Yucca Valley City Council
October 20, 2026

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
The Mission of the Town of Yucca Valley is to
provide a government that is responsive to its citizens to ensure a safe and secure environment
while maintaining the highest quality of life.

TOWN COUNCIL: 5:00 PM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
Closed Session 4:15 p.m.

Town Hall Conference Room
57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, Ca 92284
Regular Meeting 5:00 p.m.

Yucca Valley Community Center - Yucca Room
57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, Ca 9228
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91355193738?pwd=Q8nbW96IOzS1lnzlxGwKluj3R0hR25.1 Meeting ID: 913 5519 3738 Passcode: 177618 Telephone: (669) 444-9171 Use the above link to access the meeting virtually. Participants will be automatically muted upon entry. During the meeting, participants may “raise their hand” or notify the meeting moderator when they wish to make a public comment. Telephone participants may press *9 to raise their hand and *6 to unmute when called upon; additional instructions will be provided during the meeting as needed.

Public comment is limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, or as otherwise directed by the Mayor/Chair.

In the event of technical difficulties resulting in a loss of connectivity or disruption to virtual streaming, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4 and SB 707, the Town will make a good faith effort to restore public access. No action will be taken on agenda items during the disruption. If access cannot be restored, the meeting will be recessed for at least one hour or until access is restored, in accordance with Government Code Section 54953.4. * * * *
Town Council
Merl Abel, Mayor
Jim Schooler, Mayor Pro Tem
Rick Denison, Council Member
Jeff Drozd, Council Member
Robert Lombardo, Council Member
* * * *
TOWN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
760-369-7207
Public Comments: [email protected]
www.yucca-valley.org

2 | P a g e
AGENDA

MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026, 5:00 PM
The Town of Yucca Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (760) 369-7209 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
The meeting agenda packet is available for public view in the Town Hall lobby and on the Town’s website at www.yucca-valley.org prior to the meeting. For more information on an agenda item or the agenda process, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at (760) 369-7209 ext. 226.

If you wish to comment on any agenda item or on any subject not on the agenda during public comments, please fill out a request to speak card and give to the Town Clerk/Commission Secretary.

Comment time is limited to 3 minutes.

Where appropriate or deemed necessary, action may be taken on any item listed in the agenda.

OPENING CEREMONIES:

Closed Session

1. Town Council will meet in closed session pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) to confer with legal counsel with regard to one matter of potential initiation of litigation.

Call to Order
Roll Call
Council Members Denison, Drozd, Lombardo, Schooler, and Mayor Abel Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Presentations, Introductions, Recognitions

2. Town of Yucca Valley 35th Anniversary Celebration Highlights

3. Town of Yucca Valley 35th Anniversary Recognition
Approval of Agenda

4. Agenda Approval
Recommendation:

Approve the meeting agenda as prepared.

Consent Agenda
All items listed on the consent agenda are routine matters or formal documents covering previous Town Council instruction. Items are enacted by one motion and a second without separate discussion unless a member of the Town Council or Town Staff requests dialog on a

3 | P a g e
specific item at the beginning of the meeting. Requests for public comment on the consent agenda items should be filed with the Town Clerk.

5. Minutes
Recommendation:

Approve the meeting minutes of Tuesday, September 15, 2026 as presented.

6. Hi-Desert Artists - 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway (APN: 0586-334-03) Mural License and Installation and Maintenance Agreement - Wall Mural Permit (M) 01-26 Recommendation:

As recommended by the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission, that the Town Council approves and authorizes the Town Manager to sign the Mural License and Installation and Maintenance Agreement for Wall Mural Permit (M) 01-26.

7. Authorization to Purchase Replacement Fleet Vehicle, Vehicle #51 in the amount not to exceed $55,000, waiving the competitive bidding requirements pursuant to the Town's Purchasing policies.

Recommendation:

Waive the competitive bidding requirements (found in section 3.12.050 of the Town Code) because adherence to the procedures would be inefficient, impractical, and unnecessary (as stated in section 3.12.060, (G)) and authorize the Town Manager or designee to execute a purchase agreement with Palm Springs Motors for a new Ford F150 STX Super crew or Simpson Buick GMC for 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 for the Code Enforcement Division in an amount not to exceed $55,000.00; or if those vehicles are unavailable, authorize the purchase from any dealer who can provide the vehicle to meet the Town's timing needs, and directs staff to return to the Town Council with a final action report following the purchase.

8. Ordinance 335- Second Reading- Amending Chapter 5.40, Temporary Short Term Vacation Rental Permits
Recommendation:

Adopt Ordinance 335 entitled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND RESTATING IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 5.40,

TEMPORARY SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT

9. 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation and Safety Elements Update:

Professional Services - Amendment #1
Recommendation:

Approve Amendment #1 to the professional services agreement with Placeworks, increasing the Agreement value from $162,702 to $199,182 and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and PlaceWorks, for the 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation and Safety Elements Update, in the amount not to exceed $199,182.

4 | P a g e

10. Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road, Project No. 7074; Authorization to release a Request For Proposal (RFP) for Engineering Design Services, project detail consisting of consists of adding two travel lanes, a centerstriped median with two-way left-turn access to Avalon, Camarilla, Del Monte, Hermosa, and Indio Avenues, curb and gutter, street lighting, signage, and pavement striping; concrete headwalls at existing drainage crossings, and the realignment of Indio Avenue north of Yucca Trail.

Recommendation:

California Environmental Quality Act:

Adopt the Resolution, approving the Addendum to the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update Certified Environmental Impact Report, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for Environmental Assessment, EA 10-25; and Request for Proposals:

Authorize the release of the Request For Proposals for the Yucca Trail Widening Project Engineering Design Services – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road, for preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for the project.

11. Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road, Project No. 7074; Authorization to release a Request For Proposal (RFP) for Right-of-Way Acquisition Services
Recommendation:

Authorizes the release of the Request For Proposals for the Yucca Trail Widening Project Right-of-Way Acquisition Services – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road.

12. Approval of Amendment 1 to the Albert A. Webb Associates On-call Public Works Inspection Services Agreement dated January 21, 2025
Recommendation:

Approve Amendment 1 to the Albert A. Webb Associates agreement for Public Works Inspection Services that extends the Contract Term to June 30, 2027, and increases the Contract Sum from $100,000.00 to $200,000.00.

13. AB1234 Reporting Requirements
Recommendation:

Receive and file the AB1234 Reporting Requirement Schedule for the month of September 2026.

14. Ratification of Warrant Registers
Recommendation:

Ratify the Payroll Register totaling $332,474.32 dated September 11, 2026, and $400,379.12 dated September 25, 2026. Ratify the Warrant Register totaling $3,047,519.32 for the period of September 01, 2026, through September 30, 2026.

15. Treasurer's Report for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2026

5 | P a g e
Recommendation:

Receive and file the Treasurer’s Report for the first quarter of FY2026-27.

16. Conditional Use Permit, CUP 06-25, Varian, V 04-25, and Environmental Assessment, EA 17-25 Windmill Wireless Facility "Shot Clock" Tolling Agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and VB BTS II, LLC, Federal Communications Commission Permit Processing Timeline Requirements for Cellular Service Facilities Recommendation:

Approve the tolling agreement and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and VB BTS II, LLC, for a “shot clock” tolling agreement for Conditional Use Permit 06-25, Environmental Assessment 17- 25, and Variance 04-25, for waiver of state mandated CEQA processing timelines, the time period within which the Town may act on the Application, under both California and federal law as described herein, shall be extended through February 1, 2027 (“Extended Date”).

17. Town Council Committee Assignment - Solid Waste Advisory Taskforce Recommendation:

That the Town Council appoint Jessica Rice, Senior Management Analyst, as the alternate representative for the Town of Yucca Valley on the Solid Waste Advisory Taskforce, and notify the County of the addition in representation.

18. CDBG Program Town Application
Recommendation:

Ratify and approve the staff recommended project for the 2027-28 CDBG Program Town Application.

19. Animal Shelter Fence Replacement Project
Recommendation:

That the Town Council Waives formal bidding procedures pursuant to Town purchasing policies and approves the informal bid specification for the Animal Shelter Fence Replacement Project.

20. Professional Services Agreement with JNS Next for Phase II Tourism Marketing Services
Recommendation:

That the Town Council approve the Agreement for Services with JNS Next for Phase II tourism marketing services in an amount not to exceed $104,000, and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the agreement.

Public Hearings

21. Environmental Assessment (EA) 03-26, Development Code Amendment (DCA) 02-26, Ordinance No. 26-XX, Permit Timelines and Extensions for Site Plan and Design Review (SPR) and Conditional Use Permits (CUP), Establishing that the Planning

6 | P a g e
Commission may grant a maximum of two (2) time extensions not to exceed two (2) years per extension for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Site Plan and Design Review (SPR) Applications
Recommendation:

Environmental Assessment (EA) 03-26
Find the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) which states that if an activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA; Development Code Amendment (DCA) 02-26, Ordinance No. 26-XX Adopt and introduce the Ordinance, amending Chapter 9.63 Conditional Use Permit, Section 9.63.110 Extension of Time, and Chapter 9.68 Site Plan and Design Review, Section 9.68.110 Extension of Time of Title 9 (Development Code) of the Town of Yucca Valley Municipal Code, establishing that the Planning Commission may grant a maximum of two (2) time extensions not to exceed two (2) years per extension for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Site Plan and Design Review (SPR) applications, for a total approval time period of seven (7) years.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9.63 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, SECTION

9.63.110 EXTENSION OF TIME, AND CHAPTER 9.68 SITE PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW, SECTION 9.68.110 EXTENSION OF TIME OF TITLE 9 (DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF THE

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION MAY GRANT A MAXIMUM OF TWO (2) TIME EXTENSIONS NOT TO EXCEED TWO (2) YEARS PER EXTENSION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) AND SITE PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW (SPR) APPLICATIONS.

Department Reports

22. YVARC Project Quarterly Update
Recommendation:

Receive and file the Yucca Valley Aquatic and Recreation Center Project quarterly project update.

23. Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Public Works Annual Report
Recommendation:

That the Town Council receives and files the 2025/2026 Public Works Annual Report

24. ROW Landscape Beautification Project – Town Project No. 9104, Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorization to Go to Construction Bidding

7 | P a g e
Recommendation:

That the Town Council adopts Resolution 26-XX, approving the specifications for Project No. 9104, and authorize the Town Clerk to advertise and receive bids.

25. El Nino Preparedness
Recommendation:

That the Town Council receive and file this update regarding the Town of Yucca Valley’s preparedness efforts for the upcoming El Nino and the potential hazards associated with extreme weather.

Future Agenda Items
Public Comments
The Town Council takes this time to consider your comments on items of concern which are not on the agenda. When you are called to speak, please state your name and community of residence. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes or less. Inappropriate behavior which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting will result in forfeiture of your public comment privileges. The Town Council is prohibited by State law from taking action or discussing items not on the printed agenda.

Staff Reports and Comments
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Council Member Denison
Council Member Drozd
Council Member Lombardo
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler
Mayor Abel
Announcements
Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The next regular meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Yucca Room.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2026
Closed Session

1. The Town Council will meet in closed session pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and (3) to confer with legal counsel with regard to one matter of potential exposure to litigation.

Town Attorney Jex reported that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.

Call to Order
Mayor Merl Abel called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM.

Roll Call

Present: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Excused: Robert Lombardo
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance led by Town Manager Yakimow.

Invocation
Invocation led by Joshua Springs CBI Student Jachin Mourn.

Presentations, Introductions, Recognitions

2. Presentation – San Bernardino County Fire District Update presented by Assistant Chief Villarino
Assistant Chief Villarino provided an update on community events, the Explorer Program, the new Fire Station No. 41, and plans for the existing fire station.

Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Council Members Denison and Drozd thanked the Fire District for its community involvement and provided updates on the station project. Mayor Abel also recognized the Fire District’s community support, including the Miracle League, and inquired about the project timeline.

Approval of Agenda

3. Agenda Approval
Town Clerk Dudra requested that item #8 be removed from the agenda due to Council Member Lombardo’s absence and the need for two Council Members to recuse themselves, which would leave insufficient Council Members to consider the item.

Motion:

Approve the agenda as presented, with Item No. 8 pulled for future consideration.

Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Consent Agenda
Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

4. Minutes
Motion:

Approve the meeting minutes of Tuesday, September 1, 2026 as presented.

Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

5. Ratification of Warrant Registers
Motion:

Ratify the Payroll Register totaling $343,590.10 dated August 14, 2026, and $336,634.56 dated August 28, 2026. Ratify the Warrant Register totaling $5,187,311.80 for the period of August 01, 2026, through August 31, 2026.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

6. AB1234 Reporting Requirements
Motion:

Receive and file the AB1234 Reporting Requirement Schedule for the month of August 2026.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

7. Rejection of Claim
Motion:

Reject one Claim filed against the Town of Yucca Valley submitted on July 2, 2026 by Rebecca Sullivan.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

8. Ordinance 335- Second Reading- Amending Chapter 5.40, Temporary Short Term Vacation Rental Permits (ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT)

9. Termination of Lease Agreement with Morongo Unified School District for the Yucca Valley High School Swimming Pool
Motion:

Receive and File the report of Termination of Lease Agreement with Morongo Unified School District for the Yucca Valley High School Swimming Pool.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

10. Authorization to Release Request for Proposal for Landscape Maintenance Services Motion:

Authorize the release of Request for Proposal, subject to minor modifications, for Landscape Maintenance Services along State Route 62 (SR 62) median islands, outer highway segments, Town median islands, Town facilities and parks.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)

Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

11. Town Project No. 4100 : Yucca Valley Community Center Athletic Facilities Project — Phase 1, Notice of Completion
Motion:

Accept the project as substantially complete, authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion, authorize the reduction of the Faithful Performance Bond to 10%, and direct staff to retain the Labor and Material Bond for six (6) months for Project No. 4100.

Result: (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Department Reports

12. 2026-27 Youth Commission Appointments
Community Services Manager Earnest introduced Museum Supervisor Hilderbrand as the lead staff member for the Youth Commission. Museum Supervisor Hilderbrand introduced the Youth Commission applicants to the Town Council.

Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Mayor Pro Tem Schooler commended the applicants for their participation and community involvement. Council Member Drozd thanked the applicants for their commitment and encouraged returning members to mentor new members. Council Member Denison praised the Youth Commission program and shared his appreciation for its value to local youth. Mayor Abel encouraged the applicants to continue participating, emphasizing the value of the program and the leadership skills they would develop.

Motion:

Appoint the applicants recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission to the 2026-27 Youth Commission, waiving the twenty-person limit, and authorizing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission to review future applications and make subsequent appointments on behalf of the Council.

Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler

13. Town Fleet Program Update
Public Works Director Qishta provided an update on the Town Fleet Program.

Town Manager Yakimow noted that as the Town grows, it has been able to expand its fleet and previously relied on used vehicles from other municipalities.

Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Council Member Denison expressed appreciation for the updated equipment and asked whether vehicle maintenance was performed in-house.

Public Works Director Qishta confirmed that all maintenance is outsourced.

Council Member Denison expressed support for this approach.

14. ERP Implementation Project and WorkDay Subscription Agreement Finance Manager Gumbish presented the ERP Implementation Project and Workday Subscription Agreement.

Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Council discussed the proposed investment, software comparisons, potential staff efficiencies, funding, and implementation costs.

Zoe Schetman provided additional information on Workday’s scalability and adaptability to agency needs and referenced other California public agencies using the software.

Motion:

1. Authorize the Town Manager to execute the Workday Universal Main Subscription Agreement, Public Sector Addendum and Order Form No. 00580775.0 for a ten-year subscription term from September 18, 2026 through September 17, 2036, in a total amount not to exceed $1,357,596.

2. Authorize the Town Manager to execute the ERP Analysts, Inc. (ERPA) Master

Services Agreement and Workday implementation Statement of Work for a total amount not to exceed $674,167.

3. Authorize the Town Manager to execute a revised ERPA customer-side project management and staff augmentation Statement of Work for a 12-month term and an amount not to exceed $144,000.

4. Authorize a FY 2026-27 budget amendment of $1,050,000 to the ERP Implementation Project account from the Capital Project Reserve Fund 800 for a total implementation budget of $1,500,000 for contract, subscription, and allowance costs through FY2028 as identified in Exhibit A.

5. Authorize the Town Manager, or designee, to approve project change orders and ancillary expenditures within the Council-approved project budget and an aggregate contingency limit of $150,000, provided that no action increases the total project budget or materially changes the approved scope without further Council authorization.

Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Mayor Merl Abel
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Future Agenda Items
Mayor Abel acknowledged the community’s longstanding history with rodeo events and noted that the Town does not coordinate or sponsor rodeos. Mayor Pro Tem Schooler referenced the community survey, and the Town Manager noted that 4% of respondents to the 2024 survey identified rodeo as an area of interest. Following discussion, Council did not express interest in pursuing the matter as a future agenda item at this time.

Public Comments
Mayor Abel opened the public comment period.

Radon Lane thanked the Town Council for its service and shared positive feedback regarding Workday, offering to answer questions about his company’s experience with the software.

Allie Irwin referenced existing Town code provisions regarding animal abuse and expressed concern about their consistent application to all animals.

Corbett Brattin referenced the Town’s animal abuse ordinances and urged consistent enforcement to protect all animals.

Melissa Spurr encouraged Council to reconsider its position on animal treatment in rodeos and other events.

Joel Seeapno introduced himself as a nurse and new Yucca Valley resident and expressed interest in school health and healthcare access.

Glen Harris announced an upcoming job and resource fair at Copper Mountain College on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring approximately 50 organizations.

Brenda Calvillo advocated for additional animal protection measures, including restrictions on certain tools and devices, and encouraged the Town to take steps to prevent animal abuse.

With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Staff Reports and Comments
Deputy Town Manager Luckino noted that Council approved the BMX contract and that progress is expected to begin soon.

Deputy Town Manager Stueckle reported that the Planning Commission is finalizing its analysis of the Night Sky Ordinance, which will return to Council.

Town Manager Yakkimow provided an update on Western Joshua Tree legislation, noting ongoing coordination with state staff and hopes for pending legislation to be signed into law.

Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Council Member Denison congratulated the Youth Commission and thanked staff for supporting the program, noting the value of youth involvement in the community.

Council Member Drozd thanked the public for their comments and expressed appreciation for hearing a variety of perspectives.

Mayor Pro Tem Schooler provided an update on the fire station and reminded the community about the upcoming farmers market.

Mayor Abel encouraged residents to attend the farmers market and upcoming Orchid Festival and Open Art Tours. He noted that magazines with maps are available throughout Town and at the Welcome Center. He thanked the Gubler family for their years of fundraising support for local nonprofits and thanked those who provided public comments.

Council Member Drozd reminded the public that the Animal Committee meeting would be held at 5:30 p.m.

Announcements
Mayor Abel announced the next regular meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council will be held

on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Yucca Room.

Mayor Abel adjourned the regular meeting at 06:32 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Brooke Dudra
Town Clerk

Item: 6.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Staff Report
To: Town Council
From: Evan Willoughby, Associate Planner, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: September 3, 2026
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Subject: Hi-Desert Artists - 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway (APN: 0586-334-03) Mural License and Installation and Maintenance Agreement - Wall Mural Permit (M) 01-26 Recommendation:

As recommended by the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission, that the Town Council approves and authorizes the Town Manager to sign the Mural License and Installation and Maintenance Agreement for Wall Mural Permit (M) 01-26.

Prior Review:

There has been no prior Town Council review of this item.

Discussion:

Pursuant to the Mural Policy adopted by the Town Council on February 21, 2023, the Planning Commission is the review authority for the approval of placement and application of proposed murals and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission is the review authority for mural content, design, and artist qualifications. The Town Council is the review authority for approval of agreements and/or easements. The agreement allows the Town to directly regulate the design of the mural.

On June 23, 2026, the Town’s Planning Commission approved (Vote 5-0) the placement of Wall Mural Permit No. (M) 01-26, a mural located on the east building wall of the Hi-Desert Artists building at 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway.

On August 13, 2026, the Town’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission approved (Vote 4- 0) the design, content, and Artist qualifications for Wall Mural Permit No. (M) 01-26 for the mural, pictured below.

The proposed mural, Where Time Rests In Stone by Victoria Rothlisberg measures 20 feet in length and 11 feet in height (220 square feet), and is proposed for installation on the eastfacing wall of the Hi-Desert Artists building at the intersection of Geronimo Trail and Highway

62. The mural is primarily visible to highway traffic traveling west and to visitors onsite.

The building where the mural is to be located is occupied by Hi-Desert Artists and operates as an artist-run art center featuring gallery shows, classes, events, and a local artist gift shop.

The proposed mural is themed towards desert wildlife, landscapes, and history, depicting various design elements (Bighorn Sheep, Desert Rocks, Joshua Trees, Pioneer Wagon) against a backdrop of natural Yucca Valley landscape. The artist, Victoria Rothlisberg, states:

Yucca Valley is a place where time slows down and the land remembers. This mural captures the strength and serenity of our high desert — where wildlife roams free, ancient rocks stand watch, and the sky puts on a show every day. It is my hope that this piece inspires pride and connection for all who live in, work in, and visit our extraordinary valley.

The Town’s adopted Mural Program Policy requires each Wall Mural applicant to enter into an agreement with the Town, through a mural easement agreement or similar, attached to this staff report.

Alternatives
N/A
Fiscal Impact:

N/A
Attachments

1. Mural (M) 01-26 @ 55635 29 Palms Highway - Hi-Desert Artist

2. Mural License and Maintenance Agreement - M 01-26 - 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway

3. PC Minutes 6-23-26 - M 01-26

4. PRCC Minutes 8-13-26 M 01-26

5. TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY - MURAL PROGRAM POLICY - ADOPTED FEBRUARY 21, 2023

VICTORIA ROTHLISBERG
4929 Canton St | Yucca Valley, CA 92284 | 760-832-5611

ARTIST HISTORY
In 1975, I emigrated to Australia to follow my husband’s career in marine biology.

In 1981, I received my degree in Fine Art. I taught at the Brisbane Institute of Art, Adult Education, and from my own studio for 15 years. I have had six one-man shows. The last show was The Marianne Partlow Gallery in Olympia, Washington. Another exhibition was opened by the Governor General of Canada to raise money for children with special needs in Brisbane, Queensland. I am collected in Canada, USA, and Australia.

My commissions include private homes and hotels in Sydney and Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef. The includes 25 paintinfs for Hamilton Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. I am included in numerous publications and group exhibitions, but they are not relevant to the USA.

When I returned from Australia, I began work with a reconstruction crew and an interior designer. I then painted four, 25- x 10-foot murals for Castelli’s Restaurant in Palm Desert.

The restaurant also included painting doors and decorative areas, all in two months’ time. I have painted the interiors of large homes in Racho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indian Wells. One of the more interesting was to paint for a Brookfield Assisted Living Memory Care Unit. I made the elevator doors look like a view from an office ot the Seattle Space Needle, and the fire doors to look like bookshelves with toys, clocks, and books. A lot of work entailed faux painting, a specialized field to achieve special effects.

In recent time, I have been participating in the Art Tours since 2015. I exhibit at the two-year-old Hi-Desert Artists Gallery. This is where I hope to paint the mural.

In Joshua Tree, I set up at the second Saturday shows with Juniper Arts Gallery.

VICTORIA ROTHLISBERG
4929 Canton St | Yucca Valley, CA 92284 | 760-832-5611

ARTIST STATEMENT
My exploration into art began when I was seven years old, drawing horses I believed were alive - I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. Like the early cave painters, I felt the images held a spirit. That sense of life inside the work has guided me ever since.

Twenty years later, my first exhibition in Australia drew from imagined ancient worlds. My formal training in Fine Art deepened a lifelong fascination with archaeology, geology, and primal symbols. I created what I called "museum pieces" - collaged works made with handmade papers and found objects that felt like artifacts from another time. These works became the foundation of my artistic voice.

Today, my paintings are the culmination of decades spent riding trails, absorbing light, and experiencing the physical presence of the land - feeling rock, space, and time through the rhythm of a horse beneath me. The desert is not just a subject; it is a lived experience. I work primarily in acrylic, drawn to its immediacy and responsiveness. The medium allows for movement, risk, and the unexpected - what I think of as "useful mistakes." My process is intuitive and physical, balancing structure with freedom, and observation with memory.

Recently, I have incorporated new tools, including digital exploration, to quickly study composition, light, and large-scale design. This process allows me to refine ideas more efficiently, but the final work remains rooted in direct experience, hand, and eye.

At its core, my work is about presence - capturing the intersection of time, land, and perception. I continue to ride, observe, and paint, still searching for the moment when the image carries something beyond itself. And always, I rely on trail-savvy horses who know exactly when to stop and let me take it all in.

Mural at Desert Star

4938-6129-5941 v2

MURAL LICENSE AND INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
WALL MURAL PERMIT (M) 01-26,

HI-DESERT ARTISTS
55635 TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGHWAY,
YUCCA VALLEY, CA 92284
This MURAL LICENSE AND INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made on by and between the owner of the property located at 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway, APN: 0586-334-03, 55635 29 PALMS HIGHWAY HOLDINGS LLC (Owner), Victoria Rothlisberg (Artist), and the Town of Yucca Valley, a municipal corporation (Town). Owner, Artist, and Town may be referred to, individually or collectively, as Party or Parties.

RECITALS
A. The Town understands the importance of art in public places and the role that murals play in preserving our culture, conveying the history of our community, beautifying the Town, and advancing the arts.

B. Murals are permitted under the Town's Mural Program Policy (the Policy), as adopted by the Town Council on February 21, 2023.

C. The Policy requires that persons wishing to install a mural on their property submit an application to do so with the Town. The proposed design must be reviewed and approved by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission, and the applicant must enter into an agreement with the Town such that the Town can regulate the design, construction, and maintenance of the mural.

D. On June 23, 2026, the Town's Planning Commission approved the mural placement for Wall Mural Permit No. (M) 01-26, for a mural at the Hi-Desert Artists building by Victoria Rothlisberg titled Where Time Rests In Stone, which will include coverage of one building frontage, as described in greater detail in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (the Mural).

E. On August 13, 2026 the Town's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission approved the design and artist qualifications for Wall Mural Permit No. (M) 01- 26, for a mural at the Property by Victoria Rothlisberg titled Where Time Rests In Stone, which will include coverage of one building frontage, as described in greater detail in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (the Mural).

F. The Town, Owner, and Artist now wish to enter into this Agreement to ensure the installation and maintenance of the Mural in conformance with the design approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission.

4938-6129-5941 v2
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

4938-6129-5941 v2
Article l
Definitions

1.1. "Commercial" means words or images used elsewhere in the marketplace for the purpose of promoting a particular business, product, service, cause, place or brand.

1.2. "Good condition" means that the mural is free of dirt, debris, and any other object or substance interfering with the public's view of the Mural.

1.3. "License" means the irrevocable right granted by Licensor to Licensee, to run concurrently with the Agreement, to ensure that the Mural conforms to the requirements of this Agreement and the Town's Policy.

1.4. "Mural" means a picture or representation, in any type of medium, on an exterior surface of a building, structure, fence or garden wall.

Article 2
Owner's Covenants

2.1. Authorization. Owner covenants that Owner owns the property located at 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway, APN: 0586-334-03 (the "Property"), is authorized to permit the Mural's installation upon the east building facade of the Property, and will permit Artist to do so following this Agreement's execution.

2.2. Maintenance and Repair. Owner covenants to maintain and repair the Mural during the term of this Agreement so that the Mural is at all times in a state of good condition.

Article 3
Artist's Covenants

3.1. Installation. Artist covenants to complete installation of the Mural on Building Frontage l, Building Frontage 2, and Building Frontage 3 of the Property within 60 days after this Agreement's execution.

3.2. Necessary Artistic Repairs. Artist covenants to assist Owner in making any necessary repairs to the Mural's artistic content, including, but not limited to, restoring a damaged portion of the Mural's content.

3.3. Ownership. Except as provided below, the Mural will be fully owned by Owner, and Owner may use the Mural in its own promotional materials. Owner, however, will not hold a license to reproduce or sell the Mural to a third party, except that if the Property is sold, the Mural may be sold to the new property owner.

4938-6129-5941 v2
Article 4
Term, Termination, and Extension

4.1. Term. This Agreement shall have a term often (10) years from the date of execution, unless terminated pursuant to Article 4.

4.2. Owner's Termination. Owner may elect to terminate this Agreement without any Liability-to-Artist-or-Town of-Artist: (a) fails to-install the mural as specified in this Agreement; or(b) fails to complete installation of the mural on the date required by Section

3.l for any reason. 1n the event of such termination, Owner may elect to cover or remove those parts of the Mural that have been installed.

4.3. Town's Termination. Town may elect to terminate this Agreement without any liability to Artist or Owner if the Mural is not maintained in accordance with Section

7.l.

4.4. Extension. The Parties hereto may mutually agree in writing to extend the term of this Agreement for successive five (5) year periods.

Article 5
Mural Specifications

5.1. Content. The Mural shall conform to the design approved by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission as attached in Exhibit A. Any deviation from the design that is not approved in writing by the Town is a violation of this Agreement and triggers the Town's right of access specified in Section 7.2.

5.2. Sponsor and Artist Identification. In no event shall the name of a sponsor, a sponsor product likeness, or the Artist's signature individually comprise more than one (l) percent of the mural.

5.3. Configuration and Dimensions. The Mural shall be of the same configuration and dimensions as the scale rendition approved by the Planning Commission and Owner.

Article 6
Installation

6.1. Time of Installation. Artist shall begin installing the Mural as soon as reasonably practicable after this Agreement's execution.

6.2. Notice of installation. Artist shall provide advance notice in writing to Owner of the date and time Artist intends to install the Mural. Artist may thereafter proceed with the installation if Owner is not present, unless Owner notifies Artist in writing otherwise.

4938-6129-5941 v2

6.3. Materials. Artist shall be responsible for providing all materials necessary to install the Mural. Payment for the Mural, including materials costs, shall be negotiated between Owner and Artist. The Town shall contribute no funds to the project.

6.4. Landscape Protection and Removal. To the extent reasonably practicable under the circumstances, Artist shall take care to protect any landscaping on the Property during installation. If installation requires the removal of any landscaping on the Property, Artist shall be responsible for replacing the landscaping after completing installation. Prior to removing or altering any landscaping on the Property, Artist shall first require Owner's consent to such removal or alteration.

6.5. Application for Encroachment Permit. Artist shall determine whether installation of the mural requires an encroachment permit pursuant to Yucca Valley Municipal Code·Chapter 12.60, which requires an encroachment permit for any work performed in the public right of way or utility easements in the Town, and, if required, Artist shall acquire said permit prior to commencing the mural's installation.

Article 7
Maintenance and Repairs

7.1. Maintenance and Repairs. Owner shall be responsible for maintaining the Mural in good condition at all times while this Agreement is in force. If, for any reason, the Mural is not so maintained, as determined by Town, Town shall notify Owner of the need to perform maintenance and/or repairs and identify the actions necessary for compliance with this provision. If, a:fter thirty (30) days from the date of the Town's notification to Owner of the need for maintenance and/or repairs, Owner has not performed the actions identified by Town as being necessary for compliance with this provision, Town as the Licensee may enter Owner's property and perform any necessary maintenance and/or repairs at Owner's expense.

7.2. License; Right of Access. Owner (Licensor) hereby grants Town and Artist (Licensees) an irrevocable License, including the right of access to the Property, to paint the Mural and to perform maintenance and repairs required pursuant to this Agreement, and otherwise to ensure the Mural remains in good condition and conforms to the approved design (Exhibit A) while this Agreement is in force. The irrevocable License will run concurrently with the term of this Agreement. In the event that Licensor modifies the Mural without the written consent of the Licensees, Licensees may provide Licensor with a written notice to cure within a specified time; if Licensor fails to cure, Licensees may enter the Property and either correct the violation by hiring Artist to do so, or the Town may paint over the Mural. Any costs associated with curing the violations shall be borne by Licensor, including Licensees' attorneys' fees.

4938-6129-5941 v2
Article 8
Removal

8.1. Removal by Town. Town may remove the Mural at Owner's expense if Owner fails to maintain the Mural in good condition as provided in Section 7.l.

8.2. Removal by Owner. Owner may remove the mural at Owner's expense if Owner reasonably determines that the mural is harming the Property or limiting Owner's ability to use the Property for the purpose for which it is intended; provided that Owner shall provide Artist and Town with sixty (60) days' notice that Owner intends to remove the mural at the end of the notice period. If possible, Owner shall work with Artist and Town to find another suitable site for the mural.

Article 9
Insurance and Indemnification

9.1. Insurance. Owner agrees to obtain and maintain in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement the insurance policies set forth in Exhibit "B" "Insurance" and made a part of this Agreement. All insurance policies shall be subject to approval by the Town as to form and content. These requirements are subject to amendment or waiver if so approved in writing by the City Manager. Owner agrees to provide-the Town with copies of the required policies upon - request.

9.2. Indemnification and Coordination. Owner agrees:
(i) to indemnify Town and Artist for any costs either party incurs in connection with the Mural caused by the actions of the Owner, their officers, employees, or agents, or any person who was under their control insofar as permitted by law. Further, Owner agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend Artist and the Town of Yucca Valley, its officials, members, agents, and employees (collectively the Indemnified Parties) against any claims, costs, damages, demands, liability, and notice, or any of these, arising or resulting from any <damage or injury proximately caused by actions of either Indemnified Party in connection with the Mural, regardless of whether the either Indemnified Party is actively negligent or passively negligent, except for those claims, costs, damages, demands, liability, and notice, or any of these, caused solely by the negligence or willful misconduct of either Indemnified Party; and (ii) to cooperate with the Town to respond to specific risks, hazards, and dangers to public health and safety that are reasonably foreseeable consequences of the activity contemplated by this Agreement.

4938-6129-5941 v2
Article 10
Intellectual Property

10.1. Ownership: Town, its successors and assigns, shall own all rights in the mural except as specified below.

10.2. Copyright. Subject to the restrictions and usage rights and licenses granted to Owner hereunder, and unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in writing, Artist shall retain all 17 U.S.C. §106 copyrights in all original works of authorship produced under this Agreement. If Artist is comprised of two or more individual persons, the individual persons shall be deemed joint authors of the mural.

10.3. Owner's Intellectual Property License. Artist hereby grants to Owner, and to Owner's agents, authorized contractors and assigns, and to Town an unlimited and irrevocable license to do the following with respect to the Mural:
(i) Owner may use and display the mural on the Property only. (ii) Owner and Town may make, display, and distribute, and authorize the making, display, and distribution of photographs and other reproductions of the mural.

Owner and Town may use such reproductions for any Owner-related or Town-related purpose, including advertising, educational and promotional materials, brochures, hooks, flyers, postcards, print, broadcast, film, electronic, and multimedia publicity. Owner and Town shall ensure that such reproductions are made in a professional and tasteful manner, in their sole and reasonable judgment. Owner and Town shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that such reproduction include the following credit line and copyright notice where practicable: "[Title of Artwork]" © [Year of completion] by [Artist's name]. Failure to include such credit line and not in any reproductions shall not constitute a breach of this agreement. Neither Owner nor Town may license-sublicense-its-rights-for any-private or commercial purpose; This license granted hereunder does not include the right to sell photographs or reproductions of the mural or to reproductions.

10.4. Third Party Infringement. Artist represents and warrants that the mural is the sole work of the Artist and <does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third parties. Neither Owner nor Town is responsible for any third party infringement of Artist's copyright or for protecting Artist's intellectual property rights. Further, Artist agrees to indemnify Owner and Town against any claims brought against Owner or Town alleging that the mural infringes the intellectual property rights of any third parties.

10.5. Publicity. Owner and Town shall have the right to use Artist's name, likeness, and biographical information, in connection with the display or reproduction and distribution of the mural. Artist shall be reasonably available to attend any ceremonies related to the mural.

4938-6129-5941 v2

10.6. Trademark. In the event that Owner's or Town's use of the mural creates trademark, service mark or trade dress rights in connection with the mural, Owner and Town shall have an exclusive and irrevocable right in such trademark, service mark, or trade dress.

10.7. Waiver of Artist's Rights. With respect to the mural produced under this Agreement, and in consideration of the procedures and remedies specified in this Agreement, Artist hereby waives any and all claims, arising at any time and under any circumstances, against Owner and Town, its officers, agents, employees, successors and assigns, arising under the federal Visual Artists Rights Aet (17 U.S.C. §§106A and 113(d)), the California Art Preservation Act (Cal. Civil code §§987, et seq.), and any other legal, state, federal or international laws that convey rights of the same nature as those conveyed under 17 U.S.C. §l 06A, Cal. Civil Code §§ 987, et seq., or any other type of moral right protecting the integrity of works of art. Specifically, Artist hereby waives any and all such claims against Owner or any future owners of the Property, and its agents, officers and employees, and Town. Artist hereby represents and warrants that the Artist is authorized to sign this waiver.

Article 11
Miscellaneous Provisions

11.1. Limitation of Liability. UNDER NO ERREUMSTANEES SHALL ONE PARTY TO

THIS AGREEMENT BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,

INDIRECT, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, IN ELUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF OR IN

CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY ACTIVITIES PERFORMED IN CONNECTION

WITH THIS AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A CLAIM MADE BY THAT PARTY IS BASED ON CONTRACT OR TORT.

11.2. Survival. The provisions contained in Article l O shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

11.3. Modification and Amendment. This Agreement may not be modified, nor may compliance with any of its terms be waived, except by written instrument executed and approved in the same manner as this Agreement.

11.4. Governing Law; Venue. The formation, interpretation and performance of this Agreement-shall-be-governed-by-the-laws-of the -State of California; withoutregard to its conflict of laws principles. Venue for all litigation relative to the formation, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be in San Bernardino County.

11.5. Headings. All article and section headings and captions contained in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not be considered in constructing this Agreement.

11.6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties, and supersede all other oral or written provisions.

11.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts and signatures may be exchanged by facsimile or electronically, each of which shall be deemed to be an original document, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same document.

11.8. Relationship of the Parties. Nothing contained in the Agreement shall be construed as creating any agency, partnership, or other form of joint enterprise between the Parties. The relationship between the Parties shall at all times be that of independent contractors. Neither Party shall have authority to contract for or hind the other in any manner whatsoever. The Agreement confers no rights upon either Party except those expressly granted herein.

11.9. Attorneys' Fees. In the event either party eommenees legal proceedings for the enforcement of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recovery of its attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and court costs incurred in the action brought thereon. Attomey's fees and litigation expenses shall include without limitation costs of preparation and discovery and retaining expert witnesses, and such fees and expenses shall be payable whether or not the litigation proceeds to final judgment. "Prevailing party" shall be defined as the party with a net monetary recovery, a defendant in whose favor a dismissal is entered, a defendant where neither plaintiff nor defendant obtains any relief, and a defendant as against those plaintiffs who do not recover any relief against that defendant. When any party receiver other than monetary relief and in situations other than as specified herein, the prevailing party shall be as determined by the court.

11.10. Notiees. Notiees or other communications required by this Agreement will be sufficiently made or given if mailed by certified First Class United States mail, postage pre-paid, or by commercial carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, ete.) when the carrier maintains receipt or record of delivery, addressed to the address stated below, or to the last address specified in writing by the intended recipient.

Owner: 55635 29 PALMS HIGHWAY HOLDINGS LLC
2501 12th Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Email: [email protected]
Artist: Victoria Rothlisberg
4929 Canton St
Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Town: Town of Yucca Valley
57090 Twentynine Palms Highway
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Attn: Town Manager
Email: [email protected]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first specified herein.

Owner

55635 29 PALMS HIGHWAY HOLDINGS LLC

Artist

Victoria Rothlisberg
Town

Curtis Yakimow, Town Manager

4938-6129-5941 v2

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF WORK

EXHIBIT B INSURANCE
lnsurance Requirements for Mural Agreement
The Owner shall procure and maintain for the duration of the agreement, and for two years thereafter, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Owner, their agents, representatives, employees, or subcontractors.

MINIMUM SCOPE AND LIMIT OF INSURANCE
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1. Commercial General Liability (CGL): lnsurance Services Office (ISO) Farm CG 00 01 covering CGL on an "occurrence" basis, including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal & advertising injury with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. lf a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

2. Automobile Liability: lnsurance Services Office Farm CA 0001 covering Code 1 (any auto), with limits no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

3. Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employers’ Liability insurance with a limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

Self-lnsured Retentions
Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the Town. At the option of the Town, either: the Owner shall cause the insurer shall to reduce or eliminate such selfinsured retentions as respects the Town of Yucca Valley, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers; or the Owner shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the Town guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or Town.

Other lnsurance Provisions:

Additional lnsured
The Town of Yucca Valley its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Owner including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by or on behalf of the Owner. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Owner's insurance at least as broad as one of the following ISO ongoing operations Forms: CG 20 10 or CG

20 26 or CG 20 33 (not allowed from subcontractors), or CG 20 38; and one of t h e following so completed operations Forms: GC 20 37; 2039 (not allowed- from subcontractors), or CG 20 40.

Primary lnsurance
For any claims related to this project, the Owner's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects the Town, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the Town, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Owner's insurance and shall not contribute with it.

Notice of Cancellation
Owner shall provide immediate written notice if (1) any of the required insurance policies is terminated; (2) the limits of any of the required policies are reduced; (3) or the deductible or self-insured retention is increased. ln the event of any cancellation or reduction in coverage or limits of any insurance, Owner shall forthwith obtain and submit proof of substitute insurance.

Acceptability of lnsurers
Insurance is to be placed with insurers authorized to conduct business in the state with a current A.M. Best rating of no less than A: VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the Town.

Waiver of Subrogation
The Owner hereby grants to the Town a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of the Owner may acquire against the Town by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Owner agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether the Town has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. However, the Workers' Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Town for all work performed by the Owner, its employees, agents and subcontractors.

Verification of Coverage
Owner shall furnish the Town with original Certificates of lnsurance including all required amendatory endorsements (or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause) and a copy of the Declarations and Endorsement Page of the CGL policy listing all policy endorsements to Town before work begins. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Owner's obligation to provide them. The Town reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements, required by these specifications, at any time.

Subcontractors
Owner shall require and verify that all subcontractors maintain insurance meeting all the requirements stated herein, and Owner shall ensure that Town is an additional insured on insurance required from subcontractors. For CGL coverage subcontractors shall provide coverage with a form at least as broad as CG 20 38 04 13.

Special Risks or Circumstances
The Town reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other circumstances.

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY – MURAL PROGRAM POLICY
ADOPTED BY TOWN COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023

TOWN MURAL PROGRAM POLICY

1. Location: Properties within commercial (C-MU, C-N, C-G, C-C, C-O) and Old Town (OTHC, OTI/C, OTMU, OTC/R) zoning districts are eligible to apply for a Wall Mural permit.

2. Maximum Number of Murals Per Site: One (1) mural per building wall may be approved bythePlanning Commission.

3. Advertisement Value: Words and/or images shall not be incorporated within a proposed mural which specifically identifies or reflects the business, products and/or services provided by the business occupying the structure, except that business name may be included within a mural with the maximum size of the business name not exceeding a size allowed by the Town’s approved sign code, subject to Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission Approval.

4. Design Theme: Murals emphasizing local history, geography, flora, fauna, culture, and heritage of the Town are encouraged; however, all submissions for wall murals are welcome. The design shall be applied by a qualified mural artist as determined by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission.

5. Sign Area: Wallmuralsshall notbecalculated asbusiness advertising signage and is notsubject to themaximum wallsign area ratio. Murals can occupy an entire single wall on which the mural is applied.

6. Color Scheme: The colors used in the mural signs are encouraged to be complimentary and harmonious with the exterior colors of the building, however all color schemes may be considered.

7. Illumination: Illumination shall conform with the Town’s lighting standards.

Lighting shall be fully shielded or recessed in such a manner as to preclude adverse impacts to adjacent property as a result of light trespass, or to any member of the public who may be traveling on adjacent roadways or right-ofway. Illumination shall not result in any light trespass, as measured at the property line of the subject property.

8. Materials: Paint used in wall murals shall be appropriate for use in outdoor locale and shall be permanent and long-lasting. As feasible, murals shall be

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY – MURAL PROGRAM POLICY
ADOPTED BY TOWN COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023
vandal/graffiti resistant. Wall murals shall not contain electrical or mechanical components, changing images, or automated methods resulting in movement or change of mural image or messaging.

9. Maintenance: Murals shall be maintained or removed if not maintained.

Examples of a mural requiring maintenance include, but are not limited to, paint fading or chipping and damage to the surface of the wall or mural. If the property changes ownership, the new owner is responsible to either remove or maintain the existing mural.

10. Permitting Process: Planning Commission approval shall be required for mural placement and application, and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission approval shall be required for mural content, design, and artist qualifications.

11. Agreement with the Town: Each Wall Mural Applicant is required to enter into an agreement with the Town, through a mural easement agreement or similar.

The agreement allows the Town to directly regulate the design of the mural.

12. Findings: Prior to approving a Wall Mural application, the Planning Commission shall find and justify that all of the following are true:

A. The proposed mural exhibits exceptional design quality and incorporates high quality material that enhance the overall development and appearance ofthe site and will not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
B. The proposed mural is well integrated with the buildings and other elements of the property;
C. The proposed mural, by its design, construction and location, will not have a substantial adverse effect on abutting property or the permitted use thereof, and will contribute to the Town's unique character and quality of life;
D. The proposed mural is consistent with the goals, policies and standardsofthe Town's General Plan and applicable specificplans; E. That the granting the Wall Mural Permit is based upon its distinct quality and does not constitute a grantingofspecial privileges beyond those provided for by criteria provided above.

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY – MURAL PROGRAM POLICY
ADOPTED BY TOWN COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Mural Easement and PRCC Public Art Policy
Each mural applicant will be required to enter into an agreement with the Town, through a mural easement or similar tool. The agreement allows the Town to have a financial interest, if the program is ultimately approved by the Town Council, in the mural and allows the Town to regulate the design of the mural.

The PRCC Public Art Policy is directed towards developing a high-quality permanent art collection for the community. Public Art includes art that is displayed for two weeks or more in open Town-controlled area, on the exterior of any Town-maintained facility, within any Town owned facility, and/or in areas designated or commonly regarded as public areas, lobbies, and public assembly areas.

The work of art may include murals. The mural easement agreement would enable the Town to have both a financial interest and regulatory capability on murals. As such, consideration may be provided to the mural program being incorporated into the PRCC Public Art Policy and the PRCC as the reviewing authority for murals.

Item: 7.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Staff Report
To: Town Council
From: Alex Qishta, Public Works Director, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: September 4, 2026
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Subject: Authorization to Purchase Replacement Fleet Vehicle, Vehicle #51 in the amount not to exceed $55,000, waiving the competitive bidding requirements pursuant to the Town's Purchasing policies.

Recommendation:

Waive the competitive bidding requirements (found in section 3.12.050 of the Town Code) because adherence to the procedures would be inefficient, impractical, and unnecessary (as stated in section 3.12.060, (G)) and authorize the Town Manager or designee to execute a purchase agreement with Palm Springs Motors for a new Ford F150 STX Super crew or Simpson Buick GMC for 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 for the Code Enforcement Division in an amount not to exceed $55,000.00; or if those vehicles are unavailable, authorize the purchase from any dealer who can provide the vehicle to meet the Town's timing needs, and directs staff to return to the Town Council with a final action report following the purchase.

Prior Review:

There has been no prior review of this matter.

Discussion:

On September 2, 2026, Vehicle #51 was involved in an accident at Hanford Avenue and Yucca Trail. Vehicle #51, a 2023 Ford F-150 truck, sustained substantial damage to the frame. The Town’s insurance adjuster declared the vehicle a total loss and recommended reimbursement/funds for a replacement. To avoid delay, Town staff have prepared and submitted a specification detail to all local dealers within a 200-mile radius requesting prices on available vehicles on their lot, thus eliminating the significant wait periods currently encountered for vehicles purchased by government contracts. Utilizing Town of Yucca Valley Municipal Code 3.12.060 - G. “3.12.060: EXCEPTIONS TO COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS: Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, the competitive bidding procedures and requirements may be dispensed with in any of the following instances: G. When the Town Council finds that adherence to the procedures in this Chapter would be inefficient, impractical, and unnecessary.” Using the State bid list has proven

inefficient, as demonstrated by the extensive and unreasonable wait times of 6–12 months.

Therefore, staff would exercise section 3.12.060 (G) highlighted in the attached policy, to conduct an informal bid process, which can consist of direct quote solicitations. The replacement vehicle is necessary for efficient Town maintenance operations.

Alternatives
Staff recommends no alternatives at this time.

Fiscal Impact:

There are no federal funds or grants associated with this purchase. The Town will utilize fleet reserve funds budgeted within Capital Project Reserve Fund 800. The purchase price of the 2026 Ford F150 STX Super crew vehicle is $50,721.64, including delivery and taxes, and the purchase price of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is $49,093.94, including delivery and tax.

Description Qty Unit Price Total
Ford F150 1 $45,428.00 $45,428.00
Fees and Taxes 1 $5,293.64 $5,293.64
PURCHASE TOTAL $50,721.64
Description Qty Unit Price Total
GMC Sierra 1500 1 $44,020.00 $44,020.00
Fees and Taxes 1 $5,073.94 $5,073.94
PURCHASE TOTAL $49,093.94
The Town's insurance carrier will evaluate the Town’s claim and will provide information on total reimbursement to the Town with a partial or full cost of the vehicle replacement. A second quote has been included to illustrate that the purchase price is within standard ranges and is competitive in the general marketplace. CIRA will pursue subrogation on the Town's behalf to recover the costs associated with the claim from the owner of the other vehicle involved in the accident, who was determined to be at fault.

Attachments

1. 3.12.060 Exceptions to competitive bidding requirements

2. Quote for F-150

3. TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

4. Sourcewell Quote 36106

5. GMC Sierra Quote

6. GMC-Quote 2

3.12.060: EXCEPTIONS TO COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS:

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the competitive bidding procedures and requirements may be dispensed with in any of the following instances:

A. When the estimated amount involved is less than twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00); B. When the commodity can be obtained from only one vendor; C. The Town Manager may authorize the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment and services where an emergency is deemed to exist and it is determined that service involving the public health, safety or welfare would be interrupted if the normal procedure were followed. All emergency purchases, which would otherwise require formal bidding procedures, made pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the Town Council for ratification at the next regular Council meeting after the purchase is authorized;
D. The Town Council may authorize the execution of contracts for personal services, for professional and consultant services, and for other nonpublic projects and for contractual services without observing the bidding procedures provided herein where the amount of the contract exceeds the value set forth therein; E. The Town Manager is authorized to enter into contracts for personal services, for professional and consulting services and for other contractual services without observing the bidding procedure provided herein where the amount of the contract does not exceed the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00); provided there exists an unencumbered appropriation in the fund account against which said expense is to be charged; F. Any agreement involving acquisition of supplies, equipment or service entered into with another governmental entity; G. When the Town Council finds that adherence to the procedures in this chapter would be inefficient, impractical and unnecessary;
H. The Town Council may authorize the execution of a lease or leases for office space for the Town government without observing the bidding procedures provided herein irrespective of the term of the lease or leases or the amount of rent and other charges to be paid by the Town under the lease or leases.

I. When a contract is available through a Leveraged Procurement Agreement with a government agency or a Cooperative Purchasing Agency in which the contract has been competitively solicited. (Ord. 277, 4-3-2018)

Town of Yucca Valley
2026 F150 STX 1FTEW2LP0TKE85239
Salesperson: Nicholas Campuzano
9/2/2026 5:56 PM
Incentive programs and rebates are estimates, subject to change and verification. Tax Profile: 8.75% Tax Cash Deal Structure
Market Value 51,335.00
Discount Savings -4,750.00
Vehicle Price 46,585.00
Document Prep Fee 85.00
Tire/Battery/VTR Fee 8.75
Sales Tax 4,083.63

Due On Delivery 50,762.38
Tax: 8.75% TAX 8.75

© Copyright (C) 2026 Guest Concepts, Inc. – All Rights Reserved

One Unit
(MSRP)
One Unit Total %
Savings
Total Savings
Contract Price $51,145.00 $49,825.83 2.579 % $1,319.17
Tax (8.7500 %) $4,359.76
Tire fee $8.75
Total $54,194.34
Jesse Cooper Standard Quoting Department
Account Manager Account Manager
Email: [email protected] [email protected] Office: (855) 289-6572 (855) 289-6572
Fax: (831) 480-8497
9/3/2026 Government Quote ID: 36106
Order Cut Off Date: TBA
Mr Joseph Bowers
Town of Yucca Valley
58928 Business Center Drive
Yucca Valley, California, 92284
Dear Joseph Bowers,
National Auto Fleet Group is pleased to quote the following vehicle(s) for your consideration.

One (1) New/Unused (2027 Ford F-150 (W1L) XL 4WD SuperCrew 5.5' Box 145" WB, ) and delivered to your specified location, each for
- per the attached specifications.

This vehicle(s) is available under the Sourcewell Contract 081325-NAF . Please reference this Contract number on all purchase orders to National Auto Fleet Group. Payment terms are Net 30 days after receipt of vehicle.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Purchase Order Instructions & Resources
Once units are scheduled by OEM, no cancellations are accepted In order to finalize your purchase please submit this purchase packet to your governing body for a purchase order approval and submit your purchase order in the following way:

Email: [email protected]
Fax: (831) 480-8497
Mail: National Auto Fleet Group
490 Auto Center Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076
We will send a courtesy confirmation for your order and a W-9 if needed.

Additional Resources
Learn how to track your vehicle: www.NAFGETA.com
Use the upfitter of your choice: www.NAFGpartner.com
Vehicle Status: [email protected]
General Inquiries: [email protected]
For general questions or assistance please contact our main office at:
1-855-289-6572

Vehicle Configuration Options
ENGINE
Code Description
99C
Engine: 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, Available option for dealers located in all states for commercial / rental fleet orders, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states

TRANSMISSION
Code Description
44G Transmission: Electronic 10-Speed Automatic, (STD)
WHEELS
Code Description
64C Wheels: 17" Silver Steel, (STD)
TIRES
Code Description
___ Tires: 265/70R17 BSW A/T, (STD)

PRIMARY PAINT
Code Description
YZ Oxford White

SEAT TYPE
Code Description
CS Black w/Medium Dark Slate, Cloth 40/20/40 Front Seat, -inc: 2-way manual driver/passenger and armrest

AXLE RATIO
Code Description
X19 3.55 Axle Ratio, (STD)

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Code Description
425 50-State Emissions, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states 153 Front License Plate Bracket, -inc: Standard in states where required by law, optional to all others
85H Back-Up Alarm System

OPTION PACKAGE
Code Description
101A
Equipment Group 101A Standard, Available option for dealers located in all states for commercial / rental fleet orders, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states

2027 Ford F-150 XL 4WD SuperCrew 5.5' Box 145" WB

CODE MSRP
W1L $48,070.00
99C $0.00
44G $0.00
64C $0.00
___ $0.00
YZ $0.00
CS $0.00
X19 $0.00
425 INC
153 $0.00
85H $280.00
101A $0.00
$48,350.00
$0.00
$2,795.00
$51,145.00
Est City: 25 MPG
Est Highway: 29 MPG
Est Highway Cruising Range: 452.40 mi
2027 Fleet/Non-Retail Ford F-150 XL 4WD SuperCrew 5.5'
Box 145" WB

WINDOW STICKER
MODEL
2027 Ford F-150 XL 4WD SuperCrew 5.5' Box 145" WB

OPTIONS
Engine: 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, Available option for dealers located in all states for commercial / rental fleet orders, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states Transmission: Electronic 10-Speed Automatic, (STD)
Wheels: 17" Silver Steel, (STD)
Tires: 265/70R17 BSW A/T, (STD)
Oxford White
Black w/Medium Dark Slate, Cloth 40/20/40 Front Seat, -inc: 2-way manual driver/passenger and armrest

3.55 Axle Ratio, (STD)
50-State Emissions, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states Front License Plate Bracket, -inc: Standard in states where required by law, optional to all others Back-Up Alarm System
Equipment Group 101A Standard, Available option for dealers located in all states for commercial / rental fleet orders, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states Please note selected options override standard equipment

SUBTOTAL
Advert/ Adjustments
Manufacturer Destination Charge

TOTAL PRICE
Any performance-related calculations are offered solely as guidelines. Actual unit performance will depend on your operating conditions.

Notes

Government Quote ID: 36106

Standard Equipment

MECHANICAL
Engine: 3.0L V6 EcoBoost -inc: 50-State Emissions, Standard equipment on 5.0L V8 (995/EN-AV), Automatically added to 3.0L EcoBoost (99C/EN-YX), 3.5L Ecoboost (998/EN-BM) and 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid (99D/EN-CN) orders from dealers located in the following California emissions states:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, Available 3.0L EcoBoost (99C/EN-YX), 3.5L Ecoboost (998/EN-BM) and 3.5L PowerBoost full hybrid (99D/EN-CN) option for dealers in federal / NON-California emissions border states for stock orders and state and local government fleet orders: Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Available option for dealers located in all states for retail orders, (STD) Available option for dealers located in all states for commercial / rental fleet orders, Available option for dealers located in all states for state and local government fleet orders w/ship-to addresses in California emissions states Secondary code: EN-YX
Transmission: Electronic 10-Speed Automatic -inc: SelectShift w/progressive range select and selectable drive modes: normal, ECO, sport, tow/haul, slippery, deep snow/sand and mud/rut (STD) Secondary code: TR-EU

3.55 Axle Ratio (STD)

EXTERIOR
Wheels: 17" Silver Steel (STD)
Tires: 265/70R17 BSW A/T (STD)

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode
Electronic Transfer Case
Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive
200 Amp Alternator
70-Amp/Hr 760CCA Maintenance-Free Battery w/Run Down Protection Class IV Towing Equipment -inc: Hitch and Trailer Sway Control Trailer Wiring Harness
GVWR: TBD
HD Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Electric Power-Assist Steering
Single Stainless Steel Exhaust
36 Gal. Fuel Tank
Auto Locking Hubs
Double Wishbone Front Suspension w/Coil Springs

Solid Axle Rear Suspension w/Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake
Regular Box Style
Wheels w/Hub Covers
Steel Spare Wheel
Full-Size Spare Tire Stored Underbody w/Crankdown
Black Rear Step Bumper
Black Front Bumper w/Black Rub Strip/Fascia Accent and 2 Tow Hooks Black Side Windows Trim
Black Door Handles
Black Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
Fixed Rear Window
Light Tinted Glass
Variable Intermittent Wipers
Aluminum Panels
Black Grille
Tailgate Rear Cargo Access
Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
Integrated Storage
Auto On/Off Reflector Led Low/High Beam Auto High-Beam Daytime Running Lights Preference Setting Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Cargo Lamp w/High Mount Stop Light
Perimeter/Approach Lights
Headlights-Automatic Highbeams
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation, Radio Data System and External Memory Control Radio: AM/FM Stereo w/SiriusXM 360L -inc: 6 speakers and auxiliary audio input jack, Note: includes a three (3)-month prepaid subscription, Service is not available in Alaska and Hawaii, Note: all SiriusXM services require a subscription, sold separately by SiriusXM after the trial period, Your SiriusXM service will automatically stop at the end of your trial unless you decide to subscribe, If you decide to continue service, the subscription plan chosen will automatically renew and be charged according to your chosen payment method at the then-current rates, Fees and taxes apply, See the SiriusXM customer agreement & privacy policy at http://www.siriusxm.com/ www.siriusxm.com for full terms and how to cancel, which includes online methods or calling 1-866-635-2349, Available in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C, and Puerto Rico (w/coverage limits and capable receiver), Visit http://www.siriusxm.com/FAQS for most current service area information, Availability of some services and features is subject to device capabilities and location restrictions, All fees, content and features are subject to change, SiriusXM, Pandora and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc, and its respective subsidiaries
Streaming Audio
Fixed Antenna
6 Speakers
2 LCD Monitors In The Front

Cloth 40/20/40 Front Seat -inc: 2-way manual driver/passenger and armrest Driver Seat
Passenger Seat
60-40 Folding Split-Bench Front Facing Fold-Up Cushion Rear Seat Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Oil Pressure, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Transmission Fluid Temp, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Power Rear Windows
Front Cupholder
Rear Cupholder
Compass
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Manual Air Conditioning
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts
Locking Glove Box
Interior Trim -inc: Cabback Insulator and Chrome Interior Accents Full Cloth Headliner
Urethane Gear Shifter Material
Day-Night Rearview Mirror
Passenger Visor Vanity Mirror
Mini Overhead Console w/Storage
Front Map Lights
Full Vinyl/Rubber Floor Covering
Cab Mounted Cargo Lights
Smart Device Remote Engine Start
Ford Security Package Tracker System
Ford Connectivity Package (1-Year Included) -inc: (features may vary by make and model) unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, audio and video streaming, voice assistant and entertainment, Included for one-year from warranty start date, Requires activation via Ford app w/credit card authorization; customer may cancel at any time, Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features, Ford may temporarily slow data speeds if such data usage reaches or exceeds 50GB within a billing cycle or due to network limitations, If a customer uses more than 50% of their data usage in a roaming country during a 60-day period, Ford may remove or limit the customer's data plan
SYNC 4 -inc: 12" center display, wireless phone connection, cloud connected, AppLink w/App catalog, 911 Assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and digital owners manual Instrument Panel Bin, Dashboard Storage, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down Delayed Accessory Power
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Driver Information Center
Redundant Digital Speedometer

Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Analog Appearance
Front Center Armrest
Seats w/Cloth Back Material
Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints Perimeter Alarm
Securilock Anti-Theft Ignition (pats) Immobilizer
Air Filtration
AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC) ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags Reverse Sensing System Rear Parking Sensors
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) Blind Spot
PCA with AEB and Intersection Assist
Cross-Traffic Alert with Reverse Brake Assist
Lane-Keeping System Lane Keeping Assist
Lane-Keeping System Lane Departure Warning
Collision Mitigation-Front
Driver Monitoring-Alert
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
Rear Child Safety Locks
Reverse Camera Back-Up Camera

Item: 8.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Staff Report
To: Town Council
From: Brooke Dudra, Town Clerk
Date: September 10, 2026
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Subject: Ordinance 335- Second Reading- Amending Chapter 5.40, Temporary Short Term Vacation Rental Permits
Recommendation:

Adopt Ordinance 335 entitled:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND RESTATING IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 5.40, TEMPORARY SHORT TERM

VACATION RENTAL PERMIT
Prior Review:

The Town Council introduced Ordinance 335 at the September 1, 2026 meeting.

Discussion:

The process of adopting an ordinance is a two-step process, requiring the Town Council to first introduce the ordinance and then adopt it at a separate meeting. The ordinance was introduced at the Town Council meeting held on September 1, 2026. This is the second reading of the proposed ordinance. A summary of the ordinance was published in the Hi-Desert Star on October 7, 2026. Following adoption, the ordinance will be published in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.

Alternatives
None recommended.

Fiscal Impact:

Costs for preparation of these materials are included in the annual operating budget, including both staff and legal counsel costs.

Attachments

1. No 335 TSTVR Ordinance

ORDINANCE NO. 335

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND RESTATING IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 5.40,

TEMPORARY SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT
WHEREAS, from time to time it is necessary for the Town Council to adopt and amend regulations for various activities within the Town; and WHEREAS, the Town Council has established regulations for Temporary Short Term Vacation Rentals and the associated permits for those Rentals; and WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend those regulations based upon changing conditions within the Town.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS.

SECTION 1: Chapter 5.40, Temporary Short Term Vacation
Rental Permit is repealed and restated in its entirety as follows.

TEMPORARY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT
SECTION:

5.40.010: Purpose

5.40.020: Definitions

5.40.030: Authorized Agent or Representative

5.40.040: Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit - Required

5.40.050: Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit - Application

5.40.060: Operational Requirements and Standard Conditions

5.40.070: Additional Development Standards

5.40.080: Nuisance Response Plans

5.40.090: Maximum Number of Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permits

5.40.100 Recordkeeping Duties

5.40.110 Permit Administration, Amendments, Revocations and Violations

5.40.120 Verified Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Operational Violations

5.40.130 Director’s Meetings

5.40.140 Expiration of Permits

5.40.150 Abandonment

5.40.160 Application Waiting List Procedure

5.40.170 Transferability

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the temporary use of privately owned single-family residential dwellings that are used as short-term vacation rentals and to ensure the collection and payment of transient occupancy taxes as provided in Chapter 3.24 of the Town Code and minimize the negative secondary effects of such use on surrounding residential properties and residents. The permitting process, standards, and regulations contained herein are intended and designed to ensure the public health, welfare and safety, and tranquility, peace, quiet, preservation of the dark night sky, and low-density desert characteristics of Yucca Valley neighborhoods are not altered, affected, or minimized in any manner or form by the operation of Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rentals.

This chapter is not intended to provide any owner of residential property with the right or privilege to violate any private conditions, covenants, and restrictions applicable to the owner's property that may prohibit the use of such owner's residential property for short-term vacation rental purposes as defined in this Chapter.

DEFINITIONS:

For purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them by this section:

APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES
AND REGULATIONS:

Any laws, rules, regulations, and codes (whether
local, state, or federal) pertaining to the use and
occupancy of a privately owned dwelling unit as a
short-term vacation rental, and includes all rules,
standards, regulations, and laws as established by
the Yucca Valley Town Code in its entirety.

APPLICANT: The owner of the short-term vacation rental unit or the owner's authorized agent or representative.

AUTHORIZED AGENT OR
REPRESENTATIVE:

BEDROOM:

The designated agent or representative who, in
addition to the property owner, is responsible for
compliance with this chapter with respect to the
short-term vacation rental.

Bedroom means a private room in the short-term
vacation rental unit for sleeping, separated from
other rooms and with no less than 70 square feet of
floor area. Kitchens, bathrooms, toilet rooms, living
rooms, dens, dining areas, halls, closets, storage or
utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered

5.40.010:

5.40.020:

bedrooms.

DIRECTOR: That person acting in the capacity of the Director of Community Development Department or his or her
designee.

DIRECTOR’S MEETINGS: Meetings held by the Director with vacation rental unit owners, property owners, residents,
neighborhood residents, regarding the permitting
and operations of vacation rentals, the adherence
of vacation rentals to adopted standards,
regulations and conditions of approval, for the
purpose of collecting facts, evidence and
information regarding potential violations of
regulations and conditions of approval and for
preparing recommendations to the Town Manager
for potential permit actions.

GUEST: Any individual visiting the Short-Term Vacation
Rental Unit who is not a occupant.

GOOD NEIGHBOR
BROCHURE:

A document prepared by the Town that
summarizes the general rules of conduct,
consideration, and respect, including without
limitation, provisions of the Town of Yucca Valley
Code and other applicable laws, rules or regulations
pertaining to the use and occupancy of short-term
vacation rental units.

LOCAL CONTACT
PERSON:

The person(s) designated by the owner or the
owner's authorized agent or representative who
shall be available twenty-four hours per day, seven
days per week for the purpose of: (1) responding
within fifteen (15) minutes by telephone or text and
within or less than thirty (30) minutes to be on-site,
to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or
conduct of occupants of the short-term vacation
rental unit; and (2) taking remedial action to
resolve any such complaints.

NUISANCE RESPONSE
PLAN:

A plan containing the required information
identified in this chapter and addresses how the
owner will respond to nuisances, including, but not
limited to, noise, parties, excessive guests and cars,

light trespass, excessive and windblown trash, trash
cans out before or after trash collection day, loud
music, bands, and all other similar nuisances.

OCCUPANT: Any individual two (2) years in age or older, that occupied or intends to occupy a short-term
vacation rental unit overnight.

OWNER: The person(s) or entity(ies) that hold(s) legal and/or equitable title to the subject short-term vacation
rental unit.

PROPERTY: A residential legal lot of record on which a shortterm vacation rental unit is located.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON: An occupant of a short-term vacation rental unit who is at least twenty-one years of age and who is
legally responsible for ensuring that all occupants of
the short-term vacation rental unit and/or their
guests comply with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of
the subject short-term vacation rental unit.

REVOCATION HEARING: A hearing to consider revocation of a Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental permit.

SHORT-TERM VACATION
RENTAL (STVR):

A short-term vacation rental is a detached
single-family residential unit constructed and
permitted for residential dwelling purposes and
may include residential accessory structures
containing habitable space that were constructed
pursuant to the Building Codes in effect at the time
of their construction. A short-term vacation rental
does not include a duplex, condominium, tent,
recreation vehicle, teepee, or any other type of
structure, vehicle, or facility which was not
constructed and permitted as a detached,
habitable, single-family residential unit or as a
habitable residential accessory structure.

TEMPORARY SHORTTERM VACATION RENTAL
PERMIT (TSTVRP):

A temporary permit, not exceeding four (4) years in
length, issued to the owner of the property, that
authorizes the temporary use of a privately owned,
habitable, residential dwelling or habitable

TOWN MANAGER
residential accessory structure as a short-term
vacation rental unit pursuant to the provisions of
this Chapter, and which incorporates by
consolidation a transient occupancy permit and a
business license otherwise required by Chapters

3.24 (Transient Occupancy Tax) and 5.20 (Business
Registration) of the Yucca Valley Town Code.

The Town Manager of the Town of Yucca Valley, or
his or her designee.

SHORT-TERM VACATION
RENTAL UNIT:

A privately owned detached, habitable,
single-family residential dwelling or habitable
single-family residential accessory structure, rented
for occupancy for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping
purposes for a period of thirty (30) consecutive
calendar days or less, counting portions of calendar
days as full days; except any private dwelling house
or other individually owned habitable residential
dwelling unit or habitable single-family residential
accessory structure rented only once in a calendar
year.

TRANSIENT: For purposes of this chapter means any person who seeks to rent or who does rent a short-term
vacation rental unit.

VERIFIED VIOLATION: Documented violations that pose a threat to public health or safety as determined by the Director to
be a violation of this Chapter 5.40.

AUTHORIZED AGENT OR REPRESENTATIVE:

A. An owner may authorize an agent or a representative to comply with the requirements of this chapter on behalf of the owner.

B. Notwithstanding subsection A, the owner shall not be relieved from any personal responsibility and personal liability for noncompliance with any applicable law, rule or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit, regardless of whether such noncompliance was committed by the owner's authorized agent or representative or the occupants of the owner's short-term vacation rental unit or their guests.

5.40.030:

TEMPORARY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT – REQUIRED:

A. The owner or the owner's authorized agent or representative shall obtain a temporary short-term vacation rental permit, a business registration certification, and transient occupancy tax certificate from the Town before renting or advertising the availability of a short-term vacation rental unit.

B. A temporary short-term vacation rental permit is valid for a maximum four (4) year period. Permit renewal application for a temporary short-term vacation rental shall be applied for and evaluated by the Town consistent with this Chapter. Temporary shortterm vacation rental permits are particular to the property owner, are not transferable unless transferred in accordance with section 5.40.170, and do not run with the land.

C. Pursuant to Government Code section 50990(b), the Town elects to make the provisions of the Short-Term Rental Facilitator Act of 2025 (Gov. Code, §§ 50990–50996) applicable within the Town’s jurisdictional boundaries.

TEMPORARY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT – APPLICATION:

A. The owner shall submit the following information on a temporary short-term vacation rental permit application form provided by the Town, in addition to any additional information deemed necessary by the Director.

1. The name, address, telephone number, and email addresses, and address of the owner of the subject short-term vacation rental unit.

2. The name, address, telephone number and email address, of the owner's authorized agent or representative, if any.

3. The name, address, email address, and twenty-four (24) hour telephone number of the local contact person.

4. The address and assessor parcel number of the proposed short-term vacation rental unit.

5. Contact name and phone number of the homeowners association, if applicable.

6. The number of bedrooms in the proposed short-term vacation rental unit.

7. Acknowledgement of receipt and inspection of a copy of the good neighbor brochure.

5.40.040:

5.40.050:

8. Notarized acknowledgement that the structure meets all building and safety and zoning codes of the Town of Yucca Valley at the time of construction, that all outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded so that all light goes below a horizontal plane, and shall not result in light trespass onto any abutting property, and that noise monitoring equipment will be installed on the property prior to operation of the vacation rental, and that trash and refuse shall not be left stored within public view, except in proper containers for the purpose of collection by the Town's authorized waste hauler on scheduled trash collection days, that property owner will sign-up for pull-out services with Burrtec Waste & Recycling, that three (3) verified violations within a period of six (6) months shall result in a Director’s Meeting in accordance with Section 5.40.130, and the Director may seek to add conditions, suspend, or revoke the permit in accordance with Section 5.40.110.

9. A diagram and/or photographs of the premises showing and indicating the location and designated on-site parking spaces, and the maximum number of vehicles allowed for overnight occupants.

10. The location of pools, hot tubs, spas, or similar elements installed and/or constructed on the property, and the proposed location of noise monitoring equipment to be installed prior to operation of the short-term vacation rental.

11. Acknowledgment that the owner, agent, and local contact individuals have read all regulations pertaining to the operation of a short-term vacation rental and acknowledgement of their responsibility to assist in enforcement of operating rules and in the payment of transient occupancy taxes.

12. Copy of the business registration/application filed with the Town of Yucca Valley for the rental unit.

13. Copy of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) permit application filed with the Town.

14. Documentation of insurance coverage for the structure as a STVR.

15. Nuisance response plan. Failure to submit a nuisance response plan in accordance with this Chapter shall result in the denial of the permit application, and the applicant is required to reinitiate the application process.

16. Such other information as the Director deems reasonably necessary to administer this Chapter.

B. The temporary short-term vacation rental permit application shall be accompanied by an application fee as established by resolution of the Town Council.

C. A temporary short-term vacation rental permit application may be denied if a prior temporary short-term vacation rental permit for the same unit was revoked within the past twenty-four (24) calendar months.

D. Within fourteen (14) days of a change of owner's agent or representative, or any other change in material facts pertaining to the information contained in the STVR permit application, the owner or owner's authorized agent or representative shall notify the Town in writing of such, and submit revised application documents reflecting such changes, to include any of the information required pursuant to Section 5.40.050., prior to continuing to rent the subject unit as a short-term vacation rental. In the event of a change of ownership for a property that previously obtained a temporary short term vacation rental permit, the permit holder shall notify the Town within fourteen (14) days of the change of ownership. The temporary short term vacation rental permit shall immediately expire upon the change of ownership unless transferred in accordance with section 5.40.170
E. All applications shall be filed in person by the property owner or the authorized agent or representative of the property owner.

F: All applications shall be complete at the time of submittal. No incomplete application can be accepted by Town staff.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARD CONDITIONS:

A. The owner and/or owner's authorized agent or representative shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure that the short-term vacation rental unit is used in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit.

B. In accordance with the table below, only those occupants to whom the short-term vacation rental has been leased, and their guests, are authorized to be on the premises.

No other individual is allowed on the property during the leased period. Kitchens, bathrooms, toilet rooms, living rooms, dens, dining areas, halls, closets, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered bedrooms and shall not be used in the calculation for determining the maximum number of occupants, guests, and vehicles.

Requests for conversion of any space into a bedroom shall be submitted to the Town through the building permit application process, which may require plan submittal, inspection, and required fees as established by Town Council. The number of occupants, guests, and vehicles in any given short-term vacation rental unit shall be limited as follows.

1. The total daytime numbers provided in the table below may only be temporarily exceeded when in conformance with the Special Event Regulations contained in Section

5.40.060:

9.38.020 of the Chapter 9.38 of the Yucca Valley Development Code for guests of a permitted special event. The total overnight numbers provided in the table below may not be exceeded.

Number of Bedrooms Total of Overnight* Occupants
and Vehicles
Total Daytime* *
Occupants (Including Number of
Overnight
Occupants) and Vehicles
0 - Studio 2 8
1 4 8
2 6 8
3 8 12
4 10 16
5 12 18
6 14 20
7 14 20
*Overnight (10:00 P.M. – 7:00 A.M.) **Daytime (7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.) C. While a short-term vacation rental unit is rented the owner's designated local contact person shall be available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week for the purpose of responding, including being physically on site within thirty (30) minutes to complaints and concerns, and responding to all complaints and concerns within fifteen (15) minutes via telephone or text message, regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term vacation rental unit or their guests.

D. The owner, the owner's authorized agent or representative, and/or the owner's designated local contact person shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure that the occupants and/or guests of the short-term vacation rental unit do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any applicable law, rule, or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit.

E. Noise: No radio receiver, musical instrument, phonograph, compact disk player, loudspeaker, karaoke machine, sound amplifier, or any machine, device or equipment that produces or reproduces any sound shall be used outside or be audible from the outside of any short-term vacation rental unit between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.

1. It is unlawful for any owner, renter, occupant, or guest located at a short-term vacation rental unit to make, cause to be made, or allow to be made any loud, excessive, impulsive, or intrusive noise that disturbs the peace or quiet or that causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivities in the area.

Such types of noises or actions causing noises include, but are not limited to, yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing, playing a musical instrument, emitting, or transmitting any loud music or noise from any mechanical or electrical sound making or sound amplifying device, and the habitual barking, howling, or crowing of animals.

2. The standard for enforcement of this subsection is the “reasonable person” standard.

The inquiry is whether the noise would disturb the peace or quiet or cause discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person under the same or similar circumstances.

3. Factors that may be considered in determining whether a violation of this subsection has been committed include, but are not limited to the following: the level of noise; the level and intensity of the background (ambient noise), if any; the proximity of the noise to the residential unit in question; the time of day or night the noise occurs; the duration of the noise; whether the noise is constant, recurrent or intermittent; and whether the noise is produced by a mechanical or electronical device.

4. The owner or owner’s authorized agent or representative shall install Noise Aware hardware and software, or its equivalent or better, prior to operations. The data collected by the hardware and software shall be made available to the Town immediately upon request within forty-eight (48) hours. The noise monitoring equipment should be installed as near to abutting property lines as possible. The shortterm vacation rental owner may desire to have additional noise and video monitors on the site beyond this requirement. The owner or owner’s authorized agent or representative shall set the hardware and software threshold for notification at the residential levels specified in Chapter 9.34.080 Noise, Table 3-15.

F. Prior to occupancy of a short-term vacation rental unit, the owner or the owner's authorized agent or representative shall:

1. Obtain the contact information of the responsible person.

2. Provide a copy of the good neighbor brochure to the responsible person.

3. Require such responsible person to execute a formal acknowledgement that he or she is legally responsible for compliance by all occupants of the short-term vacation rental unit and their guests with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term vacation rental unit and shall require the responsible person to sign a copy of the Town’s regulations for short-term vacation rentals. This information shall be maintained by the owner or the owner's authorized

agent or representative for a period of three (3) years and be made readily available upon request of any officer of the Town responsible for the enforcement of any provision of the Town Code or any other applicable law, rule, or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term vacation rental unit.

4. The owner, the owner’s authorized agent or representative and/or the owner’s designated local contact person shall greet the responsible person or communicate electronically prior to occupancy of the STVR by the responsible person. The responsible person shall be provided a verbal briefing in person or via electronic means on the Town’s rules, regulations, and standards for STVRs, and shall sign copies, which must be retained by the owner for a period of three (3) years.

G. The owner, the owner's authorized agent or representative and/or the owner's designated local contact person shall, upon notification that the responsible person and/or any occupant and/or guest of the short-term vacation rental unit has created unreasonable noise or disturbances, engaged in disorderly conduct, or committed violations of any applicable law, rule, or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit, promptly respond in a timely and appropriate manner to immediately halt or prevent a recurrence of such conduct by the responsible person and/or any occupants and/or guests. Failure of the owner, the owner's authorized agent or representative and/or the owner's designated local contact person to respond to calls or complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants and/or guests of the short-term vacation rental unit in a timely and appropriate manner shall be subject to all administrative, legal, and equitable remedies available to the Town.

H. The owner, the owner's authorized agent or representative and/or the owner's designated local contact person shall report to the Director the name, violation, date, and time of disturbance of each person involved in two or more disorderly conduct activities, disturbances or other violations of any applicable law, rule, or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit, within five (5) business days of the second occurrence.

I. Trash and refuse shall not be left stored within public view, except in proper containers for the purpose of collection by the Town's authorized waste hauler on scheduled trash collection days. Property owners shall be required to sign up for pullout services with Burrtec Waste & Recycling, maintain documentation of payment of monthly fees for those pullout services, and provide that documentation to the Town immediately upon request within forty-eight (48) hours.

J. No sign, as that term is defined in Ordinance 156 (Signs), shall be posted on the premises to advertise the availability of the short-term vacation rental unit. Off-site directional signs are prohibited. There shall be no displays, sale, or advertising signs on the premises. There shall be no signs other than one unlighted identification sign

containing the name and address of the property attached to the building not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per street frontage.

K. Parking shall be allowed on site only and shall not exceed the maximum number of vehicles as identified in the Table of Section 5.40.060.B. Parking shall be dustproof material including pavement, slag, gravel, or similar material.

L. The owner, the owner's authorized agent or representative and/or the owner's designated local contact person shall post a copy of the short-term vacation rental permit and a copy of the good neighbor brochure in a conspicuous place within the short-term vacation rental unit, and a copy of the good neighbor brochure shall be provided to the responsible person of the subject short-term vacation rental unit.

M. Unless otherwise provided in this Chapter, the owner and/or the owner's authorized agent or representative shall comply with all provisions of Chapter 3.24 of the Town Code concerning transient occupancy taxes, including, but not limited to, submission of returns in accordance with Section 3.24.080 of the Town Code, which shall be filed even if the short-term vacation rental unit was not rented during each such month.

N. The Director shall have the authority to impose additional conditions on the use of any given short-term vacation rental unit to ensure that any potential secondary effects unique to the subject short-term vacation rental unit are avoided or adequately mitigated.

O. The standard conditions set forth herein may be modified by the Director upon request of the owner or the owner's authorized agent or representative based on site-specific circumstances for the purpose of allowing reasonable accommodation of a short-term vacation rental. All requests must be in writing and shall identify how the strict application of the standard conditions creates an unreasonable hardship to a property such that, if the requirement is not modified, reasonable use of the property for a shortterm vacation rental would not be allowed. Any hardships identified must relate to physical constraints to the subject site and shall not be self-induced or economic. Any modifications of the standard conditions shall not further exacerbate an already existing problem.

P. The owner and/or the owner's authorized agent or representative shall post, in a place or location deemed acceptable by the Director, the current short-term vacation rental permit number on or in any advertisement appearing in any newspaper, magazine, brochure, television trade paper, Internet website, etc., that promotes the availability or existence of a short-term vacation rental unit. In the instance of audio-only advertising of the same, the short-term vacation rental permit number shall be read as part of the advertising.

Q. All outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded so that all light goes below a horizontal plane,

and shall not result in light trespass onto any abutting property. Certification shall be provided by the owner prior to permit approval.

R. Posted Notice within Unit: Each short-term vacation rental unit shall have a clearly visible and legible notice posted within the unit, on or adjacent to the front door, containing the following information:

1. The name of the managing agency, agent, property manager, or owner of the unit, and a telephone number at which that party may be immediately reached on a twentyfour (24) hour basis.

2. The maximum number of occupants.

3. The maximum number of vehicles allowed to be parked on the property.

4. Notification of the arrangements that the owner has made to allow the renter to properly store and dispose of trash or refuse in accordance with the terms of the Town Code.

5. Notification that failure to comply with the requirements of this Chapter, including parking and occupancy standards, as well as public and private nuisance standards, is a violation of the Town Code, and that such violation may result in enforcement actions to address the violation. These may include actions to abate the nonconformity, the institution of criminal, civil, or administrative actions, or, under certain circumstances, the calling of law enforcement for the removal of guest occupants and their vehicles from the property to the extent authorized by law. The notification shall state in a prominent format that users of the unit are prohibited from disturbing the peace of the surrounding neighborhood and that doing so is a violation of this Chapter.

6. Location of utility emergency shut off valves (including how to access valves and, if necessary, tools needed for such purposes).

7. Phone numbers of local emergency medical and law enforcement services.

8. Property boundary map for the purpose of exterior property recreational activities and parking to deter trespassing on other privately owned properties.

9. Notice that noise monitoring equipment has been installed on the property.

ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:

The following are additional development standards, in addition to those zoning standards established for single family residential structures as contained in Article 2, Zoning Districts and Development Standards, and Article 3, Development Standards, of Title 9, Development Code,

5.40.070:

of the Yucca Valley Town Code.

A. Zoning Districts: STVRs shall be allowed in all Zoning Districts as established on the Yucca Valley Zoning Map. Nonconforming single-family residences with a TSTVR license located in Commercial or Industrial zoning districts shall not register complaints against existing Commercial or Industrial uses for regular Commercial or Industrial operations.

B. Number of Units Per Parcel: Multiple, eligible, habitable, single-family residential structures may be rented under not more than one temporary short-term rental permit.

C. Notice:

1. Following any action to approve a permit application for a short-term vacation rental, the Director shall cause notice to be provided to all property owners and tenants within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed short-term vacation rental site, indicating the approval granted.

2. The notice of approval to surrounding property owners shall also provide name, email address, and phone number of the “local contact person” designated for the short-term vacation rental unit.

D. Eligibility:

A legal conforming or nonconforming single family residential dwelling unit or habitable, residential accessory structure for purpose of establishing a temporary short-term vacation rental shall be located on a parcel containing a primary use or shall be located contiguous to a parcel under common ownership that contains a primary use, and shall not be permitted more than one temporary short-term vacation rental permit regardless of the number of parcels. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that were permitted by the Town pursuant to Government Code Sections 65852.2(e) or 66323 from January 1, 2020, to present cannot be used as short-term rentals.

NUISANCE RESPONSE PLANS:

A. Each nuisance response plan accompanying an application for a permit required by this Chapter shall contain the following information and otherwise be in a form required by the Director. The nuisance response plan shall address potential violations of the Yucca Valley Town Code including windblown trash, trash cans placed out before or after trash collection day, excessively loud music, night sky and other lighting violations, parties, loud noises, excessive vehicles, excessive guests, loud parties, and trespassing onto adjoining or surrounding properties. Nuisance response plans that do not adequately address how violations shall be addressed by management operations with the renters in accordance with this Chapter or that do not contain the required information as established by this Chapter or the Director shall result in denial of the temporary shortterm vacation rental permit. No application for the same property may be resubmitted

5.40.080:

to the Town within a twelve (12) month period. Nuisance response plans shall include the following:

1. The name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the owner or owners of the residential dwelling unit or units to be used as a short-term vacation rental pursuant to the permit.

2. The name, address, email address, and telephone number of the person or persons who will be available by telephone, and who will be responsible for promptly responding to or causing a prompt response to a nuisance complaint arising out of the occupancy or use of the short-term vacation rental unit(s) by occupants, their visitors and/or their guests. For the purposes of this Chapter, a return telephone call to a complainant, and the ability to be on-site, within thirty (30) minutes of the initial complaint shall be deemed “prompt.” Documentation shall be provided with the application that clearly illustrates the ability for any responding individual to be on-site within the thirty (30) minute time frame.

3. The manner of responding to or causing a response to a nuisance complaint, including, but not limited to, the manner in which the complainant or complainants will be notified of the response and the method of documenting prompt responses and timely corrective action.

4. The manner of assuring timely corrective action to remedy the conditions that caused the nuisance complaint. For the purposes of this Chapter, “timely corrective action” shall include, at a minimum, a telephone call or text message to the primary adult occupant of the short-term vacation rental within fifteen (15) minutes of the initial nuisance complaint. Timely corrective action shall also include being on-site within thirty (30) minutes of the initial nuisance complaint.

5. The proposed maximum number of overnight occupants, with supporting documentation identifying unusual size, interior layout, parking, or other physical characteristics, if any, that support a request for occupancy greater than two (2) persons per bedroom.

6. The number of off-street parking spaces and number of bedrooms available at the short-term vacation rental unit.

7. Any other information deemed necessary by the Director.

B. The owner or owners of a short-term vacation rental unit may change the content of the nuisance response plan approved incidental to the issuance of the permit by filing an amended response plan with the permit administrator. Such amended response plan shall contain all the information and be in the form required by this Section and shall be accompanied by an amended response plan fee in an amount established by the Council

by resolution.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TEMPORARY SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL

PERMITS
A. At no time shall the number of Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permits issued exceed ten percent (10%) of the Town’s official inventory of detached single-family residential dwelling units. The Director shall annually, in January of each calendar year, adopt the official inventory number of detached single-family residential dwelling units within the Town. The official inventory shall only be adjusted once each calendar year.

B. After the maximum number of issued Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permits is reached, completed applications shall be placed on a waiting list in the order received.

C. No additional TSTVRP shall be issued until an existing TSTVRP has expired, been revoked, or is no longer operational. Upon a TSTVRP expiring, being revoked or no longer in operation, the Director shall cause the next complete application on the waiting list to be processed in accordance with this Chapter.

RECORDKEEPING DUTIES:

The owner or the owner's authorized agent or representative shall maintain, for a period of three (3) years, records in such form as may be required by the tax administrator (as defined in Chapter 3.24) to determine the amount of transient occupancy tax owed to the Town. The tax administrator shall have the right to inspect such records at all reasonable times, which may be subject to the subpoena by the tax administrator pursuant to Chapter 3.24 (Transient Occupancy Tax) of the Town Code.

PERMIT ADMINISTRATION, AMENDMENTS, REVOCATIONS AND VIOLATIONS:

A. Additional Conditions: A violation of any provision of this Chapter by any of the occupants, responsible party(ies), owner(s) or the owner's authorized agent(s) or representative(s) shall authorize the Director to impose additional conditions on the use of any active short-term vacation rental unit to ensure that any future violations are avoided. The Director shall provide ten (10) days’ notice prior to the imposition of additional conditions. The owner may appeal the imposition of additional conditions by submitting a notice of appeal to the Director within 10 days of receiving the notice from the Director. The notice of appeal shall set forth the reasons and evidence that support the owner’s position that additional conditions are not necessary to avoid future violations. The notice of appeal shall be accompanied by an appeal fee, as set by the Town Council by resolution. The appeal shall be heard in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

5.40.090:

5.40.100:

5.40.110:

B. Appeal of Additional Permit Conditions: Any appeal of additional conditions imposed by the Director in accordance with this section shall be heard by the Town Manager. The appeal hearing shall be set no more than 30 days from the Town’s receipt of the notice of appeal. Imposition of the additional condition shall be stayed until the conclusion of the appeal. At the appeal hearing, the Town Manager shall hear and consider all relevant evidence and receive testimony. The hearing shall not be conducted in accordance with the California Evidence Code. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining any direct evidence, but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state. Any relevant evidence shall be considered if it is the type of evidence on which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of similar affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state. The hearing may be continued by the Town Manager from time to time. Within ten (10) days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Town Manager shall issue a decision as to whether the additional conditions are necessary to avoid future violations at the STVR property in question. The Town Manager shall have the authority to affirm, modify, or reject the conditions imposed by the Director. The decision of the Town Manager shall be final.

C. Permit Suspension or Revocation: Any request for a permit suspension or revocation by the Director based on violations of this Chapter shall be conducted in accordance with the terms and provisions of this subsection (c). The owner of a STVR unit subject to a permit suspension or revocation hearing shall be provided with not less than 20 days’ notice prior to the day of the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by the Town Manager or their designee. The Town Manager or their designee shall hear and consider all relevant evidence and receive testimony. The hearing shall not be conducted in accordance with the California Evidence Code. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining any direct evidence, but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state. Any relevant evidence shall be considered if it is the type of evidence on which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of similar affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in courts of competent jurisdiction in this state. The hearing may be continued by the Town Manager or their designee from time to time. Within ten (10) days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Town Manager or their designee shall issue a decision regarding the suspension or revocation of the permit for the STVR property in question. The Town Manager or their designee shall have the authority to approve the permit suspension or revocation, modify the existing conditions of the permit, or reject the permit suspension or revocation request. The decision of the Town Manager or their designee shall be final.

D. Enforcement and Violations: A violation of any provision of this Chapter by any of the

occupant(s), responsible party(ies), owner(s) or the owner's authorized agent(s) or representative(s) shall constitute grounds for modification, suspension and/or revocation of the short-term vacation rental permit and/or any affiliated licenses or permits, in addition to public nuisance violation procedures of the Town Code as defined and established in the Town Code.

E. The owner shall agree to the conditions of approval and permit requirements, in additional to all other standards and conditions as implemented under Chapter 5.40, as follows.

1. As the owner, I fully understand that the permit authorizes short-term vacation rental activity in a residential neighborhood in the Town of Yucca Valley. Yucca Valley residents value the tranquility, peace, quiet, night sky, and low-density desert characteristics of their neighborhoods. Activities associated with the operation of the short-term vacation rental that disturbs, disrupts, and impedes the general enjoyment of the desert character and qualities that Yucca Valley residents value may result in the issuance of operational penalties, infraction citations, misdemeanor citations and other court actions, up to and including the revocation of the permit, in accordance with Chapter

5.40, these conditions of approval and the Town of Yucca Valley Town Code.

2. As the owner, I fully understand that these Conditions of Approval are for Temporary ShortTerm Vacation Rental Permit, TSTVRP XX-XX. The residential structure is located at (address) and is also identified as APN: XXX-XXX-XX. The approved permit is subject to compliance with these conditions of approval. Pursuant to Chapter 5.40 of the Town of Yucca Valley Development Code, effective December 1, 2017, a Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit is a temporary permit and approval is valid for a forty-eight (48) month period. The Town is not obligated or required to renew the permit or to extend the permit beyond the forty-eight (48) month approval period. The Town Council may conclude and close the shortterm vacation rental program at any time. This permit is issued to the owner, this permit does not run with the land or structure, and this permit is not transferrable unless transferred in accordance with section 5.40.170, and do not run with the land.

3. As the owner, I fully understand that verified trespass by guest occupants onto any adjoining, adjacent or property in the vicinity of the short- term vacation rental unit may result in revocation or suspension of the temporary short-term vacation rental permit. The permit suspension or revocation hearing shall be administered by the Town Manager or their designee, and the decision of the Town Manager or their designee shall be final.

VERIFIED SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL PERMIT OPERATIONAL VIOLATIONS:

Verified violations shall result in the following. For a violation that the Director determines is reasonably capable of correction, the Town will provide written notice identifying the violation and allowing five (5) days from service of the notice to correct it. Failure to correct the violation

5.40.120:

within that period may constitute an additional violation. Nothing in this section limits the Town’s authority to pursue any other remedy available under this Chapter, the Town Code, or applicable law.

A. $1,500.00 fine paid to the Town of Yucca Valley for the first verified violation.

B. $3,000.00 fine paid to the Town of Yucca Valley for the second verified violation within twelve (12) months.

C. $5,000.00 fine paid to the Town of Yucca Valley for the third verified violation within twelve (12) months.

A responsible party may appeal the Director’s determination of a verified violation in accordance with the appeal procedures in Chapter 1.04. The hearing officer may affirm, reverse, or modify the determination.

The Director may grant a hardship waiver to reduce the amount of the fine upon a showing and verified documentation by the responsible party that the responsible party has made a bona fide effort to comply after the first violation and that payment of the full amount of the fine would impose an undue financial burden on the responsible party.

Three (3) verified violations within a period of six (6) months shall result in a Director’s Meeting in accordance with Section 5.40.130.

In addition to the fines set forth in this section, in the event of a violation, the Director may seek to add conditions, suspend, or revoke the permit in accordance with Section 5.40.110.

DIRECTOR’S MEETINGS:

When verifiable complaints are received, the Director may schedule a review of the Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit. The Director shall notify the owner and all property owners within three hundred (300) feet of the short-term vacation rental unit no less than twenty (20) days in advance of the Director’s meeting.

Attendance by the property owner or owner representative or authorized agent is mandatory.

Failure of the owner or owner representative to attend shall result in a suspension or revocation hearing in accordance with this Chapter.

EXPIRATION OF PERMITS:

Permits expire on the date of expiration listed on the permit. No renewal application can be processed if it has expired prior to the permit renewal application being filed with the Town.

5.40.130:

5.40.140:

5.40.150: ABANDONMENT:

Applications which do not include all required information shall be deemed incomplete within thirty (30) calendar days from application submittal. After applicant’s notice of incomplete application is sent, the application must be complete within forty-five (45) calendar days or application will be deemed abandoned.

5.40.160 APPLICATION WAITING LIST PROCEDURE:

As detailed in 5.40.090, after the maximum number of issued Temporary Short-Term Vacation Rental Permits is reached, completed applications shall be placed on a waiting list in the order received. The temporary short-term vacation rental permit application shall be accompanied by a waitlist fee as established by resolution of the Town Council. When a TSTVR permit becomes available, application(s) on the waiting list will be processed in the order received.

5.40.170 TRANSFERABILITY:

A TSTVR license may be transferred if the following conditions have been met, however operation of the vacation rental shall cease until such time as the application for transfer has been processed and issued except where the same local contact person as the prior operator is maintained until issuance of the transfer. Transfers processed in accordance with this section are not subject to waiting list procedures in Section 5.40.160 and shall be processed ahead of any applications on the waiting list.

A. The TSTVR license has not expired.

B. No verifiable complaints have been made against the TSTVR.

C. The TSTVR purchaser has paid all TSTVR license fees, submitted all application materials, and submitted a written statement that operation shall cease unless the same local contact person as the prior operator is maintained until issuance of the transfer.

D. The TSTVR seller and the TSTVR purchaser have submitted a notarized acknowledgement of the sale of the TSTVR and the transfer of the TSTVR license.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY
The Town Council declares that, should any provision, section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences or words of this Ordinance as hereby adopted shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. CEQA
This Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, as it is not a “project” and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. 14 Cal.

Code Regs. § 15378. The Town Clerk shall cause a Notice of Exemption to be filed as authorized by CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from its adoption by the Town Council of the Town of Yucca Valley.

SECTION 5. PUBLICATION
The Town Clerk is authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published within fifteen (15) days after its passage in a newspaper of general circulation and circulated within the Town in accordance with Government Code Section 36933(a) or, to cause this Ordinance to be published in the manner required by law using the alternative summary and posting procedure authorized under Government Code Section 36933(c).

SECTION 6. CERTIFICATION
The foregoing Ordinance was approved and adopted at a meeting of the Town Council held on the 15th day of September, 2026, by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absents:

Abstains:
______________________________
Merl Abel, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Brooke Dudra, Town Clerk

Item: 9.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Staff Report
To: Town Council
From: Jared Jerome, Senior Planner, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: September 10, 2026
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Subject: 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation and Safety Elements Update:

Professional Services - Amendment #1
Recommendation:

Approve Amendment #1 to the professional services agreement with Placeworks, increasing the Agreement value from $162,702 to $199,182 and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and PlaceWorks, for the 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation and Safety Elements Update, in the amount not to exceed $199,182.

Prior Review:

On June 3, 2025, the Town Council approved the Placeworks proposal for the 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation and Safety Elements Update.

Discussion:

Local planning for open space and conservation has significantly changed in recent years.

Adopted in 2021, Senate Bill (SB) 1425 mandates that the general plan address equitable access, climate resilience, and rewilding opportunities by January 1, 2026. Assembly Bill (AB) 1889 also mandates the consideration of wildlife movement and habitat connectivity in the conservation element, starting January 1, 2028. Additionally, Yucca Valley’s planning context for this element has changed with new conservation areas, issues, and legal requirements for water resources, recreational planning, and other relevant local issues. The magnitude of change underscores the need for updating the Open Space and Conservation Element.

During the stakeholder and inter-agency review process, it was determined that additional analysis is required to provide responses to comments, and update the document to reflect evolving recommended best practices. The amendment will address State technical advisory guidance, changes in City and County planning documents that impact the elements, changes in State and federal regulations regarding sensitive species, and project administration. The additional tasks are provided below:

Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration - $3,300
Task 2: Element Revisions and Technical Report - $7,000 Task 3: Safety Element Preparation - No change
Task 4: Element Preparation and Revision - No change
Task 5: Public Review - $22,680
Task 6: CEQA Compliance - $3,000
Task 7: Adoption Hearings (2) - No change
In order to assist the Town with the required tasks identified above, PlaceWorks has provided an amended proposal with a revised total of $199,182.

Alternatives
None Recommended.

Fiscal Impact:

The total proposed contract amount for the 2025 General Plan Update, inclusive of Amendment #1, will be $199,182. The contract costs are accommodated by the FY2026-27 Adopted General Fund Budget, Planning Division-Professional Services.

Attachments

1. 2025 TOYV General Plan Scope Final_Updated_Augment

2. Placeworks - 2025 General Plan Open Space & Conservation Element Update - Amendment #1 - TC 10 20 2026

3. TC Minutes 6 3 2025

September 10, 2025
Jared Jerome
Associate Planner
Town of Yucca Valley
58928 Business Center Drive
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Subject: Augment to the Open Space/Conservation and Safety Elements Contract Transmitted via Email: [email protected]
Dear Jared:

We appreciate the opportunity to update the Open Space, Conservation, and Safety Elements. In response to new contingencies with respect to its update, we are submitting this request for a budget augment.

Background
To date, PlaceWorks has completed the Biological Resources Technical Report, the Climate Vulnerability Assessment, the draft Open Space and Conservation Element, draft Safety Element, draft CEQA Addendum, and proposed mitigation for the Joshua Tree. PlaceWorks has also created an initial webmap that contains GIS files that can be overlaid to map key environmental features in Yucca Valley and inform the goals and policies of the elements. The documents and analysis therein are consistent with the latest guidelines and regulations that were in place when the project contract was approved.

Following completion, the Town published the element on the Town’s website and distributed the draft documents to 14 organizations for public review. The comment period was extended twice at the request of several respondents to ensure that comments on the general plan and CEQA document were received.

Three organizations–California Department of Fish and Wildlife, MCAS 29 Palms, and the Center of Biological Diversity. Of note, the Center suggested practices that reflect best practices and would be reasonable to include in order to meet the evolving intent of state law. In other cases, suggestions are beyond the scope of state law and therefore should be deferred to a later date.

Since the contract’s approval in mid-2025, the regulatory environment has evolved. First, California resources agencies upgraded sensitive species designations for the desert tortoise, mountain lion, and songbird–which are present in the Town. Secondly, the San Bernardino County Transportation Agency will complete their SR-62/SR-247 bypass study that affects the Town’s evacuation routes. Most importantly, the State of California, published a “draft” 50-page technical advisory on how on how to comply with both SB 1425 and AB 1889. The “draft” advisory is expansive in scope and covers mandated items within the purview of state laws and additional best practices that are beyond state laws.

While PlaceWorks can accommodate corrections under the current contract, an amendment is needed to address: 1) State technical advisory guidance and public comments for mandated or best practice items, 2) changes in City and county planning documents that impact the elements; 3) changes in state and federal regulations regarding sensitive species communities; and 4) project administration to close the contract.

The following summarizes the work to be performed and the budget requested for each item.

September 10, 2026| Page 2
Scope of Work
TASK 1: PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
Our proposal assumed completion of the project in 6 months. PlaceWorks and the Town kicked off the Open Space and Conservation and Safety Element Update on July 8, 2025; and therefore, administrative costs to manage the project and subconsultants have exceeded the original 6-month duration by 8 months.

This amendment includes additional time to manage the project through December 2026. This task includes staff meetings, monthly billing, and other administrative costs associated with the project.

TASK 2 AND 5: TECHNICAL WORK AND REVISIONS TO DRAFT ELEMENTS Based on public comments, new state laws, and best practices, we will update narrative, goals, policies, and mapping of the element and/or biological technical report as appropriate. These include:

A. Narrative Updates
The following updates are proposed:

1. For every HCP or conservation plan listed, update the following up through 2026, in a tabular format, the: 1) type of plan, boundary, and adoption status; 2) covered species; 3) covered activities; 4) implementation status, and 5) how these plans impact the Town’s development approval process.

2. Revise analysis to identify location and extent of sensitive communities, describe their conservation status and ecological significance, and update any information to reflect the changes in status for the desert songbirds, desert tortoise, mountain lions, and any other species in Yucca Valley.

3. Include a broad high-level discussion and evaluation of existing and planned development (density and intensity of general plan designations for land within corridors) and its potential impact on wildlife passage along the corridors that pass through or within a mile of the town.

4. Update discussion of wildlife corridors and crossing opportunities adjacent to Yucca Valley, including a discussion of the DRECP Connectivity linkage to the extent appropriate. Include any relevant updates to funding the project to an appropriate extent.

5. Update discussion of integrated water resources management, including the sources of water supply, Yucca Valley basin recharge infrastructure, use of recycled water, and future directions and opportunities, consistent with the recently adopted 2025 Mojave UWMP.

6. Strengthen description of the Morongo Basin Conservation Priorities report, reflecting their land conservation priorities and strengthen, under “4.2.3 Measures for Impacts to Wildlife Corridors and OSRAs” of the bio report, applicable recommendations from their report.

7. Update the Safety Element narrative, mapping, and implementation programs to address potential sediment debris hazards in Yucca Valley consistent with the revised 2026 San Bernardino County Hydrology Manual and database.

8. Strengthen and separate the discussion of air quality from climate resiliency section to improve the clarity of the goals and policies; explore actions and programs to support climate resiliency. Make other minor edits and revisions to address sustainability.

September 10, 2026| Page 3
B. Map Updates
PlaceWorks will prepare and/or amend maps in the technical report or draft elements to address comments from stakeholders as well as create a public interfacing map that allows the public, stakeholders, and resource agencies the ability to choose different layers for creating topical maps. Specific updates include:

1. Create and refine a public interfacing webmap to include conservation areas, general plan layers, safety hazard layers, biological species, and other information that the public and open space agencies can use in identifying conservation opportunities and constraints.

2. Provide a consolidated map of land protected by conservation restrictions based on information from CPAD and CCED, updated by lands owned by BLM- (that are under ACEC), MDLT, Wildlands Conservancy, and any other entity) so that users can determine parcels that are conserved.

3. Create a new map that includes flood hazard lands, washes, recharge areas/basins, and flood corridors separate from the existing watershed resources map to provide a more complete portrait of integrated water management issues in Yucca Valley.

4. Update the wildlife corridor map, as needed, to address the DRECP Connectivity linkages (e.g., in the Morongo Basin Conservation Priorities report) and general areas for wildlife passage facilities along the SR-247 north of SR-62.

5. Create sediment debris hazard area map for Yucca Valley that was recently prepared in accordance with the 2026 San Bernardino County Hydrology Manual, the first comprehensive update of the Manual since its 1986 version.

C. Implementation Program Updates
SB 1425 requires that the OSC element address climate resilience and other co-benefits, correlated with the safety element. While the current programs will advance the objectives of the underlying legislation and Yucca Valley’s general plan, additional refinements are needed.

1. Review and augment the element’s implementation programs, where the Town has already made commitments, to measurable targets that can be applied to implementation programs that address climate resiliency, rewilding, and equitable access to parks and recreational facilities.

2. Draft additional programs to implement the revisions made under Section B. Among others, this may include proposed changes to development standards or conditions needed to further the objectives of state law and the Town’s General Plan.

3. Include implementation programs to remove or retrofit existing barriers to habitat movement, reconnect habitat, and restore degraded habitat and open space (e.g., OHV usage, illegal dumping, wildfire, replanting, removal of invasive species).

D. Additional Consultations
PlaceWorks will conduct additional public consultations with key stakeholders as requested by the Town.

The cost of these consultations includes a Zoom meeting, facilitated discussion, and required updates to the biological resources report, General Plan Elements, or CEQA document as directed by staff. We assume that each meeting and follow up will cost up to $2,500, billed on a time and material basis.

September 10, 2026| Page 4
TASK 6: CEQA COMPLIANCE
This task includes budget for managing the CEQA process and drafting the Addendum. PlaceWorks is pending the Town/Town Attorney comments on the draft Addendum. Similar to Task 1, PlaceWorks is requesting additional administrative costs with managing CEQA process to complete the contract.

Project Schedule and Cost
The project schedule anticipates a 90-day turnaround to complete all edits and consultations. As proposed below, the budget adjustment represents a contingency over the base contract price.

Table 1. Proposed Schedule
Task Timeframe Revised Timeframe
Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration Jun 2025 Task Ongoing Task 2: OSC Element Revisions Jun–Sep 2025 Complete
Task 3: Safety Element Revisions Jun-Sep 2025 Complete
Task 4: OSC and Safety Element Preparation Sep 2025 Complete Task 5: Public Review Oct 2025 Oct 2026
Task 6: CEQA Compliance Oct–Nov 2025 Oct–Nov 2026
Task 7: Element Adoption Nov–Dec 2025 Nov–Dec 2026
Project Conclusion Jan. 1, 2026 Jan. 1, 2027
Table 2. Cost Estimate
Task Original
Contract
Additional
Cost
Total Cost
Labor
Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration $15,120 $3,300 $18,420 Task 2: Element Revisions and Technical Report $74,406 $7,000 $81,406 Task 3: Safety Element Preparation $14,130 -0- $14,130
Task 4: Element Preparation and Revision $26,040 -0- $26,040 Task 5: Public Review $4,140 $22,680 $26,821
Task 6: CEQA Compliance $19,940 $3,000 $22,940
Task 7: Adoption Hearings (2) $7,425 -0- $7,425
Reimbursables $1,500 $500 $2,000
Grand Total (includes Task 2e) $162,702 $36,480 $199,182 Note: Task 5 includes stakeholder consultation with one agency for a T&M cost of $2,500.

September 10, 2026| Page 5
Table 3. PlaceWorks 2025 Standard Fee Schedule
Acknowledgment
This proposal shall remain valid for a period of 90 days from the time of the submission. As a Principal, I am authorized to bind the team to the contents of this submittal and to negotiate contracts on behalf of PlaceWorks. The attached Service Authorization, which includes our General Terms of Consulting Agreement, is a part of this proposal. If the contents of this Proposal and Agreement are satisfactory, please indicate your approval by signing the Service Authorization and sending it to our corporate office:

PlaceWorks, c/o: Finance Director, 3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100, Santa Ana CA 92707. If you have any questions, please contact me at 714.966.9220 x2344 or [email protected].

We look forward to collaborating with you to bring about the successful completion of this project.

Respectfully submitted,

PLACEWORKS
Nicole Vermilion
Principal

P a g e | 1 of 8
AMENDMENT 1
TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 3, 2025,

BY AND BETWEEN TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY AND PLACEWORKS

FOR GENERAL PLAN OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION AND SAFETY ELEMENTS This amendment (hereinafter referred to as the “AMENDMENT”) to an agreement (hereinafter “AGREEMENT”) is made and entered into this 20th day of October 2026, by and between the Town of Yucca Valley (hereinafter "TOWN"), and Placeworks, (hereinafter “CONTRACTOR”), sometimes referred to individually as the “PARTY” and collectively as “PARTIES”, for landscape maintenance services (hereinafter “PROJECT”) within the Town of Yucca Valley.

RECITALS
A. Agreement entered into on June 3, 2025.

B. This AMENDMENT modifies the Contract Sum; Contract Term; and Scope of Work, C. This AMENDMENT provides additional compensation and services.

TERMS

1. Article 2 Compensation and Method of Payment, Section 2.1 of the original AGREEMENT is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.2 Contract Sum. For the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant shall be compensated in accordance with the "Schedule of Compensation" attached hereto as Exhibit “C” and incorporated herein by this reference. The total compensation shall not exceed Thirty Six Thousand Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($36,480.00) for CEQA Services for General Plan Open Space/Conservation and Safety Elements ("Contract Sum"), for the period October 20, 2026, through October 20, 2027, unless additional compensation is approved pursuant to Subsection 2.3.

2. Article 3 Performance Schedule, Section 3.4 Term of the original AGREEMENT is hereby amended to read as follows:

3.4 Term. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Article 7 of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until completion of the services but not exceeding one (1) year from October 20, 2026, through October 20, 2027, except as otherwise provided in the Schedule of Performance (EXHIBIT “D”).

3. EXHIBIT “A” SCOPE OF SERVICES. Section I is hereby amended to read as follows:

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 2 of 8
EXHIBIT “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES
I. Consultant will perform the following Services:

A. Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration
B. Task 2: Element Revisions and Technical Report
C. Task 5: Public Review
D. Task 6: CEQA Compliance
E. Reimbursables
II. As part of the Services, Consultant will prepare and deliver the following tangible work products to the Town:

A. Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration
B. Task 2: Element Revisions and Technical Report
C. Task 5: Public Review
D. Task 6: CEQA Compliance
E. Reimbursables
III. In addition to the requirements of Section 6.2, during performance of the Services, Consultant will keep the Town appraised of the status of performance by delivering the following status reports:

A.

B.

C.

IV. All work product is subject to review and acceptance by the Town and must be revised by the Consultant without additional charge to the Town until found satisfactory and accepted by Town.

V. Consultant will utilize the following personnel to accomplish the Services:

A. Miles Barker - Project Manager
B. Nicole Vermilion - Principal
C. Kara L. Kosel – Vice President, Finance

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 3 of 8

4. EXHIBIT “C” SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION Section I is hereby amended to read as follows:

I. Contractor shall perform the following tasks at the following rates:

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 4 of 8
EXHIBIT “C”

SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION
I. Consultant shall perform the following tasks at the following rates:

RATE TIME SUB-BUDGET
A. Task 1: Project
Kick-off and
Administration
$3,300 __________ __________
B. Task 2: Element
Revisions and
Technical Report
$7,000 __________ __________
C. Task 5: Public
Review
$22,680 __________ __________
D. Task 6 CEQA
Compliance
$3,000 __________ __________
E. Reimbursables $500
II. A retention of ten percent (10%) shall be held from each payment as a contract retention to be paid as part of the final payment upon satisfactory completion of services.

III. Within the budgeted amounts for each Task, and with the approval of the Contract Officer, funds may be shifted from one Task sub budget to another so long as the Contract Sum is not exceeded per Section 2.1, unless Additional Services are approved per Section 1.9.

IV. The Town will compensate Consultant for the Services performed upon submission of a valid invoice. Each invoice is to include:

A. Line items for all personnel describing the work performed, the number of hours worked, and the hourly rate.

B. Line items for all materials and equipment properly charged to the Services.

C. Line items for all other approved reimbursable expenses claimed, with supporting documentation.

D. Line items for all approved subcontractor labor, supplies, equipment, materials, and travel properly charged to the Services.

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 5 of 8
EXHIBIT “C”

SCHEDULE OF COMPENSATION
V. The total compensation for the Services shall not exceed Thirty Six Thousand Four Hundred Eight Dollars ($36,480.00) as provided in Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

VI. The Consultant’s billing rates for all personnel are attached as Exhibit C-1.

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 6 of 8
EXHIBIT “D”

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
I. Consultant shall perform all Services timely in accordance with the schedule to be developed by Consultant and subject to the written approval of the Contract Officer and the Town Attorney’s office.

II. Consultant shall deliver the following tangible work products to the Town by the following dates.

A. Task 1: Project Kick-off and Administration
B. Task 2: Element Revisions and Technical Report
C. Task 5: Public Review
D. Task 6: CEQA Compliance
E. Reimbursables
III. The Contract Officer may approve extensions for performance of the services in accordance with Section 3.2.

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 7 of 8
Except as amended by this AMENDMENT 1, all provisions of the original AGREEMENT shall remain in full force and effect and shall govern the actions of the parties under this AMENDMENT.

AMENDMENT 1
P a g e | 8 of 8
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT 1
TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 3, 2025,

BY AND BETWEEN TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY AND PLACEWORKS FOR GENERAL

PLAN OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION AND SAFETY ELEMENTS
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this AMENDMENT 1 on the date first herein above written.

Placeworks:

By: _______________________________ By: _________________________________ Miles Baker, Project Manager Nicole Vermilion, Principal By: ____
Kara L. Kosel – Vice President, Finance

Generated 7/7/2025 10:24 AM

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2025

CLOSED SESSION
Town Council met in closed session pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) to confer with legal counsel with regard to one matter of potential initiation of litigation.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Town Attorney Jex reported closed session adjourned at 4:47 p.m. with no reportable action.

OPENING CEREMONIES

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Jeff Drozd called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Drozd, Abel, Lombardo, Schooler
ABSENT: Denison (Excused)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Yucca Valley resident James Porter

INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Jake Swader, Valley Community Chapel

PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, RECOGNITIONS

1. 2024-25 Youth Commission End-of-Term Report
Youth Commission Chair Acacia Smith presented the 2024-25 Youth Commission end-ofterm report.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Mayor Drozd thanked Chair Smith for the insightful presentation.

Council Member Lombardo thanked Chair Smith for the presentation and the great representation of leadership skills the program promotes.

Council Member Schooler thanked Chair Smith for the enthusiasm and leadership.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
2 | P a g e
Mayor Pro Tem Abel thanked Chair Smith for the presentation and noted the wide variety of students and school representation on the Commission.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Merl Abel, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Jim Schooler, Council Member
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

CONSENT AGENDA
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Merl Abel, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Robert Lombardo, Council Member
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

2. Town Council - Regular Meeting Minutes - May 6, 2025 5:00 PM MOTION:

Approve the meeting minutes of May 6, 2025 as presented.

3. Approve the New Copier Lease Agreement
MOTION:

1. Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirement in accordance with the Town’s Purchasing Ordinance #277 Section 3.12.100 G.;

2. Ratify the contract for leasing five new copy machines to Advanced Imaging Solutions, Inc. (AIS) that was signed on May 19, 2025 in the amount of $5,477.23 per quarter and a monthly base copy rate of $750.94 per month for 60 months beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030;

3. Authorize the Town Manager to sign all related documents and make any nonsubstantive changes.

4. Approve the Wall Mural Permit, (M) 01-25, 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway; APN 0587-292-11 & 0587-292-10
MOTION:

Approve and authorize the Town Manager to sign the Mural License and Installation and Maintenance Agreement – Wall Mural Permit (M) 01-25.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
3 | P a g e

5. Approve the Approve Contract Amendment #1 for Vector Control Services between the Town and San Bernardino County
MOTION:

Approve Amendment #1 to the contract for Vector Control Services with the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health, correcting and clarifying the dates of contract services.

6. Approve the Approve Amendment #7 to the Morongo Basin Transit Authority Joint Powers Agreement
MOTION:

Approve Amendment #7 to the Morongo Basin Transit Authority Joint Powers Agreement establishing compensation policies within the duties and responsibilities of the JPA governing board.

7. Approve the 2025 Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council Sponsorship Agreement MOTION:

Approve the proposed Agreement for Services between the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council and the Town in an amount not to exceed $15,000 as a major sponsor of the 2025 Morongo Basin Arts Tour and Art Tours Collective Show.

8. Approve the Professional Services Agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and PlaceWorks, California Environmental Quality Act Review, Yucca Trail Widening MOTION:

Approve the professional services contract and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and PlaceWorks, for $99,688.00, for the Yucca Trail Widening, in the amount not to exceed $99,688.00.

9. Approve the Agreement for Environmental Consulting Services, EA 18-23, CUP 04-23:

Sun Mesa Mini Storage, California Environmental Quality Act Review - Ultrasystems Environmental
MOTION:

Approve and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Ultrasystems Environmental, to prepare the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis and documentation for Environmental Assessment (EA) 18- 23 and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 04-23 Sun Mesa Mini Storage, with a maximum contract value of $82,120 for the preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND), and authorizes the Mayor, Town Manager and Town Attorney to sign all documents necessary to implement the Agreement.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
4 | P a g e

10. Approve the Approval of Affordable Housing for Artists as the Applicant of Record for Hi Desert Artists.

MOTION:

Approve Affordable Housing for Artists as the applicant of record for the previously approved Measure Y Partnership Funding Award to Hi Desert Artists.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments for the consent agenda items. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

11. 2025 General Plan Open Space and Conservation Elements Update: Professional Services
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle presented the staff report requesting the approval of a professional services agreement with Placeworks for assistance with updating the Town's Safety Element to incorporate the updated Fire Hazard Severity Map. Also proposed is a change in the Towns General Plan EIR relating to CEQA process for Western Joshua Tree impacted projects.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Council Member Lombardo stated he likes seeing the proactive approach to limit the CEQA related costs.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel inquired if the proposed changes will impact future Town budgets.

MOTION:

Authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Placeworks, based upon the attached scope of services, in the amount of $162,701.00, and directing staff to return at the appropriate time with a budget amendment in the FY 25-26 budget.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Robert Lombardo, Council Member
SECONDER: Jim Schooler, Council Member
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
5 | P a g e

12. Animal Shelter Operational Review Draft Report
Town Manager Yakimow presented the staff report, providing a brief background of the current Animal Shelter Operational Review. Deputy Town Manager Stueckle continued to provide the findings of the 90-day review.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments.

The following provided comments regarding the animal shelter operational review.

James Porter, Yucca Valley
Diana Persinger
Susan Herring, Pioneertown
Allie Irwin, Joshua Tree
Shianne May, Yucca Valley
Melissa Spurr, Joshua Tree
Taura Edwards, Yucca Valley
Leila Lavender, Yucca Valley
Linda Root, Yucca Valley
Susan Walls, Joshua Tree
Cheryl Contopulous, Yucca Valley
Susan ____
Cynthia Obitz?, Yucca Valley
_____ no name given
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.

Deputy Town Manager Stueckle followed up with questions posed during public comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel inquired on public interest in the upcoming spay and neuter clinic and explained many actions resulting from the operational review have already been launched. Abel expressed agreement with the recommendation of Mayor Drozd and Council Member Schooler as the sub-committee members.

Council Member Schooler thanked the public for bringing the Animal Shelter concerns to the Council's attention. Schooler reminded the public of the nationwide issue of animal homelessness and focusing on spay and neutering is a major benefit to help the issue.

Council Member Lombardo thanked the public for bringing this issue forward and providing many suggestions for potential solutions.

Mayor Drozd reviewed the steps in the review process and expressed support in the Town management team in moving forward the changes needed in the animal shelter

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
6 | P a g e
operations. Drozd thanked the animal shelter staff for the work they are doing and thanked the public for being here. Drozd inquired on an additional review of financial impacts on the Town's budget.

MOTION:

1. Receive and file the draft Operational Review of the Town’s Animal Shelter operations.

2. Provide input and direction as desired.

3. Establish a standing committee of the Town Council for Animal Care and Control and identify and appoint Mayor Drozd and Council Member Schooler to serve on the committee.

4. Direct staff to return to the Town Council with proposed budget amendments required to implement the immediate recommendations as directed by the Town Council.

5. Direct staff to propose and negotiate required changes to the existing Shelter Services agreement with the County to implement immediate recommendations as directed by the Town Council.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Merl Abel, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Jim Schooler, Council Member
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

13. Administrative Volunteer Policy Review
Human Resources and Risk Manager Breidenbach-Sterling provided the staff report for the review of the Town's Volunteer Policy.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel inquired if the County needs to sign off on the volunteer policy.

Mayor Drozd inquired on the difference between a volunteer program and an internship that could possibly be sponsored by the local schools.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments.

James Porter, Yucca Valley commented on the 18-year-old age limit and would like to see this reduced and referenced other volunteer programs which involved minors.

Cheryl Contopulous, Yucca Valley suggested opening volunteer opportunities to minors.

Greg Herring, Pioneertown requested clarity on actual policy recommendations and would like to see minor volunteers allowed.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
7 | P a g e
Natasha, Yucca Valley spoke of her child's positive experience with volunteering at the Joshua Tree Animal Shelter.

Greg Gendron, Yucca Valley commented on the delay of proposed implementation of a volunteer program at the shelter.

Leila Lavender explained that teenager volunteers would learn the responsibility of pet ownership.

Taura Edwards, spoke favorably of volunteering.

Several other members of the public (no names given) commented on the item.

With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.

Human Resources and Risk Manager provided additional information on the Town's current volunteer program.

Council Member Schooler expressed he would like to see the age limit reduced.

Council Member Lombardo sees the importance of having the youth involved in many different areas in the community and provided the example of the Town’s Youth Commissioners developing skills during their years as commissioners. Lombardo also expressed the importance of having background checks.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel sees the need for caution in involving the youth in a shelter facility for safety concerns but sees benefits for the youth to be involved. With the right oversight, the younger volunteers could benefit as much as the shelter. Abel inquired about a possible staff position as a volunteer coordinator for all Town departments.

Mayor Drozd noted he would support teenage volunteer opportunities.

Council Member Schooler moved the item with the change in allow age limit to 16 years of age and over. Council Member Lombardo seconded.

MOTION:

Approve this review and summary of the revision of the Town’s Administrative Policies and Procedures, including the revision to include volunteers aged 16 years of age and older subject to final Town legal review and non-substantive edits.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jim Schooler, Council Member
SECONDER: Robert Lombardo, Council Member

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
8 | P a g e
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

14. Park & Facility Naming – Old Town Beautification and Sustainability Project Community Services Manager Earnest presented the staff report on the naming of the newly constructed Old Town Beautification Project facility. Earnest reviewed the Town's current Parks/Facility Naming Policy. 312 submissions were received after recent public solicitation.

Mayor Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.

Mayor Drozd compared the terms "plaza" and "square”, and Founders and Heritage.

Council Member Schooler stressed the importance of including "at Old Town" and liked the idea of Founders Plaza and the inclusion of informational or dedication signage.

Council Member Lombardo agreed with Council Member Schooler and would like to see QR codes included for additional local history opportunities.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel likes the name Founders Plaza, as it really fits the facility. Abel agreed with the inclusion of historical signage for the town's local founders and suggested the donation of a park bench, or other amenities the park may need. Plaque opportunities would be donation based on those who have provided cultural or historical contribution to the town.

MOTION:

Review the recommendation of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission and select Founders Plaza as the name for the new Town facility, temporarily referred to as known as the Old Town Beautification and Sustainability Project.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Merl Abel, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Jeff Drozd, Mayor
AYES: Jeff Drozd, Merl Abel, Robert Lombardo, Jim Schooler EXCUSED: Rick Denison

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Lombardo requested an update from the Yucca Valley Airport District.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Drozd opened public comments for items not on the agenda.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
9 | P a g e
Greg Herring, Pioneertown recommended not using bronze signage at the Founders Plaza due to potential thefts.

Art Miller, Yucca Valley inquired on the process on the approval of the Founders Plaza plaques.

Eric Menendez, commented on the comparison of Founders Plaza and Freedom Plaza in Twentynine Palms.

Diane Persinger commented on the need to provide outreach for all animals at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter.

With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.

STAFF REPORTS AND COMMENTS
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Captain Warrick reported on recent public safety activity and closure of a positive case thanks to Measure Y funding.

Community Services Manager Earnest reported that the Yucca Valley aquatics programming is now open for registration and announced upcoming events.

Deputy Town Manager Stueckle reported upcoming policy items coming before the Planning Commission and the Town Council.

Town Manager Yakimow updated the Town Council on the summer meeting schedule.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Lombardo congratulated the Youth Commission on the successful year and thanked the public for participating in the animal shelter operational review.

Lombardo spoke favorably of the Museum's newest exhibit, Leonardo's Lab.

Council Member Schooler congratulated the Youth Commission and the staff liasons for their work this year and thanked staff for their participation in the recent Grubstakes Days event. Schooler congratulated the community for the completion of Founders Plaza and thanked Town Manager Yakimow and Deputy Town Manager Stueckle for their work with the animal shelter review.

Mayor Pro Tem Abel thanked the Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager for their work with the shelter review and reported his attendance at a "finding balance" event in Twentynine Palms. Abel wished a “Happy Birthday" to Council Member Schooler and Council Member Denison.

YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025
10 | P a g e
Mayor Drozd reported on his attendance at the recent Memorial Day event at Joshua Tree Memorial Park.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
The next regular meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Yucca Room.

With no further business, Mayor Drozd adjourned the meeting at 8:05 pm Respectfully Submitted,
Lesley Copeland, CMC
Town Clerk

Item: 10.

Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Staff Report
To: Town Council
From: Alex Qishta, Public Works Director, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: September 29, 2026
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
Subject: Yucca Trail Widening Project – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road, Project No. 7074; Authorization to release a Request For Proposal (RFP) for Engineering Design Services, project detail consisting of consists of adding two travel lanes, a center-striped median with two-way left-turn access to Avalon, Camarilla, Del Monte, Hermosa, and Indio Avenues, curb and gutter, street lighting, signage, and pavement striping; concrete headwalls at existing drainage crossings, and the realignment of Indio Avenue north of Yucca Trail.

Recommendation:

California Environmental Quality Act:

Adopt the Resolution, approving the Addendum to the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update Certified Environmental Impact Report, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for Environmental Assessment, EA 10-25; and
Request for Proposals:

Authorize the release of the Request For Proposals for the Yucca Trail Widening Project Engineering Design Services – Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road, for preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for the project.

Prior Review:

No prior review of this item.

Discussion:

The Town of Yucca Valley is soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from qualified professional design firms licensed to practice in the State of California to provide civil engineering design services for the Yucca Trail Widening Project, extending from Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road.

The project consists of widening Yucca Trail to an arterial roadway within a 100-foot right-ofway. Improvements shall include two travel lanes, a center-striped median with two-way leftturn access to Avalon, Camarilla, Del Monte, Hermosa, and Indio Avenues, curb and gutter,

street lighting, signage, and pavement striping. The design shall also incorporate concrete headwalls at existing drainage crossings, as well as the realignment of Indio Avenue north of Yucca Trail to accommodate the proposed roadway improvements.

The selected consultant, or consultant team, shall be responsible for overall project management, coordination of subconsultants, and management of all project activities. This includes coordinating with Town staff, utility providers, stakeholders, and other applicable agencies to ensure the timely completion of the project in accordance with the Town's requirements.

The consultant shall provide all professional services necessary to develop a complete and accurate set of construction documents, including plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates, suitable for public bidding and construction.

Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended.

Fiscal Impact:

There are no fiscal impacts created by the release of the attached RFP, less advertising and circulation costs. A total of $4,484,000 were appropriated by the Town Council in Fund 524, Measure I, Morongo Basin MLHP, for the project in the 2026/2027 FY Budget.

Attachments

1. Draft Yucca Trl Indio Ave EIR Addendum

2. Yucca Trl Indio Ave MMRP

3. Yucca Trail Widening - Design RFP

4. Appendix D-Civil Engineering Design Professional Services Agreement

5. Resolution No. 26-XX - Yucca Trail Widening CEQA

Town of Yucca Valley

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO

AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT

PROJECT
October 2026 | EIR Addendum

October 2026 | EIR Addendum

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE

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

Town of Yucca Valley
Contact: Jared Jerome
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
[email protected]
www.placeworks.com

OCTOBER 2026 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Environmental Checklist...............................................................................................1 Project Information............................................................................................................. 1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected........................................................................ 3 Determination..................................................................................................................... 3

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

1.1 Background, Purpose, and Scope ........................................................................ 1-1

1.2 Environmental Procedures................................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Prior Environmental Documentation................................................................... 1-4

2. Project Description.........................................................................................2-1

2.1 Project Location ................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Environmental Setting.......................................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Description of the Proposed Project.................................................................... 2-4

2.4 Other Related Projects....................................................................................... 2-18

3. Environmental Analysis ..................................................................................3-1

3.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................ 3-2

3.2 Biological Resources........................................................................................... 3-14

3.3 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................. 3-34

3.4 Energy ................................................................................................................ 3-42

3.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions................................................................................ 3-45

3.6 Hazards and Hazardous Materials...................................................................... 3-50

3.7 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................ 3-58

3.8 Land Use and Planning....................................................................................... 3-68

3.9 Noise .................................................................................................................. 3-71

3.10 Transportation.................................................................................................... 3-87

3.11 Tribal Cultural Resources.................................................................................... 3-91

3.12 Utilities and Service Systems ............................................................................. 3-95

4. Findings..........................................................................................................4-1

5. List of Preparers .............................................................................................5-1

6. References .....................................................................................................6-1

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TABLE OF CONT ENTS
ii PlaceWorks

APPENDICES
Appendix A Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Background and Modeling Data Appendix B General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report Appendix C Focused Special-Status Plant Survey
Appendix D Fundamentals of Noise
Appendix E VMT Screening Assessment
List of Figures
Figure 1 Regional Location....................................................................................................... 2-7 Figure 2 Local Vicinity .............................................................................................................. 2-9 Figure 3 Aerial Photograph .................................................................................................... 2-11 Figure 4 Yucca Trail Conceptual Site Plan.............................................................................. 2-13 Figure 5 Indio Avenue Conceptual Site Plan.......................................................................... 2-15 Figure 6 Noise Monitoring Locations..................................................................................... 3-75 List of Tables
Table 2-1 Actions Required...................................................................................................... 2-18 Table 3-1 Yucca Trail Regional Construction Emissions............................................................. 3-6 Table 3-2 Indio Avenue Regional Construction Emissions......................................................... 3-7 Table 3-3 Project Construction GHG Emissions....................................................................... 3-47 Table 3-4 Short-Term Noise Measurements Summary ........................................................... 3-74 Table 3-5 Long-Term Noise Measurements Summary ............................................................ 3-77 Table 3-6 Project-Related Construction Noise Levels Without Mitigation Measures............. 3-79 Table 3-7 Project-Related Construction Noise Levels with Mitigation Measures................... 3-80 Table 3-8 Project-Related Increases in Traffic Noise, dBA CNEL at 50 Feet............................ 3-81 Table 3-9 Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 1: Yucca Trail........ 3-83 Table 3-10 Project-Related Construction Vibration Damage Levels, Phase 2: Indio Avenue.... 3-84

OCTOBER 2026 1

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: Yucca Trail Widening and Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment Project Lead Agency Name and Address:

Town of Yucca Valley
58928 Business Center Drive
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Contact Person and Phone Number:

Jared Jerome
(760) 369-6579 ext. 317
Project Location: Town of Yucca Valley
Project Sponsor’s Name and Address:

Town of Yucca Valley
58928 Business Center Drive
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
General Plan Designation: Not Applicable (N/A) – Public right-of-way Zoning: N/A – Public right-of-way
Description of Project:

The proposed project involves widening Yucca Trail from Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road (approximately 1.1 miles) within a 100-foot-wide right-of-way. The existing two-lane roadway would be converted into a four-lane divided arterial with landscaped medians, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting, bike and parking lanes, and new signing and striping. Concrete headwalls would be installed at drainage crossings to improve stormwater conveyance.

Intersections with Palomar, Avalon, Camarilla, Del Monte, Hermosa, Indio, and La Contenta Avenues would be repaved to provide smooth transitions.

The proposed project would pave and realign Indio Avenue within a 70-foot right-of-way. North of Sunnyslope Drive, pavement would be extended to SR-62 (approximately 0.5 mile), and at the southern end, Indio Avenue would be realigned about 150 feet west to match the alignment

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
2 PlaceWorks
south of Yucca Trail. Improvements would include two travel lanes, shoulders, curb and gutter, drainage facilities, signage, and striping.

Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:

On the west end of Yucca Trail, residential homes are located to the north, south, and west. In the central portion of the project site near Indio Avenue, the Joshua Tree Distilling Company is located to the north, while residential homes and the Valley Community Chapel are located to the south. On the east end of Yucca Trail, La Contenta Middle School and Black Rock High School are located to the north. Along Indio Avenue (north of Yucca Trail), surrounding land uses are varied. Near the southern end at the Yucca Trail intersection, the Joshua Tree Distilling Company is located within the nearby Business Center area, and the Town of Yucca Valley Building and Safety Department is immediately north of this area. Burtec Waste Industries is located east of Indio Avenue near its intersection with Sunnyslope Drive. At the northern end of Indio Avenue, a shopping center is located to the west, which includes Home Depot, Marshall’s, and Walmart.

All other land along Indio Avenue consists primarily of undeveloped parcels.

Other Public Agencies Whose Approval Is Required (e.g., Permits, Financing Approval, or Participating Agreement):
▪ Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit; coverage under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit; and other stormwater-related approvals as applicable.
▪ Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) – Rule 201: Permit to Construct (for temporary construction emissions sources, if applicable). ▪ San Bernardino County Flood Control District – Review and approval of drainage improvements affecting regional stormwater facilities.
▪ California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – Encroachment Permit for work within the State highway right-of-way, including improvements in the vicinity of SR-62.

Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources, procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.? Because the CEQA clearance document is not a Negative Declaration, a Mitigated Negative Declaration, or an Environmental Impact Report, the proposed project is not subject to Assembly Bill (AB) 52’s tribal notice and consultation process. Additionally, the proposed project does not include any amendments to the General Plan, and the proposed project is not within an area governed by a Specific Plan. Therefore, the proposed project is not subject to Senate Bill (SB) 18.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
Section 3, Environmental Analysis, of this document summarizes the environmental impact conclusions of the Certified EIR and concludes that the proposed project meets the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 for preparation of an Addendum.

DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

D I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

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

D I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. � I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature Date
OCTOBER 2026 3

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
4 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

OCTOBER 2026 1-1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND, PURPOSE, AND SCOPE
This document is an addendum to the Town of Yucca Valley’s (Town) General Plan Update Certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR), State Clearinghouse No. 2012111021 (herein referred to as the “approved project”). The Addendum has been prepared to evaluate the proposed Yucca Trail Widening and Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment Project.

In January 2014, the Town certified a Program EIR for the General Plan Update (Certified EIR or 2014 Certified EIR), which evaluated the environmental impacts associated with implementation of updated land use, circulation, safety, noise, open space and conservation, and housing elements (Yucca Valley 2014). The updated Land Use Element established overall development capacity for the Town and serves as a policy guide for determining the appropriate physical development and character of the Town. The Certified EIR identified significant and unavoidable impacts associated with land use changes in the town related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, transportation, and biological resources (cumulative habitat loss).

The Town’s 2014 General Plan Update includes a Circulation Element that identifies a long-range vision for the Town’s transportation network, including planned roadway improvements intended to accommodate future growth and improve traffic flow, safety, and multi-modal connectivity throughout Yucca Valley. Specifically, the Circulation Element designates Yucca Trail as an arterial roadway (Arterial – 4 Lane Divided) and identifies it as a future Class II bike lane corridor, reflecting the General Plan’s multi-modal transportation goals for the area. Similarly, the Circulation Element identifies Indio Avenue as an Industrial roadway (Industrial – 2 Lanes with Striped Median). Policy C 1-23 of the General Plan further reinforces these objectives by encouraging coordination with future development at the intersection of Yucca Trail, Palomar Avenue, La Contenta Road, and Juarez Drive to implement appropriate roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian connectivity based on proposed land uses. As such, the proposed project directly implements the circulation system improvements and multi-modal connectivity goals identified in the General Plan. The proposed project; therefore, constitutes a subsequent action undertaken in furtherance of the 2014 General Plan Update and is appropriately evaluated through this Addendum to the Certified EIR.

The purpose of this Addendum is to determine whether the proposed project would result in new significant environmental impacts, substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant impacts, or otherwise trigger the need for further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Because the proposed project involves

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
1-2 PlaceWorks
the widening of Yucca Trail and the paving and realignment of Indio Avenue, this Addendum focuses on potential environmental impacts related to the following resource areas: air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards, and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, transportation/traffic, and tribal cultural resources.

Accordingly, this Addendum utilizes a focused CEQA Guidelines checklist addressing these environmental issue areas. The checklist is provided in Section 3, Environmental Analysis, which evaluates each topic under the following subheadings:
▪ Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project ▪ Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project (including environmental checklist) ▪ Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES
Pursuant to CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines, this Addendum focuses on whether implementation of the proposed project would require major revisions to the Certified EIR due to the potential for new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.

Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21166 and Section 15162 of the State CEQA Guidelines, when an EIR has been certified or a negative declaration adopted for a project, no subsequent or supplemental EIR or negative declaration shall be prepared for the project unless the lead agency determines that one or more of the following conditions are met:
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
(2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or (3) 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:

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
OCTOBER 2026 1-3
(A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration;
(B) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
(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
(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.

A supplement to an EIR (supplemental EIR), which is narrower in scope than a subsequent EIR, may be prepared if any of the above criteria apply, but “only minor changes or additions would be necessary to make the previous EIR adequately apply to the project in the changed situation” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15163(a)). In the absence of the need to prepare either a subsequent or supplemental EIR, an addendum to a previously certified EIR may be prepared. Section 15164 states:
(a) The lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.
(b) An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred.
(c) An addendum need not be circulated for public review but can be included in or attached to the final EIR or adopted negative declaration. (d) The decision-making body shall consider the addendum with the final EIR or adopted negative declaration prior to making a decision on the project. (e) A brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR pursuant to Section 15162 should be included in an addendum to an EIR, the lead agency’s findings on the project, or elsewhere in the record. The explanation must be supported by substantial evidence. (CEQA Guidelines § 15164)

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
1-4 PlaceWorks
This Addendum to the previously Certified EIR was prepared because evaluation of the proposed project demonstrates that none of the circumstances requiring a subsequent or supplemental EIR are met. As demonstrated in Section 4, Findings, of this Addendum, the proposed project would not result in impacts that differ from the approved project, and it would not trigger the need for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR under the criteria in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. The proposed project would not alter the physical development assumptions, land use designations, or growth projections evaluated in the 2014 Certified EIR.

The proposed project is consistent with the 2014 Certified EIR and would not require changes to the approved project. This Addendum demonstrates that no substantial changes are proposed to the approved project or have occurred in the development area evaluated by the 2014 Certified EIR that would require major revisions to the 2014 Certified EIR or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][1]). Therefore, the impacts of the proposed project are within the levels and types of environmental impacts disclosed in the 2014 Certified EIR.

As substantiated in Section 3, Environmental Analysis, of this Addendum, the proposed project would not result in new significant impacts or substantially increase the severity of the impacts of the approved project due to substantial changes in circumstances since the certification of the EIR (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][2]).

In addition, no information that was not known and could not have been known at the time the Certified EIR was certified has been revealed that shows new or substantially more severe significant impacts would result (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]). There are no new or considerably different mitigation measures that would substantially reduce one or more significant impacts of the approved project but that are not adopted.

Because this Addendum does not identify new or substantially more severe significant impacts, circulation for public review and comment is not necessary (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164[c]).

However, the Town has considered this Addendum together with the previously Certified EIR prior to adoption of the proposed project, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164(d).

1.3 PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION

1.3.1 Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update EIR
The Town certified the General Plan Update EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2012111021) on July 16, 2014 (Yucca Valley 2014a). The Certified EIR is a program-level environmental document that evaluated the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the 2014 General Plan Update, including town-wide development assumptions and policy-level

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
OCTOBER 2026 1-5
actions related to land use, conservation, open space, and resource protection. The Certified EIR evaluated potentially significant impacts across CEQA topic areas including air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation/traffic, among others, and identified mitigation measures to reduce impacts where feasible.

The Certified EIR determined that the following impacts could be reduced to a less-thansignificant level with implementation of adopted mitigation measures:
▪ Air Quality
⚫ Impact 5.2-5: Placement of new sensitive receptors near major sources of toxic air contaminants in the Town of Yucca Valley could expose people to substantial pollutant concentrations.
▪ Biological Resources
⚫ Impact 5.3-1: Development pursuant to the General Plan Update could impact sensitive plant and animal species known to occur in and/or near the Town of Yucca Valley. ⚫ Impact 5.3-3: Development pursuant to the General Plan Update could result in the loss of riparian habitat.
⚫ Impact 5.3-4: Buildout of the proposed General Plan Update could impact waters and wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board.
⚫ Impact 5.3-5: Development pursuant to the proposed General Plan Update could impact wildlife movement in wildlife linkages identified in regional wildlife connectivity studies and designated as wildlife corridor evaluation areas by the Town. ⚫ Impact 5.3-6: Buildout of the General Plan Update could impact migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code. ⚫ Impact 5.3-7: Projects developed pursuant to the proposed General Plan Update could impact plants protected by the Town’s plant protection and management ordinance. ⚫ Impact 5.3-8: Buildout of the proposed General Plan Update would include development within open space resource areas and could impact biological resources in those areas.
⚫ Impact 5.3-9: Implementation of the General Plan Update would not conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. ▪ Cultural Resources/Paleontological Resources
⚫ Impact 5.4-1: Future development accommodated by the General Plan Update could impact historic resources.
⚫ Impact 5.4-2: Future development accommodated by the General Plan Update could impact known or unknown archaeological and/or paleontological resources.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
1-6 PlaceWorks
However, the Certified EIR identified the following significant and unavoidable impacts:
▪ Air Quality
⚫ Impact 5.2-1: Development associated with buildout of the General Plan Update would generate more growth than the existing General Plan and would therefore be inconsistent with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District’s air quality management plans.
⚫ Impact 5.2-2: Construction activities associated with buildout of the General Plan Update would generate criteria air pollutant emissions that exceed Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District regional significance thresholds and contribute to ozone and particulate matter nonattainment in the Mojave Desert Air Basin. ⚫ Impact 5.2-3: Buildout of the proposed land use plan would generate additional vehicle trips and area sources of criteria air pollutant emissions that exceed Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District regional significance thresholds and contribute to ozone and particulate matter nonattainment in the Mojave Desert Air Basin. ⚫ Impact 5.2-4: Buildout of the General Plan Update could result in new sources of criteria air pollutants and/or toxic air contaminants near existing or planned sensitive receptors.
▪ Biological Resources
⚫ Impact 5.3-2: Buildout of the General Plan Update would impact habitat types inhabited by sensitive species.
▪ Greenhouse Gas Emissions
⚫ Impact 5.6-1: Buildout of the Town of Yucca Valley pursuant to the maximum development allowed under the General Plan Update land use designations would generate a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions over existing conditions. ▪ Noise
⚫ Impact 5.10-1: Buildout of the proposed land use plan would increase traffic on local roadways and State Routes 62 and 247, substantially increasing the existing noise environment.
⚫ Impact 5.10-6: Construction activities associated with buildout of land uses and projects under the General Plan Update would substantially elevate noise levels in the vicinity of noise-sensitive land uses.
⚫ Impact 5.10-7: Buildout of individual land uses and projects under the General Plan Update could expose sensitive uses to strong groundborne vibration. ▪ Transportation/Traffic
⚫ Impact 5.14-2: Future development accommodated by the General Plan Update would conflict with the applicable congestion management program.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
OCTOBER 2026 1-7
The Certified EIR remains the primary environmental document for implementation of the Town’s General Plan. This Addendum specifically evaluates the proposed widening of Yucca Trail and the paving and realignment of Indio Avenue to determine whether the proposed project would result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects compared to the Certified EIR. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, this Addendum concludes that the proposed project does not meet the criteria for preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR. This Addendum relies on the analysis and mitigation measures contained in the Certified EIR and confirms that the proposed project would not result in any new significant environmental effects or substantially more severe impacts than those previously identified.

1.3.2 Environmental Topics Considered
Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164, this Addendum focuses on environmental issue areas that have the potential to result in new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of impacts previously evaluated in the Certified EIR. The proposed project consists of roadway widening and realignment improvements that were contemplated by the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update and Certified EIR. Based on a review of the proposed project, the Certified EIR, technical studies prepared for the project, and the current environmental setting, the following environmental issue areas were carried forward for evaluation in this Addendum:
▪ Air Quality
▪ Biological Resources
▪ Cultural Resources (including
Paleontological Resources)
▪ Energy
▪ Greenhouse Gas Emissions
▪ Hazards and Hazardous Materials
(including wildfire-related
considerations)
▪ Hydrology and Water Quality
▪ Land Use and Planning
▪ Noise
▪ Transportation
▪ Tribal Cultural Resources
▪ Utilities and Service Systems
The environmental topics listed below were not carried forward because the proposed project would not result in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the severity of impacts previously analyzed in the Certified EIR.

Aesthetics. The proposed project consists of roadway improvements within existing and planned transportation corridors and would not introduce visually prominent structures, substantially alter scenic vistas, damage scenic resources, or create substantial new sources of light or glare beyond those previously contemplated by the Certified EIR.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

1. INT RODUCTION
1-8 PlaceWorks
Agriculture and Forestry Resources. The project site is located within an urbanized area of Yucca Valley and does not include Important Farmland, agricultural operations, forest land, timberland, or timber production activities. The proposed project would not convert agricultural or forestry resources to non-agricultural uses.

Geology and Soils. The proposed project would not expose people or structures to substantial geologic or seismic hazards beyond those previously analyzed in the Certified EIR. Compliance with applicable building, grading, and engineering standards would address geologic and soilrelated hazards. Paleontological resources are addressed within the Cultural Resources section of this Addendum.

Mineral Resources. The project site is not located within a regionally significant mineral resource area, and the proposed project would not result in the loss of availability of known mineral resources.

Population and Housing. The proposed project would not induce substantial population growth, displace existing housing, or displace substantial numbers of people. The project consists of transportation infrastructure improvements and does not include residential development.

Public Services. The proposed project would not generate demand for new or physically altered public facilities beyond that anticipated in the Certified EIR. The project would improve transportation infrastructure and support existing public services, including emergency response.

Recreation. The proposed project would not increase the use of existing parks or recreational facilities or require construction of new recreational facilities.

Utilities and Service Systems. The Utilities and Service Systems section of Appendix G primarily addresses utility demands and service needs associated with new development projects. The proposed project consists of roadway widening, paving, drainage, and associated infrastructure improvements and would not generate new residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, or mixed-use development. Therefore, the proposed project would not create substantial new demand for water supplies, wastewater treatment capacity, electrical service, natural gas service, telecommunications facilities, or solid waste disposal services. However, implementation of the proposed project may require relocation, protection, or modification of existing utilities and construction of storm drainage improvements. Accordingly, only Threshold (a), which addresses the potential environmental effects associated with the relocation or construction of utility infrastructure is applicable and is evaluated in Section 3.12 below.

Wildfire. Potential wildfire-related issues associated with roadway construction and operation are addressed in the Hazards and Hazardous Materials section of this Addendum. The proposed project is a roadway project to improve circulation along Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue, and it does not introduce new residents or buildings.

OCTOBER 2026 2-1

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is in the central-eastern portion of the Town of Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County, California (see Figure 1, Regional Location). Specifically, the improvements are proposed for a 22.85-acre area within two public rights-of-way—Yucca Trail between Palomar Avenue and La Contenta Road, and Indio Avenue between Yucca Trail and State Route 62 (SR-62).

The Town is bordered by unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County and is near the City of Twentynine Palms and the unincorporated communities of Morongo Valley and Joshua Tree.

The southern boundary of Yucca Valley adjoins Joshua Tree National Park. Major transportation routes in the area include SR-62, which traverses the town from east to west, and State Route 247 (SR-247), which extends north from SR-62 through the center of the town. SR-62 is adjacent to the northern end of the project site along Indio Avenue, and SR-247 is approximately two miles west of the project site. Regional access to the project site is provided by SR-247 and SR-62 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2, Local Vicinity).

2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

2.2.1 Local Setting
The project site is within the public rights-of-way of Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue. The total area of the project site is 22.85 acres—14.5 acres along Yucca Trail and 8.35 acres along Indio Avenue. Figure 3, Aerial Photograph, shows the area encompassing both rights-of way. ▪ Yucca Trail. The Yucca Trail roadway segment between Palomar Avenue and La Contenta Road is approximately 25 feet wide with two travel lanes. The Yucca Trail segment is paved and does not include sidewalks. There are some segments with gutters along the southern portion of the roadway segment, generally between Palomar Avenue and Indio Avenue.

Sparse scrub vegetation grows along the roadway edges, and several desert dry wash channels transect Yucca Trail. Topography is generally flat. Traffic control along this segment currently consists of a four-way signalized intersection at Yucca Trail and Palomar Avenue at the west end of the project site. Several intersecting side streets have stop signs where they intersect with Yucca Trail, including Avalon Avenue, Camarilla Avenue, Del Monte Avenue, Hermosa Avenue, and Indio Avenue. However, Yucca Trail itself is not stop controlled at these locations.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-2 PlaceWorks
▪ Indio Avenue. Indio Avenue is paved in two segments: between Yucca Trail and approximately 400 feet north of Bus Center Drive, and for approximately 400 feet south of Sunnyslope Drive. Where paved, the roadway segment is approximately 25 feet wide.

Between these paved segments, Indio Avenue is an unpaved dirt road. North of Sunnyslope Drive, the roadway does not currently exist. Several dry wash channels transect the northern portion of the future Indio Avenue roadway segment, north of Sunnyslope Drive.

The intersection of Indio Avenue and Sunnyslope Drive is configured as a T-intersection and is stop-controlled on the Indio Avenue approach, where Indio Avenue terminates at Sunnyslope Drive.

UTILITIES
The project site consists of existing roadways; no existing water and sewer connections are needed to serve the project site. Existing utilities are located within the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue rights-of-way, including existing sewer infrastructure beneath portions of Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue extending to Business Center Drive. The proposed project would be designed to avoid utility relocations to the extent feasible. However, because the precise location and depth of existing utilities have not yet been fully confirmed, limited utility relocation, adjustment, protection, or replacement may be required during construction following subsurface utility investigations and coordination with utility providers.

WATER AND SEWER
The project site consists of existing roadways; no existing water and sewer connections are needed to serve the project site.

DRAINAGE
The project site does not include formal storm drainage infrastructure such as storm drains or drainage inlets. Yucca Trail has no curbs or gutters along the majority of the roadway. Some segments of the southern side of Yucca Trail have curbs and gutters, generally adjacent to existing residential development. The majority of Indio Avenue has no curbs or gutters, but the eastern side of the paved segments have curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Neither corridor has storm drain inlets. Stormwater along both corridors drains via sheet flow off the paved roadway surfaces into adjacent unpaved areas and natural dry wash channels that transect the corridors.

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS
There are no streetlights within the project site. Electricity used to power the existing four-way signalized intersection at Yucca Trail and Palomar Avenue is currently provided by Southern California Edison (SCE). Because the project site consists of existing roadways, no natural gas pipelines are needed to serve the site.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
OCTOBER 2026 2-3

2.2.2 Existing General Plan and Zoning
The project site is public rights-of-way and therefore does not have a zoning or General Plan designation. The Town’s General Plan Circulation Element, Figure C-1, Roadway Classifications at General Plan Buildout, identifies the functional roadway classifications for roadways at buildout. ▪ Yucca Trail. The circulation element designates Yucca Trail as an “Arterial: 4 Lanes Divided.” The circulation element describes arterial roadways as paved roadways that are designed to move large volumes of traffic and provide a high level of mobility between major residential, employment, and activity centers. Arterial roadways also provide regional mobility, connecting different portions of the region to each other through the Town of Yucca Valley.

Additionally, circulation element Figure C-2, Bicycle Facilities, identifies Yucca Trail as a future Class II bike lane corridor, reflecting the General Plan’s multimodal transportation goals for the area.
▪ Indio Avenue. The circulation element identifies Indio Avenue as “Industrial: 2 Lanes with Stripped Median.” Collector roadways are paved roadways intended to collect traffic from local roadways and convey it to arterial roadways and highways, and they may or may not include Class II bicycle lanes. Industrial roadways function similarly to collector roadways, but they are designed to serve industrial areas; accordingly, they are typically paved and designed to accommodate larger vehicles and wider turning radii.

2.2.3 Surrounding Land Use

YUCCA TRAIL
As shown on Figure 3, residential uses are to the north, south, and west of the west end of Yucca Trail. A multi-tenant commercial and industrial complex and daycare and educational uses are near the northeast corner of Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue intersection. The complex includes the Joshua Tree Distilling Company, automotive restoration, storage, and other light industrial uses. Residential uses, Valley Community Chapel and associated preschool facilities, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are located south and southeast of the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue intersection. La Contenta Middle School and Black Rock High School are approximately 670 feet north of the la Contenta and Yucca Trail intersection, on the east end of project site.

Surrounding parcels have General Plan land use designations of Rural Residential (RR-0.5), Low Density Residential (LDR), Commercial (C), and Industrial (I). Zoning designations include Residential, Single-Family (RS-2); Residential, Single-Family (RS-5); Neighborhood Commercial (C-N); and Industrial (I).

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-4 PlaceWorks

INDIO AVENUE
As shown on Figure 3, surrounding land uses along Indio Avenue (north of Yucca Trail) are varied. Near the southern end of Indio Avenue at Yucca Trail, the Joshua Tree Distilling Company is located within a larger multi-tenant commercial and industrial complex that also includes automotive restoration, storage, and other light industrial uses within the nearby Business Center area. Immediately north of this area is the Town of Yucca Valley Public Works Yard, which also houses Community Development Department functions, including planning and building and safety services. Burrtec Waste Industries is east of Indio Avenue near its intersection with Sunnyslope Drive, and the Hi-Desert Water District wastewater treatment facility is located north of Sunnyslope Drive in this area. At the northern end of Indio Avenue, commercial uses west of the roadway include a shopping center containing Home Depot, Marshalls, and Walmart. Other surrounding land along Indio Avenue consists primarily of undeveloped parcels.

Surrounding parcels have General Plan land use designations of Industrial (I), Public/QuasiPublic (P/QP), and Commercial (C). Zoning designations in the vicinity include Industrial (I), Public/Quasi-Public (P/QP), and General Commercial (C-G).

2.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The Town of Yucca Valley is proposing to widen Yucca Trail to convert the current two-lane roadway into a four-lane divided arterial with a 100-foot right-of-way (ROW), as designated in the circulation element, Figure C-1, Roadway Classifications at General Plan Buildout.

Additionally, the Town would construct Indio Avenue from State Route 62 (SR-62) to Yucca Trail as a two-lane roadway with a 70-foot ROW. The Indio Avenue component also includes realigning Indio Avenue approximately 150 feet west of the current alignment between Sunnyslope Drive and Yucca Trail. Overall, the proposed improvements are intended to enhance roadway capacity, circulation, and safety throughout the project site and surrounding area, in accordance with the current General Plan.

2.3.1 Yucca Trail Widening
As shown on Figure 4, Yucca Trail Conceptual Site Plan, the proposed project includes widening Yucca Trail from Palomar Avenue to La Contenta Road to its ultimate 100-foot ROW, a distance of approximately 1.1 miles (5,808 linear feet). The existing two-lane roadway would be converted into a four-lane divided arterial with landscaped median islands. The proposed project also includes shifting the Indio Avenue at Yucca Trail intersection approximately 150 feet west to match the alignment of Indio Avenue south of Yucca Trail. Planned improvements include construction of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on both sides of the roadway; bicycle and parking lanes; and medians with landscaping. Signing and striping would be provided throughout the length of the project. The project also includes the installation of concrete

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
OCTOBER 2026 2-5
headwalls at multiple drainage crossings to improve stormwater conveyance and reduce erosion.

Streetlights, fitted with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, would be installed along Yucca Trail as part of the proposed improvements. Electrical service for the proposed streetlights would be provided by Southern California Edison (SCE).

Seven existing paved roadways that connect to Yucca Trail within the project area—Palomar Avenue, Avalon Avenue, Camarilla Avenue, Del Monte Avenue, Hermosa Avenue, Indio Avenue, and La Contenta Road—would be repaved at their intersections to provide smooth transitions to the widened roadway. The proposed Indio Avenue/Yucca Trail intersection would operate as a two-way stop-controlled intersection, with stop control on Indio Avenue and free-flow traffic maintained along Yucca Trail.

2.3.2 Indio Avenue Paving and Realignment
As shown on Figure 5, Indio Avenue Conceptual Site Plan, the proposed project includes paving and realigning Indio Avenue to its ultimate 70-foot ROW. North of Sunnyslope Drive, pavement would be extended to connect with SR-62, a distance of approximately 0.5 mile. Improvements would include two travel lanes (one in each direction), shoulders, sidewalks, curb and gutter, drainage facilities, signing, and striping.

The proposed Indio Avenue improvements include drainage facilities to maintain stormwater conveyance where the roadway alignment crosses existing dry wash channels. Drainage improvements would include installation of concrete headwalls and wingwalls associated with culvert crossings. No retention basins are proposed as part of the proposed project. Existing drainage patterns would be maintained to the extent feasible.

The proposed traffic control configuration at the Indio Avenue/SR-62 connection would consist of stop-control signage, subject to final review and approval by Caltrans during final engineering design. Improvements within the SR-62 right-of-way would require a Caltrans Encroachment Permit.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-6 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

Pl
T
aceWorks
0 Scale (Miles)
3 County Boundary
City Boundary
Yucca Trail Project Boundary
Indio Avenue Project Boundary
Source: Generated using GIS Pro 2025 Figure 1
Regional Location
County of San Bernardino
County of Riverside
Unincorporated
San Bernardino County
Unincorporated
Riverside County
SR-247
SR-62
SR-62
Desert Hot Springs
Yucca Valley

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJEC

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-8 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

Pla
T
ceWorks
0 Scale (Feet)
2,000
Yucca Trail Project Boundary
Indio Avenue Project Boundary
City Boundaries
Figure 2
Local Vicinity
Source: Generated using GIS Pro 2025
Indio Ave
Yucca Trl
Yucca Trl
Unincorporated
San Bernardino
County
La Contenta Rd La Contenta Rd
Yucca Valley
Yucca Valley
SR-62
SR-62 SR-62
Desert Dry Wash

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJEC

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-10 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

Pl
T
aceWorks
0 Scale (Feet)
1,350
Yucca Trail Project Boundary
Indio Avenue Project Boundary
City Boundaries
Miramar Dr
Yucca Trl
La Contenta Rd
Sunnyslope Dr
29 Palms Hwy
Avalon Ave
La Habra Ave
Indio Ave
Bus Center Dr
Indio Ave
Camarilla Ave
Del Monte Ave
Palomar Ave
Hermosa Ave
Avalon Ave
Delano Trl
Rubidoux Ave
Lennox AvePrescott Ave
Palisade Dr
Diadem Dr
Paxton Rd
Obrien Dr
Nelson Ave Nelson Ave
Barron Dr
Avalon Ave
David Ave
Yucca Mesa Rd
Indio Ave
Marvine Ave
El Dorado Ave
Paxton OuterHighway N
Skypark Dr
La Contenta Rd
Linda Lee Dr
Camarilla Ave
Goleta Ave
Ruth Dr
SR-62
SR-62
Source: Nearmap 2025 Figure 3
Aerial Photograph
Residential
Commercial
Residential
Residential
Yucca Valley
Unincorporated
San Bernardino
County
Yucca Valley
Commercial
Black Rock
High School
La Contenta
Middle School
Burrtec Waste
Valley Community Chapel
(includes a daycare/school)
School
Bus Yard
Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
Azy’s Place
(daycare)
Pringle Family
Daycare
Town of Yucca Valley
Town Yard Park
Maintenance Facility
Desert Dry Wash
Yucca Valley
Community School
Multi-tenant Commercial
and Industrial Complex

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJEC

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-12 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

PlaceWorks

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.

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
COUNTY

ROUNDABOUT PROJECT
(CUMULATIVE PROJECT)
YUCCA TRL.

SKYPARK DR.

SUNNYSLOPE DR.

JOSHUA TREE

DISTILLING COMPANY

BURRTEC WASTE

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TOWN YARD PARK

MAINTENANCE FACILITY

GOOD SHEPARD

LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

BLACK ROCK

HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL

BUS YARD

LA CONTENTA

MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRESCOTT AVE.

LENNOX AVE.

LA HABRA AVE.

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

PRINGLE FAMILY

DAYCARE

DESERT DRY WASH
Figure 4
Yucca Trail Conceptual Site Plan
Source: Yucca Valley 2025

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-14 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

Pla
C T
ceWorks

EXTENT OF PROPOSED WORK
100'
100' 100'
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.
0 Scale (Feet)
500
Indio Avenue Project Boundary
City Boundaries
SR-62
YUCCA TRL.

SUNNYSLOPE DR.

SKYPARK DR.
29 PALMS HWY

PAXTON OUTERHIGHWAY N
FORTUNA AVE.

GOLETA AVE.

HERMOSA AVE.

CARMARILLA AVE.

DEL MONTE AVE.

EL DORADO AVE.

INDIO AVE.

RICHARD DR.

LINDA LEE DR.

RONALD DR.

RUTH DR.

MARVIN DR.

Source: Yucca Valley 2025 Figure 5
Indio Avenue Conceptual Site Plan

JOSHUA TREE

DISTILLING COMPANY

BURRTEC WASTE

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

TOWN YARD PARK

MAINTENANCE FACILITY

GOOD SHEPARD

LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

BLACK ROCK

HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL

BUS YARD

LA CONTENTA

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJE

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-16 PlaceWorks
This page intentionally left blank.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
OCTOBER 2026 2-17

2.3.3 Grading and Construction Activities
The total disturbance area for all proposed improvements is 22.85 acres. Construction would include vegetation removal, excavation and grading, demolition of existing pavement and curbs, installation of new roadway base and pavement, utility adjustments, and final surfacing. The proposed project would balance cut and fill soils onsite. The project contractor would be required to prepare an erosion control plan incorporating standard best management practices to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation during grading and construction activities.

Construction activities are anticipated to occur primarily within existing public rights-of-way.

However, limited temporary construction work may be required in localized areas outside of the roadway easement depending on final engineering design and construction staging needs.

A Traffic Control Plan would be submitted for review and approval prior to issuance of applicable encroachment permits. The Traffic Control Plan would ensure that construction activities would not substantially impede traffic flow or create unsafe conditions for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians along Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue during construction.

2.3.4 Construction Phasing
The proposed project would be constructed in two phases:
▪ Yucca Trail. Construction of the Yucca Trail improvements is anticipated to begin in July 2027 and would continue over approximately six months in the first phase. ▪ Indio Avenue. Construction of the Indio Avenue improvements is anticipated to begin in 2035 and would continue over approximately six months in the second phase.

Construction equipment would include, but not be limited to, tractors, loaders, skid steers, backhoes, excavators, graders, asphalt pavers, rollers/compactors, and generators. Standard best management practices would be implemented to control dust, manage stormwater, and reduce noise during construction.

2.3.5 Discretionary Actions and Approvals
A discretionary action is an action by a government agency that involves judgment in deciding whether to approve a project. For the proposed project, the Town is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has principal approval authority over the project.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2-18 PlaceWorks
This Addendum to the Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 to evaluate the proposed project and confirm that the project would not result in new or substantially more severe environmental impacts than those identified in the certified EIR.

The anticipated discretionary actions required for this proposed project are listed in Table 2-1, Actions Required.

Table 2-1 Actions Required
Lead Agency Action
Town of Yucca Valley ▪ Approval of the proposed project ▪ Adoption of the Addendum to the Town of Yucca Valley
General Plan Update EIR, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164; and
▪ Approval of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP), ensuring implementation of the
applicable mitigation measures identified in the certified EIR.

Responsible Agencies Action
California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans), District 8
▪ Approval of an Encroachment Permit for connection of
Indio Avenue to SR-62.

California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW)
▪ Approval of Incidental Take Permits (ITP).

The Town of Yucca Valley must consider the information in this Addendum together with the certified Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update EIR before approving the project. The Addendum provides environmental review for the whole of the action, including planning, grading, construction, and operation of roadway and circulation improvements along Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue.

2.4 OTHER RELATED PROJECTS
In addition to the Town’s proposed roadway improvements, San Bernardino County is planning a project in the immediate vicinity of the Yucca Trail and La Contenta Road intersection. The county project involves construction of a roundabout adjacent to the eastern end of the proposed project site (see Figure 4). This roundabout project is a change in circumstances since the Town’s original planning efforts relating to the Town’s earlier planning and design efforts for the proposed project. However, it is a separate project under county jurisdiction and subject to its own environmental review and approvals. No further analysis of the county’s project is warranted in this Addendum; however, it is treated as a cumulative project for transportation modeling purposes.

OCTOBER 2026 3-1

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The section summarizes the conclusions of the Certified EIR and discusses three conditions pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 for impacts to Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources (including Paleontological Resources), Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Transportation, and Tribal Cultural Resources for preparation of an Addendum:
▪ Condition 1, 15162(a)(1–2). Whether or not the proposed project represents a substantial change that will require major revisions to the Certified EIR due to new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.
▪ Condition 2, 15162(a)(3)(A–B). Whether or not substantial changes in the circumstances under which the proposed project is being undertaken will require major revisions to the Certified EIR due to new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects.
▪ Condition 3, 15162(a)(3)(C–D). If new information shows that the proposed project would have one or more new significant effects; that significant effects would be substantially more severe than previously described; that mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would be feasible and substantially reduce impacts, but project proponents decline to adopt them; or that new or previously rejected mitigation measures or alternatives would be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more project impacts, but project proponents decline to adopt them.

If none of the above conditions are met, the analysis identifies where impacts of the proposed project would not require major revisions to the Certified EIR or substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant effects that would trigger the need to prepare a subsequent or supplemental EIR under Sections 15162(a) and 15163(a).

Mitigation measures referenced are from the Certified EIR and are modified as appropriate in Section 3.1.2, Adopted Certified EIR Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-2 PlaceWorks

3.1 AIR QUALITY

3.1.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project The Certified EIR concluded that buildout of development accommodated by the General Plan Update would result in several air quality impacts:
▪ Consistency with the Air Quality Management Plan. The General Plan Update would be inconsistent with the AQMP and would contribute to existing ozone and particulate matter nonattainment conditions. No feasible mitigation measures were identified to reduce the magnitude of growth-related emissions, and this impact was determined to be significant and unavoidable.
▪ Construction Emissions. Construction activities associated with future development accommodated by the General Plan Update would generate short-term emissions of criteria air pollutants from construction equipment operation, soil disturbance, paving, and coating activities. Due to the scale and extent of construction activity associated with theoretical buildout, construction emissions would likely exceed the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) regional significance thresholds and contribute to ozone and particulate matter nonattainment in the Mojave Desert Air Basin. Although regulatory requirements and General Plan policies would reduce emissions to the extent feasible, these construction-related air quality impacts were determined to be significant and unavoidable. ▪ Operational Emissions. Operational emissions associated with increased vehicle trips and area sources from full General Plan buildout would exceed MDAQMD regional significance thresholds for criteria air pollutants, with the exception of sulfur oxides. Exceedances of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides would contribute to ozone formation, while exceedances of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter would contribute to particulate matter nonattainment. Despite implementation of applicable General Plan policies and implementation actions, these long-term operational air quality impacts were determined to be significant and unavoidable.
▪ Localized Emissions. The General Plan Update could result in new sources of criteria air pollutant emissions and toxic air contaminants (TACs) located near existing or planned sensitive receptors. While TACs from permitted stationary sources would be subject to MDAQMD review, localized concentrations of criteria air pollutants could exceed applicable thresholds due to the scale and distribution of future development. Because the programlevel analysis could not determine the precise location and phasing of future projects, these localized air quality impacts were determined to be significant and unavoidable.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-3
▪ Air Quality Compatibility. Implementation of General Plan policies and mitigation measures would reduce potential health risks from siting new sensitive land uses near sources of air pollution to less than significant levels. 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. ▪ Odors. Buildout of the General Plan Update would not expose a substantial number of people to objectionable odors. Compliance with MDAQMD Rule 402 (Nuisance), land use separation policies, and odor control requirements would ensure that odor-related impacts would be less than significant.

3.1.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
The analysis in this section is based on information provided in Appendix A, Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy, of this Initial Study.

The primary air pollutants of concern for which ambient air quality standards (AAQS) have been established are ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), coarse inhalable particulate matter (PM10), fine inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and lead (Pb). Areas are classified under the federal and California Clean Air Act as either in attainment or nonattainment for each criteria pollutant based on whether the AAQS have been achieved.

The Mojave Desert Air Basin (MDAB), which is managed by the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD), is designated as nonattainment for O3 and PM10 under the California and National AAQS and nonattainment for PM2.5 under the California AAQS (CARB 2023).

Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.

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 or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? SU Yes

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-4 PlaceWorks
Environmental Issues:

Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non-attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard?
SU Yes
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations? SU Yes
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to
odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of
people?
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 or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

A consistency determination plays an important role in local agency project review by linking local planning and individual projects to the air quality management plan (AQMP). It fulfills the CEQA goal of informing decision makers of the environmental efforts of the project under consideration at an early enough stage to ensure that air quality concerns are fully addressed. It also provides the local agency with ongoing information as to whether they are contributing to clean air goals in the AQMP.

The emissions forecast by MDAQMD are based in part on the demographic projections provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Regional population, housing, and employment projections developed by SCAG are based in part on the local jurisdictions’ general plan land use designations. These projections form the foundation for the emissions inventory of the AQMPs. These demographic trends are incorporated into the 2024–2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, compiled by SCAG to determine priority transportation projects in the SCAG region. Projects that are consistent with the local general plan are considered consistent with the air quality–related regional plan.

Typically, only new or amended general plan elements, specific plans, and major projects that have the potential to affect the regional population and employment forecasts need to undergo a consistency review.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-5
The roadway extension project would not affect housing, employment, or population projections within the Town or region. Additionally, as demonstrated below in Section 3.1.2(b), the construction emissions that would result from the proposed project would be below the MDAQMD’s applicable significance thresholds and there would be no change in operational emissions compared to that of the approved project. Therefore, the proposed project would not affect the regional emissions inventory or conflict with strategies in the applicable AQMP, and impacts 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 consistency with the MDAQMD’s AQMP. 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) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The following describes project-related impacts from regional short-term construction activities and regional long-term operation of the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue, which are collectively referred to as the proposed project.

Regional Short-Term Construction Impacts
Construction activities associated with the proposed project would generate air pollutants.

These emissions would primarily be exhaust from off-road diesel-powered construction equipment; 2) dust generated by demolition and ground-disturbing activities; and 3) exhaust from on-road vehicles.

Methodology
Construction of the proposed project would consist of demolition, site preparation, grading, paving, and architectural coating activities. Proposed improvements include widening of Yucca Trail; construction of Indio Avenue; and repaving of intersections with Palamar, Avalon, Camarilla, Del Monte, Hermosa, Indio, and La Contenta Avenues to provide smooth transitions.

The proposed improvements would involve the demolition of up to 4.1 acres of existing roadway and the construction of up to 22.85 acres of new roadway, sidewalks, and curb and gutters. It is assumed all demolished pavement is hauled off-site and new road base is imported for all expanded road surfaces, or an estimated 18.75 acres of expanded ground coverage for road base. This analysis assumes approximately 2,650 tons of demolished asphalt material is hauled off-site during the demolition construction activities and approximately 39,800 cubic yards of new road base is hauled on-site during the grading construction activities prior to the

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-6 PlaceWorks
commencement of paving. In the absence of project-specific construction information, CalEEMod default values for hauling distances, construction activity durations, and construction equipment use are used in the emissions modeling.

Improvements for each roadway segment are expected to occur over approximately five months. While the Yucca Trail improvements are anticipated for August through December 2027 and the Indio Avenue improvements are anticipated for August through December 2035.

Construction Emissions
As shown in Table 3-1, Yucca Trail Regional Construction Emissions, and Table 3-2, Indio Avenue Regional Construction Emissions, construction activities associated with the Yucca Trail and Indio Avenue, respectively, would not exceed the MDAQMD regional significance thresholds.

Therefore, construction impacts 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 regional construction 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).

Table 3-1 Yucca Trail Regional Construction Emissions
Construction Phase
Pollutants1
VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Daily Emissions Analysis
Demolition 2 22 20 <1 5 1
Site Preparation 3 29 30 <1 11 4
Grading 3 34 30 <1 11 3
Paving 2 7 11 <1 <1 <1
Coating 9 1 1 <1 <1 <1
Maximum Daily Emissions (lbs/day) 9 34 30 <1 11 4
MDAQMD Regional Construction Threshold 137 137 548 137 82 65 Significant? No No No No No No
Annual Emissions Analysis
Annual Emissions (tons) <1 1 1 <1 <1 <1
MDAQMD Regional Construction Threshold 25 25 100 25 15 12 Significant? No No No No No No
Source: CalEEMod, Version 2022.1; Appendix A. Maximum Daily summer and winter.

1. Includes implementation of Mitigation Measure 2-1 for watering exposed areas 3 times daily.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-7
Table 3-2 Indio Avenue Regional Construction Emissions
Construction Phase
Pollutants1
VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Daily Emissions Analysis
Demolition 2 20 19 <1 3 1
Site Preparation 3 28 29 <1 11 4
Grading 2 19 19 <1 7 2
Paving 1 7 11 <1 <1 <1
Coating 4 1 1 <1 <1 <1
Maximum Daily Emissions (lbs/day) 4 28 29 <1 11 4
MDAQMD Regional Construction Threshold 137 137 548 137 82 65 Significant? No No No No No No
Annual Emissions Analysis
Annual Emissions (tons) <1 1 1 <1 <1 <1
MDAQMD Regional Construction Threshold 25 25 100 25 15 12 Significant? No No No No No No
Source: CalEEMod, Version 2022.1; Appendix A. Maximum Daily summer and winter. This analysis assumes the Indio Avenue improvements start immediately following the completion of the Yucca Trail improvements, for a total duration of 10 contiguous months to provide a conservative analysis of the Indio Avenue construction emissions. Assuming an earlier construction schedule conservatively captures potential emissions generated during construction activities because equipment and vehicle fuel efficiencies and emission controls improve over time with new model years and increasingly stringent regulations for manufacturers and fleet operators.

1. Includes implementation of Mitigation Measure 2-1 for watering exposed areas 3 times daily.

Long-Term Operational Impacts
Long-term air pollutant emissions are typically generated by area sources (e.g., landscape fuel use, aerosols, architectural coatings, and asphalt pavement), energy use (natural gas), and mobile sources (i.e., on-road vehicles). 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 E, the proposed project would not induce additional VMT beyond what was evaluated in the Certified EIR. While the proposed project would involve expanded roadway surfaces that would require periodic reapplication of coating and therefore would increase long-term operational emissions for VOCs beyond existing conditions, this increase in emissions would be nominal and not result in a substantial increase which may result in an exceedance of MDAQMD significance thresholds nor would it result in emissions above that are associated with the approved project. As a result, impacts to the regional air quality associated with operation of the proposed project would be less than significant.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-8 PlaceWorks
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 regional operational 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). c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The proposed project could expose sensitive receptors to elevated pollutant concentrations if it causes or significantly contributes to elevated pollutant concentration levels. Unlike regional emissions, localized emissions are typically evaluated in terms of air concentration rather than mass so they can be more readily correlated to potential health effects.

Construction Health Risk
Toxic Air Contaminants
Health risk assessments are based on risk accumulated over a 70-year lifetime. Given the shortterm nature of the proposed construction activities (approximately 10 months), the proposed project would not result in a long-term substantial source of toxic air contaminant (TAC) emissions. In addition, the proposed project’s emissions would not exceed MDAQMD significance thresholds for criteria pollutants or applicable AAQAs during construction, as shown in Table 3-1. While these thresholds and standards are not directly associated with potential health risks, health risk impacts are influenced by the product of the quantity and concentration of pollutants generated and the duration of off-site sensitive receptors’ exposure to those pollutants. Because construction of the proposed project would be temporary and emissions would not exceed the MDAQMD significance thresholds, the proposed project would not generate substantial emissions during construction. Accordingly, project-related TAC emission generation during construction are not anticipated to be substantial; therefore, health risk impacts to nearby sensitive receptors during project construction 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 exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations during construction. 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).

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-9
Operational Health Risk
Toxic Air Contaminants
The types of land uses that typically generate substantial quantities of criteria air pollutants and TACs include industrial (e.g., stationary sources) and warehousing (e.g., truck-intensive) land uses. As previously noted, the proposed project would involve operation of up to 22.85 acres of new roadway, sidewalks, and curbs and gutters. The proposed project would not involve any new buildings that could require energy consumption (e.g., electricity, natural gas), require operation of stationary equipment, or generate new vehicle trips. While the proposed project would involve expanded roadway surfaces that would require periodic reapplication of coating and therefore would increase long-term operational emissions for VOCs beyond existing conditions, this increase in emissions would be nominal and not result in a substantial increase which may result in an exceedance of MDAQMD significance thresholds. Thus, the type of land use proposed under the proposed project would not generate criteria air pollutants or TACs that could expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Accordingly, health risk impacts to nearby sensitive receptors during project operation would be less than significant.

Carbon Monoxide Hotspots
Vehicle congestion has the potential to create pockets of CO called hotspots. Hotspots are typically produced at intersections, where traffic congestion is highest because vehicles are backed up and idle for longer periods and are subject to reduced speeds. These pockets could exceed the state one-hour standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) or the eight-hour standard of

9.0 ppm. Because CO is produced in greatest quantities from vehicle combustion and does not readily disperse into the atmosphere, adherence to ambient air quality standards is typically demonstrated through an analysis of localized CO concentrations. As previously noted, the proposed project would not generate new vehicle trips above that evaluated in the Certified EIR (see Appendix E). As a result, the proposed project would not cause or contribute to potential CO hotspot generation, 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 exposing sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations during operation. 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).

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-10 PlaceWorks
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

The Certified EIR identified that the approved project would result in temporary and minimal localized odors during construction and operation-related activities. However, with implementation of General Plan policies, odor impacts associated with the approved project would be less than significant.

Construction Odors
During construction activities, construction equipment exhaust and application of asphalt and architectural coatings would temporarily generate odors. Any construction-related odor emissions would be temporary and intermittent in nature. Additionally, noxious odors would be confined to the immediate vicinity of the construction equipment. By the time such emissions reach any sensitive receptors off-site, they would be diluted to well below any level of air quality concern. Furthermore, short-term construction-related odors are expected to cease upon the drying or hardening of the odor-producing materials. Therefore, impacts associated with construction-generated odors are considered 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 emissions, such as odors, that could affect a substantial number of people during construction. 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).

Operational Odors
Odors from the types of land uses that could generate objectionable odors are regulated under MDAQMD Rule 402, which states:

A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals.

Industrial land uses, including agricultural uses, are the primary types of land uses that have the potential to generate objectionable odors. As previously noted, the proposed project would involve operation of up to 22.85 acres of new roadway, sidewalks, and curbs and gutters. The

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-11
proposed project would not involve any new buildings that could require energy consumption (e.g., electricity, natural gas), require operation of stationary equipment (e.g., generators), or generate new vehicle trips. However, the proposed expanded roadways would require periodic reapplication of coatings for traffic striping and signage, which would generate short-term offgassing odors during those periodic reapplication activities. Nonetheless, architectural coating odors would be confined to the immediate vicinity of the project site. By the time such emissions reach any sensitive receptors off-site, they would be diluted to well below any level of air quality concern. Therefore, impacts associated with operation-generated odors are considered 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 emissions, such as odors, that could affect a substantial number of people during operation. 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).

3.1.3 Adopted Mitigation Measures Applicable to the Proposed Project
The Certified EIR identified Mitigation Measures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 to address potential air quality impacts associated with future development accommodated by the General Plan Update. These mitigation measures were taken directly from the Certified EIR and are incorporated as part of the proposed project. Applicable mitigation measures have also 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 Measure 2-1 remains applicable to the proposed project and has been incorporated into the proposed project’s MMRP. Of these, Mitigation Measure 2-1 remains applicable to the proposed project because it would involve grading, excavation, paving, and other grounddisturbing activities that could generate construction-related air pollutant emissions, including fugitive dust. Mitigation Measure 2-1 provides a framework for implementing project-level construction emission control measures, if required, to reduce air pollutant emissions during construction activities consistent with Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District requirements. Mitigation Measure 2-1 has been modified to consider existing conditions of the project site and to identify specific construction activities where these control measures should be implemented. Mitigation Measures 2-2 and 2-3 are not applicable to the proposed project because they specifically apply to new industrial or warehousing land uses and the siting of new sensitive receptors near major sources of toxic air contaminants. The proposed project does not include new industrial or warehousing uses, does not propose new sensitive land uses, and

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-12 PlaceWorks
does not involve discretionary land use approvals that would trigger health risk assessment requirements.

The Certified EIR Mitigation Measure 2-1 is reproduced below. 2-1 If, during subsequent project-level environmental review, construction-related criteria air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the To minimize constructionrelated 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 Planning Department shall require that applicants for new development projects incorporate mitigation measures as identified in the CEQA document prepared for the project to reduce air pollutant emissions during construction activities. Mitigation measures that may be identified during the environmental review include but are not limited to: 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 may be necessary whenever wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour. Reclaimed water should shall be used whenever possible. ▪ Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, aggregate, asphalt grindings, and 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).
▪ Pave, apply Apply water three times daily or as often as necessary to control dust, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all to unpaved access roads, temporary detours, staging areas, parking areas, and staging equipment storage areas, at construction sites 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, parking areas, and staging areas adjacent public streets, to remove tracked dirt and debris at the construction site to control dust.
▪ Sweep public streets daily (with water sweepers using reclaimed water if possible) in the vicinity of the project site, or as often as needed, to keep streets free of visible soil material.
▪ Hydroseed or apply non-toxic soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas Stabilize inactive construction areas through hydroseeding or application of non-toxic soil binders.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-13
▪ Enclose, cover, or water three times daily, or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles of soil, aggregate, or construction materials (dirt, sand, etc.). 2-2 New industrial or warehousing land uses that: 1) have the potential to generate 40 or more diesel trucks per day and 2) are located within 1,000 feet of a sensitive land use (e.g., residential, schools, hospitals, nursing homes), as measured from the property line of the project to the property line of the nearest sensitive use, shall submit a health risk assessment (HRA) to the Town of Yucca Valley Planning Department prior to future discretionary project approval. The HRA shall be prepared in accordance with policies and procedures of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. If the HRA shows that the incremental cancer risk exceeds ten in one million (I0E-06)or the appropriate noncancer hazard index exceeds 1.0, the applicant will be required to identify and demonstrate that best available control technologies for toxics (T-BACTs) are capable of reducing potential cancer and noncancer risks to an acceptable level, including appropriate enforcement mechanisms. T-BACTs may include, but are not limited to, restricting idling onsite or electrifying warehousing docks to reduce diesel particulate matter, or requiring use of newer equipment and/or vehicles. T-BACTs identified in the HRA shall be identified as mitigation measures in the environmental document and/or incorporated into the site development plan as a component of the proposed project. 2-3 Applicants for sensitive land uses within the following distances as measured from the property line of the project to the property line of the source/edge of the nearest travel lane, from these facilities:
▪ Industrial facilities within 1000 feet
▪ Distribution centers (40 or more trucks per day) within 1,000 feet ▪ Major transportation projects (50,000 or more vehicles per day) within 1,000 feet ▪ Dry cleaners using perchloroethylene within 500 feet
▪ Gasoline dispensing facilities within 300 feet shall submit a health risk assessment (HRA) to the Town of Yucca Valley prior to future discretionary project approval.

The HRA shall be prepared in accordance with policies and procedures of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. The latest OEHHA guidelines shall be used for the analysis, including age sensitivity factors, breathing rates, and body weights appropriate for children age 0 to 6 years. If the HRA shows that the incremental cancer risk exceeds ten in one million (10E-06) or the appropriate noncancer hazard index exceeds 1.0, the applicant will be required to identify and demonstrate that mitigation measures are capable of reducing potential cancer and non-cancer risks to an acceptable level (i.e., below ten in one million or a hazard index of 1.0), including appropriate enforcement mechanisms. Measures to reduce risk may include but are not limited to:

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-14 PlaceWorks
▪ Air intakes located away from high volume roadways and/or truck loading zones. ▪ Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems of the buildings provided with appropriately sized maximum efficiency rating value (MERV) filters.

Mitigation measures identified in the HRA shall be identified as mitigation measures in the environmental document and/or incorporated into the site development plan as a component of the proposed project. The air intake design and MERV filter requirements shall be noted and/or reflected on all building plans submitted to the Town and shall be verified by the Town’s Planning Department.

3.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

3.2.1 Summary of Impacts Identified in the Approved Project The Certified EIR evaluated the potential effects of development accommodated by the General Plan Update on biological resources within the Town of Yucca Valley, including sensitive plant and animal species, habitats that support sensitive species, riparian habitats, jurisdictional waters and wetlands, wildlife movement corridors, migratory birds, locally protected plants, and open space conservation areas.
▪ Sensitive Species. Buildout of the General Plan Update would convert substantial areas of vacant and natural land to developed uses, which could impact special-status plant and animal species known or expected to occur in the Town. However, Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4 would reduce impacts to less than significant levels on a project-by-project basis.
▪ Sensitive Habitat. Long-term buildout would result in the loss of habitats that support sensitive species, including desert scrub, woodland, and chaparral communities. Although impacts to sensitive habitats would be mitigated at the project level through agency consultation and habitat replacement or conservation, the Certified EIR concluded that cumulative habitat loss associated with full buildout of the General Plan Update would remain significant and unavoidable due to the absence of a regional habitat conservation plan covering the Morongo Basin.
▪ Aquatic Resources. Development accommodated by the General Plan Update could also result in impacts to riparian habitats and waters and wetlands jurisdictional to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The Certified EIR determined that these impacts would be potentially significant without mitigation, but implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-5 and 3-6, including jurisdictional delineations and required permits and authorizations, would reduce impacts to less than significant levels.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-15
▪ Wildlife Movement. The Certified EIR concluded that development within designated Wildlife Corridor Evaluation Areas (WCEAs) could interfere with wildlife movement and migration. While impacts were considered potentially significant in the absence of mitigation, implementation of Mitigation Measure 3-7, requiring habitat connectivity evaluations and design measures to minimize disruption, would reduce impacts to less than significant levels.
▪ Migratory Species. Vegetation removal associated with development could affect nesting and foraging habitat for bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Fish and Game Code. These impacts were considered potentially significant without mitigation. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 3-8, including pre-construction nesting bird surveys and avoidance of active nests, would reduce impacts to less than significant levels.
▪ Consistency with Local Ordinances. Development could impact plants protected under the Town’s Plant Protection and Management Ordinance, including Joshua trees and other locally important desert species. Impacts were considered potentially significant without mitigation but would be reduced to less than significant through implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4 and compliance with applicable local and state regulations.
▪ Consistency with OSRAs. Development within designated Open Space Resource Areas (OSRAs) was also found to be potentially significant in the absence of mitigation due to impacts on biological resources. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 3-1 through 3-4 and 3-7 would reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. ▪ Consistency with an HCP or NCCP. Finally, the Certified EIR concluded that implementation of the General Plan Update would not conflict with any adopted Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation Plan, and impacts related to this threshold were found to be less than significant.

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3-16 PlaceWorks

3.2.2 Impacts Associated with the Proposed Project
The analysis in this section is based on the following technical reports: Appendix B and Appendix C.

Would the project:

Environmental Issues
Level of Impact in
Certified EIR
Proposed Project
Meets the
Conditions for an
Addendum
CEQA Guidelines
Section 15164
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
LTS/M Yes
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
LTS/M Yes
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?
LTS/M Yes
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?
LTS/M Yes
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
LTS/M Yes
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
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

YUCCA TRAIL WIDENING AND INDIO AVENUE PAVING AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT

TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY

3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
OCTOBER 2026 3-17
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Project Meets the Conditions for an Addendum Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.

Sensitive Species
A biological resources assessment consisting of a literature and database review and field reconnaissance survey was conducted for the project site and surrounding area. The review identified 12 sensitive wildlife species and 12 sensitive plant species with potential to occur within five miles of the project site. No special-status wildlife species were observed during the field survey. Eight plant species protected under the Town of Yucca Valley Native Plant Ordinance and the California Desert Native Plants Act, including western Joshua tree, were observed within the project site.

Sensitive Wildlife Species
Several sensitive wildlife species have moderate to high potential to occur within the project area based on the presence of suitable habitat and recent regional records, including southern California legless lizard, coast horned lizard, LeConte’s thrasher, and Crotch’s bumble bee.

Western yellow bats have moderate potential to occur. Construction activities could result in direct or indirect impacts to wildlife through habitat disturbance, displacement, and potential mortality of low-mobility species. This is consistent with impacts identified in the Certified EIR.

Sensitive Plant Species
The General Biological Resources Assessment and Endangered Species Report identified four special-status plant species with potential to occur within the project area, including 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 project area contains Joshua Tree Woodland, Desert Dry Wash, Disturbed Habitat, and Urban/Developed land cover types, and project implementation would result in permanent and temporary disturbance of these vegetation communities.

Mitigation Measure 3-1, as modified, requires focused botanical surveys for special-status plant species with potential to occur within the project site. Surveys are required to be conducted by a qualified biologist or botanist during the appropriate blooming or identification period and in accordance with applicable survey protocols. If special-status plants are identified within or adjacent to areas that could be affected by construction, the measure would require avoidance to the maximum extent feasible and, where complete avoidance is infeasible, appropriate