c) and rejected as a feasible project alternative.

7.2.2 Reduced Residential Units Alternative
The Reduced Residential Units Alternative would result in fewer residences which would reduce traffic and thereby reduce community impacts from air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and noise. This Alternative would also further reduce the demand for utilities and public services. However, such an alternative would not achieve or would only partially achieve the Proposed General Plan objectives of providing growth in the City. Additionally, this alternative would not be consistent with regional planning efforts that require accommodation of regional housing needs, and therefore, Wildomar would not be able to meet its housing allocation requirements. A reduction in residential units would lead to an inefficient use of land, result in urban sprawl, and thereby, would increase vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (and further degrade air quality), because residents would have to travel further for their needs. This alternative would also increase development pressure 786

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elsewhere in the region. Since this alternative would relocate impacts and growth pressures outside of the City, and would not meet the project objectives, this alternative is rejected as a feasible project alternative.

7.2.3 Bundy Canyon Road and Clinton Keith Road Connection Alternative The Bundy Canyon Road and Clinton Keith Road Connection Alternative would provide a new roadway connection between Bundy Canyon Road and Clinton Keith Road, which would reduce traffic congestion and reduce VMT. The roadway connection would also assist evacuation in the event of a wildfire. However, a new roadway cannot be constructed because it would conflict with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Criteria Cell Areas and therefore, conflict with a habitat conservation plan. In addition, some of the land needed for the roadway is owned by the federal government, which would be unlikely to allow access due to the conflict with the MSHCP. Since the Bundy Canyon Road and Clinton Keith Road Connection Alternative would conflict with MSHCP planning goals, impact sensitive habitat and wildlife, and would not meet the project objectives, this alternative is rejected as a feasible project alternative.

The linkage remains as a possible connection on the Circulation Map (see Figure 5.17-8) of the DEIR as a trail linkage, and there may be a potential for a roadway connection at some point in the future. The location of the potential roadway and trail is conceptual and therefore not addressed in this EIR.

7.2.4 Increased Open Space Alternative
The Increased Open Space Alternative would provide an increase in open space, which could allow for better wildlife connectivity and increased open space areas for recreation. Moreover, there are open space areas within and adjacent to the City in the form of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, MSHCP Criteria Cell Areas, mountain ranges, and Cleveland National Forest lands, which would provide adequate open space and wildlife connectivity. Additionally, this alternative would result in a reduction in residential development to accommodate an increase in open space, and therefore would not be consistent with regional planning efforts that require accommodation of regional housing needs. Therefore, the Increased Open Space Alternative would not achieve or would only partially achieve the Proposed General Plan objectives of providing growth in the City. As such, this Alternative is rejected as a feasible project alternative.

7.2.5 Reduced Density Rural Mountainous Designation Alternative The Reduced Density Rural Mountainous Designation Alternative would reduce density of land designated Rural Mountainous (RM) from one unit per 10 acres to one unit per 20 acres in the eastern and western portions of the City. In order to meet the provide the same number of housing units as the proposed project, the reduction in density of land designated Rural Mountainous would result in an increase of land that is designated for higher density residential uses in other residential land use designations. Higher density development that reduces sprawl would minimize the threat to biodiversity through loss of habitat and fragmentation of habitat.

Additionally, higher density development within an already urban area (such as the proposed focus areas) would encourage the increase in public transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure, which could reduce air quality and GHG emissions. Given that the eastern and western portions of the City are within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, an increase in higher density development could reduce collective exposure as well as expansion into wildfire hazard areas as there would be less structures and residents in the RM designation. 787

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Additionally, higher density communities also help limit impacts to environmental services, ecological needs, and recreational goals for open space, while reducing the distribution of firefighting resources during a major wildfire incident. However, higher density communities would change the character of the City and would not achieve the Proposed General Plan objective, nor the City’s vision, of creating a hometown feel. Therefore, this Alternative is rejected as a feasible project alternative.

7.3 ALTERNATIVES SELECTED FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS
Based on the criteria listed above, the following two alternatives have been determined to represent a reasonable range of alternatives which have the potential to feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but which may avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project. These alternatives are analyzed in detail in the following sections.
 No Project/Existing General Plan Alternative
 Increased Residential Density in Mixed Use Areas
An EIR must identify an “environmentally superior” alternative and where the No Project Alternative is identified as environmentally superior, the EIR is then required to identify as environmentally superior an alternative from among the others evaluated. Each alternative's environmental impacts are compared to the proposed project and determined to be environmentally superior, neutral, or inferior. Section 7.6 identifies the Environmentally Superior Alternative. The preferred land use alternative (Proposed General Plan) is analyzed in detail in Chapter 5 of this DEIR.

7.3.1 Alternatives Comparison
The following statistical analysis provides a summary of general socioeconomic buildout projections determined by the three land use alternatives, including the Proposed General Plan. It is important to note that these are not growth projections. That is, they do not anticipate what is likely to occur by a certain time horizon but provide a buildout scenario that would only occur if all the areas of the City were to develop to the probable capacities yielded by the land use alternatives. The following statistics were developed as a tool to understand better the difference between the alternatives analyzed in the DEIR. Table 7-1, Buildout Statistical Summary, identifies Citywide information regarding dwelling unit, population, and employment projections, and provides the jobs-to-housing ratio for each of the following alternatives:
• No Project Alternative: Under the No Project Alternative, the Proposed General Plan and updates to the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Recreation and Community Services Element, Open Space and Conservation Element, Noise Element, Economic Development Element, and implementation of the Climate Action Memorandum would not be implemented by the City, and the current General Plan would remain in effect.
• Increased Residential Density in Mixed-Use Areas: The Increased Residential Density in Mixed Use Areas Alternative would result in the same buildout as the Proposed General Plan but would concentrate residential growth in areas designated for mixed uses and would consequently develop less land than the 788

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Proposed General Plan to accommodate the same projected growth. The reallocation of residential units in mixed use areas would reduce VMT as there would be more residential uses within proximity to public transit, alternative transportation, jobs, and amenities.

Table 7-1 Buildout Statistical Summary
Existing Developed Proposed General Plan
No Project/Existing
General Plan Alternative
Increased Residential
Density in Mixed Use
Areas Alternative
Dwelling Units 11,988 20,980 19,284 20,980
Residential Land
Acreage 7,291 11,891 11,785 11,681
Population 37,326 65,325 60,045 65,325
Employment 5,841 12,115 9,516 12,115
Non-Residential
Square Footage 2,992,377 5,957,915 4,252,115 5,957,915
Non-Residential
Acreage 151 885 1,193 885
Total Acreage 13,677 13,677 13,677 13,677
Jobs-to-Housing Ratio 0.49 0.58 0.49 0.58

7.4 NO PROJECT/EXISTING GENERAL PLAN ALTERNATIVE
Under the No Project/Existing General Plan Alternative, the Proposed General Plan and all of its updates to the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Recreation and Community Services Element, Open Space and Conservation Element, Noise Element, Economic Development Element, and implementation of the Climate Action Memorandum would not be implemented by the City, and the current General Plan would remain in effect.

7.4.1 Aesthetics
In this Alternative, the City would be developed under the existing land use plan and would involve new development and redevelopment in the same areas as the Proposed General Plan. Under this Alternative, the proposed land use designation changes as a result of Administrative changes to more accurately reflect Wildomar’s specific needs and eliminate redundancy, land use changes reflecting ground conditions, and Focus Area changes would not be implemented. The visual character under the proposed project and this Alternative would be similar. Future development under this Alternative would be required to comply with the design standards and guidelines for residential and commercial uses. Therefore, aesthetics impacts as a result of this Alternative would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and would be less than significant. 789

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7.4.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
In this Alternative, the City would be developed under the existing land use plan and would involve new development and redevelopment in similar areas as the Proposed General Plan. There are no forestlands or Williamson Act contracts in the City. Currently, 1,733 acres are designated for agricultural uses, of which approximately 69.4 acres are designated Prime Farmland and Unique Farmland. As development under this Alternative and the proposed project would be similar, Prime Farmland and Unique Farmland in the City would be converted to non-farmland uses and impacts would be similar, and significant and unavoidable.

7.4.3 Air Quality
Similar to the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would result in an increase in emissions in the City that have the potential to exceed the South Coast AQMD's significance thresholds. Therefore, like the Proposed General Plan, implementation of this Alternative would result in significant impacts regarding consistency with the AQMP, cumulatively considerable net increase of pollutants for which the project region is in nonattainment, exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations and toxic air contaminants.

However, unlike the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would not result in an update to the City’s General Plan, which includes updated policies that have the potential to reduce air quality emissions and a more efficient land use plan. In comparison to the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would have greater air quality impacts, and impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.

7.4.4 Biological Resources
This Alternative would be within the same footprint as the Proposed General Plan; therefore, under this Alternative, biological resource impacts would be similar to the Proposed General Plan. A number of special status plant species and special status wildlife species are known to occur within the vicinity of the City. Federal and state regulations require development projects to assess and mitigate potential biological resources within a project site. Similar to the Proposed General Plan, the current General Plan would increase development and could result in loss of habitat. Compliance with the MSHCP, including payment of Mitigation Fees would be required under both this Alternative and the proposed project. However, unlike the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would not update the City’s General Plan, which includes updated policies with the potential to reduce conflicts with wildlife corridors and sensitive natural communities. As project-specific information is unknown, buildout under this Alternative, as with the proposed project, could impact sensitive or special-status plant and animal species. Therefore, impacts would be similar and significant and unavoidable.

7.4.5 Cultural Resources
Cultural resource impacts are primarily associated with potential ground disturbance and development of previously undisturbed areas, or impacts to potential historic structures (building additions, demolition, etc.).

This Alternative would be within the same footprint as the Proposed General Plan. As future ground-disturbing activities could occur under this Alternative, impacts would be similar to the proposed project. Although the City’s standard mitigation measures and consultation process under both AB 52 and SB 18 would continue to 790

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apply under this Alternative, it is possible that development under the No Project Alternative could result in an impact to cultural resources and would therefore be significant and unavoidable like the proposed project.

7.4.6 Energy
Under this Alternative, energy impacts would be less than the Proposed General Plan due the decrease in building intensity and population growth when compared to the Proposed General Plan. All the California Building Code energy conservation requirements would still apply under this Alternative as they are not based on the General Plan. As with the Proposed General Plan, impacts would be less than significant.

7.4.7 Geology and Soils
As with the Proposed General Plan, individual development projects under this Alternative would be required to prepare site-specific geotechnical investigations to evaluate seismic, liquefaction, ground settlement, paleontological resources, and/or soil expansion hazards. All development projects would be required to comply with existing federal, state, and local regulations, such as the California Building Code and statewide General Construction Permit. The City’s standard mitigation measures and municipal code would apply to development under both the proposed project and this Alternative. Impacts under this Alternative would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and would result in less than significant impacts upon implementation of mitigation measures.

7.4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Similar to the buildout of the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would result in an increase in GHG emissions in the City. While there is less development potential under this Alternative, the net benefits of the Proposed General Plan goals, policies, and actions, and participation in the Subregional Climate Action Plan (CAP) per Mitigation Measure GHG-1 to achieve long-term GHG reduction goals and carbon neutrality would not be realized. In summary, overall impacts from GHG emissions under this Alternative would be greater when compared to the Proposed General Plan and remain significant and unavoidable.

7.4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Under both this Alternative and the Proposed General Plan, land uses throughout the City would be required to comply with existing federal, state, and local regulations governing use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. The City's standard mitigation measures would be applicable to future development projects under this Alternative and would mitigate risks associated with wildfires to the maximum extent possible. This Alternative would result in similar impacts to the Proposed General Plan, and impacts would remain less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated.

7.4.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
This Alternative would have similar hydrology and water quality impacts as the Proposed General Plan. Future project-specific water quality management plans (WQMPs), preliminary and/or final, would be prepared at the time of project application. Moreover, Low Impact Development (LID) and water quality treatment solutions 791

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prescribed in project-specific WQMPs will be designed to support or enhance the regional best management practices (BMPs) and efforts implemented by the City in order to improve water quality. During construction, project-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) are required to be prepared in accordance with the site-specific sediment risk analyses based on the grading plans. The SWPPP must describe construction BMPs that address pollutant source reduction and provide measures/controls necessary to mitigate potential pollutant sources. Given that all future development projects would be required to comply with local, state, and federal regulations, impacts of this Alternative would be similar to the proposed project and would be less than significant.

7.4.11 Land Use and Planning
This Alternative would not result in the proposed land use designation changes as a result of Administrative changes to more accurately reflect Wildomar’s specific needs and eliminate redundancy, land use changes reflecting ground conditions, and Focus Area changes. Additionally, the existing General Plan would not reflect new state and local planning laws. Therefore, the land use impacts would be slightly increased under this Alternative in comparison to the Proposed General Plan. Like the Proposed General Plan, impacts would be less than significant.

7.4.12 Mineral Resources
The Proposed General Plan and this Alternative would result in similar impacts to mineral resources. The majority of the City is designated MRZ-3, which is an area where the significance of mineral deposits cannot be determined from available data. Therefore, the City does not have any identifiable significant mineral deposits. However, future development proximate and/or adjacent to the federal lode mining claim, Baxty Queen, could result in the loss of gemstones or rare earth elements. Overall, impacts to mineral resources would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and remain less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

7.4.13 Noise
As the development pattern under this Alternative and the proposed project would be similar, construction and operational noise impacts would also be similar. Development under both this Alternative and the proposed project would be required to comply with the City’s noise ordinance. Given that project-specific information is unknown, future development under this Alternative, as with the proposed project, would result in significant and unavoidable impacts.

7.4.14 Population and Housing
According to the 2002 General Plan EIR, growth projections of the current General Plan were determined to be consistent with SCAG projections. While the Proposed General Plan buildout would exceed SCAG’s growth projections, the City has a requirement to fulfill its RHNA allocation in order to accommodate projected growth in the City. Additionally, as demonstrated in the EIR, the City can accommodate potential growth. Neither this Alternative nor the proposed project would displace people or housing. Therefore, impacts would be similar and less than significant.
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7.4.15 Public Services
This Alternative would result in less population and employment than the Proposed General Plan. Therefore, impacts to public services, including fire, police, school, and library services, would be reduced under this Alternative. Future development allowed under both the Current General Plan and the Proposed General Plan would pay development impact fees, City’s General Fund, and Measure AA, would comply with the City’s Municipal Code, and would be subject to discretionary review by the appropriate agencies, committees, or the City Council. Overall, impacts related to public services would be less than the Proposed General Plan and remain less than significant.

7.4.16 Recreation
This Alternative would result in a reduction in population compared to the Proposed General Plan, and therefore, this Alternative would result in a reduction in demand for recreation and recreational services in the City. Development under this Alternative and the proposed project would be required to pay development impact fees, as applicable. As with the Proposed General Plan, impacts would be less than significant.

7.4.17 Transportation
Population and employment under this Alternative would be less than in the Proposed General Plan. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per service population would be slightly higher than for the Proposed General Plan.

However, the proposed project and this Alternative would result in a reduction in VMT per service population by more than three percent. While the development pattern under this Alternative would be similar to the proposed project, the Proposed General Plan would include policies that would improve circulation and reduce VMT. The proposed project would result in a significant and unavoidable impact as a result of cumulative VMT.

Overall, impacts would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and significant and unavoidable.

7.4.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Impacts to tribal cultural resources would primarily be associated with potential ground disturbance and development of previously undisturbed areas. Impacts to potential tribal cultural resources would be similar to the Proposed General Plan. The City's standard tribal mitigation measures for the protection of tribal cultural resources would be applicable under this Alternative. Additionally, both the Proposed General Plan and this Alternative would comply with federal and state regulations pertaining to the protection and preservation tribal cultural resources. Therefore, impacts to potential tribal cultural resources would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and would remain less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

7.4.19 Utilities and Service Systems
Impacts on public utilities (sewer, water, stormwater, solid waste) would be slightly reduced compared to the Proposed General Plan because this Alternative would result in a reduction in population and employment growth, thereby reducing demand. Furthermore, individual projects would be subject to City and agency permits, fees, and applications to ensure that these projects would not pose burdens on the existing infrastructure. Therefore, impacts would less than the proposed project and remain less than significant. 793

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7.4.20 Wildfire
Development patterns under this Alternative and the proposed project would be similar; development would be allowed to occur in areas designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Future development would be required to comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as the City’s standard mitigation measures.

Therefore, impacts would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

7.4.21 Conclusion
The No Project/Existing General Plan Alternative would be similar to the proposed project for aesthetics, agriculture and forestry resources, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. Impacts to energy, public services, recreation, and utilities and services would be reduced compared to the proposed project. Impacts to air quality, GHG emissions, and land use and planning would be greater than the proposed project. Overall, this Alternative would not result in a more efficient land use plan and would not relieve development pressure in the periphery of the City.

7.5 INCREASED RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN MIXED-USE AREAS

ALTERNATIVE
The Increased Residential Density in Mixed Use Areas Alternative would result in the same buildout as the Proposed General Plan but would increase the intensity of residential growth in areas designated for mixed uses and would consequently develop less land to accommodate the same projected growth. The increase of residential units in mixed use areas would further reduce VMT as there would be more residential uses within proximity to public transit, alternative transportation, jobs, and amenities.

7.5.1 Aesthetics
Under this Alternative, there would be an increase in density and intensity in mixed-use areas, thereby resulting in a reduction of housing units in lower density areas. However, an increase in density and intensity within the mixed-use areas would change the City’s visual character and would not meet the City’s vision of creating a hometown feel, as such development would overwhelm the adjacent neighborhoods. Nonetheless, as with the proposed project, all future development under this Alternative would be required to be consistent with the City’s design guidelines and development standards as listed in the Municipal Code. Overall, impacts would be greater and less than significant.

7.5.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
As this Alternative would result in fewer residential units in lower density areas, this Alternative has the potential to reduce the amount of farmland that would be converted to non-agricultural uses. Nonetheless, development would still occur in areas designated as farmland, and therefore, while this Alternative may reduce impacts, it 794

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would not eliminate the conversion of agricultural uses to non-agricultural uses. Overall, impacts would be reduced when compared to the Proposed General Plan but would continue to be significant and unavoidable.

7.5.3 Air Quality
This Alternative would reduce VMT and thereby reduce air quality impacts. Nonetheless, like with the Proposed General Plan, implementation of this Alternative would result in significant impacts regarding consistency with the AQMP, cumulatively considerable net increase of pollutants for which the project region is in nonattainment, exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations and toxic air contaminants.

In comparison to the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would have reduced air quality impacts, however impacts would remain significant.

7.5.4 Biological Resources
This Alternative would concentrate more development within the mixed-use areas, thereby resulting in a reduction of development elsewhere in the City. While this Alternative has the potential to reduce impacts to sensitive wildlife and plant species, it would not eliminate impacts. Therefore, impacts would be reduced but remain significant and unavoidable.

7.5.5 Cultural Resources
Cultural resource impacts are primarily associated with potential ground disturbance and development of previously undisturbed areas, or impacts to potential historic structures (building additions, demolition, etc.).

While this Alternative would result in less ground disturbance in portions of the City designated for lower density uses, the possibility of impacting cultural resources would be reduced when compared to the proposed project, but remain significant and unavoidable.

7.5.6 Energy
Similar to the buildout of the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would result in an increase in energy use in the City compared to existing conditions. Higher density uses within mixed-use development would contribute to a reduction in energy use from the transportation sector and overall VMT. Therefore, this Alternative could result in shorter distances traveled, as there would be an increase in residential uses within proximity to jobs and other amenities. Overall, impacts on energy use under this Alternative would be less compared to the Proposed General Plan, and would remain less than significant.

7.5.7 Geology and Soils
As with the Proposed General Plan, individual development projects under this Alternative would be required to prepare site-specific geotechnical investigations to evaluate seismic, liquefaction, ground settlement, paleontological resources, and/or soil expansion hazards. All development projects would be required to comply with existing federal, state, and local regulations, such as the California Building Code and statewide General Construction Permit. Impacts under this Alternative would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and would result in less than significant impacts upon implementation of mitigation measures. 795

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7.5.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Similar to the buildout of the Proposed General Plan, this Alternative would result in an increase in GHG emissions in the City, compared to existing conditions. Local GHG emissions reduction measures are necessary to align the City with the GHG reduction targets of the state. This Alternative would result in more concentrated densities in mixed-use areas, and therefore GHG emissions associated with the reduction in VMT would be greater than those of Proposed General Plan. Overall, GHG impacts of this Alternative would be less than those of the Proposed General Plan but would remain significant and unavoidable.

7.5.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Under both this Alternative and the Proposed General Plan, land uses throughout the city would be required to comply with existing federal, state, and local regulations governing use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes. The City's standard mitigation measures for wildfire hazards would be applicable to this Alternative. This Alternative would result in similar impacts to the Proposed General Plan, and impacts would remain less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated.

7.5.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
This Alternative would increase intensity of development in mixed-use areas and reduce development intensity in other areas of the City. Future project-specific water quality management plans (WQMPs), preliminary and/or final, would be prepared at the time of project application. Moreover, Low Impact Development (LID) and water quality treatment solutions prescribed in project-specific WQMPs will be designed to support or enhance the regional best management practices (BMPs) and efforts implemented by the City in order to improve water quality. During construction, project-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) are required to be prepared in accordance with the site-specific sediment risk analyses based on the grading plans. The SWPPP must describe construction BMPs that address pollutant source reduction and provide measures/controls necessary to mitigate potential pollutant sources. This Alternative would result in similar impacts to hydrology and water quality to the Proposed General Plan and would be less than significant.

7.5.11 Land Use and Planning
Under this Alternative, there would be an increased density in mixed-use areas, which are typically near services like shopping and employment centers. As such, this Alternative would result in less VMT, and could encourage the expansion of more active transportation and public transit infrastructure in mixed-use areas. Therefore, this Alternative would be consistent with the RTP/SCS goals to provide transit services to the City. Overall land use impacts would be similar to the Proposed General Plan and would be less than significant.

7.5.12 Mineral Resources
As this Alternative would result in a higher density of residential uses within the mixed-use areas, and a reduction of potential development in lower density areas of the City, future development proximate and/or 796

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adjacent to the federal lode mining claim, as well as development elsewhere in the City, would be reduced.

Therefore, impacts would be reduced and less than significant with mitigation.

7.5.13 Noise
Like the Proposed General Plan, construction activities under this Alternative could occur close to sensitive receptors. However, as development would be focused in mixed use areas, other portions of the City may not be subjected to the same amount of construction noise as with the proposed project. This Alternative may result in a reduction of traffic noise, due to the reduction of residential uses elsewhere in the City as well as the increase in the use of public transit and active transportation. Nonetheless, while impacts would be reduced, they would remain significant and unavoidable.

7.5.14 Population and Housing
This Alternative would result in the same number of dwelling units and employment as the Proposed General Plan and have the same job-to-housing ratio. This Alternative, as with the proposed project, would not displace people and/or housing. Therefore, population and housing impacts of this Alternative would be the same as Proposed General Plan and remain less than significant.

7.5.15 Public Services
This Alternative would result in the same population and employment as the Proposed General Plan. Impacts on public services, including fire, police, school, and library services, would be the same under this Alternative and would be less than significant.

7.5.16 Recreation
This Alternative would result in the same population as the Proposed General Plan and result in the same demand for recreation and recreational services in the City. Therefore, impacts under this Alternative would be the same compared to the Proposed General Plan and would remain less than significant.

7.5.17 Transportation
This Alternative would reduce VMT compared to the Proposed General Plan because of intensification of the land uses in mixed-use areas, which are typically near shopping and employment options as well as jobs and other amenities. There would also be a corresponding decrease in land use intensity in lower density areas of the City. Also, the increase in density in mixed use areas could encourage the expansion of more public transit and active transportation infrastructure near mixed use areas. While this impact would result in a reduction in VMT, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.

7.5.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Impacts to tribal cultural resources would primarily be associated with potential ground disturbance and development of previously undisturbed areas. As there would be less development in lower density areas and 797

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an increase in intensity in mixed use areas, this Alternative would result in less ground-disturbing activities. As with the proposed project, future development would be required to comply with the City’s standard mitigation measures as well as comply with state and federal regulations pertaining to tribal cultural resources. Overall, impacts would be less than the Proposed General Plan and would be less than significant with mitigation.

7.5.19 Utilities and Service Systems
As population under this Alternative would be the same as the proposed project, impacts on public utilities (sewer, water, stormwater, solid waste) would be similar compared to the Proposed General Plan. However, because this Alternative would result in an increase in density in mixed-use areas, there could be a reduced need for the expansion of public utilities. As with the proposed project, individual projects would be subject to City permits, fees, and applications to ensure that these projects would not pose burdens on the existing infrastructure. Therefore, impacts would be similar and less than significant.

7.5.20 Wildfire
Under this Alternative, new residential uses would be concentrated in mixed use areas which are focused along the City’s main corridors. As a result, there would be less expansion of residential development into wildfire hazard areas. As with all development in the City, projects would be required to comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as the City’s standard mitigation measures. Because this Alternative could reduce exposure of people and structures to wildfire hazards, this Alternative would result in less impacts compared to the proposed project and would be less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated.

7.5.21 Conclusion
The Increased Residential Density in Mixed Use Areas Alternative would be similar to the proposed project for geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, population and housing, public services, recreation, and utilities and service systems. This Alternative would result in less impacts compared to the proposed project to agriculture and forestry resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, mineral resources, noise, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. This Alternative would result in greater impacts to aesthetics compared to the proposed project. Overall, this Alternative would result in an increase in higher density development in the City, compared to the proposed project, which does not align with the City’s vision.

7.6 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
CEQA requires a lead agency to identify the “environmentally superior alternative” and, in cases where the “No Project” Alternative is environmentally superior to the proposed project, the environmentally superior development alternative must be identified. This can be challenging for a General Plan Update EIR because much of the public outreach and refinement of the General Plan is designed to address community concerns and environmental issues.

One alternative has been identified as “environmentally superior” to the proposed project:
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 Increased Residential Density in Mixed-Use Areas Alternative The Increased Residential Density in Mixed-Use Areas Alternative has been identified as the environmentally superior alternative. As shown in Table 7-2, Summary of Impacts of Alternatives Compared to the Proposed General Plan, and Table 7-3, Ability of Each Alternative to Meet the Project Objectives, this Alternative lessens impacts to agriculture and forestry resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, GHG emissions, mineral resources, noise, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildlife, while also achieving the benefits of the project objectives.

Table 7-2 Summary of Impacts of Alternatives Compared to the Proposed General Plan Topic Proposed General Plan
No Project/Existing
General Plan Alternative
Increased Residential Density in Mixed
Use Areas Alternative
Aesthetics LTS = +
Agriculture & Forestry Resources S/U = ―
Air Quality S/U + ―
Biological Resources S/U = ―
Cultural Resources S/U = ―
Energy LTS ― ―
Geology and Soils LTS/M = =
GHG Emissions S/U + ―
Hazards and Hazardous Materials LTS/M = =
Hydrology and Water Quality LTS = =
Land Use and Planning LTS + =
Mineral Resources LTS/M = ―
Noise S/U = ―
Population and Housing LTS = =
Public Services LTS ― =
Recreation LTS ― =
Transportation S/U = ―
Tribal Cultural Resources LTS/M = ―
Utilities and Service Systems LTS ― =
Wildfire LTS/M = ―
Notes: NI= No Impact; LTS = Less than Significant; LTS/M = Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated; S/U = Significant and Unavoidable (―) The alternative would result in less of an impact than the Proposed General Plan. (+) The alternative would result in greater impacts than the Proposed General Plan. (=) The alternative would result in the same/similar impacts as the Proposed General Plan. 799

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Table 7-3 Ability of Each Alternative to Meet the Project Objectives Objective
Proposed
General Plan
No Project/Existing
General Plan Alternative
Increased Residential Density
in Mixed Use Areas Alternative
Increase jobs in the City to encourage more residents to work locally and reduce commuting out of the City to work. Yes Yes, but to a lesser extent Yes Maintain and enhance conservation areas. Yes Yes, but to a lesser extent Yes
Focus growth along major corridors thereby ensuring
incremental change in the neighborhoods. Yes Yes, but to a lesser extent Yes Provide for mixed use development in areas of the City
where services and transportation converge, at a density and intensity that is modestly higher than the surrounding neighborhood.

Yes Yes Yes, but to a lesser extent
800
May 2024 Page 8-1

8. Organizations Consulted and Qualifications of
Preparers
City of Wildomar
Dan York, City Manager
Matthew C. Bassi, Community Development Director
Abdu Lachgar, AICP, Senior Planner
Jason Farag, Public Works Director
Daniel Torres, Community Services Director
Kimberly Davidson, Economic Development Director
CR Associates
Mike Calandra, Senior Project Manager
Monique Chen, Principal
Jonathan Sanchez, Transportation Engineer
Lake Elsinore Unified School District
James Judziewicz, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities & Operations Riverside County Library System
Sandra Brautigam, Librarian
Kim Pike, Branch Manager
Riverside Sherrif's Office
David Clark, Lieutenant
Wildomar Fire Department
Lonny Olson, Division Chief
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QUALIFICATIONS OF PREPARERS

PLACEWORKS
Mark Teague, AICP
Principal Advisor  BA, Political Science, California State University Stanislaus
 Over 30 years of experience
Jasmine A. Osman
Associate II
Project Manager for the EIR
 Master of City Planning, San Diego State University
 BA Sustainability, Geography minor, San Diego
State University
Cathleen Fitzgerald, DEnv, PE, QSD/QSP
Principal Engineer  DEnv, Environmental Science & Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
 MA, Marine Biology, University of California, Santa
Barbara
 BA, Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
Nicole Vermillion
Principal, Air Quality/GHG & Noise  Master of Urban & Regional Planning, University of California, Irvine
 BS with Honors, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology,
University of California, Santa Cruz
 BA with Honors, Environmental Studies, University
of California, Santa Cruz
Dina El Chammas Gass, PE
Senior Engineer  MA, East Asian Studies, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa
 Master of Engineering, Environmental and Water
Resources Engineer, American University of Beirut,
Lebanon
 Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering,
American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Tony Chung, PhD, INCE-USA
Associate Principal, Noise, Vibration &
Acoustics
 PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Los Angeles
 MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of
Mississippi
 BS, Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing-Hua
University, Taiwan
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9. Organizations Consulted and Qualifications of Preparers May 2024 Page 8-3
Steve Bush, PE
Senior Engineer  MS, Chemical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
 BS, Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara
John Vang
Senior Associate  Master of Urban Planning, Design, &
Development, Cleveland State University
 Juris Doctor, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law,
Cleveland State University
 BA, Anthropology, University of California, Los
Angeles
Jacob Cisneros
Associate I  BS, Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning, University of California, Davis
Emily Parks
Associate I  MS, Environmental and Ocean Sciences, University of San Diego
 BS, Biological Sciences, University of California,
Santa Barbara
Jessica Mendoza
Project Planner  BS, Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Davis
 Minor in Environmental Policy Analysis and
Planning, University of California, Davis
Isabel Vega
Scientist  BS, Environmental Studies, California State University, Sacramento
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Appendices
May 2024
Appendix 2-1 NOP/NOP Comments
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City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 1

NOTICE OF PREPARATION (NOP)

FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
To: Responsible and Trustee Agencies, Interested Organizations, and Individuals From Matthew C. Bassi, Community Development Director, City of Wildomar Subject: City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Purpose:

In accordance with Section 15021 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the City of Wildomar, as lead agency, will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for an update to the City of Wildomar General Plan (proposed General Plan). Pursuant to Section 15082(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Wildomar (City) has issued this Notice of Preparation (NOP) to provide responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and other interested parties with information describing the proposed General Plan and its potential environmental effects.

Project Location:

The City of Wildomar is in western Riverside County, California, and is bordered by the City of Lake Elsinore to the north and northwest, unincorporated Riverside County to the west, City of Murrieta to the south, and City of Menifee to the east. Interstate and regional access to the City is provided by Interstate 15 (I-15), which runs in a general north-south direction through the City. Figure 1, Regional Location, and Figure 2, Citywide Aerial, show the City in its regional and local contexts [USGS 2018 Wildomar, CA Quadrangle Map, Latitude 33° 35' 39.8034", Longitude -117° 14' 28.104"].

Project Summary:

The City of Wildomar’s proposed General Plan will provide the long-term planning framework for the improvements needed to accommodate the City’s growing population over the 20-year planning horizon.

The City could potentially result in a growth of 8,992 dwelling units, 27,999 residents, 2,965,538 nonresidential square feet, and 6,724 jobs by 2040 (buildout year), as shown in Table 1, Proposed General Plan Buildout.

Table 1 – Proposed General Plan Buildout
Dwelling Units Population
Non-Residential
Square Footage Employment
Existing 11,988 37,326 2,992,377 5,841
General Plan Update 20,980 65,325 5,957,915 12,115
Net Change 8,992 27,999 2,965,538 6,274
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City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 2
In addition to the land use map, the proposed General Plan will identify long-term goals; provide a basis for decision-making; provide citizens with a forum for input on their community’s direction; and inform citizens, developers, decision-makers, and other cities of the ground rules for development.

The proposed General Plan will advance the City’s vision for a safe and active community with high-quality development, urban centers, and corridors while keeping a hometown feel. The proposed General Plan includes comprehensive updates to the required elements under the State Planning and Zoning Law, as well as other optional elements that the City has elected to include in its proposed General Plan: (1) Land Use and Design, (2) Circulation and Mobility, (3) Recreation and Community Services, (4) Open Space and Conservation, (5) Noise, and (6) Economic Development.

The City adopted its 2021-2029 Housing and Safety Elements on October 13, 2021, and therefore, these elements will not be updated as part of the proposed General Plan, other than a possible format change.

In addition, Environmental Justice policies will be embedded throughout the proposed General Plan elements. Each proposed General Plan element includes goals and policies that are based, in part, on the City’s vision, State and local law, and other considerations.

The Zoning Ordinance and map will also be updated to reflect the changes in the proposed General Plan.

Additionally, a Climate Action Memorandum, which will include an analysis of feasible mitigation measures that could be applied to future development projects, will be prepared.

Additional information regarding the General Plan update can be found on the City’s website:
https://envisionwildomar2040.com/
Project Description:

The City’s vision is: “The City of Wildomar will be a safe and active community with responsible growth and quality infrastructure while keeping a hometown feel.” Development consistent with the vision must also be in line with the core values of the community which provide emphasis on community character; growth, land use, and development; environment; economic health; mobility; and infrastructure and services. The core values are used to develop policies guiding future development.

The projected growth over the next twenty years is guided into areas of the City that have been designated for growth in the existing General Plan, that have the infrastructure to accommodate it, or where the infrastructure can be improved. This means that much of the community is expected to continue the incremental growth allowed by the existing general plan land use map, while allowing for improvements such as enhanced connectivity.

To accommodate the anticipated growth, some of the existing land use designations are proposed to be adjusted so that development uses land more efficiently with more units and population. This will reduce the land area needed to accommodate projected growth. Key corridors in the City will be improved, such as Clinton Keith, which will benefit from planning that capitalizes on the economic potential but also meet the design ideal for the City, and Wildomar Trail west of I-15, which has the potential to evolve in its role as the historical heart of the City.
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City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 3
NOP Public Comment Period:

This NOP is being circulated for a 30-day public review/comment period beginning on Thursday September 7, 2023, and concluding on Friday, October 6, 2023. Comments on this NOP should be submitted to the City of Wildomar, Community Development Department at the earliest possible date, but no later than the October 6, 2023 deadline. Comments must be submitted in writing, or via email, to:

Mr. Matthew Bassi, Community Development Director
City of Wildomar, Community Development Department
23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 110, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 677-7751, Ext. 213
[email protected]
Public Scoping Meeting:

A public scoping meeting will be conducted to provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about the proposed General Plan and to provide an opportunity for a full discussion of the environmental issues that are important to the community. The scoping meeting will include a presentation of the extent of the proposed General Plan and a summary of the environmental issues to be analyzed in the EIR. Following the presentation, interested agencies, organizations, and members of the public will be encouraged to present views concerning the environmental issues that should be included in the EIR. The oral and written comments provided during the meeting will assist the City in scoping the potential environmental effects of the project to be addressed by the EIR. The scoping meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 5:00 PM:

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Please click this URL to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84353777805
Meeting ID: 84353777805#
Or iPhone one-tap:
+1-669-444-9171
Environmental Impacts:

The City has determined that the implementation of the proposed General Plan may have a significant effect on the environment. The EIR will evaluate the potential for the proposed General Plan to cause direct and indirect growth-inducing impacts, as well as cumulative impacts. Mitigation will be proposed for those impacts that are determined to be significant, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program will be developed as required by the CEQA Guidelines (Section 15150). The EIR will evaluate the following topics:
• Aesthetics: The City anticipates that the implementation of the proposed General Plan would have impacts on aesthetics in the following areas: scenic highways and light and glare impacts. Although, the overall effect of the proposed General Plan would be to improve the aesthetic quality of the City as new development is required to comply with adopted design standards. • Agricultural and Forestry Resources: The City anticipates that the implementation of the proposed General Plan would have less than significant impacts on agricultural resources in the following areas:
agricultural zoning, forest land conversion, and conversion of agricultural land under a Williamson Act contract.
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City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 4
• Air Quality: Construction and operation of land uses accommodated under the proposed General Plan would result in air pollutant emissions. Ground disturbance during site development activities will generate dust, and construction equipment will create short-term pollutant emissions. Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan could result in additional vehicular traffic that would generate air pollution, exacerbated by the City’s proximity to high-traffic corridors. The proposed General Plan will incorporate policies addressing sources of air pollution. • Biological Resources: The City implements the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and the Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan. The proposed General Plan will include policies and action items needed to ensure continued compliance with these habitat conservation plans. Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan may have an adverse effect on rare, threatened, or endangered species and/or the habitat that supports them, which could impact potential development outcomes. In addition, such development could potentially affect existing wildlife corridors including riparian habitat and/or wetlands. • Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources: Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan may have an adverse effect on historic, archaeological, and/or tribal cultural resources. There is the potential for construction-related effects on historical and archaeological resources. • Energy: The construction and operation of development accommodated under the proposed General Plan would require the use of energy in various forms which could impact energy sources. • Geology and Soils: Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan may result in soil erosion or the loss of topsoil and/or allow development in areas with geologic or soils constraints. There could be potential effects associated with geologic or soil limitations, including the discovery of paleontological resources. There could be impacts associated with grading, such as increased wind and water erosion potential. Impacts may involve disruptions of the soil, changes in topography, erosion from wind or water, and other impacts.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: While a goal of the proposed General Plan is to help further the reduction in greenhouse gas production from existing operations and future development, it is likely that future development may contribute to cumulative increases in greenhouse gases. The analysis will assume a buildout figure for the existing land use pattern and use traffic data to determine the potential GHG emissions. The EIR will include mitigation measures for reducing greenhouse gases, which would be included in the Climate Action Memorandum. Additionally, the proposed General Plan will include associated action items, such as strategies to increase the intensity and mix of land uses, which could encourage people to walk or bike for short trips, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the City.
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials: Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan could have public and environmental health effects related to hazardous material exposure either during construction or during long-term occupation. Portions of the City are also located in areas exposed to fire hazards, which are exacerbated due to ongoing drought conditions. • Hydrology and Water Quality: Development accommodated under the proposed General Plan may affect groundwater supplies, could change drainage patterns, and/or could have the potential to contribute polluted stormwater runoff. There could be impacts related to urban runoff and flooding 809
City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 5
potential, as well as to water quality. There is also the threat of ongoing drought conditions leading to a decrease in annual rainfall in the coming years. The limited supply of water in the City could negatively affect future development.
• Land Use and Planning: The proposed General Plan affords the City an opportunity to increase the density and mix of land uses for purposes of providing mobility options and to encourage job growth in the City reducing the need to commute.
• Mineral Resources: The City is designated as MRZ-3 which includes areas where the available geologic information indicates that while mineral deposits are likely to exist, the significance of the deposit is undetermined. There are no areas within the City that are designated for mineral resource extraction.
• Noise: Increases in traffic because of future development accommodated under the proposed General Plan may result in an increase in ambient and transportation noise, although efforts would be made to incorporate higher-density mixed-use development into the proposed General Plan to minimize any increases in transportation noise.
• Population and Housing: The proposed project would directly and indirectly induce population growth as a result of development accommodated under the proposed General Plan. • Public Services and Utilities and Service Systems: Additional growth generated by the development accommodated under the proposed General Plan will increase demand for the City’s services and utilities. The EIR will evaluate the availability and capacity of the systems to provide for the increase in growth. The City will coordinate with service providers such as the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District to ensure that service demand can be addressed by these independent agencies.
• Recreation: The City’s provision of public park space is below the established park standard of 3.0 acres for every 1,000 persons. Potential options for increasing recreational space in the City include working to increase access to alternative recreation spaces, amending established goals and standards in the proposed General Plan, or the construction of additional public recreational space. • Transportation: Future development may result in impacts on area roadways, including roadways outside of the City’s jurisdiction. The City will use traffic information and provide a summary of the buildout analysis based on the proposed General Plan land use designations. The proposed General Plan will also include strategies to increase employment opportunities within the City to minimize vehicle trips to other areas by commuters, as well as increase active transportation opportunities. • Wildfire: Portions of the City are subject to an increase in fire hazards due to ongoing drought conditions. The EIR will include a discussion of potential environmental impacts, and the proposed policy or implementation strategy that would address the impact. Also, included will be a discussion of alternatives that could reduce or eliminate an identified impact. If the environmental analysis identifies appropriate mitigation measures, they will be included as policies in the proposed General Plan, or as action items in the implementation strategy.
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City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Project September 7, 2023 Notice of Preparation Document Page 6
Type of EIR:

The City will prepare a program EIR pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines. Use of a program EIR allows analysis consistent with the high-level nature of the General Plan. The proposed General Plan EIR will serve as a cumulative impact analysis for implementation of the proposed General Update.

Use of the Proposed General Plan EIR:

Projects implemented after adoption of the proposed General Plan will be examined considering the General Plan EIR to determine whether an additional environmental document must be prepared. In addition, the CEQA Guidelines currently provide for streamlining through Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning), Section 15183.3 (Streamlining for Infill Projects), and 15183.5 (Tiering and Streamlining the Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions). The City intends to promote streamlining for future development through certification of the General Plan Update EIR. Later development may have to conduct site-specific environmental analysis; however, the cumulative analysis will be addressed in the General Plan EIR and proposed General Plan policies and implementation strategy.

This transmittal constitutes the official NOP for the EIR and serves as a request for environmental information that you or your organization believe should be included or addressed in the proposed General Plan EIR document. Please be sure to address the scope and content of environmental information or issues that may relate to your agency’s statutory responsibilities in connection to the proposed project.

If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this NOP, please contact Matthew C.

Bassi, Community Development Director, at (951) 677-7751, Extension 213, or via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Matthew Bassi,
Community Development Director
Attachments:

Figure 1 Regional Location
Figure 2 Citywide Aerial
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PlaceWorks
Figure 1 - Regional Location

CITY OF WILDOMAR PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN NOTICE OF PREPARATION

CITY OF WILDOMAR
Source: Generated using ArcMap 2023.
0 Scale (Miles)
3 City of Wildomar County of Riverside
County of
San Diego
City of Wildomar Boundary
Lake Elsinore
Pacific Ocean
Note: Unincorporated county areas are shown in white.
812
PlaceWorks
Figure 2 - Citywide Aerial
0 Scale (Miles)
1 City of Wildomar Boundary
15 WILDOMAR WILDOMAR

MURRIETA

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

UNINCORPORATED

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Bundy Canyon Rd
Grand Ave
Corydon Rd
Mission Trail
Palomar St Wildomar Trl
Clinton Keith Rd
Jackson Ave
Washington Ave
E Lakeshore Dr
Canyon Hills Rd
Railroad Canyon Rd
Murrieta Rd
Ivy St
Source: Generated using ArcMap 2023.

CITY OF WILDOMAR PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN NOTICE OF PREPARATION

CITY OF WILDOMAR
813
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom, Governor

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

September 9, 2023
Matthew C. Bassi
City of Wildomar
23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 110
Wildomar, CA 92595
Re: 2023090064, City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan DEIR Project, Riverside County Dear Mr. Bassi:

The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) has received the Notice of Preparation (NOP), Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) or Early Consultation for the project referenced above. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Resources Code §21000 et seq.), specifically Public Resources Code §21084.1, states that a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. (Pub. Resources Code § 21084.1; Cal. Code Regs., tit.14, §15064.5 (b) (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5 (b)). If there is substantial evidence, in light of the whole record before a lead agency, that a project may have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) shall be prepared. (Pub. Resources Code §21080 (d); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 5064 subd.(a)(1) (CEQA Guidelines §15064 (a)(1)).

In order to determine whether a project will cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, a lead agency will need to determine whether there are historical resources within the area of potential effect (APE).

CEQA was amended significantly in 2014. Assembly Bill 52 (Gatto, Chapter 532, Statutes of 2014) (AB 52) amended CEQA to create a separate category of cultural resources, “tribal cultural resources” (Pub. Resources Code §21074) and provides that a project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. (Pub. Resources Code §21084.2). Public agencies shall, when feasible, avoid damaging effects to any tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §21084.3 (a)). AB 52 applies to any project for which a notice of preparation, a notice of negative declaration, or a mitigated negative declaration is filed on or after July 1, 2015. If your project involves the adoption of or amendment to a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation or proposed designation of open space, on or after March 1, 2005, it may also be subject to Senate Bill 18 (Burton, Chapter 905, Statutes of 2004) (SB 18).

Both SB 18 and AB 52 have tribal consultation requirements. If your project is also subject to the federal National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), the tribal consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (154 U.S.C. 300101, 36 C.F.R. §800 et seq.) may also apply.

The NAHC recommends consultation with California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of your proposed project as early as possible in order to avoid inadvertent discoveries of Native American human remains and best protect tribal cultural resources. Below is a brief summary of portions of AB 52 and SB 18 as well as the NAHC’s recommendations for conducting cultural resources assessments.

Consult your legal counsel about compliance with AB 52 and SB 18 as well as compliance with any other applicable laws.

AB 52

CHAIRPERSON
Reginald Pagaling
Chumash

VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Buffy McQuillen
Yokayo Pomo, Yuki,
Nomlaki

SECRETARY
Sara Dutschke
Miwok

PARLIAMENTARIAN
Wayne Nelson
Luiseño

COMMISSIONER
Isaac Bojorquez
Ohlone-Costanoan

COMMISSIONER
Stanley Rodriguez
Kumeyaay

COMMISSIONER
Laurena Bolden
Serrano

COMMISSIONER
Reid Milanovich
Cahuilla

COMMISSIONER
Vacant

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Raymond C.

Hitchcock
Miwok, Nisenan

NAHC HEADQUARTERS
1550 Harbor Boulevard
Suite 100
West Sacramento,
California 95691
(916) 373-3710
[email protected]
NAHC.ca.gov
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AB 52 has added to CEQA the additional requirements listed below, along with many other requirements:

1. Fourteen Day Period to Provide Notice of Completion of an Application/Decision to Undertake a Project:

Within fourteen (14) days of determining that an application for a project is complete or of a decision by a public agency to undertake a project, a lead agency shall provide formal notification to a designated contact of, or tribal representative of, traditionally and culturally affiliated California Native American tribes that have requested notice, to be accomplished by at least one written notice that includes:
a. A brief description of the project.
b. The lead agency contact information.
c. Notification that the California Native American tribe has 30 days to request consultation. (Pub.

Resources Code §21080.3.1 (d)).
d. A “California Native American tribe” is defined as a Native American tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC for the purposes of Chapter 905 of Statutes of 2004 (SB 18). (Pub. Resources Code §21073).

2. Begin Consultation Within 30 Days of Receiving a Tribe’s Request for Consultation and Before Releasing a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report: A lead agency shall begin the consultation process within 30 days of receiving a request for consultation from a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1, subds. (d) and (e)) and prior to the release of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or Environmental Impact Report. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1(b)). a. For purposes of AB 52, “consultation shall have the same meaning as provided in Gov. Code §65352.4 (SB 18). (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.1 (b)).

3. Mandatory Topics of Consultation If Requested by a Tribe: The following topics of consultation, if a tribe requests to discuss them, are mandatory topics of consultation:
a. Alternatives to the project.
b. Recommended mitigation measures.
c. Significant effects. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)).

4. Discretionary Topics of Consultation: The following topics are discretionary topics of consultation:
a. Type of environmental review necessary.
b. Significance of the tribal cultural resources.
c. Significance of the project’s impacts on tribal cultural resources. d. If necessary, project alternatives or appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation that the tribe may recommend to the lead agency. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (a)).

5. Confidentiality of Information Submitted by a Tribe During the Environmental Review Process: With some exceptions, any information, including but not limited to, the location, description, and use of tribal cultural resources submitted by a California Native American tribe during the environmental review process shall not be included in the environmental document or otherwise disclosed by the lead agency or any other public agency to the public, consistent with Government Code §6254 (r) and §6254.10. Any information submitted by a California Native American tribe during the consultation or environmental review process shall be published in a confidential appendix to the environmental document unless the tribe that provided the information consents, in writing, to the disclosure of some or all of the information to the public. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (c)(1)).

6. Discussion of Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources in the Environmental Document: If a project may have a significant impact on a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency’s environmental document shall discuss both of the following:
a. Whether the proposed project has a significant impact on an identified tribal cultural resource. b. Whether feasible alternatives or mitigation measures, including those measures that may be agreed to pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (a), avoid or substantially lessen the impact on the identified tribal cultural resource. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (b)). 815

7. Conclusion of Consultation: Consultation with a tribe shall be considered concluded when either of the following occurs:
a. The parties agree to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, if a significant effect exists, on a tribal cultural resource; or
b. A party, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached. (Pub. Resources Code §21080.3.2 (b)).

8. Recommending Mitigation Measures Agreed Upon in Consultation in the Environmental Document: Any mitigation measures agreed upon in the consultation conducted pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2 shall be recommended for inclusion in the environmental document and in an adopted mitigation monitoring and reporting program, if determined to avoid or lessen the impact pursuant to Public Resources Code §21082.3, subdivision (b), paragraph 2, and shall be fully enforceable. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (a)).

9. Required Consideration of Feasible Mitigation: If mitigation measures recommended by the staff of the lead agency as a result of the consultation process are not included in the environmental document or if there are no agreed upon mitigation measures at the conclusion of consultation, or if consultation does not occur, and if substantial evidence demonstrates that a project will cause a significant effect to a tribal cultural resource, the lead agency shall consider feasible mitigation pursuant to Public Resources Code §21084.3 (b). (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (e)).

10. Examples of Mitigation Measures That, If Feasible, May Be Considered to Avoid or Minimize Significant Adverse Impacts to Tribal Cultural Resources:
a. Avoidance and preservation of the resources in place, including, but not limited to:
i. Planning and construction to avoid the resources and protect the cultural and natural context.
ii. Planning greenspace, parks, or other open space, to incorporate the resources with culturally appropriate protection and management criteria.
b. Treating the resource with culturally appropriate dignity, taking into account the tribal cultural values and meaning of the resource, including, but not limited to, the following:
i. Protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource. ii. Protecting the traditional use of the resource.
iii. Protecting the confidentiality of the resource.
c. Permanent conservation easements or other interests in real property, with culturally appropriate management criteria for the purposes of preserving or utilizing the resources or places. d. Protecting the resource. (Pub. Resource Code §21084.3 (b)). e. Please note that a federally recognized California Native American tribe or a non-federally recognized California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the NAHC to protect a California prehistoric, archaeological, cultural, spiritual, or ceremonial place may acquire and hold conservation easements if the conservation easement is voluntarily conveyed. (Civ. Code §815.3 (c)). f. Please note that it is the policy of the state that Native American remains and associated grave artifacts shall be repatriated. (Pub. Resources Code §5097.991).

11. Prerequisites for Certifying an Environmental Impact Report or Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Negative Declaration with a Significant Impact on an Identified Tribal Cultural Resource: An Environmental Impact Report may not be certified, nor may a mitigated negative declaration or a negative declaration be adopted unless one of the following occurs:
a. The consultation process between the tribes and the lead agency has occurred as provided in Public Resources Code §21080.3.1 and §21080.3.2 and concluded pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.3.2.
b. The tribe that requested consultation failed to provide comments to the lead agency or otherwise failed to engage in the consultation process.
c. The lead agency provided notice of the project to the tribe in compliance with Public Resources Code §21080.3.1 (d) and the tribe failed to request consultation within 30 days. (Pub. Resources Code §21082.3 (d)).

The NAHC’s PowerPoint presentation titled, “Tribal Consultation Under AB 52: Requirements and Best Practices” may be found online at: http://nahc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/AB52TribalConsultation_CalEPAPDF.pdf 816

SB 18
SB 18 applies to local governments and requires local governments to contact, provide notice to, refer plans to, and consult with tribes prior to the adoption or amendment of a general plan or a specific plan, or the designation of open space. (Gov. Code §65352.3). Local governments should consult the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research’s “Tribal Consultation Guidelines,” which can be found online at:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/09_14_05_Updated_Guidelines_922.pdf.

Some of SB 18’s provisions include:

1. Tribal Consultation: If a local government considers a proposal to adopt or amend a general plan or a specific plan, or to designate open space it is required to contact the appropriate tribes identified by the NAHC by requesting a “Tribal Consultation List.” If a tribe, once contacted, requests consultation the local government must consult with the tribe on the plan proposal. A tribe has 90 days from the date of receipt of notification to request consultation unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (a)(2)).

2. No Statutory Time Limit on SB 18 Tribal Consultation. There is no statutory time limit on SB 18 tribal consultation.

3. Confidentiality: Consistent with the guidelines developed and adopted by the Office of Planning and Research pursuant to Gov. Code §65040.2, the city or county shall protect the confidentiality of the information concerning the specific identity, location, character, and use of places, features and objects described in Public Resources Code §5097.9 and §5097.993 that are within the city’s or county’s jurisdiction. (Gov. Code §65352.3 (b)).

4. Conclusion of SB 18 Tribal Consultation: Consultation should be concluded at the point in which:
a. The parties to the consultation come to a mutual agreement concerning the appropriate measures for preservation or mitigation; or
b. Either the local government or the tribe, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached concerning the appropriate measures of preservation or mitigation. (Tribal Consultation Guidelines, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (2005) at p. 18).

Agencies should be aware that neither AB 52 nor SB 18 precludes agencies from initiating tribal consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with their jurisdictions before the timeframes provided in AB 52 and SB 18. For that reason, we urge you to continue to request Native American Tribal Contact Lists and “Sacred Lands File” searches from the NAHC. The request forms can be found online at: http://nahc.ca.gov/resources/forms/.

NAHC Recommendations for Cultural Resources Assessments To adequately assess the existence and significance of tribal cultural resources and plan for avoidance, preservation in place, or barring both, mitigation of project-related impacts to tribal cultural resources, the NAHC recommends the following actions:

1. Contact the appropriate regional California Historical Research Information System (CHRIS) Center (https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30331) for an archaeological records search. The records search will determine:
a. If part or all of the APE has been previously surveyed for cultural resources. b. If any known cultural resources have already been recorded on or adjacent to the APE. c. If the probability is low, moderate, or high that cultural resources are located in the APE. d. If a survey is required to determine whether previously unrecorded cultural resources are present.

2. If an archaeological inventory survey is required, the final stage is the preparation of a professional report detailing the findings and recommendations of the records search and field survey. a. The final report containing site forms, site significance, and mitigation measures should be submitted immediately to the planning department. All information regarding site locations, Native American human remains, and associated funerary objects should be in a separate confidential addendum and not be made available for public disclosure.
b. The final written report should be submitted within 3 months after work has been completed to the appropriate regional CHRIS center.
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3. Contact the NAHC for:
a. A Sacred Lands File search. Remember that tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the Sacred Lands File, nor are they required to do so. A Sacred Lands File search is not a substitute for consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the project’s APE.
b. A Native American Tribal Consultation List of appropriate tribes for consultation concerning the project site and to assist in planning for avoidance, preservation in place, or, failing both, mitigation measures.

4. Remember that the lack of surface evidence of archaeological resources (including tribal cultural resources) does not preclude their subsurface existence.
a. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plan provisions for the identification and evaluation of inadvertently discovered archaeological resources per Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15064.5(f) (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5(f)). In areas of identified archaeological sensitivity, a certified archaeologist and a culturally affiliated Native American with knowledge of cultural resources should monitor all ground-disturbing activities.
b. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the disposition of recovered cultural items that are not burial associated in consultation with culturally affiliated Native Americans.
c. Lead agencies should include in their mitigation and monitoring reporting program plans provisions for the treatment and disposition of inadvertently discovered Native American human remains. Health and Safety Code §7050.5, Public Resources Code §5097.98, and Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15064.5, subdivisions (d) and (e) (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5, subds. (d) and (e)) address the processes to be followed in the event of an inadvertent discovery of any Native American human remains and associated grave goods in a location other than a dedicated cemetery.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at my email address:

[email protected].

Sincerely,
Andrew Green
Cultural Resources Analyst
cc: State Clearinghouse
818
From: McKinney, Elsa <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 3:19 PM
To: Matthew Bassi <[email protected]>
Cc: McNeill, Amy <[email protected]>; Cornelius, William <[email protected]>; Cunningham, Kevin <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Draft EIR (DEIR) [The e-mail below is from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.]
Hello Mathew,
Just to follow up, we do not have comments for the project since it does not involve construction at this time, however just letting you know that I did send the notice to our Environmental Regulatory Team since the changes may impact future District facilities.

Respectfully,
~Elsa
819
From: McKinney, Elsa
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 3:01 PM
To: Matthew Bassi <[email protected]>
Cc: McNeill, Amy <[email protected]>; Cornelius, William <[email protected]> Subject: City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan Draft EIR (DEIR) Good afternoon Mathew,
Since The District’s storm drain facilities will not be impacted, there is no need for permanent drainage, and there are no Area Drainage Plan fees to be paid, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District does not have any comments for this project. **Please include myself, Elsa McKinney ([email protected]), Amy McNeill ([email protected]), and William (Michael) Cornelius ([email protected]) to your City’s distribution list for Flood Control** Best Regards,
Elsa McKinney, Engineering Aide
Development Review

RIVERSIDE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL
& WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1995 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
951.955.2878 | [email protected]
*Off Fridays
Confidentiality Disclaimer
This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure.

If you are not the author's intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please delete all copies, both electronic and printed, and contact the author immediately.

County of Riverside California
820

TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
12700 Pumarra Road – Banning, CA 92220 – (951) 755-5259 – Fax (951) 572-6004 – [email protected]

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
[email protected]
Mathew Bassi
Community Development Director
City of Wildomar
23873 Clinton Keith Road Suite 110
Wildomar, CA 92595
September 21, 2023
RE: Notice of Intent to Prepare EIR for the General Plan Project in the City of Wildomar, Riverside County, California
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians (Tribe/MBMI) Tribal Historic Preservation Office received the City of City of Wildomar (City) letter regarding the above referenced project on September 11, 2023. The proposed General Plan Project (Project) is located within the ancestral territory and traditional use area of the Cahuilla and Serrano people of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Tribal cultural resources are non-renewable resources and therefore of high importance to the Morongo Tribe, therefore, tribal participation (a.k.a. tribal monitors) is recommended during all ground disturbing activities. We look forward to working with the City to protect these irreplaceable resources out of respect for ancestors of the Morongo people who left them there, and for the people of today and for generations to come.

Projects within this area are potentially sensitive for cultural resources regardless of the presence or absence of remaining surface artifacts and features. At this time, our office requests to initiate governmentto-government consultation under Assembly Bill (AB) 52 (California Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1) and Senate Bill (SB) 18 (California Government Code §65352) and requests the following from the City to ensure meaningful consultation:
• Currently proposed Project design and Mass Grading Maps • A records search conducted at the appropriate California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) center with at least a 1.0-mile search radius from the project boundary. If this work has already been done, please furnish copies of the cultural resource documentation (ArcMap Shapefiles, reports and site records) generated through this search so that we can compare and review with our records to begin productive consultation. • Tribal participation (a.k.a. tribal monitors) during the pedestrian survey and testing, if this fieldwork has not already taken place. In the event that archaeological crews have completed this work, our office requests a copy of the current Phase I study or other cultural assessments (including the cultural resources inventory).
• Shapefiles of the Projects area of effect (APE)
• Geotechnical Report
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TRIBAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Page | 2
12700 Pumarra Road – Banning, CA 92220 – (951) 755-5259 – Fax (951) 572-6004 – [email protected] This letter does not conclude consultation. Upon receipt of the requested documents the MBMI THPO may further provide recommendations and/or mitigation measures.

The lead contact for this Project is Bernadette Ann Brierty, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO).

MBMI Cultural Resource Specialist Laura Chatterton, will be assisting the Tribe in the review of this project.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or (951) 663-2842, should you have any questions. The Tribe looks forward to meaningful government-to-government consultation with the City.

Respectfully,
Bernadette Ann Brierty
Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
CC: Morongo THPO
822
From: "Baer, Nathan@CHP" <[email protected]>
Date: September 28, 2023 at 4:04:09 PM PDT
To: [email protected], CHP-EIR <[email protected]>, Matthew Bassi <[email protected]>
Cc: "Penner, Jason@CHP" <[email protected]>, "Antillon, Alex@CHP" <[email protected]>
Subject: ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT REVIEW AND RESPONSE
[The e-mail below is from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.]
The California Highway Patrol, Temecula Area’s response to the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the City of Wildomar’s proposed general plan, State Clearinghouse (SCH) #2023090064, Temecula Area is expressing concerns that the proposed development. The addition of 8,992 dwellings and an estimated population increase of 27,999, would significantly increase traffic volume, and it would therefore present an adverse impact on the Temecula Area’s ability to provide adequate service in the area.

The general plan does not address the impact on roadways outside of the city, other than a generic statement under Transportation. The general plan does not address the significant increase of traffic on Interstate 15 or the county roads leading in and out of the city.

Sincerely,
Sergeant N. W. Baer
California Highway Patrol – Temecula Area 27685 Commerce Center Drive Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 506-2000
FAX (951) 506-2002
[email protected]
823
From: Theresa Rettinghouse <[email protected]> Date: October 5, 2023 at 3:30:42 PM PDT
To: Matthew Bassi <[email protected]>
Cc: Aruna Prabhala <[email protected]>
Subject: City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan, aka SCH2023090064 [The e-mail below is from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.]
Good afternoon Mr. Bassi,
Please add me and Aruna (copied here) to the notice list for the City of Wildomar Proposed General Plan (aka SCH2023090064) and keep us apprised of all future project developments.

Please confirm receipt of this email.

Best regards,
Theresa
Theresa Rettinghouse
(she/her/hers)
Urban Wildlands Paralegal
Center for Biological Diversity
[email protected]
Ph: 510-844-7100 ext 320
1212 Broadway St., Suite 800
Oakland, CA 94612
824
October 11, 2023
Matthew C. Bassi
Community Development Director
City of Wildomar, Planning Department
23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 201
Wildomar, CA 92595
RE: Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the City of Wildomar’s General Plan Update
Dear Mr. Bassi,
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Wildomar’s General Plan Update. The City of Menifee has reviewed the NOP and offers the following comments.
1) Upon review of the Wildomar City Council’s preferred Land Use Plan, we notice that the plan does not reflect any specific plan areas, yet Menifee has received recent prior environmental notification concerning a proposed amendment to the existing Wildomar Meadows Specific Plan located near/adjacent to the southwest portion of Menifee.

Additionally, the preferred General Plan Land Use Plan would amend the land uses for the same area as the Specific Plan south of Keller Rd at the Menifee/Wildomar boundary line from Low Density Residential (LDR), Estate Density Residential (EDC-RC), to Estate Density Residential (EDR) allowing single family detached residences on large parcels of 2 to 5 acres. Menifee is looking for clarification as to why the General Plan update would include land use changes for this area that appear to be in conflict with pending Wildomar Meadows Specific Plan Amendment Project. The Wildomar Specific Plan project description included substantially different General Plan land use amendments that would 1) remove the existing Estate Density Residential (EDR-RC), Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) and Low Density Residential (LDR) land use designations, and 2) add the Medium High Density Residential (MHDR), High Density Residential (HDR), Commercial Retail (CR) land use designations.
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2) The City of Menifee requests the opportunity to review and provide comments on the Circulation and Mobility Element of Wildomar’s General Plan Update as soon as it is available.
3) The proposed project will have a cumulative adverse impact on the City of Menifee Fire Department’s ability to provide an acceptable level of service. These impacts include an increased number of emergency and public service calls due to the increased presence of structures, traffic, and population. The project proponents/developers will be expected to provide proportional mitigations to these impacts via capital improvements and/or impact fees. Upon additional impact analysis, the applicants/developers may be required to enter into an agreement with the City of Menifee to offset costs and impacts. 4) Finally, we request the City of Wildomar please provide all subsequent notices and environmental documents on this project to the City of Menifee Community Development Department.

We appreciate your consideration of these comments and thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments. We respectfully look forward to discussing these items further prior to the approval of this project. If you have questions, please contact me at 951-723-3744 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Doug Darnell, AICP
Principal Planner
Cc: Cheryl Kitzerow, AICP Community Development Director, City of Menifee Nick Fidler, Public Works Director, City of Menifee
Orlando Hernandez, Deputy Community Development Director, City of Menifee 826

CITY OF WILDOMAR PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN DRAFT EIR

CITY OF WILDOMAR
Appendices
May 2024
Appendix 3-1 Draft General Plan Document
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CITY OF WILDOMAR
Appendices
PlaceWorks
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ORANGE COUNTY • BAY AREA • SACRAMENTO • CENTRAL COAST • LOS ANGELES • INLAND EMPIRE PLACEWORKS.COM
Prepared by: PlaceWorks
700 South Flower Street, Suite 600
Los Angeles, California 90017
t 213.623.1443
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City of Wildomar General Plan
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Acknowledgments
City Council
Mayor Bridgette Moore
Mayor Pro Tem, Ashlee DePhillippo
Council-member Carlos Marquez
Council-member Joseph Morabito
Council-member Dustin Nigg
Planning Commission
Eric Filar, Chairperson
Brianna Bernard, Vice-Chairperson
Commissioner Arrin Banks
Commissioner George Cambero
Commissioiner Kim Strong
General Plan Advisory Group
Armando Acosta
Mari Bacon
Eric Bunge
Bob Cashman
Jesse Kauppinen
Bridget LaPointe
Connie Nader
Shawn Peukert
City Staff
Daniel A. York, City Manager
Matthew C. Bassi, Community Development Director
Kimberly Davidson, Economic Development Director
and Public Information Officer
Jason Farag, PE, Public Works Director
Daniel Torres, Community Services Director
Heidi Schrader, Administrative Services Director
Adam Jantz, Finance Manager
Abdu Lachgar, AICP, Senior Planner
Inmaa Hafeez, Planning Intern
Arlene Diaz, Development Services Technician
Justin Schlaefli, P.E., T.E., PTOE, Traffic Engineer
Consultant Team
PlaceWorks, Inc.

CR Associates
ECORP
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Table of Contents
Public Review Draft
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Table of Contents

1. Introduction...................................................... 1-1

1.1 Vision Statement ...................................... 1-2

1.2 Outreach ................................................... 1-2

1.3 Community Themes................................. 1-2

1.4 Wildomar Today ...................................... 1-3

1.5 Wildomar’s History.................................. 1-4

1.6 Purpose..................................................... 1-7

1.7 Organization............................................. 1-8

1.8 Administration........................................ 1-10

1.9 Environmental Impact Report................ 1-10

2. Land Use Element............................................ 2-1

2.1 Vision ....................................................... 2-1

2.2 Purpose..................................................... 2-1

2.3 Planning Context and Approach .............. 2-1

2.4 Land Use Diagram ................................... 2-6

2.5 Land Use Designations .......................... 2-11

2.6 Development Capacity ........................... 2-15

2.7 Goals and Policies.................................. 2-17

3. Circulation Element......................................... 3-1

3.1 Vision ....................................................... 3-1

3.2 Purpose..................................................... 3-1

3.3 Planning Context and Approach .............. 3-2

3.4 Goals and Policies.................................. 3-26

4. Economic Development Element.................... 4-1

4.1 Vision ....................................................... 4-1

4.2 Purpose..................................................... 4-1

4.3 Planning Context and Approach .............. 4-1

4.4 Economic Development Strategic
Planning ................................................... 4-3

4.5 Economic Development Partners............. 4-4

4.6 Goals and Policies.................................... 4-5

5. Open Space and Conservation Element ........ 5-1

5.1 Vision ...................................................... 5-1

5.2 Purpose .................................................... 5-1

5.3 Planning Context and Approach.............. 5-2

5.4 Goals and Policies ................................. 5-14

6. Recreation and Community Services
Element............................................................. 6-1

6.1 Vision ...................................................... 6-1

6.2 Purpose .................................................... 6-1

6.3 Planning Context and Approach.............. 6-2

6.4 Goals and Policies ................................... 6-7

7. Noise Element .................................................. 7-1

7.1 Vision ...................................................... 7-1

7.2 Purpose .................................................... 7-1

7.3 Noise........................................................ 7-1

7.4 Terminology ............................................ 7-1

7.5 Noise Environments &
Measurements.......................................... 7-2

7.6 Planning Context ..................................... 7-2

7.7 Noise Standards....................................... 7-6

7.8 Noise Contours........................................ 7-6

7.9 Stationary Noise .................................... 7-13

7.10 Construction Noise ................................ 7-13

7.11 Vibration................................................ 7-14

7.12 Goals and Policies ................................. 7-15

8. Housing Element.............................................. 8-1

9. Safety Element................................................. 9-1

10. Implementation.............................................. 10-1 835
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Appendices
Appendix A: Policies Addressing Environmental Justice Topics Appendix B: Wildomar General Plan Update Goods
Movement Memorandum
Figures
Figure1-1: Regional Context ............................... 1-5 Figure1-2: Local Context .................................... 1-6 Figure 2-1: Existing Land Use ............................. 2-4 Figure 2-2: Land Use Plan.................................... 2-7 Figure 2-3: Focus Areas ....................................... 2-8 Figure 3-1: Planned Pedestrian Route Types ....... 3-3
Figure 3-2: Planned Bicycle Network .................. 3-6 Figure 3-3: Public Transit Network...................... 3-9 Figure 3-4: Planned Roadway Network
Classifications.................................. 3-10
Figure 3-5-1: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 6-Lane Primary Arterial
Roadways, Part 1............................. 3-11
Figure 3-5-2: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 6-Lane Primary Arterial
Roadways, Part 2............................. 3-12
Figure 3-6-1: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial
Roadways, Part 1............................. 3-13
Figure 3-6-2: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial
Roadways, Part 2............................. 3-14
Figure 3-6-3: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial
Roadways, Part 3............................. 3-15
Figure 3-7-1: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 4-Lane Minor Arterial
Roadways, Part 1............................. 3-16
Figure 3-8-1: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 1 ............................ 3-17
Figure 3-8-2: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 2 ............................ 3-18
Figure 3-8-3: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 3 ............................ 3-19
Figure 3-8-4: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 4 ............................ 3-20
Figure 3-8-5: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 5 ............................ 3-21
Figure 3-8-6: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 6 ............................ 3-22
Figure 3-8-7: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 7 ............................ 3-23
Figure 3-8-8: Typical Cross-Sections of
Designated 2-Lane Collector
Roadways, Part 8 ............................ 3-24
Figure 3-9: Goods Movement Routes................ 3-25
Figure 5-1: Conserved Lands............................... 5-4 Figure 5-2a: Vegetation Communities................... 5-5 Figure 5-2b: Vegetation Communities................... 5-6 Figure 5-2c: Vegetation Communities................... 5-7 Figure 5-2d: Vegetation Communities................... 5-8 Figure 5-3: Critical Habitat.................................. 5-9 Figure 5-4: Potential Aquatic Features .............. 5-10 Figure 5-5: Areas of Mineral Significance ........ 5-11 Figure 6-1: Planned Parks Network..................... 6-3 Figure 6-2: Planned Multi-Use Trails.................. 6-4 Figure 6-3: Community Services......................... 6-6 Figure 7-1: Short- and Long-Term Noise
Measurement Locations.................... 7-4
Figure 7-2: Future Noise Contours...................... 7-7 836
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Tables
Table 1-1: State Mandated Elements .................. 1-8 Table 2-1: Existing Land Use ............................. 2-3 Table 2-2: Focus Area Description ..................... 2-9 Table 2-3: Land Use Designations.................... 2-12 Table 2-4: Development Assumption
by 2045 ............................................ 2-16 Table 5-1: Previously Evaluated Built
Environment Resources in
the City ............................................ 5-13 Table 7-1: Long-Term Measurement
Summary ........................................... 7-3 Table 7-2: Short-Term Noise Measurements
Summary in A-weighted Sound
Levels ................................................ 7-5 Table 7-3: Noise Compatibility Standards for
Land Uses.......................................... 7-8 Table 7-4: Noise Contours from Centerline for
Roadways .......................................... 7-9 Table 7-5: Human Response to Different
Levels of Ground Noise and
Vibration.......................................... 7-15 Table 10-1: How to Read Implementation
Actions.............................................10-2 837
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1. Introduction
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1. Introduction
Welcome to Wildomar’s 2040 General Plan! As the
first comprehensive General Plan to address Wildomar’s unique attributes and aspirations, the Plan is a significant milestone. It establishes a foundation
for protecting the City’s valued qualities and characteristics, while providing a roadmap for how the City should develop. Overall, the Plan outlines a shared
vision for the future of Wildomar while staying true
to the City’s roots. The General Plan is the result of
a multiyear planning process. More importantly, the
Plan reflects the investment of imagination, dedication, and thoughtfulness by the many members of the community. The policies articulated in this Plan
are intended to speak to future leaders and generations to come about the unique challenges and opportunities of this time while establishing an enduring vision that will provide guidance for many decades.

Vision and Guiding Principles
The Vision Statement and Guiding Principles embody the collective aspirations and outcomes for the future of Wildomar and form the basis for the policies of the General Plan. The Vision Statement was adopted by the City Council in 2017 and the Guiding
Principles were developed by community members
during the general plan update process through
meetings, surveys, pop-up events, and workshops.

Together, they encapsulate the expectations of what
type of place Wildomar will be in 2040.
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1.1 Vision Statement
The City of Wildomar will be a safe and active community with responsible growth and quality infrastructure while keeping a hometown feel.

Guiding Principles
Wildomar is a city that:
• Provides a welcoming, safe, and family-friendly
environment with opportunities for healthy, selfsustaining lifestyles for all residents. • Balances responsible growth with preservation
of rural character, open spaces, and historical resources. • Protects the visual and ecological value of its
natural resources.
• Nurtures small businesses, attracts high-quality
jobs, provides quality educational opportunities,
and supports commercial services that capture
local spending and generate revenues to support
Wildomar’s vision for the future.
• Maintains safe roadways and high-quality pedestrian, bicycle, multipurpose trail, and transit networks. • Provides for social, physical, and mental health
through arts and programs, entertainment, recreational opportunities, quality infrastructure, and gathering places for residents of all ages and
abilities.

1.2 Outreach
The General Plan update included a robust public
outreach program that sought to engage all sectors of
the City’s population with the goal of identifying the
community’s values and translating those values into
a community vision. The program of public outreach
comprised a diversity of platforms and techniques.

An iterative process of public engagement included
six (6) public meetings of the eight-member General
Plan Advisory Group (GPAG), four (4) community
pop-up events, five (5) citywide community workshops, two (2) online surveys, and fifteen (15) stakeholder interviews/meetings. Regular updates and information on key milestones and public comments
were posted to the project website and the City’s social media platforms. In addition, City staff provided monthly updates to the City Council throughout the
General Plan update process.

1.3 Community Themes
Through the extensive feedback received during
public engagement, the following key themes
emerged:

1. Housing Choices. Large-lot residences and opportunities for a degree of self-sufficiency on such properties are valued, including the ability
to maintain gardens and farm animals. A diversity of housing types that meet the needs of different income levels and life stages, from starter homes for families to retirement residences, are
also desired.

2. A Heart of the Community. The Old Town
area, centered on the intersection of Wildomar
Trail and Palomar Street, is perceived to be the
historical “heart” of the community, and support
for evolving the area into a walkable “community focal point” was expressed, as envisioned in previous planning efforts.

3. Improved Infrastructure and More Services.

In various forums, a strong desire was expressed
to improve and expand the City’s infrastructure,
services, and amenities—from better maintenance of streets to the provision of more parks and community gathering places and a larger library.

4. Keep Our Natural Treasures. Wildomar’s natural environment and scenic setting are treasured and should be protected for enjoyment by future
generations.

5. Transportation Choices. Safe and efficient networks of pedestrian, bicycle, multiuse trail, and transit routes for recreational and everyday use
are important, providing healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving personal vehicles.
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1. Introduction
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6. More Amenities. There is a need for more
goods and services, such as stores, restaurants,
and entertainment venues that increase local
spending and decrease the need to travel to other
communities to meet daily needs, celebrate special events, and enjoy a night out.

7. Balanced Growth. The city should evolve with
more homes, amenities, and infrastructure, but
those improvements should be sensitive to the
city’s rural history and small-town feel.

1.4 Wildomar Today
Location
The City of Wildomar is in southwestern Riverside
County, California, and is bordered by the City of
Lake Elsinore to the north and northwest,
Pop Citywide Workshop #1 on May 14, 2022. -up at Wildomar’s 14th Birthday Celebration, July 19, 2022.
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Wildomar 2040 General Plan
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unincorporated Riverside County to the west, the
City of Murrieta to the south and east, and the City
of Menifee to the east. Interstate and regional access
to Wildomar is provided by Interstate 15 freeway (I15), which runs northwest-southeast through the middle of the city. Figure 1-1, Regional Context, and
Figure 1-2, Local Context, show the city in its regional and local contexts.

1.5 Wildomar’s History
Wildomar falls within the territory of both the
Luiseño and Juaneño indigenous peoples. The
Luiseño occupied most of the area drained by the
San Luis Rey and Santa Margarita Rivers. The
Luiseño lived in sedentary and autonomous village
groups. Permanent villages were typically located in
valley bottoms, along streams, or along coastal
strands near mountain ranges where water was available and village defense was possible.

Ethnographic descriptions of the Juaneño are often
given in terms of their neighbors to the south, the
Luiseño, but also point to a separate ethnic identity.

Juaneño settlement and subsistence systems may extend back to the beginning of the Angeles IV Phase about 1,250 years ago when Takic speakers moved
south beyond Aliso Creek. The Juaneño were semisedentary hunters and gatherers. They lived in villages of up to 250 people located near permanent water and a variety of food sources. Each village
was typically at the center of an established territory from which resources for the group were gathered.

Mission San Luis Rey
After the San Luis Rey Mission was established in
1798 on the lower San Luis Rey River, most
Luiseño were converted and taken to the mission.

Poor living conditions at the missions and introduced European diseases led to a rapid decline of the Luiseño population. Following closure of the missions by the Mexican government, Luiseño dispersed throughout Southern California. Some worked on the Mexican ranchos, others moved to
newly founded towns established for them, some
sought refuge among inland groups, and a few managed to acquire land grants. Later, many moved or were forced onto reservations established by the
U.S. Government.

City of Wildomar
Rancho La Laguna was a grant of 3 square leagues
made by Mexican governor Manuel Micheltorena to
Julian Manriquez in 1844. Rancho La Laguna included Lake Elsinore and what is now the City of Wildomar. The land grant did not include the surrounding hills.

After Julian Manriquez died, Rancho La Laguna was
sold to Abel Stearns in 1852. Stearns sold the rancho
to Agustín Machado in 1858. When confirmed by
the United States in 1872, the grant had an area of
13,339 acres. Machado’s widow and 11 of the 12
children sold most of the rancho to an Englishman,
Charles A. Sumner, in 1873. Sumner mortgaged his
property in 1875 and lost the property through foreclosure and a sheriff’s sale in 1877. The new owner sold the property to Frederick M. Sumner, the
brother of Charles A. Sumner. In 1881, ownership
was transferred to a San Francisco bank, and in 1883
it was purchased by Franklin Heald, William Collier,
and Donald Graham. The partners subdivided part of
the property and began selling lots in what would
become the Town of Elsinore. These partners divided the La Laguna Ranch property in 1885, with Collier and Graham taking the area southeast of Corydon Road, which became the City of Wildomar.

Wildomar began as the Car B station, established in
1884 by the California Southern Railroad Company
(CSRR) six miles south of the Elsinore Junction station. The station began as a railroad car on a siding.

The name was changed to Wildon and lots were surveyed and platted in 1885. Wildon was based on the names of William Collier and Donald Graham. A
new plat was recorded in 1886 with the name
changed to Wildomar. The name Wildomar was
formed using Wildon plus part of the first name of
Margaret Collier, wife of William Collier and sister
of Donald Graham.
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The original townsite was between Palomar Street
and Grand Avenue and between Gruwell Street and
Pasadena Avenue, according to the 1901 edition of
the U.S. Geological Survey Elsinore Quadrangle.

The Wildomar post office and the elementary school
were established in 1886. With the arrival of many
Quaker families from West Branch, Iowa, Wildomar
became a Quaker colony. Wildomar was one of the
election precincts and school districts when Riverside County was formed in 1893.

Wildomar’s growth slowed when the CSRR’s tracks
in Temecula Canyon were washed out for the final
time in 1892, which severed the connection with San
Diego; the tracks were not rebuilt. In 1927, the track
in Railroad Canyon washed out, and the Atchison,
Topeka, & Santa Fe railroad track from Perris to
Temecula was abandoned, after which Wildomar no
longer had rail service. Wildomar remained a rural
farming and horse ranching community for most of
the 20th century. Wildomar was incorporated as a
city on July 1, 2008, with a population of 28,000.

1.6 Purpose
The General Plan is a State-required legal document
that provides guidance to decision-makers regarding
the allocation of resources and the future physical
form and character of development in the City. It is
the official statement of the City regarding the extent and types of development needed to achieve the
community’s physical, economic, social, and
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environmental goals. Although the General Plan is
composed of individual sections, or “elements,” that
individually address a specific area of concern, the
General Plan embodies a comprehensive and integrated planning approach for Wildomar.

1.7 Organization
Wildomar’s Envision Wildomar 2040 General Plan
is presented in 10 chapters. These cover all the elements required by State law—land use, circulation, conservation, open space, safety, noise, housing, and
environmental justice—as well as one additional
topic of local importance to the community—economic development. While an environmental justice element is not required for Wildomar due to the absence of State-defined disadvantaged communities, the diversity and needs of its residents justify the inclusion of policies addressing the issues described under State Guidelines that have been integrated
throughout relevant elements of the General Plan.

Appendix A outlines which policies address the Environmental Justice topics identified in Government Code Section 65302. Though a number of other important topics are not developed as separate elements, policies for them are integrated throughout the Plan, including environmental sustainability and
health.

No single element or subject supersedes any other,
and all elements must be internally consistent. Additionally, all policies and actions must complement one another across topic areas without conflicting
with one another. Once adopted, each element, regardless of statutory requirement, assumes the same legal standing.

Table 1-1, State Mandated Elements shows the
State-mandated elements and their counterparts in
the Envision Wildomar 2040 General Plan.

Table 1-1: State Mandated Elements
StateMandated
Element
Wildomar General Plan
Element
Land Use Land Use Element
Circulation Circulation Element
Housing Housing Element
Open Space Open Space and Conservation
Element, Recreation and Community Services Element
Conservation Open Space and Conservation
Element
Noise Noise Element
Safety Safety Element
Optional Elements
N/A Economic Development Element
Each element contains goals, policies, and implementation programs designed to address issues and opportunities identified during the planning process
and achieve the community’s vision.

Goal. A statement that describes a desired future.
condition, or “end” state. Goals are oriented to
change and outcome, achievable over time, though
not driven by funding. Goals are numbered and
begin with a chapter abbreviation (e.g., Goal LU 1).

Policy. A specific statement that guides a specific
course of action for decision-makers to achieve a desired goal. Some policies include guidelines or standards as the basis by which decisions can be
evaluated and commit the City to a particular course
of action. Each policy in the Plan is labeled with a
chapter abbreviation, the number of the goal it’s associated with, and its own unique number (e.g., LU-1.1).
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Implementation Program. An implementation program is an action, procedure, program, or technique that carries out goals and policies. Implementation
measures are comprehensive in nature, encompassing amendments of existing and preparation of new plans, ordinances, and development standards; administration of City procedures and development review and approval processes; and interagency coordination. Completion of a recommended implementation program will depend on a number of factors, such as citizen priorities, finances, and staff availability.

Policies and actions together establish who will do
the work and how and when the goals will be carried
out. Collectively, goals, policies, and actions provide a roadmap with tangible steps to make the vision in
the General Plan a reality in the Wildomar of 2040.

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1.8 Administration
Following its adoption, the General Plan will be implemented through a variety of ordinances, programs, and activities. These specific implementation actions are described in Chapter 10 and are referenced by applicable policies for each Element.

The General Plan is intended to be a dynamic document and must be periodically updated to respond to changing community needs. An annual review of the
Plan is required to ensure that it remains relevant.

The mandated elements of the General Plan can be
amended up to four (4) times annually; the optional
elements can be amended as needed.

Requests for amendments can be submitted by individuals or initiated by the City itself. Most amendments propose a change in the land use designation for a particular property. Requests by private entities to initiate an amendment to the General Plan’s land
uses must adhere to established procedures, including but not limited to the City’s General Plan Initiation Process (GPIP) and completion of the “GPA– CZ–SP–SPA–ZOA” application. Policy and text
amendments may also occur.

Any proposed amendment will be reviewed to ensure that the change is in the public interest and would not be detrimental to public health, safety,
and welfare. Environmental review is required for all
General Plan amendments.

1.9 Environmental Impact
Report
As required by the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), an environmental impact report (EIR)
has been prepared for the General Plan (State Clearinghouse Number: 2023090064). The EIR describes environmental conditions in the City and planning
area, assesses the possible effects on the environment of implementation of the General Plan, identifies actions that will be undertaken to reduce these impacts, and evaluates the comparative impacts of
alternatives to the General Plan.
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2. Land Use Element

2.1 Vision
Residents are drawn to Wildomar for its unique environment and quality of life. They value the natural environment, rural traditions, urban amenities of modern life, and lifestyle opportunities only found in a few remaining areas of Southern California. As Wildomar grows, this Plan envisions a safe and active community with responsible growth and quality infrastructure while keeping a hometown feel.

Increased housing choices provide more opportunities
for those who wish to join the community and for
those who wish to remain in the community as they
transition through their lives. New commercial development will provide more goods and services and increase employment opportunities. This will decrease the need to travel to adjoining communities to meet
daily needs and attract more local spending, increase
prosperity, and improve the City’s ability to provide
services to its residents.

To maintain the aspects of Wildomar that people
value, new developments will be designed to integrate
into the existing character of the City. They will be
concentrated and directed to key focus areas to minimize impacts to established neighborhoods, enhance economic activity, promote walking and biking, and
minimize demands on infrastructure. Designed and located appropriately, new development will enhance the City’s safety, identity, and unique character without
harming the special qualities most treasured by residents.

2.2 Purpose
The most fundamental decisions in planning begin
with land use: what to put where. Land use planning
envisions the future of a city and interacts with all
other elements of planning. At its best, the land use element reflects Wildomar’s vision; promotes thoughtful, equitable, and accessible distribution of different land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, and open space; and is consistent with other general plan elements. The land use element is also a tool to improve public health, reduce infrastructure costs,
enhance local economies, and address long-term environmental issues such as climate change and water resources.

Government Code § 65302(a) requires each city to
adopt a land use element that designates the proposed
general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry,
open space, agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public
buildings and grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal
facilities, greenways, and other categories of public
and private uses of land.

2.3 Planning Context and
Approach
Wildomar is in southwestern Riverside County, nestled in a valley between the Santa Ana Mountains to the west and rolling hills to the east. The surrounding mountains and hillsides feature large undeveloped areas of natural topography and habitat and are treasured for their scenic and ecological value.

This Plan envisions a safe and active community with responsible growth and quality infrastructure
while keeping a hometown feel.
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Aerial view of Wildomar looking north; Inland Valley Medical Center in the foreground..

The flatlands of Wildomar are relatively developed,
though portions of the City are vacant and undeveloped, allowing for natural forms of vegetation and wetlands. The built environment is primarily residential, with a mix of large-lot ranch homes reflecting the area’s rural heritage, suburban/traditional housing
tracts, and townhomes and multifamily homes clustered along major thoroughfares and in proximity to the Clinton Keith Road corridor. Centers of commercial activity extend east and west along Clinton Keith Road from I-15 and are dispersed as stand-alone buildings or in small strip centers along major throughfares such as Corydon Road, Mission Trail, Palomar Street,
and Bundy Canyon Road. Clusters of light industrial
uses can be found in the northwestern portion of the
City, adjacent to the City of Lake Elsinore, and along
the eastern portion of the Clinton Keith corridor. Figure 2-1 depicts the City’s existing uses, and Table 2-1 quantifies the amount of land associated with each use
type.
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Table 2-1: Existing Land Use
Existing Land Use Category Acres Percentage
Commercial
Commercial and Services 88 1%
General Office 3 0%
Industrial
Industrial 61 0%
Residential
Rural Residential 64 0%
Single Family Residential 4,794 35%
Multi-Family Residential 93 1%
Mixed Residential 10 0%
Mixed Residential and Commercial 12 0%
Mobile Homes and Trailer Parks 2,319 17%
Other
Education 147 1%
Transportation, Communications, and Utilities 40 0%
Facilities 93 1%
Military Installations 7 0%
Open Space and Recreation 930 7%
Agriculture 1,328 10%
Under Construction 10 0%
None 13 0%
Unknown 10 0%
Vacant 3,657 27%
Grand Total 13,677 100%
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Major themes that have driven the development of the
Land Use diagram and Land Use goals and policies are
described below.

1. Managed Change. New development is targeted
to limited areas, balanced with the protection of
open space and conserved lands and supported by
the appropriate provision of services and infrastructure.

2. Housing for All Residents. To meet the variety of
housing needs of Wildomar’s residents now and in
the future:
• We recognize the importance of the existing
ranches and the role they play in Wildomar’s
character.
• The plan takes steps to protect these areas and
provides meaningful policy and design to help
transition the edges of these areas to more intensive housing/commercial development. • It is important to provide housing for residents
in all stages of their lives, from young families
just starting out to seniors who want to remain
in the community even as they downsize.
• Different housing types do not mean that one
is prioritized over another, only that there are
more choices, which benefits everyone.

3. Thriving Commercial Areas. The fiscal health of
the City is directly linked to the success of the
businesses in it. Thriving businesses, services, and
shops provide revenue to the City and improve the
quality of life for residents. To help existing businesses expand and attract new businesses in a changing retail landscape, opportunities are provided for both traditional commercial environments and mixed-use areas that combine retail, dining, entertainment, events, and places for socialization, with residents living within walking distance.

4. Accommodate Mixed-Use Development. Because land uses benefit from proximity to complementary uses, the Plan establishes two types of mixed-use designations:
• Mixed-Use Low (MUL) is intended to provide
a gradual transition between existing lowdensity neighborhoods to more intensive land uses located along major thoroughfares. A mix
of residential and commercial uses can be accommodated side-by-side, or horizontally, within a single site or across adjacent parcels.

This type of land use pattern is found today
along Mission Trail.
• Mixed-Use High (MUH) recognizes that some
areas have the potential for more intensive development while being flexible with land use types. This land use type allows for residences
to be built above ground floor commercial
uses (vertically) or side-by-side (horizontally)
on larger sites. This category of land use will
accommodate the development of walkable,
experience-oriented commercial and residential districts, as well as light industrial and business park uses, as described further in this
element and in the Economic Development Element.

5. Support Employers and Increase Jobs. The Plan
supports the health of business districts by allowing for a mix of complementary uses and amenities that make them attractive for employees and employers alike and keep them active throughout
the day.

6. Expanding Parks and Open Spaces. By expanding the amount of land dedicated to parks and conserved for native habitats, the Plan ensures that even as development is accommodated in Wildomar’s urbanized areas, its prized natural resources are protected in perpetuity and its residents are afforded more opportunities to recreate, relax, and congregate with their neighbors.

7. Wildomar By Design. Well-designed buildings
and districts are important to the people of Wildomar. Since incorporation, the City has been proactive in establishing standards and guidelines for a variety of development types to ensure that Wildomar evolves in a way that enhances its unique character. The policies and actions of this element
seek to enshrine that approach as a fundamental
commitment for the City and ensure that the future
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neighborhoods and encourage new growth in areas
best suited for it. New mixed-use designations are
designed to ensure elegant transitions between use
types, protecting existing neighborhoods and enhancing the City’s built environment.

8. An Equitable Plan. Development patterns that
evolved prior to incorporation have resulted in an
uneven distribution of infrastructure and services.

This Plan tries to address that by outlining a path
for the City to work in coordination with partners
to provide equitable access to infrastructure and
services in underserved areas of the City.

9. A Healthier Wildomar. Development patterns
and circulation networks that support physical activity and design approaches that ensure compatibility among land uses are some of the ways that Land Use works in concert with the Plan’s other
elements to support the health and well-being of
Wildomar’s residents.

10. Enhance Environmental Stewardship. Being an
environmental steward requires more than just
protecting open spaces; it requires mitigating and
diminishing the impact of human activities on the
environment. In addition to protecting natural environments, the planning and distribution of land uses in more compact forms can help reduce contributors to climate change and air pollution by keeping trips for daily needs closer to home and
making nonmotorized transportation choices possible.

2.4 Land Use Diagram
Development in Wildomar will be guided by the Land
Use diagram, which defines categories of use and
standards of population density and building intensity
for all lands within its jurisdictional boundaries, consistent with the requirements of the California Government Code (section 65302(a)). Figure 2-2 presents the Land Use diagram, and the text below describes the
general uses and densities/intensities permitted for
each land use category.

Focus Area Descriptions
The Land Use diagram provides for future growth in
nine “Focus Areas” where the City endeavors to guide
or encourage development, as shown in Figure 2-3 and
described in Table 2-2.
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Figure 2-3: Focus Areas
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Table 2-2: Focus Area Description
Area Description
Focus Area 1: Sedco Neighborhood
Maximum residential densities are reduced for hundreds of parcels to better align with current development patterns. The Mixed-Use Low (MUL) designation is applied to properties along Mission Trail to reflect the existing mixture of lower density residential and commercial uses, transition to the existing neighborhood, and allow for flexibility in future uses.

Focus Area 2: Corydon Corridor
At the south end of the corridor, the Mixed-Use High (MUH) designation allows for a catalytic project at the corner of Corydon Road and Grand Avenue, across from the existing commercial center. At the north end of the corridor, the Commercial Retail (CR) designation is applied to the parcel at the corner of Corydon Road and Palomar Street that is impacted by seismic hazards.

The Mixed-Use Low (MUL) designation is applied to the rest of the area to provide flexibility in future uses at a scale that is sensitive to adjacent residential areas.

Focus Area 3: Bundy Canyon Commercial Center
Commercial Use is retained in this area to protect it as a future retail center. On the west side of the area, next to Elsinore High School and existing residential neighborhoods, low density residential and mixed-use designations are applied for more appropriate integration with adjacent uses.

Focus Area 4: “Old Town”
At the intersection of Palomar Street and Wildomar Trail, commercial use is envisioned at the southern end of a corridor of activity stretching from I-15. Community members would like to see event and community spaces in this area, with a unique character befitting what many consider to be the “heart” of the city. 861
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Table 2-2: Focus Area Description
Area Description
Focus Area 5: Wildomar Trail Activity Center
Across from the Baxter Village mixed-use project, the Mixed-Use High (MUH) designation maximizes the opportunity to create a center of commercial and residential activity oriented around prime freeway access and visibility.

Focus Area 6: Clinton Keith Neighborhood Center
At the western terminus of the primary commercial thoroughfare, a low density mix of uses is allowed along Clinton Keith Road to serve the surrounding neighborhood. To the south, residential designations are standardized at a density consistent with existing development to the east.

Focus Area 7: Hidden Springs Development District
Mixed-Use High (MUH) is applied to allow for maximum flexibility for this 160+/- acre vacant property adjacent to the City’s commercial heart, one of the City’s most prominent and opportune areas for growth. A future Specific Plan for this area around Hidden Springs Road and Wyman Road will allow for consideration of a more fine-grained distribution of uses.

Focus Area 8: Re-dustrial Village
The updated Light Industrial (LI) designation is applied to allow for small-scale manufacturing and complementary commercial services, like a micro-brewery or commercial kitchen facility, that could leverage the regenerative agricultural uses envisioned for the future college site and fulfill the area’s potential as an economic engine for the City. 862

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Table 2-2: Focus Area Description
Area Description
Focus Area 9: Palomar/Wesley Neighborhood
Existing commercial uses are preserved while allowing for medium density residential uses on vacant land.

2.5 Land Use Designations
Development Standards Definitions
Residential Uses
Standards of building density for residential uses are
described in allowable dwelling units per gross acre
(du/ac). Standards of population density can be derived by multiplying the maximum number of dwelling units per net acre by the average number of persons per household, which the California Department of Finance E-5 data reports is 3.24 (January 2022).

Non-residential Uses
Standards for building intensity for non-residential
uses such as commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development are described in floor-area ratios (FARs).

FAR is the gross building area on a site, excluding
structured parking, to the net developable area of the
site. The net developable area is the total of a site excluding portions that cannot be developed (right-ofway, public parks, and so on). A site includes all contiguous parcels that will share parking or access. For example, on a lot with 25,000 square feet of land area, a FAR of 0.5 will allow 12,500 square feet of usable
building floor area to be built regardless of the number of stories in the building (e.g., 6,250 square feet per floor on two stories, or 12,500 square feet on one
floor). On the same 25,000 square foot lot, a FAR of

0.8 would allow 20,000 square feet of usable floor area and a FAR of 1.5 would allow 37,500 square feet of
usable floor area.

Land Use Categories
Table 2-3 describes the categories of uses and their associated maximum densities/ intensities permitted on properties throughout the City. If the designation permits a range of density/intensities, the minimum and maximum are shown.
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Table 2-3: Land Use Designations
Designation Description Density/Intensity
Residential
Rural Mountainous (RM) Single-family detached residential. 1 du/10 acres Large Lot Residential
(LLR) Single-family detached residences. 1 du/5 acres
Estate Density Residential (EDR) Single-family detached residences. 1 du/2–5 acres Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) Single-family detached residences. 1 du/1–2 acres Low Density Residential
(LDR) Single-family detached residences. 1–2 du/ac
Medium Density Residential (MDR) Attached and detached single-family residences. 2–5 du/ac Medium High Density
Residential (MHDR) Attached and detached single-family residences. 5–8 du/ac High Density Residential
(HDR)
Attached and detached single- and multi-family
residences. 8–14 du/ac
Very High Density Residential (VHDR)Attached and detached single- and multi-family residences. 14–20 du/ac
Highest Density Residential (HHDR) Multi-family attached residences. 20–40 du/ac Commercial
Commercial Office (CO) Variety of office related uses. 0.35–1.0 FAR Commercial Retail (CR) Local and regional serving commercial/retail and service uses. 0.20–0.35 FAR
Mixed-Use
Mixed-Use Low (MUL)
This designation provides for neighborhood-serving
goods and services and residential uses in a
mixed-use format (vertical or horizontal).
5 du/acre to 30 du/acre
for residential portion;

1.0 max FAR for nonresidential
Mixed-Use High (MUH)
The intent of this designation is to require a mixture
of land uses, including multi-family residential (30–
50% of developed acres) and non-residential uses,
in a vertical or horizontal format on larger sites.
30 du/acre to 40
du/acre for multi-family portion; 2.0 max FAR
for non-residential
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Table 2-3: Land Use Designations
Designation Description Density/Intensity
Industrial
Business Park (BP) Provides for employee intensive uses and supporting retail uses. 0.25–0.60 FAR Light Industrial (LI) Provides for light industrial, manufacturing and complimentary uses. 0.25–0.60 FAR
Other
Open Space Recreation
(OS-R)
Recreational uses, including but not limited to,
public/private parks, trails, athletic fields, and golf courses.

N/A
Open Space Conservation Habitat (OS-CH)
Applies to public and private lands conserved and
managed in accordance with adopted Multiple
Species Habitat and other Conservation Plans.

N/A
Public Facilities (PF) Civic uses such as City administrative buildings and schools. 0.60 FAR
Land Use Descriptions
Residential
Rural Mountainous (RM). The Rural Mountainous
land use designation allows single family detached residential uses within mountainous areas of the City, with a maximum residential density of 1 dwelling unit
per 10 acres. Agriculture and animal keeping is allowed. Clustering of residential uses on smaller lots is allowed to minimize grading and alteration of natural
landforms, including visually significant ridgelines,
but the total number of units cannot exceed the 1 unit
per 10-acre ratio. Clustering is also encouraged to
avoid impacts to sensitive natural habitat areas and
hazardous conditions such as landslides.

Large Lot Residential (LLR). The Rural Residential
land use designation allows 1 single family detached
residence per 5 acres, as well as animal-keeping and
agricultural activities. Limited recreational uses, compatible resource development and associated uses (not including the commercial extraction of mineral resources), and governmental uses are also allowed within this designation.

Estate Density Residential (EDR). The Estate Density Residential land use designation provides for the development of detached single family residential
dwelling units and ancillary structures on large parcels. Agriculture and animal keeping are allowed. The density range is from 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres to 1
dwelling unit per 5 acres.

Very Low Density Residential (VLDR). The Very
Low Density Residential land use designation provides
for the development of detached single family residential dwelling units and ancillary structures on large parcels. Agriculture and animal keeping are allowed.

The density range is from 1 dwelling unit per acre to 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres.

Low Density Residential (LDR). The Low Density
Residential land use designation provides for the development of detached single family residential dwelling units and ancillary structures on large parcels. Agriculture and animal keeping are allowed. The density range is from 1 to 2 dwelling units per acre.

Medium Density Residential (MDR). The Medium
Density Residential land use designation provides for
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the development of single family detached and attached residences. The density range is 2 to 5 dwelling units per acre.

Medium High Density Residential (MHDR). The
Medium High Density Residential land use designation provides for the development of smaller lot, single family detached residences and attached residences.

Typical allowable uses in this category include detached, small-lot single family homes, patio homes, and townhouses. The potential for clustered development is provided for in this category. The density range is 5 to 8 dwelling units per acre.

High Density Residential (HDR). The High Density
Residential land use designation allows single-family
attached and detached residences, including townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard homes, patio homes, townhouses, and zero lot line homes. The potential for
clustered development is provided for in this land use
category. The density range is 8 to 14 dwelling units
per acre.

Very High Density Residential (VHDR). The Very
High Density Residential land use designation allows
for the development of single-family and multi-family
attached and detached residences, including townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard homes, patio homes, triplexes, and zero lot line homes with a density range of 14 to 20 dwelling units per acre.

Highest Density Residential (HHDR). The Highest
Density Residential land use designation allows for the development of multi-family attached residences, including stacked flats, with a density range of 20 to 40 dwelling units per acre.

Commercial
Commercial Office (CO). The Commercial Office
land use designation allows for a variety of office uses, including financial institutions, legal services, insurance services, and other office and support services.

FARs range from 0.35 to 1.0.

Commercial Retail (CR). The Commercial Retail
land use designation allows for the development of
commercial retail uses at a neighborhood, community
and regional level, as well as for professional office
and tourist-oriented commercial uses. FARs range
from 0.2 to 0.35.

Mixed-Use
Mixed-Use Low (MUL). This designation provides
for neighborhood-serving goods and services and residential uses in a mixed-use format. A mix of residential and commercial uses can be accommodated side by side (horizontally) within a single site or across adjacent parcels. This designation allows for 100 percent residential or 100 percent non-residential uses on any
individual parcel. Vertical mixed use with residences
above ground-floor commercial uses are allowed but
unlikely. A density range of 5 du/acre to 30 du/acre is allowed for residential uses and a maximum FAR of

1.0 is allowed for non-residential uses.

Mixed-Use High (MUH). The intent of this designation is to require a mixture of land uses, including multi-family residential and commercial/office/entertainment/educational/business park and/or recreational uses in a mixed-use format (i.e., master planned). This land use type allows for residences to be built above
ground-floor commercial uses (vertically) or side by
side with commercial uses (horizontally) on larger
sites. On any single site, residential uses are required to occupy 30 to 50 percent of the developed acreage. A
density range of 30 du/acre to 40 du/acre is allowed
for residential uses, and a maximum FAR of 2.0 is allowed for non-residential uses.

Industrial
Business Park (BP). The Business Park land use designation allows for employee-intensive uses, including research and development, technology centers, corporate and support office uses, “clean” industry (i.e., does not emit smoke, noise, offensive odors, or harmful industrial wastes) and supporting retail uses. Building intensity ranges from 0.25 to 0.6 FAR.

Light Industrial (LI). The Light Industrial land use
designation allows for a wide variety of industrial and related uses, including assembly and light
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manufacturing, repair and other service facilities,
warehousing/distribution, and supporting retail uses.

This designation also provides a suitable location for
start-up businesses and “maker” spaces for breweries,
arts and crafts, clothing, food, and similar small-scale industries. Building intensity ranges from 0.25 to 0.6
FAR.

Other
Open Space Recreation (OS-R). The Open SpaceRecreation land use designation allows for active and passive recreational uses such as parks, trails,
campgrounds, athletic fields, golf courses, and offroad vehicle parks. Ancillary structures may be permitted for recreational opportunities. Actual building or structure size, siting, and design will be determined by the zoning code.

Open Space Conservation Habitat (OS-CH). The
Open Space-Conservation Habitat land use designation
applies to public and private lands conserved and managed in accordance with adopted multispecies habitat conservation plans or other conservation plans. Ancillary structures or uses may be permitted for the purpose of preserving or enjoying open space. Actual building or structure size, siting, and design will be determined by the zoning code.

Public Facilities (PF). The Public Facilities area plan land use designation provides for the development of
various public, quasi-public, and private uses with
similar characteristics, such as governmental facilities; utility facilities including public and private electricgenerating stations and corridors; landfills; airports; educational facilities; and maintenance yards. Privately held uses with public facility characteristics are not required to be designated as Public Facilities but
are eligible to be so designated based on site-specific reviews of the use in question. A maximum FAR of

0.60 applies to privately held uses.

2.6 Development Capacity
Table 2-4 represents the acreage and maximum number of housing units and building square feet that are assumed to occur by 2045. It is not a projection or
mandate but represents what could occur under normal
market conditions should lands be developed for the
uses and densities/intensities defined by the Plan. Table 2-4 also does not represent full buildout of the entirety of the General Plan as this is not expected to occur by 2045. 867
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Table 2-4: Development Assumption by 2045
Land Use Category Acres Dwelling
Units
Non-residential
Square Footage
Residential
Rural Mountainous (RM) 3,906 107 11,999
Large Lot Residential (LLR) 213 10 -
Estate Density Residential (EDR) 1,629 1,453 -
Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) 564 699 -
Low Density Residential (LDR) 1,884 2,149 15,122
Medium Density Residential (MDR) 2,725 8,782 245,736
Medium High Density Residential (MHDR) 410 2,208 -
High Density Residential (HDR) 19 138 -
Very High Density Residential (VHDR) 90 1,303 231,963
Highest Density Residential (HHDR) 30 823 -
SUBTOTAL 11,470 17,6971 504,820
Commercial
Commercial Retail (CR) 465 96 1,596,373
Commercial Office (CO) 11 3 -
SUBTOTAL 476 99 1,596,373
Mixed-Use
Mixed-Use Low (MUL) 90 379 64,155
Mixed-Use High (MUH) 331 2,602 1,395,944
SUBTOTAL 421 2,981 1,460,098
Industrial
Business Park (BP) 87 14 11,368
Light Industrial (LI) 322 7 2,001,528
SUBTOTAL 409 21 2,012,896
Other
Open Space Recreation (OS-R) 427 133 5,451
Open Space Conservation Habitat (OS-CH) 235 5 -
Public Facilities (PF) 235 44 378,277
Freeway (FWY) 4 - -
SUBTOTAL 902 182 383,728
Grand Total 13,677 20,980 5,957,915
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2.7 Goals and Policies
Guided by the Vision and Guiding Principles, the following goals and policies provide for strategic growth and change while protecting the important assets and
characteristics that contribute to Wildomar’s identity
and quality of life.

GOAL LU 1
Administration. The General Plan is utilized as
the guiding planning document for the City
and as the basis for regional collaboration.

Policy LU 1.1
Regional Planning Efforts. Wildomar shall participate in regional efforts to address issues of mobility, transportation, traffic congestion, economic development, air and water quality, and watershed and habitat management with Riverside County, neighboring cities, local and regional agencies, stakeholders, and tribal governments.

Policy LU 1.2
Specific, Master, and Corridor Plans. Specific, Master, and Corridor Plans may be utilized to facilitate more detailed land use and planning for targeted sites
or areas of the City, insofar as they are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.

Policy LU 1.3
Development Clustering and Density Transfers. Allow development clustering and/or density transfers to preserve open space, natural resources, and cultural
and/or biologically sensitive resources.

Policy LU 1.4
Internal Consistency. All General Plan elements must
be internally consistent and hold equal status. Updates to individual elements or the General Plan in its entirety shall ensure that internal consistency is maintained between all elements.

Policy LU 1.5
Lot Mergers. Where lot sizes impede redevelopment
opportunities, encourage merging of adjacent lots to
provide sites of adequate size and dimension for redevelopment.

GOAL LU 2
Development Capacity. Responsible growth
through well-planned development provides
for the needs of Wildomar’s residents and
businesses, makes efficient use of land and infrastructure, protects important environmental resources, promotes the health of the community, and maintains the unique character distinguishing the City as a special place in the region.

Policy LU 2.1
Adequate Service Provision for New Development.

Coordinate with local agencies, service providers, and
utilities to ensure adequate service provision for new
development.

Policy LU 2.2
Population Density Standard. Pursuant to State law,
each land use designation that provides for residential development is assigned a population density standard
for the purposes of projection and infrastructure planning. These population density standards are relevant only for general planning purposes and shall not be interpreted as constituting legal limitations on the number of persons who may reside at any particular location or parcel.

GOAL LU 3
Focus Areas. Unique areas of the City are enhanced to meet residents’ needs.

Policy LU 3.1
Cottonwood Canyon. Encourage lot mergers consistent with the land use and zoning designations for this area to establish developable lots that meet minimum thresholds for health and safety of onsite water treatment or require new development to provide for
the extension or development of full public sewerage
and water services.
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Policy LU 3.2
Sedco Neighborhood. Work with utility providers to
improve infrastructure in the Sedco area and explore
opportunities to expand the provision of public services. Explore opportunities to ensure that current residents, including renters, benefit from investments in infrastructure improvements.

Policy LU 3.3
Old Town. Recognize Old Town as the traditional
heart of Wildomar and explore opportunities to enhance the area as a center of activity reflecting the City’s heritage. Seek to leverage vacant and underutilized sites and publicly owned parcels to activate the area with an events and community space reflecting a
unique character and identity.

Policy LU 3.4
Hidden Springs/Wyman Road Specific Plan Area.

Prior to any development within this 160+/- acre area,
require preparation of a Specific Plan and accompanying EIR for the redevelopment area generally south of Clinton Keith Road, west of I-15 freeway, and east of
Palomar Street that accommodates a mixed-use development reflecting a high quality of design that enhances the City’s visibility and identity, provides housing opportunities in close proximity to resources,
and contributes to the City’s economic development
goals. Light industrial/business park uses are permitted as long as they occupy not more than 35 percent of the
area and are located and designed to be compatible
with other uses.

Policy LU 3.5
Wildomar Trail/I-15 Project Area. The area
bounded by the I-15 freeway, Wildomar Trail, Susan
Drive, and La Estrella Street is recognized as a unique economic development opportunity zone and warrants
a coordinated planning and development approach
(such as a Specific Plan, Area Plan, or Vision Plan) to maximize the potential to establish a mixed-use community that enhances the City’s visibility and identity.

Policy LU 3.6
Clinton Keith Corridor. Engage in an advance planning process (such as a Specific Plan, Corridor Plan, or Vision Plan) to identify goals and actions to improve
the economic and community development qualities of
the Clinton Keith Road Corridor and ensure that uses
that meet the community’s objectives are developed.

Policy LU 3.7
Mission Trial Corridor. Engage in an advance planning process (such as a Specific Plan, Corridor Plan, or Vision Plan) to identify goals and actions to improve
the economic and community development qualities of
the Mission Trail Corridor.

GOAL LU 4
Urban Form. A City of distinct centers and
corridors surrounded by neighborhoods and
connected to a network of parks and open
spaces.

Policy LU 4.1
Patterns and Distribution of Uses and Density. Accommodate land use development in accordance with the patterns and distribution of use and density depicted on the General Plan Land Use Plan (Figure LU1) to promote efficient development, reduce automobile dependence and greenhouse gas emissions, ensure compatibility among uses, enhance community livability and health, and sustain economic vitality.

Policy LU 4.2
Multi-modal Linkages. Incorporate appropriate linkages for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and other non-vehicular travel modes in the design and development of projects.

Policy LU 4
Adequate Circulation Facilities. Require that adequate and accessible circulation facilities exist to meet the demands of a proposed land use.
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GOAL LU 5
Design. Well-designed communities contributing to the City’s distinct identity and quality of life of residents.

Policy LU 5.1
Sense of Place and Quality of Design. Require new
developments to exhibit quality design and contribute
to Wildomar’s unique sense of place.

Policy LU5.2
Enhance the Character of Surrounding Areas. Require that new developments be located and designed to visually enhance, not degrade the character of the
surrounding area.

Policy LU 5.3
Maintain Design Standards. Enhance Wildomar’s
unique character and raise the quality of design in the City by maintaining and implementing the City’s design standards.

Policy LU 5.4
Entryways and Branding. Encourage the development of identifiable entryways for the overall community and develop branding for unique or principal business/commercial districts of the City, by establishing design standards for these areas that include landscape setbacks, sign monumentation, and other special design treatments.

GOAL LU 6
Maintenance and Compatibility With Other
Uses. Development is located and designed to
maintain the qualities that distinguish Wildomar and to ensure effective transitions between neighborhoods and districts.

Policy LU 6.1
Protect from Adverse Impacts. Retain and enhance
the integrity of existing residential, employment, and
open space areas by protecting them from encroachment of land uses that would result in impacts from noise, noxious fumes, glare, shadowing, and traffic.

Policy LU 6.2
Design for Safety. Require the use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques, such as providing clear lines of sight, appropriate lighting, and wayfinding signs, to ensure that new development is visible from public areas and easy to
navigate.

Policy LU 6.3
Property Maintenance. Maintain structures and properties to prevent deteriorating conditions through enforcement of State laws and local ordinances, and expand access to conservation and rehabilitation programs.

GOAL 7
Compatibility with the Natural Environment.

Land uses and development intensities are
compatible with scenic and natural resources
and encourage environmental preservation.

Policy LU 7.1
Design to Respect Natural Settings. Require that
new development conform building massing to topographic forms and minimize alteration of natural landforms and vegetation, incorporate natural drainage systems, allow development clustering to maintain slopes, restrict grading of steep slopes, and encourage the
preservation of significant hillsides, canyon edges, and hilltops as prominent visual features.

GOAL LU 8
Residential Neighborhoods. A City composed
of neighborhoods with a variety of housing
types that are desirable places to live, contribute to the quality of life, and are well maintained.

Policy LU 8.1
Variety of Housing Types. Policy Accommodate the
development of a variety of housing types, styles, and
densities that are accessible to and meet the needs of a range of lifestyles, physical abilities, and income levels, including medium density housing types such as duplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard homes,
patio homes, and zero lot line homes.
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Policy LU 8.2
Connections and Linkages. Integrate networks of
parks, plazas, public squares, bicycle trails, and pedestrian paths into new residential development to provide internal connections in neighborhoods as well as linkages with surrounding features and neighborhoods.

Policy LU 8
Activity Centers. Establish activity centers within or
near residential neighborhoods with services such as
child or adult care, recreation, public meeting rooms,
convenience commercial uses, or similar facilities.

GOAL LU 9
Commercial Areas. Vital, active, prosperous,
and well-designed commercial centers and corridors offer a diversity of goods, services, and entertainment and contribute a positive experience for Wildomar’s residents and visitors.

Policy LU 9.1
Commercial Uses and Variety. Provide for and encourage the development of a broad range of uses in Wildomar’s commercial centers and corridors that reduce the need to travel to adjoining communities for goods and services and capture a greater share of local spending.

Policy LU 9.2
Concentrate Commercial Uses. Concentrate commercial uses near transportation facilities and higherdensity residential areas and require the incorporation of facilities to promote the use of public transit, such as bus turnouts.

Policy LU 9.3
Battery Storage. Accommodate commercial battery
storage as a permitted use in commercial areas to further the City’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the resiliency of the City’s
infrastructure.

Policy PLU 9.4
Internal and External Connections. Encourage the
provision of non-vehicular access between commercial
uses and adjoining neighborhoods and the development of internal cross-connections between commercial uses so as to reduce the number of curb
cuts and number of vehicle trips on adjacent roadways.

GOAL LU 10
Mixed-Use Districts and Corridors. Well-designed districts and corridors contain an integrated mix of commercial, office, and/or housing that enable Wildomar’s residents to live close to businesses and employment, reduce automobile use, and actively engage and enhance pedestrian activity.

Policy LU 10.1
Mixed-Use Design and Development. Encourage
mixed-use development, as designated in the Land Use
Plan, that is designed appropriately for Wildomar.

Policy LU 10.2
Integrated Housing and Commercial Development.

Support the development of housing integrated with
commercial and/or office uses on existing commercially developed properties characterized by declining retail activity.

Policy LU 10.3
Enhance Economic Activity. Support mixed-use development projects as a strategy to enhance the economic vitality of adjoining commercial districts by increasing population in proximity to these uses.

Policy LU 10.4
Inclusion of Recreation and Amenities. Require that
residential/commercial mixed-use projects provide onsite recreational areas and other pedestrian-scale amenities such as benches, fountains, and landscaping
that contribute to the living environment of residents
or contribute funds for their development within proximity of the project, consistent with the City’s Parks Master Plan.
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GOAL LU 11
Industrial Uses. Light industrial uses are accommodated to enhance economic activity and are located and designed in a compatible manner with surrounding land uses.

Policy LU 11.1
Protect from Incompatible Uses. Protect industrial
lands from encroachment of incompatible or sensitive
uses, such as residential or schools, that could be impacted by industrial activity.

Policy LU 11.2
Concentrate Near Transportation and Utilities.

Concentrate industrial and business park uses in proximity to transportation facilities and utilities.

Policy LU 11.3
Integration of Complimentary Uses. Support the integration of complementary uses in areas designated “Light Industrial” supporting local employees and that
may attract active uses, such as “maker” spaces, arts
and crafts, point-of-sale retail, and recreation facilities, provided that these are compatible and do not detrimentally impact the primary industrial function of the area.

Policy LU 11.4
Distribution Centers and Warehouses. Limit the development of distribution centers and warehouses to discourage such uses and their significant environmental impacts.

GOAL LU 12
Public Facilities. Governmental, utility, institutional, educational, recreational, cultural, religious, and social facilities and services are located and designed to complement Wildomar’s neighborhoods, centers, and corridors.

Policy LU 12.1
Services Supporting Residents. Provide public facilities and services that are cost-effective and contribute to the health, safety, welfare, and personal development of all residents.

Policy LU 12.2
Co-location. Promote the co-location of parks,
schools, libraries, health services, recreation facilities, and other community facilities, and explore opportunities for joint use of such facilities to support resident needs and leverage limited resources.

Policy LU 12.3
Development Impact Fees. Explore all options for
new projects to build associated public improvements
up front. When that is infeasible, require that new development contribute its fair share to fund infrastructure and public facilities such as parks and police and fire facilities.

Policy LU 12.4
Maintenance and Enhancement. Coordinate, partner
with, and encourage school and utility districts and
other government and independent agencies that may
be exempt from City land use control to plan and improve their properties and design improvements to achieve a high level of visual and architectural quality that maintains the character of the neighborhood or
district in which they are located.

Policy LU 12.5
Design of Utility Facilities. Minimize the visual impacts of above-grade utility structures, such as water storage tanks, water check valves, electric and telephone boxes, etc. through use of landscaping, screening materials, and colors that blend with the environment to the extent feasible.

Policy LU 12.6
Equitable Access. Support equitable access to a full
complement of critical infrastructure and utilities for all residents and businesses.
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GOAL LU 13
Open Spaces. Open space lands are preserved
as natural resources, utilized to buffer land
uses and enhance community aesthetics, and
protected from adverse impacts of new development.

Policy LU 13.1
Preservation of Open Space Lands. Provide for permanent preservation of open space lands that contain important natural resources, hazards, water features,
watercourses, and scenic and recreational value.

Policy LU 13.2
Incorporate Open Space, Landscape, and Recreational Amenities. Incorporate open space, landscaping, and recreational amenities into areas of new development to enhance recreational opportunities and community aesthetics.
874

3. Circulation
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3. Circulation Element

3.1 Vision
The ability to move around enables residents to get
to jobs, goods, services, and education and enjoy entertainment, family, and friends. This Plan envisions a city in which residents and visitors have choices
about how they can travel to and from their activities. The safety, efficiency, and accessibility of all modes of transportation are paramount. Although
technology is advancing rapidly, the personal automobile will continue to be the primary means by which people navigate the City. This Element ensures that Wildomar’s roadway network can accommodate automobile users in a safe and efficient manner. Non-vehicular transportation networks, like pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-purpose trail routes, will be enhanced and expanded to provide options for
residents who want to improve their physical health,
minimize their environmental impact, and control
their transportation costs. These improvements will
make for a more welcoming environment where residents engage more with each other and their surroundings.

3.2 Purpose
Per California Government Code § 65302(b), the
Circulation Element addresses Wildomar’s multimodal transportation networks and public utilities. It works concurrently with several other plan elements,
including Land Use and Recreation and Community
Services, to meet the City’s infrastructure needs as
its land uses and physical form evolve.

Relationship to Other
Planning Efforts
In addition to working in concert with other elements of the General Plan, the goals and policies in this element support and align with several existing
local and regional planning efforts that pertain to the circulation network in the City.

Wildomar Active Transportation Plan
The Wildomar Active Transportation Plan (ATP)
serves as a foundation for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the City. The ATP, which was adopted in 2021, supports a Complete Streets approach that balances the needs of all roadway users, with or without vehicles.

Wildomar Local Roadway Safety Plan
The Wildomar Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP),
which was adopted in 2022, provides a framework
for traffic safety improvements on the City’s circulation network. The LRSP contains recommendations to address traffic safety through engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services.

Western Riverside Active
Transportation Plan
The Western Riverside Active Transportation Plan
(WRATP), which was adopted by the Western Riverside Council of Governments in 2018, focuses on enhancing non-motorized infrastructure throughout
This Plan envisions a city in which
residents and visitors have
choices about how they can travel
to and from their activities…These
improvements will make for a
more welcoming environment
where residents engage more
with each other and their surroundings.
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western Riverside County. The WRATP presents an
overview of the proposed active transportation regional network, and it has proposed routes running through the City.

Connect SoCal
In September 2020, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) adopted the Connect SoCal 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Connect SoCal is SCAG’s long-range transportation plan and
sustainable communities’ strategy for the six-county
region of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Imperial counties. It establishes a long-term cohesive vision for the buildout of the transportation network in the SCAG region.

3.3 Planning Context and
Approach
Pedestrian Mobility
Every trip begins and ends on foot, regardless of the
primary travel mode. We walk from our origins to
our destinations, to our bicycles, to transit stops, or to vehicles, underscoring the importance of safe and
comfortable walking environments.

Many roadways and older neighborhoods in Wildomar currently lack pedestrian infrastructure and could benefit from additional amenities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, street lighting, and curb ramps.

This element seeks to address that shortfall by
providing pedestrian infrastructure that is safe, connected, and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities. This is achieved through the implementation of a pedestrian network based on three route types—connectors, corridors, and districts, as shown
on Figure 3-1.

Pedestrian infrastructure on Illinois Street.

Connectors
Connectors are designated for roadways with low
pedestrian activity and moderate to high levels of vehicular traffic. Connectors help bridge the gap between residential neighborhoods, Corridor routes, and final destinations. This designation makes up the
greatest portion of the pedestrian route typology.

The Connector route type consists of standard sidewalks with accessible curb ramps and marked crosswalks with advanced stop bars at signalized intersections.

Corridors
Corridors are assigned along roadways that support
commercial businesses, shopping districts, schools,
parks, and high-ridership transit stops. Moderate pedestrian activity is anticipated in these areas, necessitating more enhanced features to support pedestrians. Corridor features are the same as for the Connector route type but may include wider sidewalks (>5 feet), pedestrian countdown signal heads with
lead pedestrian intervals at signalized intersections,
and high-visibility crosswalks with advanced stop
bars at marked crossing locations. Pedestrian-scaled
lighting may also be appropriate in some areas.
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Districts
Districts are reserved for the areas with the greatest
anticipated pedestrian activity. Examples of such locations include proximity to existing or planned commercial/retail, high ridership transit stops, and
higher density residential uses. Areas designated as
Districts receive the greatest level of pedestrian enhancements. In addition to the Connector and Corridor route type features, Districts features may also include wide sidewalks (>8 feet), increased landscaping and buffers from the roadway, decorative crosswalks, pedestrian street furnishings, and curb
extensions at crossing locations.

Bicycle Mobility
Bicycling offers a variety of transportation and recreational benefits. Bicycles can be used for local trips, potentially replacing vehicular trips while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and congestion.

They can be used by school-age children for commute trips to and from school. Bicycles can also help people access transit stops and reach their final destinations—commonly referred to as “first/last mile.” It is an accessible mode of transportation given the
comparatively low entry and operational costs. As a
form of recreation, bicycling can improve public
health.

Bicycle infrastructure at the intersection of Clinton Keith Road and Hidden Springs Road.

To provide a safe and connected bicycle network
composed of context-appropriate bicycle facilities
and supporting amenities for bicyclists of all ages
and abilities, this Plan augments Wildomar’s existing bicycle routes with a network based on four classifications of facilities, as shown on Figure 3-2 and described in the following illustrations.
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Public Transit
Public transit is an energy- and space-efficient travel mode. Riverside Transit Authority (RTA) provides
public transit services in Wildomar and plans service
routes at a regional level. RTA collaborates with local jurisdictions on transit amenities such as benches, shelters, trash cans, and route information.

RTA bus stop at northwest corner of Palomar Street and
Wildomar Trail.

The City is served by bus Routes 8 and 23 with no
additional routes anticipated at the time of writing.

This Plan envisions continuing to work with RTA to
provide efficient service that connects residential
communities, employment centers, commercial areas, schools, and other public resources while improving first/last mile connections. Existing transit routes and stops, as well as potential future service
areas, are identified on Figure 3-3.

Vehicular Mobility
Vehicular mobility is the most common travel mode
in Wildomar. Personal vehicles, bus transit, and
movers of commercial goods all utilize the same
roadway system. To provide for convenient and efficient vehicle circulation that does not degrade the safety and mobility of all other roadway users, the
Plan’s roadway network classification system—as
shown on Figure 3-4 and described below—was
based on the City’s existing functional classifications and future travel demand, with a horizon or buildout year of 2045.

Vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure at the intersection of Clinton Keith Road and Arya Road.

The roadway classifications are intended to balance
the needs of all roadway users while taking the existing built environment limitations into consideration.

The classification cross-sections included in this element illustrate ideal dimensions, which may be adjusted as necessary to address conditions on the ground as approved by the City Engineer.

Primary Arterial
Primary arterials are 6-lane roads divided by a raised
median. They are intended to carry the greatest volumes of vehicular traffic in the City, providing connections to the regional freeway system, major commercial centers, and some neighboring jurisdictions.

Figure 3-5 depicts cross-sections of designated primary arterial roadways.

Major Arterial
Major arterials are 4-lane roads divided by a raised
or striped median, or a center left-turn lane to maximize access where needed. These roadways supplement primary arterials, also providing access to the 883
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freeway and major community resources. Major arterial roadway cross-sections are shown on Figure 3-6.

Minor Arterial
Minor arterials are undivided 4-lane roadways that
provide left-turn pockets where needed for access.

They carry moderate volumes of vehicular traffic
and generally consist of less active frontages than
major arterials. Figure 3-7 depicts cross-sections of
designated minor arterial roadways.

Collector
Collectors are undivided 2-lane roadways that provide left-turn pockets where needed for access.

These roadways are intended to carry lower volumes
of vehicular traffic with lower posted speed limits.

Figure 3-8 displays collector roadway cross-sections.

Goods Movement
Goods movement routes play a pivotal role in maintaining economic vitality, ensuring efficient transportation, preserving infrastructure, enhancing safety, minimizing environmental impact, improving
quality of life, and supporting emergency response
efforts.

Goods movement at the intersection of Palomar Street and Wildomar Trail.

Proper planning and management of these routes
contribute to the City’s overall functionality and
well-being. The City of Wildomar does not have
designated goods movement routes. As part of this
planning effort, a review of goods movement patterns in Wildomar was conducted, and based on the findings, a network of goods movement routes has
been recommended, as shown on Figure 3-9.

Infrastructure and Utilities
The California Government Code stipulates that in
addition to transportation routes, the circulation element must identify the location and necessity of public utilities and facilities. The Elsinore Valley
Municipal Water District (EVMWD) provides
wastewater collection and treatment services, and
both EVMWD and the Farm Mutual Water Company supply potable water to city residents and businesses. CR&R Environmental Services collects solid and recycled waste, Southern California Edison
(SCE) provides electricity, and Southern California
Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides natural gas.

The Plan recognizes that a robust infrastructure and
utility network is paramount to accommodate the
growth and development that could occur from
buildout of the Land Use Plan. Systems that provide
for efficient management of water, wastewater,
stormwater drainage, solid waste, energy, and telecommunications will continue to be expanded concurrently with new development, population, and employment growth.
884
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Scott Rd
Palomar St
dR ateirruM
Baxter Rd
Jackson Ave
Grand Ave
Wildomar Tr
Nutmeg St
Corydon Rd
E Lakeshore Dr
Clinton Keith Rd
Mission Trl
215
15 Menifee
Murrieta
Lake Elsinore
Bundy Canyon Rd
Cottonwood
Canyon Rd
Source: ESRI, 2024; Chen Ryan Associates, 2023; PlaceWorks, 2024 FIG 3-3: PUBLIC TRANSIT NETWORK
0 0.25 0.5 1
Miles
City Boundary
¼-Mile Walkshed from Bus
Stop
(! Bus Stops
# Bus Routes
Alternate Bus Routes
Poten�al Transit Service Area
Other Jurisdic�ons
885
886
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Clinton Keith Road, between Palomar Street and Elizabeth Lane Bundy Canyon Road, between Orange Street and Monte Vista Drive Figure 3-5 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 6-Lane Primary Arterial Roadways, Part 1 Clinton Keith Road, between Elizabeth Lane and City Limits (a)
(b)
887
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Bundy Canyon Road, between Monte Vista Drive and Sunset Avenue Figure 3-5 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 6-Lane Primary Arterial Roadways, Part 2 (c)
888
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-6 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial Roadways, Part 1 Mission Trail, between Corydon Road and Palomar Street
Palomar Street, between Mission Trail and City Limits
Wildomar Trail, between Palomar Street and Monte Vista Drive Washington Avenue, between Palomar Street and City Limits Bundy Canyon Road, between Mission Trail and Orange Street (a)
(b)
889
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-6 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial Roadways, Part 2 Corydon Road, between Grand Avenue and Mission Trail
Mission Trail, between Malaga Road and Corydon Road
(c)
(d)
Within City of Lake Elsinore’s jurisdiction and outside of Wildomar’s jurisdiction.

All dimensions are subject to change at the discretion of Lake Elsinore.

Within City of Lake Elsinore’s jurisdiction and outside of Wildomar’s jurisdiction.

All dimensions are subject to change at the discretion of Lake Elsinore. 890
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-6 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 4-Lane Major Arterial Roadways, Part 3 Clinton Keith Road, between Grand Avenue and Palomar Street Hidden Springs Road, between Clinton Keith Road and Stable Lanes Road (e)
(f)
891
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-7 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 4-Lane Minor Arterial Roadways, Part 1 Monte Vista Drive, between Bundy Canyon Road and Wildomar Trail Wildomar Trail, between Monte Vista Drive and Bayless Road Inland Valley Drive, between La Estrella Street and Bunny Trail Bayless Road, between Wildomar Trail and La Estrella Street Inland Valley Drive, between Bunny Trail and Palomar Street Prielipp Road, between Inland Valley Drive and City Limits (a)
(b)
892
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 1 Grape Street, between City Limits and Lemon Street
Gruwell Street, between Palomar Street and Grand Avenue La Estrella Street, between Crossroads Street and City Limits Lemon Street, between Mission Trail and Grape Street Salida Del Sol, between La Estrella Street and Clinton Keith Road Wildomar Trail, between Palomar Street and Grand Avenue (a)
(b)
893
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 2 Wildomar Trail (E/W), between Bayless Road and Wildomar Trail (N/S) Wildomar Trail (N/S), between Wildomar Trail (E/W) and Brillante Drive (c)
(d)
894
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 3 Wildomar Trail (N/S), between Brillante Drive and Clinton Keith Road Gruwell Street, between Orange Street and Palomar Street McVicar Street, between Palomar Street and Grand Avenue Lemon Street, between Grape Street and Citrus Grove Lane Palomar Street, between Corydon Road and Mission Trail
Grand Avenue, between Corydon Road and Clinton Keith Road Orange Street, between Bundy Canyon Road and Gruwell Street (e)
(f)
895
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 4 Depasquale Road, between Bayless Road and Wildomar Trail Hidden Springs Road, between Clinton Keith Road and Inland Valley Drive Gateway Drive, between Inland Valley Drive and City Limits Bryant Street, between Palomar Street and Grand Avenue
(g)
(h)
896
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 5 Olive Street, between Mission Trail and Grape Street Waite Street, between Mission Trail and Bundy Canyon Road (optional parking) (i)
(j)
Elizabeth Lane, between Clinton Keith Road and Prielipp Road 897
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Walnut Street, between Mission Trail and Wildomar Trail Bunny Trail, between Yamas Drive and Elizabeth Lane
Yamas Drive, between Clinton Keith Road and Prielipp Road Bryant Street, between Corydon Road and Palomar Street
Wesley Street, between Walnut Street and Grand Avenue
Almond Street, between Lemon Street and Bundy Canyon Road Frederick Street/Catt Road, between Palomar Street and Hidden Springs Road (k)
Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 6 898
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 7 Cottonwood Canyon Road, between North City Boundary and Bundy Canyon Road Oak Circle Drive/Sauer Road, between Bundy Canyon Road and Wildomar Trail Lemon Street/Lost Road, between Citrus Grove Lane and North City Boundary (l)
(m)
899
These Cross Sections are subject to change at the project-level at the discretion of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

Figure 3-8 Typical Cross-Sections of Designated 2-Lane Collector Roadways, Part 8 (n)
Sunset Avenue. between Bundy Canyon Road and La Estrella Street 900
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3.4 Goals and Policies
GOAL CI 1
A well-connected transportation network
that is safe, comfortable, efficient, and accessible by users of all ages, abilities, and modes of travel, including pedestrians, bicyclists,
drivers, equestrians, transit users, and movers of commercial goods.

Policy CI 1.1
Complete Streets. Plan, design, operate, and maintain City streets using Complete Streets principles for all types of transportation projects in the City, including new, retrofit/reconstruction, maintenance, and ongoing projects. Repurposing unneeded roadway pavement to implement bicycle and pedestrian improvements—for example, lane or road diets—
should be considered as one of the tools to implement Complete Streets.

Policy CI 1.2
Roadway Cross-Sections. Implement the updated
typical roadway cross-sections in this element to incorporate Complete Streets principles and help achieve mobility goals.

Policy CI 1.3
Local Context. Integrate Complete Streets in a manner that is sensitive to the local context, recognizing that needs vary between neighborhoods and communities.

Policy CI 1.4
Walkable Town Center. Create a walkable town
center anchored around the Old Town core, with
gathering places and trails that reflect the City of
Wildomar’s unique qualities and history. Comfortable walking and bicycling connections will enhance access to the Old Town area from communities
throughout the City.

Policy CI 1.5
Traffic Calming. Use traffic-calming tools to assist
in implementing Complete Streets principles and reducing vehicular travel speeds along Circulation Element roadways serving residential neighborhoods
and schools—such as Grand Avenue, Orange Street,
Lemon Street, Gruwell Street, and McVicar Street—
and other roadways serving similar land uses. Traffic-calming tools may include but not be limited to curb extensions, speed cushions, chokers/neckdowns, raised medians, narrowing lanes, raised crosswalks, and neighborhood traffic circles or
roundabouts. The feasibility of deploying trafficcalming devices shall be considered prior to increasing any posted speed limits.

Policy CI 1.6
Monitor Safety and Usage. Regularly monitor and
evaluate citywide safety and usage trends for all
travel modes. Additionally, as new infrastructure is
implemented, such as bicycle facilities, pedestrian
facilities, and traffic-calming measures, pre- and
post-project evaluations should be considered and
conducted where appropriate or warranted and when
funding to conduct such evaluations is available, to
better understand project benefits.

Policy CI 1.7
Dedications. Require developments to provide appropriate dedications to implement planned transportation infrastructure as indicated in this Circulation Element and future documents adopted by City
Council.

Policy CI 1.8
Enhance Connectivity. When feasible, require developments to incorporate short block spacing and a strong street grid network as a means to enhance
connectivity for all travel modes. Encourage the inclusion of non-motorized transportation corridors, such as paseos, promenades, and multi-use paths, to
improve connectivity along long blocks or non-continuous streets.

Policy CI 1.9
Funding. Pursue funding for multimodal infrastructure projects that promote safety and Complete Streets, such as impact fees and local, regional,
State, and federal grants.
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Policy CI 1.10
Development Impact Fees. Regularly update the
City’s Development Impact Fees (DIF) program to
ensure adequate funding is allocated for the development, operation, and maintenance of the City’s transportation system across all travel modes.

Policy CI 1.11
Vision Zero. Explore adoption of a Vision Zero initiative with a target date to achieve its goals. The initiative aims at eliminating all traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries suffered by all road users while
increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all
modes of transportation.

GOAL CI 2
Pedestrian infrastructure that is safe, connected, and comfortable for users of all ages and abilities, inclusive of accessible curb
ramps and sidewalks, marked crosswalks,
trail connections, lighting, and pedestrian
crossing features.

Policy CI 2.1
Pedestrian Network. Improve pedestrian safety,
comfort, and connectivity throughout the city, with
an emphasis on implementing the various pedestrian
route types (shown on Figure 3-1), and connections
serving schools, parks, and commercial/retail centers.

Policy CI 2.2
Close Connectivity Gaps. Improve pedestrian network connectivity by requiring development projects to close connectivity gaps by extending project
frontage improvements to the nearest connecting
sidewalk/trail where feasible and/or where fee
credit/reimbursement programs exist. Factors to consider may include, but are not limited to, the proposed project's land use, destinations created by the project, destinations that could be reached by occupants of the new development, the length of the gap, etc.

Policy CI 2.3
Local Roadway Safety Plan. Implement recommended projects of the Local Roadway Safety Plan (as adopted and amended from time to time) to enhance the safety of trips made by foot to and from neighborhoods, schools, parks, retail locations, employment centers, government offices, and bus stops.

Policy CI 2.4
Implement Pedestrian Route Types. As adjacent
parcels are developed and/or capital improvement
projects are undertaken, implement the designated
pedestrian route types, inclusive of the respective pedestrian route type toolkit features, where feasible.

Policy CI 2.5
Pedestrian Crossing Safety. Improve pedestrian
crossing safety and efficiency through appropriate
signal hardware and timing, installation of marked
and high visibility marked crosswalks and accessible
curb ramps, and other intersection design features,
where relevant.

Policy CI 2.6
Pedestrian Visibility. Enhance pedestrian visibility
by limiting parking at intersections, improving lighting at street crossings, and minimizing sidewalk obstructions.

Policy CI 2.7
Connections to Trailheads. Provide pedestrian connections to recreational trailheads, where feasible.

Policy CI 2.8
Funding. Pursue funding to implement programs
that promote bicycle and pedestrian education,
safety and use in schools.

Policy CI 2.9
Walking to School. Encourage walking as a preferred transportation mode for trips to and from elementary, middle, and high schools and nearby destinations.

Policy CI 2.10
Pedestrian Collision Monitoring. Regularly review
and monitor reports of pedestrian-involved collisions
to identify potential safety issues and appropriate
improvements.
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