Agenda packet — Yucca Valley City Council, October 20, 2026 (part 2 of 4)

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-18 PlaceWorks
minimization and/or compensatory mitigation. Mitigation Measure 3-1 further requires focused rare plant surveys for the four special-status plant species identified as having potential to occur, conducted during the combined March through June blooming period, with results submitted to the Town prior to initiation of site preparation activities. Consistent with this requirement, a focused special-status plant survey was conducted on March 30, 2026, in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife survey protocols. The survey targeted the four special-status plant species with potential to occur within the project survey area identified above: pinyon rockcress (Boechera dispar), Pioneertown linanthus (Linanthus bernardinus), Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus (Linanthus maculatus ssp. maculatus), and Latimer's woodland-gilia (Saltugilia latimeri). The survey included 100 percent pedestrian coverage of the approximately 30.35-acre survey area encompassing the project right-of-way and surrounding buffer areas. No federal- or state-listed special-status plant species, California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 1 or 2 species, or other CDFW-designated rare plant species were observed within the survey area. Construction activities could result in vegetation removal and disturbance of common native plant species; however, no impacts to special-status plant species are anticipated. This conclusion is consistent with the findings of the focused rare plant survey and the broader impact analysis contained in the Certified EIR. Mitigation Measure 3-1, as modified, remains applicable to the proposed project and has been incorporated into the project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Consistent with Mitigation Measure 3- 1(A), if construction activities are not initiated promptly following completion of the focused surveys, additional preconstruction special-status plant surveys would be required. With implementation of Mitigation Measure 3-1, impacts to special-status plant species would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Summary
Mitigation Measures 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4, as modified for project-level application, apply to the proposed project because sensitive biological resources are documented to be present or to have a high or moderate potential to occur within the project site. As modified, these measures are mandatory rather than contingent. Mitigation Measure 3-1 requires focused botanical surveys for each special-status plant species with potential to occur, conducted during the appropriate blooming or identification period and reported to the Town before construction begins; Mitigation Measure 3-2 requires construction limits to be flagged, with the flagging verified by a qualified biologist before construction activities are implemented; Mitigation Measure 3-3 requires a project-specific contractor environmental awareness training program addressing the specific resources documented on and adjacent to the site; and Mitigation Measure 3-4 requires a qualified biological monitor, approved by the Town, to conduct periodic inspection of construction activities within sensitive habitat areas with authority to halt work if avoidance measures are not being properly implemented. In addition, compliance with applicable State and local regulations governing protected plant species would further reduce the potential for adverse effects.

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YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-19
Based on the absence of special-status species observed during the general biological field survey and the March 2026 focused special-status plant survey, the limited and transient nature of any potential wildlife use, and compliance with applicable regulatory protections, including implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4 where applicable, the proposed project would not result in substantial adverse effects on special-status species. Accordingly, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Sensitive Habitat
The proposed project would permanently impact 0.28-acre of Desert Dry Wash, 5.35 acres of Disturbed Habitat, 8.20 acres of Joshua Tree Woodland, and 8.52 acres of Urban/Developed habitat. Additionally, the proposed project would temporarily impact 0.35 acre of Desert Dry Wash, 2.94 acres of Disturbed Habitat, 16.22 acres of Joshua Tree Woodland, and 6.82 acres of Urban/Developed. The permanent loss of approximately 8.20 acres and temporary loss of 16.22 acres of Joshua Tree Woodland habitat are potentially significant impacts of the project. Joshua Tree Woodland is identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a sensitive natural community (Yucca brevifolia Alliance, ranked G4 S3 on CDFW’s California Sensitive Natural Communities list).

These impacts are of the same nature as, and no greater in severity than, the habitat conversion impacts evaluated in the Certified EIR. Mitigation Measures 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4, as modified, remain applicable to the proposed project and are mandatory. Mitigation Measure 3-1 requires a western Joshua tree inventory and census by a qualified desert native plant specialist prior to ground-disturbing activities to identify all western Joshua trees that could be directly or indirectly affected and to determine applicable avoidance, minimization, relocation, permitting, and mitigation requirements. Mitigation Measures 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4 require, respectively, verification and flagging of construction limits, contractor environmental awareness training, and biological monitoring with authority to halt work as necessary to avoid or minimize impacts to biological resources.

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YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
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Aquatic Habitat
Mitigation Measures 3-5 and 3-6 apply to the proposed project. Because the General Biological Resources Assessment mapped desert dry wash features within the project area and concluded those features are most likely jurisdictional to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board, Mitigation Measure 3-5 as modified requires that an aquatic resources delineation be completed prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities within or adjacent to potentially jurisdictional aquatic resources.

The delineation must map the resources present and identify the extent of project-related impacts, and the measure imposes a performance standard requiring avoidance to the maximum extent feasible and minimization of unavoidable impacts. Where impacts cannot be avoided, Mitigation Measure 3-6 requires that all applicable regulatory permits and authorizations be obtained, and agency-required avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation implemented, before any activity affecting jurisdictional aquatic resources occurs.

Summary
The project site does not contain riparian habitat. Joshua Tree Woodland, which the California Department of Fish and Wildlife identifies as a sensitive natural community (Yucca brevifolia Alliance, ranked G4 S3), and desert dry wash features are present within the project area. These resources are addressed through Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-6, the Town’s Native Plant Ordinance, Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act requirements, and jurisdictional waters regulations discussed under the relevant thresholds.

The project would result in the permanent loss of approximately 8.20 acres and temporary disturbance of approximately 16.22 acres of Joshua Tree Woodland within and adjacent to an existing roadway corridor in a developed setting. This disturbance represents a small portion of the habitat conversion evaluated in the Certified EIR and would not result in a new or substantially more severe impact than previously identified.

Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4, as modified, would require a pre-construction western Joshua tree inventory and census, avoidance and minimization measures, relocation where avoidance is infeasible, applicable take authorization, and payment of mitigation fees prior to construction. Mitigation Measures 3-5 and 3-6 would address potential impacts to desert dry wash features.

With implementation of these measures, the proposed project would not result in substantial adverse effects on riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities, and impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-21
Consequently, the proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects and, therefore, would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Eleven potentially jurisdictional desert dry wash channels were mapped within the project area.

No wetlands or vernal pools were observed during the field survey. Based on site conditions, the desert dry wash channels are anticipated to be jurisdictional under CDFW and RWQCB, subject to confirmation through a formal delineation. The Certified EIR evaluated impacts to jurisdictional waters and established mitigation measures requiring delineation, regulatory agency consultation, and permitting.

Consistent with Mitigation Measure 3-5 as modified, an aquatic resources delineation prepared in accordance with the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the Arid West Regional Supplement would be completed prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities within or adjacent to the mapped channels, to confirm the extent and jurisdictional status of waters and wetlands and to identify the extent of project-related impacts. The measure requires avoidance of jurisdictional aquatic resources to the maximum extent feasible and minimization of any impacts that cannot be avoided. Consistent with Mitigation Measure 3- 6, permits and authorizations would be obtained from applicable agencies for impacts to jurisdictional waters, as required, including implementation of agency-required avoidance and minimization measures and mitigation for unavoidable impacts.

Based on the absence of wetlands or vernal pools, the limited and episodic nature of the dry wash features, and compliance with applicable regulatory protections, including implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-5 and 3-6 where applicable, the proposed project would not result in substantial adverse effects on state or federally protected wetlands.

Accordingly, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report documents that the project site and surrounding area consist of a highly disturbed and fragmented landscape characterized by existing roadway corridors, adjacent development, and disturbed habitat.

Although regional wildlife connectivity is constrained by surrounding development and roadway infrastructure, the eastern end of the Yucca Trail segment is partially located within the Joshua Tree – Twentynine Palms linkage, a designated Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Area (WCEA). No wildlife nursery sites were identified within the project area.

The Certified EIR concluded that development within designated Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Areas (WCEAs) and Open Space Resource Areas (OSRAs) could interfere with wildlife movement in the absence of mitigation and identified Mitigation Measure 3-7 to address corridor-related impacts. As documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the eastern end of the Yucca Trail segment is partially located within a designated WCEA; the project site is not located within an OSRA. Mitigation Measure 3-7 is therefore triggered and applies to the proposed project. As required by Mitigation Measure 3-7, a habitat connectivity evaluation would be prepared and incorporated into the project’s biological report, and project design features that reduce potential impacts and maintain functionality as habitat and for wildlife movement would be incorporated into the project to the extent practicable.

With respect to wildlife nursery sites (including active bird nests), the Certified EIR identified potential impacts to birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code and required implementation of Mitigation Measure 3-8. This measure requires a pre-construction nesting bird survey of all suitable nesting habitat that may be affected by active construction during the general avian breeding season (February 1 through August 31), conducted no more than seven days before construction begins, and requires that construction be halted if an active nest is detected within the project area or a 300-foot buffer until the young have fledged, a qualified biologist determines the nest is inactive, or agency-approved measures are implemented. Because project construction would remove vegetation capable of providing nesting habitat and could occur during the breeding season, Mitigation Measure 3-8 applies to the proposed project.

The project site is located within an existing roadway corridor surrounded by development and roadway infrastructure. The General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report identifies the eastern end of the Yucca Trail segment as partially within the Joshua Tree – Twentynine Palms WCEA and identifies no wildlife nursery sites within the project area. In

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-23
addition, the project would widen and pave an existing roadway alignment and would not create a new barrier to wildlife movement or sever an existing movement corridor. Mitigation Measure 3-7 would require a habitat connectivity evaluation and incorporation of project design features that maintain habitat function and wildlife movement within the WCEA.

Mitigation Measure 3-8 would also require pre-construction nesting bird surveys and avoidance of active nests during construction. Therefore, the proposed project would not substantially interfere with the movement of native resident or migratory wildlife species or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites, and impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

The General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report identifies multiple plant species protected under the Town of Yucca Valley Native Plant Ordinance and the California Desert Native Plants Act within the project area, including Joshua tree, Mojave yucca, silver cholla, branched pencil cholla, Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus, creosote, blue paloverde, and beavertail cactus. Joshua trees are also subject to the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA). Removal, relocation, or disturbance of these protected plant species is regulated by the Town and State and requires compliance with applicable permitting, avoidance, minimization, relocation, and mitigation fee requirements.

Consistent with the Certified EIR’s approach for locally protected plants, Mitigation Measures 3- 1 through 3-4 remain applicable and would ensure biological resources are evaluated and documented by a qualified biologist, sensitive resources are identified/mapped and construction limits are delineated to avoid impacts where feasible, avoidance and minimization measures are reinforced through worker training, and monitoring is conducted where warranted. In addition, Mitigation Measure 3-1, as modified, establishes requirements for addressing potential impacts to western Joshua trees. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, a qualified desert native plant specialist would conduct an inventory and census of western Joshua trees within the project area. Trees would be avoided to the maximum extent practicable, and avoidance and minimization measures would be implemented consistent with Appendix D of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, including restrictions on ground disturbance near trees that would remain in place. Where avoidance is not feasible, affected

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trees would be relocated in accordance with the relocation guidelines in Appendix E of the Plan.

For western Joshua trees that would be removed or relocated, the Town would obtain the applicable take authorization and require payment of mitigation fees into the Western Joshua Tree Mitigation Fund prior to construction. These requirements would ensure that potential impacts to western Joshua trees are avoided, minimized, and mitigated in accordance with applicable requirements.

Based on compliance with the Town’s Native Plant Ordinance, the California Desert Native Plants Act, and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, and implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4, as applicable, the proposed project would not conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. Mitigation Measure 3-1, as modified, would require a western Joshua tree inventory and census, avoidance and minimization measures, relocation where avoidance is infeasible, applicable take authorization, and payment of required mitigation fees prior to construction. Accordingly, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

No adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved regional habitat conservation plan covers the Morongo Basin, and the project site is accordingly not located within any such plan area. Consistent with the conclusions of the Certified EIR, the proposed project would not conflict with the provisions of any adopted HCP, NCCP, or other approved habitat conservation plan.

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3.2.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
The Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-8 to address potential biological resources impacts associated with future development accommodated by the General Plan Update. As discussed below, Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-8 remain applicable to the proposed project and have been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-8 have been modified to address project-level impacts and, where applicable, to establish project-specific survey, avoidance, minimization, and mitigation requirements prior to construction. Mitigation Measure 3-7 also applies to the proposed project because the eastern end of the Yucca Trail segment is partially located within a designated Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Area, and it has been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Any modifications to the mitigation measures from the Certified EIR are shown as strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.

Mitigation Measures 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, and 3-8 remain applicable to the proposed project because construction would involve grading, excavation, vegetation removal, and other grounddisturbing activities that could affect sensitive biological resources or nesting migratory birds.

Mitigation Measure 3-1 requires preparation of a biological resources survey by a qualified biologist. The General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report prepared for the proposed project satisfies the general biological resources assessment component of Mitigation Measure 3-1 and identifies special-status species and habitats with potential to occur within the project site. Mitigation Measure 3-1 has also been modified to require focused botanical surveys for potentially occurring special-status plant species and a Western Joshua tree inventory and census prior to construction, together with applicable avoidance, minimization, relocation, permitting, and mitigation requirements based on the results of those surveys. The focused botanical survey required by Mitigation Measure 3-1 was conducted on March 30, 2026, during the appropriate blooming period, and documented no special-status plant species within the survey area. If special-status plants are identified within or adjacent to areas that could be affected by construction, the measure requires avoidance to the maximum extent feasible and, where complete avoidance is infeasible, appropriate minimization and/or compensatory mitigation sufficient to reduce impacts to a less-thansignificant level. Mitigation Measure 3-1 has also been modified to add Part C, Rare Plants, which requires focused rare plant surveys during the combined March through June blooming period for Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus, Pioneertown linanthus, Latimer’s woodland-gilia, and pinyon rockcress; submittal of the survey results to the Town prior to initiation of site preparation activities; and coordination with CDFW where impacts to identified occurrences would be unavoidable. The focused rare plant survey required by Part C was completed on March 30, 2026, and is documented in the Focused Special-Status Plant Survey provided in Appendix C. Because no special-status plant occurrences were identified within the

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survey area, CDFW coordination and compensatory mitigation are not required at this time.

Part C remains in the project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and additional preconstruction surveys would be conducted if required prior to initiation of site preparation activities.

Mitigation Measure 3-1 also requires a Western Joshua tree inventory and census prior to ground-disturbing activities. Based on the results of the inventory and census, applicable avoidance, minimization, relocation, take authorization, and mitigation requirements would be implemented. Western Joshua trees would be avoided to the maximum extent practicable, and where avoidance is infeasible, relocation and/or removal would be conducted in accordance with the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, including payment of applicable mitigation fees prior to construction.

Mitigation Measures 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4 require construction-area flagging to protect sensitive biological resources, contractor environmental awareness training, and biological monitoring, respectively, and Mitigation Measure 3-8 requires performance of pre-construction nesting bird surveys during the avian breeding season. Mitigation Measures 3-5 and 3-6 remain applicable to the proposed project to the extent the project would affect jurisdictional aquatic resources. The General Biological Resources Assessment mapped desert dry wash features within the project area and concluded that these features are most likely jurisdictional under the purview of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. As modified, Mitigation Measure 3-5 requires completion of an aquatic resources delineation prior to ground-disturbing activities within or adjacent to potentially jurisdictional aquatic resources. The delineation would identify and map aquatic resources and determine the extent of project-related impacts, if any. The measure requires avoidance of jurisdictional aquatic resources to the maximum extent feasible and minimization of unavoidable impacts.

Where impacts cannot be avoided, applicable permits, authorizations, and compensatory mitigation would be implemented pursuant to Mitigation Measure 3-6 prior to activities affecting jurisdictional aquatic resources.

Mitigation Measure 3-7 applies to development within designated Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Areas (WCEAs) and/or Open Space Resource Areas (OSRAs). As documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the eastern end of the Yucca Trail segment is partially located within the Joshua Tree – Twentynine Palms WCEA. Mitigation Measure 3-7 is therefore triggered, remains applicable to the proposed project, and has been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Mitigation Measure 3-7 has been modified to delete the two provisions addressing low density zoning standards and clustering of development, which apply to private land development and have no application to roadway improvements within an existing public right-of-way.

The Certified EIR Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-8 are reproduced below.

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Sensitive Species and Habitat
3-1 A. Discretionary Projects: The Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants for future discretionary development projects subject to CEQA that disturb undeveloped land to prepare a biological resources survey. The biological resources survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. The biological resources survey shall include, but not be limited to:
▪ Analysis of available literature and biological databases, such as the California Natural Diversity Database, and known western Joshua tree occurrence data to determine sensitive biological resources that have been reported historically from the proposed development project vicinity.
▪ Review of current land use and land ownership within the proposed development project vicinity.
▪ Assessment and mapping of vegetation communities present within the proposed development project vicinity.
▪ Evaluation of potential local and regional wildlife movement corridors. ▪ General assessment of potential jurisdictional areas, including wetlands and riparian habitats.
a) If the proposed development project site supports vegetation communities that may provide habitat for special status plant or wildlife species, a focused habitat assessment shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine the potential for special status plant and/or animal species to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area. As documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report, suitable habitat for certain special-status wildlife and plant species occurs within the project site. b) If one or more special status species has the potential to occur within the proposed development project area, focused species surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence/absence of these species to adequately evaluate potential direct and/or indirect impacts to these species. For special-status plant species determined to have potential to occur within the project site, focused botanical surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist or botanist during the appropriate blooming and/or identification period when the potentially occurring special-status plant species are readily identifiable. The focused botanical surveys shall be conducted in accordance with applicable California Department of Fish and Wildlife and/or California Native Plant Society survey protocols. The results of the focused botanical surveys shall be documented in a separate focused special-status plant survey report and submitted to the Town prior to the start of construction activities. If special-status plant species are identified within or adjacent to areas that would be directly or indirectly affected

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by construction, the Town shall require avoidance of the special-status plant occurrence to the maximum extent feasible. Where complete avoidance is not feasible, appropriate minimization and/or compensatory mitigation shall be implemented, as determined by a qualified biologist or botanist in coordination with the Town and applicable regulatory agencies, as necessary, to reduce impacts to special-status plant species to a less-than-significant level. Because several special-status species have high or moderate potential to occur within the project site, focused surveys shall be conducted where required by applicable state or federal law prior to construction activities.
c) If construction activities are not initiated immediately after focused surveys have been completed, additional preconstruction special status species surveys may be required, in accordance with the California Endangered Species Act, and Federal Endangered Species Act, and Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, to assure impacts are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. If preconstruction activities are required, a qualified biologist will perform these surveys as required for each special status species that is known to occur or has a potential to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area.

The results of the biological survey shall be presented in a biological resources survey letter report (for proposed development projects with no significant impacts) or biological resources technical report (for proposed development projects with significant impacts that require mitigation to reduce the impacts to below a level of significance) and submitted to the Town’s Planning Department.

B. Single-Family, Accessory Structure, and Public Works Projects Western Joshua Tree (WJT) Census. The Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants for a single-family residential project, accessory structure, or public works projects identified in Chapter

9.56 of the Town’s Development Code that require relocating or removing a western Joshua tree to prepare a census of western Joshua trees on the project site ensure that, prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities, a qualified desert native plant specialist conducts an inventory and census of western Joshua trees within the project site and areas that could be directly or indirectly affected by project construction. The inventory and census shall identify all western Joshua trees within these areas and shall provide the information necessary to determine applicable avoidance, minimization, relocation, removal, permitting, and mitigation requirements. The census shall count all western Joshua trees on the project site and classify them by size class. The results of the western Joshua tree inventory and census shall be submitted to the Town prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities. The census shall be submitted to the Town’s Community Development Department and include the following:

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▪ The name of the desert native plant specialist who conducted the census and the employer of the desert native plant specialist.
▪ The name of the desert native plant specialist who will relocate western Joshua trees, if applicable, and the employer of the desert native plant specialist. ▪ The date of the census.
▪ The date or dates of the proposed relocation of western Joshua trees, if applicable. ▪ A map of the project site that depicts the location of the proposed single-family residence, accessory structure, or public works project proposed project improvements and disturbance limits; the number and location of all western Joshua trees on the project site; and the proposed placement of each relocated western Joshua tree.
▪ Photographs of each western Joshua tree on the project site, including a visual representation of the scale of the height of each tree. ▪ Aerial imagery of the site in sufficient detail to identify the property and the western Joshua trees that are on the site and are a part of the application submitted. ▪ Narrative written descriptions of each western Joshua tree—its diameter, height, existing health condition, and any other information deemed necessary.

Based on the results of the western Joshua tree inventory and census, the Town shall implement the following avoidance, minimization, relocation, permitting, and mitigation requirements, as applicable.

Avoidance. If the a western Joshua tree is identified within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, the project proponentTown of Yucca Valley of single-family, accessory structure, or public works project shall avoid species western Joshua trees on the project site to the maximum extent practicable. Avoidance and minimization measures shall be implemented consistently with the Avoidance and Minimization Best Management Practices and Guidelines in Appendix D of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan.

Minimization. The project proponentTown of Yucca Valley shall avoid all grounddisturbing activities within 10 feet of any western Joshua tree that will not be relocated or removed, if those activities will disturb the soil to a depth of greater than 12 inches.

Minimization measures shall be implemented consistently with the Avoidance and Minimization Best Management Practices and Guidelines in Appendix D of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan.

Relocation. To the maximum extent feasible, the project proponentTown of Yucca Valley of single-family, accessory structure, or public works projects shall relocate all western Joshua trees that cannot be avoided to another location on the project site. The project

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proponentTown of Yucca Valley shall ensure that relocation of western Joshua trees satisfies the following requirements:
▪ All western Joshua tree relocations shall be completed by a desert native plant specialist.
▪ All western Joshua trees to be relocated shall be placed at least 25 feet from any existing or proposed structure or improvement and at least 10 feet from any other western Joshua tree.
▪ Within 30 days of completing the relocation, the project proponentTown of Yucca Valley shall provide the participating agency with a map of the project site indicating where each western Joshua tree was relocated.
▪ All relocation activities shall follow the Western Joshua Tree Relocation Guidelines and Protocols provided in Appendix E of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan.

Mitigation for Removal and Relocation of Western Joshua Trees. For western Joshua trees that are removed and/or relocated, the Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants to obtain a take permit for the western Joshua tree as authorized pursuant to Section 2084 of the Fish and Game Code and approved by the California Fish and Game Commission in accordance with the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Fish and Game Code Sections 1927.3 or 1927.4). Prior to applications being presented to the Planning Commission the start of construction, the project proponentTown of Yucca Valley shall pay mitigation fees for deposit into the Western Joshua Tree Mitigation Fund in accordance with the requirements in Section 9.56.120, Mitigation Fees, of the Development Code to mitigate impacts to the western Joshua trees.

The survey shall be performed according to the CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 2001) and results shall be submitted to the Town Project Planner for acceptability prior to initiation of any site preparation activities. If any of these, or other special-status species, are found within the proposed project impact area and Project-related impacts to the individuals are unavoidable, then coordination with CDFW may need to occur to identify additional biological monitoring, seed salvage, and non-disturbance buffers established around plant locations.
3-2 If sensitive biological resources are identified within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, as outlined in the biological resources survey letter report/biological resources technical report or census Because sensitive biological

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resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the construction limits shall be clearly flagged to ensure impacts to sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized, to the extent feasible. Prior to implementing construction activities, the Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants to contract with a qualified biologist to verify that the flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and sensitive resources to be avoided. 3-3 If sensitive biological resources are known to occur within or adjacent to the proposed development project area, as outlined in the biological resources survey letter report/biological resources technical report or census Because sensitive biological resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants to contract with a qualified biologist to develop and implement a project-specific contractor training program to educate project contractors on the sensitive biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed development project area and measures being implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts to these species.
3-4 If sensitive biological resources are present within or adjacent to the proposed development project area Because sensitive biological resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report and impacts may result from construction activities, as outlined in the biological resources survey letter report/biological resources technical report or census, a qualified biological monitor may shall be required during a portion or all of the construction activities to ensure impacts to the sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. The specific biological monitoring requirements shall be evaluated on a project-by-project basis. The qualified biological monitor shall be approved by the Town on a project-byproject basis based on applicable experience with the sensitive biological resources that may be impacted by the proposed development project activities. Biological monitoring shall include periodic inspection of construction activities within sensitive habitat areas and authority to halt work if avoidance measures are not being properly implemented.

Aquatic Resources
3-5 The Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants of development projects that have the potential to affect jurisdictional resources, to contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a jurisdictional delineation following the methods outlined in the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (2008) to map the

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extent of wetlands and non-wetland waters, determine jurisdiction, and assess potential impacts. The jurisdictional delineation shall be completed prior to the start of grounddisturbing activities within or adjacent to potentially jurisdictional aquatic resources. The results of the delineation shall be presented in an aquatic resources delineation report that identifies and maps aquatic resources within the project area and identifies the extent of project-related impacts, if any. Project activities shall avoid impacts to jurisdictional aquatic resources to the maximum extent feasible. Where impacts cannot be avoided, impacts shall be minimized to the maximum extent feasible, and the Town shall obtain all applicable regulatory permits and authorizations and implement applicable compensatory mitigation in accordance with Mitigation Measure 3-6 prior to activities that would affect jurisdictional aquatic resources. The results of the delineation shall be presented in a wetland delineation letter report and shall be incorporated into the CEQA document(s) required for approval and permitting of the proposed development project.
3-6 The Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants of development projects that have the potential to impact jurisdictional features to obtain permits and authorizations from the US Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. The agency authorization would include impact avoidance and minimization measures as well as mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts. Specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for impacts to jurisdictional resources shall be determined through discussions with the regulatory agencies during the proposed development project permitting process and may include monetary contributions to a mitigation bank or habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement.

Wildlife Movement
3-7 The Town of Yucca Valley shall require a habitat connectivity evaluation for development projects proposed within a Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Area (WCEA) and/or an Open Space Resource Area (OSRA). The results of the evaluation will be incorporated into the project’s biological report required under Mitigation Measure 3-1. The habitat connectivity evaluation shall assess the potential for the project to adversely affect the intended functions of the WCEA and/or OSRA. The evaluation shall also identify project design features that would reduce potential impacts and maintain functionality as habitat and for wildlife movement. To this end, the Town shall incorporate the following measures, to the extent practicable, into projects that would propose development within a WCEA and/or an OSRA:
▪ Adhere to low density zoning standards
▪ Encourage clustering of development

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▪ Avoid known sensitive biological resources
▪ Provide shielded lighting adjacent to sensitive habitat areas ▪ Encourage development plans that maximize wildlife movement ▪ Provide buffers between development and wetland/riparian areas ▪ Protect wetland/riparian areas through regulatory agency permitting process ▪ Encourage wildlife-passable fence designs (e.g., 3-strand barbless wire fence) on property boundaries
▪ Encourage preservation of native habitat on the undeveloped remainder of developed parcels
▪ Minimize road/driveway development to help prevent loss of habitat due to roadkill and habitat loss
▪ Use native, drought-resistant plant species in landscape design ▪ Require implementation of mitigation measures within an OSRA ▪ Encourage participation in local/regional recreational trail design efforts Migratory Birds
3-8 The Town of Yucca Valley shall require applicants for new development projects to conduct a pre-construction general nesting bird survey within all suitable nesting habitat that may be impacted by active construction during the general avian breeding season (February 1 through August 31). The pre-construction surveys shall be conducted no more than seven days prior to initiation of construction. If no active avian nests are identified within the proposed development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, no further mitigation is necessary. If active nests of bird species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are detected within the proposed development project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, construction shall be halted until the young have fledged, until a qualified biologist has determined the nest is inactive, or until appropriate mitigation measures that respond to the specific situation have been developed and implemented in consultation with the regulatory agencies.

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3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES

3.3.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project The Certified EIR evaluated potential impacts to historic, archaeological, paleontological,1 Native American resources, and human remains associated with future development that could be accommodated by the General Plan Update.
▪ Historical Resources. Records searches conducted as part of the Paleontological and Cultural Resources Assessment identified five historic resources within the Town and vicinity, including a historic schoolhouse, Warren's Well, Warren's Ranch/Tanks, Desert Christ Park, and State Route 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). Adoption of the General Plan Update would not directly affect these resources; however, future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could result in impacts to known historic resources or additional structures that may become eligible for listing upon reaching 50 years of age. Therefore, impacts to historical resources were determined to be potentially significant.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-1 and applicable General Plan policies would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels.
▪ Archaeological Resources. Records searches identified nine prehistoric archaeological sites and three historical archaeological sites within the Town. Although adoption of the General Plan Update would not directly affect archaeological resources, future development involving grading or excavation could disturb known or previously unidentified archaeological resources. Therefore, impacts to archaeological resources were determined to be potentially significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-3 and applicable General Plan policies would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels. ▪ Paleontological Resources. The Certified EIR identified areas within the Town with very low to moderate paleontological sensitivity, including known fossil occurrences within Quaternary alluvium and other geologic formations. Future development involving excavation in previously undisturbed sediments could disturb previously unidentified paleontological resources. Therefore, impacts to paleontological resources were determined to be potentially significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-2 and applicable General Plan policies would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels. ▪ Native American and Tribal Cultural Resources. Although Tribal Cultural Resources were not identified as a separate resource category under CEQA at the time the Certified EIR was prepared, the Cultural Resources analysis evaluated Native American cultural resources and included a Sacred Lands File search and tribal outreach conducted during preparation of the General Plan Update. The Certified EIR concluded that future development involving grading 1 The Certified EIR evaluated this topic in the cultural resources section, consistent with the Appendix G guidelines at the time.

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or excavation could disturb previously identified or previously unknown Native American cultural resources. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-3 and applicable General Plan policies would require identification, evaluation, monitoring, protection, and treatment of cultural resources where appropriate and would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels.
▪ Human Remains. Future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could result in the inadvertent discovery of human remains during ground-disturbing activities. Compliance with applicable State laws, including Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, together with implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-3, would ensure that any discoveries are appropriately managed. Therefore, impacts related to human remains would be less than significant.

3.3.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
As part of preparation of this Addendum, PlaceWorks requested a search of the Sacred Lands File (SLF) maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for the project site and the surrounding area. The NAHC responded on June 3, 2026, and reported that the results of the SLF search were negative; no Native American cultural resources were identified within or adjacent to the project site. The NAHC advised that tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the SLF and that an SLF search is not a substitute for consultation with tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project’s geographic area, and provided a list of traditionally and culturally affiliated tribes for the project’s geographic area (NAHC 2026).

In addition, PlaceWorks requested a cultural resources records search from the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC), the California Historical Resources Information System repository for San Bernardino County. The SCCIC completed the search on August 27, 2026 (Records Search File No. 28222.14239) for the project site and a one-half-mile radius, and for listed resources within a one-quarter-mile radius, covering the Yucca Valley North, Yucca Valley South, Joshua Tree North, and Joshua Tree South USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles. No archaeological resources and no built-environment resources are recorded within the project area, and no built-environment resources are recorded within the one-half-mile radius. Six archaeological resources are recorded within the one-half-mile radius, none of which are within the project area. No resources within the project area or the one-quarter-mile radius are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, the California Historical Landmarks or California Points of Historical Interest listings, or the California State Built Environment Resources Directory. The SCCIC noted that the absence of recorded resources does not preclude the presence of previously unidentified surface or buried resources and recommended that ground-disturbing activities proceed with caution, with work halted in the vicinity of any discovery until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the find (SCCIC 2026).

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Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5? LTS/M Yes b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5? LTS/M Yes c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of dedicated cemeteries? LTS/M Yes
d) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? LTS/M Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

As discussed in the Certified EIR, the General Plan Update evaluated potential impacts to historic resources associated with future development in the Town of Yucca Valley. Records searches conducted as part of the General Plan Update identified a limited number of known historic resources within the Town and surrounding area; however, the project site is not listed in or eligible for inclusion on the California Register of Historical Resources, the National Register of Historic Places, or any local register of historic resources (OHP 2025, NPS 2025). In addition, the proposed project does not involve demolition, alteration, or reuse of intact extant buildings more than 45 years old. The records search completed by the SCCIC on August 27, 2026, similarly identified no built-environment resources recorded within the project area or the surrounding one-half-mile radius, and no resources within the project area or a onequarter-mile radius that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, or other statewide historical resource listings (SCCIC 2026). No impacts would occur and no mitigation measures are warranted with regard to historic resources.

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criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Archaeological resources are prehistoric or historic evidence of past human activities, including structural ruins and buried resources. As discussed in the Certified EIR, adoption of the General Plan Update would not directly affect known archaeological resources; however, future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could involve grading or excavation in previously undisturbed areas where archaeological resources may be present. The proposed project consists of roadway widening, realignment, grading, excavation, utility improvements, and drainage improvements within existing and planned transportation corridors. Although portions of the project site have been previously disturbed by roadway construction and other development activities, ground-disturbing activities associated with the proposed project could uncover previously unidentified historic and archaeological resources. The records search completed by the SCCIC on August 27, 2026, identified no archaeological resources recorded within the project area; six archaeological resources are recorded within the surrounding onehalf-mile radius. As noted by the SCCIC, the absence of recorded resources within the project area does not preclude the presence of previously unidentified surface or buried archaeological resources, and the SCCIC recommended that work halt in the vicinity of any discovery until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the find (SCCIC 2026).

However, ground-disturbing activities associated with roadway widening, realignment, grading, excavation, drainage improvements, and utility work could uncover previously unknown archaeological resources or Tribal Cultural Resources. Mitigation Measure 4-3 would ensure that any discoveries are appropriately identified, evaluated, and treated. The measure requires preparation of an archeological and tribal cultural resources mitigation plan by a qualified archaeologist and requires archaeological and Tribal monitoring during ground-disturbing activities, procedures for evaluating and treating discoveries, consultation with affiliated Tribes as appropriate, and preparation of a final mitigation compliance report. The measure also establishes procedures for avoidance and preservation of significant resources where feasible and for appropriate treatment if resources are encountered during construction. With implementation of this mitigation measure and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, impacts to archaeological and tribal cultural resources would remain less than significant.

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criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5; CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064.5; and California Public Resources Code, Section 5097.98, mandate the process to be followed in the event of an accidental discovery of any human remains in a location other than a dedicated cemetery. Specifically, California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5, requires that if human remains are discovered on a project site, disturbance of the site shall remain halted until the coroner has conducted an investigation into the circumstances, manner, and cause of any death, and the recommendations concerning the treatment and disposition of the human remains have been made to the person responsible for the excavation, or to his or her authorized representative, in the manner provided in Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code. If the coroner determines that the remains are not subject to his or her authority and if the coroner has reason to believe the human remains to be those of a Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours, the Native American Heritage Commission.

As discussed in the Certified EIR, adoption of the General Plan Update would not directly affect known human remains, and no known cemeteries or human remains were identified within the project site during preparation of the General Plan Update. However, because future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could involve grading or excavation in previously undisturbed areas, the Certified EIR acknowledged the potential for inadvertent discovery of previously unknown human remains during ground-disturbing activities.

Potential impacts related to human remains are addressed through compliance with existing State regulations, including the California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources Code, which establish mandatory procedures for halting work, notifying the appropriate authorities, and ensuring respectful treatment and lawful disposition of any discovered remains, including coordination with the County Coroner and, where applicable, the Native American Heritage Commission and Most Likely Descendant. These requirements apply to all ground-disturbing activities regardless of project type and do not require adoption of additional project-specific mitigation. Therefore, impacts related to human remains would be less than significant.

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d) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Construction activities associated with the proposed roadway widening, realignment, grading, excavation, utility installation, and drainage improvements could disturb previously undisturbed native sediments with moderate or higher paleontological sensitivity. Although no unique paleontological resources or geologic features are known to occur within the project site, excavation associated with project construction has the potential to encounter previously unidentified paleontological resources.

Mitigation Measure 4-2 would ensure that any paleontological resources encountered during construction are appropriately identified, evaluated, recovered, documented, and curated. The measure requires preparation of a technical paleontological assessment by a qualified paleontologist and, where paleontological resources are known or reasonably anticipated, implementation of monitoring during grading and other earthmoving activities in sensitive geologic units. The measure also establishes fossil recovery, identification, analysis, curation, and reporting requirements for significant discoveries. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-2 would ensure that any previously unidentified paleontological resources are appropriately treated in accordance with current professional standards, reducing potential impacts to a lessthan-significant level with mitigation incorporated.

3.3.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
The Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measures 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 to address potential impacts related to historic, archaeological, paleontological, and tribal cultural resources associated with development activities. As discussed below, the following mitigation measures remain applicable to the proposed project and have been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Any modifications to these mitigation measures are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.

Mitigation Measure 4-1 is not applicable to the proposed project because the proposed project does not include demolition, alteration, relocation, or reuse of any such historic structures.

Mitigation Measure 4-2 has been modified to address project-level impacts. Mitigation Measure

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4-3 has been modified to address recent requests by Native American Tribes affiliated with the Town of Yucca Valley and a new requirement for Tribal Cultural Resources monitoring during ground disturbing activities associated with the proposed project. 4-1 Applicants for future development projects with intact extant building(s) more than 45 years old shall provide a historic resource technical study to the Yucca Valley Planning Department. The historic resources technical study shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian meeting Secretary of the Interior Standards. The study shall evaluate the significance and data potential of the resource in accordance with these standards. If the resource meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources (Pub. Res. Code Section 5024.1, Title 14 CCR, Section 4852), mitigation shall be identified within the technical study that ensures the value of the historic resource is maintained.
4-2 Applicants for future development projects that If construction would require excavation greater than five feet below the current ground surface in undisturbed sediments with a moderate or higher fossil yield potential (i.e., paleontological sensitivity), shall provide a technical paleontological assessment to the Town of Yucca Valley Planning Department consisting of a record search, survey, background context, and project-specific recommendations performed by shall retain a qualified paleontologist to prepare a paleontological resources monitoring plan. If resources are known or reasonably anticipated within project excavation areas, the monitoring plan assessment shall include provide a detailed mitigation plan that:
▪ requires monitoring by a qualified paleontological monitor during grading and other earthmoving activities in undisturbed sediments. If after 100 percent of soils to five feet below original grade has been monitored and no paleontological resources have been identified, the project paleontologist may discontinue monitoring; ▪ provides a fossil recovery and data collection protocol that includes data to be collected;
▪ requires professional identification, radiocarbon dates dating, and or other special studies, as appropriate if resources are discovered;
▪ requires curation of scientifically significant fossils at an accredited museum repository, such as the San Bernardino County Museum for fossils meeting significance criteria;
▪ and requires preparation of a comprehensive final paleontological mitigation compliance report, including a catalog of collected fossil specimens with museum accession numbers and an appendix containing a letter from the museum stating that it is in possession of the fossils written confirmation from the curating institution.

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4-3 Applicants for future development projects in areas of known or inferred archaeological resources, prehistoric or historic, The Town of Yucca Valley shall provide retain a qualified archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards to prepare an archeological and tribal resources mitigation plan technical cultural resources assessment to the Yucca Valley Planning Department. The technical cultural resources assessment shall be performed by a qualified archaeologist and shall include a record search, survey, background context, and project-specific requirements to mitigate impacts, if any are found.

If resources are known or reasonably anticipated, the assessment shall provide a detailed The mitigation plan shall include that:
▪ requires mMonitoring by a qualified cultural resources monitor during grading and other earthmoving activities in undisturbed sediments. If after 100 percent of soils to five feet below original grade has been monitored and no archeological resources have been identified, the project archeologist may discontinue monitoring; ▪ One Tribal monitoring with a culturally affiliated Tribe (Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, or Twenty-nine Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians) to provide monitoring during ground disturbing activities, and if needed, consultation on the discovery and disposition;
▪ Procedures for the identification, evaluation, treatment, and documentation of archaeological resources and Tribal Cultural Resources encountered during construction activities;
▪ provides a treatment plan for potential resources that includes data to be collected; ▪ requires professional identification and other special studies as appropriate; ▪ Cessation of work in the vicinity of any discovered archaeological resource or Tribal Cultural Resource until the resource has been evaluated by a qualified archaeologist and, where applicable, in consultation with affiliated Tribes; ▪ Measures to avoid and preserve significant archaeological resources and Tribal Cultural Resources in place where feasible. Where avoidance is not feasible, the mitigation plan shall establish appropriate treatment measures, including data recovery, documentation, or other measures developed in consultation with the Town and affiliated Tribes, as appropriate;
▪ Professional identification, analysis, dating, and other special studies, as appropriate; ▪ requires Curation at an accredited museum of archaeological materials determined eligible for curation at an accredited repository, such as the San Bernardino County Museum for artifacts, meeting significance criteria; and requires a comprehensive final mitigation compliance report, including a catalog of specimens with museum numbers and an appendix containing a letter from the museum stating that it is in

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possession of the materials. unless otherwise agreed upon through consultation for Tribal Cultural Resources;

3.4 ENERGY

3.4.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project The Certified EIR did not address energy impacts as an Appendix G checklist topic because it was drafted and adopted before the Natural Resources Agency revised Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines to add energy as a distinct Appendix G checklist topic consistent with Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines.

3.4.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
N/A Yes
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency? N/A Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The following discusses the potential energy demands from short-term construction and longterm operational energy consumption associated with the proposed roadway improvements. To determine whether the proposed project would result in a potentially significant impact related to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, energy consumption is evaluated herein against the three energy conservation goals contained in CEQA Guidelines Appendix F: 1) decreasing overall per capita energy consumption; 2) decreasing

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reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil; and 3) increasing reliance on renewable energy.

Short-Term Construction Impacts
Construction of the proposed project would create temporary increased demands for electricity and vehicle fuels compared to existing conditions and would result in short-term transportationrelated energy use. The majority of heavy-duty, off-road construction equipment would be gasor diesel-powered. However, the use of such equipment would be temporary and would be subject to existing CARB requirements for in-use off-road diesel-fueled fleets. Moreover, to limit wasteful and unnecessary energy consumption, the construction contractors are anticipated to minimize nonessential idling of construction equipment in accordance with 13 CCR Section 2449.

Vehicle energy demand during construction would come from delivery (e.g., vendor) vehicle trips, haul truck trips, and construction worker vehicle trips that would use diesel, gasoline, or electricity. In addition, construction delivery, hauling, and worker vehicle trips would utilize the regional transportation network, including SR-62 and SR-247, which would provide direct access to and from the project site and would avoid circuitous travel patterns that could result in unnecessary fuel consumption. Construction worker vehicles would also be part of the broader passenger vehicle fleet subject to federal fuel economy standards (e.g., Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE] standards). The CAFE standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks require improved fuel efficiency for new model years. Thus, as the regional passenger vehicle fleet continues to turn over, construction worker commute vehicles would increasingly reflect newer fuel-efficiency standards in future years and, where workers use electric vehicles, would shift transportation energy consumption from gasoline or diesel to electricity.

As a result, the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR with respect to construction energy consumption.

Consequently, the proposed project would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).

Long-Term Operational Impacts
Operation of the proposed project would generate new demand for electricity with the introduction of new streetlights along Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue. However, the proposed project would not include the introduction of new structures or buildings that would require the use of natural gas.

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Site Infrastructure and Appurtenant Energy Demand
As shown and calculated in Appendix A, operation of the proposed project would generate approximately 24 MWh in new demand for electricity with the introduction of 22 new streetlights along Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue. Compliance with applicable building and energy code requirements would ensure that streetlight electricity consumption would not be wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary. Moreover, the proposed streetlights would be operative on a fixed schedule to provide vehicular and pedestrian safety during nighttime hours. In addition, impacts associated with electricity use would decrease over time as the project’s electricity provider, Southern California Edison (SCE), is required to comply with the state’s RPS. As previously described, this program mandates load-serving entities to procure a certain proportion of electricity from RPS-eligible renewable and carbon-free sources and increasing the proportion through the coming years with an ultimate procurement requirement of 100 percent by 2045.

The RPS requirements would support use of electricity by the proposed project that is generated from renewable or carbon-free sources. Overall, the proposed project would generally be consistent with the goals outlined in Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines regarding increasing energy efficiency, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and increasing renewable energy sources. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant.

Vehicle Energy Demand
Operation of the proposed project would not generate vehicle trips or subsequent consumption of vehicle energy resources, such as electricity, gasoline, or diesel. As identified in Appendix A, the proposed project would not induce additional VMT beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. Therefore, vehicle energy demand would not increase beyond existing conditions or conflict with the energy conservation goals of CEQA Guidelines Appendix F, and this impact would be less than significant.

As a result, the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR with respect to operational energy consumption.

Consequently, the proposed project would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a). b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Energy Action Plan
The Energy Action Plan was last updated in 2008 and was developed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), and California Power Authority to create a unified State energy policy framework. It serves as one of the State’s

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strategies for planning for reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy procurement and supply. The proposed roadway improvement project by its nature would not conflict with the strategies of the Energy Action Plan or introduce significant energy demands that could hinder implementation of the Energy Action Plan strategies. Therefore, the proposed project would be considered consistent with the Energy Action Plan, and this impact would be less than significant.

3.4.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to energy. As discussed above, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

3.5 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

3.5.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Magnitude of GHG Emissions. The Certified General Plan EIR determined that buildout of the Town of Yucca Valley would result in a substantial long-term increase in community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over existing conditions, resulting in a significant impact. ▪ Consistency with GHG Reduction Plans. The Certified EIR further concluded that the General Plan Update would not conflict with CARB’s Scoping Plan or SCAG’s RTP/SCS, as future development would comply with State energy efficiency standards, CALGreen requirements, fuel efficiency regulations, renewable energy policies, and water conservation mandates.

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3.5.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
SU Yes
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Global climate change is not confined to a particular project area and is generally accepted as the consequence of global industrialization over the last 200 years. A typical project, even a very large one, does not generate enough GHG emissions on its own to influence global climate change significantly; hence, the issue of global climate change is, by definition, a cumulative environmental impact.

To provide a conservative analysis of potential GHG emission impacts related to project construction, total project construction emissions were quantified consistently with the methodology used for the analysis in Section 3.1, Air Quality, and are shown in Table 3-3, Project Construction GHG Emissions. As shown in Table 3-3, project construction would not exceed the MDAQMD significance threshold for GHG emissions. Therefore, the proposed project’s construction impacts related to GHG emissions would be less than significant.

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Table 3-3 Project Construction GHG Emissions
Source GHG Emissions (MTCO2e)
Yucca Trail Widening (5-month duration) 320
Indio Avenue Construction (5-month duration) 187
Total 507
MDAQMD Bright-Line Threshold 90,719 MTCO2e/Year
Exceeds Bright-Line Threshold? No
Source: CalEEMod, Version 2022.1; Appendix A.

Notes: MTons = metric tons; MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. MDAQMD’s annual GHG significance threshold is 100,000 short tons per year, which is equal to 90,719 metric tons.

The proposed project would not involve any new buildings that could require energy consumption (e.g., electricity, natural gas) or generate new vehicle trips. As identified in Appendix A, the proposed project would not induce additional VMT beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. The proposed project would include installation of new streetlights that would consume electricity, which would result in indirect GHG emissions from off-site power generation. The proposed project would generate an estimated 6 metric tons of carbon dioxideequivalent (MTCO2e) per year in on-going operation, which would be below the MDAQMD’s bright-line threshold of 90,719 MTCO2e per year.2 Therefore, long-term operational GHG emissions from the proposed project would be less than significant.

As a result, the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR with respect to generating GHG emissions that may have a significant environmental impact. Consequently, the proposed project would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions include CARB’s Scoping Plan and the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). A consistency analysis with these plans is presented below.
2 Electricity from street lighting is based on SCE’s 2024 reported carbon intensity factor of 515 lbs CO2e per MWh (CEC 2026).

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CARB Scoping Plan
CARB’s latest Climate Change Scoping Plan (2022) outlines the State’s strategies to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with the targets established under AB 32, SB 32, and AB 1279. The Scoping Plan is applicable to state agencies and is not directly applicable to cities/counties and individual projects. Nonetheless, the Scoping Plan has been the primary tool that is used to develop performance-based and efficiency-based CEQA criteria and GHG reduction targets for climate action planning efforts.

Statewide strategies to reduce GHG emissions in the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan include:
implementing SB 100, which expands the RPS to 60 percent by 2030; expanding the Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) to 18 percent by 2030; implementing the Mobile Source Strategy to deploy zero-electric vehicle buses and trucks; implementing the Sustainable Freight Action Plan; implementing the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, which reduces methane and hydrofluorocarbons to 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030 and black carbon emissions to 50 percent below 2013 levels by 2030; continuing to implement SB 375; creating a post-2020 Cap-and-Trade Program; and developing an Integrated Natural and Working Lands Action Plan to secure California’s land base as a net carbon sink.

Statewide strategies to reduce GHG emissions include the low carbon fuel standards, California Appliance Energy Efficiency regulations, California Renewable Energy Portfolio standard, changes in the CAFE standards, and other early action measures as necessary to ensure the state is on target to achieve the GHG emissions reduction goals of AB 32, SB 32, and AB 1279.

The proposed project would comply with these GHG emissions reduction measures, as applicable, because they are statewide strategies. The proposed project would also not generate new vehicle trips and mobile-source GHG emissions or result in the construction and operation of new structures that would require long-term energy consumption. Therefore, the proposed project would not obstruct implementation of the 2022 Scoping Plan, and the impact would be less than significant.

SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy The Southern California Association of Government’s (SCAG) adopted the 2024-2050 RTP/SCS, Connect SoCal 2024, in April 2024. Connect SoCal 2024 is a long-term plan for the Southern California region that details the development, integrated management, and operation of transportation systems and facilities that will function as an intermodal transportation network for the SCAG metropolitan planning area. The plan outlines a forecast development pattern that demonstrates how the region can sustainably accommodate needed housing and job centers with multimodal mobility options. The overarching vision is to expand alternatives to driving, advance the transition to clean-transportation technologies, promote integrated and safe transit networks, and foster transit-oriented development in compact and mixed-use developments. In addition, Connect SoCal is supported by a combination of transportation and

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land use strategies that outline how the region can achieve California’s GHG-emission-reduction goals and federal Clean Air Act requirements. The projected regional development, when integrated with the proposed regional transportation network in Connect SoCal, would reduce per-capita GHG emissions related to vehicular travel and achieve the GHG reduction per capita targets for the SCAG region.

As previously noted, the proposed project would involve operation of up to 22.85 acres of new roadway, sidewalks, and curb and gutters and would not generate new vehicle trips. Therefore, the proposed project would not obstruct implementation of the 2024-2050 RTP/SCS, and this impact would be less than significant.

As a result, the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR with respect to conflicting with applicable plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Consequently, the proposed project would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).

3.5.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
The Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measure 6-1 to address potentially significant and unavoidable GHG emissions associated with long-term, community-wide buildout of the Town of Yucca Valley under the General Plan Update. Any modifications to these mitigation measures are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.

Mitigation Measure 6-1 is no longer applicable to the proposed project because it is a Townlevel policy and programmatic mitigation measure intended to reduce community-wide GHG emissions through participation in the San Bernardino Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures focused on existing buildings, town facilities, and broad non-project-specific development patterns. The proposed project is a project-level action that does not involve Town-initiated programs, retrofits to existing buildings, Town facility upgrades, or adoption of municipal energy policies, nor does it generate the level of growth or emissions contemplated under full General Plan buildout. 6-1 The Town of Yucca Valley shall participate in the San Bernardino Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan being prepared by the San Bernardino Association of Governments (SANBAG). The Town shall achieve a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from baseline (2008) conditions. The Town shall implement the following local measures, as identified in the preliminary plan:
▪ Energy Efficiency for Existing Buildings (Energy-1): The Town shall promote energy efficiency in existing residential buildings and commercial buildings, and remove

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funding barriers for energy efficiency improvements through one or more of the following actions:
▪ Implementing a low-income weatherization program,
▪ Launching energy efficiency outreach/education campaigns targeted at residents and businesses
▪ Promoting the smart grid and funding and schedule scheduling energy efficiency tune-ups
▪ Promoting energy efficiency management services for large energy users ▪ Solar Installation for New Commercial (Energy-2): The Town shall reduce electricity consumption above and beyond the requirements of AB 1109 by requiring 50 percent of outdoor lighting fixtures for new Town facilities and new non-residential developments use halogen bulbs and 100 percent of traffic signals use light emitting diode (LED) bulbs by 2020.
▪ Solar Installation for Existing Housing (Energy-7): The Town shall establish a goal to have 15 percent of existing homes be supplied with solar power.

3.6 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

3.6.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Routine Transport, Use, Storage, and Disposal of Hazardous Materials. Future construction and operational activities accommodated by the General Plan Update would involve the routine transport, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials typical of residential, commercial, and industrial development. Although the amount of hazardous materials handled within the Town would increase with future growth, compliance with existing federal, State, and local regulations, including RCRA, EPCRA, CERCLA, Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, and applicable Town Code provisions, would minimize the risk of accidental releases or exposure. Accordingly, impacts related to hazardous materials use, transport, and disposal were determined to be less than significant. ▪ Hazards Associated with Transportation and Pipeline Infrastructure. The Certified EIR also identified that hazardous materials are transported through the Town along designated routes, including State Routes 62 and 247, which are permitted to carry hazardous materials. While these routes pose a potential risk for spills, existing transportation regulations, placarding requirements, emergency response protocols, and oversight by agencies such as the California Highway Patrol and local fire departments were found to adequately reduce risk. In addition, although a natural gas transmission pipeline crosses portions of the Town and intersects active fault zones, ongoing pipeline monitoring, maintenance requirements, and compliance with DigAlert procedures would minimize

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potential hazards. Therefore, impacts associated with hazardous materials transportation and pipeline infrastructure were found to be less than significant. ▪ Hazardous Materials Sites. Portions of the Town include sites with historical hazardous materials use or investigation; however, no sites within the Town are listed on the Cortese List, and all known leaking underground storage tank sites have been remediated and closed. Future development could encounter localized contamination from past land uses, but compliance with State and federal investigation and remediation requirements would ensure hazards are addressed prior to development. As a result, impacts related to hazardous materials sites were determined to be less than significant. ▪ Aviation Hazards. With respect to aviation hazards, the Certified EIR concluded that development under the General Plan Update would remain compatible with the Yucca Valley Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and would not expose people to excessive airport-related hazards or noise. Military helicopter overflights associated with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center occur intermittently at high altitudes and were not found to pose a significant risk.
▪ Emergency Response and Evacuation Plans. The Certified EIR also found that implementation of the General Plan Update would not interfere with adopted emergency response or evacuation plans, as all future development would be required to comply with the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and applicable fire and building codes.
▪ Wildfire Hazards. Portions of the town are located within high and very high fire hazard severity zones. The Certified EIR determined that compliance with the California Building Code, California Fire Code, Town Code vegetation management requirements, and Safety Element policies would minimize wildfire risks. Accordingly, impacts related to wildfire hazards were determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures were required.

3.6.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
LTS Yes

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Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
LTS Yes
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
LTS Yes
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code § 65962.5 and, as a result, would it
create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
LTS Yes
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
LTS Yes
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
LTS Yes
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Construction
Construction of the proposed project would involve the routine use of hazardous materials typical of roadway construction activities. These materials would include fuels, oils, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, asphalt products, concrete additives, paints, and solvents associated with

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construction equipment operation, paving, striping, and minor structural improvements such as drainage headwalls. The use of these materials would be temporary, localized, and limited to the construction period.

All construction-related hazardous materials would be stored, handled, transported, and disposed of in compliance with applicable federal, State, and local regulations, including requirements administered by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), California Highway Patrol, and the Town of Yucca Valley. Contractors would be required to implement standard construction best management practices, including proper containment of fuels and fluids, spill prevention measures, employee training, and immediate response and cleanup of any accidental releases in accordance with regulatory requirements.

As identified in the Certified General Plan EIR, compliance with existing hazardous materials regulations and emergency response protocols is effective in minimizing risks associated with routine hazardous materials used during construction. The proposed project would not involve the use of acutely hazardous materials, hazardous waste treatment, or long-term storage of hazardous substances, nor would it introduce new hazardous materials uses into the project area. Accordingly, hazards to the public or the environment arising from the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials during construction would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Operation
The proposed roadway improvements would not introduce new operational sources of hazardous materials, involve the storage or routine handling of hazardous substances, or alter existing hazardous materials transportation routes. Therefore, no operational hazardous materials impacts would occur.

The proposed project consists of roadway widening, paving, and associated infrastructure improvements within existing and planned transportation corridors. The project site is generally

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undeveloped or developed with existing roadway and transportation-related improvements.

Based on available environmental information, no recognized environmental conditions, hazardous materials sites, or other known sources of contamination have been identified within the project site that would be expected to result in the release of hazardous materials during construction or operation of the proposed project.

Construction activities would involve excavation, grading, and paving; however, these activities would not be expected to encounter contaminated soil, groundwater, or hazardous materials that could create a significant hazard to the public or environment. In the event that previously unknown contaminated materials are encountered during construction, work in the affected area would cease and appropriate measures would be implemented in accordance with applicable local, State, and federal regulations.

Operation of the proposed project would not involve the routine use, transport, or storage of substantial quantities of hazardous materials. Accordingly, the proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Yucca Valley Community School and La Contenta Middle School are within 0.25 mile of the project site. Construction activities associated with the proposed project would involve the temporary use of hazardous materials typical of roadway construction, including fuels, lubricants, asphalt materials, concrete additives, paints, and solvents used for equipment operation, paving, and striping. These materials would be used in limited quantities, stored in accordance with applicable regulations, and confined to the construction period.

The proposed project would not involve the use, storage, or handling of acutely hazardous materials, nor would it generate hazardous emissions beyond short-term construction-related exhaust that is addressed under air quality regulations. All hazardous materials used during construction would be subject to applicable federal, State, and local health and safety requirements, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), California Hazardous Waste Control Law, Cal/OSHA requirements, and oversight by agencies such as the

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California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), San Bernardino County Environmental Health Division, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).

Contractors would be required to implement standard best management practices, spill prevention measures, and immediate response procedures in the event of an accidental release.

As identified in the Certified General Plan EIR, compliance with existing regulatory frameworks governing hazardous materials use and handling is effective in minimizing risks to sensitive receptors, including schools. Because the proposed project would not emit hazardous emissions or involve the handling of acutely hazardous materials in a manner that could affect nearby schools, impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Consequently, the proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects and, therefore, would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code § 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. A review of current regulatory databases, including the State Water Resources Control Board’s GeoTracker and the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s EnviroStor systems, confirms that the project site remains absent from the list of hazardous waste facilities, cleanup sites, or active investigations (DTSC 2025; SWRCB 2025). Therefore, no changes in environmental conditions have occurred since certification of the EIR. The project site is not identified as containing hazardous materials contamination, hazardous materials storage, or leaking underground storage tanks, and no nearby sites have the potential to affect the project site.

Accordingly, the proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment, and no impact would occur. No mitigation measures are required.

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e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The proposed project is located within approximately two miles of the Yucca Valley Airport.

However, the project corridor is not located within the airport property, runway protection zones, safety review areas, or areas subject to land use restrictions or height limitations established in the Yucca Valley Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP). The proposed project does not involve the introduction of new noise-sensitive land uses, structures, or uses that could interfere with aircraft operations.

Accordingly, the proposed project would not result in airport-related safety hazards or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project site or surrounding area. Impacts related to proximity to a public airport would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Emergency response and evacuation planning for the Town of Yucca Valley is guided by the San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Plan, and the Town’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which are implemented in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2. These plans establish procedures for coordinated response to emergencies and disasters and identify evacuation routes, emergency access requirements, and agency responsibilities.

Construction activities would be temporary and would occur within existing roadway corridors.

Based on the nature of the proposed improvements, construction is anticipated to occur in phases with temporary traffic control measures implemented to maintain circulation during construction. Any temporary lane closures or traffic control measures would be coordinated with the Town of Yucca Valley and San Bernardino County Fire Department, as appropriate, and would be required to comply with applicable traffic control standards and permit requirements.

Construction activities would not be expected to require long-term roadway closures or

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otherwise substantially impede emergency vehicle access or emergency response routes.

Therefore, temporary construction activities would not impair implementation of adopted emergency response or evacuation plans. All construction activities would be conducted in compliance with the Town’s permitting and inspection processes and applicable fire and building codes, ensuring that the proposed project does not physically interfere with emergency response operations or evacuation routes. Accordingly, the proposed project would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response or evacuation plan. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

Consequently, the proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects and, therefore, would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. A wildland fire hazard area is typically characterized by areas with limited access, rugged terrain, limited water supply, and combustible vegetation. The project site is located with a moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) (CAL FIRE 2026). Portions of the town are also designated as high FHSZs; however, the project site does not encompass these areas.

The proposed project does not include the construction of habitable structures. Construction activities would be temporary and would comply with applicable fire safety requirements, including implementation of standard construction best management practices to reduce fire risk. Construction staging and traffic control would maintain emergency access at all times.

Upon completion, the proposed project would not introduce new residential or structural development in fire hazard areas and would not increase fuel loads. Improvements to roadway width, geometrics, and circulation would enhance emergency vehicle access and evacuation capability, thereby supporting fire response and public safety. In addition, the proposed roadway improvements would increase the extent of paved surfaces within the project corridor, which may provide a localized reduction in wildfire spread potential by creating a break in combustible vegetation. While roadways are not intended to function as primary wildfire containment features, the proposed improvements would not increase wildfire hazards and could provide ancillary fire-management benefits. The proposed project would comply with applicable provisions of the California Fire Code, Town Code requirements related to vegetation management, and San Bernardino County Fire Department standards. Accordingly, the

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proposed project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

3.6.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to hazards and hazardous materials. As discussed above, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

3.7 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

3.7.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Stormwater Discharge. Buildout of the General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces throughout the Town of Yucca Valley, resulting in increased surface runoff and higher flows within local drainage systems. However, implementation of the Town’s Master Plan of Drainage, along with General Plan policies and development standards requiring onsite stormwater retention and flood control improvements, would ensure that development does not increase on-site or off-site flooding and impacts are less than significant. ▪ Groundwater Recharge and Supply. General Plan buildout would not substantially reduce groundwater recharge. Substantial areas of low-density residential land would remain available for recharge, and the Town’s planned wastewater treatment and water reclamation system would offset reductions in septic return flows by recharging treated wastewater into the Warren Valley Groundwater Basin. As a result, impacts related to groundwater recharge and supply were found to be less than significant. ▪ Flood Hazards. Portions of the town are located within mapped 100-year flood hazard areas; however, future development would be required to comply with FEMA requirements, the National Flood Insurance Program, and local floodplain regulations. Habitable structures would be elevated above base flood elevations, and floodways would remain free of encroachment and impacts are less than significant.

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▪ Water Quality. The Certified EIR also evaluated construction- and operation-related water quality impacts. While construction could result in short-term increases in sediment and pollutants, compliance with existing local, state, and federal regulations governing construction site maintenance, erosion control, and stormwater management would minimize impacts. At buildout, the Town would be subject to the Statewide Phase II Small MS4 Permit, requiring implementation of low-impact development, source control, and treatment best management practices to protect water quality. In addition, all projects would be required to comply with Fish and Game Code Section 1602 for activities affecting Waters of the State. With compliance with these regulatory requirements, impacts related to stormwater quality and surface waters were determined to be less than significant. ▪ Dam Inundation, Levee Failure, Tank Failures, and Mudflows. Buildout of the General Plan Update would not expose people or structures to hazards associated with levee failure, failure of detention or debris basins, aboveground water tank failure, or mudflows. Existing and planned drainage facilities would be reviewed and overseen by the California Division of Safety of Dams, water storage tanks are subject to regular inspection and retrofit programs, and geotechnical investigations would be required for development in areas susceptible to slope instability. With implementation of standard conditions and regulatory oversight, hydrology and water quality impacts were determined to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures were required.

3.7.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or groundwater quality?
LTS Yes
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?
LTS Yes

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Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through the addition of
impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or offsite; LTS Yes
ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or off-site;
LTS Yes
iii) create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of polluted runoff;
or
LTS Yes
iv) impede or redirect flood flows? LTS Yes
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? LTS Yes
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality?

CONSTRUCTION
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Construction of the proposed roadway widening and realignment project would involve grading, excavation, paving, and installation of drainage facilities and therefore has the potential to generate sediment and other construction-related pollutants if not properly controlled. As a result, construction activities would be subject to applicable federal, State, and local water quality regulations.

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Because the proposed project would disturb more than one acre, the Town of Yucca Valley would be required to obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities. Coverage under the CGP requires preparation and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which identifies and implements best management practices (BMPs) to minimize erosion, control sediment, manage stockpiles, protect storm drain inlets, properly handle construction materials, and prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system or receiving waters.

Typical BMPs implemented for roadway construction projects include, but are not limited to, perimeter sediment controls, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, erosion control measures during inactive periods, secondary containment for fuels and lubricants, proper waste management practices, and routine site inspections. Compliance with the CGP, implementation of SWPPP BMPs, and adherence to applicable municipal stormwater requirements would ensure that construction activities associated with the proposed project would not violate water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality. Therefore, construction-related impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

OPERATION
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Operation of the proposed project would consist of the use and maintenance of improved roadway facilities, including travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, landscaped medians, and associated drainage infrastructure. Stormwater runoff during operation would originate primarily from paved roadway surfaces and landscaped areas and would be conveyed through the Town’s existing stormwater drainage system.

The proposed project does not include industrial or high-risk pollutant-generating uses and would not introduce operational sources of stormwater pollutants beyond those typical of roadway facilities evaluated in the Certified EIR. Routine roadway maintenance activities, such as street sweeping, debris removal, and landscape maintenance, would further reduce the potential for pollutants to enter the storm drain system.

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The proposed project would not alter drainage patterns or increase impervious surfaces beyond the type and scale anticipated in the Certified EIR. Compliance with applicable municipal stormwater requirements and standard roadway maintenance practices would ensure that operational runoff does not violate water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality. Therefore, operational impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

As discussed in the Certified EIR, implementation of the Yucca Valley General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces throughout the Town; however, buildout would not substantially reduce groundwater recharge or impede sustainable groundwater management of the Warren Valley Groundwater Basin. The Certified EIR concluded that substantial areas of low-density development would remain available for recharge, natural recharge occurs primarily through ephemeral washes and canyon flows, and planned wastewater treatment and water reclamation facilities would offset reductions in septic return flows by recharging treated wastewater into the groundwater basin. Accordingly, impacts related to groundwater supply and recharge were determined to be less than significant.

The proposed project consists of roadway improvements within existing public rights-of-way.

Although the project would result in localized increases in impervious roadway surfaces, it would not introduce new land uses, increase development intensity, or alter the overall land use pattern or groundwater recharge assumptions evaluated in the Certified EIR. The proposed project would not involve groundwater extraction, installation of new wells, or changes to municipal water supply sources, and it would not increase long-term water demand.

Stormwater generated by the proposed roadway improvements would be conveyed through improved drainage facilities consistent with the Town’s Master Plan of Drainage and applicable General Plan policies. As evaluated in the Certified EIR, these drainage systems are designed to manage runoff without substantially reducing groundwater recharge or increasing flood hazards. The proposed project would not preclude recharge opportunities identified in the

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General Plan, nor would it interfere with the Town’s planned wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge program.

Because the proposed project would not increase groundwater pumping, would not substantially alter natural or planned recharge mechanisms, and would not exceed the development assumptions analyzed in the Certified EIR, it would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge in a manner that would impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. Impacts would remain less than significant.

The proposed project would not alter the course of a stream or river. While the proposed project would introduce additional impervious roadway surfaces and involve grading, excavation, and drainage improvements, these activities would occur within areas previously disturbed or designated for transportation infrastructure and would be consistent with the Town’s adopted Master Plan of Drainage and stormwater management requirements evaluated in the Certified EIR.

As discussed in the Certified EIR, buildout of the General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces throughout the Town; however, implementation of the Town’s Master Plan of Drainage, General Plan policies, and development standards would ensure that runoff is properly conveyed and that erosion and siltation impacts are avoided. Construction activities associated with future development, including roadway projects, were anticipated to result in short-term increases in sediment and pollutants; however, compliance with existing federal, State, and local regulations governing erosion control and stormwater management would minimize these effects to less-than-significant levels.

Construction of the proposed project would be required to comply with applicable stormwater and erosion control regulations, including coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board’s CGP and implementation of best management practices to control erosion, stabilize disturbed soils, manage stockpiles, and prevent sediment from entering drainage facilities.

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These requirements are standard for roadway construction and were assumed in the Certified EIR’s evaluation of construction-related water quality effects.

With adherence to these regulatory requirements and consistency with the Town’s drainage planning framework, the proposed project would not result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site. Impacts would remain less than significant.

The Certified EIR determined that buildout of the General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces throughout the Town of Yucca Valley; however, implementation of the Town’s Master Plan of Drainage, General Plan policies, and applicable development standards would ensure that future development does not increase on-site or off-site flooding. Required stormwater conveyance and flood control improvements were found to be adequate to manage increases in runoff associated with General Plan buildout.

The proposed project would occur within existing and planned public rights-of-way and would include installation of curb, gutter, drainage facilities, and related stormwater infrastructure designed in accordance with the Town’s adopted drainage standards. The roadways would continue to discharge runoff to the existing public storm drain system, and the proposed project would not modify regional drainage patterns, redirect flood flows, or reduce downstream drainage capacity. The Town’s existing stormwater infrastructure is currently adequate to accommodate stormwater runoff from the project site.

While the proposed project would add impervious roadway surfaces, it would not create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, nor would it provide substantial additional sources of runoff that would result in on- or off-site flooding. Drainage improvements incorporated into the project would ensure that post-project runoff rates and volumes are safely conveyed and managed consistently with the assumptions evaluated in the Certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed project would not substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off-site. Impacts would remain less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

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Consequently, the proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects and, therefore, would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The Certified EIR determined that implementation of the General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces throughout the Town of Yucca Valley; however, compliance with the Town’s Master Plan of Drainage, General Plan policies, and stormwater design standards would ensure that stormwater drainage systems are adequately sized to accommodate anticipated runoff without exceeding system capacity or degrading water quality.

The proposed project would occur within existing and planned public rights-of-way and would include curb, gutter, drainage facilities, and related stormwater infrastructure designed in accordance with the Town’s adopted engineering and drainage standards. The roadway would continue to discharge runoff to the existing public storm drain system, and the project would not modify regional drainage patterns, reduce downstream conveyance capacity, or alter the operation of existing drainage facilities.

While the proposed project would introduce additional impervious roadway surfaces, it would not create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems. The Town’s existing stormwater infrastructure is currently adequate to accommodate runoff from the project site. In addition, construction and postconstruction activities would be subject to applicable municipal stormwater requirements and the Statewide Phase II Small MS4 permit, which require implementation of best management practices to control sediment, debris, petroleum products, and other pollutants commonly associated with roadway runoff.

With compliance with applicable stormwater regulations and incorporation of standard drainage design features, the proposed project would not introduce substantial additional sources of polluted runoff or exceed stormwater system capacity. Impacts would therefore remain less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

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criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).
iv) impede or redirect flood flows?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the proposed project site includes portions mapped within Zone A (Special Flood Hazard Area without base flood elevation), Zone X (areas of minimal flood hazard), and Zone D (areas of undetermined flood hazard) (FEMA 2026).

As discussed in the Certified EIR, implementation of the General Plan Update would not impede or redirect flood flows because future development would be required to comply with FEMA regulations, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Town of Yucca Valley’s floodplain management and drainage standards. Floodways would remain free of obstruction, and development within flood hazard areas would be designed to maintain flood conveyance capacity.

The proposed project would occur within existing and planned public rights-of-way and would include drainage facilities designed to convey stormwater in accordance with Town engineering standards. The proposed project would not place structures within floodways, construct berms or barriers that would obstruct flood flows, or modify natural or engineered flood conveyance features in a manner that would redirect floodwaters on- or off-site. Improvements would be designed to maintain existing flood flow paths and conveyance capacity.

With compliance with applicable FEMA requirements, NFIP standards, and Town of Yucca Valley drainage and floodplain regulations, the proposed project would not impede or redirect flood flows. Impacts would therefore remain less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

The proposed project is located inland within the Town of Yucca Valley and is not situated near coastal areas; large, enclosed bodies of water; or steep terrain that could generate tsunami,

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seiche, or mudflow hazards. As a result, the project site is not subject to tsunami- or seicherelated inundation risks.

According to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, portions of the proposed project site are located within Zone A (Special Flood Hazard Area without base flood elevation), Zone X (areas of minimal flood hazard), and Zone D (areas of undetermined flood hazard) (FEMA 2026).

The proposed project would occur within existing and planned public rights-of-way and does not include facilities involving the storage, handling, or use of substantial quantities of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials. Construction-related materials such as fuels, lubricants, and oils would be used in limited quantities and handled in compliance with applicable federal, State, and local regulations. Therefore, the project would not introduce substantial sources of pollutants that could be released during a flood or inundation event.

Improvements within mapped flood hazard areas would be designed in compliance with applicable FEMA requirements, National Flood Insurance Program standards, and Town of Yucca Valley floodplain management and drainage regulations. Project grading and drainage improvements would maintain existing flood conveyance capacity and would not create obstructions that could redirect flood flows or increase flood-related pollutant release.

Accordingly, the proposed project would not result in the release of pollutants due to flooding, tsunami, or seiche hazards. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.

The Certified EIR determined that buildout of the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan would comply with applicable water quality control requirements and groundwater management policies administered by the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRBRWQCB). As discussed in the Certified EIR, construction- and operation-related water quality impacts would be regulated through compliance with the Statewide NPDES permits, including the CGP and the Phase II Small MS4 permit applicable to the Town, as well as through implementation of General Plan policies and municipal stormwater standards.

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The proposed project consists of roadway and associated drainage improvements within existing and planned public rights-of-way. The project would be required to comply with all applicable stormwater management regulations, including preparation and implementation of construction-phase best management practices consistent with the CGP and post-construction stormwater requirements under the Statewide Phase II Small MS4 permit. The project would not introduce land uses that generate substantial new pollutant sources and would not modify drainage patterns in a manner that would conflict with adopted water quality control plans.

In addition, the proposed project would not involve groundwater extraction, installation of wells, or long-term water demand that could affect groundwater supply or interfere with sustainable groundwater management. As noted in the Certified EIR, groundwater recharge and supply impacts associated with General Plan buildout were determined to be less than significant, and the proposed roadway improvements would not alter those assumptions or impede implementation of any adopted groundwater management framework applicable to the Town. Accordingly, the proposed project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of an applicable water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. Impacts would remain less than significant.

3.7.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to hydrology and water quality. As discussed above, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

3.8 LAND USE AND PLANNING

3.8.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Physical Division of Communities. The Certified EIR concluded that implementation of the General Plan Update would not physically divide an established community. The land use designations as part of the approved project generally retained the Town's development pattern and residential character, and changes to land use designations primarily involved

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modifications among compatible residential and commercial land use categories. In addition, implementation of applicable General Plan policies would promote cohesive neighborhoods and compatible development. Therefore, impacts related to the physical division of established communities were determined to be less than significant. ▪ Consistency with Applicable Plans, Policies, and Regulations. The Certified EIR concluded that the General Plan Update was consistent with applicable State planning laws, including Government Code Section 65300 and the California Complete Streets Act, as well as regional planning documents and local land use regulations. The General Plan Update incorporated policies and standards intended to avoid or minimize environmental impacts and would not conflict with applicable plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. Therefore, impacts related to plan and policy consistency were determined to be less than significant.
▪ Habitat Conservation Plans and Natural Community Conservation Plans. The Certified EIR determined that the Town was not within the boundaries of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) and was not a participating agency in the West Mojave Plan. Accordingly, implementation of the approved project would not conflict with any adopted HCP or NCCP, and impacts were determined to be less than significant.

3.8.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project result in:

Would the project:

Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum?
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Physically divide an established community? LTS Yes
b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR

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a) Would the project physically divide an established community? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The proposed project consists of roadway widening and circulation improvements along Yucca Trail between Palomar Avenue and La Contenta Road and paving and realignment improvements along Indio Avenue. The proposed project would be constructed within existing and planned transportation corridors identified in the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan and would not introduce new barriers that would physically divide an established community.

Rather, the proposed project would improve roadway connectivity, traffic operations, multimodal circulation, emergency access, and evacuation capabilities within the town. The proposed project would not displace residences, sever existing neighborhoods, or restrict access between adjacent land uses. Accordingly, the proposed project would not physically divide an established community, and impacts would be less than significant.

The proposed project implements roadway improvements identified in the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Circulation Element and is consistent with the transportation network evaluated in the Certified EIR. The proposed project would not alter land use designations, zoning classifications, or development intensities and would not conflict with applicable General Plan policies related to land use, circulation, biological resources, cultural resources, open space conservation, public safety, or environmental protection, beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. In addition, the proposed project would comply with applicable federal, State, and local regulations and would implement the mitigation measures and environmental protection requirements carried forward from the Certified EIR, as applicable. Accordingly, the proposed project would not conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect, and impacts would be less than significant.

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criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).

3.8.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to land use and planning. As discussed previously, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

3.9 NOISE

3.9.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Traffic Noise. Buildout of the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update would increase traffic volumes on local roadways and State Routes 62 and 247, which would incrementally elevate the existing noise environment over time. This impact would remain significant and unavoidable.
▪ Airport Noise. The Aircraft-related noise impacts were determined to be less than significant.
▪ Noise Land Use Compatibility. Implementation of applicable Noise Element policies would require noise-reducing site planning and building design where needed and therefore impacts related to transportation noise exposure for new sensitive receptors were less than significant with policy implementation. However, this is no longer considered an environmental impact under CEQA pursuant to the California Building Industry Association v.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (2015) 62 Cal.4th 369. ▪ Stationary Noise. Compliance with the Noise Ordinance and implementation of relevant General Plan policies would ensure that stationary-source noise impacts would be less than significant.
▪ Construction Noise. Short-term noise from construction associated with buildout would intermittently elevate noise levels near sensitive receptors due to equipment operation and construction-related haul traffic., and therefore, construction noise was identified as a potentially significant impact. Mitigation Measure 10-1 would reduce construction noise to the extent feasible; however, because mitigation may not be feasible or effective in all cases, this impact would remain significant and unavoidable.

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▪ Vibration. Vibration from transportation sources, stationary industrial activities, and construction were identified as potentially significant, but implementation of Mitigation Measures 10-2 and 10-3 would reduce vibration impacts; therefore, this impact would be reduced to less than significant.

3.9.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project result in:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent
increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
SU Yes
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? LTS/M Yes
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a
plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area
to excessive noise levels?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR Existing Setting
The noise environment in the project site and surrounding area is primarily influenced by traffic noise on Yucca Trial. Neighborhood traffic noise on La Contenta Road also contributes to the typical existing noise environment.

To determine baseline noise levels in the project vicinity, ambient noise monitoring, four shortterm (15-minute) and one long-term (24-hour) measurement locations were selected and conducted around the project site. All measurements were conducted between Wednesday March 11 and Thursday March 12, 2026. The short-term sound level meter (Larson Davis LxT) and the long-term sound level meter (Picollo II) used for noise monitoring satisfy American

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National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for Type 1 and Type 2 instrumentation, respectively. The sound level meters were set to “slow” response and “A” weighting (dBA) and calibrated prior to and after each monitoring period.

Measurements were at least 5 feet above ground and away from reflective surfaces.

Temperatures were moderate, approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and low humidity. Noise measurement locations are described below and shown on Figure 6, Approximate Noise Monitoring Locations.

Short Term Measurements
Four short-term (15-minute) measurement locations were selected and conducted around the project site. All measurements were conducted in the afternoon on Wednesday March 11 and Thursday March 12, 2026. Results are summarized in Table 3-4, Short-Term Noise Measurements Summary.
▪ Short-Term Location 1 (ST-1) was conducted on La Contenta Road, at the southeast corner of La Content Middle School, approximately 650 feet north of the Yucca Trail and La Contenta intersection. A 15-minute noise measurement began at 4:47 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The noise environment is characterized by traffic noise on La Contenta Road. Noise levels measured 60.7 dBA Leq and 81.4 dBA Lmax during the measurement period at ST-1.
▪ Short-Term Location 2 (ST-2) was conducted at the northeast corner of the Indio Avenue and Bus Center Drive Intersection, between the Town of Yucca Valley City Hall to the north and a business center to the south. A 15-minute noise measurement began at 3:17 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The noise environment is characterized primarily by traffic noise on Indio Avenue and Bus Center Drive. Noise levels measured 55.4 dBA Leq and 72.7 dBA Lmax during the measurement period at ST-2.
▪ Short-Term Location 3 (ST-3) was conducted on the southwest corner of the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue intersection, approximately 25 feet south of Yucca Trail near single-family residential uses along Indio Avenue. A 15-minute noise measurement began at 2:46 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The noise environment is characterized primarily by traffic noise on Yucca Trail. Noise levels measured 68.8 dBA Leq and 79.9 dBA Lmax during the measurement period at ST-3.
▪ Short-Term Location 4 (ST-4) was conducted on along Yucca Trail approximately 35 feet south of Yucca Trail and 265 feet east of Del Monte Avenue near single-family residential uses along Yucca Trail. A 15-minute noise measurement began at 5:40 pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2026. The noise environment is characterized primarily by traffic noise on Yucca Trail. Noise levels measured 67.4 dBA Leq and 77.9 dBA Lmax during the measurement period at ST-4.

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Table 3-4 Short-Term Noise Measurements Summary
Monitoring
Location Description Source
Start
Time
15-minute Noise Level, dBA
Leq Lmax Lmin L90 L50 L25 L8 L2
ST-1
On La Contenta Road adjacent to
the La Contenta Middle School
southeastern parking lot
Roadway traffic
noise along La
Contenta Road
4:47 pm 60.7 81.4 39.1 42.1 49.7 56.9 64.4 70.6
ST-2
At northeast corner of intersection
of Indio Avenue and Bus Center
Drive, between Town of Yucca
Valley City Hall and Monterey
Business Center
Roadway traffic
noise along
Indio Avenue
and Bus Center
Drive
3:17 pm 55.5 72.7 36.5 39.1 43.8 49.3 58.4 65.5
ST-3
At southwest corner of intersection
of Indio Avenue and Yucca Trail
near single-family residences along
Yucca Trail
Roadway traffic
noise along
Yucca Trail
2:46 pm 68.8 79.9 38.3 49.9 64.8 70.3 73.3 76.2
ST-4
Along Yucca Trail, east of Cel Monte
Avenue near single-family
residences along Yucca Trail
Roadway traffic
noise along
Yucca Trail
5:40 pm 67.4 77.9 40.6 49.6 64.0 39.1 72.1 74.2
Source: PlaceWorks. See Appendix D.

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Pl
C T
aceWorks

EXTENT OF PROPOSED WORK
100'
100' 100'
PALOMAR AVE.

AVALON AVE.

CAMARILLA AVE.

DEL MONTE AVE.

HERMOSA AVE.

INDIO AVE.

CHIPPEWA TR.

LA CONTENTA RD.

INDIO AVE.

LA CONTENTA RD.

BUSINESS CENTER DR.

GOLETA AVE.

NATOMA TR.

AVALON AVE.
0 Scale (Feet)
500
Yucca Trail Project Boundary
City Boundaries
Indio Avenue Project Boundary
ST-X Short-Term Noise Measurement Locations (4)
LT-X Long-Term Noise Measurement Locations (1)
YUCCA TRL.

SKYPARK DR.

SUNNYSLOPE DR.

BURRTEC WASTE

GOOD SHEPARD

LUTHERAN CHURCH

VALLEY COMMUNITY CHAPEL
(INCLUDES A DAYCARE/SCHOOL)
AZY’S PLACE
(DAYCARE)
SCHOOL

BUS YARD

LA CONTENTA

MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRESCOTT AVE.

LENNOX AVE.

LA HABRA AVE.

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

PRINGLE FAMILY

DAYCARE

DESERT DRY WASH

BLACK ROCK

HIGH SCHOOL
COUNTY

ROUNDABOUT PROJECT
(CUMULATIVE PROJECT)
INDIO AVE.

PALOMAR AVE.

AVALON AVE.

CAMARILLA AVE.

DEL MONTE AVE.

GOLETA AVE.

HERMOSA AVE.

INDIO AVE.

CHIPPENWA TRL.

NATOMA TRL.

LA CONTENTA RD.

BUSINESS CENTER DR.

AVALON AVE.

NATOMA TRL.

ARCADIA TRL.

NATOMA TRL.

SUNNYSLOPE DR. SUNNYSLOPE DR.

ALTA MESA DR.

GILA CT.

ARCADIA TRL.

Figure N1
Noise Monitoring Locations
Source: Nearmap 2026
Unincorporated
San Bernardino
County
Yucca Valley

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TOWN YARD PARK

MAINTENANCE FACILITY

JOSHUA TREE

DISTILLING COMPANY
ST-4 LT-1
ST-3
ST-2
ST-1

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJE

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Long-Term Measurements
Long-term ambient noise monitoring was conducted near residential uses in the project area, and on the project site from March 11 to March 12, 2026. One long-term noise meter was mounted adjacent to Yucca Trail next to a single-family home, near the intersection of Yucca Trail and Avalon Avenue. The proposed project site is in a semi-rural residential neighborhood surrounded by single-family homes and undeveloped land. The existing noise environment is characterized primarily by typical residential activities and residential traffic along Yucca Trail.

Long-term measurement results are described below and summarized in Table 3-5, Long-Term Noise Measurement Summary. Figure 6 shows the long-term (24-hour) noise measurement location. Complete hourly interval noise monitoring data is shown in Appendix D. ▪ Long-Term Location 1 (LT-1) was located at the western end of the project site approximately 20 feet south of Yucca Trail and 160 feet east of Avalon Avenue adjacent to single-family residential uses along Avalon Avenue. A 24-hour noise measurement was conducted from Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to Thursday, March 12, 2026. The noise environment is characterized primarily by vehicle noise along Yucca Trail. The 24-hour noise level measured 70.9 dBA CNEL during the measurement period.

Table 3-5 Long-Term Noise Measurements Summary
Monitoring
Location
CNEL,
dBA Time of Day
Averages, dBA
Leq Lmax L50 L90
LT-1 71.3
Daytime (7 am - 7 pm) 68.8 88.2 62.7 49.1
Evening (7 pm - 10 pm) 65.6 85.0 54.5 46.1
Nighttime (10 pm - 7 am) 63.0 83.5 43.7 38.0
Source: PlaceWorks. See Appendix D.

Noise Sensitive Receptors
Noise sensitive residential receptors are located adjacent to the proposed project as a result of the approved project. Single-family residential receptors are located to the south of Yucca Trail and to the west across Palomar Avenue. La Contenta Middle School and Black Rock High School are located to the east along La Contenta Road.
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?

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Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Noise generated by on-site construction equipment is based on the type of equipment used, its location relative to sensitive receptors, and the timing and duration of noise-generating activities. Each phase of construction involves different types of equipment and has distinct noise characteristics. Noise levels from construction activities are typically generated by the loudest three pieces of equipment. The dominant equipment noise source is typically the engine, although work-piece noise (such as dropping of materials) can also be noticeable.

Construction equipment is anticipated to be similar to that of typical projects and includes dozers, excavators, loaders, graders, forklifts, pavers, rollers, and other standard items, as modeled using the Federal Highway Administration’s Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM). Average noise levels from project-related construction activities are calculated by modeling the three loudest pieces of equipment per activity phase. Equipment for each construction activity is modeled from the edge of the nearest paving areas to the nearest sensitive receptors.

The nearest sensitive receptors under the proposed project would include residential uses, approximately 50 feet to the south adjacent to Yucca Trail during Phase 1 of the various construction activities. Results are summarized in Table 3-6, Project Related Construction Noise Levels Without Mitigation, at the nearest receptors. Construction noise levels at a reference distance of 50 feet would range between 82 dBA and 85 dBA Leq throughout the construction period without the implementation of mitigation measures.

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Table 3-6 Project-Related Construction Noise Levels Without Mitigation Measures Construction Phase
RCNM
Reference
Noise Level
Noise Levels in dBA Leq
Receptor
to North
Receptor
to East
Receptor
to South
Receptor
to West
Phase 1: Yucca Trail
Distance in feet 50 700 300 50 N/A
Linear, Drainage, Utilities & Sub-Grade 85 62 69 85 N/A Linear, Grading & Excavation 85 62 69 85 N/A
Linear, Grubbing & Land Clearing 83 60 67 83 N/A
Linear, Paving 82 59 66 82 N/A
Exceeds FTA 80 dBA Leq Standard? No No Yes No
Phase 2: Indio Avenue
Distance in feet 50 270 2,700 130 1,800
Linear, Drainage, Utilities & Sub-Grade 85 70 50 76 53
Linear, Grading & Excavation 85 70 50 77 54
Linear, Grubbing & Land Clearing 83 68 48 75 52
Linear, Paving 82 67 47 73 51
Exceeds FTA 80 dBA Leq Standard? No No No No
Source: FHWA’s RCNM software.

Notes: Distance measurements were taken using Google Earth (2026) from the area of anticipated construction to the property line of the nearest receptors.
dBA Leq = Energy Average Sound Levels
N/A = not appliable
As shown in Table 3-6, construction noise levels attributable to Yucca Trail would range between 59 dBA and 85 dBA at the nearby sensitive receptors and would exceed the 80 dBA FTA threshold for construction noise at the single-family residential uses to the south. Also shown in Table 3-6, construction noise levels attributable to Indio Avenue would range between 47 dBA and 77 dBA at the nearby receptors and would not exceed the 85 and 90 dBA FTA thresholds for commercial and industrial uses, respectively.

Consistent with the Certified EIR, the proposed project would incorporate Mitigation Measure 10-1 to address potential construction-related noise impacts associated with development activities occurring in close proximity to noise-sensitive receptors. Mitigation Measure 10-1 would require the Town to install temporary sound barriers for construction activities that occur adjacent to occupied noise-sensitive structures, including single-family residential uses south of Yucca Trail. Table 3-7, Project Related Construction Noise Levels with Mitigation, summarizes the results with inclusion of mitigation measure 10-1 at the nearest receptors. Construction noise

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levels at sensitive receptors to the south would range between 59 dBA and 79 dBA Leq throughout the construction period with implementation of mitigation measures.

Table 3-7 Project-Related Construction Noise Levels with Mitigation Measures Construction Phase
RCNM
Reference
Noise Level
Noise Levels in dBA Leq with Mitigation
Receptor
to North
Receptor
to East
Receptor
to South
Receptor
to West
Phase 1: Yucca Trail with Mitigation
Distance in feet 50 700 300 50 N/A
Linear, Drainage, Utilities & Sub-Grade 85 62 69 79 N/A Linear, Grading & Excavation 85 62 69 79 N/A
Linear, Grubbing & Land Clearing 83 60 67 77 N/A
Linear, Paving 82 59 66 76 N/A
Exceeds FTA 80 dBA Leq Standard? No No No No
Source: FHWA’s RCNM software.

Notes: Distance measurements were taken using Google Earth (2026) from the area of anticipated construction to the property line of the nearest receptors.
dBA Leq = Energy Average Sound Levels
1 Assumes 6 dBA reduction in noise levels for inclusion of 8-foot temporary barrier during construction of Indio Avenue (Mitigation Measure 10-1)
With implementation of Mitigation Measure 10-1, construction noise levels at sensitive receptor property lines would range from approximately 59 dBA to 79 dBA Leq during all phases of construction, with the highest noise levels occurring during grading and excavation activities at the closest receptor locations. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 10-1 would ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) construction noise standards at nearby noise-sensitive receptors. In addition, construction activities would comply with Section

9.34.080 of the Town of Yucca Valley Town Code, which limits construction activities to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. Therefore, construction noise impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

The proposed project would not result in any new or more significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR. Thus, no new significant impacts or impacts of greater severity than those identified in the Certified EIR would occur, and the level of impact remains unchanged from the Certified EIR. The proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).

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Mobile-Source Noise Impacts
A project will normally have a significant effect on the environment related to traffic noise if it substantially increases the ambient traffic noise levels at adjoining areas. Most people can detect changes in sound levels of approximately 3 dBA under normal, quiet conditions, and changes of 1 dBA to 3 dBA under quiet, controlled conditions. Changes of less than 1 dBA are usually indiscernible. A significant impact would occur if the following traffic noise increases occur relative to the existing noise environment:
▪ 1.5 dBA in ambient noise environments of 65 dBA CNEL and higher ▪ 3 dBA in ambient noise environments of 60 to 64 dBA CNEL ▪ 5 dBA in ambient noise environments of less than 60 dBA CNEL The proposed project would widen Yucca Trail to convert the current two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided arterial and construct Indio Avenue from SR-62 to Yucca Trail as a two-lane roadway. Traffic volume data for the new trips on Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue associated with the Project are provided by Fehr & Peers (2026). There is no existing through traffic along Indio Avenue and currently serves commercial uses with access to the northern portion of Indio Avenue from Sunnyslope Drive and the southern portion of Indio Avenue from Yucca Trail. Table 3-8, Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet, shows noise levels along Yucca Trail increase by 1 dBA and an increase of 3 dBA along Indio Avenue under 2050 traffic conditions.
3 Table 3-8 Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet Roadway
Segment Average Daily Traffic Noise Levels, dBA CNEL
From To Existing
2050 No
Project
2050 With
Project
Project
Increase
(2050)
Yucca Trail Palomar Avenue La Contenta Road 69.7 70.7 70.8 1 Indio Avenue Yucca Trail Sunnyslope Drive -- 65.3 65.3 0 Notes: N/A = not applicable.

Source: FHWA Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108) in Appendix D. Based on traffic volumes provided by Fehr & Peers (see Appendix D) and Table C-1 of the General Plan Circulation Element. 3 As noted in the Caltrans Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol, “increased traffic volumes increase traffic noise, but it takes a doubling of traffic to increase noise levels by only 3 dB” (Caltrans 2013, page 6-5). This relationship between traffic volume and traffic noise is independent of the prediction model used.

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Like the current General Plan, the proposed project involves widening of Yucca Trail from two lanes to four lanes within the planned right-of-way, and realignment and widening of Indio Avenue. There were no traffic noise impacts identified along the Yucca Trail in the Certified EIR.

Indio Avenue has yet to be fully built out and there are no existing noise sensitive receptors that would be exposed to project related traffic noise increases. In addition, future uses along Indio Avenue are planned for industrial, which would not be noise sensitive. Future 2035 Yucca Trail traffic noise levels were estimated in the Certified EIR to be 71.1 dBA Ldn at 100 feet, which was not considered a significant increase in traffic noise. Project traffic noise impacts would be less than significant.

Construction activities have potential to generate varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the construction procedures and equipment. The use of construction equipment generates vibrations that spread through the ground and diminish with distance from the source. The effect on buildings in the vicinity of the construction site varies depending on soil type, ground strata, and receptor-building construction. The effects from vibration can range from no perceptible effects at the lowest vibration levels, to low rumbling sounds and perceptible vibrations at moderate levels, to slight structural damage at the highest levels.

Vibration from construction activities rarely reaches levels that can cause damage to structures.

The Town of Yucca Valley identifies that no ground vibration shall be allowed that can be felt without the aid of instruments at or beyond the lot line, nor shall any vibration be allowed which produces a particle velocity greater than or equal to 0.2 inches per second (in/sec) peak particle velocity (PPV) measured at or beyond the lot line. Typical construction equipment can generate vibration levels ranging from 0.21 in/sec PPV at 25 feet.

Table 3-9, Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 1: Yucca Trail, summarizes vibration levels for typical construction equipment at a reference distance of 25 feet and the nearest sensitive receptors during Phase 1: Yucca Trail. During this phase, the nearest off-site receptors would be single-family residential uses to the south, conservatively 50

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feet from the nearest construction impact area. The proposed construction activities would not exceed the 0.2 in/sec PPV standard at the nearest residential receptors adjacent to the proposed project.

Table 3-9 Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 1: Yucca Trail Equipment
Yucca Trail Vibration Levels, PPV (in/sec)
Vibration
Reference
Level at 25 feet
Receptor to
North 140
Receptor to
East 300
Receptor to
South 55
Large Bulldozer 0.089 0.007 0.002 0.027
Small Bulldozer 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.001
Loaded Trucks 0.076 0.006 0.002 0.023
Vibratory Roller (large) 0.210 0.016 0.005 0.064
Vibratory Roller (small) 0.101 0.008 0.002 0.031
Backhoe 0.051 0.004 0.001 0.016
Excavator 0.051 0.004 0.001 0.016
Grader 0.051 0.004 0.001 0.016
Loader 0.051 0.004 0.001 0.016
Paver 0.046 0.003 0.001 0.014
Exceeds 0.2 in/sec PPV Standard? No No No
Source: FTA 2018; Appendix D.

Table 3-10, Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 2: Indio Avenue, summarizes vibration levels for typical construction equipment at a reference distance of 25 feet and the nearest sensitive receptors during Phase 2: Indio Avenue. During this phase, the nearest off-site receptors would be the Joshua Tree Distilling Company to the west, conservatively 95 feet from the nearest construction impact area, and residential uses to the south, conservatively 130 feet from the nearest construction impact area. The proposed construction activities would not exceed the 0.2 in/sec PPV standard at the nearest residential receptors adjacent to the proposed project.

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Table 3-10 Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 2: Indio Avenue
Equipment
Indio Avenue Construction Vibration Levels, PPV (in/sec) Vibration
Reference
Level at 25 feet
Receptor to
North 230
Receptor to
East 720
Receptor to
South 130
Receptor to
West 95
Large Bulldozer 0.089 0.003 0.001 0.008 0.012
Small Bulldozer 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Loaded Trucks 0.076 0.003 0.000 0.006 0.010
Vibratory Roller (large) 0.210 0.008 0.001 0.018 0.028
Vibratory Roller (small) 0.101 0.004 0.001 0.009 0.014
Backhoe 0.051 0.002 0.000 0.004 0.007
Excavator 0.051 0.002 0.000 0.004 0.007
Grader 0.051 0.002 0.000 0.004 0.007
Loader 0.051 0.002 0.000 0.004 0.007
Paver 0.046 0.002 0.000 0.004 0.006
Exceeds 0.2 in/sec PPV Standard? No No No No
Source: FTA 2018; Appendix D.

As shown in Tables 3.8-5 and 3.8-6, proposed construction activities would not exceed the 0.2 in/sec PPV standard established by the Town of Yucca Valley. In addition, Section 9.34.090 of the Town’s Code exempts temporary construction, maintenance, repair, or demolition activities occurring between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. from the Town’s vibration standards. Furthermore, consistent with the Certified EIR, the proposed project would prepare a project-specific vibration analysis, which effectively implements Mitigation Measure 10-2. Mitigation Measure 10-2 requires evaluation of vibration-intensive construction activities occurring within 200 feet of sensitive receptors and implementation of additional measures, where necessary, to reduce potential vibration impacts. The vibration analysis effectively implements the intent of Mitigation Measure 10-2 by evaluating potential vibration impacts and confirming that construction-related vibration levels would remain below applicable thresholds. Therefore, construction-related vibration impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Thus, no new significant impacts or impacts of greater severity than those identified in the Certified EIR would occur, and the level of impact remains unchanged from the Certified EIR.

The proposed project would not result in any new or more severe significant impacts than those identified in the Certified EIR. Therefore, the proposed project would not trigger the need for

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preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in Public Resources Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a). c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The project site is approximately one mile southeast of Yucca Valley Airport. The project site is located outside the 60 dBA CNEL contours for Yucca Valley Airport. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not result in increased exposure of people working at or visiting the project site to aircraft noise. Therefore, no impact would occur.

3.9.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
The Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measures 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 to address potential construction-related and operational noise and vibration impacts associated with development activities occurring in proximity to noise-sensitive receptors. Only Mitigation Measure 10-1 remains applicable to the proposed project and has been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Mitigation Measure 10-1 has been modified to address project-level impacts.

Although the proposed project would involve the use of vibration-intensive construction equipment, such as vibratory rollers or heavy compaction equipment, the project-specific vibration analysis conducted for Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue identified that constructionrelated vibration levels would remain below applicable thresholds. Therefore, Mitigation Measure 10-2 would not be applicable to the proposed project and has not been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Mitigation Measure 10-3 is not applicable to the proposed project and has been removed from the proposed project’s MMRP because it applies specifically to the operation of heavy industrial uses involving vibration-intensive machinery.

The proposed project consists of roadway improvements and does not include industrial land uses or long-term operational vibration sources.

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Any modifications to these mitigation measures are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.
10-1 Applicants for new development projects within 500 feet of sensitive receptors During construction the Town of Yucca Valley shall implement the following best management practices to reduce construction noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors located adjacent to or within 500 feet of construction activities:
▪ Install temporary sound barriers for construction activities that occur adjacent to occupied located near occupied noise-sensitive structures. ▪ Equip All construction equipment with shall be properly maintained and equipped with manufacturer-recommended mufflers.
▪ Restrict Construction haul routes and shall be designated to minimize travel through residential streets to the extent feasible, and construction-related traffic shall be routed along arterial roadways where possible.
▪ Reduce nonessential idling Idling of construction equipment shall be limited to no more than five minutes, except where required for safety or operational purposes. ▪ Construction activities shall be limited to hours permitted by the Town of Yucca Valley Code, unless an exception is granted by the Town. 10-2 Individual projects that involve vibration-intensive construction activities, such as blasting, pile drivers, jack hammers, and vibratory rollers, within 200 feet of sensitive receptors shall be evaluated for potential vibration impacts. A study shall be conducted for individual projects where vibration-intensive impacts may occur. If constructionrelated vibration is determined to be perceptible at vibration-sensitive uses, additional requirements, such as use of less-vibration-intensive equipment or construction techniques, shall be implemented during construction (e.g., nonexplosive blasting methods, drilled piles as opposed to pile driving, etc.). 10-3 Development of heavy industrial projects that involve vibration-intensive machinery or activities occurring near sensitive receptors shall be evaluated for potential vibration impacts. Prior to occupancy permits, or issue of business licenses, a study shall be conducted for individual projects where vibration-intensive impacts may occur. Vibration impacts to nearby receptors shall not exceed the levels for annoyance (in RMS inches/second) as follows: Workshop = 0.032, Office = 0.015, Residential Daytime (7AM– 10PM)= 0.008, and Residential Nighttime (10PM to 7 AM) = 0.004.

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3.10 TRANSPORTATION

3.10.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Traffic Congestion. All roadway segments evaluated were forecast to operate within acceptable LOS standards and were determined to be less than significant and no mitigation was required. However, the Town of Yucca Valley has since adopted vehicle miles traveled (VMT) based transportation thresholds in accordance with Senate Bill 743. Therefore, congestion-based thresholds are no longer utilized to evaluate transportation impacts. ▪ SBCTA CMP. Under long-term cumulative conditions, the intersection of SR-62 and SR-247 was projected to operate with delays exceeding the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Congestion Management Program (CMP) thresholds during the PM peak hour impacts related to CMP consistency at the SR-62/SR-247 intersection were determined to be significant and unavoidable. However, the Town of Yucca Valley has since adopted vehicle miles traveled (VMT) based transportation thresholds in accordance with Senate Bill 743. Therefore, congestion-based thresholds are no longer utilized to evaluate transportation impacts.
▪ Consistency with Alternative Transportation Policies and Plans. Implementation of the General Plan would support alternative transportation modes and complete streets policies, including improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks and impacts were determined to be less than significant.
▪ Transportation Hazards and Emergency Access. Future roadway and intersection improvements would be designed in accordance with the Town’s Circulation Element, Caltrans standards, and applicable design guidelines, and therefore conflicting uses, and emergency access and were identified as less than significant impacts.

3.10.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
The analysis in this section is based on the following technical reports: in Appendix E.

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Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
SU Yes
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines §
15064.3, subdivision (b)? LTS Yes
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
LTS Yes
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The proposed project includes bicycle facilities. The proposed project would not eliminate or reduce planned pedestrian, bicycle, or transit facilities and would improve non-motorized connectivity along the corridor consistent with adopted plans and policies. Therefore, transportation impacts related to consistency with adopted circulation plans and policies would remain less than significant.

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b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The Certified EIR predated adoption of CEQA Guidelines §15064.3(b) and therefore evaluated transportation impacts using level of service (LOS) rather than vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

However, the Certified EIR evaluated both Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue as components of the Town's planned circulation network at General Plan buildout. Yucca Trail was analyzed under its ultimate four-lane arterial configuration, and Indio Avenue was identified as a planned roadway improvement within the circulation system evaluated by the Certified EIR. The proposed project is consistent with the land use and circulation assumptions analyzed in the Certified EIR and does not introduce new development, land uses, or trip-generating capacity beyond what was assumed in the General Plan buildout scenario.

A project-specific VMT Screening Assessment prepared for the proposed project concluded that the proposed project would not result in a significant VMT impact and would not induce additional VMT beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. The proposed project implements planned General Plan roadway improvements and includes multimodal features, such as sidewalks and bicycle facilities, consistent with adopted Complete Streets policies and regional transportation planning goals. No component of the proposed project would introduce new VMT-generating land uses or intensify travel patterns beyond those previously analyzed at the General Plan level.

The proposed project would not introduce new significant VMT impacts or increase the severity of previously identified transportation impacts. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with CEQA Guidelines §15064.3(b), and transportation impacts related to VMT would remain less than significant.

The Certified EIR assumed that roadway improvements implemented under the Circulation Element would be designed according to applicable Town and Caltrans design standards, provide appropriate lane configurations, and incorporate safety improvements at intersections and along roadway segments. No hazardous geometric features or incompatible circulation patterns were identified under cumulative buildout conditions.

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The proposed project would implement planned roadway improvements to Yucca Trail, including a widened roadway section, landscaped median, improved drainage features to improve intersection safety and operations. The Town’s Public Works/Engineering Department (Department) facilitates roadway and storm drain improvements across the Town. The Department is tasked with improving public safety by maintaining and improving streets and other facilities. The Department would ensure that the proposed project is designed in accordance with Town engineering standards and applicable design guidelines. Where Indio Avenue would meet SR-62, Caltrans would also review improvements to the new Indio Avenue/SR-62 connection. The design and review of the proposed project by the Department along with Caltrans’ review would ensure that it would not introduce sharp curves, substandard intersection geometry, or incompatible circulation patterns that could cause an increase in hazards. Further, the proposed project is a roadway project and would not introduce incompatible land uses or vehicle types along the corridor.

Because the proposed project would not introduce hazardous geometric features, alter roadway geometry in a manner that creates new safety conflicts, or introduce incompatible circulation uses beyond those evaluated in the Certified EIR, impacts would remain less than significant.

The Certified EIR concluded that the Town’s circulation network would provide adequate emergency access through planned roadway classifications, appropriate right-of-way widths, multiple access routes, and compliance with Fire Department access standards. Emergency response routes were assumed to remain functional under cumulative buildout conditions.

The proposed project would be served by the same roadway network evaluated in the Certified EIR and would improve emergency access conditions along Yucca Trail by providing additional travel lanes, improved intersection operations at La Contenta Road, and enhanced roadway geometry consistent with Town and Fire Department access standards. The widened roadway would accommodate emergency vehicles and improve maneuverability and response times along the corridor. The proposed project would not remove emergency access routes, restrict roadway connectivity, or introduce physical barriers that would impede emergency response.

Construction activities would be subject to applicable traffic control and staging requirements to maintain emergency access during construction.

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Because the proposed project would comply with applicable emergency access standards and would not alter the emergency circulation system evaluated in the Certified EIR, impacts related to emergency access would remain less than significant.

3.10.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to transportation/traffic. Although the Certified EIR identified a significant and unavoidable impact related to CMP consistency, no feasible mitigation measures were identified. As discussed above, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

3.11 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

3.11.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project At the time of preparation of the Certified EIR, tribal cultural resources was not one of the environmental topics within the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist.

However, potential impacts to tribal cultural resources were evaluated as part of the Cultural Resources section. The Certified EIR identified the following findings relevant to Tribal Cultural Resources:
▪ Native American Cultural Resources. The Certified EIR concluded that future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could disturb previously identified or previously unknown Native American cultural resources during ground-disturbing activities. A Sacred Lands File search conducted by the Native American Heritage Commission identified no known Native American cultural resources within the study area; however, the NAHC recommended consultation with culturally affiliated tribes and individuals. The Town conducted outreach and consultation efforts pursuant to SB 18 during preparation of the General Plan Update. Although no formal consultation requests were received, the Certified EIR recognized that future development could affect Native American cultural resources and incorporated General Plan policies requiring identification, evaluation, and protection of archaeological, Native American, and other cultural resources during project-level review.

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▪ Archaeological and Tribal Cultural Resources. The Certified EIR concluded that future development facilitated by the General Plan Update could disturb previously identified or previously unknown archaeological resources, Native American cultural resources, and other cultural resources during grading and excavation activities. Mitigation Measure 4-3 requires preparation of a cultural resources assessment, implementation of archaeological and Tribal monitoring where appropriate, evaluation and treatment of discoveries, consultation with affiliated Tribes as appropriate, and preparation of a final mitigation compliance report. With implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-3, impacts to archaeological resources and Tribal Cultural Resources would be reduced to less-thansignificant levels.

3.11.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the Project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the
landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value
to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public Resources
Code section 5020.1(k), or
LTS/M Yes
ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1.

In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency
shall consider the significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe.

LTS/M Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR

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a) Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Eligibility for Listing in a Historic Register
As discussed under Impact 3.5(a), the project site is not listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources or in a local register of historical resources, as defined in Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5020.1(k). The proposed project consists of widening and improving existing public roadways, including Yucca Trail between Palomar Avenue and La Contenta Road and the paving and realignment of Indio Avenue, within established rights-ofway that have been subject to prior disturbance from roadway construction, utility installation, drainage infrastructure, and ongoing vehicular use. The proposed project does not include demolition or alteration of known historic structures, nor have any known tribal cultural resources been identified within the project site. A search of the Sacred Lands File maintained by the NAHC, completed on June 3, 2026, returned negative results for the project site (NAHC 2026). Similarly, the cultural resources records search completed by the SCCIC on August 27, 2026, identified no archaeological or built-environment resources recorded within the project area (SCCIC 2026).

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Tribal Cultural Resources
The proposed project is not subject to Senate Bill 18 nor Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52). AB 52 applies when a project has a notice of preparation or a notice of negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration. Therefore, the preparation of an addendum does not require AB 52 noticing. Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) requires tribal consultation when a new General Plan or Specific Plan is proposed or an amendment to a General Plan or Specific Plan is proposed. Since the proposed project does not include a general plan or specific plan amendment, the proposed project is not subject to SB 18.

Although AB 52 and SB 18 consultation are not required for the proposed project, a search of the NAHC Sacred Lands File was requested for the project site as part of preparation of this Addendum. The NAHC responded on June 3, 2026, and reported that the results of the search were negative, indicating that no Native American cultural resources are recorded within the project area. This finding is consistent with the Certified EIR, which likewise reported a negative Sacred Lands File search for the Town. Accordingly, no tribal cultural resources that are listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources or included in a local register of historical resources as defined in PRC Section 5020.1(k), and no resources determined by the Town to be significant pursuant to the criteria in PRC Section 5024.1(c), have been identified within the project site. As noted by the NAHC, however, tribes do not always record their sacred sites in the SLF, and a negative search result does not preclude the presence of previously unknown tribal cultural resources within the project site (NAHC 2026).

Although the project site has been previously disturbed, ground-disturbing activities associated with roadway widening, grading, drainage improvements, median landscaping, sidewalk construction, and intersection improvements could result in the inadvertent discovery of previously unknown tribal cultural resources.

Mitigation Measure 4-3 would ensure that any Tribal Cultural Resources encountered during construction are appropriately identified, evaluated, and treated. The measure requires preparation of a cultural resources assessment by a qualified archaeologist and, where Tribal Cultural Resources are known or reasonably anticipated, implementation of Tribal monitoring during ground-disturbing activities where requested through consultation with a culturally affiliated Tribe or otherwise determined appropriate by the Town. The measure also establishes procedures for the identification, evaluation, treatment, and documentation of Tribal Cultural Resources; consultation with affiliated Tribes as appropriate; and avoidance and preservation of significant resources in place where feasible. If Tribal Cultural Resources are encountered during construction, work in the vicinity of the discovery would cease until the resource has been evaluated and appropriate treatment measures have been developed and implemented.

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3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-95
Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4-3 would ensure that any previously undiscovered tribal cultural encountered during construction are properly identified, evaluated, and treated in accordance with applicable state regulations and professional standards. Therefore, the proposed project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource. Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

3.11.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
Applicable mitigation measures have been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. The Certified EIR Mitigation Measure 4-3 would apply to the proposed project and is provided in Section 3.3, Cultural Resources. Any modifications to these mitigation measures are shown in strikethrough for deleted text and underline for new, inserted text.

3.12 Utilities and Service Systems

3.12.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Water Infrastructure and Supply. The Certified EIR concluded that projected water supplies available from the Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD) would be adequate to accommodate water demand associated with General Plan buildout. Although additional water storage facilities, booster stations, pipelines, and other infrastructure improvements may be required to serve future growth, these facilities would be constructed incrementally as development occurs and would be subject to separate environmental review. Accordingly, impacts related to water supply and water infrastructure were determined to be less than significant.
▪ Wastewater Infrastructure. The Certified EIR determined that wastewater generation associated with General Plan buildout would ultimately require expansion of HDWD wastewater treatment and reclamation facilities beyond currently planned improvements.

However, future expansions would be planned and implemented as growth occurs and would be subject to independent environmental review. Therefore, impacts related to wastewater treatment capacity and infrastructure were determined to be less than significant.

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▪ Stormwater Drainage Facilities. Buildout of the General Plan Update would increase impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff throughout the Town. However, implementation of the Town's Master Plan of Drainage, payment of development impact fees, compliance with applicable stormwater regulations, and project-level review of drainage improvements would ensure that stormwater infrastructure adequately accommodates anticipated flows.

Accordingly, impacts related to stormwater drainage facilities were determined to be less than significant.
▪ Solid Waste Facilities. The Certified EIR determined that existing and planned landfill facilities would be capable of accommodating solid waste generated by General Plan buildout and that future development would comply with applicable federal, state, and local solid waste regulations. Therefore, impacts related to solid waste disposal capacity and regulatory compliance were determined to be less than significant. ▪ Electricity, Natural Gas, and Other Utilities. The Certified EIR concluded that existing and planned utility systems would be capable of accommodating increased demands associated with General Plan buildout. While additional utility infrastructure, such as substations or distribution facilities, may be required in the future, such facilities would be subject to separate planning and environmental review. Therefore, impacts related to electricity, natural gas, and other utility services were determined to be less than significant.

3.12.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
Would the project:

Would the project:

Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum?
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or
storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the construction or
relocation of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
LTS Yes
Key: NI = no impact; LTS = less than significant; LTS/M = less than significant with mitigation; SU = significant and unavoidable; N/A = topic not analyzed in Certified EIR

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a) Would the project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The Certified EIR evaluated utility infrastructure improvements associated with buildout of the General Plan Update, including water, wastewater, storm drainage, electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications facilities. The Certified EIR concluded that utility infrastructure necessary to serve future development associated General Plan buildout would be provided through planned system improvements and project-level infrastructure extensions, and that associated environmental effects would be less than significant.

The proposed project consists of roadway widening and circulation improvements along Yucca Trail and paving and realignment improvements along Indio Avenue. Implementation of the proposed project may require relocation, protection, or modification of existing utilities within the project site and include construction of stormwater drainage improvements along the length of the roadways. These activities do not represent construction of new utility systems or expansion of utility infrastructure beyond that contemplated by the General Plan Update. The proposed project would not require new off-site utility facilities or expanded utility infrastructure that would result in significant environmental effects beyond those previously evaluated in the Certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed project would not require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded utility facilities that would cause significant environmental effects. Impacts would be less than significant.

3.12.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
No mitigation measures were adopted as part of the approved project’s Certified EIR relating to utilities and service systems. As discussed previously, the proposed project is within the scope of the approved project, and no mitigation measures are warranted.

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4. FINDINGS
As summarized below, and for the reasons described in Section 3, Environmental Analysis, of this Addendum, the Town of Yucca Valley has concluded that the proposed project meets the conditions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 and that therefore an Addendum to the Certified EIR is the appropriate CEQA document to address the proposed project.

As previously discussed, under CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, an addendum to an EIR or MND may be prepared if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or MND have occurred. The following restates the standards set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 as they relate to the proposed project.

1. No substantial changes are proposed in the project which would require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effect or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effect.

The improvements to Yucca Trails and Indio Avenue would occur within existing and planned public rights-of-way. The Certified EIR evaluated the environmental effects associated with long-term growth and development throughout the town, including circulation system changes, infrastructure improvements, and construction activities that would be required to support planned land uses. While the Certified EIR did not evaluate site-specific impact of the proposed project it analyzed the types of physical improvements and construction-related activities that would reasonably occur as part of implementation of the General Plan, including the Town’s Circulation Element, along with their associated environmental impacts. The proposed project would not expand the geographic area of disturbance beyond previously developed or planned roadway corridors.

As demonstrated in this Addendum, the proposed roadway improvements would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of previously identified impacts. Construction-related impacts related to air quality, noise, biological resources, cultural resources, hydrology and water quality, hazards and hazardous materials, and transportation/traffic would be temporary in nature and consistent with the types of impacts evaluated in the Certified EIR. These impacts would remain less than significant through compliance with applicable federal, State, and local regulations and implementation of standard best management practices for public roadway construction.

At the time the Certified EIR was prepared, certain environmental topics, including energy and greenhouse gas emissions, were not evaluated as separate checklist items under CEQA Guidelines Appendix G. As discussed in this Addendum, these topics have been evaluated

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4-2 PlaceWorks
for the proposed project and would not result in new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of impacts previously identified. As discussed herein, the proposed project would not result in new significant impacts related to these topics or substantially increase the severity of impacts previously identified.

Additionally, as demonstrated in Section 3 of this Addendum, the proposed project would not substantially alter the physical conditions analyzed in the Certified EIR and would continue to comply with applicable mitigation measures, General Plan policies, adopted standards, and regulatory requirements. Therefore, no substantial changes to the project are proposed that would result in new significant effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.

2. No substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.

Since certification of the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update EIR, there have been no substantial changes in the environmental or regulatory setting that would alter the conclusions of the prior analysis. The surrounding land uses continue to develop consistently with the General Plan land use designations and circulation framework evaluated in the Certified EIR.

Additionally, certain regulatory requirements applicable to roadway and infrastructure projects have been updated since certification of the Certified EIR. For example, the California State Water Resources Control Board has adopted an updated NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit (Order WQ 2022-0057-DWQ), which includes revised stormwater pollution prevention, monitoring, and inspection requirements for construction activities disturbing one acre or more. Since certification of the Certified EIR, the State has also enacted the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA) and advanced implementation of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. The WJTCA and associated Conservation Plan establish a statewide framework for the protection, management, mitigation, and conservation of western Joshua tree resources, including within the Morongo Basin region and Town of Yucca Valley. The conservation framework includes measures related to avoidance, mitigation, transplantation and relocation, habitat connectivity, and coordination among State and local agencies. Because western Joshua trees are prevalent throughout the Town and surrounding region, these requirements are relevant to future development and infrastructure projects within Yucca Valley. However, the WJTCA and Conservation Plan represent enhanced regulatory protections for biological resources and do not constitute a substantial change in circumstances that would result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of impacts previously identified in the Certified EIR. In addition, stormwater technical guidance, roadway design standards, and traffic control manuals applicable to public roadway projects

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4. FINDINGS
OCTOBER 2026 4-3
are periodically updated and incorporated into project design and permitting practices.

These regulatory updates enhance environmental protection and would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified impacts compared to those analyzed in the Certified EIR.

Accordingly, no substantial changes in circumstances exist that would require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.

3. No new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as complete or the negative declaration was adopted, shows any of the following:

A. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration
The Certified EIR analyzed buildout of the Town’s circulation system, including roadway improvements, traffic operations, drainage, utilities, and related environmental effects associated with future transportation infrastructure. The proposed project is consistent with the circulation framework and roadway improvements contemplated in the Certified EIR and does not introduce a new land use or development type that was not previously analyzed.

The proposed project would not expand development beyond the roadway corridors previously planned for improvement, nor would it introduce new operational characteristics, or infrastructure demands that would result in environmental effects fundamentally different from those evaluated in the Certified EIR. Construction- and operation-related impacts were addressed programmatically in the Certified EIR, and the analysis in this Addendum confirms that the proposed project would not result in new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified impacts.

Additionally, updated analysis in this Addendum confirms that impacts related to energy and greenhouse gas emissions, which were not explicitly addressed under 2014 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G checklist, would be less than significant. Therefore, there is no new information of substantial importance indicating that the proposed project would result in one or more significant effects not discussed in the Certified EIR.

B. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
The proposed project would not increase the severity of any previously identified impacts.

The proposed project would implement the applicable mitigation measures originally identified in the Certified EIR and referred to throughout this analysis under the heading

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Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project, which remain effective in reducing potential impacts.

The Certified EIR evaluated transportation infrastructure improvements and associated environmental effects at a programmatic level, including impacts resulting from circulation system buildout. The proposed project is consistent with the circulation improvements and roadway capacity enhancements contemplated in the Certified EIR and does not exceed the scale or intensity of transportation improvements previously analyzed.

The proposed project would not introduce new land uses, increase development intensity, or induce growth beyond what was assumed in the Certified EIR. Construction-related effects, such as temporary air quality emissions, noise, and construction disturbance, would be comparable to or less than those evaluated for implementation of roadway and infrastructure improvements under General Plan buildout. Operational impacts would be limited to changes in traffic flow and roadway configuration consistent with the circulation framework evaluated in the Certified EIR.

Therefore, impacts associated with the proposed project would be equal to or less than those evaluated in the Certified EIR, and no significant effects previously examined would be substantially more severe than previously shown.

C. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or
The Certified EIR analyzed the following alternatives to the approved project:
▪ No-Project/Existing General Plan Alternative;
▪ Clustered Development Alternative; and
▪ Reduced Intensity Alternative
No alternatives previously found to be infeasible would, in fact, be feasible under the proposed project. The proposed project represents a smaller-scale educational component that is consistent with and less intensive than the uses analyzed in the Certified EIR. All relevant mitigation measures from the Certified EIR have been retained or incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. No previously infeasible mitigation measures have become feasible, and no new or different mitigation measures are required to address new significant impacts, as none have been identified.

Accordingly, no new information of substantial importance indicates that previously infeasible mitigation measures or alternatives would now be feasible or necessary, and the proposed project would not result in new or substantially more severe environmental effects than those previously analyzed.

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OCTOBER 2026 4-5
D. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.

The proposed project would result in environmental impacts that are similar to or less than those of the approved project. As discussed in this Addendum, no new or more severe environmental impacts would occur as a result of the proposed project.

There is no new information of substantial importance indicating that mitigation measures or alternatives considerably different from those analyzed in the Certified EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant environmental effects. The proposed project would implement the applicable mitigation measures originally identified in the Certified EIR and referred to throughout this analysis under the heading, Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project.

Mitigation measures or alternatives that were identified in the Certified EIR to address impacts associated with land use development or other project types not included in the proposed project are not applicable and have not been incorporated. The proposed project does not require any new or different mitigation measures beyond those previously adopted, as the nature, scale, and location of development remain consistent with the environmental assumptions of the Certified EIR.

Therefore, no considerably different mitigation measures or alternatives have been identified that would substantially reduce significant effects, and the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe impacts than those previously analyzed.

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OCTOBER 2026 5-1

5. LIST OF PREPARERS

PLACEWORKS
Nicole Vermilion, Principal
Mariana Zimmermann, Associate Principal
Miles Barker, Associate II
Annika Kiem, Associate II

LEAD AGENCY
Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Jared Jerome, Associate Planner

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5. LIST OF PREPARERS
5-2 PlaceWorks
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6. REFERENCES
California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2026, May 11 (accessed). Clean Off-Road Equipment Vouchers. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-off-road-equipmentvoucher-incentive-project. ______. 2025a. Advanced Clean Off-Road Equipment List Fact Sheets. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/ZEE/2025%20ZEE%20List%200811202 5%20August%202025.pdf.
______. 2025b, September 23. Nearly 1 in 4 new trucks, buses and vans in California go zeroemission, 2 years ahead of schedule. Accessed May 11, 2026. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/nearly-1-4-new-trucks-buses-and-vans-california-go-zeroemission-2-years-ahead-schedule. ______. 2023. Maps of State and Federal Area Designations. Accessed June 9, 2026. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/maps-state-and-federal-areadesignations.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2026, January 6 (accessed).

FHSZ Viewer.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5065c998b4b0462f9ec3c6c226c610a9 California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2026, January 6 (accessed).

EnviroStor: Viewer. Online database. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/ California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2013, September. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tens-sep2013-a11y.pdf.

California Energy Commission (CEC). 2026. 2024 Power Content Labels Sortable Table updated 01-05-2026. https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/12359.

EnergyCodeAce. 2020. Title 20 Fact Sheet, State-Regulated Lamps. https://energycodeace.com/download/19839/file_path/fieldList/T20FactSheet.StateReg Lamps.2017_060817.pdf.

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6. REFERENCES
6-2 PlaceWorks
National Park Service (NPS). 2026, January 6 (accessed). National Register of Historic Places. US Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=7ad17cc9- b808-4ff8-a2f9-a99909164466.

Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). 2026, June 3. Sacred Lands File Search Results, Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment Project, San Bernardino County.

Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). 2026, January 6 (accessed). California Historical Landmarks by County. California State Parks.
https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=36.

South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC). 2026, August 27. Records Search Results for the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment Project. Records Search File No. 28222.14239. California Historical Resources Information System, California State University, Fullerton.

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2026, January 6 (accessed). GeoTracker: Viewer.

Online database. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/ Yucca Valley, Town of. 2014. Final Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan Update (State Clearinghouse No. 2012111021). Certified by the Town Council on July 16, 2014.

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Town of Yucca Valley

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO

AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT

PROJECT
October 2026 | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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October 2026 | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program SCH No. 2012111021

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE

PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT
for Town of Yucca Valley
Prepared for:

Town of Yucca Valley
Contact: Jared Jerome, Associate Planner
58928 Business Center Drive
Yucca Valley, California 92284
760.369.6579 ext. 317
Prepared by:

PlaceWorks
Contact: Nicole Vermilion, Principal
3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100
Santa Ana, California 92707
714.966.9220
www.placeworks.com

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OCTOBER 2026 7

MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING

PROGRAM
This Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared for the Yucca Trail Widening and Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment Project (proposed project) pursuant to the requirements of California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15097, Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting. The purpose of this MMRP is to ensure the implementation of mitigation measures identified as part of the environmental review for the proposed project.

The public agency may choose whether its program will monitor mitigation, report on mitigation, or both. This MMRP includes the following information:
 The full text of the mitigation measures.
 The party responsible for implementing the mitigation measures.  The timing for implementation of the mitigation measures.  The agency responsible for monitoring the implementation.

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AIR QUALITY
2-1 To minimize construction-related air quality impacts and ensure compliance with Mojave Desert Air Quality
Management District (MDAQMD) adopted thresholds of
significance, the Town of Yucca Valley Public Works shall implement the following construction-phase air quality
best management practices throughout all phases of
project construction:
 Fugitive Dust Control
 Water all active construction areas, including
grading, trenching, roadway excavation, and
unpaved surfaces, at least three times daily, or as
often as needed to control dust emissions. Watering
should be sufficient to prevent airborne dust from
leaving the site. Increased watering frequency shall
be implemented when wind speeds exceed 15 miles
per hour. Reclaimed water shall be used whenever
possible.
 Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, aggregate, asphalt grindings, or other loose materials, or require all
trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard
(i.e., the minimum required space between the top
of the load and the top of the trailer).
 Apply water three times daily or as often as
necessary to control dust, or apply (non-toxic) soil
stabilizers to unpaved access roads, temporary
Town of Yucca Valley
Public Works
Department;
Construction
Contractor
Best management
practices
incorporated into
project plans and
specifications prior
to issuance of a
grading permit or
notice to proceed;
implemented and
maintained
throughout all
phases of project
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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detours, staging areas, and equipment storage
areas, as needed to control fugitive dust.
 Sweep daily (with water sweepers using reclaimed
water if possible), or as often as needed, all paved
access roads, staging areas, and adjacent public
streets, to remove tracked dirt and debris.
 Stabilize inactive construction areas through
hydroseeding or application of non-toxic soil
binders.
 Enclose, cover, or water three times daily, or apply
non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles of soil,
aggregate, or construction materials.

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
3-1 A. Discretionary Projects: The Town of Yucca Valley shall prepare a biological resources survey. The
biological resources survey shall be conducted by a
qualified biologist. The biological resources survey shall include, but not be limited to:
 Analysis of available literature and biological
databases, such as the California Natural Diversity
Database, and known western Joshua tree
occurrence data to determine sensitive biological
resources that have been reported historically from
the proposed development project vicinity.

Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist and
qualified desert
native plant
specialist retained by
the Town
Biological resources
survey and focused
special-status
species/botanical
surveys completed
and submitted to the
Town prior to the
start of construction
activities; western
Joshua tree
inventory and
census completed
and submitted prior
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division;
California
Department of Fish
and Wildlife
(western Joshua tree
take permit and
mitigation fees)

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 Review of current land use and land ownership
within the proposed development project vicinity.
 Assessment and mapping of vegetation
communities present within the proposed
development project vicinity.
 Evaluation of potential local and regional wildlife
movement corridors.
 General assessment of potential jurisdictional areas, including wetlands and riparian habitats.
a) If the proposed development project site
supports vegetation communities that may
provide habitat for special status plant or wildlife
species, a focused habitat assessment shall be
conducted by a qualified biologist to determine
the potential for special status plant and/or
animal species to occur within or adjacent to the
proposed development project area. As
documented in the General Biological Resources
Assessment and Endangered Species Report,
suitable habitat for certain special-status wildlife
and plant species occurs within the project site.
b) If one or more special status species has the
potential to occur within the proposed
development project area, focused species
surveys shall be conducted to determine the
presence/absence of these species to
to the start of
ground-disturbing
activities; take
permit obtained and
mitigation fees paid
prior to the start of
construction;
avoidance,
minimization, and
relocation
requirements
implemented
throughout
construction

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adequately evaluate potential direct and/or
indirect impacts to these species. For specialstatus plant species determined to have potential to occur within the project site,
focused botanical surveys shall be conducted by
a qualified biologist or botanist during the
appropriate blooming and/or identification
period when the potentially occurring specialstatus plant species are readily identifiable. The focused botanical surveys shall be conducted in
accordance with applicable California
Department of Fish and Wildlife and/or
California Native Plant Society survey protocols.

The results of the focused botanical surveys shall
be documented in a separate focused specialstatus plant survey report and submitted to the Town prior to the start of construction activities.

If special-status plant species are identified
within or adjacent to areas that would be
directly or indirectly affected by construction,
the Town shall require avoidance of the specialstatus plant occurrence to the maximum extent feasible. Where complete avoidance is not
feasible, appropriate minimization and/or
compensatory mitigation shall be implemented,
as determined by a qualified biologist or botanist
in coordination with the Town and applicable

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regulatory agencies, as necessary, to reduce
impacts to special-status plant species to a lessthan-significant level. Because several specialstatus species have high or moderate potential to occur within the project site, focused surveys
shall be conducted where required by applicable
state or federal law prior to construction
activities.
c) If construction activities are not initiated
immediately after focused surveys have been
completed, additional preconstruction special
status species surveys may be required, in
accordance with the California Endangered
Species Act, Federal Endangered Species Act,
and Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, to
assure impacts are avoided or minimized to the
extent feasible. If preconstruction activities are
required, a qualified biologist will perform these
surveys as required for each special status
species that is known to occur or has a potential
to occur within or adjacent to the proposed
development project area.

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B. Western Joshua Tree (WJT) Census. The Town of
Yucca Valley shall ensure that, prior to the start of
ground-disturbing activities, a qualified desert native plant specialist conducts an inventory and census of
western Joshua trees within the project site and areas
that could be directly or indirectly affected by project construction. The inventory and census shall identify all western Joshua trees within these areas and shall
provide the information necessary to determine
applicable avoidance, minimization, relocation,
removal, permitting, and mitigation requirements. The
census shall count all western Joshua trees on the
project site and classify them by size class. The results of the western Joshua tree inventory and census shall
be submitted to the Town prior to the start of grounddisturbing activities. The census shall include the following:
 The name of the desert native plant specialist who
conducted the census and the employer of the
desert native plant specialist.

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
 The name of the desert native plant specialist who
will relocate western Joshua trees, if applicable, and
the employer of the desert native plant specialist.
 The date of the census.
 The date or dates of the proposed relocation of
western Joshua trees, if applicable.
 A map of the project site that depicts the location of the proposed project improvements and
disturbance limits; the number and location of all
western Joshua trees on the project site; and the
proposed placement of each relocated western
Joshua tree.
 Photographs of each western Joshua tree on the
project site, including a visual representation of the
scale of the height of each tree.
 Aerial imagery of the site in sufficient detail to
identify the property and the western Joshua trees
that are on the site and are a part of the application
submitted.
 Narrative written descriptions of each western
Joshua tree—its diameter, height, existing health
condition, and any other information deemed
necessary.

Based on the results of the western Joshua tree
inventory and census, the Town shall implement the

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Avoidance. If a western Joshua tree is identified within or adjacent to the proposed development project area,
the Town of Yucca Valley shall avoid western Joshua
trees on the project site to the maximum extent
practicable. Avoidance and minimization measures shall
be implemented consistently with the Avoidance and
Minimization Best Management Practices and
Guidelines in Appendix D of the Western Joshua Tree
Conservation Plan.

Minimization. The Town of Yucca Valley shall avoid all
ground-disturbing activities within 10 feet of any
western Joshua tree that will not be relocated or
removed, if those activities will disturb the soil to a depth of greater than 12 inches. Minimization measures
shall be implemented consistently with the Avoidance
and Minimization Best Management Practices and
Guidelines in Appendix D of the Western Joshua Tree
Conservation Plan.

Relocation. To the maximum extent feasible, the Town
of Yucca Valley shall relocate all western Joshua trees that cannot be avoided to another location on the

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
project site. The Town of Yucca Valley shall ensure that relocation of western Joshua trees satisfies the
following requirements:
 All western Joshua tree relocations shall be
completed by a desert native plant specialist.
 All western Joshua trees to be relocated shall be
placed at least 25 feet from any existing or proposed
structure or improvement and at least 10 feet from
any other western Joshua tree.
 Within 30 days of completing the relocation, the
Town of Yucca Valley shall provide the participating
agency with a map of the project site indicating
where each western Joshua tree was relocated.
 All relocation activities shall follow the Western
Joshua Tree Relocation Guidelines and Protocols
provided in Appendix E of the Western Joshua Tree
Conservation Plan.

Mitigation for Removal and Relocation of Western
Joshua Trees. For western Joshua trees that are
removed and/or relocated, the Town of Yucca Valley
shall require the Town of Yucca Valley to obtain a take permit for the western Joshua tree in accordance with
the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Fish and
Game Code Sections 1927.3 or 1927.4). Prior to the
start of construction, the Town of Yucca Valley shall pay

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
OCTOBER 2026 1
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
mitigation fees for deposit into the Western Joshua Tree Mitigation Fund in accordance with the requirements in
Section 9.56.120, Mitigation Fees, of the Development
Code to mitigate impacts to the western Joshua trees.

C. Rare Plants. Consistent with MM 3-1(A), impacts to
rare plant species, including Little San Bernardino
Mountains linanthus, Pioneertown linanthus, Latimer’s
woodland-gilia, and pinyon rockcress, require focused
rare plant surveys during the combined blooming
period (March through June), which spans the blooming
periods reported for these species in the General
Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered
Species Report. The survey shall be performed
according to the CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines
(CNPS 2001) and results shall be submitted to the Town
Project Planner for acceptability prior to initiation of any site preparation activities. If any of these, or other special-status species, are found within the proposed
project impact area and Project-related impacts to the
individuals are unavoidable, then coordination with
CDFW may need to occur to identify additional
biological monitoring, seed salvage, and nondisturbance buffers established around plant locations. 3-2 Because sensitive biological resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources
Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist retained by
Construction limits
flagged and verified
by a qualified
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the
construction limits shall be clearly flagged to ensure
impacts to sensitive biological resources are avoided or minimized, to the extent feasible. Prior to implementing construction activities, the Town of Yucca Valley shall contract with a qualified biologist to verify that the
flagging clearly delineates the construction limits and sensitive resources to be avoided.
the Town;
Construction
Contractor
biologist prior to
implementing
construction
activities; flagging
maintained
throughout
construction
3-3 Because sensitive biological resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources
Assessment and Endangered Species Report, the Town
of Yucca Valley shall contract with a qualified biologist to develop and implement a project-specific contractor
training program to educate project contractors on the
sensitive biological resources within and adjacent to the proposed development project area and measures
being implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts
to these species.

Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist retained by
the Town;
Construction
Contractor
Contractor training
program developed
and initial training
conducted prior to
the start of grounddisturbing activities;
training provided to
new construction
personnel
throughout
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division
3-4 Because sensitive biological resources are present or have high potential to occur within the project site, as documented in the General Biological Resources
Assessment and Endangered Species Report, and
impacts may result from construction activities, a
qualified biological monitor shall be required during a portion or all of the construction activities to ensure impacts to the sensitive biological resources are
Qualified biological
monitor approved by
the Town; Town of
Yucca Valley;
Construction
Contractor
Biological monitor
approved by the
Town prior to the
start of grounddisturbing activities;
monitoring
conducted during a
portion or all of
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
OCTOBER 2026 1
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
avoided or minimized to the extent feasible. The
specific biological monitoring requirements shall be
evaluated on a project-by-project basis. The qualified
biological monitor shall be approved by the Town on a
project-by-project basis based on applicable experience with the sensitive biological resources that may be
impacted by the proposed development project
activities. Biological monitoring shall include periodic inspection of construction activities within sensitive
habitat areas and authority to halt work if avoidance
measures are not being properly implemented.
construction
activities, as
determined by the
Town
3-5 The Town of Yucca Valley shall contract with a qualified biologist to conduct a jurisdictional delineation
following the methods outlined in the 1987 US Army
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and
the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (2008)
to map the extent of wetlands and non-wetland waters,
determine jurisdiction, and assess potential impacts.

The jurisdictional delineation shall be completed prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities within or
adjacent to potentially jurisdictional aquatic resources.

The results of the delineation shall be presented in an aquatic resources delineation report that identifies and maps aquatic resources within the project area and
identifies the extent of project-related impacts, if any.

Project activities shall avoid impacts to jurisdictional Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist retained by
the Town
Jurisdictional
delineation
completed and
aquatic resources
delineation report
prepared prior to
the start of grounddisturbing activities
within or adjacent to
potentially
jurisdictional aquatic
resources
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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Where impacts cannot be avoided, impacts shall be
minimized to the maximum extent feasible, and the
Town shall obtain all applicable regulatory permits and authorizations and implement applicable compensatory
mitigation in accordance with Mitigation Measure 3-6
prior to activities that would affect jurisdictional aquatic resources.
3-6 The Town of Yucca Valley shall obtain permits and
authorizations from the US Army Corps of Engineers,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or
Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control
Board. The agency authorization would include impact
avoidance and minimization measures as well as
mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts. Specific
avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for
impacts to jurisdictional resources shall be determined through discussions with the regulatory agencies during the proposed development project permitting process
and may include monetary contributions to a mitigation
bank or habitat creation, restoration, or enhancement.

Town of Yucca
Valley; Construction
Contractor
Permits and
authorizations
obtained prior to the
start of any activity
that would affect
jurisdictional aquatic
resources; permit
conditions
implemented
throughout
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division; US
Army Corps of
Engineers; California
Department of Fish
and Wildlife;
Colorado River Basin
Regional Water
Quality Control
Board
3-7 The Town of Yucca Valley shall require a habitat
connectivity evaluation for development projects
proposed within a Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Area
(WCEA) and/or an Open Space Resource Area (OSRA).

The results of the evaluation will be incorporated into the project’s biological report required under Mitigation Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist retained by
the Town;
Habitat connectivity
evaluation
completed and
incorporated into
the biological report
required under
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
OCTOBER 2026 1
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
Measure 3-1. The habitat connectivity evaluation shall
assess the potential for the project to adversely affect the intended functions of the WCEA and/or OSRA. The
evaluation shall also identify project design features
that would reduce potential impacts and maintain
functionality as habitat and for wildlife movement. To
this end, the Town shall incorporate the following
measures, to the extent practicable, into projects that would propose development within a WCEA and/or an
OSRA:
 Avoid known sensitive biological resources
 Provide shielded lighting adjacent to sensitive
habitat areas
 Encourage development plans that maximize wildlife
movement
 Provide buffers between development and
wetland/riparian areas
 Protect wetland/riparian areas through regulatory
agency permitting process
 Encourage wildlife-passable fence designs (e.g., 3-
strand barbless wire fence) on property boundaries
 Encourage preservation of native habitat on the
undeveloped remainder of developed parcels
Construction
Contractor
Mitigation Measure
3-1 prior to project
approval; identified
project design
features and
measures
incorporated into
project plans and
specifications prior
to issuance of a
grading permit or
notice to proceed;
measures
implemented
throughout
construction

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II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
 Minimize road/driveway development to help
prevent loss of habitat due to roadkill and habitat
loss
 Use native, drought-resistant plant species in
landscape design
 Require implementation of mitigation measures
within an OSRA
 Encourage participation in local/regional
recreational trail design efforts
3-8 The Town of Yucca Valley shall conduct a preconstruction general nesting bird survey within all suitable nesting habitat that may be impacted by active construction during the general avian breeding season
(February 1 through August 31). The pre-construction
surveys shall be conducted no more than seven days
prior to initiation of construction. If no active avian nests are identified within the proposed development
project area or within a 300-foot buffer of the proposed development project area, no further mitigation is
necessary. If active nests of bird species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are detected within the
proposed development project area or within a 300-
foot buffer of the proposed development project area,
construction shall be halted until the young have
fledged, until a qualified biologist has determined the Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
biologist retained by
the Town;
Construction
Contractor
Pre-construction
nesting bird survey
conducted no more
than seven days
prior to initiation of
construction
occurring during the
general avian
breeding season
(February 1 through
August 31); nest
avoidance
maintained until the
young have fledged
or the nest is
determined inactive
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
OCTOBER 2026 1
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
nest is inactive, or until appropriate mitigation
measures that respond to the specific situation have
been developed and implemented in consultation with
the regulatory agencies.

CULTURAL RESOURCES
4-2 If construction would require excavation greater than five feet below the current ground surface in
undisturbed sediments with a moderate or higher fossil
yield potential (i.e., paleontological sensitivity), the Town of Yucca Valley shall retain a qualified
paleontologist to prepare a paleontological resources
monitoring plan. If resources are known or reasonably
anticipated within project excavation areas, the
monitoring plan shall include:
 Monitoring by a qualified paleontological monitor
during grading and other earthmoving activities in
undisturbed sediments. If after 100 percent of soils
to five feet below original grade has been monitored
and no paleontological resources have been
identified, the project paleontologist may
discontinue monitoring;
 A fossil recovery and data collection protocol;
 Professional identification, radiocarbon dating, or
other special studies, as appropriate, if resources are discovered;
Town of Yucca
Valley; qualified
paleontologist and
paleontological
monitor retained by
the Town;
Construction
Contractor
Paleontological
resources
monitoring plan
prepared prior to
the start of
excavation greater
than five feet below
the current ground
surface; monitoring
conducted during
grading and other
earthmoving
activities in
undisturbed
sediments; curation
and final mitigation
compliance report
completed following
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
 Curation of scientifically significant fossils at an
accredited repository, such as the San Bernardino
County Museum;
 Preparation of a comprehensive final paleontological
mitigation compliance report, including a catalog of
collected specimens with museum accession
numbers and written confirmation from the curating
institution.
4-3 The Town of Yucca Valley shall retain a qualified
archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s
Professional Qualification Standards to prepare an
archeological and tribal resources mitigation plan.

The mitigation plan shall include:
 Monitoring by a qualified cultural resources monitor
during grading and other earthmoving activities in
undisturbed sediments. If after 100 percent of soils
to five feet below original grade has been monitored
and no archeological resources have been identified,
the project archeologist may discontinue
monitoring;
 One Tribal monitor from a culturally affiliated Tribe (Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Morongo Band
of Mission Indians, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla
Indians, or Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission
Indians) to provide monitoring during groundTown of Yucca Valley; qualified
archaeologist and
cultural resources
monitor retained by
the Town; Tribal
monitor from a
culturally affiliated
Tribe; Construction
Contractor
Archeological and
tribal resources
mitigation plan
prepared prior to
the start of grounddisturbing activities;
archaeological and
Tribal monitoring
conducted during
grading and other
earthmoving
activities in
undisturbed
sediments;
treatment, curation,
and reporting
completed following
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division;
culturally affiliated
Tribe (Yuhaaviatam
of San Manuel
Nation, Morongo
Band of Mission
Indians, Agua
Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians, or
Twenty-Nine Palms
Band of Mission
Indians)

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MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
OCTOBER 2026 1
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
disturbing activities and, if needed, consultation on
the discovery and disposition;
 Procedures for the identification, evaluation,
treatment, and documentation of archaeological
resources and Tribal Cultural Resources encountered
during construction activities;
 Cessation of work in the vicinity of any discovered
archaeological resource or Tribal Cultural Resource
until the resource has been evaluated by a qualified
archaeologist and, where applicable, in consultation
with affiliated Tribes;
 Measures to avoid and preserve significant
archaeological resources and Tribal Cultural
Resources in place where feasible. Where avoidance
is not feasible, the mitigation plan shall establish
appropriate treatment measures, including data
recovery, documentation, or other measures
developed in consultation with the Town and
affiliated Tribes, as appropriate;
 Professional identification, analysis, dating, and
other special studies, as appropriate;
 Curation at an accredited museum, such as the San
Bernardino County Museum, for artifacts, unless
otherwise agreed upon through consultation for
Tribal Cultural Resources.

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II PlaceWorks
Mitigation Measures
Party Responsible
for Implementation
Implementation
Timing
Agency Responsible
for Monitoring
NOISE
10-1 During construction, the Town of Yucca Valley shall implement the following best management practices to
reduce construction noise levels at nearby sensitive
receptors located adjacent to or within 500 feet of
construction activities:
 Install temporary sound barriers for construction
activities that occur near occupied noise-sensitive
structures.
 All construction equipment shall be properly
maintained and equipped with manufacturerrecommended mufflers.  Construction haul routes shall be designated to
minimize travel through residential streets to the
extent feasible, and construction-related traffic shall be routed along arterial roadways where possible.
 Idling of construction equipment shall be limited to
no more than five minutes, except where required
for safety or operational purposes.
 Construction activities shall be limited to hours
permitted by the Town of Yucca Valley Code, unless
an exception is granted by the Town.

Town of Yucca Valley
Public Works
Department;
Construction
Contractor
Best management
practices
incorporated into
project plans and
specifications prior
to issuance of a
grading permit or
notice to proceed;
implemented and
maintained
throughout
construction
Town of Yucca Valley
Planning Division

TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

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See Cultural
Resources Mitigation
Measure 4-3.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
FOR

CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES
YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING PROJECT – PALOMAR AVENUE TO LA CONTENTA ROAD TOWN PROJECT NO. 7074

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY
57090 TWENTYNINE PALMS HWY
YUCCA, VALLEY, CA 92284
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2026
PROPOSAL DUE DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2026, 3:00 PM

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RFP for Civil Engineering Design Services for Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road

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SUBMITTALS OF PROPOSALS
One (1) written copy of the proposal, one (1) e-copy on a Flash Drive, and one (1) written copy of fee proposal shall be submitted in two (2) separate sealed envelopes:

1. Envelope One shall contain the proposal responding to this RFP, firm qualifications, and relevant experience. Envelope One shall also contain an electronic copy of the proposal and fees on a flash drive.

2. Envelope Two shall contain the fees to provide services in the proposal and the terms thereof described in Envelope One, including maximum limits not to be exceeded.

Proposals shall be submitted to:

Brooke Dudra
Town Clerk
Town of Yucca Valley
57090 29 Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
[email protected]
760-369-6585, Ext 226
Proposals shall be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Postmarks and late proposals will not be accepted. The envelopes’ subject shall be “REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING PROJECT – PALOMAR AVENUE TO LA CONTENTA ROAD”.

In this RFP, the Party submitting a bid may be referred to as Contractor, Consultant, Proponent, or Bidder.

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RFP for Civil Engineering Design Services for Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road

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SECTION I – Background & Introduction
Summary
The Town of Yucca Valley seeks qualified consultants to provide design services for the Yucca Trail widening project from Palomar/Avalon Avenue to La Contenta Road within the town limits of Yucca Valley.

To serve and promote welfare of its residents, the Town intends to procure the services, as described below.

Civil Engineering Design Services for Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue To La Contenta Road.

Background
The Town of Yucca Valley is requesting proposals for design services from qualified design firms, licensed in the State of California, for the purpose of entering into an agreement to perform professional civil engineering design services. In general, the selected Consultant shall be responsible for the preparation of all improvement plans, preliminary and final cost estimates, and project specifications.

Yucca Trail is classified as an Arterial, 4-lane divided with 100-foot right-of-way and an Average Daily Traffic of 25,000 vehicle per day. Yucca Trail extends from Sage Avenue to Joshua Tree, an unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino.

The Consultant will evaluate the area within the project limits and supporting materials to identify any potential issues relating to: constructability; safety; ADA compliance; right-of-way (ROW) constraints; utility conflicts; and projected construction costs.

The consultant will provide a report summarizing the findings and include recommendations should mitigation be required due to potential impacts and to eliminate or reduce any concerns identified in the findings.

Contact Information
Alex Qishta, P.E.

Public Works Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (760) 369-6579
Tentative Project Timeline
RFP Issued Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Pre-Proposal Meeting Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (10:00 AM) Request for Clarification Deadline Friday, November 20, 2026 Proposal Due Date Thursday, December 3, 2026 (3:00 PM)
Proposal Review Period December 3, 2026 – January 29, 2027 Anticipated Award Date February/March 2027

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RFP for Civil Engineering Design Services for Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road

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The Town reserves the right to waive or modify any of these deadlines prior to the opening of submitted proposals by a duly noticed addendum. Any proposal received after December 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm will be considered non-responsive and returned to the Consultant.

Proposal Contact
All contractors may obtain this Request for Proposal from the Town of Yucca Valley website at:
https://www.yucca-valley.org/business/request-for-proposal-rfp. All contractors downloading the Request for Proposal and Qualifications MUST complete all required information on the website to be placed on the contractors’ list in the event that addenda are issued. If assistance is required, please contact Mr. Alex Qishta, Public Works Director of the Town of Yucca Valley, at (760) 369-6579 Ext. 307.

SECTION II – Scope of Work
The work shall comply with the requirements of all the following without limitation, and shall apply to this RFP and any subsequent contract as though incorporated herein by reference:

1. Federal Laws

2. State Laws

3. Local Laws
Services to be provided by the Consultant will include the following:
• Prepare Plans, Specifications and Engineer’s Estimates (PS&E); • Coordinate with the Town staff in preparation of the PS&E package; • Provide bid support services for the project;
• Research project information;
• Prepare street improvement, signing and striping, and streetlight plans; • Prepare construction cost estimate and schedule;
• Prepare project construction bid document;
• Provide project management services for the design team and design process; and
• Attend and coordinate meetings with the public, Town officials, affected landowners, governmental entities, and utility companies.

The following services are requested for the project: topographic design survey, striping design, preparation of the plans (latest AutoCAD version required), preparation of specifications, and preparation of engineer’s cost estimates.

The Consultant will provide all labor, tools, equipment, and materials to perform the services.

The Consultant will coordinate with other Town contractors as necessary. The Consultant shall coordinate all activities, tasks, meetings, communications, and deliverables with the Town's designated Project Manager.

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Topographic Design Survey
The Consultant will be expected to perform an adequate topographic design survey for a complete and accurate set of plans and specifications. The Consultant shall research and field locate all existing utilities within the limits of the project.

The survey in this area shall include sufficient spot elevations on the existing driveways to determine the proper limits of removals during construction to meet Town standards for driveways.

In those areas which include pavement widening, Consultant shall provide cross sections at 50- foot intervals. Cross sections shall show, at a minimum, the slope of the existing pavement, slope of the new pavement, proposed top of curb elevations, and the elevations at the existing edges of pavement.

The Consultant shall research and field locate all existing utilities within the limits of the project.

It is the Consultant’s responsibility to obtain all existing data for the project, including other utilities that may interfere with the project.

The Consultant shall notify the Town of any anticipated utility(ies) requiring relocation and assist the Town in notifying said utility(ies) of the required relocation.

Striping and Pavement Marking
All existing striping and pavement markings, which will be removed or damaged during the construction, shall be shown on the street plans and marked for removal. All new striping, pavement markings, signs, etc., shall be shown on the striping plans, which shall be separate from the street construction plans.

Design, Plan and Profile Sheets
The Consultant shall prepare both preliminary and final plans. All drawings and submittals must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Town’s Requirements. Plans shall be at a minimum scale of 1”= 40’ on standard sized 24”x36” paper, in an AutoCAD format. The Town will provide the Consultant with the standard Town title block. Three (3) copies are normally submitted for plan check along with one electronic set (pdf).

Southern California Edison Coordination
The Consultant shall be responsible for all coordination with Southern California Edison staff for the design and installation of street lights at Yucca Trail and La Contenta Road and incorporating all comments and standards on plans and specification. Consultant shall address all comments to obtain final project approval.

Specifications, Bid Schedule & Engineer’s Estimate
The Consultant shall be responsible for the preparation of the Special Provisions of the Specifications, which include the bid schedule listing all bid items for the project and meet all Town and Caltrans provisions in the specifications. Based on the bid schedule, an engineer’s

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estimate for the project shall be prepared. The Town shall be responsible for the General Provisions and assembly of the final specifications. All Special Provisions for the various items of work shall be provided to the Town in an organized and orderly format with continuity throughout. This requirement is especially important if the Consultant will be using subconsultants for some of the design.

The Special Provisions shall include the time of completion for the project, liquidated damages, traffic control, and work hours, along with any other information deemed necessary. It is not necessary to repeat information already provided in the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (latest edition), which can simply be referenced, unless it is desired to deviate from the Standard Specifications in some manner. Any unusual circumstances, anticipated difficulties, warnings, or special concerns regarding this project shall be discussed in the Special Provisions.

The Consultant shall submit the engineer’s estimate, plans, and specifications for the project in an electronic format.

Community Outreach Meetings
Attend and coordinate community meetings with local residents, elected officials, and any concerned citizens to introduce the project and incorporate comments in design. Consultant shall be required to provide such exhibits as will be sufficient to describe the project.

Consultation and Record Drawings
The Consultant should be available to answer questions regarding the design during construction of the project. The Consultant will also be required to prepare and print record drawings (As Built) for the project after the project is constructed.

SECTION III – Proposal Requirements
Envelope One – Contractor Proposal (maximum 10 pages)
The technical proposal shall contain the following information:
• A project approach for all work describing how the Contractor and any proposed Subcontractor plan to accomplish the tasks described, including an estimate of the level of effort (man-hours) to be expended. This project approach should demonstrate a clear understanding of the required scope of services.
• A discussion of the proposed project schedule for each project phase and what methods Contractor will use to meet the proposed schedule. Included in this discussion should be a description of the Contractor’s capacity to perform the project within a required timeframe. • The names of the Contractor’s staff to be assigned to this project, their proposed duties, and their relative experience. Any specialized experience of the firm and its personnel, relative to the required scope of services, should be mentioned here.

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• A maximum of three (3) descriptions of similar projects recently performed by Contractor.

References must be submitted for each project, including the name and telephone number of a current contact familiar with Contractor’s performance on the identified project.

References should be able to verify such things as, but not limited to, completion of a quality product, in a timely manner, and within budget constraints. The Town would prefer projects in which the proposed team members had direct participation. • Provide two (2) client references within the past two (2) years, including contact name, firm or agency name, phone number, email and a brief summary of services provided. The Town is especially interested in references that can attest to the Contractor’s performance and abilities in similar work, organizations, and scopes of services. • Any requested modifications to the Town’s standard Design Professional Services Agreement (see APPENDIX D), or a statement that there will be no exceptions. • Full disclosure of other client relationships that could present possible conflicts of interest or affect the proposed project.
• Physical location of Contractor’s office.
• Consultant’s proposal shall include a schedule, which also includes adequate review time for all Caltrans submittals. ALL WORK SHALL BE COMPLETED WITHIN NINE (9) CALENDAR MONTHS excepting any time related to Caltrans/DSA review and approval.

Envelope Two – Cost Proposal
A fee proposal containing estimates for the following:
• The not-to-exceed total estimated costs for each sub-section , including Additional Services, broken down by task.
• Any sub-consultant’s costs shown as separate line items. • An estimate of any reimbursable expenses that are anticipated. • A rate sheet showing the hourly rates, by position, for typical positions such as Project Manager, Project Engineer, etc.
• A not-to-exceed total estimated cost for completion of all base Services.

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SECTION IV – Selection Criteria
The following selection criteria will be used in evaluating the proposals and selecting the successful Contractor. These criteria are not listed in any order of priority.

Originality, soundness, and matter of completeness in which the service approach is presented in the proposal.

Of significance is the ability to commence work immediately and complete the services in a timely manner within the current workload of the Contractor.

The qualifications and experience of the company to be awarded the service contract.

Quality of work previously performed, and record of Contractor in accomplishing their work on schedule, within budget allocations, and providing cost estimates.

Accessibility to Contractor’s office with the primary responsibility of services.

Arrangements for compensation will be negotiated, if necessary, after the Contractor is selected.

The Contractor shall enter into a formal agreement with the Town for the services to be rendered.

The Contractor shall carefully review the agreement, especially in regard to the indemnity and insurance provisions, and include with the proposal a description of any exceptions requested to the standard agreement. If there are no exceptions, a statement to that effect shall be included in the proposal.

SECTION V – Additional Information
Indemnification
Contractor shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Town, and any and all of its employees, officials and agents from and against any liability (including liability for claims, suits actions, arbitration proceedings, administrative proceedings, regulatory proceedings, losses, expenses or cost of any kind, whether actual, alleged, or threatened, including attorneys’ fees and costs, court costs, interest, defense costs and expert witness fees) where the same arise out of, are a consequence of, or are in any way attributable to, in whole or in part, the performance of this Agreement by Contractor or by any individual or entity for which Contractor is legally liable, including but not limited to officers, agents, employees or sub-contractor of Contractor.

Independent Contractor
While engaged to carry out and comply with the terms and conditions of the duties outlined in this RFP, the Contractor is an independent contractor, and not an officer, agent, or employee of the Town of Yucca Valley. The personnel performing services shall at all times be under the Contractor’s exclusive direction and control and shall be employees of Contractor and not employees of the Town of Yucca Valley. The Contractor shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due its employees in connection with the Agreement and shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting them, including, but not limited to Social Security, income tax withholding, unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation insurance, state disability

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Yucca Valley City CouncilOctober 20, 2026

Yucca Valley City Council
October 20, 2026